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Kwun MS, Lee DG. Bacterial Apoptosis-Like Death through Accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species by Quercetin in Escherichia coli. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1395-1400. [PMID: 38934783 PMCID: PMC11294654 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2403.03057] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The antimicrobial activity of the natural compounds from plant and food have well discovered since the interest on the beneficial effect of the natural compounds was risen. Quercetin, a flavonoid derived from vegetables, including onions, red leaf lettuces and cherries has been studied for diverse biological characteristics as anti-cancer and anti-microbial activities. The aim of current study is to investigate the specific antibacterial modes of action of quercetin against Escherichia coli. Quercetin decreased the E. coli cell viability and induced the severe damages (oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation) leading to cell death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was observed during the process, which we confirmed that oxidative stress was the key action of antibacterial activity of quercetin exerting its influence potently. Based on the results of Annexin V and Caspace FITC-VAD-FMK assay, the oxidative damage in E. coli has led to the bacterial apoptosis-like death in E. coli. To sum up, the contribution of ROS generation exerts crucial impact in antibacterial activity of quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seok Kwun
- School of Life Sciences, BK 21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gun Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK 21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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2
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Hejníková M, Tomčala A, Černý J, Kodrík D. Melittin-The principal toxin of honeybee venom-Is also produced in the honeybee fat body. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 281:109928. [PMID: 38649084 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Melittin is a powerful toxin present in honeybee venom that is active in a wide range of animals, from insects to humans. Melittin exerts numerous biological, toxicological, and pharmacological effects, the most important of which is destruction of the cell membrane. The phospholipase activity of melittin and its ability to activate phospholipases in the venom contribute to these actions. Using analytical methods, we discovered that the honeybee Apis mellifera produces melittin not only in the venom gland but also in its fat body cells, which remain resistant to this toxin's effects. We suggest that melittin acts as an anti-bacterial agent, since its gene expression is significantly upregulated when honeybees are infected with Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria; additionally, melittin effectively kills these bacteria in the disc diffusion test. We hypothesize that the chemical and physicochemical properties of the melittin molecule (hydrophilicity, lipophilicity, and capacity to form tetramers) in combination with reactive conditions (melittin concentration, salt concentration, pH, and temperature) are responsible for the targeted destruction of bacterial cells and apparent tolerance towards own tissue cells. Considering that melittin is an important current and, importantly, potential broad-spectrum medication, a thorough understanding of the observed phenomena may significantly increase its use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Hejníková
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Tomčala
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Water, CENAKVA, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, Na Sádkách 1780, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Černý
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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3
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Ahmed MBM, El-ssayad MF, Yousef SY, Salem SH. Bee venom: A potential natural alternative to conventional preservatives for prolonging the shelf-life of soft cheese 'Talaga'. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28968. [PMID: 38601605 PMCID: PMC11004823 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28968] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aims to explore bee venom (honey-BV) as a potential natural preservative for "Tallaga" soft cheese. Characterization of the active compounds in honey-BV was conducted via chromatographic analyses. Antimicrobial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria and fungi was evaluated, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. Subsequently, honey-BV was applied to Tallaga cheese at 15 mg/g concentrations. The main active ingredients identified in bee venom were apamin (2%) and melittin (48.7%). Both concentrations of bee venom (100 and 200 mg/mL) exhibited significant antifungal and antibacterial properties against tested organisms, with MIC values varied from 0.2 to 0.5 mg/mL for bacteria to 3-13 mg/mL for fungi. Application of honey-BV in Tallaga cheese resulted in complete elimination of Staphylococcal populations after 2 weeks of cold storage, with no detectable growth of molds or yeasts throughout the storage period. Additionally, a steady decrease in aerobic plate count was observed over time. In summary, honey-BV holds promise as a natural preservative for soft cheese, however, more investigation is required to optimize the concentration for economic viability, taking into account health benefits and safety considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Bedair M. Ahmed
- Department of Food Toxicology and Contaminants, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., P.O. Box: 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Fathy El-ssayad
- Dairy Sciences Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., P.O. Box: 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Salah H. Salem
- Department of Food Toxicology and Contaminants, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., P.O. Box: 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
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4
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Dho M, Candian V, Tedeschi R. Insect Antimicrobial Peptides: Advancements, Enhancements and New Challenges. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:952. [PMID: 37370271 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12060952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several insects are known as vectors of a wide range of animal and human pathogens causing various diseases. However, they are also a source of different substances, such as the Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs), which can be employed in the development of natural bioactive compounds for medical, veterinary and agricultural applications. It is well known that AMP activity, in contrast to most classical antibiotics, does not lead to the development of natural bacterial resistance, or at least the frequency of resistance is considered to be low. Therefore, there is a strong interest in assessing the efficacy of the various peptides known to date, identifying new compounds and evaluating possible solutions in order to increase their production. Moreover, implementing AMP modulation in insect rearing could preserve insect health in large-scale production. This review describes the current knowledge on insect AMPs, presenting the validated ones for the different insect orders. A brief description of their mechanism of action is reported with focus on proposed applications. The possible effects of insect diet on AMP translation and synthesis have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Dho
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Valentina Candian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Rosemarie Tedeschi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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5
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Santos AL, Beckham JL, Liu D, Li G, van Venrooy A, Oliver A, Tegos GP, Tour JM. Visible-Light-Activated Molecular Machines Kill Fungi by Necrosis Following Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Calcium Overload. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205781. [PMID: 36715588 PMCID: PMC10074111 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are a growing public health threat. As fungi become increasingly resistant to existing drugs, new antifungals are urgently needed. Here, it is reported that 405-nm-visible-light-activated synthetic molecular machines (MMs) eliminate planktonic and biofilm fungal populations more effectively than conventional antifungals without resistance development. Mechanism-of-action studies show that MMs bind to fungal mitochondrial phospholipids. Upon visible light activation, rapid unidirectional drilling of MMs at ≈3 million cycles per second (MHz) results in mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium overload, and ultimately necrosis. Besides their direct antifungal effect, MMs synergize with conventional antifungals by impairing the activity of energy-dependent efflux pumps. Finally, MMs potentiate standard antifungals both in vivo and in an ex vivo porcine model of onychomycosis, reducing the fungal burden associated with infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Santos
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- IdISBA – Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas BalearesPalma07120Spain
| | | | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
| | - Gang Li
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
| | | | - Antonio Oliver
- IdISBA – Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas BalearesPalma07120Spain
- Servicio de MicrobiologiaHospital Universitari Son EspasesPalma07120Spain
| | - George P. Tegos
- Office of ResearchReading HospitalTower Health, 420 S. Fifth AvenueWest ReadingPA19611USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Smalley‐Curl InstituteRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineeringRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- NanoCarbon Center and the Welch Institute for Advanced MaterialsRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
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6
