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Llinas J, Rozmanec M, Hyndman TH. Diagnosis and management of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii detected in an oral mass in a pink-tongued skink (Cyclodomorphus gerarrdii). Aust Vet J 2024; 102:416-422. [PMID: 38653559 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13337] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cryptococcus is an encapsulated yeast that is found in both yeast and hyphal forms. Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii are the most medically important species, causing disease in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. A large, friable, sublingual mass was surgically resected from the oral cavity of a pink-tongued skink (Cyclodomorphus gerarrdii). Histopathology, fungal culture and PCR testing with Sanger sequencing confirmed granulomatous inflammation containing large numbers of yeasts identified as Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii. Surgical excision and treatment with oral amphotericin B and terbinafine was unsuccessful in managing the infection. On Day 67 after surgery, Cryptococcus DNA was detected by PCR in the blood but not oral, cloacal or skin swabs. The skink was euthanised 72 days after surgery due to anorexia, weight loss and progressive neurological signs of disease. Necropsy results showed disseminated cryptococcosis, including meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis. Two in-contact pink-tongued skinks remained asymptomatic and PCR-negative during 198 days of observation. This case suggests Cryptococcus infections should be considered for oral masses presenting with or without neurological signs in skinks. Further investigation is required to determine the best treatment options for disseminated cryptococcosis in reptiles. This report describes the third reported case of Cryptococcus in a reptile and the first case of cryptococcosis in a pink-tongued skink. It is also the first report of Cryptococcus in a reptile identified to the variety level using PCR, including in whole blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Llinas
- The Unusual Pet Vets Jindalee, Jindalee, Queensland, Australia
| | - M Rozmanec
- QML Vetnostics, SVS Pathology Network, Murarrie, Queensland, Australia
| | - T H Hyndman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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Taha M, Tartor YH, Elaziz RMA, Elsohaby I. Genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibilities of environmental Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. IMA Fungus 2024; 15:21. [PMID: 39060926 PMCID: PMC11282759 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-024-00153-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic systemic mycosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complexes and is of increasing global importance. Maintaining continued surveillance of the antifungal susceptibility of environmental C. neoformans and C. gattii isolates is desirable for better managing cryptococcosis by identifying resistant isolates and revealing the emergence of intrinsically resistant species. Relevant research data from Egypt are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to report the genetic diversity of C. neoformans and C. gattii species complexes originating from different environmental sources in Egypt, antifungal susceptibility profiles, antifungal combinations, and correlations of susceptibility with genotypes. A total of 400 environmental samples were collected, 220 from birds and 180 from trees. Cryptococcus spp. were found in 58 (14.5%) of the samples, 44 (75.9%) of the isolates were recovered from birds and 14 (24.1%) from trees. These isolates were genotyped using M13 polymerase chain reaction-fingerprinting and URA5 gene restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Of the 31 C. neoformans isolates, 24 (77.4%), 6 (19.4%) and one (4.4%) belonged to VNI, VNII, and VNIII genotypes, respectively. The 27 C. gattii isolates belonged to VGI (70.4%), VGII (18.5%), and VGIII (11.1%) genotypes. Non-wild type C. neoformans and C. gattii isolates that may have acquired resistance to azoles, amphotericin B (AMB), and terbinafine (TRB) were observed. C. gattii VGIII was less susceptible to fluconazole (FCZ) and itraconazole (ITZ) than VGI and VGII. C. neoformans isolates showed higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to FCZ, ITZ, and voriconazole (VRZ) than those of C. gattii VGI and VGII. Significant (P < 0.001) correlations were found between the MICs of VRZ and ITZ (r = 0.64) in both C. neoformans and C. gattii isolates, FCZ and TRB in C. neoformans isolates, and FCZ and TRB (r = 0.52) in C. gattii isolates.There is no significant differences in the MICs of TRB in combination with FCZ (P = 0.064) or in combination with AMB (P = 0.543) and that of TRB alone against C. gattii genotypes. By calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index, the combination of FCZ + AMB was synergistic against all tested genotypes. These findings expand our knowledge of ecological niches, genetic diversity, and resistance traits of C. neoformans and C. gattii genotypes in Egypt. Further investigations into how they are related to clinical isolates in the region are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Taha
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Yasmine H Tartor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt.
