The vicious cycle between nutrient deficiencies and antibiotic-induced nutrient depletion at the host cell-pathogen interface: Coenzyme Q10 and omega-6 as key molecular players

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and pathological inflammation underscores the importance of understanding the underlying biochemical and immune processes that govern the host-pathogen interface. Nutrient deficiency, compounded by antibiotic-induced nutrient depletion, forms a vicious cycle of overt inflammation, contributing to bacterial toxin translocation in human inter-organ and intra-organs milieus. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and omega-6 linoleic acid (LA 18:2ω6) are integral to cellular membrane integrity and immune defense. However, the complex enzymatic steps at the host cell-pathogen interface remain poorly understood. This study is particularly timely, as it explores these knowledge gaps, which can inform the development of nutritional and therapeutic strategies that modulate or target these mechanisms. Using an infectious-inflamed cell co-culture model of the gut-liver axis, we exposed triple cell co-cultures of human intestinal epithelial cells (T84), macrophage-like THP-1 cells, and hepatic cells (Huh7) to linoleic acid-producing Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 (PAO1). The cultures were incubated for 6 h in medium with or without ceftazidime antibiotic. PAO1 and L. casei exerted opposing effects on the secretion of Th1 cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and the Th 2-type cytokine IL-10. Inoculation with PAO1 decreased CoQ10 and linoleic acid levels compared to uninfected controls. L. casei restored cellular health and biofunctionality impaired by PAO1, indicating its benefit to the host's well-being. The antibiotic ceftazidime exerted dual effects, alleviating PAO1 toxicity while marginally disrupting the beneficial effects of L. casei. Our results show how the vicious cycle of nutrient deficiency and antibiotic-induced nutrient loss reinforces pathological inflammation at the host cell-pathogen interface and highlights the need for more appropriate targeted antibiotic use that preserves essential nutrients like CoQ10 and omega-6 fatty acids. Inflammatory responses driven by opportunistic pathogens and LA-producing bacteria represent opposing immunometabolic pathways that may provide insights into novel approaches for treating infection and reducing antibiotic resistance.