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Álvarez-Martínez FJ, Díaz-Puertas R, Barrajón-Catalán E, Micol V. Plant-Derived Natural Products for the Treatment of Bacterial Infections. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38418668 DOI: 10.1007/164_2024_706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial infections are a significant public health concern, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) has become a major challenge for modern medicine. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the development of ARB, which has led to the need for alternative therapies. Plant-derived natural products (PNPs) have been extensively studied for their potential as alternative therapies for the treatment of bacterial infections. The diverse chemical compounds found in plants have shown significant antibacterial properties, making them a promising source of novel antibacterial agents. The use of PNPs as antibacterial agents is particularly appealing because they offer a relatively safe and cost-effective approach to the treatment of bacterial infections. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on PNPs as antibacterial agents. It will cover the mechanisms of action of the main PNPs against bacterial pathogens and discuss their potential to be used as complementary therapies to combat ARB. This chapter will also highlight the most common screening methodologies to discover new PNPs and the challenges and future prospects in the development of these compounds as antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Álvarez-Martínez
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Elche, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Rocío Díaz-Puertas
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Elche, Spain
| | - Enrique Barrajón-Catalán
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Elche, Spain.
- Department of Pharmacy, Elche University Hospital-FISABIO, Elche, Spain.
| | - Vicente Micol
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Elche, Spain
- CIBER, Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition, CIBERobn, Carlos III Health Institute (CB12/03/30038), Madrid, Spain
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2
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Filardo S, Roberto M, Di Risola D, Mosca L, Di Pietro M, Sessa R. Olea europaea L-derived secoiridoids: Beneficial health effects and potential therapeutic approaches. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 254:108595. [PMID: 38301769 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108595] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the years, health challenges have become increasingly complex and global and, at the beginning of the 21st century, chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as cancer and diabetes, have been identified by World Health Organization as one of the biggest threats to human health. Recently, antimicrobial resistance has also emerged as a growing problem of public health for the management of infectious diseases. In this scenario, the exploration of natural products as supplementation or alternative therapeutic options is acquiring great importance, and, among them, the olive tree, Olea europaea L, specifically leaves, fruits, and oil, has been increasingly investigated for its health promoting properties. Traditionally, these properties have been largely attributed to the high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, although, in recent years, beneficial effects have also been associated to other components, particularly polyphenols. Among them, the most interesting group is represented by Olea europaea L secoiridoids, comprising oleuropein, oleocanthal, oleacein, and ligstroside, which display anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer activities. This review provides an overview of the multiple health beneficial effects, the molecular mechanisms, and the potential applications of secoiridoids from Olea europaea L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mattioli Roberto
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Di Risola
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Mosca
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Filardo S, Di Pietro M, Bozzuto G, Fracella M, Bitossi C, Molinari A, Scagnolari C, Antonelli G, Sessa R. Interferon-ε as potential inhibitor of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106427. [PMID: 37890679 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106427] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, the main cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, is responsible for severe reproductive sequelae. Amongst all the cytokines involved in host immunity towards this pathogen, IFN-ε has recently acquired importance for its potential contribution to the female reproductive tract innate defenses. Herein, our study aimed to explore, for the first time, the activity of IFN-ε toward C. trachomatis in an in vitro infection model, by testing its effects on the different phases of chlamydial developmental cycle, as well as on the ultrastructural characteristics of chlamydial inclusions, via transmission electron microscopy. Main result is the capability of IFN-ε to alter C. trachomatis growth, as suggested by reduced infectious progenies, as well as a patchy distribution of bacteria and altered morphology of reticulate bodies within inclusions. In conclusion, our results suggest that IFN-ε could play a role in the innate and adaptive immune defenses against C. trachomatis; in the future, it will be needed to investigate its activity on an infection model more closely resembling the physiological environment of the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Bozzuto
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Camilla Bitossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Agnese Molinari
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Tadić V, Božović M, Sapienza F, Astolfi R, Mladenović M, Zaka MC, Del Bove F, Borzacchi F, Fraschetti C, Rossi C, Vertuani S, Baldisserotto A, Manfredini S, Ragno R. Chemical Composition and Anti- Candida Activity of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. Essential Oils Obtained by Different Distillation Processes. Molecules 2023; 28:6934. [PMID: 37836777 PMCID: PMC10574099 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196934] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A comparative study on essential oils extracted from Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. from Italy is reported. Two extraction procedures were investigated: hydrodistillation and steam distillation, carried out as a continuous and fractionated procedure. Fresh and dried plant material from two harvests was used. The hydrodistillation method yielded a higher amount of essential oil. The dried plant was significantly richer in essential oil per kg of starting plant material. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of 112 samples showed that the essential oils belong to the piperitenone oxide-rich chemotype. In addition, piperitenone, p-cymen-8-ol, and limonene were among the most abundant compounds in the different samples. A higher amount of piperitenone oxide was obtained by hydrodistillation, while steam distillation gave a higher percentage of piperitenone and limonene. The essential oils were characterized for their anti-Candida albicans activity; higher potency was observed for the samples rich in piperitenone oxide, with MIC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg·mL-1 (0.039% and 0.078% p/v). The results of this work provide a deep insight into the methodology of essential oil extraction and the associated chemical variability of M. suaveolens Ehrh. Some of the essential oils are potent against C. albicans and could be considered for potential use in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Tadić
