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Kane A, Rothwell JG, Guttentag A, Hainsworth S, Carter D. Bisphosphonates synergistically enhance the antifungal activity of azoles in dermatophytes and other pathogenic molds. mSphere 2024; 9:e0024824. [PMID: 38837382 PMCID: PMC11332346 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00248-24] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails by fungal dermatophytes are the most prevalent of human mycoses, and many infections are refractory to treatment. As current treatment options are limited, recent research has explored drug synergy with azoles for dermatophytoses. Bisphosphonates, which are approved to treat osteoporosis, can synergistically enhance the activity of azoles in diverse yeast pathogens but their activity has not been explored in dermatophytes or other molds. Market bisphosphonates risedronate, alendronate, and zoledronate (ZOL) were evaluated for antifungal efficacy and synergy with three azole antifungals: fluconazole (FLC), itraconazole (ITR), and ketoconazole (KET). ZOL was the most active bisphosphonate tested, displaying moderate activity against nine dermatophyte species (MIC range 64-256 µg/mL), and was synergistic with KET in eight of these species. ZOL was also able to synergistically improve the anti-biofilm activity of KET and combining KET and ZOL prevented the development of antifungal resistance. Rescue assays in Trichophyton rubrum revealed that the inhibitory effects of ZOL alone and in combination with KET were due to the inhibition of squalene synthesis. Fluorescence microscopy using membrane- and ROS-sensitive probes demonstrated that ZOL and KET:ZOL compromised membrane structure and induced oxidative stress. Antifungal activity and synergy between bisphosphonates and azoles were also observed in other clinically relevant molds, including species of Aspergillus and Mucor. These findings indicate that repurposing bisphosphonates as antifungals is a promising strategy for revitalising certain azoles as topical antifungals, and that this combination could be fast-tracked for investigation in clinical trials. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, generally grouped together as "tineas" are the most prevalent infectious diseases globally. These infections, caused by fungal species known as dermatophytes, are generally superficial, but can in some cases become aggressive. They are also notoriously difficult to resolve, with few effective treatments and rising levels of drug resistance. Here, we report a potential new treatment that combines azole antifungals with bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are approved for the treatment of low bone density diseases, and in fungi they inhibit the biosynthesis of the cell membrane, which is also the target of azoles. Combinations were synergistic across the dermatophyte species and prevented the development of resistance. We extended the study to molds that cause invasive disease, finding synergy in some problematic species. We suggest bisphosphonates could be repurposed as synergents for tinea treatment, and that this combination could be fast-tracked for use in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Kane
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna G. Rothwell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annabel Guttentag
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steven Hainsworth
- School of Science, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dee Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Marcos CM, de Oliveira HC, Assato PA, de Oliveira LT, Fregonezi N, dos Santos KS, Costa-Orlandi CB, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Polypeptides Targeting Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Drk1. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:980. [PMID: 37888236 PMCID: PMC10607314 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100980] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the toxicity of conventional therapeutic approaches and the importance of precise mechanistic targets, it is important to explore signaling pathways implicated in fungal pathobiology. Moreover, treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus, requires prolonged therapeutic regimens. Among the numerous factors underpinning the establishment of Paracoccidioides spp. infection, the capacity to transition from the mycelial to the yeast form is of pivotal importance. The Drk1 protein of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis likely plays a decisive role in this morphological shift and subsequent virulence. We identified peptides with affinity for the PbDrk1 protein using the phage-display method and assessed the effects of these peptides on P. brasiliensis. The peptides were found to inhibit the phase transition of P. brasiliensis. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of these peptides prevented adhesion to pneumocytes. Although these peptides may not possess inherent antifungal properties, they can augment the effects of certain antifungal agents. Notably, the cell wall architecture of P. brasiliensis appears to be modulated by peptide intervention, resulting in a reduced abundance of glycosylated proteins and lipids. These peptides were also evaluated for their efficacy in a Galleria mellonella model and shown to contribute to enhanced larval survival rates. The role of PbDrk1, which is notably absent in mammals, should be further investigated to improve the understanding of its functional role in P. brasiliensis, which may be helpful for designing novel therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Maria Marcos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Haroldo Cesar de Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Patricia Akemi Assato
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
- Laboratório Central de Multiusuários, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Campus Botucatu, UNESP—Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo 18610-034, Brazil
| | - Lariane Teodoro de Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Nathália Fregonezi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Kelvin Sousa dos Santos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Caroline Barcelos Costa-Orlandi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.M.M.); (H.C.d.O.); (P.A.A.); (L.T.d.O.); (N.F.); (K.S.d.S.); (C.B.C.-O.); (A.M.F.-A.)
