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Argüelles JC, Sánchez-Fresneda R, Argüelles A, Solano F. Natural Substances as Valuable Alternative for Improving Conventional Antifungal Chemotherapy: Lights and Shadows. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:334. [PMID: 38786689 PMCID: PMC11122340 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050334] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms with relatively few pathogenic members dangerous for humans, usually acting as opportunistic infections. In the last decades, several life-threatening fungal infections have risen mostly associated with the worldwide extension of chronic diseases and immunosuppression. The available antifungal therapies cannot combat this challenge because the arsenal of compounds is scarce and displays low selective action, significant adverse effects, and increasing resistance. A growing isolation of outbreaks triggered by fungal species formerly considered innocuous is being recorded. From ancient times, natural substances harvested from plants have been applied to folk medicine and some of them recently emerged as promising antifungals. The most used are briefly revised herein. Combinations of chemotherapeutic drugs with natural products to obtain more efficient and gentle treatments are also revised. Nevertheless, considerable research work is still necessary before their clinical use can be generally accepted. Many natural products have a highly complex chemical composition, with the active principles still partially unknown. Here, we survey the field underlying lights and shadows of both groups. More studies involving clinical strains are necessary, but we illustrate this matter by discussing the potential clinical applications of combined carnosic acid plus propolis formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Ruth Sánchez-Fresneda
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Alejandra Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Francisco Solano
- Departamento Bioquímica, Biología Molecular B & Inmunología, Facultad Medicina, University Murcia, Campus El Palmar, 30112 Murcia, Spain
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Cao X, Cheng XW, Liu YY, Dai HW, Gan RY. Inhibition of pathogenic microbes in oral infectious diseases by natural products: Sources, mechanisms, and challenges. Microbiol Res 2024; 279:127548. [PMID: 38016378 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127548] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The maintenance of oral health is of utmost importance for an individual's holistic well-being and standard of living. Within the oral cavity, symbiotic microorganisms actively safeguard themselves against potential foreign diseases by upholding a multifaceted equilibrium. Nevertheless, the occurrence of an imbalance can give rise to a range of oral infectious ailments, such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral candidiasis. Presently, clinical interventions encompass the physical elimination of pathogens and the administration of antibiotics to regulate bacterial and fungal infections. Given the limitations of various antimicrobial drugs frequently employed in dental practice, the rising incidence of oral inflammation, and the escalating bacterial resistance to antibiotics, it is imperative to explore alternative remedies that are dependable, efficacious, and affordable for the prevention and management of oral infectious ailments. There is an increasing interest in the creation of novel antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources, which possess attributes such as safety, cost-effectiveness, and minimal adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of natural products on the development and progression of oral infectious diseases. Specifically, these products exert their influences by mitigating dental biofilm formation, impeding the proliferation of oral pathogens, and hindering bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces. The review also encompasses an examination of the various classes of natural products, their antimicrobial mechanisms, and their potential therapeutic applications and limitations in the context of oral infections. The insights garnered from this review can support the promising application of natural products as viable therapeutic options for managing oral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cao
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Xing-Wang Cheng
- Center for Joint Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yin-Ying Liu
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A⁎STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore 138669, Singapore; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Hong-Wei Dai
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 401147, China.
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A⁎STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore 138669, Singapore; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore.