- Institute of Medicinal Plants Research Dr. Josif Pančić, Tadeuša Koščuška 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Mijat Božović
- Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Montenegro, Džordža Vašingtona bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - Filippo Sapienza
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Roberta Astolfi
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Milan Mladenović
- Kragujevac Center for Computational Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Maria Cristina Zaka
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Bachelor Course in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.Z.); (F.D.B.)
| | - Fabiana Del Bove
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Bachelor Course in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.Z.); (F.D.B.)
| | | | - Caterina Fraschetti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Caterina Rossi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.R.); (S.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Silvia Vertuani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.R.); (S.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Baldisserotto
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.R.); (S.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Stefano Manfredini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.R.); (S.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Rino Ragno
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (R.A.)
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Mattioli R, Bozzuto G, Molinari A, Mosca L, Sessa R. Extra Virgin Olive Oil-Based Formulations: A "Green" Strategy against Chlamydia trachomatis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12701. [PMID: 37628881 PMCID: PMC10454370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612701] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, antibiotic misuse has emerged as an important risk factor for the appearance of multi-drug-resistant bacteria, and, recently, antimicrobial resistance has also been described in Chlamydia trachomatis as the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Herein, we investigated, for the first time, the antibacterial activity against C. trachomatis of a polyphenolic extract of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), alongside purified oleocanthal and oleacein, two of its main components, in natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES), a biocompatible solvent. The anti-chlamydial activity of olive-oil polyphenols (OOPs) was tested in the different phases of chlamydial developmental cycle by using an in vitro infection model. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy analysis were performed for investigating potential alterations of adhesion and invasion, as well as morphology, of chlamydial elementary bodies (EBs) to host cells. The main result of our study is the anti-bacterial activity of OOPs towards C. trachomatis EBs down to a total polyphenol concentration of 1.7 μg/mL, as shown by a statistically significant decrease (93.53%) of the total number of chlamydial-inclusion-forming units (p < 0.0001). Transmission and scanning electron microscopy analysis supported its anti-chlamydial effect, suggesting that OOP might damage the chlamydial outer layers, impairing their structural integrity and hindering EB capability to infect the host cell. In conclusion, OOPs may represent an interesting alternative therapeutic option toward C. trachomatis, although further studies are necessary for exploring its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Roberto Mattioli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Giuseppina Bozzuto
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Agnese Molinari
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Luciana Mosca
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (R.S.)
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"In vivo" and "in vitro" antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare essential oil and its two phenolic compounds on clinical isolates of Candida spp. Arch Microbiol 2022; 205:15. [PMID: 36477374 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03355-1] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A limited therapeutic arsenal is currently available against Candida infections that show high resistance to antifungal agents. For this reason, there is a great need to prioritize testing therapeutic agents for the treatment of candidiasis. The use of essential oils and their phytoconstituents has been emphasized as a new therapeutic approach. The cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), polysaccharide content, antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Origanum vulgare L. (OVEO), and its two phenolic compounds carvacrol and thymol were evaluated in four different Candida spp. (Candida albicans and emerging non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, such as C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei). The results showed the differences between Candida species; for example, C. tropicalis revealed higher resistance than other strains to different natural molecule treatments. The ultrastructural variabilities in the biomembranes and cell walls of these Candida spp. might explain the different biological effects observed after OVEO, carvacrol and thymol treatments. Therefore, to study the biological effects of these natural compounds on Candida strains, the samples were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the release of cellular materials and their "in vivo" antimicrobial activity on infected G. mellonella larvae were evaluated. The novelty of this study is the demonstration that exists a close correlation between both structural architecture of cell walls and biomembranes' organization with cell fungal responses to essential oils treatments. Overall, these results suggest practical limits to the predictability.
