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Fernandes S, Sousa M, Martins FG, Simões M, Sousa SF. Protocol for in silico characterization of natural-based molecules as quorum-sensing inhibitors. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103367. [PMID: 39378154 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The search and development of new quorum-sensing (QS) inhibitors are ongoing processes for biofilm control. Here, we present a protocol for in silico characterization of natural-based molecules as QS inhibitors. We describe steps for preparing models of protein receptors for virtual screening. We then detail procedures for construction and virtual screening of phytochemical libraries and hit picking to be experimentally validated by in vitro assays. This protocol allows exploration of a broad range of potential inhibitors for a specific target. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Fernandes et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Fernandes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fábio G Martins
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sérgio F Sousa
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
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Wang J, Yang J, Durairaj P, Wang W, Wei D, Tang S, Liu H, Wang D, Jia AQ. Discovery of β-nitrostyrene derivatives as potential quorum sensing inhibitors for biofilm inhibition and antivirulence factor therapeutics against Serratia marcescens. MLIFE 2024; 3:445-458. [PMID: 39359676 PMCID: PMC11442132 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) inhibition has emerged as a promising target for directed drug design, providing an appealing strategy for developing antimicrobials, particularly against infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens. In this study, we designed and synthesized a total of 33 β-nitrostyrene derivatives using 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (NPe) as the lead compound, to target the facultative anaerobic bacterial pathogen Serratia marcescens. The QS-inhibitory effects of these compounds were evaluated using S. marcescens NJ01 and the reporter strain Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Among the 33 new β-nitrostyrene derivatives, (E)-1-methyl-4-(2-nitrovinyl)benzene (m-NPe, compound 28) was proven to be a potent inhibitor that reduced biofilm formation of S. marcescens NJ01 by 79%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results revealed that treatment with m-NPe (50 μg/ml) not only enhanced the susceptibility of the formed biofilms but also disrupted the architecture of biofilms by 84%. m-NPe (50 μg/ml) decreased virulence factors in S. marcescens NJ01, reducing the activity of protease, prodigiosin, and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) by 36%, 72%, and 52%, respectively. In S. marcescens 4547, the activities of hemolysin and EPS were reduced by 28% and 40%, respectively, outperforming the positive control, vanillic acid (VAN). The study also found that the expression levels of QS- and biofilm-related genes (flhD, fimA, fimC, sodB, bsmB, pigA, pigC, and shlA) were downregulated by 1.21- to 2.32-fold. Molecular dynamics analysis showed that m-NPe could bind stably to SmaR, RhlI, RhlR, LasR, and CviR proteins in a 0.1 M sodium chloride solution. Importantly, a microscale thermophoresis (MST) test revealed that SmaR could be a target protein for the screening of a quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) against S. marcescens. Overall, this study highlights the efficacy of m-NPe in suppressing the virulence factors of S. marcescens, identifying it as a new potential QSI and antibiofilm agent capable of restoring or improving antimicrobial drug sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Wang
- Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Hainan General Hospital Haikou China
- Center for Translational Research Shenzhen Bay Laboratory Shenzhen China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hainan University Haikou China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hainan University Haikou China
- Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Sanya China
| | - Pradeepraj Durairaj
- Center for Translational Research Shenzhen Bay Laboratory Shenzhen China
- Present address: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Florida State University Tallahassee Florida USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hainan University Haikou China
| | - Dongyan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hainan University Haikou China
| | - Shi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hainan University Haikou China
| | - Haiqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hainan University Haikou China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hainan University Haikou China
| | - Ai-Qun Jia
- Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Hainan General Hospital Haikou China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hainan University Haikou China
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Wu X, Wang H, Xiong J, Yang GX, Hu JF, Zhu Q, Chen Z. Staphylococcus aureus biofilm: Formulation, regulatory, and emerging natural products-derived therapeutics. Biofilm 2024; 7:100175. [PMID: 38298832 PMCID: PMC10827693 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100175] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus can readily form biofilm which enhances the drug-resistance, resulting in life-threatening infections involving different organs. Biofilm formation occurs due to a series of developmental events including bacterial adhesion, aggregation, biofilm maturation, and dispersion, which are controlled by multiple regulatory systems. Rapidly increasing research and development outcomes on natural products targeting S. aureus biofilm formation and/or regulation led to an emergent application of active phytochemicals and combinations. This review aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of biofilm formation and regulation mechanisms for S. aureus, outlining the most important antibiofilm strategies and potential targets of natural products, and summarizing the latest progress in combating S. aureus biofilm with plant-derived natural products. These findings provided further evidence for novel antibiofilm drugs research and clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiying Wu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
