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Fusco-Almeida AM, de Matos Silva S, dos Santos KS, de Lima Gualque MW, Vaso CO, Carvalho AR, Medina-Alarcón KP, Pires ACMDS, Belizario JA, de Souza Fernandes L, Moroz A, Martinez LR, Ruiz OH, González Á, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Alternative Non-Mammalian Animal and Cellular Methods for the Study of Host-Fungal Interactions. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:943. [PMID: 37755051 PMCID: PMC10533014 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the study of fungal pathogenesis, alternative methods have gained prominence due to recent global legislation restricting the use of mammalian animals in research. The principle of the 3 Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) is integrated into regulations and guidelines governing animal experimentation in nearly all countries. This principle advocates substituting vertebrate animals with other invertebrate organisms, embryos, microorganisms, or cell cultures. This review addresses host-fungus interactions by employing three-dimensional (3D) cultures, which offer more faithful replication of the in vivo environment, and by utilizing alternative animal models to replace traditional mammals. Among these alternative models, species like Caenorhabditis elegans and Danio rerio share approximately 75% of their genes with humans. Furthermore, models such as Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor demonstrate similarities in their innate immune systems as well as anatomical and physiological barriers, resembling those found in mammalian organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Samanta de Matos Silva
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (O.H.R.); (Á.G.)
| | - Kelvin Sousa dos Santos
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Marcos William de Lima Gualque
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Carolina Orlando Vaso
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Angélica Romão Carvalho
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Kaila Petrolina Medina-Alarcón
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Ana Carolina Moreira da Silva Pires
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Jenyffie Araújo Belizario
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Lígia de Souza Fernandes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrei Moroz
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Luis R. Martinez
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Center for Immunology and Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Orville Hernandez Ruiz
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (O.H.R.); (Á.G.)
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Group University of Antioquia, Corporation for Biological Research, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Ángel González
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (O.H.R.); (Á.G.)
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.M.F.-A.); (S.d.M.S.); (K.S.d.S.); (M.W.d.L.G.); (C.O.V.); (A.R.C.); (K.P.M.-A.); (A.C.M.d.S.P.); (J.A.B.); (L.d.S.F.); (A.M.)
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Keymaram M, Falahati M, Farahyar S, Lotfali E, Abolghasemi S, Mahmoudi S, Sadeghi F, Khalandi H, Ghasemi R, Shamsaei S, Raiesi O. Anti-biofilm properties of eucalyptol in combination with antifungals against Candida albicans isolates in patients with hematological malignancy. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:295. [PMID: 35508567 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02911-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection caused mainly by Candida albicans and it is a major problem among hematologic malignancy patients. Biofilm formation is an attributable factor to both virulence and drug resistance of Candida species. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biofilm-producing ability of oral C. albicans isolates and to evaluate the inhibitory activity of eucalyptol on Candida biofilm, alone and in combination with antifungal agents. Samples were collected from the oral cavity of 106 patients with hematologic malignancy. The isolated yeasts were identified by PCR-sequencing. Then C. albicans isolates were analyzed for their biofilm-producing ability by crystal violet staining and MTT assay. The minimum biofilm inhibition concentrations (MBIC) of eucalyptol, amphotericin B, itraconazole, and nystatin and the in vitro interaction of eucalyptol with these drugs were tested according to CLSI-M-27-A3 protocol and checkerboard methods, respectively. From 106 patients, 50 (47.2%) were confirmed for oral candidiasis [mean ± SD age 39 ± 14 years; female 31 (62%) and male 19 (38%)]. C. albicans was isolated from 40 of 50 (80%) patients. From 40 C. albicans isolates, 24 (60%) and 16 (40%) were moderate and weak biofilm producer, respectively. The geometric mean MBIC of amphotericin B, itraconazole, nystatin and eucalyptol were 3.93 µg/mL, 12.55 µg/mL, 0.75 µg/mL and 798 µg/mL, respectively. Eucalyptol interacted synergistically with amphotericin B, itraconazole and nystatin against 12.5, 10, and 22.5% of isolates, respectively. Eucalyptol demonstrated promising activity against biofilm of C. albicans when tested alone or combined with antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahyar Keymaram
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehraban Falahati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shirin Farahyar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ensieh Lotfali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Abolghasemi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medial Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Halala Khalandi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ghasemi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Shamsaei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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Carvalho GC, Araujo VHS, Fonseca-Santos B, de Araújo JTC, de Souza MPC, Duarte JL, Chorilli M. Highlights in poloxamer-based drug delivery systems as strategy at local application for vaginal infections. Int J Pharm 2021; 602:120635. [PMID: 33895295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120635] [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] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases related to the vagina include diseases caused by the imbalance of the vaginal flora and by sexually transmitted infections. Some of these present themselves as a public health problem due to the lack of efficient treatment that leads to their complete cure, and others due to the growing resistance to drugs used in therapy. In this sense, new treatment strategies are desirable, with vaginal administration rout being a great choice since can bypass first-pass metabolism and decrease drug interactions and adverse effects. However, it is worth highlighting limitations related to patient's discomfort at application time. Thereby, the use of poloxamer-based drug delivery systems is desirable due its stimuli-sensitive characteristic. Therefore, the present review reports a brief overview of poloxamer properties, biological behavior and advances in poloxamer applications in controlled drug release systems for infectious diseases related to the vagina treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Corrêa Carvalho
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903 Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Sousa Araujo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903 Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Bruno Fonseca-Santos
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-871 Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jonatas Lobato Duarte
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903 Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903 Araraquara, Brazil.
