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Butassi E, Blanc AR, Svetaz LA. Phytolacca tetramera berries extracts and its main constituents as potentiators of antifungal drugs against Candida spp. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155569. [PMID: 38795695 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive antifungal drug use has enhanced fungal resistance, resulting in persistent mycoses. Combining antifungal plant extracts/compounds with these drugs offers good alternatives to increase the activity of both partners, minimize side effects, and overcome drug resistance. In our previous study, Phytolacca tetramera berries extracts demonstrated activity against Candida spp., correlating with the amount of the main constituent phytolaccoside B and its genin, phytolaccagenin. The extracts and phytolaccagenin altered the fungal plasma membrane by binding to ergosterol, whereas phytolaccoside B increased chitin synthase activity. However, the presence of triterpenoid saponins in Phytolacca spp. has been linked to acute toxicity in humans. PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate combinations of P. tetramera berries extracts, phytolaccoside B and phytolaccagenin, together with commercial antifungals [amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin] against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, to find synergistic effects with multi-target actions, in which the doses of both partners are reduced, and therefore their toxicity. Additionally, we intended to explore their anti-virulence capacity, thereby hindering the development of drug-resistant strains. METHODS The effects of these combinations were evaluated using both the checkerboard and isobologram methods. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index and Dose Reduction Index were calculated to interpret the combination results. To confirm the multi-target effect, studies on mechanisms of action of synergistic mixtures were performed using ergosterol-binding and quantification assays. The ability to inhibit Candida virulence factors, including biofilm formation and eradication from inert surfaces, was also evaluated. Quantification of active markers was performed using a validated UHPLC-ESI-MS method. RESULTS Eight synergistic combinations of P. tetramera extracts or phytolaccagenin (but not phytolaccoside B) with itraconazole or posaconazole were obtained against C. albicans, including a resistant strain. These mixtures acted by binding to ergosterol, decreasing its whole content, and inhibiting Candida biofilm formation in 96-well microplates and feeding tubes in vitro, but were unable to eradicate preformed biofilms. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the synergistic and anti-virulence effects of P. tetramera berries extracts and phytolaccagenin with antifungal drugs against Candida spp., providing novel treatment avenues for fungal infections with reduced doses of both natural products and commercial antifungals, thereby mitigating potential human toxicity concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Butassi
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Alan Roy Blanc
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Laura Andrea Svetaz
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina.
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Nishimura A, Tanahashi R, Nakagami K, Morioka Y, Takagi H. The arginine transporter Can1 negatively regulates biofilm formation in yeasts. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1419530. [PMID: 38903792 PMCID: PMC11188447 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1419530] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The arginine transporter Can1 is a multifunctional protein of the conventional yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Apart from facilitating arginine uptake, Can1 plays a pivotal role in regulating proline metabolism and maintaining cellular redox balance. Here, we report a novel function of Can1 in the control of yeast biofilm formation. First, the S. cerevisiae CAN1 gene knockout strain displayed a significant growth delay compared to the wild-type strain. Our genetic screening revealed that the slow growth of the CAN1 knockout strain is rescued by a functional deficiency of the FLO8 gene, which encodes the master transcription factor associated with biofilm formation, indicating that Can1 is involved in biofilm formation. Intriguingly, the CAN1 knockout strain promoted the Flo11-dependent aggregation, leading to higher biofilm formation. Furthermore, the CAN1 knockout strain of the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata exhibited slower growth and higher biofilm formation, similar to S. cerevisiae. More importantly, the C. glabrata CAN1 gene knockout strain showed severe toxicity to macrophage-like cells and nematodes. The present results could help to elucidate both the molecular mechanism underlying yeast biofilm formation and the role it plays. Future investigations may offer insights that contribute to development of antibiofilm agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nishimura
