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Biersack B. The Antifungal Potential of Niclosamide and Structurally Related Salicylanilides. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5977. [PMID: 38892165 PMCID: PMC11172841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115977] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human mycoses cover a diverse field of fungal diseases from skin disorders to systemic invasive infections and pose an increasing global health problem based on ineffective treatment options, the hampered development of new efficient drugs, and the emergence of resistant fungal strains. Niclosamide is currently applied for the treatment of worm infections. Its mechanisms of action, which include the suppression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (also known as mitochondrial uncoupling), among others, has led to a repurposing of this promising anthelmintic drug for the therapy of further human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and microbial infections. Given the urgent need to develop new drugs against fungal infections, the considerable antifungal properties of niclosamide are highlighted in this review. Its chemical and pharmacological properties relevant for drug development are also briefly mentioned, and the described mitochondria-targeting mechanisms of action add to the current arsenal of approved antifungal drugs. In addition, the activities of further salicylanilide-based niclosamide analogs against fungal pathogens, including agents applied in veterinary medicine for many years, are described and discussed for their feasibility as new antifungals for humans. Preliminary structure-activity relationships are determined and discussed. Various salicylanilide derivatives with antifungal activities showed increased oral bioavailabilities when compared with niclosamide. The simple synthesis of salicylanilide-based drugs also vouchsafes a broad and cost-effective availability for poorer patient groups. Pertinent literature is covered until 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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2
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Guha S, Cristy SA, Buda De Cesare G, Cruz MR, Lorenz MC, Garsin DA. Optimization of the antifungal properties of the bacterial peptide EntV by variant analysis. mBio 2024; 15:e0057024. [PMID: 38587425 PMCID: PMC11077972 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00570-24] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal resistance to commonly used medicines is a growing public health threat, and there is a dire need to develop new classes of antifungals. We previously described a peptide produced by Enterococcus faecalis, EntV, that restricts Candida albicans to a benign form rather than having direct fungicidal activity. Moreover, we showed that one 12-amino acid (aa) alpha helix of this peptide retained full activity, with partial activity down to the 10aa alpha helix. Using these peptides as a starting point, the current investigation sought to identify the critical features necessary for antifungal activity and to screen for new variants with enhanced activity using both biofilm and C. elegans infection assays. First, the short peptides were screened for residues with critical activity by generating alanine substitutions. Based on this information, we used synthetic molecular evolution (SME) to rationally vary the specific residues of the 10aa variant in combination to generate a library that was screened to identify variants with more potent antifungal activity than the parent template. Five gain-of-function peptides were identified. Additionally, chemical modifications to the peptides to increase stability, including substitutions of D-amino acids and hydrocarbon stapling, were investigated. The most promising peptides were additionally tested in mouse models of oropharyngeal and systemic candidiasis where their efficacy in preventing infection was demonstrated. The expectation is that these discoveries will contribute to the development of new therapeutics in the fight against antimicrobial resistant fungi. IMPORTANCE Since the early 1980s, the incidence of disseminated life-threatening fungal infections has been on the rise. Worldwide, Candida and Cryptococcus species are among the most common agents causing these infections. Simultaneously, with this rise of clinical incidence, there has also been an increased prevalence of antifungal resistance, making treatment of these infections very difficult. For example, there are now strains of Candida auris that are resistant to all three classes of currently used antifungal drugs. In this study, we report on a strategy that allows for the development of novel antifungal agents by using synthetic molecular evolution. These discoveries demonstrate that the enhancement of antifungal activity from naturally occurring peptides is possible and can result in clinically relevant agents that have efficacy in multiple in vivo models as well as the potential for broad-spectrum activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Guha