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Mba IE, Nweze EI. The use of nanoparticles as alternative therapeutic agents against Candida infections: an up-to-date overview and future perspectives. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:163. [PMID: 32990838 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-02940-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Candida spp. are opportunistic fungi that can cause severe infections especially in immunocompromised patients. Candidiasis is currently the most frequent fungal disease affecting humans globally. This rise is attributed to the vast increase in resistance to antifungal agents. In recent years, the epidemiological and clinical relevance of fungal infections caused by Candida species have attracted a lot of interest with increasing reports of intrinsic and acquired resistance among Candida species. Thus, the formulation of novel, and efficient therapy for Candida infection persists as a critical challenge in modern medicine. The use of nanoparticle as a potential biomaterial to achieve this feat has gained global attention. Nanoparticles have shown promising antifungal activity, and thus, could be seen as the next generation antifungal agents. This review concisely discussed Candida infection with emphasis on anti-candida resistance mechanisms and the use of nanoparticles as potential therapeutic agents against Candida species. Moreover, the mechanisms of activity of nanoparticles against Candida species, recent findings on the anti-candida potentials of nanoparticles and future perspectives are also presented.
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Araujo VHS, Duarte JL, Carvalho GC, Silvestre ALP, Fonseca-Santos B, Marena GD, Ribeiro TDC, Dos Santos Ramos MA, Bauab TM, Chorilli M. Nanosystems against candidiasis: a review of studies performed over the last two decades. Crit Rev Microbiol 2020; 46:508-547. [PMID: 32795108 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1803208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The crescent number of cases of candidiasis and the increase in the number of infections developed by non-albicans species and by multi-resistant strains has taken the attention of the scientific community, which has been searching for new therapeutic alternatives. Among the alternatives found the use of nanosystems for delivery of drugs already commercialized and new biomolecules have grown, in order to increase stability, solubility, optimize efficiency and reduce adverse effects. In view of the growing number of studies involving technological alternatives for the treatment of candidiasis, the present review came with the intention of gathering studies from the last two decades that used nanotechnology for the treatment of candidiasis, as well as analysing them critically and pointing out the future perspectives for their application with this purpose. Different studies were considered for the development of this review, addressing nanosystems such as metallic nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsion, microemulsion, solid lipid nanoparticle, nanostructured lipid carrier, lipidic nanocapsules and liquid crystals; and different clinical presentations of candidiasis. As a general overview, nanotechnology has proven to be an important ally for the treatment against the diversity of candidiasis found in the clinic, whether in increasing the effectiveness of commercialized drugs and reducing their adverse effects, as well as allowing exploring more effectively properties therapeutics of new biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Sousa Araujo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jonatas Lobato Duarte
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Corrêa Carvalho
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Fonseca-Santos
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Davi Marena
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tais de Cassia Ribeiro
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus Aparecido Dos Santos Ramos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Taís Maria Bauab
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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Sánchez-Alonzo K, Parra-Sepúlveda C, Vega S, Bernasconi H, Campos VL, Smith CT, Sáez K, García-Cancino A. In Vitro Incorporation of Helicobacter pylori into Candida albicans Caused by Acidic pH Stress. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060489. [PMID: 32575493 PMCID: PMC7350375 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Yeasts can adapt to a wide range of pH fluctuations (2 to 10), while Helicobacter pylori, a facultative intracellular bacterium, can adapt to a range from pH 6 to 8. This work analyzed if H. pylori J99 can protect itself from acidic pH by entering into Candida albicans ATCC 90028. Growth curves were determined for H. pylori and C. albicans at pH 3, 4, and 7. Both microorganisms were co-incubated at the same pH values, and the presence of intra-yeast bacteria was evaluated. Intra-yeast bacteria-like bodies were detected using wet mounting, and intra-yeast binding of anti-H. pylori antibodies was detected using immunofluorescence. The presence of the H. pylori rDNA 16S gene in total DNA from yeasts was demonstrated after PCR amplification. H. pylori showed larger death percentages at pH 3 and 4 than at pH 7. On the contrary, the viability of the yeast was not affected by any of the pHs evaluated. H. pylori entered into C. albicans at all the pH values assayed but to a greater extent at unfavorable pH values (pH 3 or 4, p = 0.014 and p = 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, it is possible to suggest that H. pylori can shelter itself within C. albicans under unfavorable pH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Sánchez-Alonzo
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenicity, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile; (K.S.-A.); (C.P.-S.); (S.V.); (C.T.S.)
