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Twomey E, O’Connor PM, Coffey A, Kiste M, Guinane CM, Hill C, Field D, Begley M. Inhibition of Clinical MRSA Isolates by Coagulase Negative Staphylococci of Human Origin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:338. [PMID: 38667016 PMCID: PMC11047365 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is frequently highlighted as a priority for novel drug research due to its pathogenicity and ability to develop antibiotic resistance. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are resident flora of the skin and nares. Previous studies have confirmed their ability to kill and prevent colonization by S. aureus through the production of bioactive substances. This study screened a bank of 37 CoNS for their ability to inhibit the growth of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Deferred antagonism assays, growth curves, and antibiofilm testing performed with the cell-free supernatant derived from overnight CoNS cultures indicated antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against MRSA indicators. Whole genome sequencing and BAGEL4 analysis of 11 CoNS isolates shortlisted for the inhibitory effects they displayed against MRSA led to the identification of two strains possessing complete putative bacteriocin operons. The operons were predicted to encode a nukacin variant and a novel epilancin variant. From this point, strains Staphylococcus hominis C14 and Staphylococcus epidermidis C33 became the focus of the investigation. Through HPLC, a peptide identical to previously characterized nukacin KQU-131 and a novel epilancin variant were isolated from cultures of C14 and C33, respectively. Mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of each peptide in the active fractions. Spot-on-lawn assays demonstrated both bacteriocins could inhibit the growth of an MRSA indicator. The identification of natural products with clinically relevant activity is important in today's climate of escalating antimicrobial resistance and a depleting antibiotic pipeline. These findings also highlight the prospective role CoNS may play as a source of bioactive substances with activity against critical pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Twomey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland; (E.T.); (A.C.); (C.M.G.)
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland;
| | | | - Aidan Coffey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland; (E.T.); (A.C.); (C.M.G.)
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Maija Kiste
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland; (E.T.); (A.C.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Caitriona M. Guinane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland; (E.T.); (A.C.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland;
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
| | - Des Field
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland;
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
| | - Máire Begley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland; (E.T.); (A.C.); (C.M.G.)
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Sharafi T, Ghaemi EA, Rafiee M, Ardebili A. Combination antimicrobial therapy: in vitro synergistic effect of anti-staphylococcal drug oxacillin with antimicrobial peptide nisin against Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2024; 23:7. [PMID: 38245727 PMCID: PMC10800071 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-024-00667-6] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. aureus to form strong biofilm on plastic devices makes them the major pathogens associated with device-related infections (DRIs). Biofilm-embedded bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics, making biofilm infections very difficult to effectively treat. Here, we evaluate the in vitro activities of anti-staphylococcal drug oxacillin and antimicrobial peptide nisin, alone and in combination, against methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) clinical isolates and the methicillin-resistant S. aureus ATCC 43,300. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC) of oxacillin and nisin were determined using the microbroth dilution method. The anti-biofilm activities of oxacillin and nisin, alone or in combination, were evaluated. In addition, the effects of antimicrobial agents on the expression of icaA gene were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. MIC values for oxacillin and nisin ranged 4-8 µg/mL and 64-128 µg/mL, respectively. Oxacillin and nisin reduced biofilm biomass in all bacteria in a dose-dependent manner and this inhibitory effect was enhanced with combinatorial treatment. MBEC ranges for oxacillin and nisin were 2048-8192 µg/mL and 2048-4096 µg/mL, respectively. The addition of nisin significantly decreased the oxacillin MBECs from 8- to 32-fold in all bacteria. At the 1× MIC and 1/2× MIC, both oxacillin and nisin decreased significantly the expression of icaA gene in comparison with untreated control. When two antimicrobial agents were combined at 1/2× MIC concentration, the expression of icaA were significantly lower than when were used alone. Nisin/conventional oxacillin combination showed considerable anti-biofilm effects, including inhibition of biofilm formation, eradication of mature biofilm, and down-regulation of biofilm-related genes, proposing its applications for treating or preventing staphylococcal biofilm-associated infections, including device-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toktam Sharafi
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ezzat Allah Ghaemi
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Maryam Rafiee
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Abdollah Ardebili