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shane A. Cristy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Giuseppe Buda De Cesare
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Melissa R. Cruz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael C. Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Danielle A. Garsin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Lass-Flörl C, Kanj SS, Govender NP, Thompson GR, Ostrosky-Zeichner L, Govrins MA. Invasive candidiasis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:20. [PMID: 38514673 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis is an important fungal disease caused by Candida albicans and, increasingly, non-albicans Candida pathogens. Invasive Candida infections originate most frequently from endogenous human reservoirs and are triggered by impaired host defences. Signs and symptoms of invasive candidiasis are non-specific; candidaemia is the most diagnosed manifestation, with disseminated candidiasis affecting single or multiple organs. Diagnosis poses many challenges, and conventional culture techniques are frequently supplemented by non-culture-based assays. The attributable mortality from candidaemia and disseminated infections is ~30%. Fluconazole resistance is a concern for Nakaseomyces glabratus, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida auris and less so in Candida tropicalis infection; acquired echinocandin resistance remains uncommon. The epidemiology of invasive candidiasis varies in different geographical areas and within various patient populations. Risk factors include intensive care unit stay, central venous catheter use, broad-spectrum antibiotics use, abdominal surgery and immune suppression. Early antifungal treatment and central venous catheter removal form the cornerstones to decrease mortality. The landscape of novel therapeutics is growing; however, the application of new drugs requires careful selection of eligible patients as the spectrum of activity is limited to a few fungal species. Unanswered questions and knowledge gaps define future research priorities and a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis is of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, ECMM Excellence Centres of Medical Mycology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Souha S Kanj
- Infectious Diseases Division, and Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - George R Thompson
- UC Davis Health Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Miriam Alisa Govrins
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, ECMM Excellence Centres of Medical Mycology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Edis Z, Bloukh SH, Sara HA, Bloukh IH. Green Synthesized Polymeric Iodophors with Thyme as Antimicrobial Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1133. [PMID: 38256211 PMCID: PMC10815993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021133] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern for the future of mankind. Common antibiotics fail in the treatment of microbial infections at an alarming rate. Morbidity and mortality rates increase, especially among immune-compromised populations. Medicinal plants and their essential oils, as well as iodine could be potential solutions against resistant pathogens. These natural antimicrobials abate microbial proliferation, especially in synergistic combinations. We performed a simple, one-pot synthesis to prepare our formulation with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-complexed iodine (I2), Thymus Vulgaris L. (Thyme), and Aloe Barbadensis Miller (AV). SEM/EDS, UV-vis, Raman, FTIR, and XRD analyses verified the purity, composition, and morphology of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2. We investigated the inhibitory action of the bio-formulation AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 against 10 selected reference pathogens on impregnated sterile discs, surgical sutures, cotton gauze bandages, surgical face masks, and KN95 masks. The antimicrobial properties of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 were studied by disc diffusion methods and compared with those of the antibiotics gentamycin and nystatin. The results confirm AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent against the majority of the tested microorganisms with excellent results on cotton bandages and face masks. After storing AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 for 18 months, the inhibitory action was augmented compared to the fresh formulation. Consequently, we suggest AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as an antimicrobial agent against wound infections and a spray-on contact killing agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Edis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; (S.H.B.); (H.A.S.)
