1
|
Janowski M, Demchuk OM, Wujec M. Fluconazole Analogs and Derivatives: An Overview of Synthesis, Chemical Transformations, and Biological Activity. Molecules 2024; 29:2855. [PMID: 38930921 PMCID: PMC11206329 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluconazole (2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,3-bis(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol), which was patented in 1981 and introduced for commercial use in 1988, is a widely utilized antifungal drug whose mechanism of action involves inhibition of the activity of 14-α lanosterol demethylase. Its safety and effectiveness have established it as one of the most frequently employed antifungal agents. Resistance to azole antifungal drugs is becoming more common. It may be related to a mutation of the gene encoding the enzyme. To address this issue, molecules with modifications in three main regions of fluconazole, namely the hydroxyl group, the aromatic ring, and the 1,2,4-triazole rings, have been synthesized in an attempt to create more potent antifungal drugs. These modifications aim at enhancing the effectiveness against microorganisms and improving pharmacokinetic parameters and safety profiles of the synthesized compounds. The present review explores the synthesis of fluconazole derivatives, accompanied by insights into the results of biological studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Janowski
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 7, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Oleg M. Demchuk
- Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynow 1J, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Wujec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-089 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang S, Wan F, Zhang M, Lin H, Hu L, Zhou Z, Wang D, Zhou A, Ni L, Guo J, Wu W. In Vitro Activitiy of Rezafungin in Comparison with Anidulafungin and Caspofungin against Invasive Fungal Isolates (2017 to 2022) in China. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:397. [PMID: 38921383 PMCID: PMC11204387 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of different echinocandins is assessed by evaluating the in vitro activity of a novel antifungal, rezafungin, against invasive fungal isolates in comparison with anidulafungin and caspofungin. Using the broth microdilution (BMD) method, the susceptibility of 1000 clinical Candida isolates (including 400 C. albicans, 200 C. glabrata, 200 C. parapsilosis, 150 C. tropicalis and 50 C. krusei) and 150 Aspergillus isolates (100 A. fumigatus and 50 A. flavus) from the Eastern China Invasive Fungi Infection Group (ECIFIG) was tested for the antifungals including anidulafungin, rezafungin, caspofungin and fluconazole. The echinocandins showed strong activity against C. albicans that was maintained against fluconazole-resistant isolates. The GM MIC (geometric mean minimum inhibitory concentration) value of rezafungin was found to be comparable to that of anidulafungin or caspofungin against the five tested common Candida species. C. tropicalis exhibited higher resistance rates (about 8.67-40.67% in different antifungals) than the other four Candida species. Through the sequencing of FKS genes, we searched for mutations in echinocandin-resistant C. tropicalis isolates and found that all displayed alterations in FKS1 S654P. The determined MEC (minimal effective concentration) values against A. fumigatus and A. flavus for rezafungin (0.116 μg/mL, 0.110 μg/mL) are comparable to those of caspofungin (0.122 μg/mL, 0.142 μg/mL) but higher than for anidulafungin (0.064 μg/mL, 0.059 μg/mL). Thus, the in vitro activity of rezafungin appears comparable to anidulafungin and caspofungin against most common Candida and Aspergillus species. Rezafungin showed higher susceptibility rates against C. glabrata. Rezafungin indicates its potent activity for potential clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jian Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1800 Yuntai Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 200123, China; (S.Y.); (F.W.); (M.Z.); (H.L.); (L.H.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.); (A.Z.); (L.N.)
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1800 Yuntai Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 200123, China; (S.Y.); (F.W.); (M.Z.); (H.L.); (L.H.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.); (A.Z.); (L.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Araújo GR, da Costa PCQG, Nogueira PL, Alves DDN, Ferreira AR, da Silva PR, de Andrade JC, de Sousa NF, Loureiro PBA, Sobral MV, Sousa DP, Scotti MT, de Castro RD, Scotti L. In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of a New Chromone Derivative against Candida spp. BIOTECH 2024; 13:16. [PMID: 38921048 PMCID: PMC11201913 DOI: 10.3390/biotech13020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida species are frequently implicated in the development of both superficial and invasive fungal infections, which can impact vital organs. In the quest for novel strategies to combat fungal infections, there has been growing interest in exploring synthetic and semi-synthetic products, particularly chromone derivatives, renowned for their antimicrobial properties. In the analysis of the antifungal activity of the compound (E)-benzylidene-chroman-4-one against Candida, in silico and laboratory tests were performed to predict possible mechanisms of action pathways, and in vitro tests were performed to determine antifungal activity (MIC and MFC), to verify potential modes of action on the fungal cell membrane and wall, and to assess cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes. The tested compound exhibited predicted affinity for all fungal targets, with the highest predicted affinity observed for thymidylate synthase (-102.589 kJ/mol). MIC and CFM values ranged from 264.52 μM (62.5 μg/mL) to 4232.44 μM (1000 μg/mL). The antifungal effect likely occurs due to the action of the compound on the plasma membrane. Therefore, (E)-benzylidene-chroman-4-one showed fungicidal-like activity against Candida spp., possibly targeting the plasma membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gleycyelly Rodrigues Araújo
- Department of Clinical and Social Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil;
| | - Palloma Christine Queiroga Gomes da Costa
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Department of Clinic and Social Dentistry, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (P.C.Q.G.d.C.); (P.L.N.); (D.d.N.A.); (P.R.d.S.)
| | - Paula Lima Nogueira
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Department of Clinic and Social Dentistry, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (P.C.Q.G.d.C.); (P.L.N.); (D.d.N.A.); (P.R.d.S.)
| | - Danielle da Nóbrega Alves
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Department of Clinic and Social Dentistry, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (P.C.Q.G.d.C.); (P.L.N.); (D.d.N.A.); (P.R.d.S.)
| | - Alana Rodrigues Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Pablo R. da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Department of Clinic and Social Dentistry, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (P.C.Q.G.d.C.); (P.L.N.); (D.d.N.A.); (P.R.d.S.)
| | - Jéssica Cabral de Andrade
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Natália F. de Sousa
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Paulo Bruno Araujo Loureiro
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Marianna Vieira Sobral
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Damião P. Sousa
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Dias de Castro
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Department of Clinic and Social Dentistry, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (P.C.Q.G.d.C.); (P.L.N.); (D.d.N.A.); (P.R.d.S.)