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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van Hoek ML, Alsaab FM, Carpenter AM. GATR-3, a Peptide That Eradicates Preformed Biofilms of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 13:39. [PMID: 38247598 PMCID: PMC10812447 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010039] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacterium that causes hospital-acquired and opportunistic infections, resulting in pneumonia, sepsis, and severe wound infections that can be difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance and the formation of biofilms. There is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials to tackle the rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an additional class of potential agents with direct antimicrobial and/or host-defense activating activities. In this study, we present GATR-3, a synthetic, designed AMP that was modified from a cryptic peptide discovered in American alligator, as our lead peptide to target multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and antibiofilm assays were performed to assess GATR-3 against a panel of 8 MDR A. baumannii strains, including AB5075 and some clinical strains. The GATR-3 mechanism of action was determined to be via loss of membrane integrity as measured by DiSC3(5) and ethidium bromide assays. GATR-3 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all tested multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains with rapid killing. Biofilms are difficult to treat and eradicate. Excitingly, GATR-3 inhibited biofilm formation and, more importantly, eradicated preformed biofilms of MDR A. baumannii AB5075, as evidenced by MBEC assays and scanning electron micrographs. GATR3 did not induce resistance in MDR A. baumannii, unlike colistin. Additionally, the toxicity of GATR-3 was evaluated using human red blood cells, HepG2 cells, and waxworms using hemolysis and MTT assays. GATR-3 demonstrated little to no cytotoxicity against HepG2 and red blood cells, even at 100 μg/mL. GATR-3 injection showed little toxicity in the waxworm model, resulting in a 90% survival rate. The therapeutic index of GATR-3 was estimated (based on the HC50/MIC against human RBCs) to be 1250. Overall, GATR-3 is a promising candidate to advance to preclinical testing to potentially treat MDR A. baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L. van Hoek
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Fahad M. Alsaab
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashley M. Carpenter
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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Soares RS, Gomes D, Serrano I, Cunha E, Tavares L, Oliveira M. Absence of Synergism between a Dual-AMP Biogel and Antibiotics Used as Therapeutic Agents for Diabetic Foot Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:407. [PMID: 38203579 PMCID: PMC10779294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010407] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are frequently linked to diabetic-related morbidity and death because of the ineffectiveness of conventional antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Pexiganan and nisin A are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and their application may complement conventional antibiotics in DFI treatment. A collagen 3D model, previously established to mimic a soft-tissue collagen matrix, was used to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of a guar gum gel containing pexiganan and nisin alone and combined with three antimicrobials toward the biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from infected foot ulcers. Antimicrobials and bacterial diffusion were confirmed by spot-on-lawn and bacterial growth by bacterial count (cfu/mL). Our main conclusion was that the dual-AMP biogel combined with gentamicin, clindamycin, or vancomycin was not able to significantly reduce bacterial growth or eradicate S. aureus and P. aeruginosa DFI isolates. We further reported an antagonism between dual-AMP and dual-AMP combined with antibiotics against S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Silva Soares
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (D.G.); (E.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diana Gomes
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (D.G.); (E.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isa Serrano
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (D.G.); (E.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (D.G.); (E.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (D.G.); (E.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (D.G.); (E.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Campo Grande 016, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
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5
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Du Y, Wang J, Fan W, Huang R, Wang H, Liu G. Preclinical study of diabetic foot ulcers: From pathogenesis to vivo/vitro models and clinical therapeutic transformation. Int Wound J 2023; 20:4394-4409. [PMID: 37438679 PMCID: PMC10681512 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), a common intractable chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), has a prevalence of up to 25%, with more than 17% of the affected patients at risk of amputation or even death. Vascular risk factors, including vascular stenosis or occlusion, dyslipidemia, impaired neurosensory and motor function, and skin infection caused by trauma, all increase the risk of DFU in patients with diabetes. Therefore, diabetic foot is not a single pathogenesis. Preclinical studies have contributed greatly to the pathogenesis determination and efficacy evaluation of DFU. Many therapeutic tools are currently being investigated using DFU animal models for effective clinical translation. However, preclinical animal models that completely mimic the pathogenesis of DFU remain unexplored. Therefore, in this review, the preparation methods and evaluation criteria of DFU animal models with three major pathological mechanisms: neuropathy, angiopathy and DFU infection were discussed in detail. And the advantages and disadvantages of various DFU animal models for clinical sign simulation. Furthermore, the current status of vitro models of DFU and some preclinical studies have been transformed into clinical treatment programs, such as medical dressings, growth factor therapy, 3D bioprinting and pre-vascularization, Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment. However, because of the complexity of the pathological mechanism of DFU, the clinical transformation of DFU model still faces many challenges. We need to further optimize the existing preclinical studies of DFU to provide an effective animal platform for the future study of pathophysiology and clinical treatment of DFU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Du
