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Cavallo L, Menotti F, Roana J, Costa C, Longo F, Pagano C, Curtoni A, Bondi A, Banche G, Allizond V, Mandras N. Synergistic Effect of Essential Oils and Antifungal Agents in Fighting Resistant Clinical Isolates of Candida auris. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:957. [PMID: 39065654 PMCID: PMC11279409 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070957] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, a large number of nosocomial infections have been caused by an emerging pathogen that is rising as a worldwide issue in human health: Candida auris. This yeast is considered resistant to antifungals of the first-line therapies, and consequently it is related to morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the in vitro anti-C. auris activity against twenty-three resistant clinical strains of different essential oils (EOs), pure or in combination with traditional antifungal agents, mainly caspofungin, fluconazole, micafungin and 5-flucytosine. Broth dilution assay was performed to evaluate the fungistatic and fungicidal effectiveness of fifteen EOs towards all the C. auris isolates. The data demonstrated that EOs were able to prevent C. auris growth, with MIC values ranging from 0.03 to 1% for the efficacious EOs (thyme, cinnamon, geranium, clove bud, lemongrass and mentha of Pancalieri), whereas the MICs were >1% for the ineffective ones. Thereafter, the six most effective EOs were used to perform the checkerboard experiments by assaying simultaneously the activity of EOs and traditional antifungals towards two selected strains. The most promising synergic combinations towards C. auris, depending on the isolate, were those with micafungin and geranium, thyme, cinnamon, lemongrass or clove bud EOs, with fluconazole and mentha of Pancalieri EO, and with 5-flucytosine and mentha of Pancalieri EO. These EOs and their combinations with antifungal drugs may provide a useful therapeutic alternative that could reduce the dose of the individual components, limiting the overall side effects. These associations might be a prospective option for the future treatment of infections, thus helping to overcome the challenging issue of resistance in C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Cavallo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
| | - Francesca Menotti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
| | - Janira Roana
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
| | - Cristina Costa
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (A.O.U.) Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Longo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
| | - Claudia Pagano
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
| | - Antonio Curtoni
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (A.O.U.) Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bondi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (A.O.U.) Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuliana Banche
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
| | - Valeria Allizond
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
| | - Narcisa Mandras
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (J.R.); (C.C.); (F.L.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (N.M.)
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Kowalczyk A. Essential Oils against Candida auris-A Promising Approach for Antifungal Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:568. [PMID: 38927234 PMCID: PMC11200742 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060568] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Candida auris as a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen represents a significant global health challenge, especially given the growing issue of antifungal drug resistance. This review aims to illuminate the potential of essential oils (EOs), which are volatile plant secretions containing complex mixtures of chemicals, as alternative antifungal agents to combat C. auris, thus combining traditional insights with contemporary scientific findings to address this critical health issue. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 2019 to 2024, and using the Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol to identify relevant studies on the antifungal efficacy of EOs or their components against C. auris. Of the 90 articles identified, 16 were selected for detailed review. The findings highlight the diverse mechanisms of action of EOs and their components, such as disrupting fungal cell membranes, inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and impeding biofilm formation, suggesting that some of them may be as effective as, or better than, traditional antifungal drugs while potentially limiting the development of resistance. However, issues such as variability in the composition of EOs and a paucity of clinical trials have been identified as significant obstacles. In conclusion, EOs and their active ingredients are emerging as viable candidates for creating effective treatments for C. auris, underscoring their importance as alternative or complementary antifungal agents in the face of increasing drug resistance. The call for future research underscores the need for clinical trials and standardization to unlock the full antifungal potential of EOs against C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kowalczyk
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
