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Išljamović M, Bonvin D, Milojević M, Stojanović S, Spasić M, Stojković B, Janošević P, Otašević S, Ebersold MM. Antifungal Effect of Poly(methyl methacrylate) with Farnesol and Undecylenic Acid against Candida albicans Biofilm Formation. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:3936. [PMID: 39203113 PMCID: PMC11355639 DOI: 10.3390/ma17163936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
The control of Candida albicans biofilm formation on dentures made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is an important challenge due to the high resistance to antifungal drugs. Interestingly, the natural compounds undecylenic acid (UDA) and farnesol (FAR) both prevent C. albicans biofilm formation and could have a synergetic effect. We therefore modified PMMA with a combination of UDA and FAR (UDA+FAR), aiming to obtain the antifungal PMMA_UDA+FAR composites. Equal concentrations of FAR and UDA were added to PMMA to reach 3%, 6%, and 9% in total of both compounds in composites. The physico-chemical properties of the composites were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle measurement. The antifungal activity of the composites was tested on both biofilm and planktonic cells with an XTT test 0 and 6 days after the composites' preparation. The effect of the UDA+FAR combination on C. albicans filamentation was studied in agar containing 0.0125% and 0.4% UDA+FAR after 24 h and 48 h of incubation. The results showed the presence of UDA and FAR on the composite and decreases in the water contact angle and metabolic activity of both the biofilm and planktonic cells at both time points at non-toxic UDA+FAR concentrations. Thus, the modification of PMMA with a combination of UDA+FAR reduces C. albicans biofilm formation on dentures and could be a promising anti-Candida strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Išljamović
- Powder Technology Laboratory, Institute of Materials, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Dental Health Care, Health Center Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Debora Bonvin
- Powder Technology Laboratory, Institute of Materials, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Milena Milojević
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd. Dr Zoran Djindjić 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Simona Stojanović
- Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University in Niš, Blvd. Dr Zoran Djindjić 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Milan Spasić
- The Niš Dental University Clinic, Blvd. Dr Zoran Djindjić 52, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Branislava Stojković
- Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd. Dr Zoran Djindjić 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Predrag Janošević
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd. Dr Zoran Djindjić 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Suzana Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blv. Dr Zoran Djindjić 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
- Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd. Dr Zoran Djindjić 50, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Marijana Mionić Ebersold
- Powder Technology Laboratory, Institute of Materials, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Kamath MM, Adams EM, Lightfoot JD, Wells BL, Fuller KK. The mammalian Ire1 inhibitor, 4μ8C, exhibits broad anti- Aspergillus activity in vitro and in a treatment model of fungal keratitis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.08.607189. [PMID: 39149375 PMCID: PMC11326231 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.08.607189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Objective The fungal unfolded protein response consists of a two-component relay in which the ER-bound sensor, IreA, splices and activates the mRNA of the transcription factor, HacA. Previously, we demonstrated that hacA is essential for Aspergillus fumigatus virulence in a murine model of fungal keratitis (FK), suggesting the pathway could serve as a therapeutic target. Here we investigate the antifungal properties of known inhibitors of the mammalian Ire1 protein both in vitro and in a treatment model of FK. Methods The antifungal activity of Ire1 inhibitors was tested against conidia of several A. fumigatus isolates by a microbroth dilution assay and against fungal biofilm by XTT reduction. The influence of 4μ8C on hacA mRNA splicing in A. fumigatus was assessed through gel electrophoresis and qRT-PCR of UPR regulatory genes. The toxicity and antifungal profile of 4μ8C in the cornea was assessed by applying drops to uninfected or A. fumigatus-infected corneas 3 times daily starting 4 hours post-inoculation. Corneas were evaluated daily through slit-lamp imaging and optical coherence tomography, or at endpoint through histology or fungal burden quantification via colony forming units. Results Among six Ire1 inhibitors screened, the endonuclease inhibitor 4μ8C displayed the strongest antifungal profile with an apparent fungicidal action. The compound both blocked conidial germination and hyphal metabolism of A. fumigatus Af293 in the same concentration range that blocked hacA splicing and UPR gene induction (60-120 μM). Topical treatment of sham-inoculated corneas with 0.5 and 2.5 mM 4μ8C did not impact corneal clarity, but did transiently inhibit epithelialization of corneal ulcers. Relative to vehicle-treated Af293-infected corneas, treatment with 0.5 and 2.5 mM drug resulted in a 50% and >90% reduction in fungal load, respectively, the latter of which corresponded to an absence of clinical signs of infection or corneal pathology. Conclusion The in vitro data suggest that 4μ8C displays antifungal activity against A. fumigatus through the specific inhibition of IreA. Topical application of the compound to the murine cornea can furthermore block the establishment of infection, suggesting this class of drugs can be developed as novel antifungals that improve visual outcomes in FK patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali M. Kamath
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Emily M. Adams
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Jorge D. Lightfoot
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Becca L. Wells
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Kevin K. Fuller
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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Arsenault Yee E, Ross RL, Santiago-Tirado FH. Phenotypic characterization of HAM1, a novel mating regulator of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0341923. [PMID: 38842336 PMCID: PMC11218459 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03419-23] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen responsible for >200,000 yearly cases with a mortality as high as 81%. This burden results, in part, from an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis and ineffective antifungal treatments; hence, there is a pressing need to understand the biology and host interactions of this yeast to develop improved treatments. Protein palmitoylation is important for cryptococcal virulence, and we previously identified the substrates of its main palmitoyl transferase. One of them was encoded by the uncharacterized gene CNAG_02129. In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, a homolog of this gene named hyphal anastomosis protein 13 plays a role in proper cellular communication and filament fusion. In Cryptococcus, cellular communication is essential during mating; therefore, we hypothesized that CNAG_02129, which we named hyphal anastomosis protein 1 (HAM1), may play a role in mating. We found that ham1Δ mutants produce more fusion products during mating, filament more robustly, and exhibit competitive fitness defects under mating and non-mating conditions. Additionally, we found several differences with the major virulence factor, the polysaccharide capsule, that may affect virulence, consistent with prior studies linking virulence to mating. We observed that ham1Δ mutants have decreased capsule attachment and transfer but exhibit higher amounts of exopolysaccharide shedding and biofilm production. Finally, HAM1 expression is significantly lower in mating media relative to non-mating conditions, consistent with it acting as a negative regulator of mating. Understanding the connection between mating and virulence in C. neoformans may open new avenues of investigation into ways to improve the treatment of this disease. IMPORTANCE Fungal mating is a vital part of the lifecycle of the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. More than just ensuring the propagation of the species, mating allows for sexual reproduction to occur and generates genetic diversity as well as infectious propagules that can invade mammalian hosts. Despite its importance in the biology of this pathogen, we still do not know all of the major players regulating the mating process and if they are involved or impact its pathogenesis. Here, we identified a novel negative regulator of mating that also affects certain cellular characteristics known to be important for virulence. This gene, which we call HAM1, is widely conserved across the cryptococcal family as well as in many pathogenic fungal species. This study will open new avenues of exploration regarding the function of uncharacterized but conserved genes in a variety of pathogenic fungal species and specifically in serotype A of C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robbi L. Ross
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Felipe H. Santiago-Tirado
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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Kane A, Rothwell JG, Guttentag A, Hainsworth S, Carter D. Bisphosphonates synergistically enhance the antifungal activity of azoles in dermatophytes and other pathogenic molds. mSphere 2024; 9:e0024824. [PMID: 38837382 PMCID: PMC11332346 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00248-24] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails by fungal dermatophytes are the most prevalent of human mycoses, and many infections are refractory to treatment. As current treatment options are limited, recent research has explored drug synergy with azoles for dermatophytoses. Bisphosphonates, which are approved to treat osteoporosis, can synergistically enhance the activity of azoles in diverse yeast pathogens but their activity has not been explored in dermatophytes or other molds. Market bisphosphonates risedronate, alendronate, and zoledronate (ZOL) were evaluated for antifungal efficacy and synergy with three azole antifungals: fluconazole (FLC), itraconazole (ITR), and ketoconazole (KET). ZOL was the most active bisphosphonate tested, displaying moderate activity against nine dermatophyte species (MIC range 64-256 µg/mL), and was synergistic with KET in eight of these species. ZOL was also able to synergistically improve the anti-biofilm activity of KET and combining KET and ZOL prevented the development of antifungal resistance. Rescue assays in Trichophyton rubrum revealed that the inhibitory effects of ZOL alone and in combination with KET were due to the inhibition of squalene synthesis. Fluorescence microscopy using membrane- and ROS-sensitive probes demonstrated that ZOL and KET:ZOL compromised membrane structure and induced oxidative stress. Antifungal activity and synergy between bisphosphonates and azoles were also observed in other clinically relevant molds, including species of Aspergillus and Mucor. These findings indicate that repurposing bisphosphonates as antifungals is a promising strategy for revitalising certain azoles as topical antifungals, and that this combination could be fast-tracked for investigation in clinical trials. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, generally grouped together as "tineas" are the most prevalent infectious diseases globally. These infections, caused by fungal species known as dermatophytes, are generally superficial, but can in some cases become aggressive. They are also notoriously difficult to resolve, with few effective treatments and rising levels of drug resistance. Here, we report a potential new treatment that combines azole antifungals with bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are approved for the treatment of low bone density diseases, and in fungi they inhibit the biosynthesis of the cell membrane, which is also the target of azoles. Combinations were synergistic across the dermatophyte species and prevented the development of resistance. We extended the study to molds that cause invasive disease, finding synergy in some problematic species. We suggest bisphosphonates could be repurposed as synergents for tinea treatment, and that this combination could be fast-tracked for use in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Kane
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna G. Rothwell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annabel Guttentag
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steven Hainsworth
- School of Science, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dee Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Kane A, Dinh H, Campbell L, Cain AK, Hibbs D, Carter D. Spectrum of activity and mechanisms of azole-bisphosphonate synergy in pathogenic Candida. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0012124. [PMID: 38695556 PMCID: PMC11237636 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00121-24] [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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis places a significant burden on human health and can range from common superficial vulvovaginal and oral infections to invasive diseases with high mortality. The most common Candida species implicated in human disease is Candida albicans, but other species like Candida glabrata are emerging. The use of azole antifungals for treatment is limited by increasing rates of resistance. This study explores repositioning bisphosphonates, which are traditionally used for osteoporosis, as antifungal synergists that can improve and revitalize the use of azoles. Risedronate, alendronate, and zoledronate (ZOL) were tested against isolates from six different species of Candida, and ZOL produced moderate antifungal activity and strong synergy with azoles like fluconazole (FLC), particularly in C. glabrata. FLC:ZOL combinations had increased fungicidal and antibiofilm activity compared to either drug alone, and the combination prevented the development of antifungal resistance. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that the synergy was mediated by the depletion of squalene, resulting in the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and a compromised membrane structure. In C. glabrata, synergy compromised the function of membrane-bound multidrug transporters and caused an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which may account for its acute sensitivity to FLC:ZOL. The efficacy of FLC:ZOL in vivo was confirmed in a Galleria mellonella infection model, where combinations improved the survival of larvae infected with C. albicans and C. glabrata to a greater extent than monotherapy with FLC or ZOL, and at reduced dosages. These findings demonstrate that bisphosphonates and azoles are a promising new combination therapy for the treatment of topical candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Candida is a common and often very serious opportunistic fungal pathogen. Invasive candidiasis is a prevalent cause of nosocomial infections with a high mortality rate, and mucocutaneous infections significantly impact the quality of life of millions of patients a year. These infections pose substantial clinical challenges, particularly as the currently available antifungal treatment options are limited in efficacy and often toxic. Azoles are a mainstay of antifungal therapy and work by targeting the biosynthesis of ergosterol. However, there are rising rates of acquired azole resistance in various Candida species, and some species are considered intrinsically resistant to most azoles. Our research demonstrates the promising therapeutic potential of synergistically enhancing azoles with non-toxic, FDA-approved bisphosphonates. Repurposing bisphosphonates as antifungal synergists can bypass much of the drug development pipeline and accelerate the translation of azole-bisphosphonate combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Kane
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hue Dinh
- School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leona Campbell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy K. Cain
- School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Hibbs
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dee Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Silva NBS, Menezes RP, Gonçalves DS, Santiago MB, Conejo NC, Souza SL, Santos ALO, da Silva RS, Ramos SB, Ferro EAV, Martins CHG. Exploring the antifungal, antibiofilm and antienzymatic potential of Rottlerin in an in vitro and in vivo approach. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11132. [PMID: 38750088 PMCID: PMC11096346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61179-z] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida species have been responsible for a high number of invasive infections worldwide. In this sense, Rottlerin has demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal, antibiofilm and antivirulence activity of Rottlerin in vitro against Candida spp. and its toxicity and antifungal activity in vivo. Rottlerin showed antifungal activity against all yeasts evaluated, presenting Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicidal Concentration (MIC and MFC) values of 7.81 to > 1000 µg/mL. Futhermore, it was able to significantly inhibit biofilm production, presenting Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MICB50) values that ranged from 15.62 to 250 µg/mL and inhibition of the cell viability of the biofilm by 50% (IC50) from 2.24 to 12.76 µg/mL. There was a considerable reduction in all hydrolytic enzymes evaluated, with emphasis on hemolysin where Rottlerin showed a reduction of up to 20%. In the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, Rottlerin was able to completely inhibit filamentation by C. albicans. Regarding in vivo tests, Rottlerin did not demonstrate toxicity at the therapeutic concentrations demonstrated here and was able to increase the survival of C. elegans larvae infected. The results herein presented are innovative and pioneering in terms of Rottlerin's multipotentiality against these fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagela Bernadelli Sousa Silva
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Ralciane Paula Menezes
- Technical School of Health (ESTES), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Daniela Silva Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brentini Santiago
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Noemi Chagas Conejo
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Sara Lemes Souza
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Anna Lívia Oliveira Santos
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Robinson Sabino da Silva
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostic and Nanotheranostics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Salvador Boccaletti Ramos
- Department of Engineering and Exact Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences - Jaboticabal (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Gomes Martins
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil.
