AUTHOR=Yu Xueying , Xu Qingqing , Chen Wentao , Mai Zhida , Mo Lijun , Su Xin , Ou Jiangli , Lan Yinyuan , Zheng Heping , Xue Yaohua 

TITLE=Rhein inhibits Chlamydia trachomatis infection by regulating pathogen-host cell

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1002029

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.1002029

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<p>The global incidence of genital <italic>Chlamydia trachomatis</italic> infection increased rapidly as the primary available treatment of <italic>C. trachomatis</italic> infection being the use of antibiotics. However, the development of antibiotics resistant stain and other treatment failures are often observed in patients. Consequently, novel therapeutics are urgently required. Rhein is a monomer derivative of anthraquinone compounds with an anti-infection activity. This study investigated the effects of rhein on treating <italic>C. trachomatis</italic> infection. Rhein showed significant inhibitory effects on the growth of <italic>C. trachomatis</italic> in multiple serovars of <italic>C. trachomatis</italic>, including D, E, F and L1, and in various host cells, including HeLa, McCoy and Vero. Rhein could not directly inactivate <italic>C. trachomatis</italic> but could inhibit the growth of <italic>C. trachomatis</italic> by regulating pathogen-host cell interactions. Combined with azithromycin, the inhibitory effect of rehin was synergistic both <italic>in vitro</italic> and <italic>in vivo</italic>. Together these findings suggest that rhein could be developed for the treatment of <italic>C. trachomatis</italic> infections.</p>