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Karasiński M, Wnorowska U, Daniluk T, Deptuła P, Łuckiewicz M, Paprocka P, Durnaś B, Skłodowski K, Sawczuk B, Savage PB, Piktel E, Bucki R. Investigating the Effectiveness of Ceragenins against Acinetobacter baumannii to Develop New Antimicrobial and Anti-Adhesive Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7036. [PMID: 39000144 PMCID: PMC11241064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137036] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing body of experimental data indicates that ceragenins (CSAs), which mimic the physicochemical properties of the host's cationic antimicrobial peptide, hold promise for the development of a new group of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Here, using a set of in vivo experiments, we assessed the potential of ceragenins in the eradication of an important etiological agent of nosocomial infections, Acinetobacter baumannii. Assessment of the bactericidal effect of ceragenins CSA-13, CSA-44, and CSA-131 on clinical isolates of A. baumannii (n = 65) and their effectiveness against bacterial cells embedded in the biofilm matrix after biofilm growth on abiotic surfaces showed a strong bactericidal effect of the tested molecules regardless of bacterial growth pattern. AFM assessment of bacterial cell topography, bacterial cell stiffness, and adhesion showed significant membrane breakdown and rheological changes, indicating the ability of ceragenins to target surface structures of A. baumannii cells. In the cell culture of A549 lung epithelial cells, ceragenin CSA-13 had the ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion to host cells, suggesting that it interferes with the mechanism of bacterial cell invasion. These findings highlight the potential of ceragenins as therapeutic agents in the development of antimicrobial strategies against bacterial infections caused by A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Karasiński
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.K.); (U.W.); (T.D.); (K.S.)
| | - Urszula Wnorowska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.K.); (U.W.); (T.D.); (K.S.)
| | - Tamara Daniluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.K.); (U.W.); (T.D.); (K.S.)
| | - Piotr Deptuła
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (P.D.); (M.Ł.); (E.P.)
| | - Milena Łuckiewicz
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (P.D.); (M.Ł.); (E.P.)
| | - Paulina Paprocka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, 25-317 Kielce, Poland; (P.P.); (B.D.)
| | - Bonita Durnaś
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, 25-317 Kielce, Poland; (P.P.); (B.D.)
| | - Karol Skłodowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.K.); (U.W.); (T.D.); (K.S.)
| | - Beata Sawczuk
- Department of Prosthodontics, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Paul B. Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (P.D.); (M.Ł.); (E.P.)
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.K.); (U.W.); (T.D.); (K.S.)
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Ganeshkumar A, Muthuselvam M, de Lima PMN, Rajaram R, Junqueira JC. Current Perspectives of Antifungal Therapy: A Special Focus on Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:408. [PMID: 38921394 PMCID: PMC11205254 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging Candida sp. that has rapidly spread all over the world. The evidence regarding its origin and emerging resistance is still unclear. The severe infection caused by this species results in significant mortality and morbidity among the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The development of drug resistance is the major factor associated with the therapeutic failure of existing antifungal agents. Previous studies have addressed the antifungal resistance profile and drug discovery for C. auris. However, complete coverage of this information in a single investigation is not yet available. In this review, we have mainly focused on recent developments in therapeutic strategies against C. auris. Based on the available information, several different approaches were discussed, including existing antifungal drugs, chemical compounds, essential oils, natural products, antifungal peptides, immunotherapy, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, drug repurposing, and drug delivery systems. Among them, synthetic chemicals, natural products, and antifungal peptides are the prime contributors. However, a limited number of resources are available to prove the efficiency of these potential therapies in clinical usage. Therefore, we anticipate that the findings gathered in this review will encourage further in vivo studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Ganeshkumar
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil;
- Department of Materials Physics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMTS), Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manickam Muthuselvam
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Patricia Michelle Nagai de Lima
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rajendren Rajaram
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil;
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Carrano G, Arrieta-Aguirre I, Díez A, Bregón-Villahoz M, Fernandez-de-Larrinoa I, Moragues MD. Anti-Candida Antibodies of Patients with Invasive Candidiasis Inhibit Growth, Alter Cell Wall Structure, and Kill Candida albicans In Vitro. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:16. [PMID: 38324097 PMCID: PMC10850236 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00819-w] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis (IC), caused by Candida yeasts, particularly Candida albicans, poses a significant threat with high mortality rates. Diagnosis is challenging due to Candida's common presence in human microbiota. To address this, our research group developed an immunofluorescence assay detecting Candida albicans Germ Tube Antibodies (CAGTA) in IC patients. CAGTA, indicative of invasive processes, is associated with a lower mortality rate in ICU patients. Based on this premise, this study aims to provide results regarding the lack of knowledge about the potential activity of CAGTA against invasive infections in humans caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Therefore, in order to characterize the activity of CAGTA produced by patients with IC, we used sera from 29 patients with IC caused by either C. albicans or non-albicans Candida species. Whole serum IgG antibodies were fractionated into anti-blastospores, CAGTA-enriched, and purified CAGTA and the assessments included XTT colorimetric assays for metabolic activity, CFU counts for viability, and microscopy for growth, viability, and morphological analysis. The CAGTA-enriched IgG fraction significantly reduced the metabolic activity and viability of C. albicans compared to anti-blastospores. Purified CAGTA altered germ tube cell wall surfaces, as revealed by electron microscopy, and exhibited fungicidal properties by DiBAC fluorescent staining. In conclusion, antibodies in response to invasive candidiasis have antifungal activity against Candida albicans, influencing metabolic activity, viability, and cell wall structure, leading to cell death. These findings suggest the potential utility of CAGTA as diagnostic markers and support the possibility of developing immunization protocols against Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Carrano
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Spain.