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3
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Argüelles A, Sánchez-Fresneda R, Guirao-Abad JP, Lozano JA, Solano F, Argüelles JC. Insight into the Antifungal Effects of Propolis and Carnosic Acid—Extension to the Pathogenic Yeast Candida glabrata: New Propolis Fractionation and Potential Synergistic Applications. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040442. [PMID: 37108897 PMCID: PMC10143237 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi have traditionally been considered opportunistic pathogens in primary infections caused by virulent bacteria, protozoan, or viruses. Consequently, antimycotic chemotherapy is clearly less developed in comparison to its bacterial counterpart. Currently, the three main families of antifungals (polyenes, echinocandins, and azoles) are not sufficient to control the enormous increase in life-threatening fungal infections recorded in recent decades. Natural substances harvested from plants have traditionally been utilized as a successful alternative. After a wide screening of natural agents, we have recently obtained promising results with distinct formulations of carnosic acid and propolis on the prevalent fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Here, we extended their use to the treatment against the emerging pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata, which displayed lower susceptibility in comparison to the fungi mentioned above. Taking into account the moderate antifungal activity of both natural agents, the antifungal value of these combinations has been improved through the obtention of the hydroethanolic fractions of propolis. In addition, we have demonstrated the potential clinical application of new therapeutical designs based on sequential pre-treatments with carnosic/propolis mixtures, followed by exposure to amphotericin B. This approach increased the toxic effect induced by this polyene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Sánchez-Fresneda
- Vitalgaia España S.L., 30005 Murcia, Spain
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - José P. Guirao-Abad
- Vitalgaia España S.L., 30005 Murcia, Spain
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Lozano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular B e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Solano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular B e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan-Carlos Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain
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Chi Y, Wang Y, Ji M, Li Y, Zhu H, Yan Y, Fu D, Zou L, Ren B. Natural products from traditional medicine as promising agents targeting at different stages of oral biofilm development. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:955459. [PMID: 36033896 PMCID: PMC9411938 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.955459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral cavity is an ideal habitat for more than 1,000 species of microorganisms. The diverse oral microbes form biofilms over the hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity, affecting the oral ecological balance and the development of oral diseases, such as caries, apical periodontitis, and periodontitis. Currently, antibiotics are the primary agents against infectious diseases; however, the emergence of drug resistance and the disruption of oral microecology have challenged their applications. The discovery of new antibiotic-independent agents is a promising strategy against biofilm-induced infections. Natural products from traditional medicine have shown potential antibiofilm activities in the oral cavity with high safety, cost-effectiveness, and minimal adverse drug reactions. Aiming to highlight the importance and functions of natural products from traditional medicine against oral biofilms, here we summarized and discussed the antibiofilm effects of natural products targeting at different stages of the biofilm formation process, including adhesion, proliferation, maturation, and dispersion, and their effects on multi-species biofilms. The perspective of antibiofilm agents for oral infectious diseases to restore the balance of oral microecology is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengzhen Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanyao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hualing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Di Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ling Zou,
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Biao Ren,
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Carrión-Navarro J, Argüelles A, Martínez-Gimeno ML, Lozada AT, Ayuso-Sacido A, Belda-Iniesta C, Arnás-Rodríguez M, García-Romero N. A New Natural Antimycotic Agent is Effective Against Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: The VIPROCAN Study. Open Dent J 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/18742106-v16-e2202010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
The incidence of community and nosocomial candidiasis has dramatically increased in the last two decades. There are multiple treatments for this infection, but the toxicity of some and the induction of resistant strains require the development of new compounds.
Objectives:
With the aim of reducing the Candida population in the oropharyngeal cavity, we have formulated a toothpaste with VG-01 agent, composed of a mixture of carnosic acid (CA) and propolis (PP).
Methods:
We investigated the ability of VG-01 toothpaste to minimize and stabilize fungal presence in 21 patients diagnosed with clinical oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Results:
Our data indicate that VG-01 toothpaste showed an effect not only against the most frequent species of Candida, C. albicans, but also in the other species analyzed. 82% of patients stated that they would continue using it outside the study.
Conclusion:
Our data demonstrate that VG-01, composed of CA and PP is a potential antimycotic agent effective against the most common species that cause oropharyngeal candidiasis present in clinical practice.