| | - Rana M Abd Elaziz
- Cairo International Airport Veterinary Quarantine, General Organization for Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice (OHRP), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
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Khan MSA. Synergistic Interaction of Certain Essential Oils and Their Active Compounds with Fluconazole against Azole-resistant Strains of Cryptococcus neoformans. Ann Afr Med 2024; 23:391-399. [PMID: 39034564 DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_197_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the anti-cryptococcal potential of certain essential oils (EOs)/compounds alone and in combination with fluconazole. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the antifungal activity of oils of Cinnamomum verum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon martini, and Syzygium aromaticum, and their major active ingredients cinnamaldehyde, citral, eugenol, and geraniol against clinical and standard strains of Cryptococcus neoformans (CN). Disc diffusion, broth microdilution, checkerboard methods, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to determine growth inhibition, synergistic interaction, and mechanism of action of test compounds. RESULTS EOs/compounds showed pronounced antifungal efficacy against azole-resistant CN in the order of cinnamaldehyde > eugenol > S. aromaticum > C. verum > citral > C. citratus > geraniol ≥ C. martini, each exhibiting zone of inhibition >15 mm. These oils/compounds were highly cidal compared to fluconazole. Eugenol and cinnamaldehyde showed the strongest synergy with fluconazole against CN by lowering their MICs up to 32-fold. Transmission electron microscopy indicated damage of the fungal cell wall, cell membrane, and other endomembranous organelles. CONCLUSION Test oils and their active compounds exhibited potential anti-cryptococcus activity against the azole-resistant strains of CN. Moreover, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde significantly potentiated the anti-cryptococcal activity of fluconazole. It is suggested that multiple sites of action from oils/compounds could turn static fluconazole into a cidal drug combination in combating cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Sajjad Ahmad Khan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Deanship of Preparatory Year and Supporting Studies, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Aor AC, Sangenito LS, Mello TP, Joffe LS, Rizzo J, Veiga VF, da Silva RN, Pereira MD, Fonseca BB, Rozental S, Haido RMT, Rodrigues ML, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Extracellular Vesicles from Scedosporium apiospermum Mycelial Cells: Implication for Fungal-Host Interplays. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:277. [PMID: 38667948 PMCID: PMC11051067 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been implicated as an alternative transport mechanism for the passage of macromolecules through the fungal cell wall, a phenomenon widely reported in yeasts but poorly explored in mycelial cells. In the present work, we have purified and characterized the EVs released by mycelia of the emerging, opportunistic, widespread and multidrug-resistant filamentous fungus Scedosporium apiospermum. Transmission electron microscopy images and light scattering measurements revealed the fungal EVs, which were observed individually or grouped with heterogeneous morphology, size and electron density. The mean diameter of the EVs, evaluated by the light scattering technique, was 179.7 nm. Overall, the structural stability of S. apiospermum EVs was preserved during incubation under various storage conditions. The lipid, carbohydrate and protein contents were quantified, and the EVs' protein profile was evidenced by SDS-PAGE, revealing proteins with molecular masses ranging from 20 to 118 kDa. Through immunoblotting, ELISA and immunocytochemistry assays, antigenic molecules were evidenced in EVs using a polyclonal serum (called anti-secreted molecules) from a rabbit inoculated with conditioned cell-free supernatant obtained from S. apiospermum mycelial cells. By Western blotting, several antigenic proteins were identified. The ELISA assay confirmed that the anti-secreted molecules exhibited a positive reaction up to a serum dilution of 1:3200. Despite transporting immunogenic molecules, S. apiospermum EVs slightly induced an in vitro cytotoxicity effect after 48 h of contact with either macrophages or lung epithelial cells. Interestingly, the pretreatment of both mammalian cells with purified EVs significantly increased the association index with S. apiospermum conidia. Furthermore, EVs were highly toxic to Galleria mellonella, leading to larval death in a typically dose- and time-dependent manner. Collectively, the results represent the first report of detecting EVs in the S. apiospermum filamentous form, highlighting a possible implication in fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Aor
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil (L.S.J.); (V.F.V.); (M.L.R.); (M.H.B.)
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia (MIP), Instituto Biomédico (CMB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24210-130, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro S. Sangenito
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil (L.S.J.); (V.F.V.); (M.L.R.); (M.H.B.)
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Campus Nilópolis, Rio de Janeiro 26530-060, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thaís P. Mello
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil (L.S.J.); (V.F.V.); (M.L.R.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Luna S. Joffe
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil (L.S.J.); (V.F.V.); (M.L.R.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Juliana Rizzo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, RJ, Brazil (S.R.)
| | - Venício F. Veiga
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil (L.S.J.); (V.F.V.); (M.L.R.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Renata N. da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil; (R.N.d.S.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Marcos D. Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil; (R.N.d.S.); (M.D.P.)
- Rede Micologia RJ—Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz B. Fonseca
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, RJ, Brazil (S.R.)
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, RJ, Brazil (S.R.)
| | - Rosa Maria T. Haido
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro 20211-010, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil (L.S.J.); (V.F.V.); (M.L.R.); (M.H.B.)
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba 81310-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Marta H. Branquinha
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil (L.S.J.); (V.F.V.); (M.L.R.); (M.H.B.)
- Rede Micologia RJ—Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - André L. S. Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil (L.S.J.); (V.F.V.); (M.L.R.); (M.H.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil; (R.N.d.S.); (M.D.P.)
