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Yang J, Ma Y, Li B, Xi Z, Zhang L, Wang Y, Feng W. Roles of Nucleolar Factor RCL1 in Itraconazole Resistance of Clinical Candida albicans Under Different Stress Conditions. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:769-777. [PMID: 38433785 PMCID: PMC10908289 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s431024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose RNA terminal phosphate cyclase like 1 (RCL1) undergoes overexpression during the immune response of Candida albicans following drug treatment. This study aims to investigate the expression levels of RCL1 in C. albicans under various stress conditions. Methods Fifteen itraconazole (ITR)-resistant strains of clinical C. albicans, and one standard strain were employed for RCL1 sequencing, and mutations in RCL1 were analyzed. Subsequently, 14 out of the 15 ITR-resistant clinical strains and 14 clinical strains sensitive to ITR, fluconazole (FCA) as well as voriconazole (VRC) were cultured under diverse conditions. The expression of RCL1 ITR-resistant and sensitive C. albicans was then assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays. Results Compared to the standard strain, three missense mutations (C6A, G10A, and A11T) were identified in the RCL1 gene of ITR-resistant C. albicans through successful forward sequencing. Additionally, using successful reverse sequencing, one synonymous mutation (C1T) and four missense mutations (C1T, A3T, A7G, and T8G) were found in the RCL1 gene of ITR-resistant C. albicans. RCL1 expression was significantly higher in ITR-resistant C. albicans than in sensitive strains under standard conditions (37°C, 0.03% CO2, pH 4.0). Low temperature (25°C) increased RCL1 expression in sensitive C. albicans while decreasing it in ITR-resistant strains. Elevated CO2 concentrations (5% CO2) had a negligible effect on RCL1 expression in sensitive C. albicans, but effectively reduced RCL1 level in ITR-resistant strains. Furthermore, a medium with a pH of 7 decreased the expression of RCL1 in both resistant and sensitive C. albicans. Conclusion This study demonstrated that RCL1 mutations in ITR-resistant C. albicans, and variations in culture conditions significantly influence RCL1 expression in both ITR-resistant and sensitive C. albicans, thereby inducing alterations in the dimorphism of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenli Feng
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
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Wójcik-Mieszawska S, Lewtak K, Skwarek E, Dębowski D, Gitlin-Domagalska A, Nowak J, Wydrych J, Pawelec J, Fiołka MJ. Autophagy of Candida albicans cells after the action of earthworm Venetin-1 nanoparticle with protease inhibitor activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14228. [PMID: 37648723 PMCID: PMC10468520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present studies show the effect of the Venetin-1 protein-polysaccharide complex obtained from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta on Candida albicans cells. They are a continuation of research on the mechanisms of action, cellular targets, and modes of cell death. After the action of Venetin-1, a reduced survival rate of the yeast cells was noted. The cells were observed to be enlarged compared to the controls and deformed. In addition, an increase in the number of cells with clearly enlarged vacuoles was noted. The detected autophagy process was confirmed using differential interference contrast, fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Autophagic vesicles were best visible after incubation of fungus cells with the Venetin-1 complex at a concentration of 50 and 100 µg mL-1. The changes in the vacuoles were accompanied by changes in the size of mitochondria, which is probably related to the previously documented oxidative stress. The aggregation properties of Venetin-1 were characterized. Based on the results of the zeta potential at the Venetin-1/KCl interface, the pHiep = 4 point was determined, i.e. the zeta potential becomes positive above pH = 4 and is negative below this value, which may affect the electrostatic interactions with other particles surrounding Venetin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Wójcik-Mieszawska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Lewtak
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Ewa Skwarek
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dawid Dębowski
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agata Gitlin-Domagalska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jakub Nowak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy Wydrych
