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Ramos LS, Fernandes MF, Santos HLC, Picão RC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Candida spp. isolated from recreational coastal waters of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil: Focus on antifungal resistance and virulence attributes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174662. [PMID: 38997029 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The use of recreational waters is a widespread activity worldwide, and one of the risks associated with this practice is the exposure of bathers to microorganisms that may arise due to pollution caused by inadequate infrastructure and sanitation. In the present work, we isolated Candida spp. (n = 24) from five recreational beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in order to evaluate their susceptibility to antifungals, the production of virulence attributes and the in vivo virulence using Tenebrio molitor larvae as a model. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequencing identified thirteen isolates (54.1 %) as C. tropicalis, seven (29.1 %) as C. krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii), one (4.2 %) as C. rugosa (Diutina rugosa), one (4.2 %) as C. mesorugosa (Diutina mesorugosa), one (4.2 %) as C. utilis (Cyberlindnera jadinii) and one (4.2 %) as C. parapsilosis. C. tropicalis isolates showed resistance to azoles and susceptibility to amphotericin B, flucytosine and caspofungin. C. krusei isolates were resistant to fluconazole, caspofungin and itraconazole, with 42.8 % resistance to flucytosine, besides susceptibility to voriconazole and amphotericin B. The remaining species were susceptible to all tested antifungals. All Candida isolates adhered to abiotic surfaces and formed biofilm on polystyrene, albeit to varying degrees, and produced aspartic protease and hemolytic activity, which are considered fungal virulence attributes. C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. utilis isolates produced phytase, while the only esterase producer was C. tropicalis. Regarding resistance to osmotic stress, all isolates of C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C. mesorugosa grew up to 7.5 % NaCl; the remaining isolates grew up to 1.87-3.75 % NaCl. The mortality caused by fungal challenges in T. molitor larvae was variable, with C. tropicalis, C. utilis and C. parapsilosis being more virulent than C. krusei and C. rugosa complex. Collectively, the presence of these yeasts, particularly the virulent and resistant isolates, in recreational waters can pose a significant health risk to bathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia S Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana F Fernandes
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helena L C Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata C Picão
- Laboratório de Investigação em Microbiologia Médica, Departamento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rede Micologia RJ - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rede Micologia RJ - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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E Silva DM, Nunes LGA, Prado da Silva N, de Freitas PHS, Scio E, Tavares GD, Almeida Alves I, de Carvalho da Costa J. Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Acute Toxicity Of Pereskia aculeata, In Zophobas morio Larvae. Chem Biodivers 2024:e202400686. [PMID: 38923804 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400686] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Pereskia aculeata has been widely investigated due to its anti-inflammatory potential. Among the metabolites found in this species are the phytosterols beta-sitosterol (β-SIT) and stigmasterol (STIG). The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and toxicity activities of the hexane partition of P. aculeata (PHEX), as well as β-SIT and STIG. PHEX was prepared and the phytosterols were quantified. In terms of toxicity against L929 fibroblast cells, PHEX showed toxicity up to 200 μg/mL; STIG and β-SIT showed toxicity up to 25 μg/mL. PHEX inhibited 66 % of nitric oxide radicals, while STIG and β-SIT inhibited 33.73 % and 34.94 %, respectively. In an anti-inflammatory test against Zophobas morio larvae, all samples significantly reduced hemocyte levels. Additionally, the LD50 values were calculated: 229.6 mg/kg for PHEX, 101.5 mg/kg for STIG, and 103.8 mg/kg for β-SIT. In conclusion, the study indicates that the phytosterols present in PHEX may contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Mesquita E Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Brazil
| | | | - Natália Prado da Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Santos de Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Elita Scio
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Diniz Tavares
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Izabel Almeida Alves
- Department of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, 40170-115, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Carvalho da Costa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Brazil
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Liu Z, Li SS, Zhang GY, Lv S, Wang S, Li FQ. Whole transcriptome sequencing for revealing the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix globosa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:359. [PMID: 38172590 PMCID: PMC10764346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50728-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of sporotrichosis and identify possible novel therapeutic targets. Total RNA was extracted from skin lesion samples from sporotrichosis patients and used to construct a long-chain RNA transcriptome library and miRNA transcriptome library for whole transcriptome sequencing. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups were identified, and then Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis enrichment analyses were performed based on the DEGs. An lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed. The expressions of JAK/STAT pathway-related proteins were detected in the patient and control tissues using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. Enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in various infectious diseases and immune response-related signaling pathways. Competing endogenous RNA network analysis was performed and identified the hub lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expressions of SOCS3, IL-6, and JAK3 were significantly upregulated, while the expression of STAT3 did not change significantly. Also, the protein expressions of SOCS3, IL-6, JAK3, and STAT3, as well as phosphorylated JAK3 and STAT3, were significantly upregulated. We identified 671 lncRNA DEGs, 3281 mRNA DEGs, and 214 miRNA DEGs to be involved in Sporothrix globosa infection. The study findings suggest that the JAK/STAT pathway may be a therapeutic target for sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Su-Shan Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Gui-Yun Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Sha Lv
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Fu-Qiu Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China.