| | - Inés Arrieta-Aguirre
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ander Díez
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Marta Bregón-Villahoz
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Iñigo Fernandez-de-Larrinoa
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - María-Dolores Moragues
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
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Oyardi O, Demir ES, Alkan B, Komec S, Genc GE, Aygun G, Teke L, Turan D, Erturan Z, Savage PB, Guzel CB. Phenotypic Investigation of Virulence Factors, Susceptibility to Ceragenins, and the Impact of Biofilm Formation on Drug Efficacy in Candida auris Isolates from Türkiye. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1026. [PMID: 37888282 PMCID: PMC10607835 DOI: 10.3390/jof9101026] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a significant fungal threat due to its rapid worldwide spread since its first appearance, along with its potential for antimicrobial resistance and virulence properties. This study was designed to examine virulence characteristics, the efficacy of ceragenins, and biofilm-derived drug resistance in seven C. auris strains isolated from Turkish intensive care patients. It was observed that none of the tested strains exhibited proteinase or hemolysis activity; however, they demonstrated weak phospholipase and esterase activity. In addition, all strains were identified as having moderate to strong biofilm formation characteristics. Upon determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ceragenins, it was discovered that CSA-138 exhibited the highest effectiveness with a MIC range of 1-0.5 µg/mL, followed by CSA-131 with a MIC of 1 µg/mL. Also, antimicrobial agents destroyed mature biofilms at high concentrations (40-1280 µg/mL). The investigation revealed that the strains isolated from Türkiye displayed weak exoenzyme activities. Notably, the ceragenins exhibited effectiveness against these strains, suggesting their potential as a viable treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Oyardi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara 06330, Türkiye
| | - Elif Sena Demir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34116, Türkiye; (E.S.D.); (B.A.); (C.B.G.)
| | - Busra Alkan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34116, Türkiye; (E.S.D.); (B.A.); (C.B.G.)
| | - Selda Komec
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul 34480, Türkiye;
| | - Gonca Erkose Genc
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye; (G.E.G.); (Z.E.)
| | - Gokhan Aygun
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34098, Türkiye;
| | - Leyla Teke
- Clinic of Microbiology, Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul 34255, Türkiye;
| | - Deniz Turan
- Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul 34668, Türkiye;
| | - Zayre Erturan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye; (G.E.G.); (Z.E.)
| | - Paul B. Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Cagla Bozkurt Guzel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34116, Türkiye; (E.S.D.); (B.A.); (C.B.G.)
