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Meliefste HM, Mudde SE, Ammerman NC, de Steenwinkel JEM, Bax HI. A laboratory perspective on Mycobacterium abscessus biofilm culture, characterization and drug activity testing. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1392606. [PMID: 38690364 PMCID: PMC11058659 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1392606] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging opportunistic pathogen causing severe pulmonary infections in patients with underlying lung disease and cystic fibrosis in particular. The rising prevalence of M. abscessus infections poses an alarming threat, as the success rates of available treatment options are limited. Central to this challenge is the absence of preclinical in vitro models that accurately mimic in vivo conditions and that can reliably predict treatment outcomes in patients. M. abscessus is notorious for its association with biofilm formation within the lung. Bacteria in biofilms are more recalcitrant to antibiotic treatment compared to planktonic bacteria, which likely contributes to the lack of correlation between preclinical drug activity testing (typically performed on planktonic bacteria) and treatment outcome. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in M. abscessus biofilm research. However, the absence of standardized methods for biofilm culture, biofilm characterization and drug activity testing has led to a wide spectrum of, sometimes inconsistent, findings across various studies. Factors such as strain selection, culture medium, and incubation time hugely impact biofilm development, phenotypical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility. Additionally, a broad range of techniques are used to study M. abscessus biofilms, including quantification of colony-forming units, crystal violet staining and fluorescence microscopy. Yet, limitations of these techniques and the selected readouts for analysis affect study outcomes. Currently, research on the activity of conventional antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and amikacin, against M. abscessus biofilms yield ambiguous results, underscoring the substantial impact of experimental conditions on drug activity assessment. Beyond traditional drug activity testing, the exploration of novel anti-biofilm compounds and the improvement of in vitro biofilm models are ongoing. In this review, we outline the laboratory models, experimental variables and techniques that are used to study M. abscessus biofilms. We elaborate on the current insights of M. abscessus biofilm characteristics and describe the present understanding of the activity of traditional antibiotics, as well as potential novel compounds, against M. abscessus biofilms. Ultimately, this work contributes to the advancement of fundamental knowledge and practical applications of accurate preclinical M. abscessus models, thereby facilitating progress towards improved therapies for M. abscessus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saskia Emily Mudde
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicole Christine Ammerman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Hannelore Iris Bax
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Adhikrao PA, Motiram GM, Kumar G. Tackling Nontuberculous Mycobacteria by Repurposable Drugs and Potential Leads from Natural Products. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:1291-1326. [PMID: 38288807 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266276938240108060247] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) refer to bacteria other than all Mycobacterium species that do not cause tuberculosis or leprosy, excluding the species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, M. leprae and M. lepromatosis. NTM are ubiquitous and present in soils and natural waters. NTM can survive in a wide range of environmental conditions. The direct inoculum of the NTM from water or other materials is most likely a source of infections. NTMs are responsible for several illnesses, including pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pneumoconiosis, and pulmonary disease. Recent reports suggest that NTM species have become insensitive to sterilizing agents, antiseptics, and disinfectants. The efficacy of existing anti-NTM regimens is diminishing and has been compromised due to drug resistance. New and recurring cases of multidrug-resistant NTM strains are increasing. Thus, there is an urgent need for ant-NTM regimens with novel modes of action. This review sheds light on the mode of antimicrobial resistance in the NTM species. Then, we discussed the repurposable drugs (antibiotics) that have shown new indications (activity against NTM strains) that could be developed for treating NTM infections. Also, we have summarised recently identified natural leads acting against NTM, which have the potential for treating NTM-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patil Amruta Adhikrao
- Department of Natural Products, Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Balanagar, 500037, India
| | - Gudle Mayuri Motiram
- Department of Natural Products, Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Balanagar, 500037, India
| | - Gautam Kumar
- Department of Natural Products, Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Balanagar, 500037, India
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Wu L, Zhao B, Deng Z, Wang B, Yu Y. A biosynthetic network for protoberberine production in Coptis chinensis. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2024; 11:uhad259. [PMID: 38282690 PMCID: PMC10812381 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Protoberberine alkaloids are a group of tetracyclic isoquinoline compounds known for their well-established antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The richness and diversity of protoberberine alkaloids accumulated in the Coptis genus necessitate a comprehensive examination of the biosynthetic machinery to understand their ecological significance. Here, from Coptis chinensis we identified CcCYP719A1, which could install a methylenedioxy bridge on either ring A or ring D of the protoberberine backbone, thus diverging metabolite flux towards the biosynthesis of various protoberberine components. We also obtained CcCYP719A2 and CcCYP719A3, which underwent positive selection after diverging from CcCYP719A1 and maintained specific catalytic activity on ring D. Further, we resolved the biosynthetic pathway of jatrorrhizine by identifying two demethylases, which could also modulate protoberberine composition by removing the C-3 methyl group and methylenedioxy bridge of ring D, allowing demethylated metabolites to be redirected into different routes. Moreover, we characterized 2-O-methyltransferase CcOMT1 and flavin-dependent oxidase CcTHBO, respectively responsible for the commonly observed 2-O-methylation and aromatic ring-C assembly in protoberberine alkaloids. Overall, this study reveals an interconnected metabolite network from which diverse protoberberine alkaloids originate. It provides valuable insights into the existence of undiscovered protoberberine components, and paves the way for the targeted production of desired protoberberine components for potential therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linrui Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 East Lake Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Binxin Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 East Lake Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 East Lake Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 East Lake Road, Wuhan 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
