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Alias C, Feretti D, Viola GVC, Zerbini I, Bisceglie F, Pelosi G, Zani C. Allium cepa tests: A plant-based tool for the early evaluation of toxicity and genotoxicity of newly synthetized antifungal molecules. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2023; 889:503654. [PMID: 37491113 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2023.503654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Many fungal genera such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Alternaria are able to produce, among many other metabolites, the aflatoxins, a group of toxic and carcinogenic compounds. To reduce their formation, synthetic fungicides are used as an effective way of intervention. However, the extensive use of such molecules generates long-term residues into the food and the environment. The need of new antifungal molecules, with high specificity and low off-target toxicity is worth. The aim of this study was to evaluate: i) the toxicity and genotoxicity of newly synthesized molecules with a good anti-mycotoxic activity, and ii) the suitability of the Allium cepa multi-endpoint assay as an early screening method for chemicals. Eight compounds were tested for toxicity by using the A. cepa bulb root elongation test and for genotoxicity using the A. cepa bulb mitotic index, micronuclei and chromosome aberrations tests. Three molecules showed no toxicity, while two induced mild toxic effects in roots exposed to the highest dose (100 µM). A more pronounced toxic effect was caused by the other three compounds for which the EC50 was approximately 50 μM. Furthermore, all molecules showed a clear genotoxic activity, both in terms of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei. Albeit the known good antifungal activity, the different molecules caused strong toxic and genotoxic effects. The results indicate the suitability of experiments with A. cepa as a research model for the evaluation of the toxic and genotoxic activities of new molecules in plants before they are released into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Alias
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Donatella Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Gaia V C Viola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zerbini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy.
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Marzouk B, Refifà M, Montalbano S, Buschini A, Negri S, Commisso M, Degola F. In Vitro Sprouted Plantlets of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad Shown to Possess Interesting Levels of Cucurbitacins and Other Bioactives against Pathogenic Fungi. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2711. [PMID: 36297735 PMCID: PMC9611854 DOI: 10.3390/plants11202711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacins, structurally different triterpenes mainly found in the members of Cucurbitaceae, possess a vast pharmacological potential. Genus Cucurbita, Cucumis, and Citrullus are affluent in these bioactive compounds, and, amongst them, Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. is widely exploited in folk medicine, since a huge number of diseases are successfully treated with organic and aqueous extracts obtained from different organs and tissues of the plant. The well-known pharmacological activities of such species have been attributed to its peculiar composition, which includes cucurbitacins and other bioactive molecules; thus, owing to its high importance as a valuable natural resource for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, C. colocynthis propagation and multiplication protocols are considered significant, but the exploitation of its phytochemical potential is limited by the restricted cultivation conditions and the low rate of seed germination in the natural environment; in fact, the assessment of accumulation rate of specific phytochemicals under controlled conditions is still missing. Axenically sprouted plantlets obtained without the use of culture media or the addition of hormones have been evaluated here for the production of bioactive compounds and relevant bioactive features. Our results proved that derived organic extracts contain cucurbitacins and other bioactives, show antioxidant potential, and exert activity against some pathogenic fungi (Candida krusei, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and Aspergillus flavus), supporting the feasibility of a methodology intended to scale-up cultivation of this species as a source of pharmaceutically interesting compounds, achievable from plantlets cultivated under laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belsem Marzouk
- Laboratory of Chemical, Galenic and Pharmacological Development of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir 500, Tunisia
| | - Meher Refifà
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Serena Montalbano
- Interdepartmental Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology COMT, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Annamaria Buschini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology COMT, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Negri
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mauro Commisso
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Synthesis of 4-[(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)sulfanyl]benzaldehyde and 2-({4-[(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)sulfanyl]phenyl}methylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide. MOLBANK 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/m1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we describe the preparation of 2-(4-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)thio)-benzylidene)-hydrazine-1-carbothioamide in two steps. In the first step, 1,3-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzimidazole-2-thione was reacted with 4-fluorobenzaldehyde in DMSO to get 4-[(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)sulfanyl]benzaldehyde in high yield. The reaction of the obtained aldehyde with thiosemicarbazide in ethanol at reflux temperature yielded 2-({4-[(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)sulfanyl]phenyl}methylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide. The structure of the synthesized compounds was established by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C), mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy.
