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Mendes F, Miranda E, Amaral L, Carvalho C, Castro BB, Sousa MJ, Chaves SR. Novel yeast-based biosensor for environmental monitoring of tebuconazole. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:10. [PMID: 38170307 PMCID: PMC10764535 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12944-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Due to increasing demand for high and stable crop production, human populations are highly dependent on pesticide use for growing and storing food. Environmental monitoring of these agrochemicals is therefore of utmost importance, because of their collateral effects on ecosystem and human health. Even though most current-use analytical methods achieve low detection limits, they require procedures that are too complex and costly for routine monitoring. As such, there has been an increased interest in biosensors as alternative or complementary tools to streamline detection and quantification of environmental contaminants. In this work, we developed a biosensor for environmental monitoring of tebuconazole (TEB), a common agrochemical fungicide. For that purpose, we engineered S. cerevisiae cells with a reporter gene downstream of specific promoters that are expressed after exposure to TEB and characterized the sensitivity and specificity of this model system. After optimization, we found that this easy-to-use biosensor consistently detects TEB at concentrations above 5 μg L-1 and does not respond to realistic environmental concentrations of other tested azoles, suggesting it is specific. We propose the use of this system as a complementary tool in environmental monitoring programs, namely, in high throughput scenarios requiring screening of numerous samples. KEY POINTS: • A yeast-based biosensor was developed for environmental monitoring of tebuconazole. •The biosensor offers a rapid and easy method for tebuconazole detection ≥ 5 μg L-1. •The biosensor is specific to tebuconazole at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Mendes
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Miranda
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Leslie Amaral
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carla Carvalho
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno B Castro
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria João Sousa
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Susana R Chaves
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
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Soldi LR, Silva MJB. Fluconazole and levofloxacin prophylaxis are ineffective strategies for preventing infections in acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. Cancer Epidemiol 2024; 91:102593. [PMID: 38815484 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2024.102593] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute myeloid leukemia patients are at high risk for infections, which contribute to increased mortality rates of up to 70%. The use of antimicrobial prophylaxis has been shown to significantly lower rates of infection. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of two agents that showed effective results in the literature, levofloxacin and fluconazole, as prophylaxis strategies in AML patients. METHODOLOGY A total of 85 AML patients' medical records treated with a 7+3 induction chemotherapy protocol in the Cancer Hospital of Uberlândia from 2017 to 2021 were screened and their data was collected. Within these patients, groups for analysis were created based on whether the acting physician included an antibacterial or antifungal prophylaxis protocol during induction. Contingency tables with χ² and odds ratio tests were realized to verify associations between prophylaxis and infection. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier curves with Cox regression were developed to analyze survival. RESULTS The use of prophylaxis with either fluconazole or levofloxacin did not lower rates of infection, as those who with prophylaxis did not demonstrate significant differences when compared to those without (20.3-29.7%, and 12.3-23.3%, respectively). Patients who suffered a bacterial infection during induction were shown to have lower overall survival, with a similar trend seen in fungal infections. CONCLUSION Bacterial and fungal infections were associated with higher rates of induction mortality and lower overall survival, and prophylaxis using fluconazole and levofloxacin did not present any significant difference in preventing these infections in this study, contrasting results found in the literature. The individuality of each treatment center should be taken into consideration and future studies should be realized to better determine the most effective methods and agents for prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Ricardo Soldi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Tumour Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Tumour Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Taynton T, Allsup D, Barlow G. How can we optimize antifungal use and stewardship in the treatment of acute leukemia? Expert Rev Hematol 2024. [PMID: 39037307 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2383401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global need for antifungal stewardship is driven by spreading antimicrobial and antifungal resistance. Triazoles are the only oral and relatively well-tolerated class of antifungal medications, and usage is associated with acquired resistance and species replacement with intrinsically resistant organisms. On a per-patient basis, hematology patients are the largest inpatient consumers of antifungal drugs, but are also the most vulnerable to invasive fungal disease. AREAS COVERED In this review we discuss available and forthcoming antifungal drugs, antifungal prophylaxis and empiric antifungal therapy, and how a screening based and diagnostic-driven approach may be used to reduce antifungal consumption. Finally, we discuss components of an antifungal stewardship program, interventions that can be employed, and how impact can be measured. The search methodology consisted of searching PubMed for journal articles using the term antifungal stewardship plus program, intervention, performance measure or outcome before 1 January 2024. EXPERT OPINION Initial focus should be on implementing effective antifungal stewardship programs by developing and implementing local guidelines and using interventions, such as post prescription review and feedback, which are known to be effective. Technologies such as microbiome analysis and machine learning may allow the development of truly individualized risk-factor based approaches to antifungal stewardship in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Taynton
- Department of Infection, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK
| | - David Allsup
- Biomedical Institute for Multimorbidity, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK
- Queen's Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Gavin Barlow
- Department of Infection, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
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Ismail SHH, Hamdy R, Altaie AM, Fayed B, Dakalbab S, El-Awady R, Soliman SSM. Decoding host cell interaction- and fluconazole-induced metabolic alterations and drug resistance in Candida auris. Mycologia 2024:1-21. [PMID: 39024116 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2024.2363730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging drug-resistant pathogen associated with high mortality rates. This study aimed to explore the metabolic alterations and associated pathogenesis and drug resistance in fluconazole-treated Candida auris-host cell interaction. Compared with controls, secreted metabolites from fluconazole-treated C. auris and fluconazole-treated C. auris-host cell co-culture demonstrated notable anti-Candida activity. Fluconazole caused significant reductions in C. auris cell numbers and aggregated phenotype. Metabolites produced by C. auris with potential fungal colonization, invasion, and host immune evasion effects were identified. Metabolites known to enhance biofilm formation produced during C. auris-host cell interaction were inhibited by fluconazole. Fluconazole enhanced the production of metabolites with biofilm inhibition activity, including behenyl alcohol and decanoic acid. Metabolites with potential Candida growth inhibition activity such as 2-palmitoyl glycerol, 1-tetradecanol, and 1-nonadecene were activated by fluconazole. Different patterns of proinflammatory cytokine expression presented due to fluconazole concentration and host cell type (fibroblasts versus macrophages). This highlights the immune response's complexity, emphasizing the necessity for additional research to comprehend cell-type-specific responses to antifungal therapies. Both host cell interaction and fluconazole treatment increased the expression of CDR1 and ERG11 genes, both associated with drug resistance. This study provides insights into pathogenesis in C. auris due to host cell interaction and fluconazole treatment. Understanding these interactions is crucial for enhancing fluconazole sensitivity and effectively combating C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah H H Ismail
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Alaa M Altaie
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bahgat Fayed
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Product, National Research Centre, P.O. Box 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salam Dakalbab
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raafat El-Awady
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Vora M, Selvi SGA, Gunasekaran S, Jayaseelan VP. Computational Evaluation on the Interactions of an Opaque-Phase ABC Transporter Associated with Fluconazole Resistance in Candida albicans, by the Psidium guajava Bio-Active Compounds. J Pharmacopuncture 2024; 27:91-100. [PMID: 38948309 PMCID: PMC11194528 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2024.27.2.91] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that occurs as harmless commensals in the intestine, urogenital tract, and skin. It has been influenced by a variety of host conditions and has now evolved as a resistant strain. The aim of this study was thus detect the fluconazole resistant C. albicans from the root caries specimens and to computationally evaluate the interactions of an opaque-phase ABC transporter protein with the Psidium guajava bio-active compounds. Methods 20 carious scrapings were collected from patients with root caries and processed for the isolation of C. albicans and was screened for fluconazole resistance. Genomic DNA was extracted and molecular characterization of Cdrp1 and Cdrp2 was done by PCR amplification. P. guajava methanolic extract was checked for the antifungal efficacy against the resistant strain of C. albicans. Further in-silico docking involves retrieval of ABC transporter protein and ligand optimization, molinspiration assessment on drug likeness, docking simulations and visualizations. Results 65% of the samples showed the presence of C.albicans and 2 strains were fluconazole resistant. Crude methanolic extract of P. guajava was found to be promising against the fluconazole resistant strains of C. albicans. In-silico docking analysis showed that Myricetin was a promising candidate with a high docking score and other drug ligand interaction scores. Conclusion The current study emphasizes that bioactive compounds from Psidium guajava to be a promising candidate for treating candidiasis in fluconazole resistant strains of C. albicans However, further in-vivo studies have to be implemented for the experimental validation of the same in improving the oral health and hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithil Vora
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, P.H.Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Smiline Girija Aseervatham Selvi
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, P.H.Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shoba Gunasekaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Dwarakadoss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vijayashree Priyadharsini Jayaseelan
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, P.H.Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Asokan A, Maiti J, Mathew GG, Jayaprakash V. A rare presentation of isolated candidal hepatic abscess in a maintenance hemodialysis patient. Hemodial Int 2024. [PMID: 38945692 DOI: 10.1111/hdi.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
A 61-year-old female with diabetes and stage 5 chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis since 3 years via left brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula presented with uncontrolled sugars, weight loss, and dysphagia. On evaluation, she was found to have an oral thrush with leucocytosis. Initial blood and urine cultures were sterile, and ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic lesions in the left lobe of the liver. She had high-grade fever followed by seizures on postadmission Day 10. Brain imaging and serum electrolytes were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was noncontributory, and urine culture revealed Candida non-albicans with elevated white blood cell counts. She was started on fluconazole; however, her clinical condition deteriorated, with hemodynamic instability. Repeat abdominal computerized tomography revealed increasing hypodense lesions in the left lobe of the liver with elevated beta D glucan levels. Percutaneous drainage of the abscess revealed no fungal elements. In view of clinical deterioration, amphotericin B was started, which resulted in clinical improvement. Clinician should have high index of suspicion for fungal etiology in hemodialysis patients presenting with liver abscess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunkumar Asokan
- Department of Nephrology, SRM Medical College Hospital And Research Centre, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Judhajit Maiti
- Department of Nephrology, SRM Medical College Hospital And Research Centre, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gerry George Mathew
- Department of Nephrology, SRM Medical College Hospital And Research Centre, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Varadharajan Jayaprakash
- Department of Nephrology, SRM Medical College Hospital And Research Centre, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