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Luciana Scotti
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (A.R.F.); (J.C.d.A.); (N.F.d.S.); (P.B.A.L.); (M.V.S.); (D.P.S.); (M.T.S.); (R.D.d.C.)
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
- Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, Via Ipê Amarelo, S/N, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Silva MSD, Taveira GB, Silva Gebara RD, Azevedo Dos Santos LD, Cherene MB, Souza TAM, Moreira FF, Rodrigues PS, Motta OV, Seabra SH, Oliveira Carvalho AD, Rodrigues R, Gomes VM. Understanding the mechanism of action of protease inhibitors in controlling the growth of the Candida Genus: potential candidates for development of new antifungal molecules. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:257. [PMID: 38734773 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03993-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing imperative for research into alternative compounds for the treatment of the fungal infections. Thus, many studies have focused on the analysis of antifungal proteins and peptides from different plant sources. Among these molecules are protease inhibitors (PIs). Previously, PIs present in the peptide-rich fractions called PEF1, PEF2 and PEF3 were identified from Capsicum chinense seeds, which have strong activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of action and antimicrobial activity of PIs from PEF2 and PEF3 on the growth of yeasts of the genus Candida. In this work, analyses of their antimicrobial activity and cell viability were carried out. Subsequently, the mechanism of action by which the PIs cause the death of the yeasts was evaluated. Cytotoxicity was assessed in vitro by erythrocytes lysis and in vivo in Galleria mellonella larvae. PEF2 and PEF3 caused 100% of the growth inhibition of C. tropicalis and C. buinensis. For C. albicans inhibition was approximately 60% for both fractions. The PEF2 and PEF3 caused a reduction in mitochondrial functionality of 54% and 46% for C. albicans, 26% and 30% for C. tropicalis, and 71% and 68% for C. buinensis, respectively. These fractions induced morphological alterations, led to membrane permeabilization, elevated ROS levels, and resulted in necrotic cell death in C. tropicalis, whilst demonstrating low toxicity toward host cells. From the results obtained here, we intend to contribute to the understanding of the action of PIs in the control of fungal diseases of medical importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Silva Gebara
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Layrana de Azevedo Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Milena Bellei Cherene
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thaynã Amanda Melo Souza
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Figueirôa Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro Souto Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olney Vieira Motta
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento e Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Atamna A, Yeshurun M, Shargian L, Raanani P, Kramer M, Ben Zvi H, Ben Ami R, Marr KA, Bishara J. Fatal invasive pulmonary and cerebral aspergillosis due to triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus with multiple CYP51A mutations. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:1191-1192. [PMID: 38334380 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Atamna
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe Yeshurun
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Liat Shargian
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Pia Raanani
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Mordechai Kramer
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Pulmonary and Allergy Medicine, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
| | - Haim Ben Zvi
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
| | - Ronen Ben Ami
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- National Reference Laboratory for Clinical Mycology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kieren A Marr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jihad Bishara
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Souza T, Mello E, Taveira G, Moreira F, Seabra S, Carvalho A, Gomes V. Synergistic action of synthetic peptides and amphotericin B causes disruption of the plasma membrane and cell wall in Candida albicans. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20232075. [PMID: 38563086 PMCID: PMC11016531 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20232075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the combination of synthetic peptides based on the γ-core motif of defensin PvD1 with amphotericin B (AmB) at different concentrations against Candida albicans. We applied the checkerboard assay using different concentrations of the commercial drug AmB and the synthetic peptides γ31-45PvD1++ and γ33-41PvD1++ against C. albicans, aiming to find combinations with synergistic interactions. Between these two interactions involving γ31-45PvD1++ and AmB, an additive effect was observed. One such interaction occurred at concentrations of 0.009 µM of peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and 13.23 µM of AmB and another condition of 0.019 µM of peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and 6.61 µM of AmB. The other two concentrations of the interaction showed a synergistic effect in the combination of synthetic peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and AmB, where the concentrations were 1.40 µM peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and 0.004 µM AmB and 0.70 µM γ31-45PvD1++ peptide and 0.002 µM AmB. We proceeded with analysis of the mechanism of action involving synergistic effects. This examination unveiled a range of impactful outcomes, including the impairment of mitochondrial functionality, compromise of cell wall integrity, DNA degradation, and a consequential decline in cell viability. We also observed that both synergistic combinations were capable of causing damage to the plasma membrane and cell wall, causing leakage of intracellular components. This discovery demonstrates for the first time that the synergistic combinations found between the synthetic peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and AmB have an antifungal effect against C. albicans, acting on the integrity of the plasma membrane and cell wall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thayna A.M. Souza
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Erica O. Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel B. Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe F. Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André O. Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M. Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Singh SK, Sasmal S, Kumar Y. Therapeutic Potential of HMF and Its Derivatives: a Computational Study. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:841-877. [PMID: 37223872 PMCID: PMC10206368 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04547-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Over the past century, chemicals and energy have increasingly been derived from non-renewable resources. The growing demand for essential chemicals and shrinking inventory make reliable, sustainable sources essential. Carbohydrates offer by far the greatest carbon supply. Furan compounds, a particular family of dehydration products, are believed to offer high chemical potential. Here, we analyze 5-HMF (5, hydroxymethylfurfural) and some of its derivatives in particular, a furan-type platform chemical. To analyze the therapeutic potential of HMF and its derivatives, this study utilized cutting-edge technologies such as computer-aided drug design, virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation. We conducted 189 docking simulations and examined some of the most promising dock poses using the molecular dynamic simulator. As for the receptors for our compounds, the leading candidates are human acetylcholinesterase, beta-lactamases, P. aeruginosa LasR, and S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases. Out of all derivatives considered in this study, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FCA) performed best.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Kumar Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering (BSE), Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Dwarka Sector-3, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Soumya Sasmal