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Xu X, Dong Y, Yang J, Wang L, Ma L, Song F, Ma X. Secondary Metabolites from Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium rubens BTBU20213035. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:424. [PMID: 38921410 PMCID: PMC11204949 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060424] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Two new polyketide derivatives, penirubenones A and B (1 and 2), and two naturally rare amino-bis-tetrahydrofuran derivatives, penirubenamides A and B (3 and 4), together with nine known compounds (5-13) were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium rubens BTBU20213035. The structures were identified by HRESIMS and 1D and 2D NMR analyses, and their absolute configurations were determined by a comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy and 13C NMR data. We found that 6 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with an MIC value of 3.125 μg/mL, and 1 and 2 showed synergistic antifungal activity against Candida albicans at 12.5 and 50 μg/mL with 0.0625 μg/mL rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources and Polar Geology, Ministry of Education, School of Ocean Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yifei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education of China, School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jinpeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources and Polar Geology, Ministry of Education, School of Ocean Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Long Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Linlin Ma
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Fuhang Song
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education of China, School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, China
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Salvatore MM, Maione A, Imparato M, Salvatore F, Guida M, Galdiero E, Andolfi A. A metabolomics footprinting approach using GC-MS to study inhibitory effects of the fungal metabolite diplopyrone C against nosocomial pathogen biofilms. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 243:116081. [PMID: 38452422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116081] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Seen initially as wonder drugs, the widespread and often inappropriate use of antibiotics led to the development of microbial resistances. As a result, a true emergency has arisen, and a significant need has emerged to discover and develop new safe and valuable antibiotics. The captivating chemical structure of the fungal metabolite diplopyrone C has caught our attention as an excellent candidate for a circumstantial study aimed at revealing its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. In this work, we describe the full analytical strategy from the isolation/identification to the evaluation of the metabolomics effect on target microorganisms of this fungal metabolite. Our results show interesting antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of diplopyrone C against two frequently isolated nosocomial pathogens (i.e., the fungus Candida albicans and the gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae). Moreover, a GC-MS based metabolomics footprinting approach gave an insight into the uptake and excretion of metabolites from and into the culture medium as a response to the presence of this active substance. The workflow employed in this study is suitable to exploit natural resources for the search of lead compounds for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Michela Salvatore
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy.
| | - Angela Maione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Marianna Imparato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Francesco Salvatore
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy; BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, NA 80055, Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy.
| | - Anna Andolfi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy
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Imparato M, Maione A, Buonanno A, Gesuele R, Gallucci N, Corsaro MM, Paduano L, Casillo A, Guida M, Galdiero E, de Alteriis E. Extracellular Vesicles from a Biofilm of a Clinical Isolate of Candida albicans Negatively Impact on Klebsiella pneumoniae Adherence and Biofilm Formation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:80. [PMID: 38247639 PMCID: PMC10812662 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010080] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans produces and releases into the surrounding medium extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are involved in some processes as communication between fungal cells and host-pathogen interactions during infection. Here, we have conducted the isolation of EVs produced by a clinical isolate of C. albicans during biofilm formation and proved their effect towards the ability of the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae to adhere to HaCaT cells and form a biofilm in vitro. The results represent the first evidence of an antagonistic action of fungal EVs against bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Imparato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.I.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (R.G.); (M.G.); (E.d.A.)
| | - Angela Maione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.I.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (R.G.); (M.G.); (E.d.A.)
| | - Annalisa Buonanno
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.I.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (R.G.); (M.G.); (E.d.A.)
| | - Renato Gesuele
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.I.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (R.G.); (M.G.); (E.d.A.)
| | - Noemi Gallucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.C.); (L.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria Michela Corsaro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.C.); (L.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Luigi Paduano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.C.); (L.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Casillo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.C.); (L.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.I.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (R.G.); (M.G.); (E.d.A.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.I.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (R.G.); (M.G.); (E.d.A.)
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Alteriis
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.I.); (A.M.); (A.B.); (R.G.); (M.G.); (E.d.A.)