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Guevara-Lora I, Bras G, Juszczak M, Karkowska-Kuleta J, Gorecki A, Manrique-Moreno M, Dymek J, Pyza E, Kozik A, Rapala-Kozik M. Cecropin D-derived synthetic peptides in the fight against Candida albicans cell filamentation and biofilm formation. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1045984. [PMID: 36713201 PMCID: PMC9880178 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1045984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent progressive increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, makes the search for new therapies crucial in the face of the growing drug resistance of prevalent nosocomial yeast strains. The latest research focuses on the active compounds of natural origin, inhibiting fungal growth, and preventing the formation of fungal biofilms. Antimicrobial peptides are currently the subject of numerous studies concerning effective antifungal therapy. In the present study, the antifungal properties of two synthetic peptides (ΔM3, ΔM4) derived from an insect antimicrobial peptide - cecropin D - were investigated. The fungicidal activity of both compounds was demonstrated against the yeast forms of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis, reaching a MFC99.9 in the micromolar range, while Candida glabrata showed greater resistance to these peptides. The scanning electron microscopy revealed a destabilization of the yeast cell walls upon treatment with both peptides; however, their effectiveness was strongly modified by the presence of salt or plasma in the yeast environment. The transition of C. albicans cells from yeast to filamentous form, as well as the formation of biofilms, was effectively reduced by ΔM4. Mature biofilm viability was inhibited by a higher concentration of this peptide and was accompanied by increased ROS production, activation of the GPX3 and SOD5 genes, and finally, increased membrane permeability. Furthermore, both peptides showed a synergistic effect with caspofungin in inhibiting the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells, and an additive effect was also observed for the mixtures of peptides with amphotericin B. The results indicate the possible potential of the tested peptides in the prevention and treatment of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibeth Guevara-Lora
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Gorecki
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Jakub Dymek
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland,*Correspondence: Maria Rapala-Kozik,
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7
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Perez-Rodriguez A, Eraso E, Quindós G, Mateo E. Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Candida Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169264. [PMID: 36012523 PMCID: PMC9409312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoses are accountable for millions of infections yearly worldwide. Invasive candidiasis is the most usual, presenting a high morbidity and mortality. Candida albicans remains the prevalent etiologic agent, but the incidence of other species such as Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida auris keeps increasing. These pathogens frequently show a reduced susceptibility to commonly used antifungal drugs, including polyenes, triazoles and echinocandins, and the incidence of emerging multi-drug-resistant strains of these species continues to increase. Therefore, the need to search for new molecules that target these pathogenic species in a different manner is now more urgent than ever. Nature is an almost endless source of interesting new molecules that could meet this need. Among these molecules, antimicrobial peptides, present in different sources in nature, possess some advantages over conventional antifungal agents, even with their own drawbacks, and are considered as a promising pharmacological option against a wide range of microbial infections. In this review, we describe 20 antimicrobial peptides from different origins that possess an activity against Candida.
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8
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Menezes-Silva L, Catarino JDS, de Faria LC, Pizzolante BC, Andrade-Silva LE, da Silva MV, Rodrigues V, Sales-Campos H, Oliveira CJF. Hemolymph of triatomines presents fungistatic activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and improves macrophage function through MCP-I/TNF-α increase. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210124. [PMID: 35910486 PMCID: PMC9302513 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0124] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Triatomines are blood-feeding arthropods belonging to the subfamily Triatominae
(Hemiptera; Reduviidae), capable of producing immunomodulatory and water-soluble
molecules in their hemolymph, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this
work, we evaluated the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph
of Meccus pallidipennis (MPH) and Rhodnius
prolixus (RPH) against Cryptococcus neoformans.
Methods: We assessed the activity of the hemolymph of both
insects on fungal growth by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay.
Further, RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultivated with hemolymph and challenged
with C. neoformans. Then, their phagocytic and killing
activities were assessed. The cytokines MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, and
IL-6 were measured in culture supernatants 4- and 48-hours post-infection.
Results: Both hemolymph samples directly affected the growth
rate of the fungus in a dose-dependent manner. Either MPH or RPH was capable of
inhibiting fungal growth by at least 70%, using the lowest dilution (1:20).
Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with hemolymph of both insects was capable of
increasing the production of MCP-I and TNF-α. In addition, when these cells were
stimulated with hemolymph in the presence of C. neoformans, a
2- and a 4-fold increase in phagocytic rate was observed with MPH and RPH,
respectively, when compared to untreated cells. For the macrophage killing
activity, MPH decreased in approximately 30% the number of viable yeasts inside
the cells compared to untreated control; however, treatment with RPH could not
reduce the total number of viable yeasts. MPH was also capable of increasing
MHC-II expression on macrophages. Regarding the cytokine production, MCP-I and
TNF-α, were increased in the supernatant of macrophages treated with both
hemolymphs, 4 and 48 hours after stimulation. Conclusion: These
results suggested that hemolymph of triatomines may represent a source of
molecules capable of presenting antifungal and immunomodulatory activity in
macrophages during fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Menezes-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jonatas da Silva Catarino
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Laura Caroline de Faria
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Cristina Pizzolante
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Eurípedes Andrade-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Virmondes Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Helioswilton Sales-Campos
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
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Antifungal Activity of a Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet 1,064-Nanometer Laser against Sporothrix globosa by Inducing Apoptosis and Pyroptosis via the NLRP3/Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway: In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0136421. [PMID: 34908455 PMCID: PMC8672895 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01364-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a deep fungal infection caused by Sporothrix species. Currently, itraconazole is the main treatment, but fungal resistance, adverse effects, and drug interactions remain major concerns, especially in patients with immune dysfunction. Therefore, an alternative treatment is greatly in demand. This animal study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1,064-nm laser treatment on Sporothrix globosa and to explore whether it happens through regulation of the Nod-like receptor thermoprotein domain-related protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1 pyroptosis and apoptosis pathway. After laser irradiation, a series of studies, including assays of viability (using the cell counting kit-8 [CCK-8]), morphological structure changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, cell cycle progression, and metacaspase activation, were conducted to estimate the effect of Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser treatment on Sporothrix globosa cell apoptosis in vitro. For in vivo studies, mice were infected with S. globosa and then treated with laser or itraconazole, and their footpad skin lesions and the changes in the histology of tissue samples were compared. In addition, changes in the levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and caspase-3 were assessed by immunohistochemistry, while the levels of interleukin 17 (IL-17), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in peripheral blood were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The in vitro growth of S. globosa was inhibited and apoptosis was observed after laser treatment. According to the in vivo studies, the efficacy of the laser treatment was similar to that of itraconazole. Moreover, the NLRP3/caspase-1 pyroptosis pathway was activated, with a Th1/Th17 cell response, and the expression of caspase-3 was also upregulated. Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser treatment can effectively inhibit the growth of S. globosa by activating fungal apoptosis and pyroptosis through the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway. Therefore, Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser irradiation is an alternative for sporotrichosis therapy. IMPORTANCE Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser irradiation is a useful alternative for the treatment of sporotrichosis, especially in patients with liver dysfunction, pregnant women, and children, for whom the administration of antifungal drugs is not suitable. It may improve the overall treatment effect by shortening the duration of antifungal treatment and reducing tissue inflammation.
