1
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Tort S, Öztürk ZC, Kaynak-Onurdağ F, Mutlu-Ağardan NB. Preparation and evaluation the effects of retinoic acid loaded proliposomal nanofibers on microbial biofilm inhibition. Pharm Dev Technol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39330701 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2024.2411034] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
The electrospinning method involves the production of different drug delivery systems using various polymers. The production of proliposomes with electrospinning provides the hybridization of two novel drug delivery systems. Retinoic acid, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is a common and effective drug for acne therapy. This study aimed to prepare ATRA-loaded proliposomal nanofibers and evaluate their effectiveness on microbial biofilm inhibition. Blank and ATRA-loaded proliposomal nanofiber formulations were fabricated in various polyvinylpyrrolidone, phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol ratios. TEM images verified the rapid formation of the liposomes after the hydration of nanofibers. The vesicle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential values of self-assembled liposomes were measured. The vesicle size values were found to be 321.9-363.8 nm with PDI values varying between 0.332 and 0.511 and zeta potential values of (-16.8) to (-20.5)mV. ATRA-loaded proliposomal nanofibers provided higher bioadhesion (0.25 mJ/cm2) than the commercial cream (0.07 mJ/cm2). The short-term stability results showed that the initial characteristics remained for three months at 4 °C. The proposed ATRA-loaded self-assembled proliposomal system provided antibacterial, fungistatic or fungicidal effects superior to retinoic acid itself and inhibited biofilm formation in lower concentrations. This approach can combine the stability advantage of nanofibers in the dry state with the high effectiveness of liposomes in acne treatment presenting antibacterial and anti-biofilm-forming activity against Candida albicans and Cutibacterium acnes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Tort
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ziya Canberk Öztürk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
- Pharmacy Services Department, Vocational School of Health Services, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Türkiye
| | - Fatma Kaynak-Onurdağ
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Trakya University, Edirne, Türkiye
| | - N Başaran Mutlu-Ağardan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
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2
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Kohlmann P, Krylov SN, Marchand P, Jose J. FRET Assays for the Identification of C. albicans HSP90-Sba1 and Human HSP90α-p23 Binding Inhibitors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:516. [PMID: 38675476 PMCID: PMC11053944 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040516] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a critical target for anticancer and anti-fungal-infection therapies due to its central role as a molecular chaperone involved in protein folding and activation. In this study, we developed in vitro Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assays to characterize the binding of C. albicans HSP90 to its co-chaperone Sba1, as well as that of the homologous human HSP90α to p23. The assay for human HSP90α binding to p23 enables selectivity assessment for compounds aimed to inhibit the binding of C. albicans HSP90 to Sba1 without affecting the physiological activity of human HSP90α. The combination of the two assays is important for antifungal drug development, while the assay for human HSP90α can potentially be used on its own for anticancer drug discovery. Since ATP binding of HSP90 is a prerequisite for HSP90-Sba1/p23 binding, ATP-competitive inhibitors can be identified with the assays. The specificity of binding of fusion protein constructs-HSP90-mNeonGreen (donor) and Sba1-mScarlet-I (acceptor)-to each other in our assay was confirmed via competitive inhibition by both non-labeled Sba1 and known ATP-competitive inhibitors. We utilized the developed assays to characterize the stability of both HSP90-Sba1 and HSP90α-p23 affinity complexes quantitatively. Kd values were determined and assessed for their precision and accuracy using the 95.5% confidence level. For HSP90-Sba1, the precision confidence interval (PCI) was found to be 70-120 (100 ± 20) nM while the accuracy confidence interval (ACI) was 100-130 nM. For HSP90α-p23, PCI was 180-260 (220 ± 40) nM and ACI was 200-270 nM. The developed assays were used to screen a nucleoside-mimetics library of 320 compounds for inhibitory activity against both C. albicans HSP90-Sba1 and human HSP90α-p23 binding. No novel active compounds were identified. Overall, the developed assays exhibited low data variability and robust signal separation, achieving Z factors > 0.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Kohlmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacampus, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Sergey N. Krylov
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada;
- Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Pascal Marchand
- Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, Nantes Université, UR 1155, F-44000 Nantes, France;
| | - Joachim Jose
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacampus, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
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3
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Phuong TN, Duy Tai N, Aloufi AS, Subramani B, Theivaraj SD. An in-vitro evaluation of antifungal, anti-lungcancer (A549), and anti-hyperglycemic activities potential of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) flower extract. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117249. [PMID: 37783331 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117249] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The medical plant research has received more attention among researchers especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. This research performed to evaluate the antifungal, anti-lung cancer (A549), and anti-hyperglycemic activities of aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata flower. Interestingly, A. paniculata flower aqueous extract contains pharmaceutically valuable phytochemicals such as alkaloid, phenolics, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, and protein. It also showed fine antifungal activity against test fungal pathogens in the following order as: Aspergillus niger > Fusarium solani > Trichoderma harzianum > A. parasiticus > P. expansum > Penicillium janthinellum with lowest MIC values as ranged from 100 to 300 μg mL-1. Interestingly, this aqueous extract also showed considerable anti-lung cancer activity, evidenced by dose and time dependent lung cancer cell line (A549) growth/proliferation inhibition/cytotoxicity activity (65%) at 300 μg mL-1 concentration. This can be achieved by plant extract through inducing the secretion of apoptosis related proteins such as TNF α, IFN-γ, and ınterleukin 2 leads to apoptosis in A549 cells. It also showed fine anti-diabetic activity by inhibiting α -amylase (58.41%) than α-glucosidase (54.74%) at 200 μg mL-1 concentration. The UV as well as FTIR results demonstrated that the aqueous extract of A. paniculata flower contains pharmaceutically valuable bioactive compounds, which may be responsible for the wide range of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Nhat Phuong
- Faculty of Medicine, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Duy Tai
- Faculty of Nursing and Medical Laboratory, HUTECH University, Vietnam
| | - Abeer S Aloufi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Baskaran Subramani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sridevi Dhanarani Theivaraj
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India.