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Wang Z, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Lu Y. Roles of alcohol dehydrogenase 1 in the biological activities of Candida albicans. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38916139 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2371510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans stands as the foremost prevalent human commensal pathogen and a significant contributor to nosocomial fungal infections. In the metabolism of C. albicans, alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (Adh1) is one of the important enzymes that converts acetaldehyde produced by pyruvate decarboxylation into ethanol at the end of glycolysis. Leveraging the foundational processes of alcoholic fermentation, Adh1 plays an active role in multiple biological phenomena, including biofilm formation, interactions between different species, the development of drug resistance, and the potential initiation of gastrointestinal cancer. Additionally, Adh1 within C. albicans has demonstrated associations with regulating the cell cycle, stress responses, and various intracellular states. Furthermore, Adh1 is extracellularly localized on the cell wall surface, where it plays roles in processes such as tissue invasion and host immune responses. Drawing from an analysis of ADH1 gene structure, expression patterns, and fundamental functions, this review elucidates the intricate connections between Adh1 and various biological processes within C. albicans, underscoring its potential implications for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoying Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Gómez-Gaviria M, Contreras-López LM, Aguilera-Domínguez JI, Mora-Montes HM. Strategies of Pharmacological Repositioning for the Treatment of Medically Relevant Mycoses. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:2641-2658. [PMID: 38947372 PMCID: PMC11214559 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s466336] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a worldwide concern for public health, due to their prevalence and significant increase in cases each year. Among the most frequent mycoses are those caused by members of the genera Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Histoplasma, Pneumocystis, Mucor, and Sporothrix, which have been treated for years with conventional antifungal drugs, such as flucytosine, azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. However, these microorganisms have acquired the ability to evade the mechanisms of action of these drugs, thus hindering their treatment. Among the most common evasion mechanisms are alterations in sterol biosynthesis, modifications of drug transport through the cell wall and membrane, alterations of drug targets, phenotypic plasticity, horizontal gene transfer, and chromosomal aneuploidies. Taking into account these problems, some research groups have sought new therapeutic alternatives based on drug repositioning. Through repositioning, it is possible to use existing pharmacological compounds for which their mechanism of action is already established for other diseases, and thus exploit their potential antifungal activity. The advantage offered by these drugs is that they may be less prone to resistance. In this article, a comprehensive review was carried out to highlight the most relevant repositioning drugs to treat fungal infections. These include antibiotics, antivirals, anthelmintics, statins, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gómez-Gaviria
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| | - Luisa M Contreras-López
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| | - Julieta I Aguilera-Domínguez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
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Schmidlin, Apodaca, Newell, Sastokas, Kinsler, Geiler-Samerotte. Distinguishing mutants that resist drugs via different mechanisms by examining fitness tradeoffs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.17.562616. [PMID: 37905147 PMCID: PMC10614906 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.562616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in designing multidrug therapies that leverage tradeoffs to combat resistance. Tradeoffs are common in evolution and occur when, for example, resistance to one drug results in sensitivity to another. Major questions remain about the extent to which tradeoffs are reliable, specifically, whether the mutants that provide resistance to a given drug all suffer similar tradeoffs. This question is difficult because the drug-resistant mutants observed in the clinic, and even those evolved in controlled laboratory settings, are often biased towards those that provide large fitness benefits. Thus, the mutations (and mechanisms) that provide drug resistance may be more diverse than current data suggests. Here, we perform evolution experiments utilizing lineage-tracking to capture a fuller spectrum of mutations that give yeast cells a fitness advantage in fluconazole, a common antifungal drug. We then quantify fitness tradeoffs for each of 774 evolved mutants across 12 environments, finding these mutants group into 6 classes with characteristically different tradeoffs. Their unique tradeoffs may imply that each group of mutants affects fitness through different underlying mechanisms. Some of the groupings we find are surprising. For example, we find some mutants that resist single drugs do not resist their combination, while others do. And some mutants to the same gene have different tradeoffs than others. These findings, on one hand, demonstrate the difficulty in relying on consistent or intuitive tradeoffs when designing multidrug treatments. On the other hand, by demonstrating that hundreds of adaptive mutations can be reduced to a few groups with characteristic tradeoffs, our findings may yet empower multidrug strategies that leverage tradeoffs to combat resistance. More generally speaking, by grouping mutants that likely affect fitness through similar underlying mechanisms, our work guides efforts to map the phenotypic effects of mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Schmidlin
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
| | - Apodaca
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
| | - Newell
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
| | - Sastokas
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
| | - Kinsler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Geiler-Samerotte
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
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Góralska K, Szybka M, Karuga FF, Pastuszak-Lewandoska D, Brzeziańska-Lasota E. Acquired resistance or tolerance? - in search of mechanisms underlying changes in the resistance profile of Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis as a result of exposure to methotrexate. J Mycol Med 2024; 34:101476. [PMID: 38507825 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2024.101476] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of fungal strains showing acquired resistance and multidrug resistance is an increasing therapeutic problem, especially in patients with a severely weakened immune system and undergoing chemotherapy. What is also extremely disturbing is the similarity of the resistance mechanisms of fungal cells and other eukaryotic cells, including human cells, which may contribute to the development of cross-resistance in fungi in response to substances used in e.g. anticancer treatment. An example of such a drug is methotrexate, which is pumped out of eukaryotic cells by ABC transmembrane transporters - in fungi, used to remove azoles from fungal cells. For this reason, the aim of the study was to analyze the expression levels of genes: ERG11, MDR1 and CDR1, potentially responsible for the occurrence of cross-resistance in Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis as a result of fungal exposure to methotrexate (MTX). In vitro exposure of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis strains to methotrexate showed a high increase in resistance to fluconazole and a partial increase in resistance to voriconazole. Analysis of the expression of resistance genes showed varied responses of the tested strains depending on the species. In the case of C. albicans, an increase in the expression of the MDR1 gene was observed, and a decrease in ERG11 and CDR1. However, for C. parapsilosis there was an increase in the expression of the CDR1 gene and a decrease in ERG11 and MDR1. We noted the relationship between the level of resistance to voriconazole and the level of ERG11 gene expression in C. albicans. This indicates that this type of relationship is different for each species. Our research confirms that the mechanisms by which fungi acquire resistance and develop cross-resistance are highly complex and most likely involve several pathways simultaneously. The emergence of multidrug resistance may be related to the possibility of developing tolerance to antimycotics by fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Góralska
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Chair of Biology and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lodz. Żeligowskiego Street 7/9 90-752 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Szybka
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Chair of Biology and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lodz. Pomorska Street 251 (Building C5) 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Filip Franciszek Karuga
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Chair of Biology and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lodz. Żeligowskiego Street 7/9 90-752 Lodz, Poland; Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Dorota Pastuszak-Lewandoska
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Chair of Biology and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lodz. Pomorska Street 251 (Building C5) 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Brzeziańska-Lasota
- Department of Biomedicine and Genetics, Chair of Biology and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lodz. Mazowiecka Street 5 (Building A6) 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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Hamion G, Aucher W, Mercier A, Tewes F, Menard M, Bertaux J, Girardot M, Imbert C. Insights into betulinic acid as a promising molecule to fight the interkingdom biofilm Staphylococcus aureus-Candida albicans. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107166. [PMID: 38570017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The demand for antibiofilm molecules has increased over several years due to their potential to fight biofilm-associated infections, such as those including the interkingdom Staphylococcus aureus-Candida albicans occurring in clinical settings worldwide. Recently, we identified a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, betulinic acid, from invasive macrophytes, with interesting antibiofilm properties. The aim of the present study was to provide insights into the mechanism of action of betulinic acid against the clinically relevant bi-species S. aureus-C. albicans biofilms. Microscopy examinations, flow cytometry and crystal violet assays confirmed that betulinic acid was effective at damaging mature S. aureus-C. albicans biofilms or inhibiting their formation, reducing biofilm biomass by 70% on average and without microbicidal activity. The results suggested an action of betulinic acid on cell membranes, inducing changes in properties such as composition, hydrophobicity and fluidity as observed in C. albicans, which may hinder the early adhesion step, biofilm growth and the physical interactions of both microbial species. Further results of real-time polymerase chain reaction argued in favour of a reduction in S. aureus-C. albicans physical interaction due to betulinic acid by the modulation of biofilm-related gene expression, as observed in early stages of biofilm formation. This study revealed the potential of betulinic acid as a candidate agent for the prevention and treatment of S. aureus-C. albicans biofilm-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Hamion
- Ecology and Biology of Interactions, University of Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France.
| | - Willy Aucher
- Ecology and Biology of Interactions, University of Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | - Anne Mercier
- Ecology and Biology of Interactions, University of Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | - Frederic Tewes
- Pharmacology of Antimicrobial Agents and Antibioresistance, University of Poitiers, INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France
| | - Maëlenn Menard
- Ecology and Biology of Interactions, University of Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | - Joanne Bertaux
- Ecology and Biology of Interactions, University of Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | - Marion Girardot
- Ecology and Biology of Interactions, University of Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | - Christine Imbert
- Ecology and Biology of Interactions, University of Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
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12
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Nogueira FC, de Souza AÁ, Araújo NMS, de Souza LAL, Guimarães Gomes Silva R, de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa D, Coêlho Cavalcanti B, de Moraes Filho MO, Gurgel do Amaral Valente Sá L, Vitoriano Nobre Júnior H, de Oliveira HD. Antifungal activity of a trypsin inhibitor from Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seeds against fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida spp. and evaluation of its toxicity in vitro. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:1205-1217. [PMID: 38594492 PMCID: PMC11153404 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01337-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Candida species resistant to traditional antifungal drugs is increasing globally. This issue significantly impacts patients' lives and increases healthcare expenses, confirming the need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Recently, a thermostable trypsin inhibitor named ShTI (11.558 kDa), which has antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus, was isolated from Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seeds. This study aimed to assess the antifungal effect of ShTI against Candida species and its synergism with fluconazole and to evaluate its mode of action. Preliminary toxicological studies on mouse fibroblasts were also performed. ShTI exhibited antifungal effects against C. parapsilosis (ATCC® 22,019), C. krusei (ATCC® 6258), and six clinical fluconazole-resistant strains of C. albicans (2), C. parapsilosis (2), and C. tropicalis (2). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 4.1 µM (inhibiting 50% of the isolates) and 8.2 µM (inhibiting 100% of the isolates). Additionally, when combined with fluconazole, ShTI had a synergistic effect on C. albicans, altering the morphological structure of the yeast. The mode of action of ShTI against C. krusei (ATCC® 6258) and C. albicans involves cell membrane permeabilization, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, the formation of pseudohyphae, pore formation, and consequently, cell death. In addition, ShTI (8.65 and 17.3 µM) had noncytotoxic and nongenotoxic effects on L929 mouse fibroblasts. These findings suggest that ShTI could be a promising antimicrobial candidate, but further research is necessary to advance its application as a novel antifungal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Cristiane Nogueira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Adson Ávila de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Nadine Monteiro Salgueiro Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Larissa Alves Lopes de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Guimarães Gomes Silva
- Department of Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Daniele de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Coêlho Cavalcanti
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Porangabussu, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Manoel Odorico de Moraes Filho
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Porangabussu, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| | | | - Hélio Vitoriano Nobre Júnior
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Porangabussu, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Hermógenes David de Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil.