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10
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Mbuayama KR, Taute H, Strӧmstedt AA, Bester MJ, Gaspar ARM. Antifungal activity and mode of action of synthetic peptides derived from the tick OsDef2 defensin. J Pept Sci 2021; 28:e3383. [PMID: 34866278 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the principal opportunistic fungal pathogen in nosocomial settings and resistance to antifungal drugs is on the rise. Antimicrobial peptides from natural sources are promising novel therapeutics against C. albicans. OsDef2 defensin was previously found to be active against only Gram-positive bacteria, whereas derived fragments Os and its cysteine-free analogue, Os-C, are active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at low micromolar concentrations. In this study, OsDef2-derived analogues and fragments were screened for anticandidal activity with the aim to identify peptides with antifungal activity and in so doing obtain a better understanding of the structural requirements for activity and modes of action. Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 , a Os-truncated carboxy-terminal-amidated fragment, had the most significant antifungal activities, with minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) in the micromolar range (6-28 μM). C. albicans killing was rapid and occurred within 30-60 min. Further investigations showed all three peptides interacted with cell wall derived polysaccharides while both Os and Os(11-22)NH2 permeabilized fungal liposomes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 could enter the cytosol of live cells and subsequent findings suggest that the uptake of Os and Os-C, in contrast to Os(11-22)NH2 , is energy dependent. Although Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), co-incubation with ascorbic acid revealed that only ROS generated by Os-C and to a lesser extent Os(11-22)NH2 resulted in cell death. Overall, Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 are promising candidacidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabuzi R Mbuayama
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Helena Taute
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Adam A Strӧmstedt
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Megan J Bester
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anabella R M Gaspar
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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11
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Investigation of distinct contribution of nitric oxide and each reactive oxygen species in indole-3-propionic-acid-induced apoptosis-like death in Escherichia coli. Life Sci 2021; 285:120003. [PMID: 34599936 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a natural product from human microbiota, exhibiting diverse biological activities. The study focused on investigating the antibacterial mode of action(s) triggered by IPA in Escherichia coli. Separate influence of nitric oxide (NO) and each reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH-), was specifically analyzed throughout the process. MAIN METHODS The generation of respective reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO, and ONOO- was conducted using flow cytometer using different dyes. Further analysis of separate influences was held based on usage of each scavenger: sodium pyruvate, thiourea, tiron, and L-NAME. Oxidative cell damage was observed through the detection of glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation. DNA fragmentation and membrane depolarization were observed by TUNEL and DiBAC4(3) staining agent. Finally, Annexin V/PI and FITC-VAD-FMK were applied to detect apoptosis-like death. KEY FINDINGS IPA exhibited antibacterial activity in E. coli through the accumulation of ROS, NO, ONOO-, and DNA damage, eventually leading to apoptosis-like death. NO and O2- exerted the most potent influence on oxidative damage of E. coli, whereas H2O2 accounts for the least impact. Moreover, the results reveal the major contribution of ONOO- in IPA-induced apoptosis-like death in E. coli. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study that introduces the antibacterial activity and apoptosis-like death induced by IPA and suggests the possibility of being an alternative for current antibiotics. Furthermore, the distinct influence of each ROS and NO was analyzed to investigate their contribution to oxidative damage leading to bacterial apoptosis-like death.
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Guha S, Ferrie RP, Ghimire J, Ventura CR, Wu E, Sun L, Kim SY, Wiedman GR, Hristova K, Wimley WC. Applications and evolution of melittin, the quintessential membrane active peptide. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114769. [PMID: 34543656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melittin, the main venom component of the European Honeybee, is a cationic linear peptide-amide of 26 amino acid residues with the sequence: GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2. Melittin binds to lipid bilayer membranes, folds into amphipathic α-helical secondary structure and disrupts the permeability barrier. Since melittin was first described, a remarkable array of activities and potential applications in biology and medicine have been described. Melittin is also a favorite model system for biophysicists to study the structure, folding and function of peptides and proteins in membranes. Melittin has also been used as a template for the evolution of new activities in membranes. Here we overview the rich history of scientific research into the many activities of melittin and outline exciting future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Guha
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan P Ferrie
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ventura
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Eric Wu
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Leisheng Sun
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Y Kim
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gregory R Wiedman
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Wimley C Wimley
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA.
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Kwun MS, Lee DG. Apoptosis-like death-inducing property of tachyplesin I in Escherichia coli. J Basic Microbiol 2021; 61:795-807. [PMID: 34337763 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202100133] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from the horseshoe crab, tachyplesin I (KWCFRVCYRGICYRRCR-NH2 ), displayed the apparent antimicrobial activity with low cytotoxicity, suggesting its efficacy as an attractive agent but still lacks the understandings regarding its mechanism(s). Hence, the study focused on investigating the antibacterial mode of action of tachyplesin I against Escherichia coli. Based on the reactive oxygen species generation displayed in several antimicrobial effects, the detection of superoxide anion and nitric oxide were verified after tachyplesin I treatment. Substantial increment of two molecules was followed by the imbalance in intracellular ion concentration, noticeably magnesium and calcium. The series of stages led to hydroxyl radical generation with reduced glutathione, followed by damage in DNA due to oxidative stress. Eventually, the apoptosis-like death in E. coli was monitored in DNA fragmentation-dependent manner due to the tachyplesin I treatment, verified by membrane depolarization, caspase-like protein activation, and phosphatidylserine exposure. Accordingly, tachyplesin I induces apoptosis-like death in E. coli, suggesting the potential of being a candidate for regulating bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seok Kwun