- Department of Peripheral Vascular SurgeryInstitute of surgery of traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Peripheral Vascular SurgeryInstitute of surgery of traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
- Endocrinology departmentShanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Weijing Fan
- Department of Peripheral Vascular SurgeryInstitute of surgery of traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Renyan Huang
- Department of Peripheral Vascular SurgeryInstitute of surgery of traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hongfei Wang
- Department of Peripheral Vascular SurgeryInstitute of surgery of traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Guobin Liu
- Department of Peripheral Vascular SurgeryInstitute of surgery of traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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6
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Han J, Zhang S, Liu J. Protocol for predicting peptides with anticancer and antimicrobial properties by a tri-fusion neural network. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102541. [PMID: 37660298 PMCID: PMC10491854 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102541] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe the use of TriNet to predict peptides with anticancer and antimicrobial properties by a tri-fusion neural network. We detail the use of TriNet for both the offline Python script version and the online service, thereby demonstrating its convenience for users. In addition, we provide a detailed explanation of the training process of TriNet to enhance the understanding of researchers seeking to leverage deep learning techniques for peptide classification. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhou et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyun Han
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Shizhuo Zhang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China.
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Khan F, Singh P, Joshi AS, Tabassum N, Jeong GJ, Bamunuarachchi NI, Mijakovic I, Kim YM. Multiple potential strategies for the application of nisin and derivatives. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:628-657. [PMID: 35997756 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2112650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nisin is a naturally occurring bioactive small peptide produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and belongs to the Type A (I) lantibiotics. Due to its potent antimicrobial activity, it has been broadly employed to preserve various food materials as well as to combat a variety of microbial pathogens. The present review discusses the antimicrobial properties of nisin and different types of their derivatives employed to treat microbial pathogens with a detailed underlying mechanism of action. Several alternative strategies such as combination, conjugation, and nanoformulations have been discussed in order to address several issues such as rapid degradation, instability, and reduced activity due to the various environmental factors that arise in the applications of nisin. Furthermore, the evolutionary relationship of many nisin genes from different nisin-producing bacterial species has been investigated. A detailed description of the natural and bioengineered nisin variants, as well as the underlying action mechanisms, has also been provided. The chemistry used to apply nisin in conjugation with natural or synthetic compounds as a synergetic mode of antimicrobial action has also been thoroughly discussed. The current review will be useful in learning about recent and past research that has been performed on nisin and its derivatives as antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazlurrahman Khan
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Priyanka Singh
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Abhayraj S Joshi
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Ivan Mijakovic
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Division, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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8
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Raposo C, Serrano I, Cunha E, Couto MP, Lopes F, Casero M, Tavares L, Oliveira M. Phenotypic Characterization of Oral Mucor Species from Eurasian Vultures: Pathogenic Potential and Antimicrobial Ability. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1638. [PMID: 37629495 PMCID: PMC10455617 DOI: 10.3390/life13081638] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to poisoning and decline in the food resources of Eurasian vultures, there has been a rise in the number of Griffon (Gyps fulvus) and Cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) needing veterinary care. In captivity, vultures often develop oral and other infectious diseases which can affect their survival and the probability of reintroduction in the wild. Therefore, it is important to characterize relevant microbial species present in the oral cavity of vultures, such as Mucor spp. In this work, seven Mucor spp. isolates previously obtained from Gyps fulvus and Aegypius monachus oral swabs collected at two rehabilitation centers in Portugal were characterized regarding their pathogenic enzymatic profile and antimicrobial activity. Isolates were identified by macro and microscopic observation, and PCR and ITS sequencing. Their antimicrobial activity was determined using a collection of pathogenic bacteria and two yeast species. Results showed that 86% of the isolates produced α-hemolysis, 71% expressed DNase, 57% produce lecithinase and lipase, 29% expressed gelatinase, and 29% were biofilm producers. Four isolates showed inhibitory activity against relevant human and veterinary clinical isolates, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Neisseria zoodegmatis, and Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, accurate management programs should consider the benefits and disadvantages of Mucor spp. presence in the oral mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Raposo
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isa Serrano
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Patrícia Couto
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Lopes
- CERAS—Centro de Estudos e Recuperação de Animais Selvagens, Quinta da Senhora de Mércules, 6000-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - María Casero
- RIAS Centro de Recuperação e Investigação de Animais Selvagens, Rua do Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Quelfes, 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal;
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Sowers A, Wang G, Xing M, Li B. Advances in Antimicrobial Peptide Discovery via Machine Learning and Delivery via Nanotechnology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1129. [PMID: 37317103 PMCID: PMC10223199 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051129] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been investigated for their potential use as an alternative to antibiotics due to the increased demand for new antimicrobial agents. AMPs, widely found in nature and obtained from microorganisms, have a broad range of antimicrobial protection, allowing them to be applied in the treatment of infections caused by various pathogenic microorganisms. Since these peptides are primarily cationic, they prefer anionic bacterial membranes due to electrostatic interactions. However, the applications of AMPs are currently limited owing to their hemolytic activity, poor bioavailability, degradation from proteolytic enzymes, and high-cost production. To overcome these limitations, nanotechnology has been used to improve AMP bioavailability, permeation across barriers, and/or protection against degradation. In addition, machine learning has been investigated due to its time-saving and cost-effective algorithms to predict AMPs. There are numerous databases available to train machine learning models. In this review, we focus on nanotechnology approaches for AMP delivery and advances in AMP design via machine learning. The AMP sources, classification, structures, antimicrobial mechanisms, their role in diseases, peptide engineering technologies, currently available databases, and machine learning techniques used to predict AMPs with minimal toxicity are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Sowers
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Malcolm Xing
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Bingyun Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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10
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Zina R, Cunha E, Serrano I, Silva E, Tavares L, Oliveira M. Nisin Z Potential for the Control of Diabetic Foot Infections Promoted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Persisters. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050794. [PMID: 37237697 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050794] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a major complication of diabetes mellitus and a public health concern worldwide. The ability of P. aeruginosa to form biofilms is a key factor responsible for the chronicity of diabetic foot infections (DFIs) and frequently associated with the presence of persister cells. These are a subpopulation of phenotypic variants highly tolerant to antibiotics for which new therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed, such as those based on antimicrobial peptides. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of nisin Z on P. aeruginosa DFI persisters. To induce the development of a persister state in both planktonic suspensions and biofilms, P. aeruginosa DFI isolates were exposed to carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and ciprofloxacin, respectively. After RNA extraction from CCCP-induced persisters, transcriptome analysis was performed to evaluate the differential gene expression between the control, persisters, and persister cells exposed to nisin Z. Nisin Z presented a high inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa persister cells but was unable to eradicate them when present in established biofilms. Transcriptome analysis revealed that persistence was associated with downregulation of genes related to metabolic processes, cell wall synthesis, and dysregulation of stress response and biofilm formation. After nisin Z treatment, some of the transcriptomic changes induced by persistence were reversed. In conclusion, nisin Z could be considered as a potential complementary therapy for treating P. aeruginosa DFI, but it should be applied as an early treatment or after wound debridement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Zina
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isa Serrano
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Silva
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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11
