Therapeutics: An undetermined target
In vitro and mouse studies identified four docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) analogs that could help treat bacterial infections. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric analysis of extracts of human neutrophil-endothelial coculture that promoted survival in a mouse model of lethal Escherichia coli infection revealed four bioactive DPA analogs responsible for the survival benefit. In the same mouse model of E. coli infection, a mixture of the four analogs increased survival compared with no treatment. Also in the model, the analog mixture plus subtherapeutic doses of the generic atorvastatin - which protects mice against bacterial infection - decreased neutrophil recruitment to the peritoneum, indicating less inflammation, and increased survival compared with the analog mixture or atorvastatin alone. Next steps could include testing the activity of the DPA analogs against other bacterial pathogens...