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Bakir M, Lawrence MA, Johnson J, McMillen C. Physicochemical and X-ray crystallographic properties of the first rhenium compound of benzophenone thiosemicarbazone (bptsc), fac-[Re(CO)3(κ2-Nim,S-bptsc)Cl]. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Montalbano S, Degola F, Bartoli J, Bisceglie F, Buschini A, Carcelli M, Feretti D, Galati S, Marchi L, Orsoni N, Pelosi G, Pioli M, Restivo FM, Rogolino D, Scaccaglia M, Serra O, Spadola G, Viola GCV, Zerbini I, Zani C. The AFLATOX ® Project: Approaching the Development of New Generation, Natural-Based Compounds for the Containment of the Mycotoxigenic Phytopathogen Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Contamination. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4520. [PMID: 33926042 PMCID: PMC8123576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of the fungal contamination on crops is considered a priority by the sanitary authorities of an increasing number of countries, and this is also due to the fact that the geographic areas interested in mycotoxin outbreaks are widening. Among the different pre- and post-harvest strategies that may be applied to prevent fungal and/or aflatoxin contamination, fungicides still play a prominent role; however, despite of countless efforts, to date the problem of food and feed contamination remains unsolved, since the essential factors that affect aflatoxins production are various and hardly to handle as a whole. In this scenario, the exploitation of bioactive natural sources to obtain new agents presenting novel mechanisms of action may represent a successful strategy to minimize, at the same time, aflatoxin contamination and the use of toxic pesticides. The Aflatox® Project was aimed at the development of new-generation inhibitors of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus spp. proliferation and toxin production, through the modification of naturally occurring molecules: a panel of 177 compounds, belonging to the thiosemicarbazones class, have been synthesized and screened for their antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic potential. The most effective compounds, selected as the best candidates as aflatoxin containment agents, were also evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and epi-genotoxicity to exclude potential harmful effect on the human health, the plants on which fungi grow and the whole ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Montalbano
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Jennifer Bartoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Annamaria Buschini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology COMT, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy;
| | - Mauro Carcelli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Donatella Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 11 Viale Europa, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy; (D.F.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Serena Galati
- Interdepartmental Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology COMT, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy;
| | - Laura Marchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43125 Parma, PR, Italy;
| | - Nicolò Orsoni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Marianna Pioli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesco M. Restivo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Dominga Rogolino
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Mirco Scaccaglia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Olga Serra
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43125 Parma, PR, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Gaia C. V. Viola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 11 Viale Europa, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy; (D.F.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Ilaria Zerbini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 11 Viale Europa, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy; (D.F.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Claudia Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 11 Viale Europa, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy; (D.F.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.); (C.Z.)
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Orsoni N, Degola F, Nerva L, Bisceglie F, Spadola G, Chitarra W, Terzi V, Delbono S, Ghizzoni R, Morcia C, Jamiołkowska A, Mielniczuk E, Restivo FM, Pelosi G. Double Gamers-Can Modified Natural Regulators of Higher Plants Act as Antagonists against Phytopathogens? The Case of Jasmonic Acid Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228681. [PMID: 33213072 PMCID: PMC7698523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As key players in biotic stress response of plants, jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivatives cover a specific and prominent role in pathogens-mediated signaling and hence are promising candidates for a sustainable management of phytopathogenic fungi. Recently, JA directed antimicrobial effects on plant pathogens has been suggested, supporting the theory of oxylipins as double gamers in plant-pathogen interaction. Based on these premises, six derivatives (dihydrojasmone and cis-jasmone, two thiosemicarbazonic derivatives and their corresponding complexes with copper) have been evaluated against 13 fungal species affecting various economically important herbaceous and woody crops, such as cereals, grapes and horticultural crops: Phaeoacremonium minimum, Neofusicoccum parvum, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Fomitiporia mediterranea, Fusarium poae, F. culmorum, F. graminearum, F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae,F. sporotrichioides, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia solani,Sclerotinia spp. and Verticillium dahliae. The biological activity of these compounds was assessed in terms of growth inhibition and, for the two mycotoxigenic species A. flavus and F. sporotrichioides, also in terms of toxin containment. As expected, the inhibitory effect of molecules greatly varied amongst both genera and species; cis-jasmone thiosemicarbazone in particular has shown the wider range of effectiveness. However, our results show that thiosemicarbazones derivatives are more effective than the parent ketones in limiting fungal growth and mycotoxins production, supporting possible applications for the control of pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Orsoni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luca Nerva
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy; (L.N.); (W.C.)
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy; (L.N.); (W.C.)
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Valeria Terzi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics CREA-GB, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda (PC), Italy; (V.T.); (S.D.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Stefano Delbono
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics CREA-GB, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda (PC), Italy; (V.T.); (S.D.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Roberta Ghizzoni
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics CREA-GB, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda (PC), Italy; (V.T.); (S.D.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Caterina Morcia
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics CREA-GB, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda (PC), Italy; (V.T.); (S.D.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Agnieszka Jamiołkowska
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20069 Lublin, Poland; (A.J.); (E.M.)
| | - Elżbieta Mielniczuk
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20069 Lublin, Poland; (A.J.); (E.M.)