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Zhou H, Wang W, Cai L, Yang T. Potentiation and Mechanism of Berberine as an Antibiotic Adjuvant Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7313-7326. [PMID: 38023403 PMCID: PMC10676105 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s431256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing global apprehension towards multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria necessitates the development of innovative strategies to combat these infections. Berberine (BER), an isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid derived from various medicinal plants, has surfaced as a promising antibiotic adjuvant due to its ability to enhance the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics against drug-resistant bacterial strains. Here, we overview the augmenting properties and mechanisms of BER as an adjunctive antibiotic against MDR bacteria. BER has been observed to exhibit synergistic effects when co-administered with a range of antibiotics, including β-lactams, quinolones, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, lincosamides and fusidic acid. The adjunctive properties of BER led to an increase in antimicrobial effectiveness for these antibiotics against the corresponding bacteria, a decrease in minimal inhibitory concentrations, and even the reversal from resistance to susceptibility sometimes. The potential mechanisms responsible for these effects included the inhibition of antibiotic efflux, the disruption of biofilm formation, the modulation of host immune responses, and the restoration of gut microbiota homeostasis. In brief, BER demonstrated significant potential as an antibiotic adjuvant against MDR bacteria and is a promising candidate for combination therapy. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate its mechanism of action and address the challenges associated with its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan Zhou
- Clinical Laboratory Experiment Center, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenli Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Experiment Center, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Long Cai
- Clinical Laboratory Experiment Center, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Clinical Laboratory Experiment Center, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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Tang T, Wang F, Fang G, Mao T, Guo J, Kuang H, Sun G, Guo X, Duan Y, You J. Coptischinensis Franch root rot infection disrupts microecological balance of rhizosphere soil and endophytic microbiomes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1180368. [PMID: 37303806 PMCID: PMC10248259 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1180368] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The ecological balance of the plant microbiome, as a barrier against pathogens, is very important for host health. Coptis chinensis is one of the important medicinal plants in China. In recent years, Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing technology was frequently used to analyze root rot pathogens and the effects of root rot on rhizosphere microorganisms of C. chinensis. But the effects of root rot infection on rhizosphere microecological balance of C. chinensis have received little attention. Methods In this study, Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing technology was applied to analyze the impact on microbial composition and diversity of C. chinensis by root rot. Results The results showed that root rot infection had significant impact on bacterial α-diversity in rhizome samples, but had no significant effect on that in leaf samples and rhizosphere soil samples, while root rot infection exhibited significant impact on the fungal α-diversity in leaf samples and rhizosphere soil samples, and no significant impact on that in rhizome samples. PCoA analysis showed that the root rot infection had a greater impact on the fungal community structure in the rhizosphere soil, rhizome, and leaf samples of C. chinensis than on the bacterial community structure. Root rot infection destroyed the microecological balance of the original microbiomes in the rhizosphere soil, rhizome, and leaf samples of C. chinensis, which may also be one of the reasons for the serious root rot of C. chinensis. Discussion In conclusion, our findings suggested that root rot infection with C. chinensis disrupts microecological balance of rhizosphere soil and endophytic microbiomes. The results of this study can provide theoretical basis for the prevention and control of C. chinensis root rot by microecological regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Medicine Biology and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Enshi, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Production for Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Enshi, China
| | - Fanfan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Medicine Biology and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Enshi, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Production for Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Enshi, China
| | - Guobin Fang
- Hubei Provincial Plant Protection Station, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Mao
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Medicine Biology and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Enshi, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Medicine Biology and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Enshi, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Production for Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Enshi, China
| | - Hui Kuang
- Hubei Provincial Plant Protection Station, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Xiaoliang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Medicine Biology and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Enshi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Duan
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Production for Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Enshi, China
| | - Jingmao You