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Madhuri M, Rudramurthy SM, Roy U. Two promising Bacillus-derived antifungal lipopeptide leads AF 4 and AF 5 and their combined effect with fluconazole on the in vitro Candida glabrata biofilms. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1334419. [PMID: 38708082 PMCID: PMC11066293 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1334419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Candida species are endowed with the ability to produce biofilms, which is one of the causes of pathogenicity, as biofilms protect yeasts from antifungal drugs. Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata) is one of the most prevalent pathogenic yeasts in humans and a biofilm producer. Methods: The study was aimed at evaluating the combined effects of two highly promising antifungal biomolecules (AF4 and AF5) lipopeptide in nature, chromatographically purified to homogeneity from Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and the standard antifungal fluconazole (at different concentrations) to demonstrate C. glabrata biofilm formation inhibition. Biofilm production and inhibition were evaluated by quantification of the biofilm biomass and metabolic activity using crystal violet (CV) staining and XTT reduction assays, respectively. Microscopic techniques such as confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to visualize biofilm formation and inhibition. Results and Discussion: Compared to untreated and fluconazole-treated biofilms, an enhanced in vitro anti-biofilm effect of the antifungal lipopeptides AF4/AF5 alone and their combinations with fluconazole was established. The lipopeptides AF4/AF5 alone at 8 and 16 μg/mL exhibited significant biomass and metabolic activity reductions. SEM and CSLM images provided evidence that the lipopeptide exposure results in architectural alterations and a significant reduction of C. glabrata biofilms, whereas (2', 7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) and propidium iodide (PI) analyses showed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation along with membrane permeabilization. The estimation of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in AF4/AF5-treated biofilms indicated EPS reduction. The combinations of fluconazole (64/128 μg/mL) and AF4/AF5 lipopeptide (16 μg/mL) were found to significantly disrupt the mature (24 h) biofilms as revealed by CSLM and SEM studies. The CSLM images of biofilms were validated using COMSTAT. The FTIR-analyses indicate the antibiofilm effects of both lipopeptides on 24 h biofilms to support CSLM and SEM observations. The combinations of fluconazole (64/128 μg/mL) and AF4/AF5 lipopeptide were found to disrupt the mature biofilms; the study also showed that the lipopeptides alone have the potentials to combat C. glabrata biofilms. Taken together, it may be suggested that these lipopeptide leads can be optimized to potentially apply on various surfaces to either reduce or nearly eradicate yeast biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madduri Madhuri
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Sancoale, Goa, India
| | - Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical Mycology Division, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Utpal Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Sancoale, Goa, India
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Yee EA, Ross RL, Santiago-Tirado FH. Phenotypic characterization of HAM1, a novel mating regulator of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.18.558251. [PMID: 38585947 PMCID: PMC10996478 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.18.558251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen responsible for >200,000 yearly cases with a mortality as high as 81%. This burden results, in part, from an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis and ineffective antifungal treatments; hence, there is a pressing need to understand the biology and host interactions of this yeast to develop improved treatments. Protein palmitoylation is important for cryptococcal virulence, and we previously identified the substrates of its main palmitoyl transferase. One of them was encoded by the uncharacterized gene CNAG_02129. In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, a homolog of this gene named HAM-13 plays a role in proper cellular communication and filament fusion. In Cryptococcus, cellular communication is essential during mating, therefore we hypothesized that CNAG_02129, which we named HAM1, may play a role in mating. We found that ham1Δ mutants produce more fusion products during mating, filament more robustly, and exhibit competitive fitness defects under mating and non-mating conditions. Additionally, we found several differences with the major virulence factor, the polysaccharide capsule, that may affect virulence, consistent with prior studies linking virulence to mating. We observed that ham1Δ mutants have decreased capsule attachment and transfer but exhibit higher amounts of exopolysaccharide shedding and biofilm production. Lastly, HAM1 expression is significantly lower in mating media relative to non-mating conditions, consistent with it acting as a negative regulator of mating. Understanding the connection between mating and virulence in C. neoformans may open new avenues of investigation into ways to improve the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Arsenault Yee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
- E Arsenault Yee and RL Ross contributed equally to this work, and order was determined by who initiated the study (EAY) and who brought it to completion (RLR)
| | - Robbi L. Ross
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
- E Arsenault Yee and RL Ross contributed equally to this work, and order was determined by who initiated the study (EAY) and who brought it to completion (RLR)
| | - Felipe H. Santiago-Tirado
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
- Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
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Vasundaradevi R, Sarvajith M, Somashekaraiah R, Gunduraj A, Sreenivasa MY. Antagonistic properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVB1 against Alternaria alternata: a putative probiotic strain isolated from the banyan tree fruit. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1322758. [PMID: 38404595 PMCID: PMC10885809 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1322758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternaria alternata, a notorious phytopathogenic fungus, has been documented to infect several plant species, leading to the loss of agricultural commodities and resulting in significant economic losses. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) hold immense promise as biocontrol candidates. However, the potential of LABs derived from fruits remains largely unexplored. In this study, several LABs were isolated from tropical fruit and assessed for their probiotic and antifungal properties. A total of fifty-five LABs were successfully isolated from seven distinct fruits. Among these, seven isolates showed inhibition to growth of A. alternata. Two strains, isolated from fruits: Ficus benghalensis, and Tinospora cordifolia exhibited promising antifungal properties against A. alternata. Molecular identification confirmed their identities as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVB1 and MYSVA7, respectively. Both strains showed adaptability to a wide temperature range (10-45°C), and salt concentrations (up to 7%), with optimal growth around 37 °C and high survival rates under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Among these two strains, Lpb. plantarum MYSVB1 demonstrated significant inhibition (p < 0.01) of the growth of A. alternata. The inhibitory effects of cell-free supernatant (CFS) were strong, with 5% crude CFS sufficient to reduce fungal growth by >70% and complete inhibition by 10% CFS. Moreover, the CFS was inhibitory for both mycelial growth and conidial germination. CFS retained its activity even after long cold storage. The chromatographic analysis identified organic acids in CFS, with succinic acid as the predominant constituent, with lactic acid, and malic acid in descending order. LAB strains isolated from tropical fruits showed promising probiotic and antifungal properties, making them potential candidates for various applications in food and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - M. Y. Sreenivasa
- Applied Mycology Laboratory, Department of Studies in Microbiology, University of Mysore, Mysuru, India
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10
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Lim SJ, Muhd Noor ND, Sabri S, Mohamad Ali MS, Salleh AB, Oslan SN. Features of the rare pathogen Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain SO and comprehensive in silico analyses of its adherence-contributing virulence factor agglutinin-like sequences. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38189364 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2300757] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Meyerozyma guilliermondii is a rare yeast pathogen contributing to the deadly invasive candidiasis. M. guilliermondii strain SO, as a promising protein expression host, showed 99% proteome similarity with the clinically isolated ATCC 6260 (type strain) in a recent comparative genomic analysis. However, their in vitro virulence features and in vivo pathogenicity were uncharacterized. This study aimed to characterize the in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity of M. guilliermondii strain SO and analyze its Als proteins (MgAls) via comprehensive bioinformatics approaches. M. guilliermondii strain SO showed lower and higher sensitivity towards β-mercaptoethanol and lithium, respectively than the avirulent S. cerevisiae but exhibited the same tolerance towards cell wall-perturbing Congo Red with C. albicans. With 7.5× higher biofilm mass, M. guilliermondii strain SO also demonstrated 75% higher mortality rate in the zebrafish embryos with a thicker biofilm layer on the chorion compared to the avirulent S. cerevisiae. Being one of the most important Candida adhesins, sequence and structural analyses of four statistically identified MgAls showed that MgAls1056 was predicted to exhibit the most conserved amyloid-forming regions, tandem repeat domain and peptide binding cavity (PBC) compared to C. albicans Als3. Favoured from the predicted largest ligand binding site and druggable pockets, it showed the highest affinity towards hepta-threonine. Non-PBC druggable pockets in the most potent virulence contributing MgAls1056 provide new insights into developing antifungal drugs targeting non-albicans Candida spp. Virtual screening of available synthetic or natural bioactive compounds and MgAls1056 deletion from the fungal genome should be further performed and validated experimentally.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Jie Lim
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Dina Muhd Noor
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suriana Sabri
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abu Bakar Salleh
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nurbaya Oslan
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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11
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Zhu X, Wang A, Zheng Y, Li D, Wei Y, Gan M, Li Y, Si S. Anti-Biofilm Activity of Cocultimycin A against Candida albicans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17026. [PMID: 38069349 PMCID: PMC10707031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans), the most common fungal pathogen, has the ability to form a biofilm, leading to enhanced virulence and antibiotic resistance. Cocultimycin A, a novel antifungal antibiotic isolated from the co-culture of two marine fungi, exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on planktonic C. albicans cells. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm activity of cocultimycin A against C. albicans and explore its underlying mechanism. Crystal violet staining showed that cocultimycin A remarkably inhibited biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner and disrupted mature biofilms at higher concentrations. However, the metabolic activity of mature biofilms treated with lower concentrations of cocultimycin A significantly decreased when using the XTT reduction method. Cocultimycin A could inhibit yeast-to-hypha transition and mycelium formation of C. albicans colonies, which was observed through the use of a light microscope. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that biofilms treated with cocultimycin A were disrupted, yeast cells increased, and hypha cells decreased and significantly shortened. The adhesive ability of C. albicans cells treated with cocultimycin A to the medium and HOEC cells significantly decreased. Through the use of a qRT-PCR assay, the expression of multiple genes related to adhesion, hyphal formation and cell membrane changes in relation to biofilm cells treated with cocultimycin A. All these results suggested that cocultimycin A may be considered a potential novel molecule for treating and preventing biofilm-related C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maoluo Gan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (X.Z.); (A.W.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.); (Y.W.); (S.S.)
| | - Yan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (X.Z.); (A.W.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.); (Y.W.); (S.S.)