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Zhao H, Ren S, Yang H, Tang S, Guo C, Liu M, Tao Q, Ming T, Xu H. Peppermint essential oil: its phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacological effect and application. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113559. [PMID: 35994817 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mentha (also known as peppermint), a genus of plants in the taxonomic family Lamiaceae (mint family), is widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the world. Mentha contains various constituents that are classified as peppermint essential oil (PEO) and non-essential components. PEO, consisting mainly of menthol, menthone, neomenthol and iso-menthone, is a mixture of volatile metabolites with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, scolicidal, immunomodulatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, antifatigue and antioxidant activities. Mounting evidence indicates that PEO may pharmacologically protect gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, skin, respiratory, brain and nervous systems, and exert hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Clinically, PEO is used for gastrointestinal and dermatological diseases, postoperative adjuvant therapy and other fields. This review aims to address the advances in the extraction and isolation of PEO, its biological activities, pharmacological effects, toxicity and applications, with an emphasis on the efficacy of PEO on burn wounds and psoriasis, providing a comprehensive foundation for research, development and application of PEO in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Shan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Chenyang Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Maolun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qiu Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tianqi Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Mattioli R, Francioso A, Raponi G, Mosca L, Sessa R. Extra Virgin Olive Oil-Based Green Formulations With Promising Antimicrobial Activity Against Drug-Resistant Isolates. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:885735. [PMID: 35548334 PMCID: PMC9082028 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.885735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from Olea europaea L. drupes, a cornerstone in the Mediterranean diet, is well known for its nutritional and health properties, especially for prevention of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Traditionally, beneficial health effects have been largely attributed to the high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, and in recent years, these have also been related to other components including oleacein and oleocanthal. Here, we evaluated, for the first time, the antimicrobial activity of different green extra virgin olive oil-based formulations in natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) emerging as powerful and biocompatible solvents. Specifically, the antimicrobial activity of the EVOO extract, as well as purified oleocanthal and oleacein in two NaDESs (choline/glycerol and choline/propylene glycol), against several drug-resistant clinical isolates and standard microbial strains has been evaluated. The main result was the inhibitory activity of the EVOO extract in choline/glycerol as well as oleacein in choline/propylene glycol toward drug-resistant Gram-positive and -negative strains. Specifically, the EVOO extract in choline/glycerol showed the highest antibacterial activity against several clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, whereas oleacein in choline/propylene glycol was the most effective toward various clinical strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, all the formulations tested were effective against Candida spp. In conclusion, our results suggest EVOO-based formulations in NaDESs as an interesting strategy that may help in reducing the risk of development of drug resistance. Under this perspective, the usage of NaDESs for the preparation of new antimicrobial formulations may represent a promising approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Mattioli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Francioso
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Giammarco Raponi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Luciana Mosca
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
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Potential IFNγ Modulation of Inflammasome Pathway in Chlamydia trachomatis Infected Synovial Cells. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121359. [PMID: 34947890 PMCID: PMC8707573 DOI: 10.3390/life11121359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Following a Chlamydia trachomatis infection, the host immune response is characterized by its recognition via Toll-like and Nod-like Receptors, and the subsequent activation of interferon (IFN)-γ-mediated signaling pathways. Recently, the inflammasome-mediated host cell response has emerged to play a role in the physiopathology of C. trachomatis infection. Here we investigated, for the first time, the interaction of IFN-γ and inflammasome in an in vitro model of C. trachomatis-infected primary human synovial cells. Chlamydial replication as well as the expression of caspase-1, IL-1β, as well as IL-18 and IL-6, were assayed. Our results demonstrated the inhibitory activity of IFN-γ by interfering with the inflammasome network through the downregulation of caspase-1 mRNA expression. In addition, the ability of C. trachomatis to hinder the inflammasome pathway favoring its intracellular survival within synovial cells, was observed. Overall, our data suggest a potential mechanism of immune evasion by C. trachomatis in synovial cells, that may be contested by IFN-γ.