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal, 731235, India
| | - Yatender Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering (BSE), Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Dwarka Sector-3, New Delhi, 110078, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shen C, Luo Z, Zhan P, Deng F, Zhang P, Shen B, Hu J. Antifungal activity and potential mechanism of action of Huangqin decoction against Trichophyton rubrum. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38348868 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Trichophyton rubrum is a major causative agent of superficial dermatomycoses such as onychomycosis and tinea pedis. Huangqin decoction (HQD), as a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, was found to inhibit the growth of common clinical dermatophytes such as T. rubrum in our previous drug susceptibility experiments.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. The antifungal activity and potential mechanism of HQD against T. rubrum have not yet been investigated.Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity and explore the potential mechanism of action of HQD against T. rubrum.Methodology. The present study was performed to evaluate the antifungal activity of HQD against T. rubrum by determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFCs), mycelial growth, biomass, spore germination and structural damage, and explore its preliminary anti-dermatophyte mechanisms by sorbitol and ergosterol assay, HPLC-based ergosterol test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and mitochondrial enzyme activity test.Results. HQD was able to inhibit the growth of T. rubrum significantly, with an MIC of 3.125 mg ml-1 and an MFC of 12.5 mg ml-1. It also significantly inhibited the hyphal growth, conidia germination and biomass growth of T. rubrum in a dose-dependent manner, and induced structural damage in different degrees for T. rubrum cells. HQD showed no effect on cell wall integrity, but was able to damage the cell membrane of T. rubrum by interfering with ergosterol biosynthesis, involving the reduction of squalene epoxidase (SE) and sterol 14α-demethylase P450 (CYP51) activities, and also affect the malate dehydrogenase (MDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and ATPase activities of mitochondria.Conclusion. These results revealed that HQD had significant anti-dermatophyte activity, which was associated with destroying the cell membrane and affecting the enzyme activities of mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengying Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College), Nanchang, PR China
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanochang University, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Ping Zhan
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Fengyi Deng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College), Nanchang, PR China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College), Nanchang, PR China
| | - Baode Shen
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Jianxin Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College), Nanchang, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Russo TP, Santaniello A. Tackling Antibiotic and Antifungal Resistance in Domestic Animals, Synanthropic Species, and Wildlife: A Global Health Imperative. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1632. [PMID: 37998834 PMCID: PMC10668830 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) and antifungal resistance (AFR) arise when microorganisms evolve mechanisms to resist pharmacological treatments [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Pasqualina Russo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80137 Naples, Italy;
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
de Lima Silva MG, de Lima LF, Alencar Fonseca VJ, Santos da Silva LY, Calixto Donelardy AC, de Almeida RS, de Morais Oliveira-Tintino CD, Pereira Bezerra Martins AOB, Ribeiro-Filho J, Bezerra Morais-Braga MF, Tintino SR, Alencar de Menezes IR. Enhancing the Antifungal Efficacy of Fluconazole with a Diterpene: Abietic Acid as a Promising Adjuvant to Combat Antifungal Resistance in Candida spp. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1565. [PMID: 37998767 PMCID: PMC10668680 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing antifungal resistance rates against conventional drugs reveal the urgent need to search for new therapeutic alternatives. In this context, natural bioactive compounds have a critical role in antifungal drug development. Since evidence demonstrates that abietic acid, a diterpene found in Pinus species, has significant antimicrobial properties, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of abietic acid against Candida spp and its ability to potentiate the activity of fluconazole. Abietic acid was tested both individually and in combination with fluconazole against Candida albicans (CA INCQS 40006), Candida krusei (CK INCQS 40095), and Candida tropicalis (CT INCQS 40042). The microdilution method was used to determine the IC50 and the cell viability curve. Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by subculture in a solid medium. The plasma membrane permeability was measured using a fluorescent SYTOX Green probe. While the IC50 of the drugs alone ranged between 1065 and 3255 μg/mL, the IC50 resulting from the combination of abietic acid and fluconazole ranged between 7563 and 160.1 μg/mL. Whether used in combination with fluconazole or isolated, abietic acid exhibited Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values exceeding 1024 μg/mL against Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. However, it was observed that the antifungal effect of fluconazole was enhanced when used in combination with abietic acid against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. These findings suggest that while abietic acid alone has limited inherent antifungal activity, it can enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, thereby reducing antifungal resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriely de Lima Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Luciene Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Victor Juno Alencar Fonseca
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Lucas Yure Santos da Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Ana Cecília Calixto Donelardy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Ray Silva de Almeida
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (LMBM), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (R.S.d.A.); (C.D.d.M.O.-T.)
| | | | - Anita Oliveira Brito Pereira Bezerra Martins
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Jaime Ribeiro-Filho
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio 61773-270, Ceará, Brazil;
| | - Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Saulo Relison Tintino
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (LMBM), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (R.S.d.A.); (C.D.d.M.O.-T.)