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13
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Izadi A, Paknia F, Roostaee M, Mousavi SAA, Barani M. Advancements in nanoparticle-based therapies for multidrug-resistant candidiasis infections: a comprehensive review. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:332001. [PMID: 38749415 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad4bed] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris, a rapidly emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, poses a global health threat, with cases reported in over 47 countries. Conventional detection methods struggle, and the increasing resistance ofC. auristo antifungal agents has limited treatment options. Nanoparticle-based therapies, utilizing materials like silver, carbon, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, polymer, and gold, show promise in effectively treating cutaneous candidiasis. This review explores recent advancements in nanoparticle-based therapies, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize antifungal therapy, particularly in combatingC. aurisinfections. The discussion delves into mechanisms of action, combinations of nanomaterials, and their application against multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens, offering exciting prospects for improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality rates. The aim is to inspire further research, ushering in a new era in the fight against multidrug-resistant fungal infections, paving the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Izadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Paknia
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-154, Iran
| | - Maryam Roostaee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Amin Ayatollahi Mousavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahmood Barani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75168, Iran
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14
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Gavandi T, Patil S, Basrani S, Yankanchi S, Chougule S, Karuppayil SM, Jadhav A. MIG1, TUP1 and NRG1 mediated yeast to hyphal morphogenesis inhibition in Candida albicans by ganciclovir. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01344-8. [PMID: 38789908 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01344-8] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a polymorphic human fungal pathogen and the prime etiological agent responsible for candidiasis. The main two aspects of C. albicans virulence that have been suggested are yeast-to-hyphal (Y-H) morphological transitions and biofilm development. Anti-fungal agents targeting these virulence attributes enhances the antifungal drug development process. Repositioning with other non-fungal drugs offered a one of the new strategies and a potential alternative option to counter the urgent need for antifungal drug development. In the current study, an antiviral drug ganciclovir was screened as an antifungal agent against ATCC 90028, 10231 and clinical isolate (C1). Ganciclovir at 0.5 mg/ml concentration reduced 50% hyphal development on a silicon-based urinary catheter and was visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Ganciclovir reduced ergosterol biosynthesis in both strains and C1 isolate of C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, a gene expression profile study showed that ganciclovir treatment resulted in upregulation of hyphal-specific repressors MIG1, TUP1, and NRG1 in C. albicans. Additionally, an in vivo study on the Bombyx mori silkworm model further evidenced the virulence inhibitory ability of ganciclovir (0.5 mg/ml) against C. albicans. This is the first report that explore the novel anti-morphogenic activities of ganciclovir against the pathogenic C. albicans strains, along with clinical isolates. Further, ganciclovir may be considered for therapeutic purpose after combinations with standard antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanjila Gavandi
- Department of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), 416006, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shivani Patil
- Department of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), 416006, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sargun Basrani
- Department of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), 416006, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shivanand Yankanchi
- Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Vidya Nagar, 416004, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sayali Chougule
- Department of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), 416006, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - S Mohan Karuppayil
- Department of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), 416006, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ashwini Jadhav
- Department of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), 416006, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
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15
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Liu Y, Ren F, Li S, Li X, Shi D, Zhang Z. N-Butylphthalide Potentiates the Effect of Fluconazole Against Drug-Resistant Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. Evidence for Its Mechanism of Action. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:2017-2029. [PMID: 38800581 PMCID: PMC11127662 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s459378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To define the antifungal activity of n-butylphthalide alone or in combination with fluconazole in Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. Methods The antifungal activity of n-butylphthalide alone and in combination with fluconazole was investigated by the classical broth microdilution method and the time-killing curve method. The QRT-PCR method was used to determine gene expressions changes of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, drug efflux pumps and drug target enzymes in Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis after n-butylphthalide treatment. Results The MIC values of n-butylphthalide against Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis ranged from 16 to 64 μg·mL-1. The FICI value of the combination of n-butylphthalide and fluconazole against drug-resistant Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis ranged from 0.5001 to 0.5315 with partial synergism. Time-killing curves showed that 256 μg·mL-1 n-butylphthalide significantly inhibited the growth of drug-resistant colonies of Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis, and 128 μg·mL-1 n-butylphthalide combined with 1 μg·mL-1 fluconazole had an additive effect. N-butylphthalide could alter the expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes COX1, COX2, COX3, and CYTB genes in Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis (P< 0.05) and downregulate the expression of the drug efflux pump genes CDR1 and CDR2 in drug-resistant Candida glabrata to 3.36% and 3.65%, respectively (P<0.001), but did not affect the drug target enzyme ERG11 in drug-resistant Candida tropicalis. Conclusion N-butylphthalide had antifungal activity against Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. N-butylphthalide improved the activity of fluconazole against drug-resistant Candida glabrata by affecting the expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme genes and reversing the high expression of drug efflux pump genes CDR1 and CDR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feifei Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangchen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Zung N, Aravindan N, Boshnakovska A, Valenti R, Preminger N, Jonas F, Yaakov G, Willoughby MM, Homberg B, Keller J, Kupervaser M, Dezorella N, Dadosh T, Wolf SG, Itkin M, Malitsky S, Brandis A, Barkai N, Fernández-Busnadiego R, Reddi AR, Rehling P, Rapaport D, Schuldiner M. The molecular mechanism of on-demand sterol biosynthesis at organelle contact sites. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593285. [PMID: 38766039 PMCID: PMC11100823 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Contact-sites are specialized zones of proximity between two organelles, essential for organelle communication and coordination. The formation of contacts between the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), and other organelles, relies on a unique membrane environment enriched in sterols. However, how these sterol-rich domains are formed and maintained had not been understood. We found that the yeast membrane protein Yet3, the homolog of human BAP31, is localized to multiple ER contact sites. We show that Yet3 interacts with all the enzymes of the post-squalene ergosterol biosynthesis pathway and recruits them to create sterol-rich domains. Increasing sterol levels at ER contacts causes its depletion from the plasma membrane leading to a compensatory reaction and altered cell metabolism. Our data shows that Yet3 provides on-demand sterols at contacts thus shaping organellar structure and function. A molecular understanding of this protein's functions gives new insights into the role of BAP31 in development and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Zung
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Nitya Aravindan
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Angela Boshnakovska
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Translational Neuroinflammation and Automated Microscopy, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, D-37077, Germany
| | - Rosario Valenti
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Noga Preminger
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Felix Jonas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Gilad Yaakov
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Mathilda M Willoughby
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA
| | - Bettina Homberg
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Translational Neuroinflammation and Automated Microscopy, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, D-37077, Germany
| | - Jenny Keller
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, 37077, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 1190 "Compartmental Gates and Contact Sites in Cells", University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Meital Kupervaser
- The De Botton Protein Profiling institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Nili Dezorella
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Tali Dadosh
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Sharon G Wolf
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Maxim Itkin
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Sergey Malitsky
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Alexander Brandis
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Naama Barkai
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
| | - Rubén Fernández-Busnadiego
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, 37077, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 1190 "Compartmental Gates and Contact Sites in Cells", University of Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37077, Germany
- Faculty of Physics, University of Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Amit R Reddi
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Peter Rehling
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Translational Neuroinflammation and Automated Microscopy, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, D-37077, Germany
| | - Doron Rapaport
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Maya Schuldiner
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
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17
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Costa I, Lopes I, Morais M, Silva R, Remião F, Medeiros R, Alves LG, Pinto E, Cerqueira F. Disclosing the Antifungal Mechanisms of the Cyclam Salt H 4[H 2( 4-CF3PhCH 2) 2Cyclam]Cl 4 against Candida albicans and Candida krusei. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5209. [PMID: 38791254 PMCID: PMC11121207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoses are one of the major causes of morbidity/mortality among immunocompromised individuals. Considering the importance of these infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined a priority list of fungi for health in 2022 that include Candida albicans as belonging to the critical priority group and Pichia kudriavzevii (Candida krusei) to the medium priority group. The existence of few available antifungal drugs, their high toxicity, the acquired fungal resistance, and the appearance of new species with a broader spectrum of resistance, points out the need for searching for new antifungals, preferably with new and multiple mechanisms of action. The cyclam salt H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 was previously tested against several fungi and revealed an interesting activity, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 8 µg/mL for C. krusei and of 128 µg/mL for C. albicans. The main objective of the present work was to deeply understand the mechanisms involved in its antifungal activity. The effects of the cyclam salt on yeast metabolic viability (resazurin reduction assay), yeast mitochondrial function (JC-1 probe), production of reactive oxygen species (DCFH-DA probe) and on intracellular ATP levels (luciferin/luciferase assay) were evaluated. H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 induced a significant decrease in the metabolic activity of both C. albicans and C. krusei, an increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, and an impaired mitochondrial function. The latter was observed by the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and decrease in ATP intracellular levels, mechanisms that seems to be involved in the antifungal activity of H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4. The interference of the cyclam salt with human cells revealed a CC50 value against HEK-293 embryonic kidney cells of 1.1 μg/mL and a HC10 value against human red blood cells of 0.8 μg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Costa
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.C.); (R.S.); (F.R.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Lopes
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.); (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.C.)
- School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Morais
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.); (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.C.)
- ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for the Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.C.); (R.S.); (F.R.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Remião
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.C.); (R.S.); (F.R.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.); (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.C.)
- FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, GIT-LoSa, University Fernando Pessoa, Praça 9 de Abril 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís G. Alves
- Centro de Química Estrutural—Institute of Molecular Sciences, Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento, Av. António José de Almeida nº 12, 1000-043 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Eugénia Pinto
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Fátima Cerqueira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.); (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.C.)
- FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, GIT-LoSa, University Fernando Pessoa, Praça 9 de Abril 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal
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18
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Bergin S, Doorley LA, Rybak JM, Wolfe KH, Butler G, Cuomo CA, Rogers PD. Analysis of clinical Candida parapsilosis isolates reveals copy number variation in key fluconazole resistance genes. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0161923. [PMID: 38712935 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01619-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
We used whole-genome sequencing to analyze a collection of 35 fluconazole-resistant and 7 susceptible Candida parapsilosis isolates together with coverage analysis and GWAS techniques to identify new mechanisms of fluconazole resistance. Phylogenetic analysis shows that although the collection is diverse, two persistent clinical lineages were identified. We identified copy number variation (CNV) of two genes, ERG11 and CDR1B, in resistant isolates. Two strains have a CNV at the ERG11 locus; the entire ORF is amplified in one, and only the promoter region is amplified in the other. We show that the annotated telomeric gene CDR1B is actually an artifactual in silico fusion of two highly similar neighboring CDR genes due to an assembly error in the C. parapsilosis CDC317 reference genome. We report highly variable copy numbers of the CDR1B region across the collection. Several strains have increased the expansion of the two genes into a tandem array of new chimeric genes. Other strains have experienced a deletion between the two genes creating a single gene with a reciprocal chimerism. We find translocations, duplications, and gene conversion across the CDR gene family in the C. parapsilosis species complex, showing that it is a highly dynamic family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Bergin
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura A Doorley
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kenneth H Wolfe
- School of Medicine, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christina A Cuomo
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - P David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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19
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Esfandiary MA, Khosravi AR, Asadi S, Nikaein D, Hassan J, Sharifzadeh A. Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of oleuropein against Escherichia coli and fluconazole-resistant isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:154. [PMID: 38704559 PMCID: PMC11069153 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03305-5] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Side effects associated with antimicrobial drugs, as well as their high cost, have prompted a search for low-cost herbal medicinal substances with fewer side effects. These substances can be used as supplements to medicine or to strengthen their effects. The current study investigated the effect of oleuropein on the inhibition of fungal and bacterial biofilm in-vitro and at the molecular level. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, antimicrobial properties were evaluated using microbroth dilution method. The effect of oleuropein on the formation and eradication of biofilm was assessed on 96-well flat bottom microtiter plates and their effects were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its effect on key genes (Hwp1, Als3, Epa1, Epa6, LuxS, Pfs) involved in biofilm formation was investigated using the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. RESULTS The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal/bactericidal concentration (MFC/MBC) for oleuropein were found to be 65 mg/ml and 130 mg/ml, respectively. Oleuropein significantly inhibited biofilm formation at MIC/2 (32.5 mg/ml), MIC/4 (16.25 mg/ml), MIC/8 (8.125 mg/ml) and MIC/16 (4.062 mg/ml) (p < 0.0001). The anti-biofilm effect of oleuropein was confirmed by SEM. RT-qPCR indicated significant down regulation of expression genes involved in biofilm formation in Candida albicans (Hwp1, Als3) and Candida glabrata (Epa1, Epa6) as well as Escherichia coli (LuxS, Pfs) genes after culture with a MIC/2 of oleuropein (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that oleuropein has antifungal and antibacterial properties that enable it to inhibit or destroy the formation of fungal and bacterial biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Esfandiary
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, PO Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Khosravi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, PO Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sepideh Asadi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, PO Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran
| | - Donya Nikaein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, PO Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Hassan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aghil Sharifzadeh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, PO Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Hernández-Pabón JC, Tabares B, Gil Ó, Lugo-Sánchez C, Santana A, Barón A, Firacative C. Candida Non- albicans and Non- auris Causing Invasive Candidiasis in a Fourth-Level Hospital in Colombia: Epidemiology, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Genetic Diversity. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:326. [PMID: 38786681 PMCID: PMC11122357 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050326] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasingly common and associated with healthcare settings, Candida infections are very important, since some species of this genus can develop antifungal resistance. We contribute data on the epidemiology, antifungal susceptibility, and genetic diversity of Candida non-albicans and non-auris affecting critically ill patients in a fourth-level hospital in Colombia. Ninety-seven isolates causing invasive infections, identified by conventional methods over 18 months, were studied. Data from patients affected by these yeasts, including sex, age, comorbidities, treatment, and outcome, were analysed. The antifungal susceptibility of the isolates was determined, and the ribosomal DNA was sequenced. Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida guilliermondii caused 48.5% of all cases of invasive candidiasis. The species were mainly recovered from blood (50%). Patients were mostly men (53.4%), between 18 days and 93 years old, hospitalized in the ICU (70.7%). Overall mortality was 46.6%, but patients in the ICU, using antibiotics, with diabetes mellitus, or with C. glabrata infections were more likely to die. Resistant isolates were identified in C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata. This study provides epidemiological data for the surveillance of emerging Candida species, highlighting their clinical impact, as well as the emergence of antifungal resistance and clonal dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Camilo Hernández-Pabón
- Group MICROS Research Incubator, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia; (J.C.H.-P.); (Ó.G.); (C.L.-S.)