- Rede Micologia RJ—Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
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Volkov VV, Sadaf A, Perry CC. Raman microscopy tracks maturity of melanin intermediates in Botrytis cinerea, a plant pathogen. RSC Adv 2023; 13:1381-1391. [PMID: 36686955 PMCID: PMC9817083 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06439a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We use Raman microscopy to describe the structure and chemical composition of both conidiophore and hyphae of Botrytis cinerea, a common plant pathogen. To interpret experimental data, we use density functional theory (DFT) to compute Raman tensors specific to an important fungal glycopeptide, a segment of α-chitin, and several naphthalene-based precursors of increasing complexity, which we propose play a role in the melanin synthesis pathway. Using spectral interpretations based on quantum chemical validation, we review microscopy images reconstructed for specific Raman activities and describe differences in distributions of structural components, photo-protective secondary naphthalene-based pigments, and proteins in both spores and hyphal filaments. Comparison of our results with literature data on other fungi suggests an example of convergent evolution expressed at the level of secondary metabolites specific to plant pathogenic fungi. Our results indicate that pre-resonant Raman monitoring of melanin precursors may help assessment of local Botrytis population biology to aid agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor V. Volkov
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamNG11 8NSUK+44 (0)115 8486695
| | - Ayesha Sadaf
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamNG11 8NSUK+44 (0)115 8486695
| | - Carole C. Perry
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamNG11 8NSUK+44 (0)115 8486695
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Ulchina I, Graur V, Tsapkov V, Chumakov Y, Garbuz O, Burduniuc O, Ceban E, Gulea A. Introducing N-Heteroaromatic Bases into Copper(II) Thiosemicarbazon Complexes: A Way to Change their Biological Activity. Chemistry 2022; 11:e202200208. [PMID: 36541654 PMCID: PMC9769083 DOI: 10.1002/open.202200208] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Three new copper(II) complexes, [Cu(1,10-Phen)(L)] (1), [Cu(2,2'-Bpy)(L)] (2) and [Cu(3,4-Lut)(L)] (3), where H2 L=2-[(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)methylidene]-N-(prop-2-en-1-yl)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide, 1,10-Phen=1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2'-Bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, 3,4-Lut=3,4-lutidine, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray crystallography (1, 2). All compounds are mononuclear. The introduction of a monodentate N-heteroaromatic base (3,4-dimethylpyridine) has led to a significant increase of antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and antifungal activity against Candida albicans compared to the pro-ligand and the precursor complex [Cu(L)H2 O]. The introduction of bidentate N-heteroaromatic bases did not lead to such increase of antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Moreover, complex 3 surpasses the inhibitory activity of tetracycline toward Enterobacter cloacae and the inhibitory activity of fluconazole toward Candida parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans. The study of antioxidant activity against cation radicals ABTS⋅+ showed that complexes 1-3 are more active than Trolox, but only introduction of the monodentate N-heteroaromatic base (3,4-dimethylpyridine) led to the increase of antioxidant properties compared to the precursor complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ianina Ulchina
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials in Biofarmaceutics and TechnicsMoldova State UniversityChişinău2009Republic of Moldova
| | - Vasilii Graur
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials in Biofarmaceutics and TechnicsMoldova State UniversityChişinău2009Republic of Moldova
| | - Victor Tsapkov
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials in Biofarmaceutics and TechnicsMoldova State UniversityChişinău2009Republic of Moldova
| | - Yurii Chumakov
- Laboratory of Physical Methods of Solid State Investigation “Tadeusz Malinowski”Institute of Applied PhysicsChişinău2028Republic of Moldova
| | - Olga Garbuz
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials in Biofarmaceutics and TechnicsMoldova State UniversityChişinău2009Republic of Moldova,Institute of ZoologyAcademy of Sciences of MoldovaChişinău2028Republic of Moldova
| | - Olga Burduniuc
- State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemiţanu”Chişinău2004Republic of Moldova
| | - Emil Ceban
- State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemiţanu”Chişinău2004Republic of Moldova
| | - Aurelian Gulea
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials in Biofarmaceutics and TechnicsMoldova State UniversityChişinău2009Republic of Moldova
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Levorato-Vinche AD, Melhem MDSC, Bonfietti LX, de-la-Cruz-Chacón I, Boaro CSF, Fabro AT, Ferreira G, da Silva JDF, Dos Santos DC, Pereira BAS, Marçon C, Maza L, de Carvalho LR, Mendes RP. Antifungal activity of liriodenine on clinical strains of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20220006. [PMID: 36118844 PMCID: PMC9469771 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0006] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptoccocal meningitis continues to present high incidence among AIDS patients. The treatment of choice is the synergistic combination of flucytosine (5-FC) with amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmBd) or its lipid formulations. However, 5-FC is unavailable in many countries and AmB demands hospitalization. The combination of AmB with the fungistatic fluconazole (FLC) or the use of high FLC daily doses alone became the choice. Nonetheless, sterilization of cerebrospinal fluid is delayed with FLC monotherapy, mainly with high fungal burden. These findings suggest the search for new antifungal compounds, such as liriodenine. Methods: Liriodenine antifungal activity was evaluated by three procedures: determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on 30 strains of the Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) complex and 30 of the Cryptococcus gattii (C. gattii) complex, using EUCAST methodology and amphotericin B deoxycholate as control; performing the time-kill methodology in two strains of the C. neoformans complex and one of the C. gattii complex; and injury to cryptococcal cells, evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Liriodenine absorption and safety at 0.75 and 1.50 mg.kg-1 doses were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Results: Liriodenine MICs ranged from 3.9 to 62.5 μg.mL-1 for both species complexes, with no differences between them. Time-kill methodology confirmed its concentration-dependent fungicidal effect, killing all the strains below the limit of detection (33 CFU.mL-1) at the highest liriodenine concentration (32-fold MIC), with predominant activity during the first 48 hours. Liriodenine induced severe Cryptococcus alterations - cytoplasm with intense rarefaction and/or degradation, injury of organelles, and presence of vacuoles. Liriodenine was better absorbed at lower doses, with no histopathological alterations on the digestive tract. Conclusion: The fungicidal activity confirmed by time-kill methodology, the intense Cryptococcus injury observed by TEM, the absorption after gavage administration, and the safety at the tested doses indicate that the liriodenine molecule is a promising drug lead for development of anticryptococcal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriele Dandara Levorato-Vinche