- School of Life Sciences, BK 21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gun Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK 21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Sarkar T, Chetia M, Chatterjee S. Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins: From Nature's Reservoir to the Laboratory and Beyond. Front Chem 2021; 9:691532. [PMID: 34222199 PMCID: PMC8249576 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.691532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance against conventional antimicrobials, resurgence of multidrug resistant microbes and the slowdown in the development of new classes of antimicrobials, necessitates the urgent development of alternate classes of therapeutic molecules. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small proteins present in different lifeforms in nature that provide defense against microbial infections. They have been effective components of the host defense system for a very long time. The fact that the development of resistance by the microbes against the AMPs is relatively slower or delayed compared to that against the conventional antibiotics, makes them prospective alternative therapeutics of the future. Several thousands of AMPs have been isolated from various natural sources like microorganisms, plants, insects, crustaceans, animals, humans, etc. to date. However, only a few of them have been translated commercially to the market so far. This is because of some inherent drawbacks of the naturally obtained AMPs like 1) short half-life owing to the susceptibility to protease degradation, 2) inactivity at physiological salt concentrations, 3) cytotoxicity to host cells, 4) lack of appropriate strategies for sustained and targeted delivery of the AMPs. This has led to a surge of interest in the development of synthetic AMPs which would retain or improve the antimicrobial potency along with circumventing the disadvantages of the natural analogs. The development of synthetic AMPs is inspired by natural designs and sequences and strengthened by the fusion with various synthetic elements. Generation of the synthetic designs are based on various strategies like sequence truncation, mutation, cyclization and introduction of unnatural amino acids and synthons. In this review, we have described some of the AMPs isolated from the vast repertoire of natural sources, and subsequently described the various synthetic designs that have been developed based on the templates of natural AMPs or from de novo design to make commercially viable therapeutics of the future. This review entails the journey of the AMPs from their natural sources to the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sunanda Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
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15
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Kwun MS, Yun J, Lee DG. Indole-3-carbinol induces apoptosis-like death in Escherichia coli on different contribution of respective reactive oxygen species. Life Sci 2021; 275:119361. [PMID: 33774022 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a natural compound derived from brassica vegetables, displaying antibacterial activity. The study aims to elucidate the antibacterial mode of action(s) induced by indole-3-carbionol in Escherichia coli and enhance the understandings on the respective contribution of each reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH-) during the process. MAIN METHODS The antibacterial activity of I3C was assessed through kinetic assay. The generation of ROS was measured by flow cytometer using H2DCFDA dye, while further analysis of respective contribution was done through application of each scavenger: tiron, thiourea and sodium pyruvate. DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation were observed by TUNEL and DAPI staining agent. Finally, Annexin V/PI, FITC-VAD-FMK and DiBAC4(3) was applied for detection of apoptosis-like death. KEY FINDINGS I3C exhibited antibacterial activity in E. coli through accumulation of ROS and DNA damage, eventually leading to apoptosis-like death. Contribution of each ROS displayed respective manner, OH- exerting the most potent influence whereas O2- showed least impact. SIGNIFICANCE Our study is the first to link I3C to the bacterial apoptosis-like death and displays the potential of this agent as a candidate for potential drugs that could help regulating the E. coli, an opportunistic human pathogen. Moreover, the study focused on investigating the individual contribution of each ROS during the process, trying to enhance the understanding regarding ROS and cellular processes followed by oxidative stress in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seok Kwun
- School of Life Sciences, BK 21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - JiEun Yun
- School of Life Sciences, BK 21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gun Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK 21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Lin C, Wang Y, Le M, Chen KF, Jia YG. Recent Progress in Bile Acid-Based Antimicrobials. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:395-410. [PMID: 33683873 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
With the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and the formation of biofilms by bacteria and fungi, microbial infections gradually threaten global health. Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have low susceptibility for developing resistance due to the membrane targeted mechanism, but instability and high manufacturing cost limit their applications in clinic. Bile acids, a group of steroids in the human body, with high stability, biocompatibility, and inherent facial amphiphilic structure similar to the characteristics of AMPs, have been applied to the biological field, such as drug delivery systems, self-healing hydrogels, antimicrobials, and so on. In this review, we mainly focus on the different classes of bile acid-based antimicrobials in recent years. Various designs and methods for the preparation of unimolecular antimicrobials with bile acid skeletons are first introduced, including coupling of primary amine, quaternary ammonium, and amino acid units with bile acid skeletons. Some representative oligomeric antimicrobials, including dimers of bile acids, are summarized. Finally, macromolecular antimicrobials bearing some positive charges at the main chain or side chain and interaction mechanisms of these bile acid-based antimicrobials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Lin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yushi Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mengqi Le
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kai-Feng Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yong-Guang Jia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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17
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Chen H, Li H, Duan C, Song C, Peng Z, Li H, Shi W. Reversal of azole resistance in Candida albicans by oridonin. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 24:296-302. [PMID: 33513441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Candida albicans is a yeast that causes fungal infections with high mortality and is typically resistant to azole drugs. To overcome this resistance, we explored the combined use of oridonin (ORI) and three azole drugs, namely fluconazole (FLC), itraconazole (ITR) and voriconazole (VOR). Azole-resistant C. albicans strains were obtained from cancer patients and the reversal of drug resistance in these strains was investigated. METHODS The synergistic antifungal activity of ORI and azole drugs was measured by checkerboard microdilution and time-kill assays. The resistance reversal mechanisms, namely inhibition of drug efflux and induction of apoptosis, were investigated by flow cytometry. Expression levels of the efflux pump-related genesCDR1 and CDR2 were assessed by RT-qPCR. RESULTS The efflux pump inhibition assay with ORI showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of FLC (128-fold), ITR (64-fold) and VOR (250-fold) decreased significantly. Upregulation of genes encodingCDR1 and CDR2 was confirmed in the resistant strain. The sensitising effect of ORI on FLC in the treatment of C. albicans also included the promotion of apoptosis. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that combining azoles with ORI exerted potent synergism and that ORI could promote sensitisation to azoles in azole-resistantC. albicans. The discovery that ORI can effectively inhibit drug efflux and promote apoptosis may provide new insights and therapeutic strategies to overcome increasing azole resistance in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cunxian Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanjie Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zuoliang Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenna Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections in humans are generally associated with high mortality, making the choice of antifungal drug crucial for the outcome of the patient. The limited spectrum of antifungals available and the development of drug resistance represent the main concerns for the current antifungal treatments, requiring alternative strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), expressed in several organisms and used as first-line defenses against microbial infections, have emerged as potential candidates for developing new antifungal therapies, characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates. Most of the current literature focuses on peptides with antibacterial activity, but there are fewer studies of their antifungal properties. This review focuses on AMPs with antifungal effects, including their in vitro and in vivo activities, with the biological repercussions on the fungal cells, when known. The classification of the peptides is based on their mode of action: although the majority of AMPs exert their activity through the interaction with membranes, other mechanisms have been identified, including cell wall inhibition and nucleic acid binding. In addition, antifungal compounds with unknown modes of action are also described. The elucidation of such mechanisms can be useful to identify novel drug targets and, possibly, to serve as the templates for the synthesis of new antimicrobial compounds with increased activity and reduced host toxicity.