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4
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Belda W, Passero LFD, de Carvalho CHC, Mojica PCR, Vale PA. Chromoblastomycosis: New Perspective on Adjuvant Treatment with Acitretin. Diseases 2023; 11:162. [PMID: 37987273 PMCID: PMC10660773 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040162] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected human disease, caused by different species of pigmented dematiaceous fungi that cause granulomatous and suppurative dermatosis. This infection is difficult to treat and there are limited therapeutic options, including terbinafine, itraconazole, and tioconazole. Classic treatment is administered for a long period of time, but some patients do not respond properly, and therefore, such therapeutic approaches possess low cure rates. Therefore, it is vital to develop new strategies for the treatment of CBM. In this regard, it has been observed that the association of immunomodulatory molecules such as glucan with therapy carried out with antifungal drugs improves cutaneous lesions in comparison to treatment with antifungal drugs alone, suggesting that drug association may be an interesting and significant approach to incorporate into CBM therapy. Thus, the aim of this work was to associate classical antifungal therapy with the adjuvants imiquimod and acitretin. In the present case, we reported a patient with extensive CBM caused by Fonsaecae pedrosoi, that affected an extensive area of the right leg, that was left without treatment for 11 years. He was treated with a classical combination of itraconazole and terbinafine via the oral route plus topical imiquimod and oral acitretin, as an adjuvant therapy. After five months of treatment, a significant regression of verrucous plaques was observed, suggesting that the use of these adjuvants combined with the classical antifungal drugs, intraconazole plus terbinafine, can reduce treatment time and rapidly improve the patient's quality of life. This result confirms that the use of coadjuvant drugs may be effective in the treatment of this infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Belda
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Domingues Passero
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, Brazil;
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11350-011, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Celeste Rubiano Mojica
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
| | - Pablo Andrade Vale
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
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5
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Joshi M, Hiremath P, John J, Ranadive N, Nandakumar K, Mudgal J. Modulatory role of vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E on skin health, immunity, microbiome, and diseases. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1096-1114. [PMID: 37673852 PMCID: PMC10539462 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of the skin barrier and immunity has been associated with several skin diseases, namely atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and acne. Resident and non-resident immune cells and the barrier system of the skin are integral to innate immunity. Recent advances in understanding skin microbiota have opened the scope of further understanding the various communications between these microbiota and skin immune cells. Vitamins, being one of the important micronutrients, have been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial effects. The immunomodulatory action of vitamins can halt the progression of skin diseases, and thus, understanding the immuno-pharmacology of these vitamins, especially for skin diseases can pave the way for their therapeutic potential. At the same time, molecular and cellular markers modulated with these vitamins and their derivatives need to be explored. The present review is focused on significant vitamins (vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E) consumed as nutritional supplements to discuss the outcomes and scope of studies related to skin immunity, health, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahika Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyanka Hiremath
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Jeena John
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Niraja Ranadive
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Krishnadas Nandakumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
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Criscuolo M, Fracchiolla N, Farina F, Verga L, Pagano L, Busca A. A review of prophylactic regimens to prevent invasive fungal infections in hematology patients undergoing chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:963-980. [PMID: 38044878 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2290639] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The recent introduction of targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapies has improved the cure rate of hematologic patients. The implication of personalized treatment on primary antifungal prophylaxis will be discussed. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the literature for clinical trials reporting the rate of invasive fungal infections during targeted and cellular therapies and stem cell transplant, and the most recent international guidelines for primary antifungal prophylaxis. EXPERT OPINION As the use of personalized therapies is growing, the risk of invasive fungal infection has emerged in various clinical settings. Therefore, it is possible that the use of mold-active antifungal prophylaxis would spread in the next years and the risk of breakthrough infections would increase. The introduction of new antifungal agents in the clinical armamentarium is expected to reduce clinical unmet needs concerning the management of primary antifungal prophylaxis and improve outcome of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Criscuolo
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Nicola Fracchiolla
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Livio Pagano
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Sezione di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Busca
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Department of Oncology, SSCVD Trapianto di Cellule Staminali Torino, Torino, Italy
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7