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12
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Márton R, Nagy B, Molnár M. Biofilm development of Candida boidinii and the effect of tyrosol on biofilm formation. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:1541-1554. [PMID: 37831285 PMCID: PMC10635961 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03432-5] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The applicability of a simple and high-throughput method for quantitative characterization of biofilm formation by Candida boidinii was tested in order to evaluate the effects of exogenous tyrosol on yeast growth and biofilm formation capacity. RESULTS Significant concentration-, temperature and time-dependent effect of tyrosol (2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol) was demonstrated, but it differentially affected the growth and biofilm formation (characterized by crystal violet staining and XTT-reduction assay) of Candida boidinii. Testing biofilm based on metabolic activity displayed sensitively the differences in the intensity of biofilm in terms of temperature, tyrosol concentration, and exposure time. At 22 °C after 24 h none of the tyrosol concentrations had significant effect, while at 30 °C tyrosol-mediated inhibition was observed at 50 mM and 100 mM concentration. After 48 h and 72 h at 22 °C, biofilm formation was stimulated at 6.25-25 mM concentrations, meanwhile at 30 °C tyrosol decreased the biofilm metabolic activity proportionally with the concentration. CONCLUSIONS The research concludes that exogenous tyrosol exerts unusual effects on Candida boidinii growth and biofilm formation ability and predicts its potential application as a regulating factor of various fermentations by Candida boidinii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Márton
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Blanka Nagy
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mónika Molnár
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111, Budapest, Hungary.
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13
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Romo JA, Tomihiro M, Kumamoto CA. Pre-colonization with the fungus Candida glabrata exacerbates infection by the bacterial pathogen Clostridioides difficile in a murine model. mSphere 2023; 8:e0012223. [PMID: 37358292 PMCID: PMC10449511 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00122-23] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The contributions of commensal fungi to human health and disease are not well understood. Candida species such as C. albicans and C. glabrata are opportunistic pathogenic fungi and common colonizers of the human intestinal tract. They have been shown to affect the host immune system and interact with the gut microbiome and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, Candida species could be expected to play important ecological roles in the host gastrointestinal tract. Previously, our group demonstrated that pre-colonization of mice with C. albicans protected them against lethal C. difficile infection (CDI). Here, we show that mice pre-colonized with C. glabrata succumbed to CDI more rapidly than mice that were not pre-colonized suggesting an enhancement in C. difficile pathogenesis. Further, when C. difficile was added to pre-formed C. glabrata biofilms, an increase in matrix and overall biomass was observed. These effects were also shown with C. glabrata clinical isolates. Interestingly, the presence of C. difficile increased C. glabrata biofilm susceptibility to caspofungin, indicating potential effects on the fungal cell wall. Defining this intricate and intimate relationship will lead to an understanding of the role of Candida species in the context of CDI and novel aspects of Candida biology. IMPORTANCE Most microbiome studies have only considered the bacterial populations while ignoring other members of the microbiome such as fungi, other eukaryotic microorganisms, and viruses. Therefore, the role of fungi in human health and disease has been significantly understudied compared to their bacterial counterparts. This has generated a significant gap in knowledge that has negatively impacted disease diagnosis, understanding, and the development of therapeutics. With the development of novel technologies, we now have an understanding of mycobiome composition, but we do not understand the roles of fungi in the host. Here, we present findings showing that Candida glabrata, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that colonizes the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, can impact the severity and outcome of a Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in a murine model. These findings bring attention to fungal colonizers during CDI, a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús A. Romo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Makenzie Tomihiro
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carol A. Kumamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Yin Y, Yang W, Chen T, Tan Q, Zou G, Zang Z, Li J, Wang B, She Z. Cytosporones W and X: Two Mutually Converting Epimers from a Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Diaporthe sp. ZJHJYZ-1. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:26628-26634. [PMID: 37521628 PMCID: PMC10373200 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Two new octaketides, cytosporones W (1) and X (2), along with eight known cytosporone derivatives [(±)-3-9], were isolated from mangrove endophytic fungus Diaporthe sp. ZJHJYZ-1. Compounds 1 and 2 were a pair of epimers, whose configuration of C-1 could mutually convert, causing racemization of the lactone ring. The planar structures of compounds were elucidated through detailed 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS analysis. ECD spectra comparison and modified Mosher ester method were applied to determine the absolute configuration of 1 and 2. In bioassays, (±)-3 exhibited promising inhibitory activities against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Penicillium italicum with MIC, respectively, for 12.5, 12.5, and 3.13 μM.
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15
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Zhang L, Hu Q, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Liu N, Liu Q. Rapid Inactivation of mixed biofilms of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis using antibacterial photodynamic therapy: Based on PAD™ Plus. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15396. [PMID: 37123932 PMCID: PMC10130861 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the sterilizing effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) based on PAD™ Plus on mixed biofilms of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Methods A mature mixed biofilm model of C. albicans and C. tropicalis was constructed in vitro. FITC-concanavalin A staining was conducted to observe the formation of the extracellular matrix. MTT assay was performed to determine biofilm viability. The chromogenic medium was used to examine the Candida composition of the mixed biofilms. For aPDT treatment, based on PAD™ Plus, the biofilms were incubated with 1 mg/mL TBO for 1, 5, or 10 min, followed by 500 or 750 mW LED illumination for 1 or 2 min. The live/dead fungi were detected by SYTO9/propidium iodide staining. A multivariate factorial design was conducted to analyze the correlations of parameters with the inactivation effect of the mixed biofilms. Results Mature mixed biofilms formed at 24 h after seeding. Compared with untreated biofilms, following 1-min TBO incubation, 500 mW LED illumination for 1 min inactivated more than 90% of the fungi. Extending the incubation time did not significantly improve the inactivation effect. Application of 750 mW output power or 2 min LED illumination inactivated more than 99% of the fungi without increasing other parameters. Conclusions PAD™ Plus combined with 1 mg/mL TBO can rapidly inactivate the mature mixed biofilms of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, serving as a robust platform for the treatment of mixed infections of C. albicans and C. tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Qiaoyu Hu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Qing Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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16
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Rodrigues DS, Cabral VPDF, Barbosa AD, Sá LGDAV, Moreira LEA, de Andrade Neto JB, da Silva CR, de Moraes MO, Silva J, Marinho ES, Dos Santos HS, da Costa ÉRM, Silveira MJCB, E Silva LH, Nobre Júnior HV. Sertraline has in vitro activity against both mature and forming biofilms of different Candida species. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 36762524 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida spp. infections are a serious health problem, especially in patients with risk factors. The acquisition of resistance, often associated with biofilm production, makes treatment more difficult due to the reduced effectiveness of available antifungals. Drug repurposing is a good alternative for the treatment of infections by Candida spp. biofilms. The present study evaluated the in vitro antibiofilm activity of sertraline in reducing the cell viability of forming and matured biofilms, in addition to elucidating whether effective concentrations are safe. Sertraline reduced biofilm cell viability by more than 80 % for all Candida species tested, acting at low and safe concentrations, both on mature biofilm and in preventing its formation, even the one with highest virulence. Its preventive mechanism seemed to be related to binding with ALS3. These data indicate that sertraline is a promising drug with anticandidal biofilm potential in safe doses. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the antibiofilm mechanism and possible application of pharmaceutical forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sampaio Rodrigues
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Vitória Pessoa de Farias Cabral
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Amanda Dias Barbosa
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Lívia Gurgel do Amaral Valente Sá
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Christus University Center (UNICHRISTUS), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Lara Elloyse Almeida Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Batista de Andrade Neto
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Christus University Center (UNICHRISTUS), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cecília Rocha da Silva
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Manoel Odorico de Moraes
- Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jacilene Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Group of Theoretical Chemistry and Electrochemistry (GQTE), State University of Ceará, Limoeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Department of Chemistry, Group of Theoretical Chemistry and Electrochemistry (GQTE), State University of Ceará, Limoeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Helcio Silva Dos Santos
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Érica Rayanne Mota da Costa
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Holanda E Silva
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Hélio Vitoriano Nobre Júnior
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Center of Drug Research and Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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17
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Andrejević TP, Aleksic I, Kljun J, Počkaj M, Zlatar M, Vojnovic S, Nikodinovic-Runic J, Turel I, Djuran MI, Glišić BĐ. Copper(ii) and silver(i) complexes with dimethyl 6-(pyrazine-2-yl)pyridine-3,4-dicarboxylate (py-2pz): the influence of the metal ion on the antimicrobial potential of the complex. RSC Adv 2023; 13:4376-4393. [PMID: 36744286 PMCID: PMC9890663 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra07401j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dimethyl 6-(pyrazine-2-yl)pyridine-3,4-dicarboxylate (py-2pz) was used as a ligand for the synthesis of new copper(ii) and silver(i) complexes, [CuCl2(py-2pz)]2 (1), [Cu(CF3SO3)(H2O)(py-2pz)2]CF3SO3·2H2O (2), [Ag(py-2pz)2]PF6 (3) and {[Ag(NO3)(py-2pz)]·0.5H2O} n (4). The complexes were characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods, while their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The X-ray analysis revealed the bidentate coordination mode of py-2pz to the corresponding metal ion via its pyridine and pyrazine nitrogen atoms in all complexes, while in polynuclear complex 4, the heterocyclic pyrazine ring of one py-2pz additionally behaves as a bridging ligand between two Ag(i) ions. DFT calculations were performed to elucidate the structures of the investigated complexes in solution. The antimicrobial potential of the complexes 1-4 was evaluated against two bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Candida (C. albicans and C. parapsilosis) species. Silver(i) complexes 3 and 4 have shown good antibacterial and antifungal properties with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 4.9 to 39.0 μM (3.9-31.2 μg mL-1). All complexes inhibited the filamentation of C. albicans and hyphae formation, while silver(i) complexes 3 and 4 had also the ability to inhibit the biofilm formation process of this fungus. The binding affinity of the complexes 1-4 with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by fluorescence emission spectroscopy to clarify the mode of their antimicrobial activity. Catechol oxidase biomimetic catalytic activity of copper(ii) complexes 1 and 2 was additionally investigated by using 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) and o-aminophenol (OAP) as substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina P Andrejević
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac R. Domanovića 12 34000 Kragujevac Serbia
| | - Ivana Aleksic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade Vojvode Stepe 444a 11042 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Jakob Kljun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana Večna Pot 113 Ljubljana SI-1000 Slovenia
| | - Marta Počkaj
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana Večna Pot 113 Ljubljana SI-1000 Slovenia
| | - Matija Zlatar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Belgrade-Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy Njegoševa 12 11000 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Sandra Vojnovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade Vojvode Stepe 444a 11042 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade Vojvode Stepe 444a 11042 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Iztok Turel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana Večna Pot 113 Ljubljana SI-1000 Slovenia
| | - Miloš I Djuran
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts Knez Mihailova 35 11000 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Biljana Đ Glišić
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac R. Domanovića 12 34000 Kragujevac Serbia
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18
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Antimicrobial and Biofilm Formation Inhibition Properties of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Synthesised Using Tuber Extract of Cyperus esculentus. BIONANOSCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-023-01061-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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19
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Opperman TJ, Dhingra S, Gutierrez-Perez C, Kwasny SM, Cramer RA. Luciferase-Based High-Throughput Screen with Aspergillus fumigatus to Identify Antifungal Small Molecules. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2658:17-34. [PMID: 37024692 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3155-3_2] [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] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Only three classes of contemporary antifungal drugs are routinely utilized in the clinic against filamentous fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus. High-throughput phenotypic screens to identify small molecules with activity against filamentous fungi remain challenging due to the hyphal, biofilm-like growth morphology of these important organisms. In this chapter, we describe a protocol for utilizing a bioluminescent A. fumigatus strain for identifying small molecules that potentiate the activity of the triazole antifungal drug fluconazole. The assay holds great promise for identifying small molecules with activity against filamentous fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sourabh Dhingra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Clemson University, Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Cecilia Gutierrez-Perez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | | | - Robert A Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.