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Fusco-Almeida AM, de Matos Silva S, dos Santos KS, de Lima Gualque MW, Vaso CO, Carvalho AR, Medina-Alarcón KP, Pires ACMDS, Belizario JA, de Souza Fernandes L, Moroz A, Martinez LR, Ruiz OH, González Á, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Alternative Non-Mammalian Animal and Cellular Methods for the Study of Host-Fungal Interactions. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:943. [PMID: 37755051 PMCID: PMC10533014 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the study of fungal pathogenesis, alternative methods have gained prominence due to recent global legislation restricting the use of mammalian animals in research. The principle of the 3 Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) is integrated into regulations and guidelines governing animal experimentation in nearly all countries. This principle advocates substituting vertebrate animals with other invertebrate organisms, embryos, microorganisms, or cell cultures. This review addresses host-fungus interactions by employing three-dimensional (3D) cultures, which offer more faithful replication of the in vivo environment, and by utilizing alternative animal models to replace traditional mammals. Among these alternative models, species like Caenorhabditis elegans and Danio rerio share approximately 75% of their genes with humans. Furthermore, models such as Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor demonstrate similarities in their innate immune systems as well as anatomical and physiological barriers, resembling those found in mammalian organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Samanta de Matos Silva
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (O.H.R.); (Á.G.)
| | - Kelvin Sousa dos Santos
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Marcos William de Lima Gualque
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Carolina Orlando Vaso
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Angélica Romão Carvalho
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Kaila Petrolina Medina-Alarcón
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Ana Carolina Moreira da Silva Pires
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Jenyffie Araújo Belizario
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Lígia de Souza Fernandes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrei Moroz
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Luis R. Martinez
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Center for Immunology and Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Orville Hernandez Ruiz
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (O.H.R.); (Á.G.)
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Group University of Antioquia, Corporation for Biological Research, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Ángel González
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (O.H.R.); (Á.G.)
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
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da Silva Cordeiro ML, de Queiroz Aquino-Martins VG, da Silva AP, Naliato GFS, Silveira ER, Theodoro RC, da Santos DYAC, Rocha HAO, Scortecci KC. Exploring the Antioxidant Potential of Talisia esculenta Using In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches. Nutrients 2023; 15:3855. [PMID: 37686887 PMCID: PMC10490396 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173855] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants, such as Talisia esculenta, are rich in antioxidant biomolecules, which are used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The antioxidant potential of T. esculenta extracts obtained from leaves and fruit peels was investigated using biochemical and 3T3 cell line assays as well as in vivo assays using an organism model Tenebrio molitor. Four extracts were tested: hydroethanolic extracts from leaves (HF) and from fruit peels (HC), and infusion extracts from leaves (IF) and from fruit peels (IC). The biochemical assays demonstrated an antioxidant capacity verified by TAC, reducing power, DPPH, and copper chelating assays. None of the extracts exhibited cytotoxicity against 3T3 cells, instead offering a protection against CuSO4-induced oxidative stress. The antioxidant activity observed in the extracts, including their role as free radical scavengers, copper chelators, and stress protectors, was further confirmed by T. molitor assays. The CLAE-DAD analysis detected phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, rutin, and quercitrin, as the main constituents of the samples. This study highlights that leaf and fruit peels extracts of T. esculenta could be effective protectors against ROS and copper-induced stress in cellular and invertebrate models, and they should be considered as coadjutants in the treatment and prevention of diseases related to oxidative stress and for the development of natural nutraceutical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lúcia da Silva Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Transformação de Plantas e Análise em Microscopia (LTPAM), Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (M.L.d.S.C.); (V.G.d.Q.A.-M.); (A.P.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (G.F.S.N.); (R.C.T.); (H.A.O.R.)