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Medicine Biology and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Enshi, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Production for Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Enshi, China
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Huang X, Jia A, Huang T, Wang L, Yang G, Zhao W. Genomic profiling of WRKY transcription factors and functional analysis of CcWRKY7, CcWRKY29, and CcWRKY32 related to protoberberine alkaloids biosynthesis in Coptis chinensis Franch. Front Genet 2023; 14:1151645. [PMID: 37035743 PMCID: PMC10076542 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1151645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Coptis chinensis Franch. (Huanglian in Chinese) is an important economic crop with medicinal value. Its rhizome has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years in Asia. Protoberberine alkaloids, as the main bioactive component of Coptis chinensis, have a series of pharmacological activities. However, the protoberberine alkaloids content of C. chinensis is relatively low. Understanding the molecular mechanisms affecting the transcriptional regulation of protoberberine alkaloids would be crucial to increase their production via metabolic engineering. WRKY, one of the largest plant-specific gene families, regulates plant defense responses via the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites such as alkaloids. Totally, 41 WRKY transcription factors (TFs) related to protoberberine alkaloid biosynthesis were identified in the C. chinensis genome and classified into three groups based on phylogenetic and conserved motif analyses. Three WRKY genes (CcWRKY7, CcWRKY29, and CcWRKY32) may regulate protoberberine alkaloid biosynthesis, as suggested by gene-specific expression patterns, metabolic pathways, phylogenetic, and dual-luciferase analysis. Furthermore, the CcWRKY7, CcWRKY29, and CcWRKY32 proteins were specifically detected in the nucleus via subcellular localization. This study provides a basis for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of protoberberine alkaloid biosynthesis and valuable information for breeding C. chinensis varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Huang
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Antitumor Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Medical College, Huanghe University of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - An Jia
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Antitumor Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Medical College, Huanghe University of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Antitumor Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Medical College, Huanghe University of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Antitumor Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Medical College, Huanghe University of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guohua Yang
- Shizuishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shizuishan, China
- *Correspondence: Guohua Yang, ; Wanli Zhao,
| | - Wanli Zhao
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Antitumor Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Medical College, Huanghe University of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Memorial Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Guohua Yang, ; Wanli Zhao,
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He Z, Xu X, Wang C, Li Y, Dong B, Li S, Zeng J. Effect of Panax quinquefolius extract on Mycobacterium abscessus biofilm formation. BIOFOULING 2023; 39:24-35. [PMID: 36644897 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2166405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) can exist either as planktonic bacteria or as a biofilm. Biofilm formation is one of the important causes of conversion to resistance to antibiotics of bacteria that were previously sensitive when in their planktonic form, resulting in infections difficult to manage. Panax quinquefolius and its active ingredient ginsenosides have the potential ability in fighting pathogenic infections. In this study, the P. quinquefolius extract (PQE) showed good antibacterial/bactericidal activity against the M. abscessus planktonic cells. The extract reduced the biomass, thickness, and number of M. abscessus in the biofilm and altered its morphological characteristics as well as the spatial distribution of dead/alive bacteria. Moreover, the ginsenoside CK monomer had a similar inhibitory effect on M. abscessus planktonic bacteria and biofilm formation. Therefore, PQE and its monomer CK might be potential novel antimicrobial agents for the clinical prevention and treatment of M. abscessus, including biofilms in chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqun He
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyue Xu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Baoyu Dong
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jumei Zeng
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Conjugates of Chloramphenicol Amine and Berberine as Antimicrobial Agents. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 12:antibiotics12010015. [PMID: 36671216 PMCID: PMC9854996 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to obtain antimicrobial compounds with improved properties, new conjugates comprising two different biologically active agents within a single chimeric molecule based on chloramphenicol (CHL) and a hydrophobic cation were synthesized and studied. Chloramphenicol amine (CAM), derived from the ribosome-targeting antibiotic CHL, and the plant isoquinoline alkaloid berberine (BER) are connected by alkyl linkers of different lengths in structures of these conjugates. Using competition binding, double reporter system, and toeprinting assays, we showed that synthesized CAM-Cn-BER compounds bound to the bacterial ribosome and inhibited protein synthesis like the parent CHL. The mechanism of action of CAM-C5-BER and CAM-C8-BER on the process of bacterial translations was similar to CHL. Experiments with bacteria demonstrated that CAM-Cn-BERs suppressed the growth of laboratory strains of CHL and macrolides-resistant bacteria. CAM-C8-BER acted against mycobacteria and more selectively inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria than the parent CHL and the berberine derivative lacking the CAM moiety (CH3-C8-BER). Using a potential-sensitive fluorescent probe, we found that CAM-C8-BER significantly reduced the membrane potential in B. subtilis cells. Crystal violet assays were used to demonstrate the absence of induction of biofilm formation under the action of CAM-C8-BER on E. coli bacteria. Thus, we showed that CAM-C8-BER could act both on the ribosome and on the cell membrane of bacteria, with the alkylated berberine fragment of the compound making a significant contribution to the inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. Moreover, we showed that CAM-Cn-BERs did not inhibit eukaryotic translation in vitro and were non-toxic for eukaryotic cells.
