LPA 'could enhance antibiotic effectiveness'

A compound produced naturally in the human body could hold the key to enhancing the effects of antibiotics, and could even restore the power of older drugs whose effectiveness has been blunted by the development of resistance. According to Paul Cohen of the University of Rhode Island, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which is generated in response to inflammation, can also be used as an antibiotic in its own right.

Cohen discovered LPA's unexpected effects while conducting research on preventing infection. He believes that the compound works by interacting with the cells walls of bacteria. With gram negative microorganisms, very small quantities of the compound make the cells 100 to 1000 times more sensitive to antibiotics. Moreover, LPA seems to kill gram-positive bacteria without the need for any antibiotics.

'In combination with this compound, even older antibiotics become much more powerful,' Cohen says. 'It not only makes older antibiotics useful again, but also allows them to be used in reduced dosages.'

So far, Cohen's research has been confined to test tubes; he is hoping to attract interest from pharmaceutical companies to fund the next stage of the work, which would include animal trials. However, he is optimistic about the potential of his discovery. LPA could be formulated to be delivered directly to the site of infection, he says: 'For cystic fibrosis patients, for example, who often suffer from lung infections, it can be formulated for use as an inhalant. Acne or burns patients can use it as a lotion to rub on the skin.'