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcia de Souza Carvalho Melhem
- Mycology Unit, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Public Health Reference Laboratory, Secretariat of Health of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Xavier Bonfietti
- Mycology Unit, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Public Health Reference Laboratory, Secretariat of Health of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Iván de-la-Cruz-Chacón
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Carmen Sílvia Fernandes Boaro
- Department of Biostatistics, Plant Biology, Parasitology and Zoology, Botucatu Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Todorovic Fabro
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisela Ferreira
- Department of Biostatistics, Plant Biology, Parasitology and Zoology, Botucatu Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Julhiany de Fátima da Silva
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Carvalho Dos Santos
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Botucatu Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Aparecida Soares Pereira
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Marçon
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Lariza Maza
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Lídia Raquel de Carvalho
- Department of Biostatistics, Plant Biology, Parasitology and Zoology, Botucatu Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Poncio Mendes
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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8
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Ngan NTT, Flower B, Day JN. Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis: How Have We Got Here and Where are We Going? Drugs 2022; 82:1237-1249. [PMID: 36112342 PMCID: PMC9483520 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01757-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a devastating brain infection cause by encapsulated yeasts of the Cryptococcus genus. Exposure, through inhalation, is likely universal by adulthood, but symptomatic infection only occurs in a minority, in most cases, months or years after exposure. Disease has been described in almost all tissues, but it is the organism’s tropism for the central nervous system that results in the most devastating illness. While invasive disease can occur in the immunocompetent, the greatest burden by far is in immunocompromised individuals, particularly people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), organ transplant recipients and those on glucocorticoid therapy or other immunosuppressive drugs. Clinical presentation is variable, but diagnosis is usually straightforward, with cerebrospinal fluid microscopy, culture, and antigen testing proving significantly more sensitive than diagnostic tests for other brain infections. Although disease incidence has reduced since the advent of effective HIV therapy, mortality when disease occurs remains extremely high, and has changed little in recent decades. This Therapy in Practice review is an update of a talk first given by JND at the European Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in 2019 in the Netherlands. The review contextualizes the most recently published World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the treatment of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in terms of the data from large, randomized, controlled trials published between 1997 and 2022. We discuss the rationale for induction and maintenance therapy and the efficacy and undesirable effects of the current therapeutic armamentarium of amphotericin, flucytosine and fluconazole. We address recent research into repurposed drugs such as sertraline and tamoxifen, and potential future treatment options, including the novel antifungals fosmanogepix, efungumab and oteseconazole, and non-pharmaceutical solutions such as neurapheresis cerebrospinal fluid filtration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Thuy Ngan
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Barnaby Flower
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Jeremy N Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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9
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Tse C, Boodman C, Wuerz T. Trichosporon mucoides prosthetic valve endocarditis managed with antifungal suppression therapy. Med Mycol Case Rep 2022; 36:10-12. [PMID: 35242509 PMCID: PMC8881683 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A 63-year-old male with mechanical aortic valve replacement presents with Trichosporon mucoides endocarditis. Eosinophilia was noted, which has recently been described in invasive trichosporonosis. He was treated successfully with combination voriconazole and terbinafine therapy. He was deemed not to be a cardiac surgery candidate, due to excessive estimated procedural mortality. Trichosporon is a ubiquitous yeast that can cause invasive disease in humans. Medical management of fungal endocarditis is reasonable if patient cannot go for surgery. Voriconazole and terbinafine can be used in Trichosporon infections with good clinical response. Eosinophils may be a non-specific marker of therapeutic response in T. mucoides infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Tse
- Corresponding author.173 Notre Dame St. R2H 0C2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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10
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Andriani GM, Morguette AEB, Spoladori LFA, Pereira PML, Cabral WRC, Fernandes BT, Tavares ER, Almeida RS, Lancheros CAC, Nakamura CV, Mello JCP, Yamauchi LM, Yamada-Ogatta SF. Antifungal Combination of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Poincianella pluviosa (DC.) L. P. Queiros Stem Bark With Amphotericin B in Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:660645. [PMID: 34177839 PMCID: PMC8222688 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.660645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is the leading cause of cryptococcosis, an invasive and potentially fatal infectious disease. Therapeutic failures are due to the increase in antifungal resistance, the adverse effects of drugs, and the unavailability of therapeutic regimens in low-income countries, which limit the treatment of cryptococcosis, increasing the morbidity and mortality associated with these infections. Thus, new antifungal drugs and innovative strategies for the cryptococcosis treatment are urgently needed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of Poincianella pluviosa stem bark on planktonic and biofilm mode of growth of C. neoformans. Furthermore, the interaction between the EAF and amphotericin B (AmB) was evaluated in vitro and in Galleria mellonella infection model. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of EAF ranged from 125.0 to >1,000.0 μg/ml and >1,000.0 μg/ml for planktonic and sessile cells, respectively. The combination between EAF and AmB exhibited a synergistic fungicidal activity toward C. neoformans, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) ranging from 0.03 to 0.06 and 0.08 to 0.28 for planktonic and sessile cells, respectively. Microscopy analyses of planktonic C. neoformans cells treated with EAF, alone or combined with AmB, revealed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, including loss of integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane detachment, suggesting leakage of intracellular content, reduction of capsule size, and presence of vacuoles. Moreover, EAF alone or combined with AmB prolonged the survival rate of C. neoformans-infected G. mellonella larvae. These findings indicate that P. pluviosa may be an important source of new compounds that can be used as a fungus-specific adjuvant for the treatment of cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Maria Andriani