| | - Bryan Tabares
- Unidad de Extensión Hospitalaria, Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi, Bogota 111411, Colombia;
| | - Óscar Gil
- Group MICROS Research Incubator, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia; (J.C.H.-P.); (Ó.G.); (C.L.-S.)
| | - Carlos Lugo-Sánchez
- Group MICROS Research Incubator, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia; (J.C.H.-P.); (Ó.G.); (C.L.-S.)
| | - Aldair Santana
- Clinical Laboratory and Transfusion Service, Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi, Bogota 111411, Colombia;
| | - Alfonso Barón
- Department of Medical Clinics, Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi, Bogota 111411, Colombia;
| | - Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
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21
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Cosio T, Pica F, Fontana C, Pistoia ES, Favaro M, Valsecchi I, Zarabian N, Campione E, Botterel F, Gaziano R. Stephanoascus ciferrii Complex: The Current State of Infections and Drug Resistance in Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:294. [PMID: 38667965 PMCID: PMC11050938 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence of fungal infections in humans has increased dramatically, accompanied by an expansion in the number of species implicated as etiological agents, especially environmental fungi never involved before in human infection. Among fungal pathogens, Candida species are the most common opportunistic fungi that can cause local and systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common causative agent of mucosal and healthcare-associated systemic infections. However, during recent decades, there has been a worrying increase in the number of emerging multi-drug-resistant non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, i.e., C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. auris, and C. ciferrii. In particular, Candida ciferrii, also known as Stephanoascus ciferrii or Trichomonascus ciferrii, is a heterothallic ascomycete yeast-like fungus that has received attention in recent decades as a cause of local and systemic fungal diseases. Today, the new definition of the S. ciferrii complex, which consists of S. ciferrii, Candida allociferrii, and Candida mucifera, was proposed after sequencing the 18S rRNA gene. Currently, the S. ciferrii complex is mostly associated with non-severe ear and eye infections, although a few cases of severe candidemia have been reported in immunocompromised individuals. Low susceptibility to currently available antifungal drugs is a rising concern, especially in NAC species. In this regard, a high rate of resistance to azoles and more recently also to echinocandins has emerged in the S. ciferrii complex. This review focuses on epidemiological, biological, and clinical aspects of the S. ciferrii complex, including its pathogenicity and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terenzio Cosio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (R.G.)
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (R.G.)
| | - Carla Fontana
- Laboratory of Microbiology and BioBank, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” I.R.C.C.S., 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Enrico Salvatore Pistoia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (R.G.)
| | - Marco Favaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (R.G.)
| | - Isabel Valsecchi
- DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France; (I.V.); (F.B.)
| | - Nikkia Zarabian
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 2300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Françoise Botterel
- DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France; (I.V.); (F.B.)
| | - Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (R.G.)
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22
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Sapra A, Hm H, Amin SM, Syahrani, Kelsi FA, Nur S, Permana AD. Development of mucoadhesive microspheres for intranasal delivery of fluconazole as an alternative treatment of cryptococcal meningitis infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2024:S0003-4509(24)00046-4. [PMID: 38604290 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcal meningitis is a deadly disease with few treatment options. Its incidence is still high and closely linked to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This study aimed to develop a mucoadhesive microsphere delivery system for fluconazole for the intranasal route. METHOD Microspheres of mucoadhesive fluconazole formulation variables such as different amounts of drug concentration and polymer concentration were prepared by a simple emulsion-crosslinking method. The prepared microspheres' surface was characterised by SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) and evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency, production yield, infrared spectroscopic study, in-vitro muco-adhesion, and in-vitro drug release. RESULTS The results showed that formula 1 is the optimal mucoadhesive microsphere preparation, with a particle size of 56.375m, a spherical surface shape, an entrapment efficiency of 99.96%, and a greater mucoadhesive capability during 6-hour evaluation. Furthermore, wash-off examination revealed that the mucoadhesive ability of this delivery system has a long duration and may release the active material at the right time. CONCLUSION The result of the researches suggesting that the formulation of mucoadhesive microspheres of fluconazole could be used to treat cryptococcal meningitis infection in HIV/AIDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amriani Sapra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Almarisah Madani University, 90242 Makassar, Indonesia.
| | - Hendrawan Hm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Almarisah Madani University, 90242 Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Sayyid M Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Almarisah Madani University, 90242 Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Syahrani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Almarisah Madani University, 90242 Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Filia Ananda Kelsi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Almarisah Madani University, 90242 Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Syamsu Nur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Almarisah Madani University, 90242 Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Andi Dian Permana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Hasanuddin University, 90242 Makassar, Indonesia
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23
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Petcu G, Ciobanu EM, Paun G, Neagu E, Baran A, Trica B, Neacsu A, Atkinson I, Bucuresteanu R, Badaluta A, Ditu LM, Parvulescu V. Hybrid Materials Obtained by Immobilization of Biosynthesized Ag Nanoparticles with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4003. [PMID: 38612814 PMCID: PMC11012143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074003] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extract. The obtained nanoparticles were supported on SBA-15 mesoporous silica (S), before and after immobilization of 10% TiO2 (Degussa-P25, STp; commercial rutile, STr; and silica synthesized from Ti butoxide, STb). The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The plasmon resonance effect, evidenced by UV-Vis spectra, was preserved after immobilization only for the sample supported on STb. The immobilization and dispersion properties of AgNPs on supports were evidenced by TEM microscopy, energy-dispersive X-rays, dynamic light scattering, photoluminescence and FT-IR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the supported samples significantly exceeded that of the sage extract or AgNPs. Antimicrobial tests were carried out, in conditions of darkness and white light, on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Higher antimicrobial activity was evident for SAg and STbAg samples. White light increased antibacterial activity in the case of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). In the first case, antibacterial activity increased for both supported and unsupported AgNPs, while in the second one, the activity increased only for SAg and STbAg samples. The proposed antibacterial mechanism shows the effect of AgNPs and Ag+ ions on bacteria in dark and light conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Petcu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (G.P.); (A.B.); (A.N.); (I.A.)
| | - Elena Madalina Ciobanu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (G.P.); (A.B.); (A.N.); (I.A.)
| | - Gabriela Paun
- National Institute for Research-Development of Biological Sciences, Centre of Bioanalysis, 296 Spl. Independentei, P.O. Box 17-16, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Neagu
- National Institute for Research-Development of Biological Sciences, Centre of Bioanalysis, 296 Spl. Independentei, P.O. Box 17-16, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Baran
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (G.P.); (A.B.); (A.N.); (I.A.)
| | - Bogdan Trica
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andreea Neacsu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (G.P.); (A.B.); (A.N.); (I.A.)
| | - Irina Atkinson
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (G.P.); (A.B.); (A.N.); (I.A.)
| | - Razvan Bucuresteanu
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania (A.B.)
| | - Alexandra Badaluta
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania (A.B.)
| | - Lia Mara Ditu
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania (A.B.)
| | - Viorica Parvulescu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (G.P.); (A.B.); (A.N.); (I.A.)