| | - Verônica Giuliani de Queiroz Aquino-Martins
- Laboratório de Transformação de Plantas e Análise em Microscopia (LTPAM), Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (M.L.d.S.C.); (V.G.d.Q.A.-M.); (A.P.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (G.F.S.N.); (R.C.T.); (H.A.O.R.)
| | - Ariana Pereira da Silva
- Laboratório de Transformação de Plantas e Análise em Microscopia (LTPAM), Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (M.L.d.S.C.); (V.G.d.Q.A.-M.); (A.P.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (G.F.S.N.); (R.C.T.); (H.A.O.R.)
| | - Georggia Fatima Silva Naliato
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (G.F.S.N.); (R.C.T.); (H.A.O.R.)
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59077-080, RN, Brazil
| | - Elielson Rodrigo Silveira
- Laboratório de Fitoquímica, Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-090, SP, Brazil; (E.R.S.); (D.Y.A.C.d.S.)
| | - Raquel Cordeiro Theodoro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (G.F.S.N.); (R.C.T.); (H.A.O.R.)
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59077-080, RN, Brazil
| | - Deborah Yara Alves Cursino da Santos
- Laboratório de Fitoquímica, Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-090, SP, Brazil; (E.R.S.); (D.Y.A.C.d.S.)
| | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (G.F.S.N.); (R.C.T.); (H.A.O.R.)
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Polímeros Naturais (BIOPOL), Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Katia Castanho Scortecci
- Laboratório de Transformação de Plantas e Análise em Microscopia (LTPAM), Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (M.L.d.S.C.); (V.G.d.Q.A.-M.); (A.P.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (G.F.S.N.); (R.C.T.); (H.A.O.R.)
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Corrêa-Junior D, de Andrade IB, Alves V, Avellar-Moura I, Rodrigues-Alves T, de Souza Rabello VB, de S Araújo GR, Borba-Santos LP, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Almeida-Paes R, Frases S. Metabolic Plasticity and Virulence-Associated Factors of Sporothrix brasiliensis Strains Related to Familiar Outbreaks of Cat-to-Human Transmitted Sporotrichosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:724. [PMID: 37504713 PMCID: PMC10381138 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070724] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix brasiliensis is the main agent of zoonotic sporotrichosis transmitted by domestic cats in South America. In humans, sporotrichosis commonly presents with cutaneous or lymphocutaneous lesions, and in cats, with multiple ulcerated skin lesions associated with enlarged lymph nodes and respiratory signs. Fungal virulence factors may affect the clinical presentation of the mycoses. Sporothrix spp. present some virulence factors. This study aims to compare 24 S. brasiliensis strains from 12 familiar outbreaks of cat-to-human transmitted sporotrichosis. Fungal growth in different substrates, thermotolerance, resistance to oxidative stress, and production of enzymes were evaluated. An invertebrate model of experimental infection was used to compare the virulence of the strains. The strains grew well on glucose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine but poorly on lactate. Their thermotolerance was moderate to high. All strains were susceptible to hydrogen peroxide, and the majority produced hemolysins but not phospholipase and esterase. There was no significant difference in the putative virulence-associated factors studied among the different hosts. Moreover, strains isolated from a human and a cat from four familiar outbreaks presented a very similar profile of expression of these factors, reinforcing the zoonotic transmission of S. brasiliensis in Brazil and demonstrating the plasticity of this species in the production of virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Igor Avellar-Moura
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Tânia Rodrigues-Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Brito de Souza Rabello
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 24020-141, Brazil
| | - Glauber R de S Araújo
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 24020-141, Brazil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20020-000, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20020-000, Brazil