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Chen X, Shi Y, Li Y, Su S, Wang P, Sun S. Antifungal effects and potential mechanisms of lonidamine in combination with fluconazole against Candida albicans. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:109-115. [PMID: 32924656 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1811684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The resistance of Candida albicans (C. albicans) to classical antifungals has been increasing significantly and poses great challenges to clinical treatment. The objective of this research is to evaluate whether the combination of lonidamine (LND) and fluconazole (FLC) have synergistic antifungal activity against C. albicans and to explore the underlying synergistic mechanisms against FLC-resistant C. albicans. METHODS The antifungal effect on resistant planktonic C. albicans and preformed biofilms were performed by broth microdilution assay and XTT reduction assay. The influence on hyphal growth, cellular ROS level, metacaspase activity and drug transporters were investigated by morphogenesis observation, DCFH-DA, FITC-VAD-FMK and rhodamine6G assay, respectively. RESULTS LND in combination with FLC exhibited synergistic antifungal effects against resistant planktonic C. albicans and preformed biofilms of C. albicans in the early stages (performed at 4 h and 8 h). The synergistic mechanisms associated with the inhibition of the hyphal growth and the activation of metacaspase, but were not related to mediate cellular ROS level or drug uptake and efflux in resistant C. albicans. CONCLUSION LND combined with FLC exhibited synergistic antifungal activity against resistant C. albicans, and the synergistic mechanisms were related to anti-biofilms and reduce virulence factors. EXPERT OPINION The emergence of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains poses great challenges to clinical treatment. Drug combination of non-antifungals and fluconazole has attracted a lot of attention to overcome Candida albicans drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinping Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiman Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Shan Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
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El-Seedi H, Abd El-Wahed A, Yosri N, Musharraf SG, Chen L, Moustafa M, Zou X, Al-Mousawi S, Guo Z, Khatib A, Khalifa S. Antimicrobial Properties of Apis mellifera's Bee Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070451. [PMID: 32664544 PMCID: PMC7404974 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is a rich source of secondary metabolites from honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). It contains a variety of bioactive ingredients including peptides, proteins, enzymes, and volatile metabolites. The compounds contribute to the venom’s observed biological functions as per its anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The antimicrobial action of BV has been shown in vitro and in vivo experiments against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The synergistic therapeutic interactions of BV with antibiotics has been reported. The synergistic effect contributes to a decrease in the loading and maintenance dosage, a decrease in the side effects of chemotherapy, and a decrease in drug resistance. To our knowledge, there have been no reviews on the impact of BV and its antimicrobial constituents thus far. The purpose of this review is to address the antimicrobial properties of BV and its compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Al-Rayan Research and Innovation Center, Al-Rayan Colleges, Medina 42541, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- Correspondence: (H.E.-S.); (S.K.); Tel.: +46-18-4714207 (H.E.-S.)
| | - Aida Abd El-Wahed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Bee Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza 12627, Egypt
| | - Nermeen Yosri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Syed Ghulam Musharraf
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan;
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Moustafa Moustafa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kuwait, Safat 13060, Kuwait; (M.M.); (S.A.-M.)
| | - Xiaobo Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Saleh Al-Mousawi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kuwait, Safat 13060, Kuwait; (M.M.); (S.A.-M.)
| | - Zhiming Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Alfi Khatib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang 25200, Malaysia;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60155, Indonesia
| | - Shaden Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (H.E.-S.); (S.K.); Tel.: +46-18-4714207 (H.E.-S.)
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Anti-fungal properties and mechanisms of melittin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6513-6526. [PMID: 32500268 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10701-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many fungal diseases remain poorly addressed by public health authorities, despite posing a substantial threat to humans, animals, and plants. More worryingly, few classes of anti-fungals have been developed to combat fungal infections thus far. These medications also have certain drawbacks in terms of toxicity, spectrum of activity, and pharmacokinetic properties. Hence, there is a dire need for discovery of novel anti-fungal agents. Melittin, the main constituent in the venom of European honeybee Apis mellifera, has attracted considerable attention among researchers owing to its potential therapeutic applications. To our knowledge, there has been no review pertinent to anti-fungal properties of melittin, prompting us to synopsize the results of experimental investigations with a special emphasis upon underlying mechanisms. In this respect, melittin inhibits a broad spectrum of fungal genera including Aspergillus, Botrytis, Candida, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Malassezia, Neurospora, Penicillium, Saccharomyces, Trichoderma, Trichophyton, and Trichosporon. Melittin hinders fungal growth by several mechanisms such as membrane permeabilization, apoptosis induction by reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondria/caspase-dependent pathway, inhibition of (1,3)-β-D-glucan synthase, and alterations in fungal gene expression. Overall, melittin will definitely open up new avenues for various biomedical applications, from medicine to agriculture. KEYPOINTS: • Venom-derived peptides have potential for development of anti-microbial agents. • Many fungal pathogens are susceptible to melittin at micromolar concentrations. • Melittin possesses multi-target mechanism of action against fungal cells.
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Tong S, Li M, Keyhani NO, Liu Y, Yuan M, Lin D, Jin D, Li X, Pei Y, Fan Y. Characterization of a fungal competition factor: Production of a conidial cell-wall associated antifungal peptide. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008518. [PMID: 32324832 PMCID: PMC7200012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Competition is one of the fundamental driving forces of natural selection. Beauveria bassiana is a soil and plant phylloplane/root fungus capable of parasitizing insect hosts. Soil and plant environments are often enriched with other fungi against which B. bassiana competes for survival. Here, we report an antifungal peptide (BbAFP1), specifically expressed and localized to the conidial cell wall and is released into the surrounding microenvironment inhibiting growth of competing fungi. B. bassiana strains expressing BbAFP1, including overexpression strains, inhibited growth of Alternaria brassicae in co-cultured experiments, whereas targeted gene deletion of BbAFP1 significantly decreased (25%) this inhibitory effect. Recombinant BbAFP1 showed chitin and glucan binding abilities, and growth inhibition of a wide range of phytopathogenic fungi by disrupting membrane integrity and eliciting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. A phenylalanine residue (F50) contributes to chitin binding and antifungal activity, but was not required for the latter. Expression of BbAFP1 in tomato resulted in transgenic plants with enhanced resistance to plant fungal pathogens. These results highlight the importance of fungal competition in shaping primitive competition strategies, with antimicrobial compounds that can be embedded in the spore cell wall to be released into the environment during the critical initial phases of germination for successful growth in its environmental niche. Furthermore, these peptides can be exploited to increase plant resistance to fungal pathogens. Microbial competition exerts powerful selective pressures for the development of defensive and offensive methods of suppressing potential competitors. One of the most vulnerable stages for any fungi is the initial germination of resting spores in potentially hostile environments. Currently, we know little about how fungi defend other microbial competitors during the beginning stage of conidial germination. Here, we report on an antifungal peptide from B. bassiana (BbAFP1) that is specifically expressed in mature aerial conidia, with the protein localized exclusively to the conidial cell wall. The “pre-loaded” BbAFP1 is released into the surrounding microenvironment where it can act to inhibit the growth of competing fungi during the initial stages of fungal germination, i.e. largely before actual germ tubes are apparent, thus conferring an advantage to B. bassiana in out-competing susceptible competitors in the microenvironment surrounding the spore. The effects of BbAFP1 on membrane integrity were characterized and a key amino acid (F50) was shown to function in chitin binding and antifungal activity. Transgenic tomato overexpressing BbAFP1 were shown to exhibit enhanced resistance to plant fungal pathogens. Our study provides new insights into the microbial competition and genes involved in this process that can be exploited to increase plant disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Tong
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Maolian Li
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Nemat O. Keyhani
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Min Yuan
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Dongmei Lin
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Dan Jin
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Xianbi Li
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yan Pei
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yanhua Fan
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
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Human Antimicrobial Peptide Hepcidin 25-Induced Apoptosis in Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8040585. [PMID: 32316661 PMCID: PMC7232333 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepcidin 25 (hep 25) is a cysteine-rich 25-amino acid antimicrobial peptide containing the amino-terminal Cu(II)/Ni(II)-binding (ATCUN) motif. Upon metal binding, the ATCUN motif is known to be involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, which act against different bacterial species. However, the antifungal activity and its correlation to the Cu(II)-ATCUN complex of Hep 25 are still poorly understood. Here, we found that ROS accumulation plays an important role in the fungicidal activity of hep 25 against Candida albicans. In addition, Annexin V-FITC staining and TUNEL assay results provide clues about the apoptosis induced by hep 25. Moreover, hep 25 also increases the generation of ROS, possibly because of copper binding to the ATCUN motif, which is relevant to its activity against C. albicans. Finally, the C. albicans killing action of hep 25 is an energy- and temperature-dependent process that does not involve targeting the membrane. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the mechanisms of hep 25 against C. albicans cells and the potential use of hep 25 and its derivatives as novel antifungal agents.