- Institute of Natural Medicine and Health Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Zhejiang, 318000, China
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Huan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Guo-Xun Yang
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jin-Feng Hu
- Institute of Natural Medicine and Health Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
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Leitão MM, Vieira TF, Sousa SF, Borges F, Simões M, Borges A. Dual action of benzaldehydes: Inhibiting quorum sensing and enhancing antibiotic efficacy for controlling Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Microb Pathog 2024; 191:106663. [PMID: 38679246 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) has a central role in biofilm lifestyle and antimicrobial resistance, and disrupting these signaling pathways is a promising strategy to control bacterial pathogenicity and virulence. In this study, the efficacy of three structurally related benzaldehydes (4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin) and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (syringaldehyde)) in disrupting the las and pqs systems of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated using bioreporter strains and computational simulations. Additionally, these benzaldehydes were combined with tobramycin and ciprofloxacin antibiotics to evaluate their ability to increase antibiotic efficacy in preventing and eradicating P. aeruginosa biofilms. To this end, the total biomass, metabolic activity and culturability of the biofilm cells were determined. In vitro assays results indicated that the aromatic aldehydes have potential to inhibit the las and pqs systems by > 80 %. Molecular docking studies supported these findings, revealing the aldehydes binding in the same pocket as the natural ligands or receptor proteins (LasR, PQSA, PQSE, PQSR). Benzaldehydes were shown to act as virulence factor attenuators, with vanillin achieving a 48 % reduction in pyocyanin production. The benzaldehyde-tobramycin combination led not only to a 60 % reduction in biomass production but also to a 90 % reduction in the metabolic activity of established biofilms. A similar result was observed when benzaldehydes were combined with ciprofloxacin. 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde demonstrated relevant action in increasing biofilm susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, resulting in a 65 % reduction in biomass. This study discloses, for the first time, that the benzaldehydes studied are potent QS inhibitors and also enhancers of antibiotics antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel M Leitão
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALICE-Associate Laboratory for Innovation in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; CIQUP-IMS-Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tatiana F Vieira
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM-Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio F Sousa
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM-Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Borges
- CIQUP-IMS-Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALICE-Associate Laboratory for Innovation in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; DEQ-Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Borges
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALICE-Associate Laboratory for Innovation in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; DEQ-Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
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Wang J, Lu X, Wang C, Yue Y, Wei B, Zhang H, Wang H, Chen J. Research Progress on the Combination of Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors and Antibiotics against Bacterial Resistance. Molecules 2024; 29:1674. [PMID: 38611953 PMCID: PMC11013322 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial virulence factors and biofilm development can be controlled by the quorum-sensing (QS) system, which is also intimately linked to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In previous studies, many researchers found that quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs) can affect the development of bacterial biofilms and prevent the synthesis of many virulence factors. However, QSIs alone have a limited ability to suppress bacteria. Fortunately, when QSIs are combined with antibiotics, they have a better therapeutic effect, and it has even been demonstrated that the two together have a synergistic antibacterial effect, which not only ensures bactericidal efficiency but also avoids the resistance caused by excessive use of antibiotics. In addition, some progress has been made through in vivo studies on the combination of QSIs and antibiotics. This article mainly expounds on the specific effect of QSIs combined with antibiotics on bacteria and the combined antibacterial mechanism of some QSIs and antibiotics. These studies will provide new strategies and means for the clinical treatment of bacterial infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Green Pharmaceutical Technologies and Related Equipment of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province & College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (J.W.); (X.L.); (C.W.); (Y.Y.); (B.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jianwei Chen
- Key Laboratory for Green Pharmaceutical Technologies and Related Equipment of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province & College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (J.W.); (X.L.); (C.W.); (Y.Y.); (B.W.); (H.Z.)