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Corrêa-Junior D, Bastos de Andrade I, Alves V, Avellar-Moura I, Brito de Souza Rabello V, Valdez AF, Nimrichter L, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Ribeiro de Sousa Araújo G, Almeida-Paes R, Frases S. Unveiling the Morphostructural Plasticity of Zoonotic Sporotrichosis Fungal Strains: Possible Implications for Sporothrix brasiliensis Virulence and Pathogenicity. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:701. [PMID: 37504690 PMCID: PMC10381685 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070701] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix species, with Sporothrix brasiliensis as a prevalent pathogen in Latin America. Despite its clinical importance, the virulence factors of S. brasiliensis and their impact on the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis are still poorly understood. This study evaluated the morphostructural plasticity of S. brasiliensis, a fungus that causes sporotrichosis. Three cell surface characteristics, namely cell surface hydrophobicity, Zeta potential, and conductance, were assessed. Biofilm formation was also analyzed, with measurements taken for biomass, extracellular matrix, and metabolic activity. In addition, other potential and poorly studied characteristics correlated with virulence such as lipid bodies, chitin, and cell size were evaluated. The results revealed that the major phenotsypic features associated with fungal virulence in the studied S. brasiliensis strains were chitin, lipid bodies, and conductance. The dendrogram clustered the strains based on their overall similarity in the production of these factors. Correlation analyses showed that hydrophobicity was strongly linked to the production of biomass and extracellular matrix, while there was a weaker association between Zeta potential and size, and lipid bodies and chitin. This study provides valuable insights into the virulence factors of S. brasiliensis and their potential role in the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Igor Avellar-Moura
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Brito de Souza Rabello
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Fernandes Valdez
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Glauber Ribeiro de Sousa Araújo
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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8
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Tenebrio molitor as a Simple and Cheap Preclinical Pharmacokinetic and Toxicity Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032296. [PMID: 36768618 PMCID: PMC9917132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032296] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of drugs into clinical phases requires proper toxicity assessment in animals and the correct identification of possible metabolites. Accordingly, different animal models are used to preliminarily evaluate toxicity and biotransformations. Rodents are the most common models used to preliminarily evaluate the safety of drugs; however, their use is subject to ethical consideration and elevated costs, and strictly regulated by national legislations. Herein, we developed a novel, cheap and convenient toxicity model using Tenebrio molitor coleoptera (TMC). A panel of 15 drugs-including antivirals and antibacterials-with different therapeutic applications was administered to TMC and the LD50 was determined. The values are comparable with those already determined in mice and rats. In addition, a TMC model was used to determine the presence of the main metabolites and in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK), and results were compared with those available from in vitro assays and the literature. Taken together, our results demonstrate that TMC can be used as a novel and convenient preliminary toxicity model to preliminarily evaluate the safety of experimental compounds and the formation of main metabolites, and to reduce the costs and number of rodents, according to 3R principles.
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Vargas-Maya NI, Olmedo-Monfil V, Ramírez-Prado JH, Reyes-Cortés R, Padilla-Vaca F, Franco B. Catalases in the pathogenesis of Sporothrix schenckii research. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14478. [PMID: 36523453 PMCID: PMC9745942 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14478] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungal infection success depends on the ability to escape the immune response. Most strategies for fungal infection control are focused on the inhibition of virulence factors and increasing the effectiveness of antifungal drugs. Nevertheless, little attention has been focused on their physiological resistance to the host immune system. Hints may be found in pathogenic fungi that also inhabit the soil. In nature, the saprophyte lifestyle of fungi is also associated with predators that can induce oxidative stress upon cell damage. The natural sources of nutrients for fungi are linked to cellulose degradation, which in turn generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overall, the antioxidant arsenal needed to thrive both in free-living and pathogenic lifestyles in fungi is fundamental for success. In this review, we present recent findings regarding catalases and oxidative stress in fungi and how these can be in