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Ana Elisa Belotto Morguette
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Laís Fernanda Almeida Spoladori
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Morais Lopes Pereira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Weslei Roberto Correia Cabral
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Bruna Terci Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Eliandro Reis Tavares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.,Programa Nacional de Pós-Doutorado, CAPES, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Sérgio Almeida
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Cesar Armando Contreras Lancheros
- Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica no Desenvolvimento de Fármacos e Cosméticos, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Celso Vataru Nakamura
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.,Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica no Desenvolvimento de Fármacos e Cosméticos, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Palazzo Mello
- Laboratório de Biologia Farmacêutica, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Lucy Megumi Yamauchi
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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11
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Folly MLC, Ferreira GF, Salvador MR, Sathler AA, da Silva GF, Santos JCB, Dos Santos JRA, Nunes Neto WR, Rodrigues JFS, Fernandes ES, da Silva LCN, de Freitas GJC, Denadai ÂM, Rodrigues IV, Mendonça LM, Monteiro AS, Santos DA, Cabrera GM, Siless G, Lang KL. Evaluation of in vitro Antifungal Activity of Xylosma prockia (Turcz.) Turcz. (Salicaceae) Leaves Against Cryptococcus spp. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3114. [PMID: 32117083 PMCID: PMC7015862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus species are responsible for important systemic mycosis and are estimated to cause millions of new cases annually. The available therapy is limited due to the high toxicity and the increasing rates of yeast resistance to antifungal drugs. Popularly known as “sucará,” Xylosma prockia (Turcz.) Turcz. (Salicaceae) is a native plant from Brazil with little information on its pharmacological potential. In this work, we evaluated in vitro anticryptococcal effects of the leaf ethanolic extract of X. prockia and its fractions against Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans. We also evaluated phenotypic alterations caused by ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) (chosen according to its biological results). The liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of EAF demonstrated the presence of phenolic metabolites that belong to three structurally related groups as majority compounds: caffeoylquinic acid, coumaroyl-glucoside, and caffeoyl-glucoside/deoxyhexosyl-caffeoyl glucoside derivatives. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against C. gattii and C. neoformans ranged from 8 to 64 mg/L and from 0.5 to 8 mg/L, for ethanolic extract and EAF, respectively. The EAF triggered an oxidative burst and promoted lipid peroxidation. EAF also induced a reduction of ergosterol content in the pathogen cell membrane. These effects were not associated with alterations in the cell surface charge or in the thermodynamic fingerprint of the molecular interaction between EAF and the yeasts evaluated. Cytotoxic experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) demonstrated that EAF was more selective for yeasts than was PBMCs. The results may provide evidence that X. prockia leaf extract might indeed be a potential source of antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariany L C Folly
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Gabriella F Ferreira
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Maiara R Salvador
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Ana A Sathler
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Guilherme F da Silva
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ângelo M Denadai
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Ivanildes V Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Leonardo M Mendonça
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Assis Santos
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriela M Cabrera
- Department of Organic Chemistry, UMYMFOR-CONICET, FCEN, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Siless
- Department of Organic Chemistry, UMYMFOR-CONICET, FCEN, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karen L Lang
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
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12
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Miltefosine Has a Postantifungal Effect and Induces Apoptosis in Cryptococcus Yeasts. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00312-18. [PMID: 29844051 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00312-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus spp. are common opportunistic fungal pathogens, particularly in HIV patients. The approved drug miltefosine (MFS) has potential as an alternative antifungal against cryptococcosis; however, the mechanism of action of MFS in Cryptococcus is poorly understood. Here, we examined the effects of MFS on C. neoformans and C. gattii yeasts (planktonic and biofilm lifestyles) to clarify its mechanism of action. MFS presented inhibitory and fungicidal effects against planktonic Cryptococcus cells, with similar activities against dispersion biofilm cells, while sessile biofilm cells were less sensitive to MFS. Interestingly, MFS had postantifungal effect on Cryptococcus, with a proliferation delay of up to 8.15 h after a short exposure to fungicidal doses. MFS at fungicidal concentrations increased the plasma membrane permeability, likely due to a direct interaction with ergosterol, as suggested by competition assays with exogenous ergosterol. Moreover, MFS reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and induced DNA fragmentation and condensation, all of which are hallmarks of apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that MFS-treated yeasts had a reduced mucopolysaccharide capsule (confirmed by morphometry with light microscopy), plasma membrane irregularities, mitochondrial swelling, and a less conspicuous cell wall. Our results suggest that MFS increases the plasma membrane permeability in Cryptococcus via an interaction with ergosterol and also affects the mitochondrial membrane, eventually leading to apoptosis, in line with its fungicidal activity. These findings confirm the potential of MFS as an antifungal against C. neoformans and C. gattii and warrant further studies to establish clinical protocols for MFS use against cryptococcosis.