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Faleye OS, Boya BR, Lee JH, Choi I, Lee J. Halogenated Antimicrobial Agents to Combat Drug-Resistant Pathogens. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 76:90-141. [PMID: 37845080 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance presents us with a potential global crisis as it undermines the abilities of conventional antibiotics to combat pathogenic microbes. The history of antimicrobial agents is replete with examples of scaffolds containing halogens. In this review, we discuss the impacts of halogen atoms in various antibiotic types and antimicrobial scaffolds and their modes of action, structure-activity relationships, and the contributions of halogen atoms in antimicrobial activity and drug resistance. Other halogenated molecules, including carbohydrates, peptides, lipids, and polymeric complexes, are also reviewed, and the effects of halogenated scaffolds on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and factors affecting antimicrobial and antivirulence activities are presented. Furthermore, the potential of halogenation to circumvent antimicrobial resistance and rejuvenate impotent antibiotics is addressed. This review provides an overview of the significance of halogenation, the abilities of halogens to interact in biomolecular settings and enhance pharmacological properties, and their potential therapeutic usages in preventing a postantibiotic era. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Antimicrobial resistance and the increasing impotence of antibiotics are critical threats to global health. The roles and importance of halogen atoms in antimicrobial drug scaffolds have been established, but comparatively little is known of their pharmacological impacts on drug resistance and antivirulence activities. This review is the first to extensively evaluate the roles of halogen atoms in various antibiotic classes and pharmacological scaffolds and to provide an overview of their ability to overcome antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olajide Sunday Faleye
- School of Chemical Engineering (O.S.F., B.R.B., J.-H.L., J.L.) and Department of Medical Biotechnology (I.C.), Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Bharath Reddy Boya
- School of Chemical Engineering (O.S.F., B.R.B., J.-H.L., J.L.) and Department of Medical Biotechnology (I.C.), Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyung Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering (O.S.F., B.R.B., J.-H.L., J.L.) and Department of Medical Biotechnology (I.C.), Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Inho Choi
- School of Chemical Engineering (O.S.F., B.R.B., J.-H.L., J.L.) and Department of Medical Biotechnology (I.C.), Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering (O.S.F., B.R.B., J.-H.L., J.L.) and Department of Medical Biotechnology (I.C.), Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
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Fernandes S, Borges A, Gomes IB, Sousa SF, Simões M. Curcumin and 10-undecenoic acid as natural quorum sensing inhibitors of LuxS/AI-2 of Bacillus subtilis and LasI/LasR of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Food Res Int 2023; 165:112519. [PMID: 36869520 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The quorum sensing (QS) system is related to cell-to-cell communication as a function of population density, which regulates several physiological functions including biofilm formation and virulence gene expression. QS inhibitors have emerged as a promising strategy to tackle virulence and biofilm development. Among a wide variety of phytochemicals, many of them have been described as QS inhibitors. Driven by their promising clues, this study aimed to identify active phytochemicals against LuxS/autoinducer-2 (AI-2) (as the universal QS system) from Bacillus subtilis and LasI/LasR (as a specific QS system) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, through in silico analysis followed by in vitro validation. The optimized virtual screening protocols were applied to screen a phytochemical database containing 3479 drug-like compounds. The most promising phytochemicals were curcumin, pioglitazone hydrochloride, and 10-undecenoic acid. In vitro analysis corroborated the QS inhibitory activity of curcumin and 10-undecenoic acid, however, pioglitazone hydrochloride showed no relevant effect. Inhibitory effects on LuxS/AI-2 QS system triggered reduction of 33-77% by curcumin (at 1.25-5 µg/mL) and 36-64% by 10-undecenoic acid (at 12.5-50 µg/mL). Inhibition of LasI/LasR QS system was 21% by curcumin (at 200 µg/mL) and 10-54% by 10-undecenoic acid (at 15.625-250 µg/mL). In conclusion, in silico analysis allowed the identification of curcumin and, for the first time, 10-undecenoic acid (showing low cost, high availability, and low toxicity) as alternatives to counteract bacterial pathogenicity and virulence, avoiding the imposition of selective pressure usually related to classic industrial disinfection and antibiotics therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Fernandes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Borges