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Candidalysin Is a Potent Trigger of Alarmin and Antimicrobial Peptide Release in Epithelial Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030699. [PMID: 32178483 PMCID: PMC7140650 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Host released alarmins and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are highly effective as antifungal agents and inducers. Whilst some are expressed constitutively at mucosal tissues, the primary site of many infections, others are elicited in response to pathogens. In the context of Candida albicans, the fungal factors inducing the release of these innate immune molecules are poorly defined. Herein, we identify candidalysin as a potent trigger of several key alarmins and AMPs known to possess potent anti-Candida functions. We also find extracellular ATP to be an important activator of candidalysin-induced epithelial signalling responses, namely epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MAPK signalling, which mediate downstream innate immunity during oral epithelial infection. The data provide novel mechanistic insight into the induction of multiple key alarmins and AMPs, important for antifungal defences against C. albicans.
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Melittin-A Natural Peptide from Bee Venom Which Induces Apoptosis in Human Leukaemia Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020247. [PMID: 32041197 PMCID: PMC7072249 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a very complex mixture produced and secreted by the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Melittin is a major component of bee venom that accounts for about 52% of its dry mass. A vast number of studies have been dedicated to the effects of melittin’s regulation of apoptosis and to the factors that induce apoptosis in various types of cancer such as breast, ovarian, prostate, lung. The latest evidence indicates its potential as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of leukaemia. The aim of our present study is to evaluate melittin’s ability to induce apoptosis in leukaemia cell lines of different origin acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (CCRF-CEM) and chronic myelogenous leukaemia (K-562). We demonstrated that melittin strongly reduced cell viability in both leukaemia cell lines but not in physiological peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs). Subsequent estimated parameters (mitochondrial membrane potential, Annexin V binding and Caspases 3/7 activity) clearly demonstrated that melittin induced apoptosis in leukaemia cells. This is a very important step for research into the development of new potential anti-leukaemia as well as anticancer therapies. Further analyses on the molecular level have been also planned (analysis of proapoptotic genes expression and DNA damages) for our next research project, which will also focus on melittin.
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26
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Li Y, Jiao P, Li Y, Gong Y, Chen X, Sun S. The Synergistic Antifungal Effect and Potential Mechanism of D-Penicillamine Combined With Fluconazole Against Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2853. [PMID: 31921035 PMCID: PMC6930176 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, candidiasis has exhibited an increasing incidence worldwide, causing high mortality in immunocompromised patients. Candida albicans is one of the leading opportunistic fungal pathogens. However, due to the increased use of antifungal agents, resistance of C. albicans to conventional agents, especially fluconazole, has frequently emerged. Therefore, research on the use of combinations of current drugs to sensitize antifungal agents and overcome fungal resistance has attracted considerable attention. This study demonstrated for the first time that D-penicillamine (PCA) combined with fluconazole showed a synergistic effect against C. albicans. PCA combined with fluconazole not only showed synergistic effects against planktonic cells of C. albicans, but also showed synergistic effects against C. albicans biofilms formed within 12 h in vitro. In addition, a Galleria mellonella infection model was used to evaluate the in vivo effects of this drug combination. The results showed that the combination of the two drugs could improve the survival rate, decrease the fungal burden, and reduce the tissue invasion of G. mellonella larvae. Finally, we explored the potential synergistic mechanisms of the drug combination, mainly including inhibition of the morphological transformation, reduction of the intracellular calcium concentration, and the activation of metacaspase, which is closely related to cell apoptosis. These findings might provide novel insights into antifungal drug discovery and the treatment of candidiasis caused by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiman Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Jiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Xueqi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Hashemi MM, Rovig J, Holden BS, Taylor MF, Weber S, Wilson J, Hilton B, Zaugg AL, Ellis SW, Yost CD, Finnegan PM, Kistler CK, Berkow EL, Deng S, Lockhart SR, Peterson M, Savage PB. Ceragenins are active against drug-resistant Candida auris clinical isolates in planktonic and biofilm forms. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:1537-1545. [PMID: 29635279 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Candida auris has emerged as a serious threat to human health. Of particular concern are the resistance profiles of many clinical isolates, with some being resistant to multiple classes of antifungals. Objectives Measure susceptibilities of C. auris isolates, in planktonic and biofilm forms, to ceragenins (CSAs). Determine the effectiveness of selected ceragenins in gel and cream formulations in eradicating fungal infections in tissue explants. Materials and methods A collection of 100 C. auris isolates available at CDC was screened for susceptibility to a lead ceragenin. A smaller collection was used to characterize antifungal activities of other ceragenins against organisms in planktonic and biofilm forms. Effects of ceragenins on fungal cells and biofilms were observed via microscopy. An ex vivo model of mucosal fungal infection was used to evaluate formulated forms of lead ceragenins. Results Lead ceragenins displayed activities comparable to those of known antifungal agents against C. auris isolates with MICs of 0.5-8 mg/L and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of 2-64 mg/L. No cross-resistance with other antifungals was observed. Fungal cell morphology was altered in response to ceragenin treatment. Ceragenins exhibited activity against sessile organisms in biofilms. Gel and cream formulations including 2% CSA-44 or CSA-131 resulted in reductions of over 4 logs against established fungal infections in ex vivo mucosal tissues. Conclusions Ceragenins demonstrated activity against C. auris, suggesting that these compounds warrant further study to determine whether they can be used for topical applications to skin and mucosal tissues for treatment of infections with C. auris and other fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan M Hashemi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - John Rovig
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Brett S Holden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Maddison F Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Scott Weber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - John Wilson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Brian Hilton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Aaron L Zaugg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Samuel W Ellis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Connor D Yost
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth L Berkow