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Study on Masking the Bitterness of Chinese Medicine Decoction-Mate. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3701288. [PMID: 36118083 PMCID: PMC9481366 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3701288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Traditional Chinese medicine decoction (TCMD) is an oral liquid made by decocting crude medicinal compounds with water. It has complex compositions and diverse odor and taste, most of which have an unacceptable level of bitterness which seriously affects patients' medication compliance. To solve this problem, a variety of taste-masking pathways and different types of taste-masking excipients were combined, using the application of coffee-mate to mask the bitterness of coffee as an existing example. Three composite taste-masking adjuvants were developed to improve the taste of TCMD, referred to as the Chinese Medicine Decoction-Mate (CMD-M). However, whether CMD-M has a good taste-masking effect and whether it affects the chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of the medicine remain unclear. Method The commonly used pediatric medicine Qingre Huazhi Decoction (QRHZD) and the personalized decoctions used in clinical practices were used as the masking research carriers. The taste-masking effect of CMD-M on QRHZD was evaluated by both healthy volunteers and an electronic tongue, and the personalized decoctions were evaluated by clinical subjects. The changes of chemical components of QRHZD before and after taste-masking were evaluated by HPLC. The changes in anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by establishing mice as an acute inflammatory model. Results The taste-masking effect evaluation results showed that the bitterness of QRHZD was significantly reduced after adding CMD-M. There was no significant difference in the relative peak areas change rate and total peak areas ratio of common peaks of QRHZD before and after taste-masking (P > 0.05), shown by HPLC analysis. The inhibitory rates of QRHZD on ear swelling in mice before and after taste-masking also showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusions CMD-M can effectively mask the bitterness of decoctions while bringing no significant difference overall in chemical compositions and pharmacological effects before and after QRHZD masking.
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Ning Y, Wang X, Chen P, Liu S, Hu J, Xiao R, Li L, Lu F. Targeted inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation by a graphene oxide-loaded aptamer/berberine bifunctional complex. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:1675-1683. [PMID: 35616277 PMCID: PMC9154759 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2079768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is known to promote drug resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is closely related to persistent infections in hospital settings. In this study, a DNA aptamer specific to penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 82.97 ± 8.86 nM was obtained after 14 cycles of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Next, a bifunctional complex containing the aptamer intercalated by berberine into the double-strand region was prepared and adsorbed onto the surface of graphene oxide (GO) by π-stacking interactions. The GO-loaded aptamer/berberine bifunctional complex showed significantly higher inhibition of MRSA biofilm formation than the control. Furthermore, this study shows that the complex possesses anti-biofilm activity, which can be attributed to the ability of the aptamer to reduce cell-surface attachment by blocking the function of PBP2a and berberine to attenuate the level of the accessory gene regulator (agr) system, which plays an important role in mediating MRSA biofilm formation. Therefore, the simultaneous delivery of berberine and PBP2a-targted aptamer using GO may have potential for the treatment of chronic infections caused by MRSA biofilms. It also provides a new avenue for multitarget treatment of bacterial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ning
- Department of Microbiology, The Medicine School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Department of Microbiology, The Medicine School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingan Chen
- Department of Microbiology, The Medicine School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Liu
- Department of Microbiology, The Medicine School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Hu
- Department of Microbiology, The Medicine School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, The Medicine School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Li
- Experimental Center of Molecular Biology, The Chinese Medicine School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangguo Lu
- Department of Microbiology, The Medicine School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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