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Kislat A, Olah P, Kuchner M, Gerber PA, Schrader J, Meller S, Homey B. The Endogenous Dual Retinoid Receptor Agonist Alitretinoin Exhibits Immunoregulatory Functions on Antigen-Presenting Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119654. [PMID: 37298605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119654] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoids are a frequently used class of drugs in the treatment of inflammatory as well as malignant skin diseases. Retinoids have differential affinity for the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and/or the retinoid X receptor (RXR). The endogenous dual RAR and RXR agonist alitretinoin (9-cis retinoic acid) demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the treatment of chronic hand eczema (CHE) patients; however, detailed information on the mechanisms of action remains elusive. Here, we used CHE as a model disease to unravel immunomodulatory pathways following retinoid receptor signaling. Transcriptome analyses of skin specimens from alitretinoin-responder CHE patients identified 231 significantly regulated genes. Bioinformatic analyses indicated keratinocytes as well as antigen presenting cells as cellular targets of alitretinoin. In keratinocytes, alitretinoin interfered with inflammation-associated barrier gene dysregulation as well as antimicrobial peptide induction while markedly inducing hyaluronan synthases without affecting hyaluronidase expression. In monocyte-derived dendritic cells, alitretinoin induced distinct morphological and phenotypic characteristics with low co-stimulatory molecule expression (CD80 and CD86), the increased secretion of IL-10 and the upregulation of the ecto-5'-nucleotidase CD73 mimicking immunomodulatory or tolerogenic dendritic cells. Indeed, alitretinoin-treated dendritic cells demonstrated a significantly reduced capacity to activate T cells in mixed leukocyte reactions. In a direct comparison, alitretinoin-mediated effects were significantly stronger than those observed for the RAR agonist acitretin. Moreover, longitudinal monitoring of alitretinoin-responder CHE patients could confirm in vitro findings. Taken together, we demonstrate that the dual RAR and RXR agonist alitretinoin targets epidermal dysregulation and demonstrates strong immunomodulatory effects on antigen presenting cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kislat
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Olah
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Marcus Kuchner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Arne Gerber
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schrader
- Institute for Molecular Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephan Meller
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernhard Homey
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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8
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Gaziano R, Sabbatini S, Monari C. The Interplay between Candida albicans, Vaginal Mucosa, Host Immunity and Resident Microbiota in Health and Disease: An Overview and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1211. [PMID: 37317186 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is primarily caused by Candida albicans, is an infection that affects up to 75% of all reproductive-age women worldwide. Recurrent VVC (RVVC) is defined as >3 episodes per year and affects nearly 8% of women globally. At mucosal sites of the vagina, a delicate and complex balance exists between Candida spp., host immunity and local microbial communities. In fact, both immune response and microbiota composition play a central role in counteracting overgrowth of the fungus and maintaining homeostasis in the host. If this balance is perturbed, the conditions may favor C. albicans overgrowth and the yeast-to-hyphal transition, predisposing the host to VVC. To date, the factors that affect the equilibrium between Candida spp. and the host and drive the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity are not yet fully understood. Understanding the host- and fungus-related factors that drive VVC pathogenesis is of paramount importance for the development of adequate therapeutic interventions to combat this common genital infection. This review focuses on the latest advances in the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in the onset of VVC and also discusses novel potential strategies, with a special focus on the use of probiotics and vaginal microbiota transplantation in the treatment and/or prevention of recurrent VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Samuele Sabbatini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Monari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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Rabaan AA, Sulaiman T, Al-Ahmed SH, Buhaliqah ZA, Buhaliqah AA, AlYuosof B, Alfaresi M, Al Fares MA, Alwarthan S, Alkathlan MS, Almaghrabi RS, Abuzaid AA, Altowaileb JA, Al Ibrahim M, AlSalman EM, Alsalman F, Alghounaim M, Bueid AS, Al-Omari A, Mohapatra RK. Potential Strategies to Control the Risk of Antifungal Resistance in Humans: A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030608. [PMID: 36978475 PMCID: PMC10045400 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are becoming one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in people with weakened immune systems. Mycoses are becoming more common, despite greater knowledge and better treatment methods, due to the regular emergence of resistance to the antifungal medications used in clinical settings. Antifungal therapy is the mainstay of patient management for acute and chronic mycoses. However, the limited availability of antifungal drug classes limits the range of available treatments. Additionally, several drawbacks to treating mycoses include unfavourable side effects, a limited activity spectrum, a paucity of targets, and fungal resistance, all of which continue to be significant issues in developing antifungal drugs. The emergence of antifungal drug resistance has eliminated accessible drug classes as treatment choices, which significantly compromises the clinical management of fungal illnesses. In some situations, the emergence of strains resistant to many antifungal medications is a major concern. Although new medications have been developed to address this issue, antifungal drug resistance has grown more pronounced, particularly in patients who need long-term care or are undergoing antifungal prophylaxis. Moreover, the mechanisms that cause resistance must be well understood, including modifications in drug target affinities and abundances, along with biofilms and efflux pumps that diminish intracellular drug levels, to find novel antifungal drugs and drug targets. In this review, different classes of antifungal agents, and their resistance mechanisms, have been discussed. The latter part of the review focuses on the strategies by which we can overcome this serious issue of antifungal resistance in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