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Targeting Nrf2-Mediated Oxidative Stress Response in Traumatic Brain Injury: Therapeutic Perspectives of Phytochemicals. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1015791. [PMID: 35419162 PMCID: PMC9001080 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1015791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), known as mechanical damage to the brain, impairs the normal function of the brain seriously. Its clinical symptoms manifest as behavioral impairment, cognitive decline, communication difficulties, etc. The pathophysiological mechanisms of TBI are complex and involve inflammatory response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and so on. Among them, oxidative stress, one of the important mechanisms, occurs at the beginning and accompanies the whole process of TBI. Most importantly, excessive oxidative stress causes BBB disruption and brings injury to lipids, proteins, and DNA, leading to the generation of lipid peroxidation, damage of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, neuronal apoptosis, and neuroinflammatory response. Transcription factor NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), a basic leucine zipper protein, plays an important role in the regulation of antioxidant proteins, such as oxygenase-1(HO-1), NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), to protect against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Recently, emerging evidence indicated the knockout (KO) of Nrf2 aggravates the pathology of TBI, while the treatment of Nrf2 activators inhibits neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammatory responses via reducing oxidative damage. Phytochemicals from fruits, vegetables, grains, and other medical herbs have been demonstrated to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway and exert neuroprotective effects in TBI. In this review, we emphasized the contributive role of oxidative stress in the pathology of TBI and the protective mechanism of the Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response for the treatment of TBI. In addition, we summarized the research advances of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, terpenoids, natural pigments, and otherwise, in the activation of Nrf2 signaling and their potential therapies for TBI. Although there is still limited clinical application evidence for these natural Nrf2 activators, we believe that the combinational use of phytochemicals such as Nrf2 activators with gene and stem cell therapy will be a promising therapeutic strategy for TBI in the future.
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Microbial Secondary Metabolism and Biotechnology. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10010123. [PMID: 35056572 PMCID: PMC8781746 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades scientific research has demonstrated that the microbial world is infinitely richer and more surprising than we could have imagined. Every day, new molecules produced by microorganisms are discovered, and their incredible diversity has not yet delivered all of its messages. The current challenge of research is to select from the wide variety of characterized microorganisms and compounds, those which could provide rapid answers to crucial questions about human or animal health or more generally relating to society’s demands for medicine, pharmacology, nutrition or everyday well-being.
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A Specific Mixture of Propolis and Carnosic Acid Triggers a Strong Fungicidal Action against Cryptococcus neoformans. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111395. [PMID: 34827333 PMCID: PMC8614879 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current antifungal chemotherapy against the prevalent basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans displays some drawbacks. This pathogenic fungus is refractory to echinocandins, whereas conventional treatment with amphotericin B plus 5-fluorocytosine has a limited efficacy. In this study, we explored the potential cryptococcal activity of some natural agents. After conducting a screening test with a set of propolis from different geographical areas, we selected an extract from China, which displayed a certain cytotoxic activity against C. neoformans, due to this extract being cheap and easily available in large amounts. The combination of this kind of propolis with carnosic acid in a 1:4 ratio induced a stronger fungicidal effect, which occurred following a synergistic pattern, without visible alterations in external cell morphology. Furthermore, several carnosic acid–propolis formulations applied onto preformed biofilms decreased the metabolic activity of the sessile cells forming biofilms. These data support the potential application of mixtures containing these two natural extracts in the design of new antifungal strategies in order to combat opportunistic infections caused by prevalent pathogenic fungi.
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Activity of chlorhexidine acetate in combination with fluconazole against suspensions and biofilms of Candida auris. J Infect Chemother 2021; 28:29-34. [PMID: 34674944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As a newly emerging pathogen, Candida auris has spread rapidly and caused a serious invasive infection. Candida auris often appeared high resistance to classical antifungal drugs. Drug combination therapy is emerging as an effective and well-established strategy to relieve drug resistance problems. The objective of present work was to examine the activity of fluconazole in combination with chlorhexidine acetate against Candida auris isolates. METHODS Antiplanktonic activity was studied using the EUCAST methodology and growth curve assay. Antibiofilm effectiveness was determined by the crystal violet method, checkerboard microdilution assay, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS The results indicated that the 80% minimal inhibitory concentrations for fluconazole alone against Candida auris were 2-32 mg/L and for chlorhexidine acetate were 2-8 mg/L. The combination of fluconazole with chlorhexidine acetate exhibited synergism with the growth curve assay. In addition, the checkerboard microdilution assay presented that fluconazole was strongly synergistic with chlorhexidine acetate (sFICI <0.1875) in inhibiting the growth of Candida auris biofilms. The scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy further exhibited the alteration of morphology of the cells and architecture of the biofilms. CONCLUSION The combination therapy of fluconazole and chlorhexidine acetate provides a new potential strategy for the treatment of clinical Candida auris infection.
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