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Neves AR, Freitas-Silva J, Durães F, Silva ER, Rodrigues IC, Mergulhão F, Gomes M, Teixeira-Santos R, Bernardes André M, Silva R, Remião F, Pinto E, da Costa PM, Sousa E, Correia da Silva M. Insights into the antimicrobial properties of a cationic steroid and antibiofilm performance in PDMS-based coatings to potentially treat urinary infections. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8697-8716. [PMID: 37646077 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01185b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Currently, multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections are one of the most important threats, driving the search for new antimicrobial compounds. Cationic peptide antibiotics (CPAs) and ceragenins (CSAs) contain in their structures cationic groups and adopt a facially amphiphilic conformation, conferring the ability to permeate the membranes of bacteria and fungi. Keeping these features in mind, an amine steroid, DOCA-NH2, was found to be active against reference strains and MDR isolates of Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The compound was active against all the tested microorganisms, having bactericidal and fungicidal activity, displaying minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 16 and 128 μg mL-1. No synergy with clinically relevant antibacterial drugs was found. However, the compound was able to completely inhibit the biofilm formation of bacteria exposed to the MIC of the compound. For E. coli and E. faecalis, inhibition of biofilm formation occurred at half the MIC. Besides, DOCA-NH2 inhibited the dimorphic transition of Candida albicans at concentrations 4 times lower than the MIC, and can reduce the microorganism virulence and biofilm formation was significantly reduced at both MIC and half the MIC. Polydimethylsiloxane-based coatings containing DOCA-NH2 (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt%) were prepared and tested against the E. coli biofilm formation under hydrodynamic conditions similar to those prevailing in ureteral stents. A biofilm reduction of approximately 80% was achieved when compared to the control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Neves
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Joana Freitas-Silva
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Durães
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Elisabete R Silva
- BioISI - BioSystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- CERENA - Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês C Rodrigues
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Filipe Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marisa Gomes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Teixeira-Santos
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Bernardes André
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Remião
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Pinto
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Martins da Costa
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Marta Correia da Silva
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
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Suprewicz Ł, Szczepański A, Lenart M, Piktel E, Fiedoruk K, Barreto-Duran E, Kula-Pacurar A, Savage PB, Milewska A, Bucki R, Pyrć K. Ceragenins exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 by increasing the expression and release of type I interferons upon activation of the host's immune response. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105676. [PMID: 37481038 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) heavily burdened the entire world socially and economically. Despite a generation of vaccines and therapeutics to confront infection, it remains a threat. Most available antivirals target viral proteins and block their activity or function. While such an approach is considered effective and safe, finding treatments for specific viruses of concern leaves us unprepared for developed resistance and future viral pandemics of unknown origin. Here, we propose ceragenins (CSAs), synthetic amphipathic molecules designed to mimic the properties of cationic antimicrobial peptides (cAMPs), as potential broad-spectrum antivirals. We show that selected CSAs exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and low-pathogenic human coronaviruses 229E, OC43, and NL63. The mechanism of action of CSAs against coronaviruses is mainly attributed to the stimulation of antiviral cytokines, such as type I interferons or IL-6. Our study provides insight into a novel immunomodulatory strategy that might play an essential role during the current pandemic and future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Suprewicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Artur Szczepański
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marzena Lenart
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Emilia Barreto-Duran
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Kula-Pacurar
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Aleksandra Milewska
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Pyrć
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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Tu J, Liu N, Huang Y, Yang W, Sheng C. Small molecules for combating multidrug-resistant superbug Candida auris infections. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4056-4074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Kazakova O, Giniyatullina G, Babkov D, Wimmer Z. From Marine Metabolites to the Drugs of the Future: Squalamine, Trodusquemine, Their Steroid and Triterpene Analogues. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031075. [PMID: 35162998 PMCID: PMC8834734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review comprehensively describes the recent advances in the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of steroid polyamines squalamine, trodusquemine, ceragenins, claramine, and their diverse analogs and derivatives, with a special focus on their complete synthesis from cholic acids, as well as an antibacterial and antiviral, neuroprotective, antiangiogenic, antitumor, antiobesity and weight-loss activity, antiatherogenic, regenerative, and anxiolytic properties. Trodusquemine is the most-studied small-molecule allosteric PTP1B inhibitor. The discovery of squalamine as the first representative of a previously unknown class of natural antibiotics of animal origin stimulated extensive research of terpenoids (especially triterpenoids) comprising polyamine fragments. During the last decade, this new class of biologically active semisynthetic natural product derivatives demonstrated the possibility to form supramolecular networks, which opens up many possibilities for the use of such structures for drug delivery systems in serum or other body fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Kazakova
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry, UFA Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Gulnara Giniyatullina
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry, UFA Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia;
| | - Denis Babkov
- Laboratory of Metabotropic Drugs, Scientific Center for Innovative Drugs, Volgograd State Medical University, Novorossiyskaya St. 39, 400087 Volgograd, Russia;
| | - Zdenek Wimmer
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Technicka’ 5, Prague 6, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic;
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9
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OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6526320. [PMID: 35142862 PMCID: PMC8929677 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multi drug resistant fungal pathogen that has caused infectious outbreaks in over 45 countries since its first isolation over a decade ago, leading to in-hospital crude mortality rates as high as 72%. The fungus is also acclimated to disinfection procedures and persists for weeks in nosocomial ecosystems. Alarmingly, the outbreaks of C. auris infections in Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients have also been reported. The pathogenicity, drug resistance and global spread of C. auris have led to an urgent exploration of novel, candidate antifungal agents for C. auris therapeutics. This narrative review codifies the emerging data on the following new/emerging antifungal compounds and strategies: antimicrobial peptides, combinational therapy, immunotherapy, metals and nano particles, natural compounds, and repurposed drugs. Encouragingly, a vast majority of these exhibit excellent anti- C. auris properties, with promising drugs now in the pipeline in various stages of development. Nevertheless, further research on the modes of action, toxicity, and the dosage of the new formulations are warranted. Studies are needed with representation from all five C. auris clades, so as to produce data of grater relevance, and broader significance and validity.