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10
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Filardo S, Di Pietro M, Pasqualetti P, Manera M, Diaco F, Sessa R. In-cell western assay as a high-throughput approach for Chlamydia trachomatis quantification and susceptibility testing to antimicrobials. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251075. [PMID: 33974662 PMCID: PMC8112659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in developed countries, with around 127 million new cases per year, is mainly responsible for urethritis and cervicitis in women, and urethritis and epididymitis in men. Most C. trachomatis infections remain asymptomatic (>50%) and, hence, untreated, leading to severe reproductive complications in both women and men, like infertility. Therefore, the detection of C. trachomatis as well as the antimicrobial susceptibility testing becomes a priority, and, along the years, several methods have been recommended, like cell culture and direct immunofluorescence (DFA) on cell cultures. Herein, we described the application of In-Cell Western assay (ICW) via Odyssey CLx as a fast, more accessible, and high-throughput platform for the quantification of C. trachomatis and the screening of anti-chlamydial drugs. As a first step, we set up a standard curve by infecting cell monolayers with 2-fold serial dilutions of C. trachomatis Elementary Body (EB) suspension. Then, different unknown C. trachomatis EB suspensions were quantified and the chlamydial susceptibility testing to erythromycin was performed, using the DFA as comparison. Our results showed a very high concordance between these two assays, as evidenced by the enumeration of chlamydial IFUs as well as the determination of erythromycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). In conclusion, the ICW assay may be a promising candidate as an accurate and accessible methodology for C. trachomatis antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pasqualetti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Health Statistics and Biometry, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Manera
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Diaco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Frasca F, Scagnolari C, Manera M, Sessa V, Antonelli G, Sessa R. Interferon-γ Possesses Anti-Microbial and Immunomodulatory Activity on a Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Model of Primary Human Synovial Fibroblasts. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E235. [PMID: 32050567 PMCID: PMC7074713 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular pathogen, is the most common cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, and it is potentially responsible for severe chronic sequelae, such as reactive arthritis. To date, details of the mechanisms by which Chlamydiae induce innate antimicrobial pathways in synovial fibroblasts, are not well characterized; therefore, herein, we investigated the effects of interferon (IFN)α, IFNβ, and IFNγ on the infection, and replication phases of the C. trachomatis developmental cycle, as well as on the induction of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and IFN-related pathways. To do so, we set up an in vitro chlamydial-infection model of primary human synovial cells treated with IFNs before or after the infection. We then determined the number of chlamydial inclusion forming units and inclusion size, as well as the expression of toll like receptor (TLR)2, TLR3, TLR4, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of IFN gene (STING), IRF9, ISG56, and GBP1. The main result of our study is the significant inhibition of C. trachomatis infection and replication in human synovial cells following the treatment with IFNγ, whereas IFN-I proved to be ineffective. Furthermore, IFNγ greatly upregulated all the PRRs and ISGs examined. In conclusion, IFNγ exhibited a potent anti-Chlamydia activity in human synovial cells as well as the ability to induce a strong increase of innate immune pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Di Pietro
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Simone Filardo
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Martina Manera
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Sessa
- Department of Orthopedics, San Giovanni Calibita-Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Hospital “Policlinico Umberto I”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
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12
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Sarshar M, Scribano D, Tranquilli G, Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Zagaglia C, Sessa R, Palamara AT, Ambrosi C. A simple, fast and reliable scan-based technique as a novel approach to quantify intracellular bacteria. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:252. [PMID: 31718545 PMCID: PMC6849193 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1625-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quantification of intracellular bacteria is fundamental in many areas of cellular and clinical microbiology to study acute and chronic infections. Therefore, rapid, accurate and low-cost methods represent valuable tools in determining bacterial ability to persist and proliferate within eukaryotic cells. Results Herein, we present the first application of the immunofluorescence In-Cell Western (ICW) assay aimed at quantifying intracellular bacteria in in vitro infection models. The performance of this new approach was evaluated in cell culture infection models using three microorganisms with different lifestyles. Two facultative intracellular bacteria, the fast-growing Shigella flexneri and a persistent strain of Escherichia coli, as well as the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis were chosen as bacterial models. The ICW assay was performed in parallel with conventional quantification methods, i.e. colony forming units (CFUs) and inclusion forming units (IFUs). The fluorescence signal intensity values from the ICW assay were highly correlated to CFU/IFUs counting and showed coefficients of determination (R2), ranging from 0,92 to 0,99. Conclusions The ICW assay offers several advantages including sensitivity, reproducibility, high speed, operator-independent data acquisition and overtime stability of fluorescence signals. All these features, together with the simplicity in performance, make this assay particularly suitable for high-throughput screening and diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Sarshar
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Microbiology Research Center (MRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Daniela Scribano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Dani Di Giò Foundation-Onlus, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Tranquilli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Zagaglia
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00185, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Ambrosi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166, Rome, Italy.
