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de Chaves MA, da Costa BS, de Souza JA, Batista MA, de Andrade SF, Hage-Melim LIDS, Abegg M, Lopes MS, Fuentefria AM. In silico and in vitro analysis of the mechanisms of action of nitroxoline against some medically important opportunistic fungi. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101411. [PMID: 37413753 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The increasing resistance to antifungal agents associated with toxicity and interactions turns therapeutic management of fungal infections difficult. This scenario emphasizes the importance of drug repositioning, such as nitroxoline - a urinary antibacterial agent that has shown potential antifungal activity. The aims of this study were to discover the possible therapeutic targets of nitroxoline using an in silico approach, and to determine the in vitro antifungal activity of the drug against the fungal cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane. We explored the biological activity of nitroxoline using PASS, SwissTargetPrediction and Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence web tools. After confirmation, the molecule was designed and optimized in HyperChem software. GOLD 2020.1 software was used to predict the interactions between the drug and the target proteins. In vitro investigation evaluated the effect of nitroxoline on the fungal cell wall through sorbitol protection assay. Ergosterol binding assay was carried out to assess the effect of the drug on the cytoplasmic membrane. In silico investigation revealed biological activity with alkane 1-monooxygenase and methionine aminopeptidase enzymes, showing nine and five interactions in the molecular docking, respectively. In vitro results exhibited no effect on the fungal cell wall or cytoplasmic membrane. Finally, nitroxoline has potential as an antifungal agent due to the interaction with alkane 1-monooxygenase and methionine aminopeptidase enzymes, which are not the main human therapeutic targets. These results have potentially revealed a new biological target for the treatment of fungal infections. We also consider that further studies are required to confirm the biological activity of nitroxoline on fungal cells, mainly the confirmation of the alkB gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Antunes de Chaves
- Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara Souza da Costa
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jade André de Souza
- Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mateus Alves Batista
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry (PharMedChem), Federal University of Amapá, Rod JK Km 2, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil
| | - Saulo Fernandes de Andrade
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Maxwell Abegg
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Amazonas, Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Marcela Silva Lopes
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria
- Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Development of a Clioquinol Nanocarrier as a New, Promising Option for the Treatment of Dermatomycosis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020531. [PMID: 36839854 PMCID: PMC9965560 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020531] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermatomycosis is a common fungal infection, and its treatment is limited by few antifungal agents. Clioquinol (CQ) is an antiparasitic agent that has been studied for new uses, such as antifungal and antiviral applications. CQ was incorporated into a lipid-based nanocarrier as a new, promising option for dermatomycosis. This study aimed to develop a CQ-loaded lipid-based nanocarrier for cutaneous application and to evaluate its antifungal activity. CQ-loaded nanoformulation (LBN-CQ) was developed using the ultrasonication method, and the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), pH, zeta potential, and drug content were monitored for 45 days. To evaluate antifungal activity, broth microdilution and a time-kill assay were performed. LBN-CQ presented a particle size of 91 ± 3 nm and PDI of 0.102 ± 0.009. The zeta potential and pH values were -9.7 ± 2.0 mV and 6.0 ± 0.1, respectively. The drug content was 96.4 ± 2.3%, and the encapsulation efficiency was 98.4%. LBN-CQ was able to reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in a 2-fold or 4-fold manner in most of the tested strains. Additionally, LBN-CQ presented stable fungistatic action that was not concentration- or time-dependent. In conclusion, the developed CQ-loaded nanocarrier is a promising treatment for skin fungal infections and a promising candidate for future randomized clinical trials.