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24
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Wang Y, He Y, Cai T, Lei Z, Lei W, Cao Y, Wu J. A mechanism study on the synergistic effects of rifapentine and fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vitro. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27346. [PMID: 38515731 PMCID: PMC10955295 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27346] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is one of the most common clinical isolates of systemic fungal infection. Long-term and inappropriate use of antifungal drugs can cause fungal resistance, which poses a great challenge to the clinical treatment of fungal infections. The combination of antifungal drugs and non-antifungal drugs to overcome the problem of fungal resistance has become a research hotspot in recent years. Our previous study found that the combination of rifapentine (RFT) and fluconazole (FLC) has a significant synergistic against FLC-resistant C. albicans. The present study aimed to further verify the synergistic effect between FLC and RFT against the FLC-resistant C. albicans 100, and explore the underlying mechanism. The growth curve and spot assay test not only showed the synergistic effect of FLC and RFT on FLC-resistant C. albicans in vitro but exhibited a dose-dependent effect on RFT, indicating that RFT may play a principal role in the synergic effect of the two drugs. Flow cytometry showed that the combined use of RFT and FLC arrested cells in the G2/M phase, inhibiting the normal division and proliferation of FLC-resistant C. albicans. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that FLC at a low concentration could still cause a certain degree of damage to the cell membrane in the FLC-resistant C. albicans, as represented by irregular morphologic changes and some defects observed in the cell membrane. When FLC was used in combination with RFT, the nuclear membrane was dissolved and the nucleus was condensed into a mass. Detection of the intracellular drug concentration of fungi revealed that the intracellular concentration of RFT was 31-195 fold that of RFT alone when it was concomitantly used with FLC. This indicated that FLC could significantly increase the concentration of RFT in cells, which may be due to the damage caused to the fungal cell membrane by FLC. In short, the present study revealed a synergistic mechanism in the combined use of RFT and FLC, which may provide a novel strategy for the clinical treatment of FLC-resistant C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulian Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei He
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongkai Cai
- Department of Vascular Disease, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongwei Lei
- Department of Rehabilitation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhi Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongbing Cao
- Department of Vascular Disease, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Puumala E, Fallah S, Robbins N, Cowen LE. Advancements and challenges in antifungal therapeutic development. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0014223. [PMID: 38294218 PMCID: PMC10938895 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00142-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Over recent decades, the global burden of fungal disease has expanded dramatically. It is estimated that fungal disease kills approximately 1.5 million individuals annually; however, the true worldwide burden of fungal infection is thought to be higher due to existing gaps in diagnostics and clinical understanding of mycotic disease. The development of resistance to antifungals across diverse pathogenic fungal genera is an increasingly common and devastating phenomenon due to the dearth of available antifungal classes. These factors necessitate a coordinated response by researchers, clinicians, public health agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop new antifungal strategies, as the burden of fungal disease continues to grow. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the new antifungal therapeutics currently in clinical trials, highlighting their spectra of activity and progress toward clinical implementation. We also profile up-and-coming intracellular proteins and pathways primed for the development of novel antifungals targeting their activity. Ultimately, we aim to emphasize the importance of increased investment into antifungal therapeutics in the current continually evolving landscape of infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Puumala
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Fallah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leah E. Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Misas E, Seagle E, Jenkins EN, Rajeev M, Hurst S, Nunnally NS, Bentz ML, Lyman MM, Berkow E, Harrison LH, Schaffner W, Markus TM, Pierce R, Farley MM, Chow NA, Lockhart SR, Litvintseva AP. Genomic description of acquired fluconazole- and echinocandin-resistance in patients with serial Candida glabrata isolates. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0114023. [PMID: 38265207 PMCID: PMC10865870 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01140-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is one of the most common causes of systemic candidiasis, often resistant to antifungal medications. To describe the genomic context of emerging resistance, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 82 serially collected isolates from 33 patients from population-based candidemia surveillance in the United States. We used whole-genome sequencing to determine the genetic relationships between isolates obtained from the same patient. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that isolates from 29 patients were clustered by patient. The median SNPs between isolates from the same patient was 30 (range: 7-96 SNPs), while unrelated strains infected four patients. Twenty-one isolates were resistant to echinocandins, and 24 were resistant to fluconazole. All echinocandin-resistant isolates carried a mutation either in the FKS1 or FKS2 HS1 region. Of the 24 fluconazole-resistant isolates, 17 (71%) had non-synonymous polymorphisms in the PDR1 gene, which were absent in susceptible isolates. In 11 patients, a genetically related resistant isolate was collected after recovering susceptible isolates, indicating in vivo acquisition of resistance. These findings allowed us to estimate the intra-host diversity of C. glabrata and propose an upper boundary of 96 SNPs for defining genetically related isolates, which can be used to assess donor-to-host transmission, nosocomial transmission, or acquired resistance. IMPORTANCE In our study, mutations associated to azole resistance and echinocandin resistance were detected in Candida glabrata isolates using a whole-genome sequence. C. glabrata is the second most common cause of candidemia in the United States, which rapidly acquires resistance to antifungals, in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Misas
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - E. Seagle
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - E. N. Jenkins
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- ASRT, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - M. Rajeev
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - S. Hurst
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - N. S. Nunnally
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - M. L. Bentz
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - M. M. Lyman
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - E. Berkow
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - L. H. Harrison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - W. Schaffner
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - T. M. Markus
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - R. Pierce
- Oregon Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, USA
| | - M. M. Farley
- Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - N. A. Chow
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - S. R. Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - A. P. Litvintseva
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Yarahmadi A, Afkhami H. The role of microbiomes in gastrointestinal cancers: new insights. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1344328. [PMID: 38361500 PMCID: PMC10867565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1344328] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers constitute more than 33% of new cancer cases worldwide and pose a considerable burden on public health. There exists a growing body of evidence that has systematically recorded an upward trajectory in GI malignancies within the last 5 to 10 years, thus presenting a formidable menace to the health of the human population. The perturbations in GI microbiota may have a noteworthy influence on the advancement of GI cancers; however, the precise mechanisms behind this association are still not comprehensively understood. Some bacteria have been observed to support cancer development, while others seem to provide a safeguard against it. Recent studies have indicated that alterations in the composition and abundance of microbiomes could be associated with the progression of various GI cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, hepatic, and esophageal cancers. Within this comprehensive analysis, we examine the significance of microbiomes, particularly those located in the intestines, in GI cancers. Furthermore, we explore the impact of microbiomes on various treatment modalities for GI cancer, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Additionally, we delve into the intricate mechanisms through which intestinal microbes influence the efficacy of GI cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Yarahmadi
- Department of Biology, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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28
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Ahmedi S, Khan I, Ghanem S, Manzoor N. Limonene synergistically augments fluconazole susceptibility in clinical Candida isolates from cleft lip and palate patients. Natl J Maxillofac Surg 2024; 15:47-54. [PMID: 38690249 PMCID: PMC11057589 DOI: 10.4103/njms.njms_34_23] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients are prone to Candida infections (oral thrush) mainly due to poor oral hygiene, repetitive surgeries, and orthodontic procedures. Aim This study was undertaken to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of limonene against clinical Candida isolates from CLP patients. Materials and Methods The antifungal efficacy of limonene was studied alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLC) against six standards, twenty nine FLC sensitive, and three FLC resistant clinical strains using broth dilution, checkerboard microdilution, agar disk diffusion, growth curves, and spot assays. Results This nontoxic monoterpene gave low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 300-375 µg/mL and 500-520 µg/mL for FLC susceptible and FLC resistant strains, respectively. It showed synergistic interaction with FLC in all clinical and standard Candida strains (fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index ≤0.5). Conclusion Significant chemosensitization of FLC was observed even against resistant clinical isolates. Complete suppression of fungal growth was observed when using combinations. Negligible toxicity, easy availability, and potent antifungal properties suggest that limonene and FLC combinations in appropriate doses can make excellent antifungal mouthwashes during CLP treatment pre and post surgery. Impending in vivo studies are needed to validate the present data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiema Ahmedi
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Samah Ghanem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nikhat Manzoor
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Zhang J, Wang Z, Gai C, Yang F, Yun X, Jiang B, Zou Y, Meng Q, Zhao Q, Chai X. Design, synthesis, evaluation and optimization of novel azole analogues as potent antifungal agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 97:117543. [PMID: 38071944 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
In order to develop antifungal drugs, a series of novel azole analogues were designed and synthesized based on our previous work. Most of the target compounds had broad-spectrum antifungal activity, which showed excellent to moderate inhibitory activity against the tested strains, except A. fum 0504656. Among these, compounds B3, B7, B8, B11, B12 and E9 showed excellent activity against C. alb Y0109 and C. alb SC5314 (with the MIC80: 0.0156 ug/mL). In addition, compound B3 showed the best inhibitory activity against fluconazole-resistant strains C. alb 901 and C. alb 904, and had low toxicity against NIH/3T3 cells at the effective MIC range against fungi. Structure-activity relationship and docking studies of the derivatives suggest that the presence of the 2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl and 1,2,3-triazole group enhance the antifungal activity of the compounds, which may be related to the interaction of the key groups with the amino acids surrounding the target enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Conghao Gai
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yun
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Boye Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qingguo Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Qingjie Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xiaoyun Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Taylor MB, Warwick AR, Skophammer R, Boyer JM, Geck RC, Gunkelman K, Walson M, Rowley PA, Dunham MJ. yEvo: A modular eukaryotic genetics and evolution research experience for high school students. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10811. [PMID: 38192907 PMCID: PMC10771926 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10811] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The resources for carrying out and analyzing microbial evolution experiments have become more accessible, making it possible to expand these studies beyond the research laboratory and into the classroom. We developed five connected, standards-aligned yeast evolution laboratory modules, called "yEvo," for high school students. The modules enable students to take agency in answering open-ended research questions. In Module 1, students evolve baker's yeast to tolerate an antifungal drug, and in subsequent modules, investigate how evolved yeasts adapted to this stressful condition at both the phenotype and genotype levels. We used pre- and post-surveys from 72 students at two different schools and post-interviews with students and teachers to assess our program goals and guide module improvement over 3 years. We measured changes in student conceptions, confidence in scientific practices, and interest in STEM careers. Students who participated in yEvo showed improvements in understanding of activity-specific concepts and reported increased confidence in designing a valid biology experiment. Student experimental data replicated literature findings and has led to new insights into antifungal resistance. The modules and provided materials, alongside "proof of concept" evaluation metrics, will serve as a model for other university researchers and K - 16 classrooms interested in engaging in open-ended research questions using yeast as a model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bryce Taylor
- Department of Genome SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Program in BiologyLoras CollegeDubuqueIowaUSA
| | - Alexa R. Warwick
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | | | | | - Renee C. Geck
- Department of Genome SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kristin Gunkelman
- Department of Teacher EducationMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Margaux Walson
- Department of Genome SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Paul A. Rowley
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Maitreya J. Dunham
- Department of Genome SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Bergin S, Doorley LA, Rybak JM, Wolfe KH, Butler G, Cuomo CA, Rogers PD. Analysis of clinical Candida parapsilosis isolates reveals copy number variation in key fluconazole resistance genes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571446. [PMID: 38168157 PMCID: PMC10760152 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
We used whole-genome sequencing to analyse a collection of 35 fluconazole resistant and 7 susceptible Candida parapsilosis isolates together with coverage analysis and GWAS techniques to identify new mechanisms of fluconazole resistance. Phylogenetic analysis shows that although the collection is diverse, two probable outbreak groups were identified. We identified copy number variation of two genes, ERG11 and CDR1B, in resistant isolates. Two strains have a CNV at the ERG11 locus; the entire ORF is amplified in one, and only the promoter region is amplified in the other. We show the annotated telomeric gene CDR1B is actually an artefactual in silico fusion of two highly similar neighbouring CDR genes due to an assembly error in the C. parapsilosis CDC317 reference genome. We report highly variable copy numbers of the CDR1B region across the collection. Several strains have increased expansion of the two genes into a tandem array of new chimeric genes. Other strains have experienced a deletion between the two genes creating a single gene with a reciprocal chimerism. We find translocations, duplications, and gene conversion across the CDR gene family in the C. parapsilosis species complex, showing that it is a highly dynamic family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Bergin
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura A Doorley
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kenneth H Wolfe
- School of Medicine, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christina A Cuomo
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - P David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Korem M, Taragin A, Dror D, Temper V, Averbuch D. A 14-Year Cohort of Candidemia in the Pediatric Population in a Tertiary Center in Jerusalem: Clinical Characteristics, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Risk Factors for Mortality. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1171. [PMID: 38132772 PMCID: PMC10744903 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida spp. can cause bloodstream infection and is associated with significant mortality. The proportion of fluconazole-resistant Candida non-albicans has increased over the years, and empirical fluconazole maybe inappropriate. In this retrospective study, we analyzed clinical characteristics, antifungal resistance patterns, and mortality in children with candidemia treated at a tertiary medical center in Jerusalem between 2009 and 2022. A total of 122 children developed 127 candidemia episodes with 132 Candida isolates. Half the episodes occurred in immunocompromised children. Septic shock was present in 27 (21.3%). Candida non-albicans was responsible for 71/132 (56.5%) episodes; 16/132 (12.1%) of isolates were fluconazole-resistant. The rate of Candida non-albicans was significantly higher in fluconazole-resistant episodes (90 vs. 50.5%, p = 0.02). Prolonged severe neutropenia and previous fluconazole exposure were more frequent in fluconazole-resistant episodes. Thirty-day mortality was 25 (19.7%). Greater mortality, as shown by multivariate analysis, was associated with candidemia contracted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), previous use of azoles or carbapenems, and in the presence of shock. In conclusion, mortality rates in our study were higher than those previously reported. In suspected infection associated with factors which we found to increase the probability of mortality-PICU admission, shock, and earlier azole or carbapenems exposure-empirical antifungals should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Korem
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel (D.D.)