| | - Cristian Parra-Sepúlveda
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenicity, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile; (K.S.-A.); (C.P.-S.); (S.V.); (C.T.S.)
| | - Samuel Vega
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenicity, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile; (K.S.-A.); (C.P.-S.); (S.V.); (C.T.S.)
| | | | - Víctor L. Campos
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepción 4070386, Chile;
| | - Carlos T. Smith
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenicity, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile; (K.S.-A.); (C.P.-S.); (S.V.); (C.T.S.)
| | - Katia Sáez
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile;
| | - Apolinaria García-Cancino
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenicity, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile; (K.S.-A.); (C.P.-S.); (S.V.); (C.T.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-41-2204144; Fax: 56-41-2245975
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Repurposing approach identifies pitavastatin as a potent azole chemosensitizing agent effective against azole-resistant Candida species. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7525. [PMID: 32372011 PMCID: PMC7200796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64571-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited number of antifungals and the rising frequency of azole-resistant Candida species are growing challenges to human medicine. Drug repurposing signifies an appealing approach to enhance the activity of current antifungal drugs. Here, we evaluated the ability of Pharmakon 1600 drug library to sensitize an azole-resistant Candida albicans to the effect of fluconazole. The primary screen revealed 44 non-antifungal hits were able to act synergistically with fluconazole against the test strain. Of note, 21 compounds, showed aptness for systemic administration and limited toxic effects, were considered as potential fluconazole adjuvants and thus were termed as “repositionable hits”. A follow-up analysis revealed pitavastatin displaying the most potent fluconazole chemosensitizing activity against the test strain (ΣFICI 0.05) and thus was further evaluated against 18 isolates of C. albicans (n = 9), C. glabrata (n = 4), and C. auris (n = 5). Pitavastatin displayed broad-spectrum synergistic interactions with both fluconazole and voriconazole against ~89% of the tested strains (ΣFICI 0.05–0.5). Additionally, the pitavastatin-fluconazole combination significantly reduced the biofilm-forming abilities of the tested Candida species by up to 73%, and successfully reduced the fungal burdens in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model by up to 96%. This study presents pitavastatin as a potent azole chemosensitizing agent that warrant further investigation.
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Ramos LS, Oliveira SSC, Silva LN, Granato MQ, Gonçalves DS, Frases S, Seabra SH, Macedo AJ, Kneipp LF, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Surface, adhesiveness and virulence aspects of Candida haemulonii species complex. Med Mycol 2020; 58:973-986. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe emerging opportunistic pathogens comprising the Candida haemulonii complex (C. haemulonii [Ch], C. duobushaemulonii [Cd] and C. haemulonii var. vulnera[Chv]) are notable for their intrinsic antifungal resistance. Different clinical manifestations are associated with these fungal infections; however, little is known about their biology and potential virulence attributes. Herein, we evaluated some surface properties of 12 clinical isolates of Ch (n = 5), Cd (n = 4) and Chv (n = 3) as well as their virulence on murine macrophages and Galleria mellonella larvae. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of homogeneous populations among the species of the C. haemulonii complex, represented by oval yeasts with surface irregularities able to form aggregates. Cell surface hydrophobicity was isolate-specific, exhibiting high (16.7%), moderate (25.0%) and low (58.3%) hydrophobicity. The isolates had negative surface charge, except for one. Mannose/glucose- and N-acetylglucosamine-containing glycoconjugates were evidenced in considerable amounts in all isolates; however, the surface expression of sialic acid was poorly detected. Cd isolates presented significantly higher amounts of chitin than Ch and Chv. Membrane sterol and lipid bodies, containing neutral lipids, were quite similar among all fungi studied. All isolates adhered to inert surfaces in the order: polystyrene > poly-L-lysine-coated glass > glass. Likewise, they interacted with murine macrophages in a quite similar way. Regarding in vivo virulence, the C. haemulonii species complex were able to kill at least 80% of the larvae after 120 hours. Our results evidenced the ability of C. haemulonii complex to produce potential surface-related virulence attributes, key components that actively participate in the infection process described in Candida spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia S Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Simone S C Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Laura N Silva
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcela Q Granato
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego S Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sergio H Seabra
- Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre J Macedo
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Centro de Biotecnologia and Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucimar F Kneipp
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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