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Mosolygó T, Mouwakeh A, Hussein Ali M, Kincses A, Mohácsi-Farkas C, Kiskó G, Spengler G. Bioactive Compounds of Nigella Sativa Essential Oil as Antibacterial Agents against Chlamydia Trachomatis D. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7090370. [PMID: 31546941 PMCID: PMC6780748 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7090370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Urogenital tract infection caused by obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis D (CtrD) is a leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases. Essential oil (EO) of Nigella sativa has a broad antimicrobial spectrum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the bioactive compounds (p-cymene, thymoquinone, carvacrol, and thymol) of N. sativa EO against CtrD. The cytotoxic effects of the compounds were determined by MTT assay. In order to quantify the anti-chlamydial activity of the compounds, HeLa cells were infected with CtrD or CtrD treated previously with the compounds. The titer of the infectious CtrD was determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were evaluated by direct quantitative PCR. None of the compounds showed a cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells in the concentrations tested. According to the immunofluorescence assay, all of the compounds significantly inhibited the growth of CtrD. The quantitative PCR revealed that the minimum concentration that exerted anti-chlamydial activity was 3.12 µM in the case of thymoquinone and p-cymene, while that of carvacrol and thymol was 6.25 µM. Therefore, it can be concluded that bioactive compounds of N. sativa EO could be used as effective antimicrobial agents against CtrD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Mosolygó
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Ahmad Mouwakeh
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Food Science, Szent István University, 1118 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Munira Hussein Ali
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Annamária Kincses
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Csilla Mohácsi-Farkas
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Food Science, Szent István University, 1118 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gabriella Kiskó
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Food Science, Szent István University, 1118 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gabriella Spengler
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary.
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14
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Selected Immunological Mediators and Cervical Microbial Signatures in Women with Chlamydia trachomatis Infection. mSystems 2019; 4:4/4/e00094-19. [PMID: 31164450 PMCID: PMC6550367 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00094-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the female genital ecosystem, the complex interplay between the host immune system and the resident microflora protects against urogenital pathogens, like Chlamydia trachomatis C. trachomatis is responsible for urethritis and cervicitis; however, most chlamydial infections are asymptomatic and, thus, not treated, potentially leading to severe reproductive sequelae. Here we investigated the interaction between the levels of selected immune mediators and the community state types of the cervical microbiota in C. trachomatis-infected women. Cervical samples from 42 C. trachomatis-positive women and 103 matched healthy controls were analyzed through the metagenomic analysis of the hypervariable region v4 of the 16S rRNA gene and the determination of lactoferrin, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-6, alpha interferon (IFN-α), IFN-β, and IFN-γ by ELISA. Overall, C. trachomatis infection was significantly associated with a microbiota dominated by anaerobic bacteria (P = 0.000002). In addition, a network of Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella amnii, Prevotella buccalis, Prevotella timonensis, Aerococcus christensenii, and Variovorax guangxiensis has been identified as a potential biomarker of C. trachomatis infection through multiple statistical approaches. Again, chlamydial infection was significantly correlated with an increased production of lactoferrin, IL-6, IL-1α, IFN-α, and IFN-β (P < 0.05), whereas very low levels of IFN-γ were observed in C. trachomatis-infected women, levels similar to those detected in healthy women. Our findings show a distinctive signature of C. trachomatis genital infection, characterized by a specific bacterial network, constituted by anaerobes, as well as by increased levels of lactoferrin and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IFN-α, and IFN-β), accompanied by low levels of IFN-γ.IMPORTANCE To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the association of C. trachomatis with the cervical levels of lactoferrin and selected inflammatory mediators and their correlation with the different community state types characterizing the female genital ecosystem. C. trachomatis, known as the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, continues to be an important public health problem worldwide for its increasing incidence and the risk of developing severe reproductive sequelae, like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Specifically, C. trachomatis tend to persist in the female genital tract, leading to a chronic inflammatory state characterized by increased production of immune mediators responsible for tissue damage. Therefore, our study may help to broaden the knowledge on the complex interplay between the female genital microbiota and the host immune system in response to C. trachomatis infection.