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Accelerated Wound Healing Potential of Nisin in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Rats. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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12
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Bellotti D, Remelli M. Lights and Shadows on the Therapeutic Use of Antimicrobial Peptides. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144584. [PMID: 35889455 PMCID: PMC9317528 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant infections is still a major concern for public health worldwide. The number of pathogenic microorganisms capable of resisting common therapeutic treatments are constantly increasing, highlighting the need of innovative and more effective drugs. This phenomenon is strictly connected to the rapid metabolism of microorganisms: due to the huge number of mutations that can occur in a relatively short time, a colony can “adapt” to the pharmacological treatment with the evolution of new resistant species. However, the shortage of available antimicrobial drugs in clinical use is also caused by the high costs involved in developing and marketing new drugs without an adequate guarantee of an economic return; therefore, the pharmaceutical companies have reduced their investments in this area. The use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represents a promising strategy for the design of new therapeutic agents. AMPs act as immune defense mediators of the host organism and show a poor ability to induce antimicrobial resistance, coupled with other advantages such as a broad spectrum of activity, not excessive synthetic costs and low toxicity of both the peptide itself and its own metabolites. It is also important to underline that many antimicrobial peptides, due to their inclination to attack cell membranes, have additional biological activities, such as, for example, as anti-cancer drugs. Unfortunately, they usually undergo rapid degradation by proteolytic enzymes and are characterized by poor bioavailability, preventing their extensive clinical use and landing on the pharmaceutical market. This review is focused on the strength and weak points of antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic agents. We give an overview on the AMPs already employed in clinical practice, which are examples of successful strategies aimed at overcoming the main drawbacks of peptide-based drugs. The review deepens the most promising strategies to design modified antimicrobial peptides with higher proteolytic stability with the purpose of giving a comprehensive summary of the commonly employed approaches to evaluate and optimize the peptide potentialities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Bellotti
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maurizio Remelli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
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13
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Teixeira MA, Antunes JC, Seabra CL, Fertuzinhos A, Tohidi SD, Reis S, Amorim MTP, Ferreira DP, Felgueiras HP. Antibacterial and hemostatic capacities of cellulose nanocrystalline-reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) electrospun mats doped with Tiger 17 and pexiganan peptides for prospective wound healing applications. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 137:212830. [PMID: 35929263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.212830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Infection is a major issue in chronic wound care. Different dressings have been developed to prevent microbial propagation, but an effective, all-in-one (cytocompatible, antimicrobial and promoter of healing) solution is still to be uncovered. In this research, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous mats reinforced with cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), at 10 and 20% v/v ratios, were produced by electrospinning, crosslinked with glutaraldehyde vapor and doped with specialized peptides. Crosslinking increased the mats' fiber diameters but maintained their bead-free morphology. Miscibility between polymers was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal evaluations. Despite the incorporation of CNC having reduced the mats' mechanical performance, it improved the mats' surface energy and its structural stability over time. Pexiganan with an extra cysteine group was functionalized onto the mats via hydroxyl- polyethylene glycol 2-maleimide, while Tiger 17 was physisorbed to preserve its cyclic conformation. Antimicrobial assessments demonstrated the peptide-doped mat's effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; pexiganan contributed mostly for such outcome. Tiger 17 showed excellent capacity in accelerating clotting. Cytocompatibility evaluations attested to these mats' safety. C90/10 PVA/CNC mats were deemed the most effective from the tested group and, thus, a potentially effective option for chronic wound treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A Teixeira
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana C Antunes
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Catarina L Seabra
- Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV), Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Aureliano Fertuzinhos
- Center for MicroElectroMechanics Systems (CMEMS), UMinho, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Shafagh D Tohidi
- Digital Transformation Colab (DTX), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Salette Reis
- Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV), Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - M Teresa P Amorim
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Diana P Ferreira
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Helena P Felgueiras
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal.