| | - Tarek Sulaiman
- Infectious Diseases Section, Medical Specialties Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsah H Al-Ahmed
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab A Buhaliqah
- Department of Family Medicine, Primary Healthcare Center, Dammam 32433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Buhaliqah
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Buthina AlYuosof
- Directorate of Public Health, Dammam Network, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam 31444, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubarak Alfaresi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi 3740, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona A Al Fares
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Alwarthan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S Alkathlan
- Infectious Diseases Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Buraydah 52382, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem S Almaghrabi
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmonem A Abuzaid
- Medical Microbiology Department, Security Forces Hospital Programme, Dammam 32314, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Altowaileb
- Microbiology Laboratory, Laboratory Department, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Al Ibrahim
- Microbiology Laboratory, Laboratory Department, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman M AlSalman
- Department of Family Medicine, Primary Health Care Centers, Qatif Health Network, Qatif 31911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Alsalman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oyun City Hospital, Al-Ahsa 36312, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed S Bueid
- Microbiology Laboratory, King Faisal General Hospital, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awad Al-Omari
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Riyadh 11372, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranjan K Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar 758002, India
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10
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Fioriti S, Brescini L, Pallotta F, Canovari B, Morroni G, Barchiesi F. Antifungal Combinations against Candida Species: From Bench to Bedside. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101077. [PMID: 36294642 PMCID: PMC9605143 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida spp. is the major causative agent of fungal infections in hospitalized patients and the fourth most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI). The availability of standardized methods for testing the in vitro activity of antifungals along with the expanding of antifungal armamentarium, the rising of drug-resistance and the persistence of a high mortality rate in systemic candidiasis have led to an increased interest in combination therapy. Therefore, we aimed to review the scientific literature concerning the antifungal combinations against Candida. A literature search performed in PubMed yielded 92 studies published from 2000 to 2021: 29 articles referring to in vitro studies, six articles referring to either in vitro and in vivo (i.e., animal models) studies and 57 clinical articles. Pre-clinical studies involved 735 isolates of Candida species and 12 unique types of antifungal combination approaches including azoles plus echinocandins (19%), polyenes plus echinocandins (16%), polyenes plus azoles (13%), polyenes plus 5-flucytosine ([5-FC], 13%), azoles plus 5-FC (11%) and other types of combinations (28%). Results varied greatly, often being species-, drug- and methodology-dependent. Some combinatorial regimens exerted a synergistic effect against difficult-to-treat Candida species (i.e., azoles plus echinocandins; polyenes plus 5-FC) or they were more effective than monotherapy in prevent or reducing biofilm formation and in speeding the clearance of infected tissues (i.e., polyenes plus echinocandins). In 283 patients with documented Candida infections (>90% systemic candidiasis/BSI), an antifungal combination approach could be evaluated. Combinations included: azoles plus echinocandins (36%), 5-FC-combination therapies (24%), polyenes plus azoles (18%), polyenes plus echinocandins (16%) and other types of combination therapy (6%). Case reports describing combination therapies yielded favorable response in most cases, including difficult-to-treat fungal infections (i.e., endocarditis, osteoarticular infections, CNS infections) or difficult-to-treat fungal pathogens. The only randomized trial comparing amphotericin-B deoxycholate (AMB) plus FLU vs. AMB alone for treatment of BSI in nonneutropenic patients showed that the combination trended toward improved success and more-rapid clearance from the bloodstream. In summary, antifungal combinations against Candida have produced great interest in the past two decades. To establish whether this approach can become a reliable treatment option, additional in vitro and clinical data are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Fioriti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Brescini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Pallotta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Benedetta Canovari
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, 61121 Pesaro, Italy
| | - Gianluca Morroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-071-220-6298; Fax: +39-071-220-6297
| | - Francesco Barchiesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, 61121 Pesaro, Italy
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11