| | - Irwin Rose Alencar de Menezes
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Periferakis AT, Periferakis A, Periferakis K, Caruntu A, Badarau IA, Savulescu-Fiedler I, Scheau C, Caruntu C. Antimicrobial Properties of Capsaicin: Available Data and Future Research Perspectives. Nutrients 2023; 15:4097. [PMID: 37836381 PMCID: PMC10574431 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Capsaicin is a phytochemical derived from plants of the genus Capsicum and subject of intensive phytochemical research due to its numerous physiological and therapeutical effects, including its important antimicrobial properties. Depending on the concentration and the strain of the bacterium, capsaicin can exert either bacteriostatic or even bactericidal effects against a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while in certain cases it can reduce their pathogenicity by a variety of mechanisms such as mitigating the release of toxins or inhibiting biofilm formation. Likewise, capsaicin has been shown to be effective against fungal pathogens, particularly Candida spp., where it once again interferes with biofilm formation. The parasites Toxoplasma gondi and Trypanosoma cruzi have been found to be susceptible to the action of this compound too while there are also viruses whose invasiveness is significantly dampened by it. Among the most encouraging findings are the prospects for future development, especially using new formulations and drug delivery mechanisms. Finally, the influence of capsaicin in somatostatin and substance P secretion and action, offers an interesting array of possibilities given that these physiologically secreted compounds modulate inflammation and immune response to a significant extent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aristodemos-Theodoros Periferakis
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Elkyda, Research & Education Centre of Charismatheia, 17675 Athens, Greece
| | - Argyrios Periferakis
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Elkyda, Research & Education Centre of Charismatheia, 17675 Athens, Greece
- Akadimia of Ancient Greek and Traditional Chinese Medicine, 16675 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Periferakis
- Akadimia of Ancient Greek and Traditional Chinese Medicine, 16675 Athens, Greece
- Pan-Hellenic Organization of Educational Programs (P.O.E.P), 17236 Athens, Greece
| | - Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Anca Badarau
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilinca Savulescu-Fiedler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, “Foisor” Clinical Hospital of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Osteoarticular TB, 021382 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Prof. N.C. Paulescu’ National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hetta HF, Ramadan YN, Al-Kadmy IMS, Ellah NHA, Shbibe L, Battah B. Nanotechnology-Based Strategies to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris Infections. Pathogens 2023; 12:1033. [PMID: 37623993 PMCID: PMC10458664 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
An emerging multidrug-resistant pathogenic yeast called Candida auris has a high potential to spread quickly among hospitalized patients and immunodeficient patients causing nosocomial outbreaks. It has the potential to cause pandemic outbreaks in about 45 nations with high mortality rates. Additionally, the fungus has become resistant to decontamination techniques and can survive for weeks in a hospital environment. Nanoparticles might be a good substitute to treat illnesses brought on by this newly discovered pathogen. Nanoparticles have become a trend and hot topic in recent years to combat this fatal fungus. This review gives a general insight into the epidemiology of C. auris and infection. It discusses the current conventional therapy and mechanism of resistance development. Furthermore, it focuses on nanoparticles, their different types, and up-to-date trials to evaluate the promising efficacy of nanoparticles with respect to C. auris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helal F. Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt;
| | - Yasmin N. Ramadan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt;
| | - Israa M. S. Al-Kadmy
- Branch of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad P.O. Box 10244, Iraq;
| | - Noura H. Abd Ellah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt;
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Assiut, Naser City, Assiut 2014101, Egypt
| | - Lama Shbibe
- Faculty of Science, Damascus University, Damascus 97009, Syria;
| | - Basem Battah
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Syrian Private University (SPU), Daraa International Highway, Damascus 36822, Syria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Painuli S, Semwal P, Sharma R, Akash S. Superbugs or multidrug resistant microbes: A new threat to the society. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1480. [PMID: 37547359 PMCID: PMC10397562 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Painuli
- Natural Products Research LaboratoryUttarakhand Council for BiotechnologyDehradunIndia
| | - Prabhakar Semwal
- Department of BiotechnologyGraphic Era (Deemed to be University)DehradunIndia
- Research and Development CellGraphic Era Hill UniversityDehradunIndia
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya KalpanaFaculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu UniversityUttar PradeshVaranasiIndia
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Faculty of Allied Health ScienceDepartment of Pharmacy, Daffodil International UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Handelman M, Osherov N. Efficient Generation of Multiple Seamless Point Mutations Conferring Triazole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:644. [PMID: 37367580 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a common human fungal pathogen that can cause a range of diseases. Triazoles are used to treat A. fumigatus infections, but resistance is increasing due to mutations in genes such as cyp51A, hmg1 and overexpression of efflux pumps. Verifying the importance of these mutations is time-consuming, and although the use of CRISPR-Cas9 methods has shortened this process, it still relies on the construction of repair templates containing a selectable marker. Here, employing in vitro-assembled CRISPR-Cas9 along with a recyclable selectable marker, we devised a quick and easy way to effectively and seamlessly introduce mutations conferring triazole resistance in A. fumigatus. We used it to introduce, alone and in combination, triazole resistance-conferring mutations in cyp51A, cyp51B and hmg1. With the potential to seamlessly introduce genes imparting resistance to additional existing and novel antifungals, toxic metals, and environmental stressors, this technique can considerably improve the ability to introduce dominant mutations in A. fumigatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Handelman
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The microbiome may impact cancer development, progression and treatment responsiveness, but its fungal components remain insufficiently studied in this context. In this review, we highlight accumulating evidence suggesting a possible involvement of commensal and pathogenic fungi in modulation of cancer-related processes. We discuss the mechanisms by which fungi can influence tumour biology, locally by activity exerted within the tumour microenvironment, or remotely through secretion of bioactive metabolites, modulation of host immunity and communications with neighbouring bacterial commensals. We examine prospects of utilising fungi-related molecular signatures in cancer diagnosis, patient stratification and assessment of treatment responsiveness, while highlighting challenges and limitations faced in performing such research. In all, we demonstrate that fungi likely constitute important members of mucosal and tumour-residing microbiomes. Exploration of fungal inter-kingdom interactions with the bacterial microbiome and the host and decoding of their causal impacts on tumour biology may enable their harnessing into cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Saftien
- Microbiome and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Puschhof
- Microbiome and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eran Elinav