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da Rosa Monte Machado G, Neiva Lavorato S, Lopes W, Henning Vainstein M, Lettieri Teixeira M, José Alves R, de Andrade SF, Meneghello Fuentefria A. A chloroacetamide derivative as a potent candidate for fusariosis treatment. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1289-1295. [PMID: 35648381 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00771-9] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusariosis has presented a significant increase in their incidence in the last years. This epidemiological panorama probably is due to the increasing profile of refractory susceptibility of Fusarium spp. to available drugs, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Thus, the development of new compounds with effectiveness on these organisms is a necessity. This study evaluated the antifungal potential of a chloroacetamide derivative (4-BFCA) against resistant Fusarium strains. As a result, the compound was effective against all strains (MIC range 12.5-50 μg/mL). The time kill assay demonstrated that 4-BFCA presents a concentration-dependent fungicidal action. Although its action mechanism has not yet been elucidated, it was possible to observe its efficacy through damages and alterations provoked along the hyphae of Fusarium spp. 4-BFCA maintained a high survival rate of Tenebrio molitor larvae, suggesting that it does not cause acute systemic toxicity on this host at the concentration evaluated. In addition, 4-BFCA was 83.33% effective in combating a fungal infection in vivo on the chorioallantoid membrane of embryonated eggs. Our results are very promising and arouse interest to investigate the action of 4-BFCA on Fusarium strains since it acts as a possible candidate for the development of new therapies for the treatment of fusariosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella da Rosa Monte Machado
- Graduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Sarmento Leite no 500 - Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Micologia Aplicada, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Stefânia Neiva Lavorato
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Oeste da Bahia, Rua da Prainha no 1326 Morada Nobre, Barreiras, BA, 47810-047, Brazil
| | - William Lopes
- Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Bento Gonçalves no 9500 - Campus do Vale, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Marilene Henning Vainstein
- Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Bento Gonçalves no 9500 - Campus do Vale, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Mário Lettieri Teixeira
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Federal Catarinense Institute, Highway SC 283 - Fragosos, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, SC, 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Ricardo José Alves
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Presidente Antônio Carlos no 6627 - Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Saulo Fernandes de Andrade
- Graduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Sarmento Leite no 500 - Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria
- Graduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Sarmento Leite no 500 - Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
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R. M. Machado G, Inácio LAM, Berlitz SJ, Pippi B, Kulkamp‐Guerreiro IC, Lavorato SN, Alves RJ, Andrade SF, Fuentefria AM. A Film‐Forming System Hybridized with a Nanostructured Chloroacetamide Derivative for Dermatophytosis Treatment. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella R. M. Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Luiz A. M. Inácio
- Faculdade de Farmácia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Simone J. Berlitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Bruna Pippi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Irene C. Kulkamp‐Guerreiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica e Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Stefânia N. Lavorato
- Centro das Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia Barreiras Brazil
| | - Ricardo J. Alves
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos Faculdade de Farmácia Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | - Saulo F. Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Alexandre M. Fuentefria
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente e Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
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Reginatto P, Bergamo VZ, Berlitz SJ, Guerreiro ICK, de Andrade SF, Fuentefria AM. Rational selection of antifungal drugs to propose a new formulation strategy to control Candida biofilm formation on venous catheters. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:1037-1049. [PMID: 32077074 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00242-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infections associated with medical devices are often related to colonization by Candida spp. biofilm; in this way, numerous strategies have been developed and studied, mainly in order to prevent this type of fungal growth. AIM Considering the above, the main objective of the present study is to make a rational choice of the best antifungal therapy for the in vitro treatment of the biofilm on venous catheters, proposing an innovative formulation of a film-forming system to coat the surface in order to prevent the formation of biofilms. METHODOLOGY Anidulafungin, fluconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole, amphotericin B, and the association of anidulafungin and amphotericin B were tested against biofilms of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis strains in microtiter plates and in a polyurethane catheter. Besides, anidulafungin, amphotericin B, and the combination of both were incorporated in a film-forming system and were evaluated against biofilm. RESULTS The superior activity of anidulafungin was demonstrated in relation to the other antifungal agents. Although amphotericin B showed good activity, high concentrations were required. The combination showed a synergistic action, in solution and in the formulation, showing excellent results, with activity above 90%. CONCLUSION Due to the superiority of anidulafungin and the synergistic activity of the combination, these alternatives were the most promising options for use in a formulation proposal as a new strategy to combat the Candida spp. biofilm. These formulations demonstrated high in vitro performance in the prevention of biofilms, indicating that they are candidates with great potential for in vivo tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Reginatto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Micologia Aplicada, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Zafanelli Bergamo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Simone Jacobus Berlitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Irene Clemes Kulkamp Guerreiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Produção de Matéria-Prima, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Saulo Fernandes de Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Produção de Matéria-Prima, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Análises, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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