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pawelec
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta J Fiołka
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
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Bae WY, Lee YJ, Jung WH, Shin SL, Kim TR, Sohn M. Draft genome sequence and probiotic functional property analysis of Lactobacillus gasseri LM1065 for food industry applications. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12212. [PMID: 37500806 PMCID: PMC10374649 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39454-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Probiotics are defined as live organisms in the host that contribute to health benefits. Lactobacillus gasseri LM1065, isolated from human breast milk, was investigated for its probiotic properties based on its genome. Draft genome map and de novo assembly were performed using the PacBio RS II system and hierarchical genome assembly process (HGAP). Probiotic properties were determined by the resistance to gastric conditions, adherence ability, enzyme production, safety assessment and mobile genetic elements. The fungistatic effect and inhibition of hyphae transition were studied using the cell-free supernatant (CFS). L. gasseri LM1065 showed high gastric pepsin tolerance and mild tolerance to bile salts. Auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity were measured to be 61.21% and 61.55%, respectively. The adherence to the human intestinal epithelial cells was measured to be 2.02%. Antibiotic-resistance genes and putative virulence genes were not predicted in the genomic analysis, and antibiotic susceptibility was satisfied by the criteria of the European Food Safety Authority. CFS showed a fungistatic effect and suppressed the tricarboxylic acid cycle in Candida albicans (29.02%). CFS also inhibited the transition to true hyphae and damaged the blastoconidia. This study demonstrates the essential properties of this novel probiotic, L. gasseri LM1065, and potential to inhibit vaginal C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Young Bae
- Microbiome R&D Center, Lactomason, Seoul, 06620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Jin Lee
- Microbiome R&D Center, Lactomason, Seoul, 06620, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Hyun Jung
- Microbiome R&D Center, Lactomason, Seoul, 06620, Republic of Korea
| | - So Lim Shin
- Microbiome R&D Center, Lactomason, Seoul, 06620, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Rahk Kim
- Microbiome R&D Center, Lactomason, Seoul, 06620, Republic of Korea
| | - Minn Sohn
- Microbiome R&D Center, Lactomason, Seoul, 06620, Republic of Korea
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Atypical changes in Candida albicans cells treated with the Venetin-1 complex from earthworm coelomic fluid. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2844. [PMID: 36807384 PMCID: PMC9938250 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present research, the effect of a protein-polysaccharide complex Venetin-1 obtained from the coelomic fluid of Dendrobaena veneta earthworm on Candida albicans cells was characterized. The compound destroyed fungal cells without showing cytotoxicity to human skin fibroblasts, which was demonstrated in earlier studies. Since it had an effect on the fungal cell wall and membrane, this complex was compared with the known antifungal antibiotic fluconazole. Both preparations disturbed the division of yeast cells and resulted in the formation of aggregates and chains of unseparated cells, which was illustrated by staining with fluorochromes. Fluorescent staining of the cell wall with Calcofluor white facilitated comparison of the types of aggregates formed after the action of both substances. The analysis performed with the use of Congo red showed that Venetin-1 exposed deeper layers of the cell wall, whereas no such effect was visible after the use of fluconazole. The FTIR analysis confirmed changes in the mannoprotein layer of the cell wall after the application of the Venetin-1 complex. Staining with Rhodamine 123 and the use of flow cytometry allowed comparison of changes in the mitochondria. Significantly elongated mitochondria were observed after the Venetin-1 application, but not after the application of the classic antibiotic. Phase contrast microscopy revealed vacuole enlargement after the Venetin-1 application. The flow cytometry analysis of C. albicans cells treated with Venetin-1 and fluconazole showed that both substances caused a significant decrease in cell viability.