- Microbiome and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Younus Wani M, Saeed Saleh Alghamidi M, Srivastava V, Ahmad A, Aqlan FM, Saad Al-Bogami A. Click synthesis of pyrrolidine-based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives as antifungal agents causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in Candida auris. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106562. [PMID: 37119782 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida auris is one of the major reasons WHO has declared fungal infections as a public health threat. Multidrug resistance, high mortality rates, frequent misidentification, and involvement in hospital outbreaks of this fungus demand the development of novel therapeutic drugs. In this direction, we report the synthesis of novel pyrrolidine-based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives using Click Chemistry (CC) and evaluation of their antifungal susceptibility against C. auris following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The fungicidal activity of the most potent derivative (P6) was further quantitatively confirmed by the MUSE cell viability assay. For insight mechanisms, the effect of the most active derivative on cell cycle arrest was studied using MuseTM Cell Analyzer and apoptotic mode of cell death was determined by studying phosphatidylserine externalization and mitochondrial depolarization. In vitro susceptibility testing and viability assays showed that all the newly synthesized compounds have antifungal activity with P6 being the most potent derivative. Cell cycle analysis revealed that P6 arrested the cells in S-phase in a concentration dependent manner and the apoptotic mode of cell death was confirmed by the movement of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol with membrane depolarization. The hemolytic assay confirmed the safe use of P6 for further in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohmmad Younus Wani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Vartika Srivastava
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa
| | - Faisal M Aqlan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Saad Al-Bogami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fernández-Manteca MG, Ocampo-Sosa AA, Ruiz de Alegría-Puig C, Pía Roiz M, Rodríguez-Grande J, Madrazo F, Calvo J, Rodríguez-Cobo L, López-Higuera JM, Fariñas MC, Cobo A. Automatic classification of Candida species using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 290:122270. [PMID: 36580749 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.122270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the problems that most affect hospitals is infections by pathogenic microorganisms. Rapid identification and adequate, timely treatment can avoid fatal consequences and the development of antibiotic resistance, so it is crucial to use fast, reliable, and not too laborious techniques to obtain quick results. Raman spectroscopy has proven to be a powerful tool for molecular analysis, meeting these requirements better than traditional techniques. In this work, we have used Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms to explore the automatic identification of eleven species of the genus Candida, the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide. The Raman spectra were obtained from more than 220 different measurements of dried drops from pure cultures of each Candida species using a Raman Confocal Microscope with a 532 nm laser excitation source. After developing a spectral preprocessing methodology, a study of the quality and variability of the measured spectra at the isolate and species level, and the spectral features contributing to inter-class variations, showed the potential to discriminate between those pathogenic yeasts. Several machine learning and deep learning algorithms were trained using hyperparameter optimization techniques to find the best possible classifier for this spectral data, in terms of accuracy and lowest possible overfitting. We found that a one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1-D CNN) could achieve above 80 % overall accuracy for the eleven classes spectral dataset, with good generalization capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alain A Ocampo-Sosa
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Carlos Ruiz de Alegría-Puig
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Pía Roiz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Grande
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Fidel Madrazo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Jorge Calvo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Rodríguez-Cobo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Photonics Engineering Group, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel López-Higuera
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Photonics Engineering Group, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Carmen Fariñas
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain; Departamento de Medicina y Psiquiatría, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Adolfo Cobo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Photonics Engineering Group, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Krishnan S, Gupta K, Sivaraman S, Venkatachalam P, Yennamalli RM, Shanmugam SR. Waste to drugs: identification of pyrolysis by-products as antifungal agents against Cryptococcus neoformans. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15386-15399. [PMID: 36927454 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2188960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The fungi, Cryptococcus neoformans cause major infections such as cryptococcal meningitis and cryptococcosis. Therefore, we explored the use of Thioredoxin reductase (Trr1) from C. neoformans as a gene target for the development of novel antifungal agents. Trr1 plays an essential role in the survival in the oxidative environment of macrophages and is important for the virulence of C. neoformans. During the thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis) of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), a cocktail of compounds is produced by the decomposition and degradation. In general, LCB-derived cocktail of compounds is a rich source of aromatic compounds that have been shown to be antifungal in nature. Usually, the aqueous phase produced during biomass pyrolysis is generally regarded as waste. Here, we used Parthenium hysterophorus biomass as the antifungal source and obtained the aqueous phase after pyrolysis. Using GC-MS analysis of the aqueous phase collected from P. hysterophorus biomass revealed the presence of a large number of aromatic and organic compounds. Using virtual screening, the compounds present in the aqueous phase were docked against Trr1 using GLIDE. Two promising candidates were analyzed further by performing molecular dynamics simulation using GROMACS, to establish stable interactions. We validated the computational results with clustering analysis. We report that 2,4-Di-tertbutyl phenol and 1H-Pyrazole, 4-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl have a potent antifungal property and we postulate that they could be a potent antifungal agent against Trr1 of C. neoformans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Krishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Centre for Bioenergy, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Krishnakant Gupta
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Subramaniyasharma Sivaraman
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Centre for Bioenergy, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Ponnusami Venkatachalam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Centre for Bioenergy, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Ragothaman M Yennamalli
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Saravanan Ramiah Shanmugam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Centre for Bioenergy, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Navarro ML, Nieto M, Perez-Martínez A. The need for evolution in the management of febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer: TRIIO KIDS update. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:633-642. [PMID: 36244052 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02971-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
New treatments have increased the life expectancy of pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases, often at the cost of protracting their immunocompromised state in the form of prolonged neutropenia. This neutropenic state favors the development of bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, recent years have seen a series of changes in the epidemiology of fungal and Clostridium infections. These changes necessitate adaptations to the management of pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia, who are at risk of further increases in already high rates of morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the current bases for the management of febrile neutropenia and associated emerging fungal infections, as well as the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Clostridioides difficile in pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Navarro