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14
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Atomic-Resolution Structures and Mode of Action of Clinically Relevant Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094558. [PMID: 35562950 PMCID: PMC9100274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Global rise of infections and deaths caused by drug-resistant bacterial pathogens are among the unmet medical needs. In an age of drying pipeline of novel antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are proven to be valid therapeutics modalities. Direct in vivo applications of many AMPs could be challenging; however, works are demonstrating encouraging results for some of them. In this review article, we discussed 3-D structures of potent AMPs e.g., polymyxin, thanatin, MSI, protegrin, OMPTA in complex with bacterial targets and their mode of actions. Studies on human peptide LL37 and de novo-designed peptides are also discussed. We have focused on AMPs which are effective against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Since treatment options for the infections caused by super bugs of Gram-negative bacteria are now extremely limited. We also summarize some of the pertinent challenges in the field of clinical trials of AMPs.
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15
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently become widely publicized because they have the potential to function in alternative therapies as “natural” antibiotics, with their main advantage being a broad spectrum of activity. The potential for antimicrobial peptides to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported. In diabetes mellitus type I (T1D), cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) and mouse-β- defensin 14 (mBD14) are positively affected. Decreased levels of LL-37 and human neutrophil peptide 1-3 (HNP1-3) have been reported in diabetes mellitus type II (T2D) relative to healthy patients. Moreover, AMPs from amphibians and social wasps have antidiabetic effects. In infections occurring in patients with tuberculosis-diabetes or diabetic foot, granulysin, HNP1, HNP2, HNP3, human beta-defensin 2 (HBD2), and cathelicidins are responsible for pathogen clearance. An interesting alternative is also the use of modified M13 bacteriophages containing encapsulated AMPs genes or phagemids.
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16
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Jesus C, Soares R, Cunha E, Grilo M, Tavares L, Oliveira M. Influence of Nisin-Biogel at Subinhibitory Concentrations on Virulence Expression in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Diabetic Foot Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121501. [PMID: 34943712 PMCID: PMC8698857 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A new approach to diabetic foot infections (DFIs) has been investigated, using a nisin-biogel combining the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) nisin with the natural polysaccharide guar-gum. Since in in vivo conditions bacteria may be exposed to decreased antimicrobial concentrations, known as subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs), effects of nisin-biogel sub-MIC values corresponding to 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 of nisin's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on virulence expression by six Staphylococcus aureus DFI isolates was evaluated by determining bacteria growth rate; expression of genes encoding for staphylococcal protein A (spA), coagulase (coa), clumping factor A (clfA), autolysin (atl), intracellular adhesin A (icaA), intracellular adhesin D (icaD), and the accessory gene regulator I (agrI); biofilm formation; Coa production; and SpA release. Nisin-biogel sub-MICs decreased bacterial growth in a strain- and dose-dependent manner, decreased agrI, atl and clfA expression, and increased spA, coa, icaA and icaD expression. Biofilm formation increased in the presence of nisin-biogel at 1/4 and 1/8 MIC, whereas 1/2 MIC had no effect. Finally, nisin-biogel at sub-MICs did not affect coagulase production, but decreased SpA production in a dose-dependent manner. Results highlight the importance of optimizing nisin-biogel doses before proceeding to in vivo trials, to reduce the risk of virulence factor's up-regulation due to the presence of inappropriate antimicrobial concentrations.
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17
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Afonso AC, Oliveira D, Saavedra MJ, Borges A, Simões M. Biofilms in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Impact, Risk Factors and Control Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8278. [PMID: 34361044 PMCID: PMC8347492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication from diabetes mellitus, with a huge economic, social and psychological impact on the patients' life. One of the main reasons why DFUs are so difficult to heal is related to the presence of biofilms. Biofilms promote wound inflammation and a remarkable lack of response to host defences/treatment options, which can lead to disease progression and chronicity. In fact, appropriate treatment for the elimination of these microbial communities can prevent the disease evolution and, in some cases, even avoid more serious outcomes, such as amputation or death. However, the detection of biofilm-associated DFUs is difficult due to the lack of methods for diagnostics in clinical settings. In this review, the current knowledge on the involvement of biofilms in DFUs is discussed, as well as how the surrounding environment influences biofilm formation and regulation, along with its clinical implications. A special focus is also given to biofilm-associated DFU diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. An overview on promising alternative therapeutics is provided and an algorithm considering biofilm detection and treatment is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Afonso
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.A.); (D.O.); (A.B.)