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shenglou Deng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Shawn R Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, C100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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The Influence of Bee Venom Melittin on the Functioning of the Immune System and the Contractile Activity of the Insect Heart-A Preliminary Study. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090494. [PMID: 31461888 PMCID: PMC6784010 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a basic polypeptide originally purified from honeybee venom. MEL exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activity. However, almost all studies on MEL activity have been carried out on vertebrate models or cell lines. Recently, due to cheap breeding and the possibility of extrapolating the results of the research to vertebrates, insects have been used for various bioassays and comparative physiological studies. For these reasons, it is valuable to examine the influence of melittin on insect physiology. Here, for the first time, we report the immunotropic and cardiotropic effects of melittin on the beetle Tenebrio molitor as a model insect. After melittin injection at 10−7 M and 10−3 M, the number of apoptotic cells in the haemolymph increased in a dose-dependent manner. The pro-apoptotic action of MEL was likely compensated by increasing the total number of haemocytes. However, the injection of MEL did not cause any changes in the percent of phagocytic haemocytes or in the phenoloxidase activity. In an in vitro bioassay with a semi-isolated Tenebrio heart, MEL induced a slight chronotropic-positive effect only at a higher concentration (10−4 M). Preliminary results indicated that melittin exerts pleiotropic effects on the functioning of the immune system and the endogenous contractile activity of the heart. Some of the induced responses in T. molitor resemble the reactions observed in vertebrate models. Therefore, the T. molitor beetle may be a convenient invertebrate model organism for comparative physiological studies and for the identification of new properties and mechanisms of action of melittin and related compounds.
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Lyu C, Fang F, Li B. Anti-Tumor Effects of Melittin and Its Potential Applications in Clinic. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:240-250. [PMID: 29895240 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180612084615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is a water-soluble toxic peptide of which a various biological effects have been identified to be useful in anti-tumor therapy. In addition, Melittin also has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it is a very attractive therapeutic candidate for human diseases. However, melittin induces extensive hemolysis, a severe side effect that dampens its future development and clinical application. Thus, studies of melittin derivatives and new drug delivery systems have been conducted to explore approaches for optimizing the efficacy of this compound, while reducing its toxicity. A number of reviews have focused on each side, respectively. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the anti-tumor effects of melittin and its derivatives, and discuss its future potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Lyu
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanfu Fang
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bai Li
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Wu Q, Patočka J, Kuča K. Insect Antimicrobial Peptides, a Mini Review. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110461. [PMID: 30413046 PMCID: PMC6267271 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial effectors of the innate immune system. They provide the first line of defense against a variety of pathogens. AMPs display synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics, and thus present the potential for combined therapies. Insects are extremely resistant to bacterial infections. Insect AMPs are cationic and comprise less than 100 amino acids. These insect peptides exhibit an antimicrobial effect by disrupting the microbial membrane and do not easily allow microbes to develop drug resistance. Currently, membrane mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial effects of AMPs are proposed by different modes: the barrel-stave mode, toroidal-pore, carpet, and disordered toroidal-pore are the typical modes. Positive charge quantity, hydrophobic property and the secondary structure of the peptide are important for the antibacterial activity of AMPs. At present, several structural families of AMPs from insects are known (defensins, cecropins, drosocins, attacins, diptericins, ponericins, metchnikowins, and melittin), but new AMPs are frequently discovered. We reviewed the biological effects of the major insect AMPs. This review will provide further information that facilitates the study of insect AMPs and shed some light on novel microbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiří Patočka
- Department of Radiology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Leiter É, Csernoch L, Pócsi I. Programmed cell death in human pathogenic fungi - a possible therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:1039-1048. [PMID: 30360667 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1541087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are increasing because of antibiotic overuse, the rise of immunosuppressive therapies, and climate change. The limited variety of antimycotics and the rapid adaptation of pathogenic fungi to antifungal agents serve to exacerbate this issue. Unfortunately, about 1.6 million people are killed by fungal infections annually. Areas covered: The discovery of the small antimicrobial proteins produced by microorganisms, animals, humans, and plants will hopefully overcome challenges in the treatment of fungal infections. These small proteins are highly stable and any resistance to them rarely evolves; therefore, they are potentially good candidates for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by pathogenic fungi. Some of these proteins target the programmed cell death machinery of pathogenic fungi; this is potentially a novel approach in antimycotic therapies. In this review, we highlight the elements of apoptosis in human pathogenic fungi and related model organisms and discuss the possible therapeutic potential of the apoptosis-inducing, small, antifungal proteins. Expert opinion: Small antimicrobial proteins may establish a new class of antimycotics in the future. The rarity of resistance and their synergistic effects with other frequently used antifungal agents may help pave the way for their use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Leiter
- a Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| | - László Csernoch
- b Department of Physiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- a Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
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Action mechanism of naphthofuranquinones against fluconazole-resistant Candida tropicalis strains evidenced by proteomic analysis: The role of increased endogenous ROS. Microb Pathog 2018; 117:32-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Xu T, Cui T, Peng L, Kong S, Zou J, Tian X. The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity of Mel-P15 is mediated by natural killer cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:6901-6906. [PMID: 29163709 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mel-P15 is a peptide derived from melittin, the main toxic component in the venom of the European honeybee Apis mellifera. In the present study, the antitumor effects of Mel-P15 and the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects in vivo were investigated. Mel-P15 directly stimulated natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in vitro, which was increased to 55.45% at a 4 µg/ml dose of Mel-P15. In the mouse liver cancer (H22) xenograft mice model, Mel-P15 suppressed tumor growth in vivo; the tumor inhibitory rate was 61.15% following treatment with 2 mg/kg Mel-P15. In addition, the immune response was activated following Mel-P15 treatment. Mel-P15 treatment increased the spleen and thymus indices, promoted splenocyte proliferation, stimulated NK cytotoxicity and upregulated the secretion of cytokines, including interleukin-2, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, the tumor inhibitory effect of Mel-P15 on BEL-7402-bearing nude mice was abrogated by the selective depletion of NK cells via the intraperitoneal injection of an anti-asialo GM-1 antibody. The results suggest that Mel-P15 inhibits tumor growth in vivo by promoting NK cell cytotoxicity. Mel-P15 may therefore be a potential immunotherapy candidate for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Tongxing Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Lipan Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Jianqiang Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xingsong Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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Bondaryk M, Staniszewska M, Zielińska P, Urbańczyk-Lipkowska Z. Natural Antimicrobial Peptides as Inspiration for Design of a New Generation Antifungal Compounds. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:E46. [PMID: 29371563 PMCID: PMC5715947 DOI: 10.3390/jof3030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are associated with high mortality rates, despite appropriate antifungal therapy. Limited therapeutic options, resistance development and the high mortality of invasive fungal infections brought about more concern triggering the search for new compounds capable of interfering with fungal viability and virulence. In this context, peptides gained attention as promising candidates for the antimycotics development. Variety of structural and functional characteristics identified for various natural antifungal peptides makes them excellent starting points for design novel drug candidates. Current review provides a brief overview of natural and synthetic antifungal peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Bondaryk