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Asher Taragin
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel (D.D.)
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Division, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Danna Dror
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel (D.D.)
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Violeta Temper
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel (D.D.)
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Dina Averbuch
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel (D.D.)
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Division, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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Hu T, Wang S, Bing J, Zheng Q, Du H, Li C, Guan Z, Bai FY, Nobile CJ, Chu H, Huang G. Hotspot mutations and genomic expansion of ERG11 are major mechanisms of azole resistance in environmental and human commensal isolates of Candida tropicalis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 62:107010. [PMID: 37863341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.107010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infections caused by azole-resistant Candida tropicalis strains are increasing in clinical settings. The reason for this epidemical change and the mechanisms of C. tropicalis azole resistance are not fully understood. METHODS In this study, we performed biological and genomic analyses of 239 C. tropicalis strains, including 115 environmental and 124 human commensal isolates. RESULTS Most (99.2%) of the isolates had a baseline diploid genome. The strains from both environmental and human niches exhibit similar abilities to survive under stressful conditions and produce secreted aspartic proteases. However, the human commensal isolates exhibited a stronger ability to filament than the environmental strains. We found that 19 environmental isolates (16.5%) and 24 human commensal isolates (19.4%) were resistant to fluconazole. Of the fluconazole-resistant strains, 37 isolates (86.0%) also exhibited cross-resistance to voriconazole. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that both environmental and commensal isolates were widely distributed in a number of genetic clusters, but the two populations exhibited a close genetic association. The majority of fluconazole-resistant isolates were clustered within a single clade (X). CONCLUSIONS The combination of hotspot mutations (Y132F and S154F) and genomic expansion of ERG11, which encodes the azole target lanosterol 14-α-demethylase and represents a major target of azole drugs, was a major mechanism for the development of azole resistance. The isolates carrying both hotspot mutations and genomic expansion of ERG11 exhibited cross-resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole. Moreover, the azole-resistant isolates from both the environmental and human commensal niches showed similar genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianren Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Bing
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiushi Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhangyue Guan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Yan Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, California; Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California
| | - Haiqing Chu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guanghua Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China.
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Mudenda S, Matafwali SK, Mukosha M, Daka V, Chabalenge B, Chizimu J, Yamba K, Mufwambi W, Banda P, Chisha P, Mulenga F, Phiri M, Mfune RL, Kasanga M, Sartelli M, Saleem Z, Godman B. Antifungal resistance and stewardship: a knowledge, attitudes and practices survey among pharmacy students at the University of Zambia; findings and implications. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlad141. [PMID: 38130703 PMCID: PMC10733812 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antifungal resistance (AFR) is a growing global public health concern. Little is currently known about knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding AFR and antifungal stewardship (AFS) in Zambia, and across the globe. To address this evidence gap, we conducted a study through a questionnaire design starting with pharmacy students as they include the next generation of healthcare professionals. Methods A cross-sectional study among 412 pharmacy students from June 2023 to July 2023 using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was used to determine key factors of influence. Results Of the 412 participants, 55.8% were female, with 81.6% aged between 18 and 25 years. Most students had good knowledge (85.9%) and positive attitudes (86.7%) but sub-optimal practices (65.8%) towards AFR and AFS. Overall, 30.2% of students accessed antifungals without a prescription. Male students were less likely to report a good knowledge of AFR (adjusted OR, AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-0.98). Similarly, students residing in urban areas were less likely to report a positive attitude (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13-0.91). Fourth-year students were also less likely to report good practices compared with second-year students (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27-0.85). Conclusions Good knowledge and positive attitudes must translate into good practices toward AFR and AFS going forward. Consequently, there is a need to provide educational interventions where students have low scores regarding AFR and AFS. In addition, there is a need to implement strategies to reduce inappropriate dispensing of antifungals, especially without a prescription, to reduce AFR in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Scott Kaba Matafwali
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Moses Mukosha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Victor Daka
- Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola PO Box 71191, Zambia
| | - Billy Chabalenge
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka PO Box 31890, Zambia
| | - Joseph Chizimu
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kaunda Yamba
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Webrod Mufwambi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Patrick Banda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Patience Chisha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Florence Mulenga
- Conservation Department, World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF Zambia Country Office), Lusaka PO Box 50551, Zambia
| | - McLawrence Phiri
- Department of Pharmacy, Maina Soko Medical Center, Woodlands, Lusaka PO Box 320091, Zambia
| | - Ruth Lindizyani Mfune
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Maisa Kasanga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhengzhou University, College of Public Health, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | | | - Zikria Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Brian Godman
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
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Bravo-Chaucanés CP, Chitiva LC, Vargas-Casanova Y, Diaz-Santoyo V, Hernández AX, Costa GM, Parra-Giraldo CM. Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Action of Piperine against Candida albicans and Targeting Its Virulence Factors. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1729. [PMID: 38136600 PMCID: PMC10742119 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived compounds have proven to be a source of inspiration for new drugs. In this study, piperine isolated from the fruits of Piper nigrum showed anti-Candida activity. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of piperine and its impact on virulence factors in Candida albicans, which have not been comprehensively understood, were also assessed. Initially, piperine suppressed the hyphal transition in both liquid and solid media, hindered biofilm formation, and resulted in observable cell distortions in scanning electron microscope (SEM) samples, for both fluconazole-sensitive and fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strains. Additionally, the morphogenetic switches triggered by piperine were found to rely on the activity of mutant C. albicans strains. Secondly, piperine treatment increased cell membrane permeability and disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, as evidenced by propidium iodine and Rhodamine 123 staining, respectively. Moreover, it induced the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in C. albicans. Synergy was obtained between the piperine and the fluconazole against the fluconazole-sensitive strain. Interestingly, there were no hemolytic effects of piperine, and it resulted in reduced cytotoxicity on fibroblast cells at low concentrations. The results suggest that piperine could have a dual mode of action inhibiting virulence factors and modulating cellular processes, leading to cell death in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Patricia Bravo-Chaucanés
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, DC, Colombia; (C.P.B.-C.); (Y.V.-C.); (V.D.-S.)
| | - Luis Carlos Chitiva
- Grupo de Investigación Fitoquímica Universidad Javeriana (GIFUJ), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, DC, Colombia; (L.C.C.); (A.X.H.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Yerly Vargas-Casanova
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, DC, Colombia; (C.P.B.-C.); (Y.V.-C.); (V.D.-S.)
| | - Valentina Diaz-Santoyo
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, DC, Colombia; (C.P.B.-C.); (Y.V.-C.); (V.D.-S.)
| | - Andrea Ximena Hernández
- Grupo de Investigación Fitoquímica Universidad Javeriana (GIFUJ), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, DC, Colombia; (L.C.C.); (A.X.H.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Geison M. Costa
- Grupo de Investigación Fitoquímica Universidad Javeriana (GIFUJ), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, DC, Colombia; (L.C.C.); (A.X.H.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Claudia Marcela Parra-Giraldo
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, DC, Colombia; (C.P.B.-C.); (Y.V.-C.); (V.D.-S.)
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Arrieta-Aguirre I, Menéndez-Manjón P, Carrano G, Diez A, Fernandez-de-Larrinoa Í, Moragues MD. Molecular Identification of Fungal Species through Multiplex-qPCR to Determine Candidal Vulvovaginitis and Antifungal Susceptibility. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1145. [PMID: 38132746 PMCID: PMC10744653 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121145] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent condition affecting women worldwide. This study aimed to develop a rapid qPCR assay for the accurate identification of VVC etiological agents and reduced azole susceptibility. One hundred and twenty nine vaginal samples from an outpatient clinic (Bilbao, Spain) were analyzed using culture-based methods and a multiplex qPCR targeting fungal species, which identified Candida albicans as the predominant species (94.2%). Antifungal susceptibility tests revealed reduced azole susceptibility in three (3.48%) isolates. Molecular analysis identified several mutations in genes associated with azole resistance as well as novel mutations in TAC1 and MRR1 genes. In conclusion, we developed a rapid multiplex qPCR assay that detects C. albicans in vulvovaginal specimens and reported new mutations in resistance-related genes that could contribute to azole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Arrieta-Aguirre
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (P.M.-M.); (M.-D.M.)
| | - Pilar Menéndez-Manjón
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (P.M.-M.); (M.-D.M.)
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (G.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Giulia Carrano
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (G.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Ander Diez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (G.C.); (A.D.)
| | | | - María-Dolores Moragues
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (P.M.-M.); (M.-D.M.)