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Ajetunmobi OH, Wall G, Bonifacio BV, Montelongo-Jauregui D, Lopez-Ribot JL. A 384-Well Microtiter Plate Model for Candida Biofilm Formation and Its Application to High-Throughput Screening. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2658:53-64. [PMID: 37024695 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3155-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Candidiasis, infections caused by Candida spp., represents one of the most common nosocomial infections afflicting an expanding number of compromised patients. Antifungal therapeutic options are few and show limited efficacy. Moreover, biofilm formation is frequently associated with different manifestations of candidiasis and further complicates therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for new effective therapeutic agents, particularly those with anti-biofilm activity. Here we describe the development of a novel, simple, fast, economical, and highly reproducible 384-well microtiter plate model for the formation of both Candida albicans and Candida auris biofilms and its application in high-throughput screening (HTS) techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olabayo H Ajetunmobi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gina Wall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Bruna V Bonifacio
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Daniel Montelongo-Jauregui
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jose L Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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21
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Ankudze B, Neglo D. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from peel extract of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit and their antimicrobial synergistic potentials and biofilm inhibition properties. Biometals 2022:10.1007/s10534-022-00483-5. [PMID: 36586061 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00483-5] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Current methods for green synthesis of metal nanoparticles often require continuous harvesting of fresh bio-materials for every synthesis cycle. Practices and procedures that economize bio-materials need to be employed if green synthesis could become a sustainable and eco-friendly method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. This study explores Chrysophyllum albidum peels (mostly regarded as waste) to prepare silver nanoparticles (Alb-AgNPs). The technique employed in the synthesis allows repeated use of the peels, thus, reducing the heavy dependence on bio-materials. The optical and structural properties of the Alb-AgNPs were studied with Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer and powder X-ray diffractometer. The antimicrobial properties of the Alb-AgNPs were studied with selected microorganisms namely; S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, B. subtilis, S. mutans, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and Candida albicans. High inhibitory activity against the microorganisms were exhibited with MICs ranging from 15.62 to 1000 µg/mL. Again, the Alb-AgNPs showed the ability to enhance the efficacy of standard antimicrobial agents. The results of the combined interaction with standard antibacterial and antifungal agents ranged from synergistic to antagonistic effects against the tested microorganisms. In addition, the Alb-AgNPs could serve as a biofilm inhibitor with the highest percent inhibition of about 92% against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The results from this study thus provide access to the simple, sustainable, economic and eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles with efficient antimicrobial properties as drug candidates as a means of overcoming the prevailing antibiotic resistance menaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright Ankudze
- Department of Chemistry Education, University of Education, P. O. Box 25, Winneba, Ghana.
| | - David Neglo
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
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22
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Zhang Y, Niu Y, Huo H, Wang J, Jin X, Yang H. Inhibition and Removal of Mature Mixed-Bacteria Biofilms on Voice Prostheses by Sodium Selenite. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:7799-7810. [PMID: 36600950 PMCID: PMC9807126 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s393434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Biofilms on voice prostheses are important factors shortening their service life. Sodium selenite has been used to prevent and treat various diseases. Whether sodium selenite can inhibit and remove mature biofilms on voice prostheses is still unknown. Methods To verify the effects of sodium selenite on mature mixed-bacteria biofilms (Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus faecalis) on voice prostheses, we used quantitative and qualitative methods, eg, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, crystal violet staining, 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) (XTT) reduction assays, and scanning electron microscopy, to measure the effects of sodium selenite on the number of bacterial colonies, biofilm formation ability, metabolic activity, and ultrastructure in a model of mature mixed-bacteria biofilms on voice prostheses and validated the effects in vitro on mature biofilms on voice prostheses from patients. Results When exploring the possible mechanism of biofilm inhibition and removal by sodium selenite, we found that it significantly inhibited and removed biofilms on voice prostheses and effectively destroyed the spatial structure of the biofilms. The inhibition and removal effects became more significant with increasing sodium selenite concentrations. Conclusion We demonstrated that sodium selenite can inhibit and remove biofilms of mature mixed strains on voice prostheses, providing a novel basis for treating patients' voice prosthesis biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Zhang
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Translational Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Niu
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Translational Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Huo
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Translational Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Translational Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Jian Wang; Hua Yang, Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, 100730, Tel +13673164261; +13701127757, Fax +86-10-69156311, Email ;
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Translational Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Yang
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Translational Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Gildebrant AV, Sazykin IS, Sazykina MA. Formation of Biofilms by Natural Microbial Strains in the Presence of Naphtalene and Anthracene. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683822090137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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24
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Harley BK, Quagraine AM, Neglo D, Aggrey MO, Orman E, Mireku-Gyimah NA, Amengor CD, Jato J, Saaka Y, Fleischer TC. Metabolite profiling, antifungal, biofilm formation prevention and disruption of mature biofilm activities of Erythrina senegalensis stem bark extract against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278096. [PMID: 36441750 PMCID: PMC9704668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The antifungal activity of the 70% ethanol stem bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis (ESB) against different strains and drug resistant clinical isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were evaluated in the study. The effect of ESB on biofilms as well as its activity in combination with fluconazole, nystatin or caspofungin against the Candida strains were also evaluated. We then evaluated the antifungal activity of a microemulsion formulation of ESB against planktonic and biofilms of the Candida species. UPLC-QTOF-MS2 analysis was then undertaken to identify the phytoconstituents of the extract and UPLC fingerprints developed for the routine authentication as part of quality control measures. ESB exerted strong antifungal activities against C. albicans ATCC 10231 and SC5314 strains, and C. glabrata ATCC 2001 strain with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from 3.91 to 31.25 μg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) that ranged from 62.5 to 250 μg/mL. It also exhibited potent antifungal activities (MIC = 4-64 μg/mL) against a collection of C. albicans and C. glabrata clinical isolates that were resistant to either nystatin or azole antifungals. The formulated ESB demonstrated higher antifungal potency against the C. albicans and C. glabrata strains with MIC values of 3.91-31.25 μg/mL which was the same as the MFC values. The extract and its microemulsion formulation were active against biofilms of the strains of the Candida species inhibiting their biofilm formations (SMIC50 = 16-64 μg/mL) and their preformed biofilms (SMIC50 = 128 ->512 μg/mL). ESB also exhibited synergistic antifungal action with fluconazole and nystatin against C. albicans ATCC 10231 and C. glabrata ATCC 2001 strains in the checkerboard assay. Chemical characterization of the extract revealed the presence of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and their prenylated derivatives, anthracene glycosides and alkaloids. UPLC Fingerprints of the extract was also developed and validated for routine identification and authentication of the stem bark of E. senegalensis. The study findings have demonstrated that the stem bark of E. senegalensis is as a potential source of bioactive compounds that could be developed as novel antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kingsley Harley
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - Anthony Martin Quagraine
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - David Neglo
- Department of Basic Science, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Mike Okweesi Aggrey
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Orman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Nana Ama Mireku-Gyimah
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Cedric Dzidzor Amengor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Jonathan Jato
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Yussif Saaka
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Theophilus Christian Fleischer
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
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25
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Kitisin T, Muangkaew W, Ampawong S, Sansurin N, Thitipramote N, Sukphopetch P. Development and efficacy of tryptophol-containing emulgel for reducing subcutaneous fungal nodules from Scedosporium apiospermum eumycetoma. Res Pharm Sci 2022; 17:707-722. [PMID: 36704435 PMCID: PMC9872179 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.359437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Subcutaneous infections caused by Scedosporium apiospermum present as chronic eumycetomatous manifestations in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Serious adverse effects/toxicities from the long-term use of antifungal drugs and antifungal resistance have been reported in patients with S. apiospermum infections. The present study aimed to determine the anti-S. apiospermum activities of fungal quorum sensing molecule known as tryptophol (TOH) and to develop a TOH-containing emulgel for treating S. apiospermum eumycetoma. Experimental approach Anti-S. apiospermum activities of TOH were determined and compared with voriconazole. Effects of TOH on S. apiospermum biofilm formation and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF)-1 cell cytotoxicity were determined. Moreover, TOH-containing emulgel was developed and physical properties, in vitro, and in vivo antifungal activities against S. apiospermum eumycetoma were evaluated. Findings/Results The minimal concentration of TOH at 100 µM exhibited anti-S. apiospermum activities by reducing growth rate, germination rate, and biofilm formation with less cytotoxicity to HFF-1 cells than voriconazole. Further study on the development of an emulgel revealed that TOH-containing emulgel exhibited excellent physical properties including homogeneity, consistency, and stability. Treatment by TOH-containing emulgel significantly reduced subcutaneous mass in a mouse model of S. apiospermum eumycetoma. The histopathological assessment showed marked improvement after 14 days of TOH-containing emulgel treatment. Conclusion and implications TOH could be used as an anti-fungal agent against S. apiospermum infections. A novel and stable TOH-containing emulgel was developed with excellent anti-S. apiospermum activities suggesting the utilization of TOH-containing emulgel as an innovative therapeutic approach in the treatment of S. apiospermum eumycetoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thitinan Kitisin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watcharamat Muangkaew
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nichapa Sansurin
- Northeast Laboratory Animal Center, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Natthawut Thitipramote
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Innovation, Mae Fah Luang University, 57100, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Passanesh Sukphopetch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand,Corresponding author: P. Sukphopetch Tel: +66-23549100, Fax: +66-2643 5583
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Duan Z, Tong J, Zheng N, Zeng R, Liu Y, Li M. Interaction of Amiodarone with Azoles Against Aspergillus Planktonic Cells and Biofilms in vitro. Mycopathologia 2022; 187:517-526. [PMID: 36219382 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-022-00672-3] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus spp. is the most common clinical pathogen of invasive fungal infection with high mortality. Existing treatments for Aspergillus spp. infection are still inefficient and accompanied by drug resistance, so it is still urgent to find new treatment approaches. The antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone (AMD) has demonstrated antifungal activity against a range of fungi. This study evaluated the efficacy of AMD in combination with triazoles for Aspergillus spp. infection. We tested the combined effect of AMD and three triazole drugs, namely, itraconazole (ITR), voriconazole (VRC), and posaconazole (POS), on the planktonic cells and biofilms of 20 strains of Aspergillus spp. via a checkerboard microdilution assay derived from 96-well plate-based method. Our results reveal that the combination of AMD with ITR or POS against Aspergillus biofilms has synergistic fungicidal effects. By contrast, the combination of AMD with VRC exhibits no antagonistic and synergistic effects. In this way, the use of AMD in combination with ITR or POS could be an effective adjunctive treatment for Aspergillus spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Duan
- Hospital for Skin Diseases (Institute of Dermatology), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianbo Tong
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and Institute of Dermatology, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical Medical Sciences, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330001, Jiangxi, China
| | - Nana Zheng
- Hospital for Skin Diseases (Institute of Dermatology), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zeng
- Hospital for Skin Diseases (Institute of Dermatology), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuzhen Liu
- Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Min Li
- Hospital for Skin Diseases (Institute of Dermatology), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China. .,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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27