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15
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Biofilm in Genital Ecosystem: A Potential Risk Factor for Chlamydia trachomatis Infection. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2019; 2019:1672109. [PMID: 30805068 PMCID: PMC6362494 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1672109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In healthy women, the cervicovaginal microbiota is mostly populated by Lactobacillus spp., the main host defense factor of the female genital tract. In addition to Lactobacilli, other microorganisms populate the cervicovaginal microbiota, like Candida spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis. The overgrowth of Candida spp. or G. vaginalis, known as biofilm-producing microorganisms in the genital ecosystem, may lead to microbial dysbiosis that increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, like Chlamydia trachomatis. C. trachomatis, the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, is still considered an important public health problem worldwide because of the impact of asymptomatic infections on long-term reproductive sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The aim of our study was to investigate the interaction between C. trachomatis and the biofilm produced by Candida albicans or Gardnerella vaginalis, evaluating whether the biofilm can harbor C. trachomatis and influence its survival as well as its infectious properties. In order to do so, we developed an in vitro coculture transwell-based biofilm model. Our findings proved, for the first time, that C. trachomatis, an intracellular obligate pathogen, survived, for up to 72 hours after exposure, inside the biofilm produced by C. albicans or G. vaginalis, retaining its infectious properties, as evidenced by the typical chlamydial inclusions observed in the cell monolayer (chlamydial inclusion-forming units at 72 h: 9255 ± 1139 and 9873 ± 1015, respectively). In conclusion, our results suggest that the biofilm related to Candida or Gardnerella genital infections may act as a reservoir of C. trachomatis and, thus, contribute to the transmission of the infection in the population as well as to its dissemination into the upper genital tract, increasing the risk of developing severe reproductive sequelae.
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16
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Filardo S, Di Pietro M, Porpora MG, Recine N, Farcomeni A, Latino MA, Sessa R. Diversity of Cervical Microbiota in Asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection: A Pilot Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:321. [PMID: 28770172 PMCID: PMC5509768 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection continues to be an important public health problem worldwide due to its increasing incidence. C. trachomatis infection can lead to severe sequelae, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, obstructive infertility, and preterm birth. Recently, it has been suggested that the cervico-vaginal microbiota may be an important defense factor toward C. trachomatis infection as well as the development of chronic sequelae. Therefore, the investigation of microbial profiles associated to chlamydial infection is of the utmost importance. Here we present a pilot study aiming to characterize, through the metagenomic analysis of sequenced 16s rRNA gene amplicons, the cervical microbiota from reproductive age women positive to C. trachomatis infection. The main finding of our study showed a marked increase in bacterial diversity in asymptomatic C. trachomatis positive women as compared to healthy controls in terms of Shannon's diversity and Shannon's evenness (P = 0.031 and P = 0.026, respectively). More importantly, the cervical microbiota from C. trachomatis positive women and from healthy controls significantly separated into two clusters in the weighted UniFrac analysis (P = 0.0027), suggesting that differences between the two groups depended entirely on the relative abundance of bacterial taxa rather than on the types of bacterial taxa present. Furthermore, C. trachomatis positive women showed an overall decrease in Lactobacillus spp. and an increase in anaerobes. These findings are part of an ongoing larger epidemiological study that will evaluate the potential role of distinct bacterial communities of the cervical microbiota in C. trachomatis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "Sapienza"Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "Sapienza"Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Porpora
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, University of Rome "Sapienza"Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Recine
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, University of Rome "Sapienza"Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Farcomeni
- Section of Statistics, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "Sapienza"Rome, Italy
| | - Maria A Latino
- Unit of Bacteriology, STIs Diagnostic Centre, Sant'Anna HospitalTurin, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "Sapienza"Rome, Italy
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17
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Bonferoni MC, Sandri G, Rossi S, Usai D, Liakos I, Garzoni A, Fiamma M, Zanetti S, Athanassiou A, Caramella C, Ferrari F. A novel ionic amphiphilic chitosan derivative as a stabilizer of nanoemulsions: Improvement of antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 152:385-392. [PMID: 28152462 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Amphiphilic chitosans have been recently proposed to improve delivery of poorly soluble drugs. In the present paper a derivative obtained by ionic interaction between chitosan and oleic acid was for the first time studied to physically stabilize o/w nanoemulsions of an antimicrobial essential oil, Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass), in a low energy and mild conditions emulsification process. The novel combination of spontaneous emulsification process with chitosan oleate amphiphilic properties resulted in a stable dispersion of a few hundred nanometer droplets. Positive zeta potential confirmed the presence of a chitosan shell around the oil droplets, which is responsible for the nanoemulsion physical stabilization and for the maintenance of chitosan bioactive properties, such as mucoadhesion. Cytotoxicity test was performed on four different cell lines (HEp-2, Caco-2, WKD and McCoy cells) showing biocompatibility of the system. The maintenance and in some cases even a clear improvement in the essential oil antimicrobial activity towards nine bacterial and ten fungal strains, all of clinical relevance was verified for Lemongrass nanoemulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Bonferoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Vle Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Center for Health Technology (CHT), University of Pavia, Via A. Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Sandri