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13
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Alves JCO, Ferreira GF, Santos JR, Silva LCN, Rodrigues JFS, Neto WRN, Farah EI, Santos ÁRC, Mendes BS, Sousa LVNF, Monteiro AS, Dos Santos VL, Santos DA, Perez AC, Romero TRL, Denadai ÂML, Guzzo LS. Eugenol Induces Phenotypic Alterations and Increases the Oxidative Burst in Cryptococcus. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2419. [PMID: 29270159 PMCID: PMC5726113 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eugenol is a phenolic compound and the main constituent of the essential oil of clove India. Although there are reports of some pharmacological effects of eugenol, this study is the first that proposes to evaluate the antifungal effects of this phenol against both Cryptococcus gattii and C. neoformans cells. The effect of eugenol against yeast cells was analyzed for drug susceptibility, alterations in cell diameter, capsule properties, amounts of ergosterol, oxidative burst, and thermodynamics data. Data demonstrated that there is no interaction between eugenol and fluconazole and amphotericin B. Eugenol reduced the cell diameter and the capsule size, increased cell surface/volume, changed positively the cell surface charge of cryptococcal cells. We also verified increased levels of reactive oxygen species without activation of antioxidant enzymes, leading to increased lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and reduction of lysosomal integrity in cryptococcal cells. Additionally, the results showed that there is no significant molecular interaction between eugenol and C. neoformans. Morphological alterations, changes of cellular superficial charges and oxidative stress play an important role in antifungal activity of eugenol against C. gattii and C. neoformans that could be used as an auxiliary treatment to cutaneous cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júnia C O Alves
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Gabriella F Ferreira
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | | | - Luís C N Silva
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade CEUMA, São Luís, Brazil
| | | | - Wallace R N Neto
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade CEUMA, São Luís, Brazil
| | | | - Áquila R C Santos
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Brenda S Mendes
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Lourimar V N F Sousa
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | | | - Vera L Dos Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Andrea C Perez
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thiago R L Romero
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ângelo M L Denadai
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Luciana S Guzzo
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
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14
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Ferreira GF, Santos DA. Heteroresistance and fungi. Mycoses 2017; 60:562-568. [PMID: 28660647 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The concept of heteroresistance refers to the heterogeneous susceptibility to an antimicrobial drug in a microorganism population, meaning that some clones may be resistant and others are susceptible. This phenomenon has been widely studied in bacteria, but little attention has been given to its expression in fungi. We review the available literature on heteroresistance in fungi and invite the reader to recognise this phenomenon as a fungal mechanism to adapt to environmental stress, which may interfere both in resistance and virulence. Finally, heteroresistance may explain the treatment failures to eradicate mycosis in some patients treated with a seemingly appropriate antifungal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella F Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Governador Valadares, Brazil.,Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Governador Valadares, Brazil
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15
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Ekanayaka SA, McClellan SA, Barrett RP, Kharotia S, Hazlett LD. Glycyrrhizin Reduces HMGB1 and Bacterial Load in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:5799-5809. [PMID: 27792814 PMCID: PMC5089214 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) contributes to poor disease outcome in Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. This study tests the prophylactic effect of treatment with HMGB1 inhibitors, glycyrrhizin (GLY) and its derivative, carbenoxolone (CBX), for Pseudomonas keratitis. Methods We treated C57BL/6 (B6) mice subconjunctivally with GLY or CBX, infected with a noncytotoxic clinical isolate (KEI 1025) or a cytotoxic strain (ATCC 19660) of P. aeruginosa, and injected intraperitoneally with either agent. Clinical score, photography with a slit lamp, real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay, bacterial plate count, histopathology, and absorbance assays were used to assess treatment efficacy and bacteriostatic activity. Results After KEI 1025 infection, GLY treatment reduced HMGB1 (mRNA and protein levels) and improved disease outcome with significant reduction in mRNA levels of IL-1β, TLR4, CXCL2, and IL-12; protein expression (IL-1β, CXCL2); neutrophil infiltrate; and bacterial load. Treatment with GLY enhanced antimicrobial proteins, including CRAMP and mBD2, but not mBD3. Glycyrrhizin also reduced clinical scores and improved disease outcome in corneas infected with strain 19660. However, neither HMGB1 mRNA or protein levels were reduced, but rather, CXCL2 expression (mRNA and protein), neutrophil infiltrate, and bacterial load were reduced statistically. Treatment with GLY initiated 6 hours after infection reduced plate count; GLY also was bacteriostatic for KEI 1025 and ATCC 19660. Conclusions Glycyrrhizin reduces HMGB1 and is protective against P. aeruginosa-induced keratitis with a clinical isolate that is noncytotoxic. It was similar, but less effective when used after infection with a cytotoxic strain, which did not reduce HMGB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandamali A Ekanayaka
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Sharon A McClellan
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Ronald P Barrett
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Shikhil Kharotia
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Linda D Hazlett
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
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16
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Campitelli M, Zeineddine N, Samaha G, Maslak S. Combination Antifungal Therapy: A Review of Current Data. J Clin Med Res 2017; 9:451-456. [PMID: 28496543 PMCID: PMC5412516 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr2992w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections has been on the rise, particularly in transplant recipients and in patients with hematological malignancies and other forms of immunosuppression. There is a mismatch between the rate of antifungal resistance and the development of new antifungal agents. Based on this, the idea of combining antifungals in the treatment of invasive fungal infections appears tempting for many clinicians, particularly after many in vitro studies showed synergism between many antifungal agents. Several randomized controlled trials have been published regarding the efficacy and safety of combination of antifungals, but the high cost, the limited number of cases and the multitude of confounding factors lead in some instances to weak and sometimes contradictory results. The lack of consensus in many clinical scenarios raises the importance of the need for more studies about combination antifungal therapies and should incite infectious disease societies to develop specific recommendations for the clinicians to follow while approaching patients with invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campitelli
