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Marzucco A, Gatti G, Montanari MS, Fantini M, Colosimo C, Tamburini MV, Arfilli V, Morotti M, Schiavone P, Congestrì F, Manera M, Denicolò A, Brandolini M, Taddei F, Grumiro L, Zannoli S, Dirani G, De Pascali AM, Sambri V, Cricca M. Evaluation of Biofilm Production and Antifungal Susceptibility to Fluconazole in Clinical Isolates of Candida spp. in Both Planktonic and Biofilm Form. Microorganisms 2024; 12:153. [PMID: 38257980 PMCID: PMC10820201 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010153] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida spp. are an important opportunistic pathogen that can represent a possible cause of severe infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The clinical impact of Candida spp. depends, in part, on the ability to form biofilms, communities of nestled cells into the extracellular matrix. In this study, we compared the biofilm formation ability of 83 strains of Candida spp. isolated from blood cultures and other materials, such as respiratory samples, urine, and exudate, and their sensitivity to fluconazole (FLZ). Strains were divided into tertiles to establish cut-offs to classify isolates as low, moderate, or high biofilm producers (<0.26, 0.266-0.839, >0.839) and biofilms with low, moderate, or high metabolic activity (<0.053, 0.053-0.183, >0.183). A non-linear relationship between biofilm production and metabolic activity was found in C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. In addition, the increase in minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC50) compared to the Minor Inhibitory Concentration (PMIC) of the planktonic form in Candida spp. confirms the role of biofilm in the induction of resistance to FLZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marzucco
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Giulia Gatti
- DIN—Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Maria Sofia Montanari
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Michela Fantini
- Health Services Research, Evaluation and Policy Unit, AUSL Romagna, 42123 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Claudia Colosimo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Tamburini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Valentina Arfilli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Manuela Morotti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Pasqualina Schiavone
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Francesco Congestrì
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Manera
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Agnese Denicolò
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Brandolini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Francesca Taddei
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Laura Grumiro
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Silvia Zannoli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Giorgio Dirani
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandra Mistral De Pascali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Monica Cricca
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
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Contreras-Martínez OI, Angulo-Ortíz A, Santafé-Patiño G, Aviña-Padilla K, Velasco-Pareja MC, Yasnot MF. Transcriptional Reprogramming of Candida tropicalis in Response to Isoespintanol Treatment. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1199. [PMID: 38132799 PMCID: PMC10744401 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121199] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida tropicalis, an opportunistic pathogen, ranks among the primary culprits of invasive candidiasis, a condition notorious for its resistance to conventional antifungal drugs. The urgency to combat these drug-resistant infections has spurred the quest for novel therapeutic compounds, with a particular focus on those of natural origin. In this study, we set out to evaluate the impact of isoespintanol (ISO), a monoterpene derived from Oxandra xylopioides, on the transcriptome of C. tropicalis. Leveraging transcriptomics, our research aimed to unravel the intricate transcriptional changes induced by ISO within this pathogen. Our differential gene expression analysis unveiled 186 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to ISO, with a striking 85% of these genes experiencing upregulation. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of ISO's influence on C. tropicalis, spanning a spectrum of physiological, structural, and metabolic adaptations. The upregulated DEGs predominantly pertained to crucial processes, including ergosterol biosynthesis, protein folding, response to DNA damage, cell wall integrity, mitochondrial activity modulation, and cellular responses to organic compounds. Simultaneously, 27 genes were observed to be repressed, affecting functions such as cytoplasmic translation, DNA damage checkpoints, membrane proteins, and metabolic pathways like trans-methylation, trans-sulfuration, and trans-propylamine. These results underscore the complexity of ISO's antifungal mechanism, suggesting that it targets multiple vital pathways within C. tropicalis. Such complexity potentially reduces the likelihood of the pathogen developing rapid resistance to ISO, making it an attractive candidate for further exploration as a therapeutic agent. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive overview of the transcriptional responses of C. tropicalis to ISO exposure. The identified molecular targets and pathways offer promising avenues for future research and the development of innovative antifungal therapies to combat infections caused by this pathogenic yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Angulo-Ortíz
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia; (A.A.-O.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Gilmar Santafé-Patiño
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia; (A.A.-O.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Katia Aviña-Padilla
- Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the I.P.N. Unit Irapuato, Irapuato 36821, Mexico;
| | - María Camila Velasco-Pareja
- Bacteriology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia; (M.C.V.-P.); (M.F.Y.)
| | - María Fernanda Yasnot
- Bacteriology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia; (M.C.V.-P.); (M.F.Y.)
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Contreras Martínez OI, Angulo Ortíz A, Santafé Patiño G, Peñata-Taborda A, Berrio Soto R. Isoespintanol Antifungal Activity Involves Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Inhibition of Biofilm Formation, and Damage to Cell Wall Integrity in Candida tropicalis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10187. [PMID: 37373346 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing increase in infections caused by C. tropicalis, associated with its drug resistance and consequent high mortality, especially in immunosuppressed people, today generates a serious global public health problem. In the search for new potential drug candidates that can be used as treatments or adjuvants in the control of infections by these pathogenic yeasts, the objective of this research was to evaluate the action of isoespintanol (ISO) against the formation of fungal biofilms, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and its effect on the integrity of the cell wall. We report the ability of ISO to inhibit the formation of biofilms by up to 89.35%, in all cases higher than the values expressed by amphotericin B (AFB). Flow cytometric experiments using rhodamine 123 (Rh123) showed the ability of ISO to cause mitochondrial dysfunction in these cells. Likewise, experiments using calcofluor white (CFW) and analyzed by flow cytometry showed the ability of ISO to affect the integrity of the cell wall by stimulating chitin synthesis; these changes in the integrity of the wall were also observed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These mechanisms are involved in the antifungal action of this monoterpene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Angulo Ortíz
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
| | - Gilmar Santafé Patiño
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
| | - Ana Peñata-Taborda
- Biomedical and Molecular Biology Research Group, Universidad del Sinú E.B.Z., Montería 230001, Colombia
| | - Ricardo Berrio Soto
- Biology Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
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Contreras Martínez OI, Angulo Ortíz A, Santafé Patiño G. Mechanism of Antifungal Action of Monoterpene Isoespintanol against Clinical Isolates of Candida tropicalis. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185808. [PMID: 36144544 PMCID: PMC9505055 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing increase in infections by Candida spp., non-albicans, coupled with expressed drug resistance and high mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients, have made candidemia a great challenge. The efficacy of compounds of plant origin with antifungal potential has recently been reported as an alternative to be used. Our objective was to evaluate the mechanism of the antifungal action of isoespintanol (ISO) against clinical isolates of Candida tropicalis. Microdilution assays revealed fungal growth inhibition, showing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 326.6 and 500 µg/mL. The eradication of mature biofilms by ISO was between 20.3 and 25.8% after 1 h of exposure, being in all cases higher than the effect caused by amphotericin B (AFB), with values between 7.2 and 12.4%. Flow cytometry showed changes in the permeability of the plasma membrane, causing loss of intracellular material and osmotic balance; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the damage to the integrity of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, ISO induced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS). This indicates that the antifungal action of ISO is associated with damage to membrane integrity and the induction of iROS production, causing cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Angulo Ortíz
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
| | - Gilmar Santafé Patiño
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
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