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Nieto
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Infantil Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Du W, Xu R, He Z, Yang H, Gu Y, Liu Y. Transcriptomics-based investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying synergistic antimicrobial effects of AgNPs and Domiphen on the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1089267. [PMID: 36819018 PMCID: PMC9928863 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1089267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Critically ill patients have higher risk of serious fungal infections, such as invasive aspergillosis (IA) which is mainly caused by the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Triazole drugs are the primary therapeutic agents for the first-line treatment of IA, which could easily cause drug resistance problems. Here, we assess the potential of AgNPs synthesized with Artemisia argyi leaf extract and domiphen as new antifungal agents to produce synergistic antimicrobial effects on Aspergillus fumigatus, and dissect possible molecular mechanisms of action. Plate inoculation assays combined with drug susceptibility test and cytotoxicity test showed that the combination of AgNPs and domiphen has synergistic antimicrobial effects on A. fumigatus with low cytotoxicity. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that AgNPs and domiphen inhibit the growth of A. fumigatus by suppressing nitrate assimilation, and purine nucleobase metabolic process and amino acid transmembrane transport, respectively. When the two drugs are combined, AgNPs has epistatic effects on domiphen. Moreover, the combination of AgNPs and domiphen primarily influence secondary metabolites biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis and nucleotide sugar metabolism of A. fumigatus via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Furthermore, protein-protein interactions (PPI) analysis combined with validation experiments showed that the combination of AgNPs and domiphen could enhance the expression of copper transporter and inhibit nitrogen source metabolism. In addition, the synergistic antimicrobial effects could be enhanced or eliminated depending on exogenous addition of copper and nitrogen source, respectively. Taken together, the results of this study provide a theoretical basis and a new strategy for the treatment of IA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Du
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Wenlong Du, ✉
| | - Ruolin Xu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiqiang He
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yufan Gu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Yi Liu, ✉
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Branco J, Miranda IM, Rodrigues AG. Candida parapsilosis Virulence and Antifungal Resistance Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Review of Key Determinants. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010080. [PMID: 36675901 PMCID: PMC9862255 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is the second most common Candida species isolated in Asia, Southern Europe, and Latin America and is often involved in invasive infections that seriously impact human health. This pathogen is part of the psilosis complex, which also includes Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis. C. parapsilosis infections are particularly prevalent among neonates with low birth weights, individuals who are immunocompromised, and patients who require prolonged use of a central venous catheter or other indwelling devices, whose surfaces C. parapsilosis exhibits an enhanced capacity to adhere to and form biofilms. Despite this well-acknowledged prevalence, the biology of C. parapsilosis has not been as extensively explored as that of Candida albicans. In this paper, we describe the molecular mechanistic pathways of virulence in C. parapsilosis and show how they differ from those of C. albicans. We also describe the mode of action of antifungal drugs used for the treatment of Candida infections, namely, polyenes, echinocandins, and azoles, as well as the resistance mechanisms developed by C. parapsilosis to overcome them. Finally, we stress the importance of the ongoing search for species-specific features that may aid the development of effective control strategies and thus reduce the burden on patients and healthcare costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Branco
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research—CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +351-225513662
| | - Isabel M. Miranda
- Cardiovascular Research & Development Centre—UnIC@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Acácio G. Rodrigues
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research—CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
The Effect of the New Imidazole Derivatives Complexation with Betacyclodextrin, on the Antifungal Activity in Oropharyngeal Infections. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10122697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketoconazole (KZ) is a broad-spectrum drug used to treat fungal infections. Local use of ketoconazole has been associated with some side effects in healthy adults, especially local reactions, such as stinging, severe irritation, and itching. Moreover, the bioavailability of KZ after oral administration is low in tablets due to its low water solubility. In addition, oral administration of ketoconazole produces systemic exposure, associated with significant side effects, such as cholestatic and hepatocellular lesions. In an attempt to reduce hepatotoxicity, ketoconazole may be administered at the primary site of infection with cutaneous candidiasis, specifically on the skin tissue. However, the use of ketoconazole in topical dosage forms is limited by its high lipophilicity and extremely poor aqueous solubility (1 ng/mL), thus leading to the rare availability of topical dosage forms on the market. Therefore, a new approach to the effective delivery of ketoconazole to the site of infection is targeted, including obtaining new derivatives (keeping the imidazolic nucleus), with a similar spectrum of action, and finally, their inclusion in betacyclodextrin complexes in order to optimize bioavailability and physico-chemical stability.
Collapse
|
23
|
Pratt EJ, Mancera-Andrade EI, Bicker KL. Synthesis and Characterization of Derivatives of the Antifungal Peptoid RMG8-8. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:36663-36671. [PMID: 36278036 PMCID: PMC9583092 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis, caused by the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, is a devastating disease with a mortality rate of over 80%. Due to the increasing prevalence of resistance to antifungals and the high mammalian toxicity of current treatments, the development of new antifungal therapies is vital. In an effort to improve the biological properties of a previously discovered antifungal peptoid, termed RMG8-8, an iterative structure-activity relationship study was conducted. This three-round study sought to optimize the structure of RMG8-8 by focusing on three main structural components: the lipophilic tail, aliphatic side chains, and aromatic side chains. In addition to antifungal testing against C. neoformans, cytotoxicity testing was also performed on all derivatives against human liver cells, and select promising compounds were tested for hemolytic activity against human red blood cells. A number of derivatives containing unique aliphatic or aromatic side chains had antifungal activity similar to RMG8-8 (MIC = 1.56 μg/mL), but all of these compounds were more toxic than RMG8-8. While no derivative was improved across all biological tests, modest improvements were made to the hemolytic activity with compound 9, containing isobutyl side chains in positions 2 and 5, compared to RMG8-8 (HC10 = 130 and 75 μg/mL, respectively). While this study did not yield a dramatically optimized RMG8-8 derivative, this result was not totally unexpected given the remarkable selectivity of this compound from discovery. Nonetheless, this study is an important step in the development of RMG8-8 as a viable antifungal therapeutic.