- Northwell Health at Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Nabil Zeineddine
- Northwell Health at Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Ghassan Samaha
- Northwell Health at Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Stephen Maslak
- Northwell Health at Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
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17
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Reichert-Lima F, Busso-Lopes AF, Lyra L, Peron IH, Taguchi H, Mikami Y, Kamei K, Moretti ML, Schreiber AZ. Evaluation of antifungal combination againstCryptococcusspp. Mycoses 2016; 59:585-93. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Franqueline Reichert-Lima
- Clinical Pathology Department; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; Campinas Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Ariane F. Busso-Lopes
- Internal Medicine Department; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; Campinas Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Luzia Lyra
- Clinical Pathology Department; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; Campinas Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Isabela Haddad Peron
- Clinical Pathology Department; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; Campinas Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Hideaki Taguchi
- Medical Mycology Research Center; Chiba University; Chiba Japan
| | - Yuzuru Mikami
- Medical Mycology Research Center; Chiba University; Chiba Japan
| | - Katsuiko Kamei
- Medical Mycology Research Center; Chiba University; Chiba Japan
| | - Maria Luiza Moretti
- Internal Medicine Department; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; Campinas Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Angelica Z. Schreiber
- Clinical Pathology Department; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; Campinas Sao Paulo Brazil
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18
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Heteroresistance to Itraconazole Alters the Morphology and Increases the Virulence of Cryptococcus gattii. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:4600-9. [PMID: 26014951 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00466-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is the main etiological agent of cryptococcosis in immunocompetent individuals. The triazole drug itraconazole is one of the antifungals used to treat patients with cryptococcosis. Heteroresistance is an adaptive mechanism to counteract the stress of increasing drug concentrations, and it can enhance the ability of a microorganism to survive under antifungal pressure. In this study, we evaluated the ability of 11 C. gattii strains to develop itraconazole heteroresistance. Heteroresistant clones were analyzed for drug susceptibility, alterations in cell diameter, capsule properties, and virulence in a murine model. Heteroresistance to itraconazole was intrinsic in all of the strains analyzed, reduced both the capsule size and the cell diameter, induced molecular heterogeneity at the chromosomal level, changed the negatively charged cells, reduced ergosterol content, and improved the antioxidant system. A positive correlation between surface/volume ratio of original cells and the level of heteroresistance to itraconazole (LHI) was observed in addition to a negative correlation between capsule size of heteroresistant clones and LHI. Moreover, heteroresistance to itraconazole increased the engulfment of C. gattii by macrophages and augmented fungal proliferation inside these cells, which probably accounted for the reduced survival of the mice infected with the heteroresistant clones and the higher fungal burden in lungs and brain. Our results indicate that heteroresistance to itraconazole is intrinsic and increases the virulence of C. gattii. This phenomenon may represent an additional mechanism that contributes to relapses of cryptococcosis in patients during itraconazole therapy.
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Granato MQ, Massapust PDA, Rozental S, Alviano CS, dos Santos ALS, Kneipp LF. 1,10-phenanthroline inhibits the metallopeptidase secreted by Phialophora verrucosa and modulates its growth, morphology and differentiation. Mycopathologia 2014; 179:231-42. [PMID: 25502596 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-014-9832-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phialophora verrucosa is one of the etiologic agents of chromoblastomycosis, a fungal infection that affects cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. This disease is chronic, recurrent and difficult to treat. Several studies have shown that secreted peptidases by fungi are associated with important pathophysiological processes. Herein, we have identified and partially characterized the peptidase activity secreted by P. verrucosa conidial cells. Using human serum albumin as substrate, the best hydrolysis profile was detected at extreme acidic pH (3.0) and at 37 °C. The enzymatic activity was completely blocked by classical metallopeptidase inhibitors/chelating agents as 1,10-phenanthroline and EGTA. Zinc ions stimulated the metallo-type peptidase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Several proteinaceous substrates were cleaved, in different extension, by the P. verrucosa metallopeptidase activity, including immunoglobulin G, fibrinogen, collagen types I and IV, fibronectin, laminin and keratin; however, mucin and hemoglobin were not susceptible to proteolysis. As metallopeptidases participate in different cellular metabolic pathways in fungal cells, we also tested the influence of 1,10-phenanthroline and EGTA on P. verrucosa development. Contrarily to EGTA, 1,10-phenanthroline inhibited the fungal viability (MIC 0.8 µg/ml), showing fungistatic effect, and induced profound morphological alterations as visualized by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, 1,10-phenanthroline arrested the filamentation process in P. verrucosa. Our results corroborate the supposition that metallopeptidase inhibitors/chelating agents have potential to control crucial biological events in fungal agents of chromoblastomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Queiroz Granato