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Aggor FE, Bertolini M, Zhou C, Taylor TC, Abbott DA, Musgrove J, Bruno VM, Hand TW, Gaffen SL. A gut-oral microbiome-driven axis controls oropharyngeal candidiasis through retinoic acid. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e160348. [PMID: 36134659 PMCID: PMC9675558 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A side effect of antibiotics is outgrowth of the opportunistic fungus Candida albicans in the oropharynx (oropharyngeal candidiasis, OPC). IL-17 signaling is vital for immunity to OPC, but how the microbiome impacts antifungal immunity is not well understood. Mice in standard specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions are resistant to OPC, whereas we show that germ-free (GF) or antibiotic-treated mice are susceptible. Oral type 17 cells and IL-17-dependent responses were impaired in antibiotic-treated and GF mice. Susceptibility could be rescued in GF mice by mono-colonization with segmented filamentous bacterium (SFB), an intestine-specific constituent of the microbiota. SFB protection was accompanied by restoration of oral IL-17+CD4+ T cells and gene signatures characteristic of IL-17 signaling. Additionally, RNA-Seq revealed induction of genes in the retinoic acid (RA) and RA receptor-α (RARα) pathway. Administration of RA rescued immunity to OPC in microbiome-depleted or GF mice, while RAR inhibition caused susceptibility in immunocompetent animals. Surprisingly, immunity to OPC was independent of serum amyloids. Moreover, RAR inhibition did not alter oral type 17 cytokine levels. Thus, mono-colonization with a component of the intestinal microflora confers protection against OPC by type 17 and RA/RARα, which act in parallel to promote antifungal immunity. In principle, manipulation of the microbiome could be harnessed to maintain antifungal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix E.Y. Aggor
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Martinna Bertolini
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chunsheng Zhou
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Tiffany C. Taylor
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Darryl A. Abbott
- Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Javonn Musgrove
- Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vincent M. Bruno
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Timothy W. Hand
- Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah L. Gaffen
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, and
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12
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Pierro JD, Ahir BK, Baker NC, Kleinstreuer NC, Xia M, Knudsen TB. Computational model for fetal skeletal defects potentially linked to disruption of retinoic acid signaling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:971296. [PMID: 36172177 PMCID: PMC9511990 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.971296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) gradients determine skeletal patterning morphogenesis and can be disrupted by diverse genetic or environmental factors during pregnancy, leading to fetal skeleton defects. Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) frameworks for ATRA metabolism, signaling, and homeostasis allow for the development of new approach methods (NAMs) for predictive toxicology with less reliance on animal testing. Here, a data-driven model was constructed to identify chemicals associated with both ATRA pathway bioactivity and prenatal skeletal defects. The phenotype data was culled from ToxRefDB prenatal developmental toxicity studies and produced a list of 363 ToxRefDB chemicals with altered skeletal observations. Defects were classified regionally as cranial, post-cranial axial, appendicular, and other (unspecified) features based on ToxRefDB descriptors. To build a multivariate statistical model, high-throughput screening bioactivity data from >8,070 chemicals in ToxCast/Tox21 across 10 in vitro assays relevant to the retinoid signaling system were evaluated and compared to literature-based candidate reference chemicals in the dataset. There were 48 chemicals identified for effects on both in vivo skeletal defects and in vitro ATRA pathway targets for computational modeling. The list included 28 chemicals with prior evidence of skeletal defects linked to retinoid toxicity and 20 chemicals without prior evidence. The combination of thoracic cage defects and DR5 (direct repeats of 5 nucleotides for RAR/RXR transactivation) disruption was the most frequently occurring phenotypic and target disturbance, respectively. This data model provides valuable AOP elucidation and validates current mechanistic understanding. These findings also shed light on potential avenues for new mechanistic discoveries related to ATRA pathway disruption and associated skeletal dysmorphogenesis due to environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocylin D. Pierro
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Computational Toxicology and Bioinformatics Branch (CTBB), Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Bhavesh K. Ahir
- Eurofins Medical Device Testing, Lancaster, PA, United States
| | - Nancy C. Baker
- Scientific Computing and Data Curation Division (SCDCD), Leidos Contractor, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), USEPA/ORD, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Nicole C. Kleinstreuer
- Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), National Toxicology Program, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Menghang Xia
- Division for Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Thomas B. Knudsen
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Computational Toxicology and Bioinformatics Branch (CTBB), Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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13