close relationship with pathogenesis. Additionally, special focus is placed on catalases of Sporothrix schenckii as a pathogenic model with a dual lifestyle. It is assumed that catalase expression is activated upon exposure to H2O2, but there are reports where this is not always the case. Additionally, it may be relevant to consider the role of catalases in S. schenckii survival in the saprophytic lifestyle and why their study can assess their involvement in the survival and therefore, in the virulence phenotype of different species of Sporothrix and when each of the three catalases are required. Also, studying antioxidant mechanisms in other isolates of pathogenic and free-living fungi may be linked to the virulence phenotype and be potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets. Thus, the rationale for this review to place focus on fungal catalases and their role in pathogenesis in addition to counteracting the effect of immune system reactive oxygen species. Fungi that thrive in soil and have mammal hosts could shed light on the importance of these enzymes in the two types of lifestyles. We look forward to encouraging more research in a myriad of areas on catalase biology with a focus on basic and applied objectives and placing these enzymes as virulence determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ruth Reyes-Cortés
- Biology Department, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Felipe Padilla-Vaca
- Biology Department, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Bernardo Franco
- Biology Department, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, México
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10
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Insect Models in Nutrition Research. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111668. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are the most diverse organisms on earth, accounting for ~80% of all animals. They are valuable as model organisms, particularly in the context of genetics, development, behavior, neurobiology and evolutionary biology. Compared to other laboratory animals, insects are advantageous because they are inexpensive to house and breed in large numbers, making them suitable for high-throughput testing. They also have a short life cycle, facilitating the analysis of generational effects, and they fulfil the 3R principle (replacement, reduction and refinement). Many insect genomes have now been sequenced, highlighting their genetic and physiological similarities with humans. These factors also make insects favorable as whole-animal high-throughput models in nutritional research. In this review, we discuss the impact of insect models in nutritional science, focusing on studies investigating the role of nutrition in metabolic diseases and aging/longevity. We also consider food toxicology and the use of insects to study the gut microbiome. The benefits of insects as models to study the relationship between nutrition and biological markers of fitness and longevity can be exploited to improve human health.
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Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Bixa orellana and Its Component Ellagic Acid Exert Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties against Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060817. [PMID: 35740223 PMCID: PMC9220277 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060817] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense (Mabs) causes chronic infections, which has led to the need for new antimycobacterial agents. In this study, we investigated the antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethyl acetate fraction of Bixa orellana leaves (BoEA) and ellagic acid (ElAc). In silico analysis predicted that ElAc had low toxicity, was not mutagenic or carcinogenic, and had antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Apparently, ElAc can interact with COX2 and Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzymes, which could explain both activities. In vitro analysis showed that BoEA and ElAc exerted antimicrobial activity against Mabs (minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.56, 1.56 mg/mL and bactericidal concentration of 6.25, 3.12 mg/mL, respectively. Clarithromycin showed MIC and MBC of 1 and 6 µg/mL). Treatment with BoEA or ElAc increased survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae after lethal infection with Mabs and reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice, around 40% of edema volume after the fourth hour, similarly to diclofenac. In conclusion, BoEA and ElAc exert antimicrobial effects against Mabs and have anti-inflammatory effects, making them potential sources of antimycobacterial drugs. The biological activities of ElAc may be due to its high binding affinities predicted for COX2 and DHFR enzymes.