Collapse
|
24
|
Molecular Mechanisms of Antifungal Resistance in Mucormycosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6722245. [PMID: 36277891 PMCID: PMC9584669 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6722245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is one among the life-threatening fungal infections with high morbidity and mortality. It is an uncommon and rare infection targeting people with altered immunity. This lethal infection induced by fungi belonging to the Mucorales family is very progressive in nature. The incidence has increased in recent decades owing to the rise in immunocompromised patients. Disease management involves a multimodal strategy including early administration of drugs and surgical removal of infected tissues. Among the antifungals, azoles and amphotericin B remain the gold standard drugs of choice for initial treatment. The order Mucorales are developing a high level of resistance to the available systemic antifungal drugs, and the efficacy still remains below par. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind the antifungal resistance in Mucormycosis would add vital information to our available antifungal armamentarium and design novel therapies. Therefore, in this review, we have discussed the mechanisms behind Mucormycosis antifungal resistance. Moreover, this review also highlights the basic mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs and the resistance landscape which is expected to augment future treatment strategies.
Collapse
|
25
|
Lamoth F, Lewis RE, Kontoyiannis DP. Investigational Antifungal Agents for Invasive Mycoses: A Clinical Perspective. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:534-544. [PMID: 34986246 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab1070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remains challenging, because of the limitations of the current antifungal agents (ie, mode of administration, toxicity, and drug-drug interactions) and the emergence of resistant fungal pathogens. Therefore, there is an urgent need to expand our antifungal armamentarium. Several compounds are reaching the stage of phase II or III clinical assessment. These include new drugs within the existing antifungal classes or displaying similar mechanism of activity with improved pharmacologic properties (rezafungin and ibrexafungerp) or first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action (olorofim and fosmanogepix). Although critical information regarding the performance of these agents in heavily immunosuppressed patients is pending, they may provide useful additions to current therapies in some clinical scenarios, including IFIs caused by azole-resistant Aspergillus or multiresistant fungal pathogens (eg, Candida auris, Lomentospora prolificans). However, their limited activity against Mucorales and some other opportunistic molds (eg, some Fusarium spp.) persists as a major unmet need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service and Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital of Lausanne and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Russell E Lewis
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, S'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italyand
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Handelman M, Osherov N. Experimental and in-host evolution of triazole resistance in human pathogenic fungi. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:957577. [PMID: 37746192 PMCID: PMC10512370 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.957577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The leading fungal pathogens causing systemic infections in humans are Candida spp., Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The major class of antifungals used to treat such infections are the triazoles, which target the cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14-α-demethylase, encoded by the ERG11 (yeasts)/cyp51A (molds) genes, catalyzing a key step in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Triazole resistance in clinical fungi is a rising concern worldwide, causing increasing mortality in immunocompromised patients. This review describes the use of serial clinical isolates and in-vitro evolution toward understanding the mechanisms of triazole resistance. We outline, compare, and discuss how these approaches have helped identify the evolutionary pathways taken by pathogenic fungi to acquire triazole resistance. While they all share a core mechanism (mutation and overexpression of ERG11/cyp51A and efflux transporters), their timing and mechanism differs: Candida and Cryptococcus spp. exhibit resistance-conferring aneuploidies and copy number variants not seen in A. fumigatus. Candida spp. have a proclivity to develop resistance by undergoing mutations in transcription factors (TAC1, MRR1, PDR5) that increase the expression of efflux transporters. A. fumigatus is especially prone to accumulate resistance mutations in cyp51A early during the evolution of resistance. Recently, examination of serial clinical isolates and experimental lab-evolved triazole-resistant strains using modern omics and gene editing tools has begun to realize the full potential of these approaches. As a result, triazole-resistance mechanisms can now be analyzed at increasingly finer resolutions. This newfound knowledge will be instrumental in formulating new molecular approaches to fight the rapidly emerging epidemic of antifungal resistant fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gudkov SV, Serov DA, Astashev ME, Semenova AA, Lisitsyn AB. Ag 2O Nanoparticles as a Candidate for Antimicrobial Compounds of the New Generation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080968. [PMID: 36015116 PMCID: PMC9415021 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in microorganisms is an important problem of modern medicine which can be solved by searching for antimicrobial preparations of the new generation. Nanoparticles (NPs) of metals and their oxides are the most promising candidates for the role of such preparations. In the last few years, the number of studies devoted to the antimicrobial properties of silver oxide NPs have been actively growing. Although the total number of such studies is still not very high, it is quickly increasing. Advantages of silver oxide NPs are the relative easiness of production, low cost, high antibacterial and antifungal activities and low cytotoxicity to eukaryotic cells. This review intends to provide readers with the latest information about the antimicrobial properties of silver oxide NPs: sensitive organisms, mechanisms of action on microorganisms and further prospects for improving the antimicrobial properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V. Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Dmitriy A. Serov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim E. Astashev
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Semenova
- V. M. Gorbatov Federal Research Center for Food Systems of Russian Academy of Sciences, 109316 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey B. Lisitsyn
- V. M. Gorbatov Federal Research Center for Food Systems of Russian Academy of Sciences, 109316 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
A new bioinspired peptide on defensin from C. annuum fruits: Antimicrobial activity, mechanisms of action and therapeutical potential. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130218. [PMID: 35905923 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides, natural or synthetic, appear as promising molecules for antimicrobial therapy because of their both broad antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action. Herein, we determine the anti-Candida and antimycobacterial activities, mechanism of action on yeasts, and cytotoxicity on mammalian cells in the presence of the bioinspired peptide CaDef2.1G27-K44. METHODS CaDef2.1G27-K44 was designed to attain the following criteria: high positive net charge; low molecular weight (<3000 Da); Boman index ≤2.5; and total hydrophobic ratio ≥ 40%. The mechanism of action was studied by growth inhibition, plasma membrane permeabilization, ROS induction, mitochondrial functionality, and metacaspase activity assays. The cytotoxicity on macrophages, monocytes, and erythrocytes were also determined. RESULTS CaDef2.1G27-K44 showed inhibitory activity against Candida spp. with MIC100 values ranging from 25 to 50 μM and the standard and clinical isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC50 of 33.2 and 55.4 μM, respectively. We demonstrate that CaDef2.1G27-K44 is active against yeasts at different salt concentrations, induced morphological alterations, caused membrane permeabilization, increased ROS, causes loss of mitochondrial functionality, and activation of metacaspases. CaDef2.1G27-K44 has low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained showed that CaDef2.1G27-K44 has great antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. and M. tuberculosis with low toxicity to host cells. For Candida spp., the treatment with CaDef2.1G27-K44 induces a process of regulated cell death with apoptosis-like features. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE We show a new AMP bioinspired with physicochemical characteristics important for selectivity and antimicrobial activity, which is a promising candidate for drug development, mainly to control Candida infections.