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Otun SO, Graca R, Achilonu I. Combating Aminoglycoside Resistance: From Structural and Functional Characterisation to Therapeutic Challenges with RKAAT. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:454-468. [PMID: 38314602 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037278814231226104509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive knowledge of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs) and their role in bacterial resistance mechanisms is urgently required due to the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance, particularly in Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. This study explores the essential features of AMEs, including their structural and functional properties, the processes by which they contribute to antibiotic resistance, and the therapeutic importance of aminoglycosides. The study primarily examines the Recombinant Klebsiella pneumoniae Aminoglycoside Adenylyl Transferase (RKAAT), particularly emphasizing its biophysical characteristics and the sorts of resistance it imparts. Furthermore, this study examines the challenges presented by RKAAT-mediated resistance, an evaluation of treatment methods and constraints, and options for controlling infection. The analysis provides a prospective outlook on strategies to address and reduce antibiotic resistance. This extensive investigation seeks to provide vital insights into the continuing fight against bacterial resistance, directing future research efforts and medicinal approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Oluwatobi Otun
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Protein Structure-function Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Richard Graca
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Protein Structure-function Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Protein Structure-function Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Xu D, Liu Y, Li X, Wang F, Huang Y, Ma X. Application and Effect of Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as Starter Cultures on Bacterial Communities and Volatile Flavor Compounds of Zhayu, a Chinese Traditional Fermented Fish Product. Foods 2023; 12:foods12091768. [PMID: 37174306 PMCID: PMC10178518 DOI: 10.3390/foods12091768] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Zhayu is a type of traditional fermented fish product in China that is made through the fermentation of salted fish with a mixture of cereals and spices. Inoculation fermentation was performed using Pediococcus pentosaceus P1, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L1, and a mixture of two strains, which were isolated from cured fish in Hunan Province. Compared with the natural fermentation, inoculation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) accelerated the degradation of myosin and actin in Zhayu, increased the trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble peptide content by about 1.3-fold, reduced the colony counts of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus by about 40%, and inhibited their lipid oxidation. In the texture profile analysis performed, higher levels of hardness and chewiness were observed in the inoculation groups. In this study, the bacterial community and volatile flavor compounds were detected through 16S high-throughput sequencing and headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Inoculation with L. plantarum L1 reduced around 75% abundance of Klebsiella compared with the natural fermentation group, which was positively correlated with 2,3-Butanediol, resulting in a less pungent alcohol odor in Zhayu products. The abundances of 2-pentylfuran and 2-butyl-3-methylpyrazine were increased over threefold in the L1 group, which may give Zhayu its unique flavor and aroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Xu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Aquatic Food Resources Processing, School of Food Science and Bioengineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Yongle Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Aquatic Food Resources Processing, School of Food Science and Bioengineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Xianghong Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Aquatic Food Resources Processing, School of Food Science and Bioengineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Faxiang Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Aquatic Food Resources Processing, School of Food Science and Bioengineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Yiqun Huang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Aquatic Food Resources Processing, School of Food Science and Bioengineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Xiayin Ma
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Aquatic Food Resources Processing, School of Food Science and Bioengineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
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Anti-Biofilm Activity of Phenyllactic Acid against Clinical Isolates of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030355. [PMID: 36983523 PMCID: PMC10054014 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Commonly found colonizing the human microbiota, Candida albicans is a microorganism known for its ability to cause infections, mainly in the vulvovaginal region, and is responsible for 85% to 90% of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) cases. The development of drug resistance in C. albicans isolates after long-term therapy with fluconazole is an important complication to solve and new therapeutic strategies are required to target this organism and its pathogenicity. In the present study, phenyllactic acid (PLA) an important broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound was investigated for its antifungal and antivirulence activities against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Previously characterized strains of C. albicans isolates from women with VVC and C. albicans