- IIS BioCruces Bizkaia, 48903 Barakaldo, Biscay, Spain
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Li J, Shimko KM, He C, Patterson B, Bade R, Shiels R, Mueller JF, Thomas KV, O'Brien JW. Direct injection liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry as a sensitive and high-throughput method for the quantitative surveillance of antimicrobials in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165825. [PMID: 37506900 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165825] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Environmental antimicrobial pollution and antimicrobial resistance pose a threat to environmental and human health. Wastewater analysis has been identified as a promising tool for antimicrobial monitoring and the back-estimation of antimicrobial consumption, but current pretreatment methods are tedious and complicated, limiting their scope for high-throughput analysis. A sensitive direct injection method for the quantification of 109 antimicrobials and their metabolites in wastewater samples was developed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method was validated for both wastewater influent and effluent in terms of specificity, calibration range, matrix effect, filtration loss, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Most analytes achieved calibration of R2 > 0.99, and the calibration range was from 0.0002 to 150 μg L-1. Recoveries ranged consistently between ~50 % and ~100 % and losses were attributed to sample filtration. Method LOQs were determined as low as 0.0003 μg L-1, and acceptable accuracy (75 %-125 %) and precision (within 25 %) were achieved for >90 % of the analytes. The method was subsequently further assessed using wastewater of raw influent and treated effluent collected from 6 Australian wastewater treatment plants in 2021. In total, 37 analytes were detected in influent and 22 in effluent. Most of them could be quantified at concentrations ranging from 0.0053 to 160 μg L-1, with benzalkonium chloride-C12, amoxicilloic acid, and cephalexin detected at the highest concentrations. The current study provides a straightforward analytical method for antimicrobial monitoring in wastewater with a fast and simple pretreatment procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Li
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Katja M Shimko
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Chang He
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | | | - Richard Bade
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ryan Shiels
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, 1090, GD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Czajka KM, Venkataraman K, Brabant-Kirwan D, Santi SA, Verschoor C, Appanna VD, Singh R, Saunders DP, Tharmalingam S. Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Antifungal Resistance in Pathogenic Candida Species. Cells 2023; 12:2655. [PMID: 37998390 PMCID: PMC10670235 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis is a highly pervasive infection posing major health risks, especially for immunocompromised populations. Pathogenic Candida species have evolved intrinsic and acquired resistance to a variety of antifungal medications. The primary goal of this literature review is to summarize the molecular mechanisms associated with antifungal resistance in Candida species. Resistance can be conferred via gain-of-function mutations in target pathway genes or their transcriptional regulators. Therefore, an overview of the known gene mutations is presented for the following antifungals: azoles (fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and itraconazole), echinocandins (caspofungin, anidulafungin and micafungin), polyenes (amphotericin B and nystatin) and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). The following mutation hot spots were identified: (1) ergosterol biosynthesis pathway mutations (ERG11 and UPC2), resulting in azole resistance; (2) overexpression of the efflux pumps, promoting azole resistance (transcription factor genes: tac1 and mrr1; transporter genes: CDR1, CDR2, MDR1, PDR16 and SNQ2); (3) cell wall biosynthesis mutations (FKS1, FKS2 and PDR1), conferring resistance to echinocandins; (4) mutations of nucleic acid synthesis/repair genes (FCY1, FCY2 and FUR1), resulting in 5-FC resistance; and (5) biofilm production, promoting general antifungal resistance. This review also provides a summary of standardized inhibitory breakpoints obtained from international guidelines for prominent Candida species. Notably, N. glabrata, P. kudriavzevii and C. auris demonstrate fluconazole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina M. Czajka
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
| | - Krishnan Venkataraman
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
| | | | - Stacey A. Santi
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Chris Verschoor
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Vasu D. Appanna
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
| | - Ravi Singh
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Deborah P. Saunders
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
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Tsai WC, Liu FL, Huang MH, Huang CH. Enhancing Immunity and Modulating Vaginal Microflora Against Candidal Vaginitis Through Nanoemulsion Supplemented with Porphyra Oligosaccharide as an Intravaginal Vaccine Adjuvant. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:6333-6346. [PMID: 37954454 PMCID: PMC10637204 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s431009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intravaginal vaccination is an encouraging approach to prevent infectious vaginitis, with nanoemulsions showing effectiveness as mucosal adjuvants. Purpose This study aimed to formulate a nanoemulsion incorporating Porphyra oligosaccharide (PO@NE) and assess its effectiveness as a mucosal adjuvant in intravaginal vaccines against candidal vaginitis. Materials and Methods PO@NE was prepared, and the stability, immunomodulatory activity and cytotoxicity were screened in vitro. Further, the preventive effect of PO@NE as adjuvants for heat-killed Candida albicans (HK-CA) vaccines was explored in a murine model of candidal vaginitis, in comparison with those supplemented with polysaccharide (PP@NE). The mice were intravaginally vaccinated with 106 HK-CA cells, suspended in 1% NE without or with either PO or PP at a final concentration of 6.5 μg/mL, in a total volume of 20 μL. This vaccination was intravaginally administered once a week for 3 weeks. One week following the final vaccination, the mice underwent an intravaginal challenge with 107 C. albicans cells. One week after the challenge, the mice were euthanized to isolate serum, spleen, vaginal washes, and vaginal tissues for analysis. Results PP@NE and PO@NE, with diameters approximately around 100 nm, exhibited exceptional stability at 4°C and low cytotoxicity when used at a concentration of 1% (v/v). Intravaginal vaccination with HK-CA adjuvanted with PO@NE effectively protected against candidal vaginitis evidenced by less Candida hyphae colonization, milder mucosal damage and cell infiltration. Moreover, enhanced mucosal antibody production, induction of T helper (Th)1 and Th17-related immune responses, enlarged the population of CD8+ cells, and elevated vaginal microflora diversity were observed in vaccinated mice. Interestingly, the potency was rather attenuated when PO@NE was replaced with PP@NE. Conclusion These findings indicate PO@NE as a HK-CA vaccine adjuvant for candidal vaginitis prevention via enhancement of both cellular and humoral immunity and modulation of vaginal microflora, emphasizing further intravaginal vaccination development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chung Tsai
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Ling Liu
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsi Huang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsiung Huang
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Center for Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
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Martins NDRC, Rodrigues da Silva A, Ratcliffe N, Evangelho VGO, Castro HC, Quinn GA. Streptomyces: a natural source of anti- Candida agents. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37991419 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001777] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. There is an urgent need to source new compounds that can combat the current threat of serious infection caused by Candida spp. and contend with the problem of antimicrobial resistance.
Gap. A synthesis of the evidence available from the current literature is needed to identify promising antifungal chemotherapeutics.
Aim. To highlight anti-Candida compounds derived from
Streptomyces
spp. (a well-known source of antimicrobial compounds) that could translate to potential candidates for future clinical practice.
Methodology. A comprehensive review was conducted across three scientific literature databases spanning a 13-year period.
Results. We identified 151 compounds with anti-Candida activity. Amongst these, 40 were reported with very strong inhibitory activity, having minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Candida spp. of <3.5 µg ml−1, 66 compounds were considered strong inhibitors and 45 compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory potential. From an analysis of the MICs, we deduced that the actinomycin-like compounds RSP01 and RSP02 were probably the most promising anti-Candida compounds. Other antifungals of note included filipin-like compounds, which demonstrated superior inhibition to amphotericin B and activity against Candida glabrata and Candida krusei, and bafilomycin derivatives, which had substantial inhibition against Candida parapsilosis.
Conclusion. It is essential to recognize the limitations inherent in the quest for new antifungals, which encompass toxicity, in vivo effectiveness and constraints associated with limited data access. However, further investigation through in-depth study and emerging technologies is of paramount importance, given that there are still many more compounds to discover. This review highlights the importance of antifungal compounds derived from
Streptomyces
, which demonstrate robust inhibition, and, in many cases, low toxicity, making them promising candidates for the development of novel antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aldo Rodrigues da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Norman Ratcliffe
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, LABiEMol, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Helena Carla Castro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Niterói, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, LABiEMol, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Gerry A Quinn
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Ireland
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Lu HY, Tsai WC, Liu JS, Huang CH. Preparation and evaluation of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide- and sesame oil-loaded nanoemulsion for the treatment of candidal vaginitis in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115506. [PMID: 37716120 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen, affecting over 75% of women who have experienced candidal vaginitis. Given the identification of drug-resistant C. albicans strains, there is an urgent need to develop therapeutic methods for treating vaginal Candida infection. Polysaccharide is the major bioactive component of Cordyceps militaris, known to modulate immune responses and alleviate inflammation. Sesame oil is known with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities. METHODS C. militaris polysaccharide was prepared and formulated with sesame oil to prepare emulsion and nanoemulsion, which are ideal mucosal delivery systems for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds concurrently. The physical property and storage stability of these formulations were illustrated, and their effects on ameliorating vaginitis were investigated in a murine model of vaginal Candida infection. RESULTS C. militaris polysaccharide-containing nanoemulsion showed smaller particle size, lower polydispersity index, higher zeta-potential and better stability than emulsion. Intravaginal administration of C. militaris polysaccharide-containing nanoemulsion significantly attenuated C. militaris colonization and vaginitis. Notably, these formulations exerted distinct effects on modulating cell infiltration and splenic cytokine production. Moreover, different profile of vaginal microflora was observed among the treatment groups, revealing the potential action mechanisms of these formulations to mitigate vaginal Candida infection. CONCLUSION C. militaris polysaccharide- and sesame oil-containing nanoemulsion is potential to be developed as intravaginal therapeutic strategy for C. albicans-induced vaginitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Yu Lu
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Tsai
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Shan Liu
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsiung Huang
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Center for Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
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Fakhim H, Vaezi A, Morovati H, Bandegani A, Abbasi K, Emami S, Nasiry D, Hashemi SM, Ahangarkani F, Badali H. In-vivo efficiency of the novel azole compounds (ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2) against systemic candidiasis in a murine model. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101437. [PMID: 37804566 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antifungal resistance is the main health concern in the control of invasive fungal infections. This research was designed to further assess the antifungal activity of aryl-1,2,4-triazole-3-ylthio analogs of fluconazole (ATTAFs) against Candida albicans systemic candidiasis in the murine model. MATERIALS & METHODS The murine model of systemic candidiasis was designed via the inoculation of 1 × 106 CFU of Candida albicans. The treatment dosages of 3.5 and 35 mg/kg per day were selected for ATTAFs and fluconazole, respectively. The median survival time (MST) was assayed for 30 days post-infection. The quantitative and qualitative (via histopathology staining) fungal burden was also assessed. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and biochemistry assays were performed to monitor anti-inflammatory activity using the Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) marker and changes in serum protein levels. RESULTS ATTAFs considerably improved the survival of the murine model (P < 0.003). Compared with fluconazole, the antifungal activity of ATTAFs and their MST showed no difference (P > 0.05). However, these compounds decreased the fungal burden in the kidneys, spleen, and liver. CONCLUSION Our research indicates that ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 are effective therapeutic agents due to their fungal clearing and increasing the MST in the murine model of systemic candidiasis. Although we concluded that these components are novel and promising candidates for the management of invasive candidiasis, further studies are warranted to correlate these findings with clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Fakhim
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Afsane Vaezi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Morovati
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azadeh Bandegani
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Kiana Abbasi
- Department of Microbiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Saeed Emami
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Davood Nasiry
- Amol Faculty of Paramedicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mahdieh Hashemi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahangarkani
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
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Rivera A, Young Lim W, Park E, Dome PA, Hoy MJ, Spasojevic I, Sun S, Averette AF, Pina-Oviedo S, Juvvadi PR, Steinbach WJ, Ciofani M, Hong J, Heitman J. Enhanced fungal specificity and in vivo therapeutic efficacy of a C-22-modified FK520 analog against C. neoformans. mBio 2023; 14:e0181023. [PMID: 37737622 PMCID: PMC10653846 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01810-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Fungal infections cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. The therapeutic armamentarium against these infections is limited, and the development of antifungal drugs has been hindered by the evolutionary conservation between fungi and the human host. With rising resistance to the current antifungal arsenal and an increasing at-risk population, there is an urgent need for the development of new antifungal compounds. The FK520 analogs described in this study display potent antifungal activity as a novel class of antifungals centered on modifying an existing orally active FDA-approved therapy. This research advances the development of much-needed newer antifungal treatment options with novel mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rivera
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Won Young Lim
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eunchong Park
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick A. Dome
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael J. Hoy
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ivan Spasojevic
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anna Floyd Averette
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sergio Pina-Oviedo
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Praveen R. Juvvadi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - William J. Steinbach
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Maria Ciofani
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jiyong Hong
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Yi J, Sun Y, Zeng C, Kostoulias X, Qu Y. The Role of Biofilms in Contact Lens Associated Fungal Keratitis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1533. [PMID: 37887234 PMCID: PMC10604847 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101533] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is an important microbial strategy for fungal pathogens, such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida, to establish keratitis in patients wearing soft contact lenses. Despite the well-documented 2006 outbreak of Fusarium keratitis that eventually led to the withdrawal of the Bausch & Lomb multipurpose lens care solution ReNu with MoistureLoc ("MoistureLoc") from the global market, contact lens care systems and solutions currently available on the market do not specifically target fungal biofilms. This is partially due to the lack of recognition and understanding of important roles that fungal biofilms play in contact lens associated fungal keratitis (CLAFK). This review aims to reemphasize the link between fungal biofilms and CLAFK, and deepen our comprehension of its importance in pathogenesis and persistence of this medical device-related infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipan Yi
- Department of Optometry, Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College, Wenzhou 325000, China; (J.Y.); (C.Z.)