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês B Gomes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio F Sousa
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Screening of Natural Molecules as Adjuvants to Topical Antibiotics to Treat Staphylococcus aureus from Diabetic Foot Ulcer Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050620. [PMID: 35625264 PMCID: PMC9137705 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common result of a complex secondary complication of diabetes mellitus. More than half of DFUs become infected due to frequent colonization with Staphylococcus aureus. The use of topical antibiotics is proposed, especially in combination with natural adjuvants, to minimize the negative impacts caused by generalized use of systemic antibiotics. In this study, 13 different phytochemicals—namely chalcone, juglone, cinnamic acid, trigonelline, Furvina—and four nitrovinylfuran derivatives—guaiazulene, α-bisabolol, farnesol and nerolidol—were selected to be tested as antibiotic enhancers. After minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC) determination of each molecule against different strains of S. aureus, including clinical isolates from diabetic foot wounds (CECT 976, Xu212, SA 1199B, RN4220, MJMC102, MJMC109, MJMC110 and MJMC111), their potentiation effects on the antibiotics fusidic acid, mupirocin, gentamicin, oxacillin and methicillin were evaluated through the disc diffusion method. Farnesol at sub-MIC was able to restore the activity of methicillin and oxacillin on the MJMC102 and MJMC111 strains, as well as two MRSA clinical isolates, and potentiated the effect of the remaining antibiotics. The results obtained demonstrate the great potential for the topical application of phytochemicals and derivatives as antibiotic resistance modifier agents to combat multidrug resistance in bacterial wound infections.
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Iobbi V, Brun P, Bernabé G, Dougué Kentsop RA, Donadio G, Ruffoni B, Fossa P, Bisio A, De Tommasi N. Labdane Diterpenoids from Salvia tingitana Etl. Synergize with Clindamycin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Molecules 2021; 26:6681. [PMID: 34771089 PMCID: PMC8587691 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum-sensing (QS) is a regulatory mechanism in bacterial communication, important for pathogenesis control. The search for small molecules active as quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSI) that can synergize with antibiotics is considered a good strategy to counteract the problem of antibiotic resistance. Here the antimicrobial labdane diterpenoids sclareol (1) and manool (2) extracted from Salvia tingitana were considered as potential QSI against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Only sclareol showed synergistic activity with clindamycin. The quantification of these compounds by LC-MS analysis in the organs and in the calli of S. tingitana showed that sclareol is most abundant in the flower spikes and is produced by calli, while manool is the major labdane of the roots, and is abundant also in the leaves. Other metabolites of the roots were abietane diterpenoids, common in Salvia species, and pentacyclic triterpenoids, bearing a γ-lactone moiety, previously undescribed in Salvia. Docking simulations suggested that 1 and 2 bind to key residues, involved in direct interactions with DNA. They may prevent accessory gene regulator A (AgrA) binding to DNA or AgrA activation upon phosphorylation, to suppress virulence factor expression. The antimicrobial activity of these two compounds probably achieves preventing upregulation of the accessory gene regulator (agr)-regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Iobbi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (V.I.); (R.A.D.K.); (P.F.)
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy; (P.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Bernabé
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy; (P.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Roméo Arago Dougué Kentsop
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (V.I.); (R.A.D.K.); (P.F.)
- Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura–CREA Centro di ricerca Orticoltura e Florovivaismo, 18038 San Remo, Italy;
| | - Giuliana Donadio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (G.D.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Barbara Ruffoni
- Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura–CREA Centro di ricerca Orticoltura e Florovivaismo, 18038 San Remo, Italy;
| | - Paola Fossa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (V.I.); (R.A.D.K.); (P.F.)
| | - Angela Bisio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (V.I.); (R.A.D.K.); (P.F.)
| | - Nunziatina De Tommasi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (G.D.); (N.D.T.)
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