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Zheng YY, Ma ZL, Wu JS, Shao CL, Yao GS, Wang CY. Induction of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis by Deleting the Histone Deacetylase HdaA in the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus terreus RA2905. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1024. [PMID: 36294591 PMCID: PMC9604699 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus terreus is well-known for its ability to biosynthesize valuable pharmaceuticals as well as structurally unique secondary metabolites. However, numerous promising cryptic secondary metabolites in this strain regulated by silent gene clusters remain unidentified. In this study, to further explore the secondary metabolite potential of A. terreus, the essential histone deacetylase hdaA gene was deleted in the marine-derived A. terreus RA2905. The results showed that HdaA plays a vital and negative regulatory role in both conidiation and secondary metabolism. Loss of HdaA in A. terreus RA2905 not only resulted in the improvement in butyrolactone production, but also activated the biosynthesis of new azaphilone derivatives. After scaled fermentation, two new azaphilones, asperterilones A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from ΔhdaA mutant. The planar structures of compounds 1 and 2 were undoubtedly characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analysis. Their absolute configurations were assigned by circular dichroism spectra analysis and proposed biosynthesis pathway. Compounds 1 and 2 displayed moderate anti-Candida activities with the MIC values ranging from 18.0 to 47.9 μM, and compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. This study provides novel evidence that hdaA plays essential and global roles in repressing secondary metabolite gene expression in fungi, and its deletion represents an efficient strategy to mine new compounds from A. terreus and other available marine-derived fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Yao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhong-Lian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jing-Shuai Wu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Chang-Lun Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Guang-Shan Yao
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
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Moreira-Walsh B, Ragsdale A, Lam W, Upadhya R, Xu E, Lodge JK, Donlin MJ. Membrane Integrity Contributes to Resistance of Cryptococcus neoformans to the Cell Wall Inhibitor Caspofungin. mSphere 2022; 7:e0013422. [PMID: 35758672 PMCID: PMC9429927 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00134-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans causes up to 278 000 infections each year globally, resulting in up to 180,000 deaths annually, mostly impacting immunocompromised people. Therapeutic options for C. neoformans infections are very limited. Caspofungin, a member of the echinocandin class of antifungals, is generally well tolerated but clinically ineffective against C. neoformans. We sought to identify biological processes that can be targeted to render the cell more susceptible to echinocandins by screening the available libraries of gene deletion mutants made in the KN99α background for caspofungin sensitivity. We adapted a Candida albicans fungal biofilm assay for the growth characteristics of C. neoformans and systematically screened 4,030 individual gene deletion mutants in triplicate plate assays. We identified 25 strains that showed caspofungin sensitivity. We followed up with a dose dependence assay, and 17 of the 25 were confirmed sensitive, 5 of which were also sensitive in an agar plate assay. We made new deletion mutant strains for four of these genes: CFT1, encoding an iron transporter; ERG4, encoding a sterol desaturase; MYO1, encoding a myosin heavy chain; and YSP2, encoding a sterol transporter. All were more sensitive to membrane stress and showed significantly increased sensitivity to caspofungin at higher temperatures. Surprisingly, none showed any obvious cell wall defects such as would be expected for caspofungin-sensitive strains. Our microscopy analyses suggested that loss of membrane integrity contributed to the caspofungin sensitivity, either by allowing more caspofungin to enter or remain in the cell or by altering the location or orientation of the enzyme target to render it more susceptible to inhibition. IMPORTANCE The intrinsic resistance of Cryptococcus neoformans to the cell wall inhibitor caspofungin limits the available therapies for treating cryptococcal infections. We screened a collection of more than 4,000 gene deletion strains for altered caspofungin sensitivity to identify biological processes that could be targeted to render the cell more susceptible to caspofungin. We identified multiple genes with an effect on caspofungin susceptibility and found that they were associated with altered membrane permeability rather than the expected cell wall defects. This suggests that targeting these genes or other genes affecting membrane permeability is a viable path for developing novel therapies for treating this global fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Moreira-Walsh
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Abigail Ragsdale
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Woei Lam
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rajendra Upadhya
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Evan Xu
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jennifer K. Lodge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Maureen J. Donlin
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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29
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Wang X, Liu P, Jiang Y, Han B, Yan L. The prophylactic effects of monoclonal antibodies targeting the cell wall Pmt4 protein epitopes of Candida albicans in a murine model of invasive candidiasis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:992275. [PMID: 36081783 PMCID: PMC9446456 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.992275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most prevalent opportunistic human pathogen, accounting for approximately half of all clinical cases of candidemia. Resistance to the existing antifungal drugs is a major challenge in clinical therapy, necessitating the development and identification of novel therapeutic agents and potential treatment strategies. Monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic strategy against disseminated candidiasis. Protein mannosyltransferase (Pmt4) encodes mannosyltransferases initiating O-mannosylation of secretory proteins and is essential for cell wall composition and virulence of C. albicans. Therefore, the Pmt4 protein of C. albicans is an attractive target for the discovery of alternative antibody agents against invasive C. albicans infections. In the present study, we found that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) C12 and C346 specifically targeted the recombinant protein mannosyltransferase 4 (rPmt4p) of C. albicans. These mAbs were produced and secreted by hybridoma cells isolated from the spleen of mice that were initially immunized with the purified rPmt4p to generate IgG antibodies. The mAbs C12 and C346 exhibited high affinity to C. albicans whole cells. Remarkably, these mAbs reduced the fungal burden, alleviated inflammation in the kidneys, and prolonged the survival rate significantly in the murine model of systemic candidiasis. Moreover, they could activate macrophage opsonophagocytic killing and neutrophil killing of C. albicans strain in vitro. These results suggested that anti-rPmt4p mAbs may provide immunotherapeutic interventions against disseminated candidiasis via opsonophagocytosis and opsonic killing activity. Our findings provide evidence for mAbs as a therapeutic option for the treatment of invasive candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Bing Han,
| | - Lan Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Lan Yan,
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Xie Y, Hua H, Zhou P. Magnolol as a potent antifungal agent inhibits Candida albicans virulence factors via the PKC and Cek1 MAPK signaling pathways. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:935322. [PMID: 35937692 PMCID: PMC9355038 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.935322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnolol, a lignin compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis Cortex, has been found to have prominent antifungal effects against Candida albicans. However, the specific mechanism still remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to further explore the inhibition mechanism of magnolol against Candida albicans virulence factors and the related signaling pathways. By an XTT reduction assay, a hyphal formation assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, a calcofluor white staining assay, and a cell wall β-glucan quantitative detection assay, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of magnolol against the adhesion, hyphal formation, biofilm viability, biofilm spatial structure, and cell wall ultrastructure of Candida albicans. Moreover, by RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR, we confirmed the effects of magnolol in inhibiting the gene expression of Candida albicans virulence factors and the related signaling pathways. The results revealed that the adhesion and hyphal formation of Candida albicans were inhibited significantly by magnolol. The viability and spatial structures of Candida albicans biofilms were further weakened. Candida albicans ultrastructure showed partial thinning of cell walls and even rupture, with cytoplasmic leakage. The cell wall intergrity and β-glucan content were also radically reduced. Moreover, magnolol caused significant inhibition of the expression of Candida albicans adhesion, invasion, hyphal formation, biofilm formation, β-1,3-glucan synthesis, and hydrolase secretion-related genes, including ALS1, ALS3, EFG1, EAP1, FKS1, FKS2, PLB2, and SAP2. Furthermore, the PKC pathway-related genes (RHO1, PKC1, BCK1, MKK2, MKC1) and Cek1 pathway-related genes (CDC42, CST20, STE11, HST7, CEK1) were also significantly downregulated, indicating that the inhibition of magnolol against Candida albicans virulence factors might be related to PKC and Cek1 MAPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, the findings of this study confirmed the inhibition mechanism of magnolol against Candida albicans virulence factors, which might be related to PKC and Cek1 MAPK pathways, thus laying the theoretical foundation for its clinical antifungal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Hua
- *Correspondence: Peiru Zhou, ; Hong Hua,
| | - Peiru Zhou
- *Correspondence: Peiru Zhou, ; Hong Hua,
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Grizante Barião PH, Tonani L, Brancini GTP, Nascimento E, Braga GÚL, Wainwright M, von Zeska Kress MR. In vitro and in vivo photodynamic efficacies of novel and conventional phenothiazinium photosensitizers against multidrug-resistant Candida auris. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:1807-1818. [PMID: 35816272 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The fast-emerging and multidrug-resistant Candida auris is the first fungal pathogen to be considered a threat to global public health. Thus, there is a high unmet medical need to develop new therapeutic strategies to control this species. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) is a promising alternative that simultaneously targets and damages numerous microbial biomolecules. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of APDT with four phenothiazinium photosensitizers: (i) methylene blue (MB), (ii) toluidine blue (TBO), and two MB derivatives, (iii) new methylene blue (NMBN) and (iv) the pentacyclic derivative S137, against C. auris. To measure the in vitro efficacy of each PS, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and survival fraction were determined. Also, the efficiency of APDT was evaluated in vivo with the Galleria mellonella insect model for infection and treatment. Although the C. auris strain used in our study was shown to be resistant to the most-commonly used clinical antifungals, it could not withstand the damages imposed by APDT with any of the four photosensitizers. However, for the in vivo model, only APDT performed with S137 allowed survival of infected G. mellonella larvae. Our results show that structural and chemical properties of the photosensitizers play a major role on the outcomes of in vivo APDT and underscore the need to synthesize and develop novel photosensitizing molecules against multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Helena Grizante Barião
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ludmilla Tonani
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Thomaz Pereira Brancini
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Erika Nascimento
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Úbida Leite Braga
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Mark Wainwright
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Marcia Regina von Zeska Kress
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
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Jiang H, Xiong J, Tan L, Jin P, Sun Y, Yang L, Tan J. In Vitro Interactions of Antifungal Agents and Everolimus Against Aspergillus Species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:936814. [PMID: 35865820 PMCID: PMC9294350 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.936814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple cellular activities, including protein and lipid synthesis, ribosome biogenesis, and metabolic processes, are regulated by the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway. Recent research suggests that the TOR might play an important role in various physiological functions of pathogenic fungi, such as nutrient sensing, stress response, and cell cycle progression. Given their robust immunosuppressant and antitumor activities, TOR inhibitors are widely used in clinical settings. In the present study, a microdilution checkerboard-based approach was employed to assess the interactions between the oral mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus (EVL) and antifungal agents in the treatment of Aspergillus species derived from 35 clinical isolates in vitro. The results revealed that EVL exhibited promising inhibitory synergy with itraconazole (ITC), posaconazole (POS), and amphotericin B (AMB) for 85.7%, 74.2%, and 71.4%, respectively. In contrast, EVL exhibited minimal synergistic inhibitory activity (14.3%) when applied in combination with voriconazole (VRC). Antagonistic interactions were not observed. In vivo experiments conducted in Galleria mellonella revealed that EVL in combination with antifungal agents improved the larva survival rates in the ITC, VRC, POS, and AMB groups by 18.3%, 13.3%, 26.7%, and 13.3%, respectively. These data suggest that the combination treatment with antifungal agents and antifungal agents holds promise as a means of alleviating clinical aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Jiang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jianqun Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lihua Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Ping Jin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lianjuan Yang
- Department of Medical Mycology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Tan
- Department of Medical Mycology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jingwen Tan,