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Current scenario of the search for new antifungal agents to treat Candida auris infections: An integrative review. J Mycol Med 2021; 32:101232. [PMID: 34883404 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Candida auris emerges as an important causative agent of fungal infections, with worrisome mortality rates, mainly in immunocompromised individuals. This scenario is worsened by the limited availability of antifungal drugs and the increasing development of resistance to them. Due to the relevance of C. auris infections to public health, several studies aimed to discover new antifungal compounds capable of overcoming this fungus. Nonetheless, these information are decentralized, precluding the understandment of the current status of the search for new anti-C. auris compounds. Thus, this integrative review aimed to summarize information regarding anti-C. auris compounds reported in literature. After using predefined selection criteria, 71 articles were included in this review, and data from a total of 101 substances were extracted. Most of the studies tested synthetic substances, including several azoles. Moreover, drug repurposing emerges as a suitable strategy to discover new anti-C. auris agents. Few studies, however, assessed the mechanism of action and the in vivo antifungal activity of the compounds. Therefore, more studies must be performed to evaluate the usefulness of these substances as anti-C. auris therapies.
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11
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Faria-Gonçalves P, Rolo J, Gaspar C, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A. Virulence Factors as Promoters of Chronic Vulvovaginal Candidosis: A Review. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:755-773. [PMID: 34613569 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00592-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The vast majority of the species of the genus Candida spp. is commensal in humans; however, some are opportunistic pathogens that can cause infection, called candidosis. Among the different types of candidosis, we highlight the vulvovaginal (VVC) which can occur in two main clinical variants: chronic (cVVC) and episodic or sporadic. The incidence of cVVC has been worrying the scientific community, promoting the research on genotypic and phenotypic causes of its occurrence. We summarize important findings on factors that favor chronic vulvovaginal candidosis with respect to molecular epidemiology and the expression of various virulence factors, while clarifying the terminology involving these infections. AIM AND METHODOLOGY The aim of this review was to gather research that linked virulence factors to VVC and its persistence and recurrence, using two databases (Pubmed and Google Scholar). Predisposing factors in women for the occurrence of cVVC and some studies that refer new preventive and alternative therapies were also included, where appropriate. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Several studies have been shedding light on the increasing number of persistence and recurrences of VVC. The expression of virulence factors has been related to both chronic forms of VVC and antifungal resistance. Other studies report mutations occurring in the genome of Candida spp. during the infection phase which may be important indications for new therapies. The introduction of preventive therapies and new therapies has revealed great importance and is also highlighted here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faria-Gonçalves
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, Lubango, Angola.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Rolo
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Gaspar
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Health Products Research and Development Lda, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Health Products Research and Development Lda, Covilhã, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Health Products Research and Development Lda, Covilhã, Portugal
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12
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Billamboz M, Fatima Z, Hameed S, Jawhara S. Promising Drug Candidates and New Strategies for Fighting against the Emerging Superbug Candida auris. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030634. [PMID: 33803604 PMCID: PMC8003017 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections represent an expanding threat to public health. During the past decade, a paradigm shift of candidiasis from Candida albicans to non-albicans Candida species has fundamentally increased with the advent of Candida auris. C. auris was identified in 2009 and is now recognized as an emerging species of concern and underscores the urgent need for novel drug development strategies. In this review, we discuss the genomic epidemiology and the main virulence factors of C. auris. We also focus on the different new strategies and results obtained during the past decade in the field of antifungal design against this emerging C. auris pathogen yeast, based on a medicinal chemist point of view. Critical analyses of chemical features and physicochemical descriptors will be carried out along with the description of reported strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Billamboz
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, Université Lille, U1167—RID-AGE—Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies liées au Vieillissement, F-59000 Lille, France
- Junia, Health and Environment, Laboratory of Sustainable Chemistry and Health, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (S.J.)