- National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Staniszewska
- National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paulina Zielińska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
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Saibabu V, Singh S, Ansari MA, Fatima Z, Hameed S. Insights into the intracellular mechanisms of citronellal in Candida albicans: implications for reactive oxygen species-mediated necrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 50:524-529. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0114-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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36
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Kumar SN, Mohandas C. An Antifungal Mechanism of Protolichesterinic Acid from the Lichen Usnea albopunctata Lies in the Accumulation of Intracellular ROS and Mitochondria-Mediated Cell Death Due to Apoptosis in Candida tropicalis. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:301. [PMID: 28611662 PMCID: PMC5447038 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species causes superficial and life-threatening systemic infections and are difficult to treat due to the resistance of these organism to various clinically used drugs. Protolichesterinic acid is a well-known lichen compound. Although the antibacterial activity of protolichesterinic acid has been reported earlier, the antifungal property and its mechanism of action are still largely unidentified. The goal of the present investigation is to explore the anticandidal activity and mechanism of action of protolichesterinic acid, especially against Candida tropicalis. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value was established through microdilution techniques against four Candida species and out of four species tested, C. tropicalis showed a significant effect (MIC: 2 μg/ml). In the morphological interference assay, we observed the enhanced inhibition of hyphae when the cells were treated with protolichesterinic acid. Time-kill assay demonstrated that the maximum rate of killing was recorded between 2 and 6 h. C. tropicalis exposed to protolichesterinic acid exhibited an increased ROS production, which is one of the key factors of fungal death. The rise in ROS was due to the dysfunction of mitochondria caused by protolichesterinic acid. We confirmed that protolichesterinic acid-induced dysfunction of mitochondria in C. tropicalis. The damage of cell membrane due to protolichesterinic acid treatment was confirmed by the influx of propidium iodide and was further confirmed by the release of potassium ions. The treatment of protolichesterinic acid also triggered calcium ion signaling. Moreover, it commenced apoptosis which is clearly evidenced by Annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Interestingly protolichesterinic acid recorded excellent immunomodulatory property when tested against lymphocytes. Finally protolichesterinic acid showed low toxicity toward a normal human cell line Foreskin (FS) normal fibroblast. In in vivo test, protolichesterinic acid significantly enhanced the survival of C. tropicalis infected Caenorhabditis elegans. This investigation proposes that the protolichesterinic acid induces apoptosis in C. tropicalis via the enhanced accumulation of intracellular ROS and mitochondrial damage, which leads fungal cell death via apoptosis. Our work revealed a new key aspect of mechanisms of action of protolichesterinic acid in Candida species. This article is the first study on the antifungal and mechanism of action of protolichesterinic acid in Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Kumar
- Division of Crop Protection, Central Tuber Crops Research InstituteSreekariyam, India
| | - C Mohandas
- Division of Crop Protection, Central Tuber Crops Research InstituteSreekariyam, India
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Scolopendin, an antimicrobial peptide from centipede, attenuates mitochondrial functions and triggers apoptosis in Candida albicans. Biochem J 2017; 474:635-645. [PMID: 28008133 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20161039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Centipedes, a type of arthropod, reportedly produce antimicrobial peptides as part of an innate immune response. Scolopendin (SPSEKAGLQPVGRIGRMLKK) is a novel antimicrobial peptide derived from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans Many antifungal agents have more than one type of cell death mechanism. Although scolopendin is involved in membrane perturbation, the corresponding intracellular changes require further investigation. Therefore, we assessed the cell morphology and calcium ion concentration of the cytosol and mitochondria of scolopendin-treated cells. The treated cells were shrunken, and calcium ion homeostasis was disrupted in both the cytosol and mitochondria. These conditions attenuated mitochondrial homeostasis, disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c levels. Fungal cells treated with scolopendin exhibited various apoptotic phenotypes such as reactive oxygen species accumulation, phosphatidylserine exposure, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. Scolopendin-induced cell death also triggered metacaspase activation. In conclusion, treatment of Candida albicans with scolopendin induced the apoptotic response, which in turn led to mitochondrial dysfunction, metacaspase activation, and cell death. The antimicrobial peptide scolopendin from the centipede S.s. mutilans demonstrated a novel apoptotic mechanism as an antifungal agent.
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Application of bee venom and its main constituent melittin for cancer treatment. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 78:1113-1130. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3160-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Balandin SV, Ovchinnikova TV. Antimicrobial peptides of invertebrates. Part 2. biological functions and mechanisms of action. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s106816201604004x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Effect of Bee Venom and Its Fractions on the Release of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in PMA-Differentiated U937 Cells Co-Stimulated with LPS. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:vaccines4020011. [PMID: 27104574 PMCID: PMC4931628 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The venom of Apis mellifera (honey bee) has been reported to play a role in immunotherapy, but existing evidence to support its immuno-modulatory claims is insufficient. Four fractions from whole bee venom (BV) were separated using medium pressure liquid chromatography. Their ability to induce the production of cytokines TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-treated U937 cells was assessed. The levels of the three cytokines produced by stimulation with the four fractions and crude BV without LPS were not significantly different from negative control values. However, co-stimulation of the cells with LPS and Fraction 4 (F-4) induced a 1.6-fold increase in TNF-α level (p < 0.05) compared to LPS alone. Likewise, LPS-induced IL-1β production was significantly synergised in the presence of F-1 (nine-fold), F-2 (six-fold), F-3 (four-fold) and F-4 (two-fold) fractions, but was only slightly enhanced with crude BV (1.5-fold) relative to LPS. Furthermore, the LPS-stimulated production of IL-6 was not significantly increased in cells co-treated with F-2 and F-3, but the organic fraction (F-4) showed an inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on IL-6 production. The latter was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and found to contain(Z)-9-eicosen-1-ol. The effects observed with the purified BV fractions were more marked than those obtained with the crude sample.
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