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Tartor YH, Elmowalid GA, Hassan MN, Shaker A, Ashour DF, Saber T. Promising Anti-Biofilm Agents and Phagocytes Enhancers for the Treatment of Candida albicans Biofilm–Associated Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:807218. [PMID: 35846767 PMCID: PMC9283759 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.807218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the interactions among phagocytes and antifungal agents and the antifungal immunomodulatory activities on Candida species biofilms. Here, inhibition of C. albicans biofilms and the interactions among biofilms and phagocytes alone or in combination with essential oils, biological, and chemical agents, or fluconazole were investigated. Biofilm formation by a panel of 28 C. albicans clinical isolates from hospitalized patients, birds, and cattle was tested. The anti-biofilm activities of cinnamon and clove oils, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and Enterococcus faecalis cell-free supernatant (CFS) in comparison with fluconazole were investigated using crystal violet and XTT reduction assays, expression of hypha-specific and hyphal regulator genes, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Of the tested C. albicans isolates, 15 of 28 (53.6%) were biofilm producers. Cinnamon followed by E. faecalis–CFS, SDS, and CTAB was the most effective inhibitors of planktonic C. albicans and biofilms. Fluconazole was an ineffective inhibitor of C. albicans biofilms. Sessile minimal inhibitory concentration (SMIC50) of cinnamon, SDS, CTAB, and E. faecalis–CFS downregulated the hypha-specific and regulator genes, albeit to various extents, when compared with untreated biofilms (P < 0.001). SEM analysis revealed disruption and deformity of three-dimensional structures in cinnamon oil–treated biofilms. C. albicans sessile cells within biofilm were less susceptible to phagocytosis than planktonic cells. The additive effects of phagocytes and the tested antifungals enabled phagocytes to engulf C. albicans cells rapidly in cinnamon, E. faecalis–CFS, or SDS-treated biofilms. No differences in anti-Candida or anti-biofilm eradication activities were detected among the tested isolates. Our findings reinforce the substantial anti-biofilm activity of cinnamon oil, SDS, and E. faecalis–CFS and provide new avenues for the development of novel anti-biofilm immunotherapies or antifungals that could be used prior to or during the management of cases with biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine H. Tartor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Yasmine H. Tartor, ; ; orcid.org/0000-0003-1246-6548
| | - Gamal A. Elmowalid
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohamed N. Hassan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Shaker
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt
| | - Dalia F. Ashour
- Department of Public Health, Dakahlia Veterinary Medicine Directorate, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Taisir Saber
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
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Spaggiari L, Sala A, Ardizzoni A, De Seta F, Singh DK, Gacser A, Blasi E, Pericolini E. Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri Cell-Free Supernatants Inhibit Candida parapsilosis Pathogenic Potential upon Infection of Vaginal Epithelial Cells Monolayer and in a Transwell Coculture System In Vitro. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0269621. [PMID: 35499353 PMCID: PMC9241606 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02696-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common clinical condition with symptoms and signs of vaginal inflammation in the presence of Candida species. At least one episode of VVC is experienced in up to 75% of women in the reproductive age group during their lifetime, and 5% to 8% of such women suffer from the chronic form. Most cases of VVC are still caused by C. albicans. However, the incidence of VVC cases by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, such as C. parapsilosis, is continuously increasing. Despite the prevalence of VVC from NAC, little is known about these species and almost nothing about the mechanisms that trigger the VVC. Lactobacillus spp. are the most widely before represented microorganisms in the vaginal microbiota of healthy women. Here, cell-free supernatants (CFS) obtained from L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri were assessed for their effect on C. parapsilosis virulence traits. Moreover, we assessed if such an effect persisted even after the removal of the CFS (CFS preincubation effect). Moreover, a transwell coculture system was employed by which the relevant antifungal effect was shown to be attributable to the compounds released by lactobacilli. Our results suggest that lactobacilli can work (i) by reducing C. parapsilosis virulence traits, as indicated by the reduced fungal proliferation, viability, and metabolic activity, and (ii) by improving epithelial resistance to the fungus. Overall, these data suggest that, in the context of the vaginal microbiota, the lactobacilli may play a role in preventing the onset of mucosal C. parapsilosis infection. IMPORTANCE The incidence of VVC by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, such as C. parapsilosis, is increasing. Treatment failure is common in NAC-VVC because some species are resistant or poorly susceptible to the antifungal agents normally employed. Research on C. parapsilosis's pathogenic mechanisms and alternative treatments are still lacking. C. albicans triggers the VVC by producing hyphae, which favor the loss of epithelial tolerance. Differently, C. parapsilosis only produces pseudohyphae. Hence, different virulence factors may trigger the VVC. Likewise, the therapeutic options could also involve different fungal targets. Substantial in vitro and in vivo studies on the pathogenicity mechanisms of C. parapsilosis are lacking. The data presented here ascribe a novel beneficial role to different Lactobacillus spp., whose CFS provides a postbiotic-like activity against C. parapsilosis. Further studies are needed to unravel the mechanisms involved in the bioactivities of such compounds, to better understand the role of single postbiotics in the CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Spaggiari
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Ph.D. Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Arianna Sala
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental, and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental, and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Institute for Maternal and Child Health- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Dhirendra Kumar Singh
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM) - University of Szeged (USZ) Fungal Pathogens Research Group, Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Gacser
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM) - University of Szeged (USZ) Fungal Pathogens Research Group, Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Elisabetta Blasi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental, and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eva Pericolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental, and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Keymaram M, Falahati M, Farahyar S, Lotfali E, Abolghasemi S, Mahmoudi S, Sadeghi F, Khalandi H, Ghasemi R, Shamsaei S, Raiesi O. Anti-biofilm properties of eucalyptol in combination with antifungals against Candida albicans isolates in patients with hematological malignancy. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:295. [PMID: 35508567 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02911-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection caused mainly by Candida albicans and it is a major problem among hematologic malignancy patients. Biofilm formation is an attributable factor to both virulence and drug resistance of Candida species. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biofilm-producing ability of oral C. albicans isolates and to evaluate the inhibitory activity of eucalyptol on Candida biofilm, alone and in combination with antifungal agents. Samples were collected from the oral cavity of 106 patients with hematologic malignancy. The isolated yeasts were identified by PCR-sequencing. Then C. albicans isolates were analyzed for their biofilm-producing ability by crystal violet staining and MTT assay. The minimum biofilm inhibition concentrations (MBIC) of eucalyptol, amphotericin B, itraconazole, and nystatin and the in vitro interaction of eucalyptol with these drugs were tested according to CLSI-M-27-A3 protocol and checkerboard methods, respectively. From 106 patients, 50 (47.2%) were confirmed for oral candidiasis [mean ± SD age 39 ± 14 years; female 31 (62%) and male 19 (38%)]. C. albicans was isolated from 40 of 50 (80%) patients. From 40 C. albicans isolates, 24 (60%) and 16 (40%) were moderate and weak biofilm producer, respectively. The geometric mean MBIC of amphotericin B, itraconazole, nystatin and eucalyptol were 3.93 µg/mL, 12.55 µg/mL, 0.75 µg/mL and 798 µg/mL, respectively. Eucalyptol interacted synergistically with amphotericin B, itraconazole and nystatin against 12.5, 10, and 22.5% of isolates, respectively. Eucalyptol demonstrated promising activity against biofilm of C. albicans when tested alone or combined with antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahyar Keymaram
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehraban Falahati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shirin Farahyar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ensieh Lotfali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Abolghasemi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medial Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Halala Khalandi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ghasemi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Shamsaei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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Zang Z, Yang W, Cui H, Cai R, Li C, Zou G, Wang B, She Z. Two Antimicrobial Heterodimeric Tetrahydroxanthones with a 7,7'-Linkage from Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus flavus QQYZ. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092691. [PMID: 35566042 PMCID: PMC9103106 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mangrove endophytic fungi represent significant and sustainable sources of novel metabolites with unique structures and excellent biological activities, attracting extensive chemical investigations. In this research, two novel heterodimeric tetrahydroxanthones, aflaxanthones A (1) and B (2), dimerized via an unprecedented 7,7′-linkage, a sp3-sp3 dimeric manner, were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus QQYZ. Their structures were elucidated through high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the absolute configurations of them were determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction combined with calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra and a 1D potential energy scan. These compounds were evaluated for antifungal activities in vitro and exhibited broad-spectrum and potential antifungal activities against several pathogenic fungi with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 3.13–50 μM. They also performed moderate antibacterial activities against several bacteria with MIC values in the range of 12.5–25 μM. This research enriched the resources of lead compounds and templates for marine-derived antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenming Zang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Z.Z.); (W.Y.); (G.Z.)
| | - Wencong Yang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Z.Z.); (W.Y.); (G.Z.)
| | - Hui Cui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China;
| | - Runlin Cai
- College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China;
| | - Chunyuan Li
- College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Ge Zou
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Z.Z.); (W.Y.); (G.Z.)
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Z.Z.); (W.Y.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence: (B.W.); (Z.S.); Tel.: +86-20-84113356 (Z.S.)
| | - Zhigang She
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Z.Z.); (W.Y.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence: (B.W.); (Z.S.); Tel.: +86-20-84113356 (Z.S.)
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Vazquez-Munoz R, Thompson A, Russell JT, Sobue T, Zhou Y, Dongari-Bagtzoglou A. Insights From the Lactobacillus johnsonii Genome Suggest the Production of Metabolites With Antibiofilm Activity Against the Pathobiont Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:853762. [PMID: 35330775 PMCID: PMC8940163 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.853762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus johnsonii is a probiotic bacterial species with broad antimicrobial properties; however, its antimicrobial activities against the pathobiont Candida albicans are underexplored. The aim of this study was to study the interactions of L. johnsonii with C. albicans and explore mechanisms of bacterial anti-fungal activities based on bacterial genomic characterization coupled with experimental data. We isolated an L. johnsonii strain (MT4) from the oral cavity of mice and characterized its effect on C. albicans growth in the planktonic and biofilm states. We also identified key genetic and phenotypic traits that may be associated with a growth inhibitory activity exhibited against C. albicans. We found that L. johnsonii MT4 displays pH-dependent and pH-independent antagonistic interactions against C. albicans, resulting in inhibition of C. albicans planktonic growth and biofilm formation. This antagonism is influenced by nutrient availability and the production of soluble metabolites with anticandidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Vazquez-Munoz
- Department of Periodontology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Angela Thompson
- Department of Periodontology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Jordan T Russell
- Department of Psychiatry/Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Takanori Sobue
- Department of Periodontology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Yanjiao Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry/Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Anna Dongari-Bagtzoglou
- Department of Periodontology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
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Co-Operative Biofilm Interactions between Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through Secreted Galactosaminogalactan Exopolysaccharide. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040336. [PMID: 35448567 PMCID: PMC9030451 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The mold Aspergillus fumigatus and bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa form biofilms in the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis. Biofilm formation by A. fumigatus depends on the self-produced cationic exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG), while P. aeruginosa biofilms can contain the cationic exopolysaccharide Pel. GAG and Pel are rendered cationic by deacetylation mediated by either the secreted deacetylase Agd3 (A. fumigatus) or the periplasmic deacetylase PelA (P. aeruginosa). Given the similarities between these polymers, the potential for biofilm interactions between these organisms were investigated. P. aeruginosa were observed to adhere to A. fumigatus hyphae in a GAG-dependent manner and to GAG-coated coverslips of A. fumigatus biofilms. In biofilm adherence assays, incubation of P. aeruginosa with A. fumigatus culture supernatants containing de-N-acetylated GAG augmented the formation of adherent P. aeruginosa biofilms, increasing protection against killing by the antibiotic colistin. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated incorporation of GAG within P. aeruginosa biofilms, suggesting that GAG can serve as an alternate biofilm exopolysaccharide for this bacterium. In contrast, Pel-containing bacterial culture supernatants only augmented the formation of adherent A. fumigatus biofilms when antifungal inhibitory molecules were removed. This study demonstrates biofilm interaction via exopolysaccharides as a potential mechanism of co-operation between these organisms in chronic lung disease.