| | - Zeeshan Fatima
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram 122413, India; (Z.F.); (S.H.)
| | - Saif Hameed
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram 122413, India; (Z.F.); (S.H.)
| | - Samir Jawhara
- UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM U1285, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (S.J.)
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13
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Hao W, Qiao D, Han Y, Du N, Li X, Fan Y, Ge X, Zhang H. Identification of disulfiram as a potential antifungal drug by screening small molecular libraries. J Infect Chemother 2020; 27:696-701. [PMID: 33358402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Candida albicans and Candida auris strains are common causative species of Candidiasis. The limited number of antifungal drugs and the current situation of resistance to existing antifungals force us to search for new antifungal alternatives. METHODS In this work, primary screening of small molecule libraries (Metabolism Compound Library and Epigenetics Compound Library) consisting of 584 compounds against Candida albicans SC5314 was performed. The dose-response assays, XTT assays, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to confirm the antifungal activities of the selected compounds against Candida strains. RESULTS Through the primary screening, we identified five compounds (U73122, disulfiram, BSK805, BIX01294, and GSKJ4) that inhibited strains growth ≥ 80% for dose-response assays. Disulfiram was identified as the most potent repositionable antifungal drug with 50% growth inhibition detected at a concentration as low as 1 mg/L. The further results showed the antifungal activity of disulfiram against biofilm formation of Candida strains with a 50% minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 32 to 128 mg/L. Further observations by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the destruction of biofilm architecture and the change of biofilm morphology after being exposed to disulfiram. CONCLUSION The study indicated the potential clinical application of disulfiram as a promising antifungal drug against candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Hao
- The Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China; Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ning Du
- The Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xuefen Li
- The Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yufeng Fan
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xuejun Ge
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
| | - Heyu Zhang
- The Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.
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14
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Chmielewska SJ, Skłodowski K, Piktel E, Suprewicz Ł, Fiedoruk K, Daniluk T, Wolak P, Savage PB, Bucki R. NDM-1 Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae are Highly Susceptible to Ceragenins CSA-13, CSA-44, and CSA-131. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:3277-3294. [PMID: 33061475 PMCID: PMC7535143 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s261579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Treatment of infections caused by NDM-1 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) represents one of the major challenges of modern medicine. In order to address this issue, we tested ceragenins (CSAs – cationic steroid antimicrobials) as promising agents to eradicate various NDM-1-producing Gram-negative enteric rods. Materials and Methods Susceptibility to CSA-13, CSA-44, and CSA-131 of four reference NDM-1 carbapenemase-producing strains, ie, Escherichia coli BAA-2471, Enterobacter cloacae BAA-2468, Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae BAA-2472, and K. pneumoniae BAA-2473 was assessed by MIC/MBC testing of planktonic cells as well as biofilm formation/disruption assays. To define the mechanism of CSAs bactericidal activity, their ability to induce generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), permeabilization of the inner and outer membranes, and their mechanical and adhesive properties upon CSA addition were examined. Additionally, hemolytic assays were performed to assess CSAs hemocompatibility. Results All tested CSAs exert substantial bactericidal activity against NDM-1-producing bacteria. Moreover, CSAs significantly prevent biofilm formation as well as reduce the mass of developed biofilms. The mechanism of CSA action comprises both increased permeability of the outer and inner membrane, which is associated with an extensive ROS generation. Additionally, atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis has shown morphological alterations in bacterial cells and the reduction of stiffness and adhesion properties. Importantly, CSAs are characterized by low hemolytic activity at concentrations that are bactericidal. Conclusion Development of ceragenins should be viewed as one of the valid strategies to provide new treatment options against infections associated with CPE. The studies presented herein demonstrate that NDM-1-positive bacteria are more susceptible to ceragenins than to conventional antibiotics. In effect, CSA-13, CSA-44, and CSA-131 may be favorable for prevention and decrease of global burden of CPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Joanna Chmielewska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Karol Skłodowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Łukasz Suprewicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Tamara Daniluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Przemysław Wolak
- The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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15