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Bilal H, Shafiq M, Hou B, Islam R, Khan MN, Khan RU, Zeng Y. Distribution and antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida species from mainland China: A systematic analysis. Virulence 2022; 13:1573-1589. [PMID: 36120738 PMCID: PMC9487756 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2123325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifungal resistance to Candida pathogens increases morbidity and mortality of immunosuppressive patients, an emerging crisis worldwide. Understanding the Candida prevalence and antifungal susceptibility pattern is necessary to control and treat candidiasis. We aimed to systematically analyse the susceptibility profiles of Candida species published in the last ten years (December 2011 to December 2021) from mainland China. The studies were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct search engines. Out of 89 included studies, a total of 44,716 Candida isolates were collected, mainly comprising C. albicans (49.36%), C. tropicalis (21.89%), C. parapsilosis (13.92%), and C. glabrata (11.37%). The lowest susceptibility was detected for azole group; fluconazole susceptibilities against C. parapsilosis, C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, C. pelliculosa, and C. auris were 93.25%, 91.6%, 79.4%, 77.95%, 76%, 50%, and 0% respectively. Amphotericin B and anidulafungin were the most susceptible drugs for all Candida species. Resistance to azole was mainly linked with mutations in ERG11, ERG3, ERG4, MRR1-2, MSH-2, and PDR-1 genes. Mutation in FKS-1 and FKS-2 in C. auris and C. glabrata causing resistance to echinocandins was stated in two studies. Gaps in the studies' characteristics were detected, such as 79.77%, 47.19 %, 26.97%, 7.86%, and 4.49% studies did not mention the mortality rates, age, gender, breakpoint reference guidelines, and fungal identification method, respectively. The current study demonstrates the overall antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida species, gaps in surveillance studies and risk-reduction strategies that could be supportive in candidiasis therapy and for the researchers in their future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazrat Bilal
- Department of Dermatology, The second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Bing Hou
- Department of laboratory, Shantou Municipal Skin Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Rehmat Islam
- Key Laboratory of Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Khan
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rahat Ullah Khan
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Yuebin Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Teixeira MM, Almeida-Paes R, Bernardes-Engemann AR, Nicola AM, de Macedo PM, Valle ACF, Gutierrez-Galhardo MC, Freitas DFS, Barker BM, Matute DR, Stajich JE, Zancopé-Oliveira RM. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and chromosomal copy number variation may impact the Sporothrix brasiliensis antifungal susceptibility and sporotrichosis clinical outcomes. Fungal Genet Biol 2022; 163:103743. [PMID: 36152775 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2022.103743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Feline-transmitted sporotrichosis has garnered attention due to the recent high incidence and the lack of efficient control in the epicenter of the epidemic, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the major pathogen involved in feline-to-human sporotrichosis in Brazil and displays more virulent genotypes than the closely related species S. schenckii. Over the last two decades, several reports of antifungal-resistant strains have emerged. Sequencing and comparison analysis of the outbreak strains allowed us to observe that the azole non-wild-type S. brasiliensis strain CFP 1054 had significant chromosomal variations compared to wild-type strains. One of these variants includes a region of 231 Kb containing 75 duplicated genes, which were overrepresented for lipid and isoprenoid metabolism. We also identified an additional strain (CFP 1055) that was resistant to itraconazole and amphotericin B, which had a single nucleotide polymorphism in the tac1 gene. The patients infected with these two strains showed protracted clinical course and sequelae. Even though our sample size is modest, these results suggest the possibility of identifying specific point mutations and large chromosomal duplications potentially associated with antifungal resistance and clinical outcomes of sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M Teixeira
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA; Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andréa R Bernardes-Engemann
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila M de Macedo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos F Valle
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara Gutierrez-Galhardo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Dayvison F S Freitas
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bridget M Barker
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Daniel R Matute
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Rosely M Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Sato MR, Oshiro-Junior JA, Rodero CF, Boni FI, Araújo VHS, Bauab TM, Nicholas D, Callan JF, Chorilli M. Photodynamic therapy-mediated hypericin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers against vulvovaginal candidiasis. J Mycol Med 2022; 32:101296. [PMID: 35660541 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM The indiscriminate use and adverse effects of the main conventional antifungal agents compromise the effectiveness of treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), mainly caused by the species Candida albicans. This study evaluated the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and the in vitro and in vivo anti-candida potential of the hypericin (HYP)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Empty NLC and NLC-HYP were characterized by the dynamic light scattering technique and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the average particle size distribution and its morphologies. The in vitro inhibition photodynamic effect of the systems was tested to reduce the planktonic viability of C. albicans. The therapeutic assay photodynamic of the systems was performed to treat VVC in mice. RESULTS Empty NLC and NLC-HYP presented values of average hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and ζ-potential from 136 to 133 nm, 0.16 to 0.22, and -18 to -30 mV, respectively, on day 30. Microscopically, the systems showed spherical morphologies and nanoscale particles. Furthermore, in the in vitro inhibition assay, the treatment of PDT with NLC-HYP (NLC-HYP+) showed a significant reduction of the C. albicans planktonic viability compared to YNB negative control after 5 min of LED light irradiation. In the in vivo therapeutic assay, the antifungal group (vaginal antifungal cream) and NLC-HYP+ evaluated in the dark and by PDT, respectively, had a significant log10 reduction in fungal burden compared to the infected group on day 8 of the VVC treatment. CONCLUSION Due to the in vitro and in vivo anti-candida potential, PDT-mediated systems can be an effective strategy in VVC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rillo Sato
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - João Augusto Oshiro-Junior
- Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Camila Fernanda Rodero
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Isadora Boni
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Sousa Araújo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Taís Maria Bauab
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Dean Nicholas
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - John F Callan
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil.