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Vle Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Center for Health Technology (CHT), University of Pavia, Via A. Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Vle Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Center for Health Technology (CHT), University of Pavia, Via A. Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Donatella Usai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro 43/C, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ioannis Liakos
- Smart Materials Group, Nanophysics Department, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Garzoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Vle Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maura Fiamma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro 43/C, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefania Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro 43/C, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Athanassia Athanassiou
- Smart Materials Group, Nanophysics Department, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Carla Caramella
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Vle Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Center for Health Technology (CHT), University of Pavia, Via A. Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Franca Ferrari
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Vle Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Center for Health Technology (CHT), University of Pavia, Via A. Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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18
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Sessa R, Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Bressan A, Rosa L, Cutone A, Frioni A, Berlutti F, Paesano R, Valenti P. Effect of bovine lactoferrin on Chlamydia trachomatis infection and inflammation. Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 95:34-40. [PMID: 28094551 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2016-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate, intracellular pathogen responsible for the most common sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide, causing acute and chronic infections. The acute infection is susceptible to antibiotics, whereas the chronic one needs prolonged therapies, thus increasing the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Novel alternative therapies are needed. The intracellular development of C. trachomatis requires essential nutrients, including iron. Iron-chelating drugs inhibit C. trachomatis developmental cycle. Lactoferrin (Lf), a pleiotropic iron binding glycoprotein, could be a promising candidate against C. trachomatis infection. Similarly to the efficacy against other intracellular pathogens, bovine Lf (bLf) could both interfere with C. trachomatis entry into epithelial cells and exert an anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro and in vivo effects of bLf against C. trachomatis infectious and inflammatory process has been investigated. BLf inhibits C. trachomatis entry into host cells when incubated with cell monolayers before or at the moment of the infection and down-regulates IL-6/IL-8 synthesized by infected cells. Six out of 7 pregnant women asymptomatically infected by C. trachomatis, after 30 days of bLf intravaginal administration, were negative for C. trachomatis and showed a decrease of cervical IL-6 levels. This is the first time that the bLf protective effect against C. trachomatis infection has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Sessa
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Filardo
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Bressan
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosa
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Antimo Cutone
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Frioni
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Berlutti
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosalba Paesano
- b Department of Gynecological-Obstetric and Urological Sciences, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- a Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Božović M, Pirolli A, Ragno R. Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. (Lamiaceae) Essential Oil and Its Main Constituent Piperitenone Oxide: Biological Activities and Chemistry. Molecules 2015; 20:8605-33. [PMID: 25985361 PMCID: PMC6272761 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20058605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Since herbal medicines play an important role in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, there is a growing need for their quality control and standardization. Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. (MS) is an aromatic herb with fruit and a spearmint flavor, used in the Mediterranean areas as a traditional medicine. It has an extensive range of biological activities, including cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive and insecticidal properties, among others. This study aims to review the scientific findings and research reported to date on MS that prove many of the remarkable various biological actions, effects and some uses of this species as a source of bioactive natural compounds. On the other hand, piperitenone oxide (PO), the major chemical constituent of the carvone pathway MS essential oil, has been reported to exhibit numerous bioactivities in cells and animals. Thus, this integrated overview also surveys and interprets the present knowledge of chemistry and analysis of this oxygenated monoterpene, as well as its beneficial bioactivities. Areas for future research are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijat Božović
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Adele Pirolli
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Rino Ragno
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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