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Dao A, Mills RJ, Kamble S, Savage PB, Little DG, Schindeler A. The application of ceragenins to orthopedic surgery and medicine. J Orthop Res 2020; 38:1883-1894. [PMID: 31994754 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Osteomyelitis and infections associated with orthopedic implants represent a significant burden of disease worldwide. Ceragenins (CSAs) are a relatively new class of small-molecule antimicrobials that target a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi, viruses, and parasites. This review sets the context of the need for new antimicrobial strategies by cataloging the common pathogens associated with orthopedic infection and highlighting the increasing challenges of managing antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. It then comparatively describes the antimicrobial properties of CSAs with a focus on the CSA-13 family. More recently developed members of this family such as CSA-90 and CSA-131 may have a particular advantage in an orthopedic setting as they possess secondary pro-osteogenic properties. In this context, we consider several new preclinical studies that demonstrate the utility of CSAs in orthopedic models. Emerging evidence suggests that CSAs are effective against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and can prevent the formation of biofilms. There remains considerable scope for developing CSA-based treatments, either as coatings for orthopedic implants or as local or systemic antibiotics to prevent bone infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiken Dao
- Orthopaedic Research & Biotechnology Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Mills
- Orthopaedic Research & Biotechnology Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumedh Kamble
- Orthopaedic Research & Biotechnology Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul B Savage
- Orthopaedic Research & Biotechnology Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - David G Little
- Orthopaedic Research & Biotechnology Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aaron Schindeler
- Orthopaedic Research & Biotechnology Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Silva LN, de Mello TP, de Souza Ramos L, Branquinha MH, Dos Santos ALS. New and Promising Chemotherapeutics for Emerging Infections Involving Drug-resistant Non-albicans Candida Species. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 19:2527-2553. [PMID: 31654512 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666191025152412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a veritable public health problem worldwide. The increasing number of patient populations at risk (e.g. transplanted individuals, cancer patients, and HIV-infected people), as well as the use of antifungal agents for prophylaxis in medicine, have favored the emergence of previously rare or newly identified fungal species. Indeed, novel antifungal resistance patterns have been observed, including environmental sources and the emergence of simultaneous resistance to different antifungal classes, especially in Candida spp., which are known for the multidrug-resistance (MDR) profile. In order to circumvent this alarming scenario, the international researchers' community is engaged in discovering new, potent, and promising compounds to be used in a near future to treat resistant fungal infections in hospital settings on a global scale. In this context, many compounds with antifungal action from both natural and synthetic sources are currently under clinical development, including those that target either ergosterol or β(1,3)-D-glucan, presenting clear evidence of pharmacologic/pharmacokinetic advantages over currently available drugs against these two well-known fungal target structures. Among these are the tetrazoles VT-1129, VT-1161, and VT-1598, the echinocandin CD101, and the glucan synthase inhibitor SCY-078. In this review, we compiled the most recent antifungal compounds that are currently in clinical trials of development and described the potential outcomes against emerging and rare Candida species, with a focus on C. auris, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. haemulonii, and C. rugosa. In addition to possibly overcoming the limitations of currently available antifungals, new investigational chemical agents that can enhance the classic antifungal activity, thereby reversing previously resistant phenotypes, were also highlighted. While novel and increasingly MDR non-albicans Candida species continue to emerge worldwide, novel strategies for rapid identification and treatment are needed to combat these life-threatening opportunistic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nunes Silva
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaís Pereira de Mello
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lívia de Souza Ramos
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Wnorowska U, Fiedoruk K, Piktel E, Prasad SV, Sulik M, Janion M, Daniluk T, Savage PB, Bucki R. Nanoantibiotics containing membrane-active human cathelicidin LL-37 or synthetic ceragenins attached to the surface of magnetic nanoparticles as novel and innovative therapeutic tools: current status and potential future applications. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:3. [PMID: 31898542 PMCID: PMC6939332 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches have attracted attention of scientists, in particular due to the special features of nanomaterials, such as adequate biocompatibility, ability to improve therapeutic efficiency of incorporated drugs and to limit their adverse effects. Among a variety of reported nanomaterials for biomedical applications, metal and metal oxide-based nanoparticles offer unique physicochemical properties allowing their use in combination with conventional antimicrobials and as magnetic field-controlled drug delivery nanocarriers. An ever-growing number of studies demonstrate that by combining magnetic nanoparticles with membrane-active, natural human cathelicidin-derived LL-37 peptide, and its synthetic mimics such as ceragenins, innovative nanoagents might be developed. Between others, they demonstrate high clinical potential as antimicrobial, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory and regenerative agents. Due to continuous research, knowledge on pleiotropic character of natural antibacterial peptides and their mimics is growing, and it is justifying to stay that the therapeutic potential of nanosystems containing membrane active compounds has not been exhausted yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Wnorowska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Suhanya V Prasad
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sulik
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marianna Janion
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Al. IX Wiekow Kielc 19A, 25-317, Kielce, Poland
| | - Tamara Daniluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland.