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Niu X, Lin L, Liu L, Wang H. Preparation of a novel glucose oxidase-N-succinyl chitosan nanospheres and its antifungal mechanism of action against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 228:681-691. [PMID: 36549621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.171] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a new glucose oxidase-N-succinyl chitosan (GOD-NSCS) nanospheres was prepared through the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD) on N-succinyl chitosan (NSCS) nanospheres. Compared to the free GOD, GOD-NSCS nanospheres demonstrated the excellent anti-Colletotrichum gloeosporioides activity with the EC50 values of 211.2 and 10.7 μg/mL against mycelial growth and spores germination. The computational biology analysis demonstrated that the substrate presented the similar binding free energy with GOD-NSCS nanospheres (-27.64 kcal/mol) compared with the free GOD (-24.04 kcal/mol), indicating that GOD-NSCS nanospheres had the same oxidation efficiency and produced more H2O2. Moreover, the enzyme activity stability of GOD-NSCS nanospheres could be prolonged to 10 d. The cell membrane was destructed by the treatment of H2O2 produced by GOD, leading to the cell death. In vivo test, GOD-NSCS nanospheres treatment significantly prolonged the preservation period of mangoes 2-fold. Collectively, these results suggested that GOD-NSCS nanospheres suppresses anthracnose in postharvest mangoes by inhibiting the growth of C. gloeosporioides and might become a potential natural preservative for fruits and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Niu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Lin
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongsu Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Al-Kafaween MA, Alwahsh M, Mohd Hilmi AB, Abulebdah DH. Physicochemical Characteristics and Bioactive Compounds of Different Types of Honey and Their Biological and Therapeutic Properties: A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020337. [PMID: 36830249 PMCID: PMC9952753 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey is considered to be a functional food with health-promoting properties. However, its potential health benefits can be affected by individual composition that varies between honey types. Although studies describing the health benefits of Tualang honey (TH), Kelulut honey (KH), and Sidr honey (SH) are scarce, these honey types showed a comparable therapeutic efficacy to Manuka honey (MH). The purpose of this review is to characterise the physicochemical, biological, and therapeutic properties of TH, KH, and SH. Findings showed that these honeys have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties and effects on the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and respiratory system. The physicochemical characteristics of TH, KH, and SH were compared with MH and discussed, and results showed that they have high-quality contents and excellent biological activity sources. Flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, are two main bioactive molecules present in honey. The activity of honey depends on the type of bee, sources of nectar, and the geographic region where the bees are established. In conclusion, TH, KH, and SH could be considered as natural therapeutic agents for various medicinal purposes compared with MH. Therefore, TH, KH, and SH have a great potential to be developed for modern medicinal use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A. Al-Kafaween
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
- Correspondence: (M.A.A.-K.); (A.B.M.H.); Tel.: +6-099988548 (A.B.M.H.); Fax: +6-096687896 (A.B.M.H.)
| | - Mohammad Alwahsh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Abu Bakar Mohd Hilmi
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (M.A.A.-K.); (A.B.M.H.); Tel.: +6-099988548 (A.B.M.H.); Fax: +6-096687896 (A.B.M.H.)
| | - Dina H. Abulebdah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
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Miłek M, Grabek-Lejko D, Stępień K, Sidor E, Mołoń M, Dżugan M. The enrichment of honey with Aronia melanocarpa fruits enhances its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential and intensifies its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Food Funct 2021; 12:8920-8931. [PMID: 34606549 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02248b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The effect of adding the chokeberry fruit additive to rape honey was studied with regard to the physicochemical properties and biological activity. Two samples of dried powdered fruits were used to enrich the honey (1 and 4% v/v) during creaming. The obtained products were characterized in terms of sugar content, acidity, conductivity, total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents and HPTLC polyphenol profiles. The antioxidant properties of enriched honeys were studied in vitro (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS) and in vivo using a S. cerevisiae model. The inhibitory effect against 5 bacterial strains and coronavirus surrogate bacteriophage phi6 was tested. The addition of chokeberry significantly modified the physicochemical properties of honey and enhanced its antioxidant potential (from 3 to 15 times). Using HPTLC analysis, the occurrence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins in chokeberry enriched honey was determined. The modified honey protected yeast cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress when used as a pretreatment agent. All tested bacteria were susceptible to enriched honey in a dose-dependent manner. The antiviral potential of enriched honey against the model bacteriophage was discovered for the first time. In terms of numerous health benefits determined, honey enriched with Aronia melanocarpa fruits can be considered as an interesting novel functional food, which may increase the consumption of chokeberry superfruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Miłek
- Department of Chemistry and Food Toxicology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Rzeszow, Ćwiklińskiej 1a St., 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Dorota Grabek-Lejko
- Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4 St, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Karolina Stępień
- Department of Biology, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4 St., 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Sidor
- Department of Chemistry and Food Toxicology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Rzeszow, Ćwiklińskiej 1a St., 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Mateusz Mołoń
- Department of Biology, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4 St., 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Dżugan
- Department of Chemistry and Food Toxicology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Rzeszow, Ćwiklińskiej 1a St., 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland.
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