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Nava-Pérez N, Neri-García LG, Romero-González OE, Terrones-Cruz JA, García-Carnero LC, Mora-Montes HM. Biological and Clinical Attributes of Sporothrix globosa, a Causative Agent of Sporotrichosis. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:2067-2090. [PMID: 35498634 PMCID: PMC9041366 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s362099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is an important subcutaneous mycosis with high prevalence and threat to human and animal health worldwide. Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa are the main etiological agents of this disease; and even though many efforts have been made recently to understand the Sporothrix-host interaction, little is known about S. globosa, an underestimated species. This organism shows the lowest virulence among the members of the Sporothrix pathogenic clade and represents an important pathogenic agent due to its global distribution. Here, we offer a review with all the known information about S. globosa, including its genome and proteomic information, and compare it with S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis, to explain the differences observed among these species, in terms of virulence, the host immune response, and the antifungal sensitivity. Also, we provide the gene prediction of some S. globosa putative virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nallely Nava-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Gto., México
| | - Lisset G Neri-García
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Gto., México
| | - Oscar E Romero-González
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Gto., México
| | - Joshua A Terrones-Cruz
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Gto., México
| | - Laura C García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Gto., México
- Correspondence: Laura C García-Carnero; Héctor M Mora-Montes, Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P, Guanajuato, 36050, Gto., México, Tel +52 473-7320006 Ext. 8193, Fax +52 473-7320006 Ext. 8153, Email ;
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Gto., México
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Vargas-Macías AP, Gómez-Gaviria M, García-Carnero LC, Mora-Montes HM. Current Models to Study the Sporothrix-Host Interaction. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:833111. [PMID: 37746241 PMCID: PMC10512367 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.833111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a worldwide distributed subcutaneous mycosis that affects mammals, including human beings. The infection is caused by members of the Sporothrix pathogenic clade, which includes Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa. The fungus can be acquired through traumatic inoculation of conidia growing in vegetal debris or by zoonotic transmission from sick animals. Although is not considered a life-threatening disease, it is an emergent health problem that affects mostly immunocompromised patients. The sporotrichosis causative agents differ in their virulence, host range, and sensitivity to antifungal drugs; therefore, it is relevant to understand the molecular bases of their pathogenesis, interaction with immune effectors, and mechanisms to acquired resistance to antifungal compounds. Murine models are considered the gold standard to address these questions; however, some alternative hosts offer numerous advantages over mammalian models, such as invertebrates like Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor, or ex vivo models, which are useful tools to approach questions beyond virulence, without the ethical or budgetary features associated with the use of animal models. In this review, we analyze the different models currently used to study the host-Sporothrix interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Héctor M. Mora-Montes
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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da Silva GC, de Oliveira AM, Costa WK, da Silva Filho AF, Pitta MGDR, Rêgo MJBDM, Antônia de Souza I, Paiva PMG, Napoleão TH. Antibacterial and antitumor activities of a lectin-rich preparation from Microgramma vacciniifolia rhizome. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 3:100093. [PMID: 35243335 PMCID: PMC8866057 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The rhizome of Microgramma vacciniifolia contains a lectin (carbohydrate-binding protein) called MvRL. Studies demonstrated that a MvRL-rich fraction did not show in vivo genotoxicity and acute toxicity in mice. This study aimed to evaluate the MvRL-rich fraction from M. vacciniifolia rhizome for antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo as well as antitumor effect in vivo using the Ehrlich carcinoma model in mice. The fraction showed antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 31.2 to 125.0 μg/mL and minimal bactericidal concentrations from 62.5 to 200 μg/mL. The fraction was also effective in vivo against infection caused by these bacteria on Tenebrio molitor larvae considering the parameters evaluated. In regard to the antitumor activity, the treatments of Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice with the fraction at 100 and 200 mg/kg per os resulted in 62.58% and 75.43% of tumor inhibition, respectively. In conclusion, the MvRL-rich fraction showed in vivo antibacterial and antitumor activities and thus can be considered as an alternative of natural origin for the development of candidates for therapy. The rhizome of Microgramma vacciniifolia contains a lectin called MvRL. MvRL-rich fraction showed antibacterial activity. The fraction was also effective in vivo against bacterial infection. MvRL-rich fraction causedn 62.58–75.43% inhibition of Erlich carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wêndeo Kennedy Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Antônio Felix da Silva Filho
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rêgo
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Ivone Antônia de Souza
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Henrique Napoleão
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
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Role of Protein Glycosylation in Interactions of Medically Relevant Fungi with the Host. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100875. [PMID: 34682296 PMCID: PMC8541085 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein glycosylation is a highly conserved post-translational modification among organisms. It plays fundamental roles in many biological processes, ranging from protein trafficking and cell adhesion to host–pathogen interactions. According to the amino acid side chain atoms to which glycans are linked, protein glycosylation can be divided into two major categories: N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation. However, there are other types of modifications such as the addition of GPI to the C-terminal end of the protein. Besides the importance of glycoproteins in biological functions, they are a major component of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane and contribute to pathogenicity, virulence, and recognition by the host immunity. Given that this structure is absent in host mammalian cells, it stands as an attractive target for developing selective compounds for the treatment of fungal infections. This review focuses on describing the relationship between protein glycosylation and the host–immune interaction in medically relevant fungal species.
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