- Institute for Research Initiatives, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Ryoya Tanahashi
- Institute for Research Initiatives, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Kazuki Nakagami
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Yuto Morioka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takagi
- Institute for Research Initiatives, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
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Fattouh N, Husni R, Finianos M, Bitar I, Khalaf RA. Adhesive and biofilm-forming Candida glabrata Lebanese hospital isolates harbour mutations in subtelomeric silencers and adhesins. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13750. [PMID: 38813959 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13750] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Candida glabrata healthcare-associated infections is on the rise worldwide and in Lebanon, Candida glabrata infections are difficult to treat as a result of their resistance to azole antifungals and their ability to form biofilms. OBJECTIVES The first objective of this study was to quantify biofilm biomass in the most virulent C. glabrata isolates detected in a Lebanese hospital. In addition, other pathogenicity attributes were evaluated. The second objective was to identify the mechanisms of azole resistance in those isolates. METHODS A mouse model of disseminated systemic infection was developed to evaluate the degree of virulence of 41 azole-resistant C. glabrata collected from a Lebanese hospital. The most virulent isolates were further evaluated alongside an isolate having attenuated virulence and a reference strain for comparative purposes. A DNA-sequencing approach was adopted to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) leading to amino acid changes in proteins involved in azole resistance and biofilm formation. This genomic approach was supported by several phenotypic assays. RESULTS All chosen virulent isolates exhibited increased adhesion and biofilm biomass compared to the isolate having attenuated virulence. The amino acid substitutions D679E and I739N detected in the subtelomeric silencer Sir3 are potentially involved- in increased adhesion. In all isolates, amino acid substitutions were detected in the ATP-binding cassette transporters Cdr1 and Pdh1 and their transcriptional regulator Pdr1. CONCLUSIONS In summary, increased adhesion led to stable biofilm formation since mutated Sir3 could de-repress adhesins, while decreased azole susceptibility could result from mutations in Cdr1, Pdh1 and Pdr1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Fattouh
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Saint George University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rola Husni
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese American University Medical Center, Rizk Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marc Finianos
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Ibrahim Bitar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Roy A Khalaf
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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Dasilva MA, Andrada KFC, Torales MM, Hughes IM, Pez P, García-Martínez JC, Paraje MG. Synergistic activity of gold nanoparticles with amphotericin B on persister cells of Candida tropicalis biofilms. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:254. [PMID: 38755625 PMCID: PMC11097580 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02415-6] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The antifungal activity was studied on sessile and persister cells (PCs) of Candida tropicalis biofilms of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stabilized with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB-AuNPs) and those conjugated with cysteine, in combination with Amphotericin B (AmB). MATERIALS/METHODS The PC model was used and synergistic activity was tested by the checkerboard assay. Biofilms were studied by crystal violet and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS After the combination of both AuNPs and AmB the biofilm biomass was reduced, with significant differences in architecture being observed with a reduced biofilm matrix. In addition, the CTAB-AuNPs-AmB combination significantly reduced PCs. Understanding how these AuNPs aid in the fight against biofilms and the development of new approaches to eradicate PCs has relevance for chronic infection treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Dasilva
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, X5000HUA, Argentina
| | - K F Crespo Andrada
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, X5000HUA, Argentina
| | - M Maldonado Torales
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, X5000HUA, Argentina
| | - I Manrrique Hughes
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, X5000HUA, Argentina
| | - P Pez
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, X5000HUA, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - J C García-Martínez
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, España
| | - María Gabriela Paraje
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, X5000HUA, Argentina.