- CITAB—Centre for the Research and Technology for Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Diana Oliveira
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.A.); (D.O.); (A.B.)
- CIQUP, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Saavedra
- CITAB—Centre for the Research and Technology for Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Anabela Borges
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.A.); (D.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Manuel Simões
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.A.); (D.O.); (A.B.)
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18
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Felgueiras HP. An Insight into Biomolecules for the Treatment of Skin Infectious Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13071012. [PMID: 34371704 PMCID: PMC8309093 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In assigning priorities, skin infectious diseases are frequently classified as minor when compared to infectious diseases of high mortality rates, such as tuberculosis or HIV. However, skin infections are amongst the most common and prevalent diseases worldwide. Elderly individuals present an increased susceptibility to skin infections, which may develop atypical signs and symptoms or even complicate pre-existing chronic disorders. When the skin fails to correct or inhibit the action of certain pathogenic microorganisms, biomolecules endowed with antimicrobial features are frequently administered topically or systemically to assist or treat such conditions. (1) Antibiotics, (2) antimicrobial peptides, or (3) natural extracts display important features that can actively inhibit the propagation of these pathogens and prevent the evolution of infectious diseases. This review highlights the properties and mechanisms of action of these biomolecules, emphasizing their effects on the most prevalent and difficult to treat skin infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The versatility of biomolecules’ actions, their symbiotic effects with skin cells and other inherent antimicrobial components, and their target-directed signatures are also explored here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena P Felgueiras
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
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19
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The Insights of Microbes' Roles in Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13070981. [PMID: 34209654 PMCID: PMC8308956 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13070981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse range of normal flora populates the human skin and numbers are relatively different between individuals and parts of the skin. Humans and normal flora have formed a symbiotic relationship over a period of time. With numerous disease processes, the interaction between the host and normal flora can be interrupted. Unlike normal wound healing, which is complex and crucial to sustaining the skin’s physical barrier, chronic wounds, especially in diabetes, are wounds that fail to heal in a timely manner. The conditions become favorable for microbes to colonize and establish infections within the skin. These include secretions of various kinds of molecules, substances or even trigger the immune system to attack other cells required for wound healing. Additionally, the healing process can be slowed down by prolonging the inflammatory phase and delaying the wound repair process, which causes further destruction to the tissue. Antibiotics and wound dressings become the targeted therapy to treat chronic wounds. Though healing rates are improved, prolonged usage of these treatments could become ineffective or microbes may become resistant to the treatments. Considering all these factors, more studies are needed to comprehensively elucidate the role of human skin normal flora at the cellular and molecular level in a chronic injury. This article will review wound healing physiology and discuss the role of normal flora in the skin and chronic wounds.