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18
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Abstract
The enigmatic yeast Candida auris has emerged over the last decade and rapidly penetrated our consciousness. The global threat from this multidrug-resistant yeast has generated a call to arms from within the medical mycology community. Over the past decade, our understanding of how this yeast has spread globally, its clinical importance, and how it tolerates and resists antifungal agents has expanded. This review highlights the clinical importance of antifungal resistance in C. auris and explores our current understanding of the mechanisms associated with azole, polyene, and echinocandin resistance. We also discuss the impact of phenotypic tolerance, with particular emphasis on biofilm-mediated resistance, and present new pipelines of antifungal drugs that promise new hope in the management of C. auris infection.
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19
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Hashemi MM, Holden BS, Coburn J, Taylor MF, Weber S, Hilton B, Zaugg AL, McEwan C, Carson R, Andersen JL, Price JC, Deng S, Savage PB. Proteomic Analysis of Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria to Chlorhexidine and Impacts on Susceptibility to Colistin, Antimicrobial Peptides, and Ceragenins. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:210. [PMID: 30833936 PMCID: PMC6388577 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of chlorhexidine in clinical settings has led to concerns that repeated exposure of bacteria to sub-lethal doses of chlorhexidine might result in chlorhexidine resistance and cross resistance with other cationic antimicrobials including colistin, endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their mimics, ceragenins. We have previously shown that colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria remain susceptible to AMPs and ceragenins. Here, we investigated the potential for cross resistance between chlorhexidine, colistin, AMPs and ceragenins by serial exposure of standard strains of Gram-negative bacteria to chlorhexidine to generate resistant populations of organisms. Furthermore, we performed a proteomics study on the chlorhexidine-resistant strains and compared them to the wild-type strains to find the pathways by which bacteria develop resistance to chlorhexidine. Serial exposure of Gram-negative bacteria to chlorhexidine resulted in four- to eight-fold increases in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Chlorhexidine-resistant organisms showed decreased susceptibility to colistin (8- to 32-fold increases in MICs) despite not being exposed to colistin. In contrast, chlorhexidine-resistant organisms had the same MICs as the original strains when tested with representative AMPs (LL-37 and magainin I) and ceragenins (CSA-44 and CSA-131). These results imply that there may be a connection between the emergence of highly colistin-resistant Gram-negative pathogens and the prevalence of chlorhexidine usage. Yet, use of chlorhexidine may not impact innate immune defenses (e.g., AMPs) and their mimics (e.g., ceragenins). Here, we also show that chlorhexidine resistance is associated with upregulation of proteins involved in the assembly of LPS for outer membrane biogenesis and virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, resistance to chlorhexidine resulted in elevated expression levels of proteins associated with chaperones, efflux pumps, flagella and cell metabolism. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary proteomic changes in P. aeruginosa following exposure to chlorhexidine and colistin. These results have important clinical implications considering the continuous application of chlorhexidine in hospitals that could influence the emergence of colistin-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan M Hashemi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Brett S Holden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Jordan Coburn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Maddison F Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Scott Weber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Brian Hilton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Aaron L Zaugg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Colten McEwan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Richard Carson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Joshua L Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - John C Price
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Shenglou Deng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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20
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Susceptibility of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria, Isolated from Water and Plants in Nigeria, to Ceragenins. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15122758. [PMID: 30563216 PMCID: PMC6313750 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The continuous emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens is a major global health concern. Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown promise as a possible means of combatting multidrug resistant strains without readily engendering resistance, costs of production and targeting by proteases limit their utility. Ceragenins are non-peptide AMP mimics that overcome these shortcomings while retaining broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. To further characterize the antibacterial activities of ceragenins, their activities against a collection of environmental isolates of bacteria were determined. These isolates were isolated in Nigeria from plants and water. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of selected ceragenins and currently available antimicrobials against these isolates were measured to determine resistance patterns. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we examined the morphological changes in bacterial membranes following treatment with ceragenins. Finally, we investigated the effectiveness of ceragenins in inhibiting biofilm formation and destroying established biofilms. We found that, despite high resistance to many currently available antimicrobials, including colistin, environmental isolates in planktonic and biofilm forms remain susceptible to ceragenins. Additionally, SEM and confocal images of ceragenin-treated cells confirmed the effective antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of ceragenins.