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Xu D, Wang M, Zhang X, Mao H, Xu H, Zhang B, Zeng X, Li F. The Putative Cytochrome b5 Domain-Containing Protein CaDap1 Homologue Is Involved in Antifungal Drug Tolerance, Cell Wall Chitin Maintenance, and Virulence in Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:316. [PMID: 38786671 PMCID: PMC11122062 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050316] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (Ca), a prominent opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans, has garnered considerable attention due to its infectious properties. Herein, we have identified and characterized CaCDAP1 (Ca orf19.1034), a homolog of ScDAP1 found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. CaCDAP1 encodes a 183-amino acid protein with a conserved cytochrome b5-like heme-binding domain. The deletion of CaDAP1 renders Ca cells susceptible to caspofungin and terbinafine. CaDAP1 deletion confers resistance to Congo Red and Calcofluor White, and sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate. The deletion of CaDAP1 results in a 50% reduction in chitin content within the cell wall, the downregulation of phosphorylation levels in CaMkc1, and the upregulation of phosphorylation levels in CaCek1. Notably, CaDAP1 deletion results in the abnormal hyphal development of Ca cells and diminishes virulence in a mouse systemic infection model. Thus, CaDAP1 emerges as a critical regulator governing cellular responses to antifungal drugs, the synthesis of cell wall chitin, and virulence in Ca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayong Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; (M.W.); (X.Z.); (H.M.); (H.X.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Feng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; (M.W.); (X.Z.); (H.M.); (H.X.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
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Jafarlou M. Unveiling the menace: a thorough review of potential pandemic fungal disease. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1338726. [PMID: 38711422 PMCID: PMC11071163 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1338726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Fungal diseases have emerged as a significant global health threat, with the potential to cause widespread outbreaks and significant morbidity and mortality. Anticipating future pandemic fungal diseases is essential for effective preparedness and response strategies. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing research on this topic. Through an extensive examination of scholarly articles, this review identifies potential fungal pathogens that have the potential to become pandemics in the future. It explores the factors contributing to the emergence and spread of these fungal diseases, including climate change, globalization, and antimicrobial resistance. The review also discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating these diseases, including limited access to diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies. Furthermore, it examines the strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases, such as improved surveillance systems, public health education, and research advancements. The findings of this literature review contribute to our understanding of the potential risks posed by fungal diseases and provide valuable insights for public health professionals and policymakers in effectively preparing for and responding to future pandemic outbreaks. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts to anticipate and mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases.
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Sumlu E, Aydin M, Korucu EN, Alyar S, Nsangou AM. Artemisinin May Disrupt Hyphae Formation by Suppressing Biofilm-Related Genes of Candida albicans: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:310. [PMID: 38666986 PMCID: PMC11047306 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040310] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the antifungal and antibiofilm efficacy of artemisinin against Candida (C.) species, analyze its impact on gene expression levels within C. albicans biofilms, and investigate the molecular interactions through molecular docking. The antifungal efficacy of artemisinin on a variety of Candida species, including fluconazole-resistant and -susceptible species, was evaluated by the microdilution method. The effect of artemisinin on C. albicans biofilm formation was investigated by MTT and FESEM. The mRNA expression of the genes related to biofilm was analyzed by qRT-PCR. In addition, molecular docking analysis was used to understand the interaction between artemisinin and C. albicans at the molecular level with RAS1-cAMP-EFG1 and EFG1-regulated genes. Artemisinin showed higher sensitivity against non-albicans Candida strains. Furthermore, artemisinin was strongly inhibitory against C. albicans biofilms at 640 µg/mL. Artemisinin downregulated adhesion-related genes ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1, hyphal development genes UME6 and HGC1, and hyphal CAMP-dependent protein kinase regulators CYR1, RAS1, and EFG1. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed that artemisinin and EFG1 had the highest affinity, followed by UME6. FESEM analysis showed that the fluconazole- and artemisinin-treated groups exhibited a reduced hyphal network, unusual surface bulges, and the formation of pores on the cell surfaces. Our study suggests that artemisinin may have antifungal potential and showed a remarkable antibiofilm activity by significantly suppressing adhesion and hyphal development through interaction with key proteins involved in biofilm formation, such as EFG1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Sumlu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, KTO Karatay University, 42020 Konya, Turkey;
| | - Merve Aydin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, KTO Karatay University, 42020 Konya, Turkey
| | - Emine Nedime Korucu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Necmettin Erbakan University, 42090 Konya, Turkey;