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20
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Barbosa AAT, de Melo MR, da Silva CMR, Jain S, Dolabella SS. Nisin resistance in Gram-positive bacteria and approaches to circumvent resistance for successful therapeutic use. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:376-385. [PMID: 33689548 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1893264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is one of the most worrying problems in health systems today. To solve this problem, bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria, especially nisin, have been proposed as an alternative for controlling multidrug-resistant bacteria. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that have activity mainly against Gram-positive strains. Nisin is one of the most studied bacteriocins and is already approved for use in food preservation. Nisin is still not approved for human clinical use, but many in vitro studies have shown its therapeutic effectiveness, especially for the control of antibiotic-resistant strains. Results from in vitro studies show the emergence of nisin-resistant bacteria after exposure to nisin. Considering that nisin has shown promising results for clinical use, studies to elucidate nisin-resistant mechanisms and the development of approaches to circumvent nisin-resistance are important. Thus, the objectives of this review are to identify the Gram-positive bacterial strains that have shown resistance to nisin, describe their resistance mechanisms and propose ways to overcome the development of nisin-resistance for its successful clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sona Jain
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Industrial, Universidade Tiradentes, Sergipe, Brasil
| | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brasil
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21
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Yung DBY, Sircombe KJ, Pletzer D. Friends or enemies? The complicated relationship between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:1-15. [PMID: 33576132 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) are opportunistic pathogens that are most commonly co-isolated from chronic wounds and the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients. Over the last few years, there have been plenty of contrasting results from studies involving P. aeruginosa and S. aureus co-cultures. The general concept that P. aeruginosa outcompetes S. aureus has been challenged and there is more evidence now that they can co-exist. Nevertheless, it still remains difficult to mimic polymicrobial infections in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we discuss recent advances in regard to Pa-Sa molecular interactions, their physical responses, and in vitro and in vivo models. We believe it is important to optimize growth conditions in the laboratory, determine appropriate bacterial starting ratios, and consider environmental factors to study the co-existence of these two pathogens. Ideally, optimized growth media should reflect host-mimicking conditions with or without host cells that allow both bacteria to co-exist. To further identify mechanisms that could help to treat these complex infections, we propose to use relevant polymicrobial animal models. Ultimately, we briefly discuss how polymicrobial infections can increase antibiotic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Bow Yue Yung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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22
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Therapeutic Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides in Polymicrobial Biofilm-Associated Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020482. [PMID: 33418930 PMCID: PMC7825036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely recognized that many chronic infections of the human body have a polymicrobial etiology. These include diabetic foot ulcer infections, lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients, periodontitis, otitis, urinary tract infections and even a proportion of systemic infections. The treatment of mixed infections poses serious challenges in the clinic. First, polymicrobial communities of microorganisms often organize themselves as biofilms that are notoriously recalcitrant to antimicrobial therapy and clearance by the host immune system. Secondly, a plethora of interactions among community members may affect the expression of virulence factors and the susceptibility to antimicrobials of individual species in the community. Therefore, new strategies able to target multiple pathogens in mixed populations need to be urgently developed and evaluated. In this regard, antimicrobial or host defense peptides (AMPs) deserve particular attention as they are endowed with many favorable features that may serve to this end. The aim of the present review is to offer a comprehensive and updated overview of studies addressing the therapeutic potential of AMPs in mixed infections, highlighting the opportunities offered by this class of antimicrobials in the fight against polymicrobial infections, but also the limits that may arise in their use for this type of application.
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23
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New Insights into Antibacterial Compounds: From Synthesis and Discovery to Molecular Mechanisms of Action. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080471. [PMID: 32752219 PMCID: PMC7459480 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide emergence of microbial resistance to available antibiotics presents a global threat to public health and health systems. This special issue aimed to gather papers describing novel antibiotics, originating form chemical synthesis, repurposing of existent drugs, or from natural sources like plant extracts, herbs and spices. A total of 13 papers were published, covering a wide range of topic, including antimicrobial resistance surveillance studies; synthesis of novel molecules with antimicrobial activities; modification or repurposing of already existing molecules, plant-derived active extracts, and molecules; the effects of antimicrobial therapy on microbiota; and the investigation of novel formulations for human and veterinary uses. After decades of antibiotics discovery decline, antibiotics discovery is boosting. Recent developments of post genomics approaches and bioinformatics tools will most certainly turn the tide in the discovery and development of antimicrobials in this exciting field.
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24
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Deslouches B, Montelaro RC, Urish KL, Di YP. Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides (eCAPs) to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12060501. [PMID: 32486228 PMCID: PMC7357155 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing rate of antibiotic resistance constitutes a global health crisis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the property to selectively kill bacteria regardless of resistance to traditional antibiotics. However, several challenges (e.g., reduced activity in the presence of serum and lack of efficacy in vivo) to clinical development need to be overcome. In the last two decades, we have addressed many of those challenges by engineering cationic AMPs de novo for optimization under test conditions that typically inhibit the activities of natural AMPs, including systemic efficacy. We reviewed some of the most promising data of the last two decades in the context of the advancement of the field of helical AMPs toward clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthony Deslouches
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-624-0103
| | - Ronald C. Montelaro
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA;
| | - Ken L. Urish
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Yuanpu P. Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
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