| | - Francesco M. Restivo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
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Kim JH, Cheng LW, Chan KL, Tam CC, Mahoney N, Friedman M, Shilman MM, Land KM. Antifungal Drug Repurposing. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110812. [PMID: 33203147 PMCID: PMC7697925 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of fungal pathogens is increasingly problematic due to the limited number of effective drugs available for antifungal therapy. Conventional antifungal drugs could also trigger human cytotoxicity associated with the kidneys and liver, including the generation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, increased incidences of fungal resistance to the classes of azoles, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, or posaconazole, or echinocandins, including caspofungin, anidulafungin, or micafungin, have been documented. Of note, certain azole fungicides such as propiconazole or tebuconazole that are applied to agricultural fields have the same mechanism of antifungal action as clinical azole drugs. Such long-term application of azole fungicides to crop fields provides environmental selection pressure for the emergence of pan-azole-resistant fungal strains such as Aspergillus fumigatus having TR34/L98H mutations, specifically, a 34 bp insertion into the cytochrome P450 51A (CYP51A) gene promoter region and a leucine-to-histidine substitution at codon 98 of CYP51A. Altogether, the emerging resistance of pathogens to currently available antifungal drugs and insufficiency in the discovery of new therapeutics engender the urgent need for the development of new antifungals and/or alternative therapies for effective control of fungal pathogens. We discuss the current needs for the discovery of new clinical antifungal drugs and the recent drug repurposing endeavors as alternative methods for fungal pathogen control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong H. Kim
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-510-559-5841
| | - Luisa W. Cheng
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Kathleen L. Chan
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Christina C. Tam
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Noreen Mahoney
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Mendel Friedman
- Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA;
| | | | - Kirkwood M. Land
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA;
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Bisceglie F, Degola F, Rogolino D, Giannelli G, Orsoni N, Spadola G, Pioli M, Restivo FM, Carcelli M, Pelosi G. Sisters in structure but different in character, some benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde derivatives differentially tune Aspergillus flavus secondary metabolism. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17686. [PMID: 33077881 PMCID: PMC7572373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Great are the expectations for a new generation of antimicrobials, and strenuous are the research efforts towards the exploration of diverse molecular scaffolds-possibly of natural origin - aimed at the synthesis of new compounds against the spread of hazardous fungi. Also high but winding are the paths leading to the definition of biological targets specifically fitting the drug's structural characteristics. The present study is addressed to inspect differential biological behaviours of cinnamaldehyde and benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone scaffolds, exploiting the secondary metabolism of the mycotoxigenic phytopathogen Aspergillus flavus. Interestingly, owing to modifications on the parent chemical scaffold, some thiosemicarbazones displayed an increased specificity against one or more developmental processes (conidia germination, aflatoxin biosynthesis, sclerotia production) of A. flavus biology. Through the comparative analysis of results, the ligand-based screening strategy here described has allowed us to delineate which modifications are more promising for distinct purposes: from the control of mycotoxins contamination in food and feed commodities, to the environmental management of microbial pathogens, to the investigation of specific structure-activity features for new generation drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Bisceglie
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Degola
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Dominga Rogolino
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicolò Orsoni
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marianna Pioli
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco M. Restivo
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Mauro Carcelli
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Spadola G, Sanna V, Bartoli J, Carcelli M, Pelosi G, Bisceglie F, Restivo FM, Degola F, Rogolino D. Thiosemicarbazone nano-formulation for the control of Aspergillus flavus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:20125-20135. [PMID: 32239408 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08532-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are widely studied for applications in medical science. In recent years, they have been developed for agronomical purposes to target microbial pest such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Nanoparticles are also proposed to limit the use of pesticides, whose abuse is causing environmental impact and human health concerns. In this study, nanoparticles were obtained by using poly-(ε-caprolactone), a polyester chosen for its biocompatibility and biodegradability properties. Poly-(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles were formulated by using poly(vinyl alcohol) or Pluronic® F127 as non-ionic surfactants, and then loaded with benzophenone or valerophenone thiosemicarbazone, two compounds that inhibit aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus. The different types of nanoparticles were compared in terms of size, polydispersity index, morphology, and drug loading capacity. Finally, their effects were investigated on growth, development, and aflatoxin production in the aflatoxigenic species Aspergillus flavus, a ubiquitous contaminant of maize, cereal crops, and derived commodities. Aflatoxin production was inhibited to various extents, but the best inhibitory effect was obtained with respect to sclerotia production that was most effectively suppressed by both benzophenone and valerophenone thiosemicarbazone-loaded nanoparticles. These data support the idea that it is possible to use such nanoparticles as an alternate to pesticides for the control of mycotoxigenic sclerotia-forming fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Spadola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Vanna Sanna
- Nanomater Srl Porto Conte Ricerche, Loc. Tramariglio, 07041, Alghero, SS, Italy
| | - Jennifer Bartoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Mauro Carcelli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Restivo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Dominga Rogolino
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy.
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