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Born T, Aruanno M, Kampouri E, Mombelli M, Monney P, Tozzi P, Lamoth F. Aspergillus tubingensis Endocarditis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Mycopathologia 2022; 187:249-258. [PMID: 35267153 PMCID: PMC9124170 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-022-00621-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus endocarditis is a rare infection that may affect immunocompetent patients following heart valve replacement or heart surgery. We report the case of a 39 year old woman with a history of intravenous drug use who developed endocarditis with direct examination of the resected valve and vegetation showing the presence of mycelia. Cultures were positive for an Aspergillus of section Nigri, which was subsequently identified as Aspergillus tubingensis by sequencing. The clinical course was favorable following surgery and prolonged antifungal therapy (8 months in total). Antifungal susceptibility testing showed good in vitro activity of amphotericin B, voriconazole and echinocandins against planktonic cells of this A. tubingensis isolate. However, only amphotericin B displayed significant activity against biofilms. In vitro combinations of voriconazole or amphotericin B with echinocandins did not meet the criteria of synergism. Our review of the literature identified 17 other cases of endocarditis attributed to Aspergillus of section Nigri with an overall mortality rate of 57% (100% in the absence of surgery). Endocarditis caused by Aspergillus niger and related cryptic species are rare events, for which surgical management appears to be crucial for outcome. While amphotericin B was the only antifungal drug displaying significant anti-biofilm activity, the type and duration of antifungal therapy remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Born
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marion Aruanno
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Institute of Microbiology, Department of Laboratories, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eleftheria Kampouri
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Mombelli
- Service of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Monney
- Cardiology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Piergiorgio Tozzi
- Cardiac Surgery Division, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Institute of Microbiology, Department of Laboratories, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Zhao T, Zhang K, Shi G, Ma K, Wang B, Shao J, Wang T, Wang C. Berberine Inhibits the Adhesion of Candida albicans to Vaginal Epithelial Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:814883. [PMID: 35295335 PMCID: PMC8918845 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.814883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an inflammatory disease of the vagina mainly caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans), which affects around three-quarters of all women during their reproductive age. Although some antifungal drugs such as azoles have been applied clinically for many years, their therapeutic value is very limited due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Previous studies have shown that the adhesion of C. albicans to vaginal epithelial cells is essential for the pathogenesis of VVC. Therefore, preventing the adhesion of C. albicans to vaginal epithelial cells may be one of the most effective strategies for the treatment of VVC. Berberine (BBR) is a biologically active herbal alkaloid that was used to treat VVC. However, so far, its mechanism has remained unclear. This study shows BBR significantly inhibits the adhesion of C. albicans to vaginal epithelial cells by reducing the expressions of ICAM-1, mucin1, and mucin4 in vaginal epithelial cells, which play the most important role in modulating the adhesion of C. albicans to host cells, and balancing IL-2 and IL-4 expressions, which play a key effect on regulating the inflammatory response caused by C. albicans infection. Hence, our findings demonstrate that BBR may be a potential therapeutic agent for VVC by interfering with the adhesion of C. albicans to vaginal epithelial cells and represents a new pathway for developing antifungal therapies agents from natural herbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Gaoxiang Shi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Kelong Ma
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Benfan Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Tianming Wang, ; Changzhong Wang,
| | - Changzhong Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Tianming Wang, ; Changzhong Wang,
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Xu WF, Wu NN, Wu YW, Qi YX, Wei MY, Pineda LM, Ng MG, Spadafora C, Zheng JY, Lu L, Wang CY, Gu YC, Shao CL. Structure modification, antialgal, antiplasmodial, and toxic evaluations of a series of new marine-derived 14-membered resorcylic acid lactone derivatives. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:88-97. [PMID: 37073350 PMCID: PMC10077203 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-021-00103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Marine natural products play critical roles in the chemical defense of many marine organisms and are essential, reputable sources of successful drug leads. Sixty-seven 14-membered resorcylic acid lactone derivatives 3-27 and 30-71 of the natural product zeaenol (1) isolated from the marine-derived fungus Cochliobolus lunatus were semisynthesized by chlorination, acylation, esterification, and acetalization in one to three steps. The structures of these new derivatives were established by HRESIMS and NMR techniques. All the compounds (1-71) were evaluated for their antialgal and antiplasmodial activities. Among them, 14 compounds displayed antifouling activities against adhesion of the fouling diatoms. In particular, 9 and 34 exhibited strong and selective inhibitory effects against the diatoms Navicula laevissima and Navicula exigua (EC50 = 6.67 and 8.55 μmol/L), respectively, which were similar in efficacy to those of the positive control SeaNine 211 (EC50 = 2.90 and 9.74 μmol/L). More importantly, 38, 39, and 69-71 showed potent antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 values ranging from 3.54 to 9.72 μmol/L. Very interestingly, the five antiplasmodial derivatives displayed non-toxicity in the cytotoxicity assays and the zebrafish embryos model, thus, representing potential promising antiplasmodial drug agents. The preliminary structure-activity relationships indicated that biphenyl substituent at C-2, acetonide at positions C-5' and C-6', and tri- or tetra-substituted of acyl groups increased the antiplasmodial activity. Therefore, combining evaluation of chemical ecology with pharmacological models will be implemented as a systematic strategy, not only for environmentally friendly antifoulants but also for structurally novel drugs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-021-00103-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Feng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, the Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Na-Na Wu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, the Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yan-Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, the Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yue-Xuan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, the Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Mei-Yan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, the Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Laura M. Pineda
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científcas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, City of Knowledge, Clayton, Apartado 0816-02852 Panama
| | - Michelle G. Ng
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científcas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, City of Knowledge, Clayton, Apartado 0816-02852 Panama
| | - Carmenza Spadafora
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científcas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, City of Knowledge, Clayton, Apartado 0816-02852 Panama
| | - Ji-Yong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Ling Lu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, the Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, the Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yu-Cheng Gu
- Syngenta Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY UK
| | - Chang-Lun Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, the Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao, 266237 China
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Kaur M, Kumari A, Singh R. The Indigenous Volatile Inhibitor 2-Methyl-2-butene Impacts Biofilm Formation and Interspecies Interaction of the Pathogenic Mucorale Rhizopus arrhizus. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 83:506-512. [PMID: 34023922 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
2-Methyl-2-butene has recently been reported to be a quorum-based volatile self-inhibitor of spore germination and growth in pathogenic Mucorale Rhizopus arrhizus. The present study aimed to elucidate if this compound can influence R. arrhizus biofilm formation and interspecies interaction. The compound was found to significantly decrease R. arrhizus biofilm formation (p < 0.001), with nearly 25% and 50% lesser biomass in the biofilms cultured with exposure to 4 and 32 µg/ml of 2-methyl-2-butene, respectively. The growth of pre-formed biofilms was also impacted, albeit to a lesser extent. Additionally, 2-methyl-2-butene was found to self-limit R. arrhizus growth during interspecies interaction with Staphylococcus aureus and was detected at a substantially greater concentration in the headspace of co-cultures (2338.75 µg/ml) compared with monocultures (69.52 µg/ml). Some of the C5 derivatives of this compound (3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-butyne) were also observed to partially mimic its action, such as inhibition of spore germination, but did not impact R. arrhizus biofilm formation. Finally, the treated R. arrhizus displayed changes in fungal morphology suggestive of cytoskeletal alterations, such as filopodia formation, blebs, increased longitudinal folds and/or corrugations, and finger-like and sheet-like surface protrusions, depending upon the concentration of the compound(s) and the planktonic or biofilm growth mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahaldeep Kaur
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Anjna Kumari
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Rachna Singh
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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Li Q, Hu Y, Zhang B. Phosphonium-based ionic liquids as antifungal agents for conservation of heritage sandstone. RSC Adv 2022; 12:1922-1931. [PMID: 35425254 PMCID: PMC8979122 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra09169g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With a view to preventing fungal deterioration of historical stone artworks, we report the use of phosphonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as potent antifungal agents against dematiaceous fungi commonly found on heritage stones. Three ILs: tributyldodecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P44412][POM], tributyltetradecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P44414][POM], and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P66614][POM] were prepared and their thermal stabilities and in vitro antifungal activities were evaluated. From the ramped temperature thermogravimetric analysis and antifungal experiments it can be clearly observed that the alkyl chain length of the tetraalkylphosponium cation has a significant influence on the thermal and antifungal properties. The thermal stability and antifungal activity decreased as the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl substituents increased and, thus, followed the order [P44412][POM] > [P44414][POM] > [P66614][POM]. In addition, inoculation of four fungal species on IL-coated sandstone surfaces showed significant inhibition of fungal growth, endowing the materials with potential applications in heritage sandstone conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
| | - Yulan Hu
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
| | - Bingjian Zhang
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
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Amphotericin B Polymer Nanoparticles Show Efficacy against Candida Species Biofilms. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11010073. [PMID: 35056021 PMCID: PMC8781556 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Chronic infections of Candida albicans are characterised by the embedding of budding and entwined filamentous fungal cells into biofilms. The biofilms are refractory to many drugs and Candida biofilms are associated with ocular fungal infections. The objective was to test the activity of nanoparticulate amphotericin B (AmB) against Candida biofilms. Methods: AmB was encapsulated in the Molecular Envelope Technology (MET, N-palmitoyl-N-monomethyl-N,N-dimethyl-N,N,N-trimethyl-6-O-glycolchitosan) nanoparticles and tested against Candida biofilms in vitro. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging of MET nanoparticles’ penetration into experimental biofilms was carried out and a MET-AmB eye drop formulation was tested for its stability. Results: MET-AmB formulations demonstrated superior activity towards C. albicans biofilms in vitro with the EC50 being ~30 times lower than AmB alone (EC50 MET-AmB = 1.176 μg mL−1, EC50 AmB alone = 29.09 μg mL−1). A similar superior activity was found for Candida glabrata biofilms, where the EC50 was ~10× lower than AmB alone (EC50 MET-AmB = 0.0253 μg mL−1, EC50 AmB alone = 0.289 μg mL−1). CLSM imaging revealed that MET nanoparticles penetrated through the C. albicans biofilm matrix and bound to fungal cells. The activity of MET-AmB was no different from the activity of AmB alone against C. albicans cells in suspension (MET-AmB MIC90 = 0.125 μg mL−1, AmB alone MIC90 = 0.250 μg mL−1). MET-AmB eye drops were stable at room temperature for at least 28 days. Conclusions: These biofilm activity findings raise the possibility that MET-loaded nanoparticles may be used to tackle Candida biofilm infections, such as refractory ocular fungal infections.