ATCC90028 were used to evaluate the antimicrobial and time dependent killing assay activity of PLA showing a MIC 7.5 mg mL−1 and a complete reduction of viable Candida cells detected by killing kinetics after 4 h of treatment with PLA. Additionally, PLA significantly reduced the biomass and the metabolic activity of C. albicans biofilms and impaired biofilm formation also with changes in ERG11, ALS3, and HWP1 genes expression as detected by qPCR. PLA eradicated pre-formed biofilms as showed also with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations. Furthermore, the compound prolonged the survival rate of Galleria mellonella infected by C. albicans isolates. These results indicate that PLA is a promising candidate as novel and safe antifungal agents for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Bellavita R, Maione A, Braccia S, Sinoca M, Galdiero S, Galdiero E, Falanga A. Myxinidin-Derived Peptide against Biofilms Caused by Cystic Fibrosis Emerging Pathogens. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043092. [PMID: 36834512 PMCID: PMC9964602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are triggered by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The CF airways are considered ideal sites for the colonization and growth of bacteria and fungi that favor the formation of mixed biofilms that are difficult to treat. The inefficacy of traditional antibiotics reinforces the need to find novel molecules able to fight these chronic infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising alternative for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. We developed a more serum-stable version of the peptide WMR (WMR-4) and investigated its ability to inhibit and eradicate C. albicans, S. maltophilia, and A. xylosoxidans biofilms in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Our results suggest that the peptide is able better to inhibit than to eradicate both mono and dual-species biofilms, which is further confirmed by the downregulation of some genes involved in biofilm formation or in quorum-sensing signaling. Biophysical data help to elucidate its mode of action, showing a strong interaction of WMR-4 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its insertion in liposomes mimicking Gram-negative and Candida membranes. Our results support the promising therapeutic application of AMPs in the treatment of mono- and dual-species biofilms during chronic infections in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Maione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Braccia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marica Sinoca
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via dell’ Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-253-4525
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Maione A, Mileo A, Pugliese S, Siciliano A, Cirillo L, Carraturo F, de Alteriis E, De Falco M, Guida M, Galdiero E. VT-1161-A Tetrazole for Management of Mono- and Dual-Species Biofilms. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020237. [PMID: 36838202 PMCID: PMC9963680 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020237] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
VT-1161 is a novel tetrazole antifungal agent with high specificity for fungal CYP51 (compared to human CYP enzymes) which has been proven to have fewer adverse effects and drug-drug interaction profiles due to fewer off-target inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated the anti-biofilm potential of VT-1161 against mono- and dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. VT-1161 inhibited planktonic growth of all three strains, with an MIC value of 2 µg mL-1 for C. albicans and 0.5 µg mL-1 for K. pneumoniae and S. aureus, and killed 99.9% of the microbial populations, indicating a cytocidal action. Additionally, VT-1161 showed an excellent anti-biofilm action, since it inhibited mono-microbial biofilms by 80% at 0.5 µg mL-1, and dual-species biofilms of C. albicans/K. pneumoniae and C. albicans/S. aureus by 90% at the same concentration. Additionally, the eradication of mature biofilms after 24 h of VT-1161 exposure was excellent, reaching 90% at 2 μg mL-1 for both mono- and dual-species biofilms. In such mixed biofilms, the use of VT-1161 was revealed to be an alternative treatment because it was able to reduce the number of cells of each species during both inhibition and eradication. Since long-term therapy is necessary for most fungal biofilm infections due to their recurrence and obstinacy, VT-1161 showed low cytotoxicity against normal human cell lines and also against the invertebrate model Caenorhabditis elegans. Considering the excellent anti-biofilm potential and its GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status, VT-1161 may find use in the prevention or therapeutic treatment of mono- or poly-microbial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Maione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Mileo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Pugliese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Siciliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Cirillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Carraturo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Alteriis
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria De Falco