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Borba-Santos LP, Rodrigues AM, Gagini TB, Fernandes GF, Castro R, de Camargo ZP, Nucci M, Lopes-Bezerra LM, Ishida K, Rozental S. Susceptibility of Sporothrix brasiliensis isolates to amphotericin B, azoles, and terbinafine. Med Mycol 2014; 53:178-88. [PMID: 25394542 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro activity of the antifungal agents amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITC), posaconazole (PSC), voriconazole (VRC), and terbinafine (TRB) against 32 Brazilian isolates of Sporothrix brasiliensis, including 16 isolates from a recent (2011-2012) epidemic in Rio de Janeiro state, was examined. We describe and genotype new isolates and clustered them with 16 older (from 2004 or earlier) S. brasiliensis isolates by phylogenetic analysis. We tested both the yeast and the mycelium form of all isolates using broth microdilution methods based on the reference protocols M38-A2 and M27-A3 (recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute). Considering minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs), TRB was found to be the most active drug in vitro for both fungal forms, followed by PSC. Several isolates showed high MICs for AMB and/or ITC, which are currently used as first-line therapy for sporotrichosis. VRC displayed very low activity against S. brasiliensis isolates. The primary morphological modification observed on treated yeasts by transmission electron microscopy analysis was changes in cell wall. Our results indicate that TRB is the antifungal with the best in vitro activity against S. brasiliensis and support the use of TRB as a promising option for the treatment of cutaneous and/or lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thalita Braga Gagini
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Geisa Ferreira Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Castro
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio Nucci
- University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Kelly Ishida
- Department of Microbiology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Guimarães GP, de Freitas Araújo Reis MY, da Silva DTC, Junior FJBM, Converti A, Pessoa A, de Lima Damasceno BPG, da Silva JA. Antifungal activity of topical microemulsion containing a thiophene derivative. Braz J Microbiol 2014; 45:545-50. [PMID: 25242940 PMCID: PMC4166281 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822014000200024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections have become a major problem of worldwide concern. Yeasts belonging to the Candida genus and the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans are responsible for different clinical manifestations, especially in immunocompromised patients. Antifungal therapies are currently based on a few chemotherapeutic agents that have problems related to effectiveness and resistance profiles. Microemulsions are isotropic, thermodynamically stable transparent systems of oil, water and surfactant that can improve the solubilization of lipophilic drugs. Taking into account the need for more effective and less toxic drugs along with the potential of thiophene derivatives as inhibitors of pathogenic fungi growth, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of a thiophene derivative (5CN05) embedded in a microemulsion (ME). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method using amphotericin B as a control. The formulations tested (ME- blank and ME-5CN05) showed physico-chemical properties that would allow their use by the topical route. 5CN05 as such exhibited moderate or weak antifungal activity against Candida species (MIC = 270–540 μg.mL−1) and good activity against C. neoformans (MIC = 17 μg.mL−1). Candida species were susceptible to ME-5CN05 (70–140 μg.mL−1), but C. neoformans was much more, presenting a MIC value of 2.2 μg.mL−1. The results of this work proved promising for the pharmaceutical industry, because they suggest an alternative therapy against C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geovani Pereira Guimarães
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual da Paraíba Campina GrandePB Brazil Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | - Mysrayn Yargo de Freitas Araújo Reis
- Departmento de Farmácia Universidade Estadual da Paraíba Campina GrandePB Brazil Departmento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | - Dayanne Tomaz Casimiro da Silva
- Departmento de Farmácia Universidade Estadual da Paraíba Campina GrandePB Brazil Departmento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | - Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonça Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual da Paraíba Campina GrandePB Brazil Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. ; Laboratório de Síntese e Vetorização de Moléculas Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual da Paraíba João PessoaPB Brazil Laboratório de Síntese e Vetorização de Moléculas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Attílio Converti
- Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering Pole Genoa University Genova Italy Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering Pole, Genoa University, Genova, Italy
| | - Adalberto Pessoa
- Departmento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica Universidade de São Paulo São PauloSP Brazil Departmento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bolívar Ponciano Goulart de Lima Damasceno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual da Paraíba Campina GrandePB Brazil Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. ; Departmento de Farmácia Universidade Estadual da Paraíba Campina GrandePB Brazil Departmento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | - José Alexsandro da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual da Paraíba Campina GrandePB Brazil Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. ; Departmento de Farmácia Universidade Estadual da Paraíba Campina GrandePB Brazil Departmento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
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Effect of the secretory leucocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) on Candida albicans biological processes: a therapeutic alternative? Arch Oral Biol 2014; 59:928-37. [PMID: 24907522 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SLPI on the growth and biological processes of Candida albicans. METHODS Two C. albicans strains were used in this study, a clinical isolate resistant to fluconazole (PRI) and a reference strain ATCC 24433. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined according to the CLSI methodology. The influence of SLPI on secreted serine proteinase activities (SSP) was measured by the cleavage of specific substrate, and surface hydrophobicity was determined by the aqueous-hydrocarbon biphasic separation method. Flow cytometry was performed to investigate receptors for SLPI and variations in the cell wall mannoprotein expression. Interaction between yeast and epithelium was assessed using the MA-104 cells lineage. Ultrastructure was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS MIC values were calculated as 18 and 18.9μM for the PRI and ATCC 24433, respectively. SSP activity was reduced by 48.8% by 18μM of SLPI and cell surface hydrophobicity increased by 11.1%. Flow cytometry suggest the existence of SLPI binding sites on the surface of the yeast. Results showed a reduction in the expression of mannoproteins in 20.8% by the cells treated with 80μM of SLPI, and 18μM reduced the adhesion of yeasts to mammalian cells in 60.1%. TEM revealed ultrastructural changes in cells treated with 80μM of SLPI, such as the presence of membrane-like structures within the cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS SLPI exerts a significant influence on C. albicans viability and biological processes. Considering its constitutive and physiologic features, SLPI may become a promising tool for the development of new methodologies for the treatment and control of candidiasis.
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