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Jafarzadeh L, Ranjbar M, Nazari T, Naeimi Eshkaleti M, Aghaei Gharehbolagh S, Sobel JD, Mahmoudi S. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: An overview of mycological, clinical, and immunological aspects. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:1546-1560. [PMID: 35445492 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To provide an overview of clinical, immunological, and mycological aspects of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). METHODS A literature search was conducted to find relevant articles about different aspects of VVC. Related data from retrieved articles were summarized in different headings. RESULTS VVC has a global distribution and Candida albicans is the leading cause of infection except for specific patient groups like postmenopausal, diabetic, or immunocompromised women. VVC has a range of clinical presentations, accordingly, its diagnosis should be based on clinical examination coupled with laboratory investigations. The best therapeutic regimen depends on the patient's conditions and the causative agent. Moreover, factors like drug resistance of the causative agents and different mutations in the immunity-related genes could affect the treatment outcome. CONCLUSION As a globally distributed disease, VVC needs further attention, especially in areas related to the treatment failure and recurrence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Ranjbar
- Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tina Nazari
- Department of Medical Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Naeimi Eshkaleti
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Aghaei Gharehbolagh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jack D Sobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Feng W, Yang J, Ma Y, Xi Z, Ji Y, Ren Q, Ning H, Wang S. Cotreatment with Aspirin and Azole Drugs Increases Sensitivity of Candida albicans in vitro. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:2027-2038. [PMID: 34103949 PMCID: PMC8180266 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s314538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid [ASA]) combined with fluconazole (FCA), itraconazole (ITR), or voriconazole (VRC) on Candida albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions. Methods A total of 39 clinical C. albicans strains were used to perform the in vitro drug sensitivity assay under different conditions using the M27-A4 broth microdilution method. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values were calculated. C. albicans ZY23 was chosen for the further analyses. Results Under planktonic conditions, the half maximal MIC (MIC50) values of FCA, ITR, and VRC were 64-0.5 μg/mL, 32-0.0625 μg/mL, and 16-0.125 μg/mL, respectively, when applied, whereas in combination with ASA, the values decreased to 32-0.25 μg/mL, 8-0.0313 μg/mL, and 8-0.0313 μg/mL, respectively. Under biofilm conditions, FCA, ITR, or VRC alone showed MIC50 values of 128-8 μg/mL, 32-4 μg/mL, and 32-0.5 μg/mL, whereas in combination with ASA the values were decreased to 32-0.5 μg/mL, 16-0.5 μg/mL, and 8-0.0625 μg/mL, respectively. Analysis of the FICI showed that the sensitization rate of ASA to FCA, ITR, and FCA under planktonic conditions was 43.59%, whereas the sensitization rates of ASP to FCA, ITR, and FCA under biofilm conditions were 46.15%, 46.15%, and 48.72%, respectively. Additionally, the time-growth and time-kill curves of C. albicans ZY23 further verified the synergistic effects of ASA on azole drugs. Conclusion ASA may act as an enhancer of the inhibitory effects of azole drugs on the growth of clinical C. albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Feng
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Ma
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Ji
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Ren
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Ning
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoyan Wang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
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Silver nanoparticles offer a synergistic effect with fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans by abrogating drug efflux pumps and increasing endogenous ROS. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104937. [PMID: 34029724 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A frequent emergence of drug resistance has been observed and posed great threat to global public health recently. This work aimed to investigate the potential synergistic effect and the underlying mechanisms of AgNPs-fluconazole combination more extensively through 2 clinically isolated fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans) strains. METHODS Antifungal properties of AgNPs and fluconazole alone or together against planktonic cells and biofilms were tested. Cellular and molecular targets associated with fluconazole resistance were monitored after AgNPs treatment. Antifungal potential of AgNPs-fluconazole combination was also explored in vivo using a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis. Tissue burden and survival rate were analyzed. RESULTS The results indicated that AgNPs worked synergistically with fluconazole against both planktonic cells of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and biofilms formed <12 h. AgNPs treatment down-regulated ERG1, ERG11, ERG25, and CDR2, decreased membrane ergosterol levels and membrane fluidity, reduced membrane content of Cdr1p, Cdr2p, and thus efflux bump activity. The elevated ROS production was also a likely cause of the synergistic effect. In vivo, AgNPs and fluconazole combination significantly decreased the fungal burden and improved the survival rate of infected mice. CONCLUSION In conclusion, these results further confirm that AgNPs-fluconazole combination is a hopeful strategy for the treatment of fluconazole-resistant fungal infections.
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Feng W, Yang J, Ma Y, Xi Z, Zhao X, Zhao X, Zhao M. The effects of secreted aspartyl proteinase inhibitor ritonavir on azoles-resistant strains of Candida albicans as well as regulatory role of SAP2 and ERG11. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2021; 9:667-680. [PMID: 33951330 PMCID: PMC8342201 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans, the main human fungal pathogen, can cause fungal infection and seriously affect people's health and life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ritonavir (RIT) on C. albicans and the correlation between SAP2 as well as ERG11 and drug resistance. RESULTS Secreted aspartyl proteinases (Saps) activities and pathogenicity of C. albicans with different drug resistance were measured. M27-A4 broth microdilution method was used to analyze the drug sensitivity of RIT combined with fluconazole (FCA) on C. albicans. After that, SAP2 and ERG11 mutations were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, and quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to determine the expression of the two genes. By analyzing pz values, the Saps activity of cross-resistant strains was the highest, followed by voriconazole (VRC)-resistant strains, FCA-resistant strains, itraconazole (ITR)-resistant strains, and sensitive strains. The pathogenicity of C. albicans in descending order was as follows: cross-resistant strains, VRC-resistant strains, ITR-resistant strains, FCA-resistant strains, and sensitive strains. With the increase of RIT concentrations, the Saps activity was gradually inhibited. Drug sensitivity results showed that there was no synergistic effect between RIT and FCA. Additionally, no gene mutation sites were found in SAP2 sequencing, and 17 synonymous mutations and 6 missense mutations occurred in ERG11 sequencing. Finally, the expression of SAP2 and ERG11 was significantly higher in the resistant strains compared with the sensitive strains, and there was a positive liner correlation between SAP2 and ERG11 messenger RNA expression (r = .6655, p < .001). CONCLUSION These findings may help to improve our understanding of azole-resistant mechanisms of C. albicans and provide a novel direction for clinical therapeutics of C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Feng
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jing Yang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Ma
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Min Zhao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Khalaf RA, Fattouh N, Medvecky M, Hrabak J. Whole genome sequencing of a clinical drug resistant Candida albicans isolate reveals known and novel mutations in genes involved in resistance acquisition mechanisms. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70:001351. [PMID: 33909551 PMCID: PMC8289213 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen accounting for the majority of cases of Candida infections. Currently, C. albicans are developing resistance towards different classes of antifungal drugs and this has become a global health burden that does not spare Lebanon. This study aims at determining point mutations in genes known to be involved in resistance acquisition and correlating resistance to virulence and ergosterol content in the azole resistant C. albicans isolate CA77 from Lebanon. This pilot study is the first of its kind to be implemented in Lebanon. We carried out whole genome sequencing of the azole resistant C. albicans isolate CA77 and examined 18 genes involved in antifungal resistance. To correlate genotype to phenotype, we evaluated the virulence potential of this isolate by injecting it into BALB/c mice and we quantified membrane ergosterol. Whole genome sequencing revealed that eight out of 18 genes involved in antifungal resistance were mutated in previously reported and novel residues. These genotypic changes were associated with an increase in ergosterol content but no discrepancy in virulence potential was observed between our isolate and the susceptible C. albicans control strain SC5314. This suggests that antifungal resistance and virulence potential in this antifungal resistant isolate are not correlated and that resistance is a result of an increase in membrane ergosterol content and the occurrence of point mutations in genes involved in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A. Khalaf