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Rosato R, Napoli E, Granata G, Di Vito M, Garzoli S, Geraci C, Rizzo S, Torelli R, Sanguinetti M, Bugli F. Study of the Chemical Profile and Anti-Fungal Activity against Candida auris of Cinnamomum cassia Essential Oil and of Its Nano-Formulations Based on Polycaprolactone. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:358. [PMID: 36679069 PMCID: PMC9860731 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris represents an emerging pathogen that results in nosocomial infections and is considered a serious global health problem. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CC-EO) pure or formulated in polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles against ten clinical strains of C. auris. METHODS nanoparticles of PCL were produced using CC-EO (nano-CC-EO) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) through the nanoprecipitation method. The chemical profile of both CC-EO and nano-CC-EO was evaluated using SPME sampling followed by GC-MS analysis. Micro-broth dilution tests were performed to evaluate both fungistatic and fungicidal effectiveness of CC-EO and CIN, pure and nano-formulated. Furthermore, checkerboard tests to evaluate the synergistic action of CC-EO or nano-CC-EO with micafungin or fluconazole were conducted. Finally, the biofilm disrupting activity of both formulations was evaluated. RESULTS GC-MS analysis shows a different composition between CC-EO and nano-CC-EO. Moreover, the microbiological analyses do not show any variation in antifungal effectiveness either towards the planktonic form (MICCC-EO = 0.01 ± 0.01 and MICnano-CC-EO = 0.02 ± 0.01) or the biofilm form. No synergistic activity with the antifungal drugs tested was found. CONCLUSIONS both CC-EO and nano-CC-EO show the same antimicrobial effectiveness and are potential assets in the fight against C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rosato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Napoli
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare—Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Granata
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare—Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Maura Di Vito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Garzoli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università di Roma Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Corrada Geraci
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare—Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Rizzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00167 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bugli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00167 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
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The Arylamidine T-2307 as a Novel Treatment for the Prevention and Eradication of Candida tropicalis Biofilms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416042. [PMID: 36555687 PMCID: PMC9786618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416042] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida tropicalis is an emerging pathogen with a high mortality rate due to its virulence factors, including biofilm formation, that has important repercussions on the public health system. The ability of C. tropicalis to form biofilms, which are potentially more resistant to antifungal drugs and the consequent increasing antimicrobial resistance, highlights an urgent need for the development of novel antifungal. The present study analyzed the antibiofilm capacity of the arylamidine T-2307 on two strains of Candida tropicalis. Antimicrobial activity and time-killing assays were performed to evaluate the anticandidal effects of T-2307, the antibiofilm ability on biomass inhibition and eradication was evaluated by the crystal violet (CV) method. Furthermore, in Galleria mellonella infected larvae an increased survival after pre-and post- treatment with T-2307 was observed. The MTT test was used to determine the viability of immortalized human prostate epithelial cells (PNT1A) after exposure to different concentrations of T-2307. Levels of interleukin IL-4, IL-8, IL-10 were quantified after Candida infection of PNT1A cells and treatment. Active doses of T-2307 did not affect the viability of PNT1A cells, and drug concentrations of 0.005 or 0.01 µg mL-1 inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these results provide new information on T-2307, indicating this drug as a new and promising alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of Candida infections.
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Increasing the Efficacy of Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus- Candida albicans Mixed Infections with Myrtenol. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121743. [PMID: 36551400 PMCID: PMC9774912 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121743] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by various nosocomial microorganisms affect worldwide both immunocompromised and relatively healthy persons. Bacteria and fungi have different tools to evade antimicrobials, such as hydrolysis damaging the drug, efflux systems, and the formation of biofilm that significantly complicates the treatment of the infection. Here, we show that myrtenol potentiates the antimicrobial and biofilm-preventing activity of conventional drugs against S. aureus and C. albicans mono- and dual-species cultures. In our study, the two optical isomers, (-)-myrtenol and (+)-myrtenol, have been tested as either antibacterials, antifungals, or enhancers of conventional drugs. (+)-Myrtenol demonstrated a synergistic effect with amikacin, fluconazole, and benzalkonium chloride on 64-81% of the clinical isolates of S. aureus and C. albicans, including MRSA and fluconazole-resistant fungi, while (-)-myrtenol increased the properties of amikacin and fluconazole to repress biofilm formation in half of the S. aureus and C. albicans isolates. Furthermore, myrtenol was able to potentiate benzalkonium chloride up to sixteen-fold against planktonic cells in an S. aureus-C. albicans mixed culture and repressed the adhesion of S. aureus. The mechanism of both (-)-myrtenol and (+)-myrtenol synergy with conventional drugs was apparently driven by membrane damage since the treatment with both terpenes led to a significant drop in membrane potential similar to the action of benzalkonium chloride. Thus, due to the low toxicity of myrtenol, it seems to be a promising agent to increase the efficiency of the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and be fungi of the genus Candida as well as mixed fungal-bacterial infections, including resistant strains.
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