| | - Saliha Alyar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Karatekin University, 18100 Çankırı, Turkey;
| | - Ahmed Moustapha Nsangou
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, 42130 Konya, Turkey;
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Yang W, Liu R, Li Z, Tu J, Xu D, Liu N, Sheng C. Discovery of New Tricyclic Oxime Sampangine Derivatives as Potent Antifungal Agents for the Treatment of Cryptococcosis and Candidiasis. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38489247 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) are classified as the critical priority groups among the pathogenic fungi, highlighting the urgent need for developing more effective antifungal therapies. On the basis of antifungal natural product sampangine, herein, a series of tricyclic oxime and oxime ether derivatives were designed. Among them, compound WZ-2 showed excellent inhibitory activity against C. neoformans (MIC80 = 0.016 μg/mL) and synergized with fluconazole to treat resistant C. albicans (FICI = 0.078). Interestingly, compound WZ-2 effectively inhibited virulence factors (e.g., capsule, biofilm, and yeast-to-hypha morphological transition), suggesting the potential to overcome drug resistance. In a mouse model of cryptococcal meningitis, compound WZ-2 (5 mg/kg) effectively reduced the brain C. neoformans H99 burden. Furthermore, compound WZ-2 alone and its combination with fluconazole also significantly reduced the kidney burden of the drug-resistant strain (0304103) and sensitive strain (SC5314) of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhen Yang
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ruxiong Liu
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jie Tu
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dongjian Xu
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Na Liu
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
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Paluch E, Bortkiewicz O, Widelski J, Duda-Madej A, Gleńsk M, Nawrot U, Lamch Ł, Długowska D, Sobieszczańska B, Wilk KA. A Combination of β-Aescin and Newly Synthesized Alkylamidobetaines as Modern Components Eradicating the Biofilms of Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Strains of Candida glabrata. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2541. [PMID: 38473787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052541] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The current trend in microbiological research aimed at limiting the development of biofilms of multidrug-resistant microorganisms is increasingly towards the search for possible synergistic effects between various compounds. This work presents a combination of a naturally occurring compound, β-aescin, newly synthesized alkylamidobetaines (AABs) with a general structure-CnTMDAB, and antifungal drugs. The research we conducted consists of several stages. The first stage concerns determining biological activity (antifungal) against selected multidrug-resistant strains of Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) with the highest ability to form biofilms. The second stage of this study determined the activity of β-aescin combinations with antifungal compounds and alkylamidobetaines. In the next stage of this study, the ability to eradicate a biofilm on the polystyrene surface of the combination of β-aescin with alkylamidobetaines was examined. It has been shown that the combination of β-aescin and alkylamidobetaine can firmly remove biofilms and reduce their viability. The last stage of this research was to determine the safety regarding the cytotoxicity of both β-aescin and alkylamidobetaines. Previous studies on the fibroblast cell line have shown that C9 alkylamidobetaine can be safely used as a component of anti-biofilm compounds. This research increases the level of knowledge about the practical possibilities of using anti-biofilm compounds in combined therapies against C. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Paluch
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-376 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga Bortkiewicz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-376 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Widelski
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Lublin Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Duda-Madej
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-376 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michał Gleńsk
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicines, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Nawrot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Lamch
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Daria Długowska
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Sobieszczańska
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-376 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kazimiera A Wilk
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
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Janeczko M, Kochanowicz E, Górka K, Skrzypek T. Quinalizarin as a potential antifungal drug for the treatment of Candida albicans fungal infection in cancer patients. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0365223. [PMID: 38289929 PMCID: PMC10913734 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03652-23] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the antifungal properties of quinalizarin, a plant-derived compound with proven anticancer effects. Quinalizarin exhibited antifungal activity against opportunistic pathogenic Candida species and Geotrichum capitatum. The treatment with this anthraquinone reduced hyphal growth, inhibited biofilm formation, and damaged mature Candida albicans biofilms. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that quinalizarin downregulated the expression of hyphae-related and biofilm-specific genes. The flow cytometry method used in the study showed that both apoptosis and necrosis were the physiological mechanisms of quinalizarin-induced C. albicans cell death, depending on the dose of the antifungal agent. A further study revealed an increase in the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential after treatment with quinalizarin. Finally, quinalizarin was found to have low toxicity in a hemolytic test using human erythrocytes. In conclusion, we have identified quinalizarin as a potential antifungal compound.IMPORTANCEThis article is a study to determine the antifungal activity of quinalizarin (1,2,5,8-tetrahydroxyanthraquinone). Quinalizarin has potential antitumor properties and is effective in different types of tumor cells. The aim of the present study was to prove that quinalizarin can be used simultaneously in the treatment of cancer and in the treatment of intercurrent fungal infections. Quinalizarin was identified as a novel antifungal compound with low toxicity. These results may contribute to the development of a new drug with dual activity in the treatment of cancer-associated candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Janeczko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kochanowicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kamila Górka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Skrzypek
- Department of Biomedicine and Environmental Research, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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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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Janeczko M, Kochanowicz E. Biochanin A Inhibits the Growth and Biofilm of Candida Species. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:89. [PMID: 38256922 PMCID: PMC10818846 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010089] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of biochanin A (BCA) against planktonic growth and biofilms of six Candida species, including C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. auris, and C. krusei. We applied various assays that determined (a) the antimicrobial effect on growth of Candida species, (b) the effect on formation of hyphae and biofilm, (c) the effect on the expression of genes related to hyphal growth and biofilm formation, (d) the influence on cell wall structure, and (e) the effect on cell membrane integrity and permeability. Moreover, disk diffusion tests were used to investigate the effect of a combination of BCA with fluconazole to assess their possible synergistic effect on drug-resistant C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. auris. Our results showed that the BCA MIC50 values against Candida species ranged between 125 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, and the MIC90 values were in a concentration range from 250 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL. The treatment with BCA inhibited adhesion of cells, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and biofilm formation and reduced hyphal growth in all the analyzed Candida species. Real-time qRT-PCR revealed that BCA down-regulated the expression of biofilm-specific genes in C. albicans. Furthermore, physical destruction of C. albicans cell membranes and cell walls as a result of the treatment with BCA was observed. The combination of BCA and fluconazole did not exert synergistic effects against fluconazole-resistant Candida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Janeczko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland;
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Lim SJ, Muhd Noor ND, Sabri S, Mohamad Ali MS, Salleh AB, Oslan SN. Features of the rare pathogen Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain SO and comprehensive in silico analyses of its adherence-contributing virulence factor agglutinin-like sequences. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38189364 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2300757] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Meyerozyma guilliermondii is a rare yeast pathogen contributing to the deadly invasive candidiasis. M. guilliermondii strain SO, as a promising protein expression host, showed 99% proteome similarity with the clinically isolated ATCC 6260 (type strain) in a recent comparative genomic analysis. However, their in vitro virulence features and in vivo pathogenicity were uncharacterized. This study aimed to characterize the in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity of M. guilliermondii strain SO and analyze its Als proteins (MgAls) via comprehensive bioinformatics approaches. M. guilliermondii strain SO showed lower and higher sensitivity towards β-mercaptoethanol and lithium, respectively than the avirulent S. cerevisiae but exhibited the same tolerance towards cell wall-perturbing Congo Red with C. albicans. With 7.5× higher biofilm mass, M. guilliermondii strain SO also demonstrated 75% higher mortality rate in the zebrafish embryos with a thicker biofilm layer on the chorion compared to the avirulent S. cerevisiae. Being one of the most important Candida adhesins, sequence and structural analyses of four statistically identified MgAls showed that MgAls1056 was predicted to exhibit the most conserved amyloid-forming regions, tandem repeat domain and peptide binding cavity (PBC) compared to C. albicans Als3. Favoured from the predicted largest ligand binding site and druggable pockets, it showed the highest affinity towards hepta-threonine. Non-PBC druggable pockets in the most potent virulence contributing MgAls1056 provide new insights into developing antifungal drugs targeting non-albicans Candida spp. Virtual screening of available synthetic or natural bioactive compounds and MgAls1056 deletion from the fungal genome should be further performed and validated experimentally.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Jie Lim
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Dina Muhd Noor
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suriana Sabri
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abu Bakar Salleh
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nurbaya Oslan
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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