| | - Samir Haj Bloukh
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; (S.H.B.); (H.A.S.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamed Abu Sara
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; (S.H.B.); (H.A.S.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iman Haj Bloukh
- College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates;
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Padaraju A, Dwivedi F, Kumar G. Microemulsions, nanoemulsions and emulgels as carriers for antifungal antibiotics. Ther Deliv 2023; 14:721-740. [PMID: 38014430 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2023-0076] [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: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to estimates, up to 25% of the world's population has fungal skin diseases, making them the most prevalent infectious disease. Several chemical classes of antifungal drugs are available to treat fungal infections. However, the major challenges of conventional formulations of antifungal drugs include poor pharmacokinetic profiles like solubility, low permeability, side effects and decreased efficacy. Novel drug delivery is a promising approach for overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations and increasing the effectiveness of antibiotics. In this review, we have shed light on microemulsions, nanoemulsions, and emulgels as novel drug delivery approaches for the topical delivery of antifungal antibiotics. We believe these formulations have potential translational value and could be developed for treating fungal infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapurna Padaraju
- Department of Natural Products, Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Balanagar, 500037, India
| | - Falguni Dwivedi
- Department of Natural Products, Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Balanagar, 500037, India
| | - Gautam Kumar
- Department of Natural Products, Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Balanagar, 500037, India
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Zhu P, Zheng J, Yan J, Li Z, Li X, Geng H. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of N'-Phenylhydrazides as Potential Antifungal Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15120. [PMID: 37894800 PMCID: PMC10606473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015120] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifty-two kinds of N'-phenylhydrazides were successfully designed and synthesized. Their antifungal activity in vitro against five strains of C. albicans (Candida albicans) was evaluated. All prepared compounds showed varying degrees of antifungal activity against C. albicans and their MIC80 (the concentration of tested compounds when their inhibition rate was at 80%), TAI (total activity index), and TSI (total susceptibility index) were calculated. The inhibitory activities of 27/52 compounds against fluconazole-resistant fungi C. albicans 4395 and 5272 were much better than those of fluconazole. The MIC80 values of 14/52 compounds against fluconazole-resistant fungus C. albicans 5122 were less than 4 μg/mL, so it was the most sensitive fungus (TSIB = 12.0). A11 showed the best inhibitory activity against C. albicans SC5314, 4395, and 5272 (MIC80 = 1.9, 4.0, and 3.7 μg/mL). The antifungal activities of B14 and D5 against four strains of fluconazole-resistant fungi were better than those of fluconazole. The TAI values of A11 (2.71), B14 (2.13), and D5 (2.25) are the highest. Further exploration of antifungal mechanisms revealed that the fungus treated with compound A11 produced free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and their mycelium morphology was damaged. In conclusion, the N'-phenylhydrazide scaffold showed potential in the development of antifungal lead compounds. Among them, A11, B14, and D5 demonstrated particularly promising antifungal activity and held potential as novel antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Zhu
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Botanical Pesticide R & D in Shaanxi Province, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jinshuo Zheng
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jin Yan
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhaoxia Li
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huiling Geng
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Botanical Pesticide R & D in Shaanxi Province, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
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Keshwania P, Kaur N, Chauhan J, Sharma G, Afzal O, Alfawaz Altamimi AS, Almalki WH. Superficial Dermatophytosis across the World's Populations: Potential Benefits from Nanocarrier-Based Therapies and Rising Challenges. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:31575-31599. [PMID: 37692246 PMCID: PMC10483660 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The most prevalent infection in the world is dermatophytosis, which is a major issue with high recurrence and can affect the entire body including the skin, hair, and nails. The major goal of this Review is to acquire knowledge about cutting-edge approaches for treating dermatophytosis efficiently by adding antifungals to formulations based on nanocarriers in order to overcome the shortcomings of standard treatment methods. Updates on nanosystems and research developments on animal and clinical investigations are also presented. Along with the currently licensed formulations, the investigation also emphasizes novel therapies and existing therapeutic alternatives that can be used to control dermatophytosis. The Review also summarizes recent developments on the prevalence, management approaches, and disadvantages of standard dosage types. There are a number of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of dermatophytosis that have good clinical cure rates but also drawbacks such as antifungal drug resistance and unfavorable side effects. To improve therapeutic activity and get around the drawbacks of the traditional therapy approaches for dermatophytosis, efforts have been described in recent years to combine several antifungal drugs into new carriers. These formulations have been successful in providing improved antifungal activity, longer drug retention, improved effectiveness, higher skin penetration, and sustained drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Keshwania
- Department
of Microbiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar
Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Narinder Kaur
- Department
of Microbiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar
Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Jyoti Chauhan
- Department
of Microbiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar
Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Gajanand Sharma
- University
Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Obaid Afzal
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Waleed H. Almalki
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21961, Saudi Arabia
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