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45
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The Investigation of Thymol Formulations Containing Poloxamer 407 and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to Inhibit Candida Biofilm Formation and Demonstrate Improved Bio-Compatibility. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15010071. [PMID: 35056128 PMCID: PMC8781172 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of thymol to inhibit Candida biofilm formation and improve thymol biocompatibility in the presence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poloxamer 407 (P407), as possible drug carriers. Thymol with and without polymers were tested for its ability to inhibit biofilm formation, its effect on the viability of biofilm and biocompatibility studies were performed on HEK 293 (human embryonic kidney) cells. Thymol showed a concentration dependent biofilm inhibition; this effect was slightly improved when it was combined with HPMC. The Thymol-P407 combination completely inhibited the formation of biofilm and the antibiofilm effect of thymol decreased as the maturation of Candida biofilms increased. The effect of thymol on HEK 293 cells was a loss of nearly 100% in their viability at a concentration of 250 mg/L. However, in the presence of P407, the viability was 25% and 85% using neutral red uptake and sulforhodamine B assays, respectively. While, HPMC had less effect on thymol activity the thymol-P407 combination showed a superior inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and better biocompatibility with human cell lines. The combination demonstrates a potential medical use for the prevention of Candida biofilm formation.
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46
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Yang L, Tian Z, Zhou L, Zhu L, Sun C, Huang M, Peng J, Guo G. In vitro Antifungal Activity of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide AMP-17 Against Planktonic Cells and Biofilms of Cryptococcus neoformans. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:233-248. [PMID: 35115792 PMCID: PMC8800587 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s344246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcus neoformans is a common human fungal pathogen in immunocompromised people, as well as a prevalent cause of meningitis in HIV-infected individuals. With the emergence of clinical fungal resistance and the shortage of antifungal drugs, it is urgent to discover novel antifungal agents. AMP-17, a novel antimicrobial peptide from Musca domestica, has antifungal activity against C. neoformans. However, its antifungal and anti-biofilm activities remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of AMP-17 against planktonic cells and biofilms of C. neoformans. Methods The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the biofilm inhibitory and eradicating concentration (BIC and BEC) were determined by the broth microdilution assay or the 2, 3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay, respectively. The inhibitory and killing activities of AMP-17 against C. neoformans were investigated through the time-inhibition/killing kinetic curves. The potential antifungal mechanism of AMP-17 was detected by flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The efficiency of AMP-17 against biofilm formation or preformed biofilm was evaluated by crystal violet staining and XTT reduction assays. The morphology of pre-biofilms was tested by optical microscopy (OM) and CLSM. Results AMP-17 exhibited in vitro antifungal activity against C. neoformans planktonic cells and biofilms, with MICs of 4~16 μg/ml, BIC80 and BEC80 of 16~32 μg/ml, 64~128 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, the 2× and 4× MIC of AMP-17 exhibited similar inhibition levels compared to the 2× and 4× MIC of the clinical drugs FLC and AMB in C. neoformans growth. Moreover, the time-kill results showed that AMP-17 (8× MIC) did not significantly eliminate colony forming units (CFU) after 6 h of treatment; however, there was 2.9-log reduction in CFU of C. neoformans. Furthermore, increasing of the permeability of the fungal cell membrane was observed with the treatment of AMP-17, since the vast change as fungal leakage and cell membrane disruption. However, the DNA binding assay of AMP-17 indicated that the peptide did not target DNA. Besides, AMP-17 was superior in inhibiting and eradicating biofilms of C. neoformans compared with FLC. Conclusion AMP-17 exhibited potential in vitro antifungal activity against the planktonic cells and biofilms of C. neoformans, and it may disrupt fungal cell membranes through multi-target interactions, which provides a promising therapeutic strategy and experimental basis for Cryptococcus-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longbing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuqing Tian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luoxiong Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoqin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingjiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Peng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Guo Guo, Building Wuben, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, College Town, Gui’an New District, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China, Tel/fax +86 851 882 59268, Email
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Heredia MY, Andes D. Production and Isolation of the Candida Species Biofilm Extracellular Matrix. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2542:257-268. [PMID: 36008671 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2549-1_19] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic structure comprising of all four classes of macromolecules. In the biofilm setting, this matrix is key to the survival of microbial communities by conferring to biofilms both structural integrity and protection against diverse environmental insults. In Candida spp., this matrix contributes to pathogenesis by conferring to biofilms both drug resistance and protection against immune attack. Understanding the biochemical nature of the matrix and its individual components is critical to the development of novel diagnostics and antifungal strategies against persistent Candida biofilm infections. Therefore, efficient methods for ECM isolation are required. The two matrix isolation protocols described herein are adapted for both small- and large-scale isolation of biofilm matrix. Both procedures involve seeding of biofilms in either 6-well plates or large-surface-area roller bottles, followed by cell adhesion and biofilm maturation for 2 days with continuous motion. In both cases, the matrix is separated from the biomass via sonication, a step which gently and effectively removes the matrix without disturbing the fungal cell wall. The large-scale protocol includes additional filtration, lyophilization, and dialysis steps to yield purified matrix material sufficient for numerous biochemical, structural, and functional assays. Small-scale isolation yields enough matrix for gas chromatography (GC), total carbohydrate quantification via the phenol-sulfuric acid method, and total protein quantification via the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. Large-scale isolation yields enough matrix to perform NMR spectroscopy, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nucleic acid sequencing. These protocols have been adapted for use in Candida species but may be adapted for other biofilm-forming fungal species and bacteria.
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The δ subunit of F 1F o-ATP synthase is required for pathogenicity of Candida albicans. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6041. [PMID: 34654833 PMCID: PMC8519961 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections, especially candidiasis and aspergillosis, claim a high fatality rate. Fungal cell growth and function requires ATP, which is synthesized mainly through oxidative phosphorylation, with the key enzyme being F1Fo-ATP synthase. Here, we show that deletion of the Candida albicans gene encoding the δ subunit of the F1Fo-ATP synthase (ATP16) abrogates lethal infection in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. The deletion does not substantially affect in vitro fungal growth or intracellular ATP concentrations, because the decrease in oxidative phosphorylation-derived ATP synthesis is compensated by enhanced glycolysis. However, the ATP16-deleted mutant displays decreased phosphofructokinase activity, leading to low fructose 1,6-bisphosphate levels, reduced activity of Ras1-dependent and -independent cAMP-PKA pathways, downregulation of virulence factors, and reduced pathogenicity. A structure-based virtual screening of small molecules leads to identification of a compound potentially targeting the δ subunit of fungal F1Fo-ATP synthases. The compound induces in vitro phenotypes similar to those observed in the ATP16-deleted mutant, and protects mice from succumbing to invasive candidiasis. Our findings indicate that F1Fo-ATP synthase δ subunit is required for C. albicans lethal infection and represents a potential therapeutic target.
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Alves PGV, de Paula Menezes R, de Oliveira Brito M, de Oliveira Faria G, Silva NBS, Cruvinel RS, Penatti MPA, Dos Santos Pedroso R, de Brito Röder DVD. Cryptococcus liquefaciens isolated from the hand of a healthcare professional in a neonatal intensive care unit. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:2085-2089. [PMID: 34545554 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00601-4] [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: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are responsible for high morbidity and mortality in neonatal patients, especially in premature newborns. Infections in neonates caused by Cryptococcus spp. are rare, but it has occurred in an immunocompromised population. This study aims to describe the isolation of Cryptococcus liquefaciens from the hands of a health professional in a neonatal intensive care unit, and to evaluate the production of biofilm and virulence factors and susceptibility to antifungals. Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute document M27-A3. Thermotolerance virulence factors and DNase, phospholipase, proteinase, and hemolytic activities were verified through phenotypic tests; biofilm was evaluated by determining the metabolic activity and biomass. The isolate did not produce any of the tested enzymes and was susceptible to all antifungals (amphotericin B, fluconazole, and micafungin). The growth at 37 °C was very weak; however, the isolate showed a strong biomass production and low metabolic activity. This is the first report of C. liquefaciens isolated from the hands of a health professional. The isolate did not express any of the studied virulence factors in vitro, except for the low growth at 37 °C in the first 48 h, and the strong production of biofilm biomass. Cryptococcus liquefaciens can remain in the environment for a long time and is a human pathogen because it tolerates temperature variations. This report draws attention to the circulation of rare species in critical locations, information that may help in a fast and correct diagnosis and, consequently, implementation of an appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Guerino Vilela Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Umuarama Campus, 111 Ave. Amazonas, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gabriel de Oliveira Faria
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Umuarama Campus, 111 Ave. Amazonas, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil.,Nurse in Neonatology, Hospital Santa Clara, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Renner Soares Cruvinel
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Reginaldo Dos Santos Pedroso
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Umuarama Campus, 111 Ave. Amazonas, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil. .,Technical School of Health, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Possamai Rossatto FC, Tharmalingam N, Escobar IE, d’Azevedo PA, Zimmer KR, Mylonakis E. Antifungal Activity of the Phenolic Compounds Ellagic Acid (EA) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) against Drug-Resistant Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090763. [PMID: 34575801 PMCID: PMC8466507 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging healthcare-associated fungal pathogen that has become a serious global health threat. Current treatment options are limited due to drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies are required to target this organism and its pathogenicity. Plant polyphenols are structurally diverse compounds that present a vast range of biological properties. In the present study, plant-derived molecules ellagic acid (EA) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) were investigated for their antifungal and antivirulence activities against Candida auris. We also tested against C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for EA ranged from 0.125 to 0.25 µg/mL and for CAPE ranged from 1 to 64 µg/mL against drug-resistant C. auris strains. Killing kinetics determined that after 4 h treatment with CAPE, there was a complete reduction of viable C. auris cells compared to fluconazole. Both compounds might act by modifying the fungal cell wall. CAPE significantly reduced the biomass and the metabolic activity of C. auris biofilm and impaired C. auris adhesion to cultured human epithelial cells. Furthermore, both compounds prolonged the survival rate of Galleria mellonella infected by C. auris (p = 0.0088 for EA at 32 mg/kg and p = 0.0028 for CAPE at 4 mg/kg). In addition, EA at 4 μg/mL prolonged the survival of C. albicans-infected Caenorhabditis elegans (p < 0.0001). CAPE was not able to prolong the survival of C. albicans-infected C. elegans. These findings highlight the antifungal and antivirulence effects of EA and CAPE against C. auris, and warrant further investigation as novel antifungal agents against drug-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Cristina Possamai Rossatto
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Alternative Models, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (F.C.P.R.); (P.A.d.); (K.R.Z.)
| | - Nagendran Tharmalingam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, P.O. Box 328/330, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (N.T.); (I.E.E.)
| | - Iliana E. Escobar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, P.O. Box 328/330, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (N.T.); (I.E.E.)
| | - Pedro Alves d’Azevedo
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Alternative Models, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (F.C.P.R.); (P.A.d.); (K.R.Z.)
| | - Karine Rigon Zimmer
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Alternative Models, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (F.C.P.R.); (P.A.d.); (K.R.Z.)
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, P.O. Box 328/330, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (N.T.); (I.E.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-401-444-7845; Fax: +1-401-444-8179
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