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Kean R, Delaney C, Sherry L, Borman A, Johnson EM, Richardson MD, Rautemaa-Richardson R, Williams C, Ramage G. Transcriptome Assembly and Profiling of Candida auris Reveals Novel Insights into Biofilm-Mediated Resistance. mSphere 2018; 3:e00334-18. [PMID: 29997121 PMCID: PMC6041501 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00334-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a significant global nosocomial pathogen. This is primarily due to its antifungal resistance profile but also its capacity to form adherent biofilm communities on a range of clinically important substrates. While we have a comprehensive understanding of how other Candida species resist and respond to antifungal challenge within the sessile phenotype, our current understanding of C. auris biofilm-mediated resistance is lacking. In this study, we are the first to perform transcriptomic analysis of temporally developing C. auris biofilms, which were shown to exhibit phase- and antifungal class-dependent resistance profiles. A de novo transcriptome assembly was performed, where sequenced sample reads were assembled into an ~11.5-Mb transcriptome consisting of 5,848 genes. Differential expression (DE) analysis demonstrated that 791 and 464 genes were upregulated in biofilm formation and planktonic cells, respectively, with a minimum 2-fold change. Adhesin-related glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall genes were upregulated at all time points of biofilm formation. As the biofilm developed into intermediate and mature stages, a number of genes encoding efflux pumps were upregulated, including ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters. When we assessed efflux pump activity biochemically, biofilm efflux was greater than that of planktonic cells at 12 and 24 h. When these were inhibited, fluconazole sensitivity was enhanced 4- to 16-fold. This study demonstrates the importance of efflux-mediated resistance within complex C. auris communities and may explain the resistance of C. auris to a range of antimicrobial agents within the hospital environment.IMPORTANCE Fungal infections represent an important cause of human morbidity and mortality, particularly if the fungi adhere to and grow on both biological and inanimate surfaces as communities of cells (biofilms). Recently, a previously unrecognized yeast, Candida auris, has emerged globally that has led to widespread concern due to the difficulty in treating it with existing antifungal agents. Alarmingly, it is also able to grow as a biofilm that is highly resistant to antifungal agents, yet we are unclear about how it does this. Here, we used a molecular approach to investigate the genes that are important in causing the cells to be resistant within the biofilm. The work provides significant insights into the importance of efflux pumps, which actively pump out toxic antifungal drugs and therefore enhance fungal survival within a variety of harsh environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Kean
- Oral Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Healthcare, Policy and Practise, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Delaney
- Oral Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Leighann Sherry
- Oral Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Borman
- National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England South-West, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M Johnson
- National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England South-West, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm D Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, University Hospital of South Manchester & University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, University Hospital of South Manchester & University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Williams
- Institute of Healthcare, Policy and Practise, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB)‡
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Oral Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB)‡
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Abstract
Ceragenins were designed as non-peptide mimics of endogenous antimicrobial peptides, and they display broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities, including the ability to eradicate established biofilms. These features of ceragenins make them attractive potential therapeutics for persistent infections in the lung, including those associated with cystic fibrosis. A characteristic of an optimal therapeutic for use in the lungs and trachea is the exertion of potent antimicrobial activities without damaging the cilia that play a critical role in these tissues. In previous work, potent antimicrobial activities of ceragenin CSA-131 have been reported; however, we found in ex vivo studies that this ceragenin, at concentrations necessary to eradicate established biofilms, also causes loss of cilia function. By formulating CSA-131 in poloxamer micelles, cilia damage was eliminated and antimicrobial activity was unaffected. The ability of CSA-131, formulated with a poloxamer, to reduce the populations of fungal pathogens in tracheal and lung tissue was also observed in ex vivo studies. These findings suggest that CSA-131, formulated in micelles, may act as a potential therapeutic for polymicrobial and biofilm-related infections in the lung and trachea.
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