| | - Yao Sun
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (Y.S.); (X.K.)
| | - Chenghong Zeng
- Department of Optometry, Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College, Wenzhou 325000, China; (J.Y.); (C.Z.)
| | - Xenia Kostoulias
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (Y.S.); (X.K.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Yue Qu
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (Y.S.); (X.K.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3000, Australia
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Aisy DUR, Adawiyah R, Rozaliyani A, Estuningtyas A, Fadilah F. The Antifungal Activities of Syzygium aromaticum and Alpinia purpurata Extracts Against Candida krusei: Bioactivity Tests, Molecular Modeling, and Toxicity Tests. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:3403-3409. [PMID: 37898844 PMCID: PMC10770677 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.10.3403] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida krusei is the cause of the fungal infection candidiasis, which has a high mortality rate. Intrinsic resistance to fluconazole can cause the failure of Krusei candidiasis treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative drugs to eliminate the fungus. Extracts of Syzygium aromaticum and Alpinia purpurata have been proven to be alternative solutions for treating Candida krusei resistance. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the active compounds Syzygium aromaticum and Alpinia purpurata as treatments against Candida krusei through bioactivity tests, molecular modeling, and toxicity tests. METHODS Determination of antifungal activity with the agar well diffusion and microbroth dilution method. Molecular modeling was conducted using the following software: Marvin Sketch, LigandScout 4.4.5, AutoDock ver 4.2.6, PyMOL, LigPlus, MOE ver 2008. RESULT Bioactivity test results of the two natural extracts against C. krusei ATCC 6258, it was found that the S. aromaticum and A. purpurata extracts have MIC50 values of 0.031 μg/mL and 1.435x105 μg/mL. The molecular modeling found that the compounds Benzotriazole, 1-(4-methyl-3-nitrobenzoyl)-, 1,3,4-Eugenol Acetate, Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, acetate (3 beta)- and Farnesyl acetate from the two natural extracts, interacts with the active site of the enzyme lanosterol-14-α-demethylase with a binding energy of -8.91, -6.04, -13.53, and -7.15 kcal/mol. The oral acute toxicity test of S. aromaticum and A. purpurata extracts proved that the LD50 was >6000 mg/kg BW and >8000 mg/kg BW. The acute dermal toxicity test of the two extracts showed that the LD50 was >6000 mg/kg BW. CONCLUSION S. aromaticum and A. purpurata extracts have been proven to be alternative solutions for treating Candida krusei resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robiatul Adawiyah
- Master Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia.
- Study Program of Clinical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia.
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Research Center (IDIRC), Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Anna Rozaliyani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia.
| | - Ari Estuningtyas
- Farmacology department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Fadilah Fadilah
- Master Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia.
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities, IMERI, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
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Paiva JA, Pereira JM. Treatment of invasive candidiasis in the era of Candida resistance. Curr Opin Crit Care 2023; 29:457-462. [PMID: 37641511 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0000000000001077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The increasing incidence of drug-resistant Candida brings a new challenge to the treatment of invasive candidiasis. Although cross-resistance among azoles and echinocandins was generally uncommon, reports of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida markedly increased in the last decade. The purpose of this review is to understand mechanisms and risk factors for resistance and how to tackle antifungal resistance. RECENT FINDINGS The paper describes the action of the three main classes of antifungals - azoles, echinocandins and polyenes - and Candida's mechanisms of resistance. The current evolution from cross-resistance to multiresistance among Candida explains the modern glossary - multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pandrug-resistant (PDR) - imported from bacteria. MDR Candida most commonly involves acquired resistance in species with intrinsic resistance, therefore it mostly involves C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C guilliermondii or C. auris , which is intrinsically multidrug resistant. Finally, strategies to tackle antifungal resistance became clearer, ideally implemented through antifungal stewardship. SUMMARY Avoiding antifungal's overuse and selecting the best drug, dose and duration, when they are needed, is fundamental. Knowledge of risk factors for resistance, microbiological diagnosis to the species, use of susceptibility test supported by antifungal stewardship programs help attaining effective therapy and sustaining the effectiveness of the current antifungal armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Artur Paiva
- Intensive Care Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário S. João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Grupo de Infeção e Sepsis, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Pereira
- Intensive Care Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário S. João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Grupo de Infeção e Sepsis, Porto, Portugal
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Berg DM, Slish JC, Wright M, Gandhi AD, Gandhi MA. Current Utilization of Antifungal Agents for Intra-abdominal Infections Categorized by Patient Risk Factors During Surgical Procedures: A Literature Review. J Pharm Pract 2023; 36:1232-1243. [PMID: 35705106 DOI: 10.1177/08971900221108716] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The high morbidity and mortality rates associated with invasive fungal infections have led to the overutilization of empiric antifungal therapies. With increasing antibiotic resistance, the careful consideration of prophylactic or empiric antifungal use is critical. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the available literature regarding the current practice of utilizing antifungal agents for intra-abdominal infections based on specific surgical procedures and patient risk factors. Relevant articles were identified through a comprehensive literature search of several databases using the keywords antifungal agents, postoperative period, preoperative care, surgical procedures, and intra-abdominal infections. Only articles that evaluated the use of empiric antifungals for suspected or confirmed intra-abdominal infections and surgical procedures were included in this review. Based on the available literature, antifungal prophylaxis is appropriate in patients who meet the criteria for high-risk invasive candidiasis, kidney or liver transplant recipients, severely-immunocompromised patients with perforated peptic ulcer, peritonitis, and patients on peritoneal dialysis who are failing on a therapeutic antibiotic regimen. We acknowledge that the evidence for using antifungal therapy empirically for all surgical procedures is lacking, and the following review is based on available literature and current guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M Berg
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St John Fisher College, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Judianne C Slish
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St John Fisher College, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, UR Medicine Highland Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Murray Wright
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St John Fisher College, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Alok D Gandhi
- Department of Bariatrics and General Surgery, Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mona A Gandhi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St John Fisher College, Rochester, NY, USA
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Bautista-Crescencio C, Casimiro-Ramos A, Fragoso-Vázquez MJ, Correa-Basurto J, Olano C, Hernández-Rodríguez C, Villa-Tanaca L. Streptomyces albidoflavus Q antifungal metabolites inhibit the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway and yeast growth in fluconazole-resistant Candida glabrata: phylogenomic and metabolomic analyses. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0127123. [PMID: 37754674 PMCID: PMC10581079 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01271-23] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop new antifungals due to the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant fungal infections and the recent emergence of COVID-19-associated candidiasis. A good study model for evaluating new antifungal compounds is Candida glabrata, an opportunistic fungal pathogen with intrinsic resistance to azoles (the most common clinical drugs for treating fungal infections). The aim of the current contribution was to conduct in vitro tests of antifungal metabolites produced by the bacteria Streptomyces albidoflavus Q, identify their molecular structures, and utilize several techniques to provide evidence of their therapeutic target. S. albidoflavus was isolated from maize rhizospheric soil in Mexico and identified by phylogenomic analysis using a 92-gene core. Of the 66 metabolites identified in S. albidoflavus Q by a liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) metabolomic analysis of the lyophilized supernatant, six were selected by the Way2drug server based on their in silico binding to the likely target, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR, the key enzyme in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway). Molecular modeling studies show a relatively high binding affinity for the CgHMGR enzyme by two secondary metabolites: isogingerenone B (diaryl heptanoid) and notoginsenoside J (polycyclic triterpene). These secondary metabolites were able to inhibit ergosterol synthesis and affect yeast viability in vitro. They also caused alterations in the ultrastructure of the yeast cytoplasmic membrane, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. The putative target of isogingerenone B and notoginsenoside J is distinct from that of azole drugs (the most common clinical antifungals). The target for the latter is the lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase enzyme (Erg11). IMPORTANCE Multidrug resistance has emerged among yeasts of the genus Candida, posing a severe threat to global health. The problem has been exacerbated by the pandemic associated with COVID-19, during which resistant strains of Candida auris and Candida glabrata have been isolated from patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To confront this challenge, the World Health Organization has invoked scientists to search for new antifungals with alternative molecular targets. This study identified 66 metabolites produced by the bacteria Streptomyces albidoflavus Q, 6 of which had promising properties for potential antifungal activity. The metabolites were tested in vitro as inhibitors of ergosterol synthesis and C. glabrata growth, with positive results. They were also found to damage the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungus. The corresponding molecular structures and their probable therapeutic target were established. The target is apparently distinct from that of azole drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Bautista-Crescencio
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Arturo Casimiro-Ramos
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M. Jonathan Fragoso-Vázquez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias, Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Col. Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), SEPI-Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Salvador Díaz Mirón, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos Olano
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - César Hernández-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Lourdes Villa-Tanaca
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Abstract
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that presents a serious threat to global human health. Since the first reported case in 2009 in Japan, C. auris infections have been reported in more than 40 countries, with mortality rates between 30% and 60%. In addition, C. auris has the potential to cause outbreaks in health care settings, especially in nursing homes for elderly patients, owing to its efficient transmission via skin-to-skin contact. Most importantly, C. auris is the first fungal pathogen to show pronounced and sometimes untreatable clinical drug resistance to all known antifungal classes, including azoles, amphotericin B, and echinocandins. In this review, we explore the causes of the rapid spread of C. auris. We also highlight its genome organization and drug resistance mechanisms and propose future research directions that should be undertaken to curb the spread of this multidrug-resistant pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India;
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kusum Jain
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India;
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
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Vande Zande P, Zhou X, Selmecki A. The Dynamic Fungal Genome: Polyploidy, Aneuploidy and Copy Number Variation in Response to Stress. Annu Rev Microbiol 2023; 77:341-361. [PMID: 37307856 PMCID: PMC10599402 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041320-112443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fungal species have dynamic genomes and often exhibit genomic plasticity in response to stress. This genome plasticity often comes with phenotypic consequences that affect fitness and resistance to stress. Fungal pathogens exhibit genome plasticity in both clinical and agricultural settings and often during adaptation to antifungal drugs, posing significant challenges to human health. Therefore, it is important to understand the rates, mechanisms, and impact of large genomic changes. This review addresses the prevalence of polyploidy, aneuploidy, and copy number variation across diverse fungal species, with special attention to prominent fungal pathogens and model species. We also explore the relationship between environmental stress and rates of genomic changes and highlight the mechanisms underlying genotypic and phenotypic changes. A comprehensive understanding of these dynamic fungal genomes is needed to identify novel solutions for the increase in antifungal drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pétra Vande Zande
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA;
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA;
| | - Anna Selmecki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA;
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