Collapse
|
29
|
Ben-Ami R. The changing landscape of azole-resistant invasive candidiasis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:1055-1056. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
30
|
The Caspofungin Paradoxical Effect is a Tolerant "Eagle Effect" in the Filamentous Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2022; 13:e0044722. [PMID: 35420487 PMCID: PMC9239232 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00447-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell responses against antifungals other than resistance have rarely been studied in filamentous fungi, while terms such as tolerance and persistence are well-described for bacteria and increasingly examined in yeast-like organisms. Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungal pathogen that causes a disease named aspergillosis, for which caspofungin (CAS), a fungistatic drug, is used as a second-line therapy. Some A. fumigatus clinical isolates can survive and grow in CAS concentrations above the minimum effective concentration (MEC), a phenomenon known as "caspofungin paradoxical effect" (CPE). Here, we evaluated the CPE in 67 A. fumigatus clinical isolates by calculating recovery rate (RR) values, where isolates with an RR of ≥0.1 were considered CPE+ while isolates with an RR of <0.1 were classified as CPE-. Conidia produced by three CPE+ clinical isolates, CEA17 (RR = 0.42), Af293 (0.59), and CM7555 (0.38), all showed the ability to grow in high levels of CAS, while all conidia produced by the CPE- isolate IFM61407 (RR = 0.00) showed no evidence of paradoxical growth. Given the importance of the calcium/calcineurin/transcription factor-CrzA pathway in CPE regulation, we also demonstrated that all ΔcrzACEA17 (CPE+) conidia exhibited CPE while 100% of ΔcrzAAf293 (CPE-) did not exhibit CPE. Because all spores derived from an individual strain were phenotypically indistinct with respect to CPE, it is likely that CPE is a genetically encoded adaptive trait that should be considered an antifungal-tolerant phenotype. Because the RR parameter showed that the strength of the CPE was not uniform between strains, we propose that the mechanisms which govern this phenomenon are multifactorial. IMPORTANCE The "Eagle effect," initially described for bacterial species, which reflects the capacity of some strains to growth above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of specific antimicrobial agents, has been known for more than 70 years. However, its underlying mechanism of action in fungi is not fully understood and its connection with other phenomena such as tolerance or persistence is not clear yet. Here, based on the characterization of the "caspofungin paradoxical effect" in several Aspergillus fumigatus clinical isolates, we demonstrate that all conidia from A. fumigatus CPE+ strains are able to grow in high levels of the drug while all conidia produced by CPE- strains show no evidence of paradoxical growth. This work fills a gap in the understanding of this multifactorial phenomenon by proposing that CPE in A. fumigatus should be considered a tolerant but not persistent phenotype.
Collapse
|
31
|
Garre V. Recent Advances and Future Directions in the Understanding of Mucormycosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:850581. [PMID: 35281441 PMCID: PMC8907824 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.850581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an emerging infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales that has recently gained public relevance due to the high incidence among COVID-19 patients in some countries. The reduced knowledge about Mucorales pathogenesis is due, in large part, to the historically low interest for these fungi fostered by their reluctance to be genetically manipulated. The recent introduction of more tractable genetic models together with an increasing number of available whole genome sequences and genomic analyses have improved our understanding of Mucorales biology and mucormycosis in the last ten years. This review summarizes the most significant advances in diagnosis, understanding of the innate and acquired resistance to antifungals, identification of new virulence factors and molecular mechanisms involved in the infection. The increased awareness about the disease and the recent successful genetic manipulation of previous intractable fungal models using CRISPR-Cas9 technology are expected to fuel the characterization of Mucorales pathogenesis, facilitating the development of effective treatments to fight this deadly infection.
Collapse
|
32
|
Bastos RW, Rossato L, Goldman GH, Santos DA. Fungicide effects on human fungal pathogens: Cross-resistance to medical drugs and beyond. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010073. [PMID: 34882756 PMCID: PMC8659312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are underestimated threats that affect over 1 billion people, and Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., and Aspergillus spp. are the 3 most fatal fungi. The treatment of these infections is performed with a limited arsenal of antifungal drugs, and the class of the azoles is the most used. Although these drugs present low toxicity for the host, there is an emergence of therapeutic failure due to azole resistance. Drug resistance normally develops in patients undergoing azole long-term therapy, when the fungus in contact with the drug can adapt and survive. Conversely, several reports have been showing that resistant isolates are also recovered from patients with no prior history of azole therapy, suggesting that other routes might be driving antifungal resistance. Intriguingly, antifungal resistance also happens in the environment since resistant strains have been isolated from plant materials, soil, decomposing matter, and compost, where important human fungal pathogens live. As the resistant fungi can be isolated from the environment, in places where agrochemicals are extensively used in agriculture and wood industry, the hypothesis that fungicides could be driving and selecting resistance mechanism in nature, before the contact of the fungus with the host, has gained more attention. The effects of fungicide exposure on fungal resistance have been extensively studied in Aspergillus fumigatus and less investigated in other human fungal pathogens. Here, we discuss not only classic and recent studies showing that environmental azole exposure selects cross-resistance to medical azoles in A. fumigatus, but also how this phenomenon affects Candida and Cryptococcus, other 2 important human fungal pathogens found in the environment. We also examine data showing that fungicide exposure can select relevant changes in the morphophysiology and virulence of those pathogens, suggesting that its effect goes beyond the cross-resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael W. Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Luana Rossato
- Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados-MS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel A. Santos
- Laboratory of Mycology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|