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Khattab F, Elkholy BM, Taha M, Abd-Elbaset A, Fawzy M. Voriconazole is superior to combined itraconazole/isotretinoin therapy and itraconazole monotherapy in recalcitrant dermatophytosis. Mycoses 2022; 65:1194-1201. [PMID: 35943822 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13517] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been an emergence of recalcitrant, recurrent, and difficult-to-treat tinea. Monotherapy with oral antifungals leads to partial clearance or high recurrence of lesions. Isotretinoin is a good adjuvant to systemic antifungals in chronic dermatophytosis. Voriconazole could be a future alternative due to its efficacy against dermatophytes and little resistance. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral itraconazole, combined itraconazole/isotretinoin therapy, and voriconazole for recalcitrant tinea. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study included 90 patients with chronic, recurrent, and/or recalcitrant tinea. They were equally divided into 3 groups: itraconazole monotherapy, combined itraconazole/isotretinoin therapy, and voriconazole monotherapy. All patients received treatments for 6 weeks. The clinical response was classified as either a complete or incomplete clinical cure. Potassium hydroxide microscopy and culture were performed to identify mycological cure. Patients with complete cure were followed up for another 6 months to detect any recurrence. RESULTS Complete clinical cure was observed in 53.3% of the itraconazole group, 70% of the itraconazole/isotretinoin group, and 83.3% of the voriconazole group. Mycological cure was detected in 56.7% of the itraconazole group, 83.3% of the itraconazole/isotretinoin group, and 86.7% of the voriconazole group. There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups in favor of voriconazole, then the combined group. No significant adverse effects were observed. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the voriconazole group compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS Voriconazole could be a future alternative for the treatment of recalcitrant dermatophytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathia Khattab
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Basma M Elkholy
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Taha
- Medical Microbiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Aya Abd-Elbaset
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Manal Fawzy
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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14
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Verburg K, van Neer J, Duca M, de Cock H. Novel Treatment Approach for Aspergilloses by Targeting Germination. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:758. [PMID: 35893126 PMCID: PMC9331470 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Germination of conidia is an essential process within the Aspergillus life cycle and plays a major role during the infection of hosts. Conidia are able to avoid detection by the majority of leukocytes when dormant. Germination can cause severe health problems, specifically in immunocompromised people. Aspergillosis is most often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and affects neutropenic patients, as well as people with cystic fibrosis (CF). These patients are often unable to effectively detect and clear the conidia or hyphae and can develop chronic non-invasive and/or invasive infections or allergic inflammatory responses. Current treatments with (tri)azoles can be very effective to combat a variety of fungal infections. However, resistance against current azoles has emerged and has been increasing since 1998. As a consequence, patients infected with resistant A. fumigatus have a reported mortality rate of 88% to 100%. Especially with the growing number of patients that harbor azole-resistant Aspergilli, novel antifungals could provide an alternative. Aspergilloses differ in defining characteristics, but germination of conidia is one of the few common denominators. By specifically targeting conidial germination with novel antifungals, early intervention might be possible. In this review, we propose several morphotypes to disrupt conidial germination, as well as potential targets. Hopefully, new antifungals against such targets could contribute to disturbing the ability of Aspergilli to germinate and grow, resulting in a decreased fungal burden on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Verburg
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.V.); (J.v.N.)
| | - Jacq van Neer
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.V.); (J.v.N.)
| | - Margherita Duca
- Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Hans de Cock
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.V.); (J.v.N.)
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15
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Advances in Antifungal Development: Discovery of New Drugs and Drug Repurposing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070787. [PMID: 35890086 PMCID: PMC9318969 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue of Pharmaceuticals describes recent advances accomplished in the field of antifungal development, especially the discovery of new drugs and drug repurposing [...]
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16
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Barros BCSC, Almeida BR, Barros DTL, Toledo MS, Suzuki E. Respiratory Epithelial Cells: More Than Just a Physical Barrier to Fungal Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060548. [PMID: 35736031 PMCID: PMC9225092 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory epithelium is highly complex, and its composition varies along the conducting airways and alveoli. In addition to their primary function in maintaining the respiratory barrier and lung homeostasis for gas exchange, epithelial cells interact with inhaled pathogens, which can manipulate cell signaling pathways, promoting adhesion to these cells or hosting tissue invasion. Moreover, pathogens (or their products) can induce the secretion of chemokines and cytokines by epithelial cells, and in this way, these host cells communicate with the immune system, modulating host defenses and inflammatory outcomes. This review will focus on the response of respiratory epithelial cells to two human fungal pathogens that cause systemic mycoses: Aspergillus and Paracoccidioides. Some of the host epithelial cell receptors and signaling pathways, in addition to fungal adhesins or other molecules that are responsible for fungal adhesion, invasion, or induction of cytokine secretion will be addressed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca C. S. C. Barros
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Bruna R. Almeida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ed. Antonio C. M. Paiva, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (B.R.A.); (D.T.L.B.)
| | - Debora T. L. Barros
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ed. Antonio C. M. Paiva, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (B.R.A.); (D.T.L.B.)