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, PO Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Nour Fattouh
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, PO Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Matej Medvecky
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jaroslav Hrabak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
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Yang J, Feng W, Xi Z, Yang L, Zhao X, Ma Y, Ma Y. Virulence of "white-gray-opaque" tri-stable transformation in clinical Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104825. [PMID: 33689812 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to induce the white-opaque-gray tri-stable transformation in clinical C. albicans and to explore their potential pathogenicity. Sixty-four clinical strains were used to induce the white, opaque and gray cells of C. albicans. Secreted aspartyl proteinases (Sap) activity of the three phenotypes was then measured, and a vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) animal model was constructed. Of the 64 clinical strains, only 3 strains successfully underwent white-gray-opaque tri-stable transformation, and the three strains all belonged to MTL homozygous strains. Pz values in white, opaque and gray phenotypes were 0.834 ± 0.012, 0.707 ± 0.036, and 0.628 ± 0.002, respectively, which indicated that the cells with gray phenotype had higher Sap activity. After inoculation of different fungal suspension, the fungal colony count in descending order was as follows: gray phenotype, opaque phenotype and white phenotype. After treated with fluconazole for 3 days or 10 days, the fungal colony counts were significantly decreased compared with that before treatment (P < 0.05). The Sap activity and pathogenicity of gray cells in C. albicans were the strongest, followed by opaque cells and white cells. Additionally, white, gray and opaque phenotypic cells were all susceptible to fluconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenli Feng
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Lu Yang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Ma
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
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Feng W, Yang J, Ma Y, Xi Z, Ren Q, Wang S, Ning H. Aspirin and verapamil increase the sensitivity of Candida albicans to caspofungin under planktonic and biofilm conditions. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2020; 24:32-39. [PMID: 33242673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2020.11.013] [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] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the effects of caspofungin (CAS) combined with aspirin (ASP) or verapamil (VPL) on the sensitivity of Candida albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions. METHODS A total of 39 C. albicans clinical strains were used to construct biofilms. Sensitivity to ASP or VPL combined with CAS was analysed by broth microdilution. MIC50 values were obtained and the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated. Subsequently, C. albicans ZY22 was selected for time-growth curve analysis and strains ZY15 and ZY22 were used for time-kill curve analysis. RESULTS Under planktonic condition the MIC50 of CAS was 0.0313-8 μg/mL following treatment with CAS alone, whereas it decreased to 0.0313-4 μg/mL following CAS combined with ASP or VPL. Under biofilm condition the MIC50 of CAS was 0.125-16 μg/mL following treatment with CAS alone, whereas it decreased to 0.0625-16 μg/mL or 0.0625-8 μg/mL following CAS combined with ASP or VPL. FICI results showed synergistic interactions between CAS and ASP under planktonic and biofilm conditions in 17 and 16 strains, respectively. However, synergistic interactions between CAS and VPL under planktonic and biofilm conditions were observed in 19 and 23 strains, respectively. Additionally, 8000 μg/mL ASP or 8 μg/mL VPL combined with CAS had better inhibitory effects on C. albicans. CONCLUSION ASP and VPL may be a sensitiser for CAS, and the antifungal effects of CAS may be sensitised by 8000 μg/mL ASP or 8 μg/mL VPL against C. albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Feng
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Qiao Ren
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Shaoyan Wang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Huan Ning
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
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