| | - Marcos S. Toledo
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ed. Leal Prado, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil;
| | - Erika Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ed. Antonio C. M. Paiva, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (B.R.A.); (D.T.L.B.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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The Multifaceted Role of Mating Type of the Fungus and Sex of the Host in Studies of Fungal Infections in Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050461. [PMID: 35628717 PMCID: PMC9145136 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the inclusion of sex and gender variables in studies of fungal infections in humans at the pathogen, host, and antifungal trial levels. The mating type of some fungi, or perhaps more likely the absence of the other, appears to be associated with some infections. Sexual and parasexual reproduction of some fungi is an important mechanism for the development of antifungal drug resistance. Host sex or gender influences the incidence of some infections such as aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, dermatophytosis, and candidiasis due to differences in immune response, behavior, and awareness for early detection and treatment. Participant sex (and age) is relevant not only in clinical antifungal trials but also in preclinical studies. The dimensions of sex and gender are important determinants throughout the fungal infection process and in approaches to prevent or treat these infections, as well as in development of antifungal drugs. Failure to consider sex and gender may be detrimental to the holistic understanding of the processes involved in fungal infection.
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18
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García-Carnero LC, Mora-Montes HM. Mucormycosis and COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis: Insights of a Deadly but Neglected Mycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:445. [PMID: 35628701 PMCID: PMC9144279 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has quickly become a health threat worldwide, with high mortality and morbidity among patients with comorbidities. This viral infection promotes the perfect setting in patients for the development of opportunistic infections, such as those caused by fungi. Mucormycosis, a rare but deadly fungal infection, has recently increased its incidence, especially in endemic areas, since the onset of the pandemic. COVID-19-associated mucormycosis is an important complication of the pandemic because it is a mycosis hard to diagnose and treat, causing concern among COVID-19-infected patients and even in the already recovered population. The risk factors for the development of mucormycosis in these patients are related to the damage caused by the SARS-CoV-2 itself, the patient's overstimulated immune response, and the therapy used to treat COVID-19, causing alterations such as hyperglycemia, acidosis, endothelial and lung damage, and immunosuppression. In this review, the molecular aspects of mucormycosis and the main risk factors for the development of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis are explained to understand this virus-fungi-host interaction and highlight the importance of this neglected mycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Héctor M. Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
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19
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Rozaliyani A, Abdullah A, Setianingrum F, Sjamsuridzal W, Wahyuningsih R, Bowolaksono A, Fatril AE, Adawiyah R, Tugiran M, Syam R, Wibowo H, Kosmidis C, Denning DW. Unravelling the Molecular Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles of Aspergillus spp. Isolated from Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Patients in Jakarta, Indonesia: The Emergence of Cryptic Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:411. [PMID: 35448642 PMCID: PMC9024953 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptic species of Aspergillus have rapidly increased in the last few decades. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a debilitating fungal infection frequently affecting patients with previous TB. The identification and antifungal susceptibility profiles of different species of Aspergillus are important to support the management of CPA. The aim of this study was to describe the molecular and susceptibility profiles of Aspergillus isolated from CPA patients. The species identity of isolates was determined by combined DNA analyses of internal transcribed space (ITS), partial β-tubulin genes, and part of the calmodulin gene. We revealed a high (27%) prevalence of cryptic species among previous tuberculosis patients with persistent symptoms. Twenty-nine (49%) patients met the criteria for diagnosis of CPA with 24% containing Aspergillus cryptic species. This is the first report of five cryptic Aspergillus species from clinical isolates in Indonesia: A. aculea tus, A. neoniger, A. brunneoviolacues, A. welwitschiae, and A. tubingensis. Significantly, there was decreased sensitivity against itraconazole in the CPA group (66% susceptible to itraconazole) compared to the non-CPA group (90% susceptible to itraconazole) (p = 0.003). The species-level characterisation of Aspergillus and its antifungal susceptibility tests demands greater attention to better the management of CPA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rozaliyani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (R.W.); (A.E.F.); (R.A.); (M.T.); (R.S.); (H.W.)
- Indonesia Pulmonary Mycoses Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Asriyani Abdullah
- Magister Program of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia;
| | - Findra Setianingrum
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (R.W.); (A.E.F.); (R.A.); (M.T.); (R.S.); (H.W.)
- Indonesia Pulmonary Mycoses Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Wellyzar Sjamsuridzal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Retno Wahyuningsih
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (R.W.); (A.E.F.); (R.A.); (M.T.); (R.S.); (H.W.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen, Jakarta 13530, Indonesia
| | - Anom Bowolaksono
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Ayu Eka Fatril
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (R.W.); (A.E.F.); (R.A.); (M.T.); (R.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Robiatul Adawiyah
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (R.W.); (A.E.F.); (R.A.); (M.T.); (R.S.); (H.W.)
- Indonesia Pulmonary Mycoses Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Mulyati Tugiran
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (R.W.); (A.E.F.); (R.A.); (M.T.); (R.S.); (H.W.)
- Indonesia Pulmonary Mycoses Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Ridhawati Syam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (R.W.); (A.E.F.); (R.A.); (M.T.); (R.S.); (H.W.)
- Indonesia Pulmonary Mycoses Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Heri Wibowo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (R.W.); (A.E.F.); (R.A.); (M.T.); (R.S.); (H.W.)
- Magister Program of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia;
| | - Chris Kosmidis
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (C.K.); (D.W.D.)
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - David W. Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (C.K.); (D.W.D.)
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
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Falotico JM, Lapides R, Lipner SR. Combination Therapy Should Be Reserved as Second-Line Treatment of Onychomycosis: A Systematic Review of Onychomycosis Clinical Trials. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:279. [PMID: 35330281 PMCID: PMC8949799 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease encountered in clinical practice. Its importance extends well beyond aesthetics, often causing pain, difficulty with ambulation and performing daily activities, and impairing quality of life. Many patients fail to achieve cure with antifungal monotherapy and recurrences are common. Combination therapy has therefore gained considerable interest, given the potential for drug synergy and prevention of antifungal resistance, but it has not been well studied. A systematic review of onychomycosis medication only, as well as medication and procedural (laser, debridement, photodynamic therapy), clinical or randomized controlled trials evaluating combination vs. monotherapies was performed. After exclusions, 30 studies were included in the final analysis. There were conflicting results for medication-only trials, with some showing significant benefit of combination therapy over monotherapy, however, trials were not robustly designed and lacked sufficient follow-up. Procedural studies also lacked long-term follow-up, and failed to demonstrate efficacy in some severe onychomycosis cases. Considering the high cure rates demonstrated in pivotal antifungal monotherapy trials, and conflicting results, costs, and safety concerns associated with combination therapy, we recommend that combination therapy be reserved as second-line treatment options in patients with poor prognostic factors or for those who failed monotherapy for onychomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne M. Falotico
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
| | - Rebecca Lapides
- Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
| | - Shari R. Lipner
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Dermatology, New York, NY 10021, USA
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21
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Wikramanayake TC, Chéret J, Sevilla A, Birch-Machin M, Paus R. Targeting mitochondria in dermatological therapy: Beyond oxidative damage and skin aging. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:233-259. [PMID: 35249436 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2049756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The analysis of the role of the mitochondria in oxidative damage and skin aging is a significant aspect of dermatological research. Mitochondria generate most reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, excessive ROS are cytotoxic and DNA-damaging and promote (photo-)aging. ROS also possesses key physiological and regulatory functions and mitochondrial dysfunction is prominent in several skin diseases including skin cancers. Although many standard dermatotherapeutics modulate mitochondrial function, dermatological therapy rarely targets the mitochondria. Accordingly, there is a rationale for "mitochondrial dermatology"-based approaches to be applied to therapeutic research. AREAS COVERED This paper examines the functions of mitochondria in cutaneous physiology beyond energy (ATP) and ROS production. Keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier maintenance, appendage morphogenesis and homeostasis, photoaging and skin cancer are considered. Based on related PubMed search results, the paper evaluates thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, Vitamin D3 derivatives, retinoids, cannabinoid receptor agonists, PPARγ agonists, thyrotropin, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone as instructive lead compounds. Moreover, the mitochondrial protein MPZL3 as a promising new drug target for future "mitochondrial dermatology" is highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Future dermatological therapeutic research should have a mitochondrial medicine emphasis. Focusing on selected lead agents, protein targets, in silico drug design, and model diseases will fertilize a mito-centric approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyu C Wikramanayake
- Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A.,Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A
| | - Alec Sevilla
- Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A
| | - Mark Birch-Machin
- Dermatological Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, and The UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ralf Paus
- Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A.,Monasterium Laboratory, Münster, Germany.,Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, UK
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22
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Rather IA, Sabir JSM, Asseri AH, Ali S. Antifungal Activity of Human Cathelicidin LL-37, a Membrane Disrupting Peptide, by Triggering Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Arrest in Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:204. [PMID: 35205958 PMCID: PMC8875705 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, an evolving multidrug-resistant pathogenic yeast, is known for causing severe invasive infections associated with high mortality rates in hospitalized individuals. Distinct from other Candida species, C. auris can persist for longer periods on different surfaces and is resistant to all of the major classes of antifungal drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new antimycotic drugs with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. The development of new antifungals based on antimicrobial peptides from various sources is considered a promising alternative. In this study, we examined the in vitro anti-yeast activity of the human cathelicidin peptides LL-37 against clinical strains of C. auris alone and in combination with different antifungal drugs by broth microdilution assay. To understand the antifungal mechanism of action, cell envelopes, cell cycle arrest, and effect on oxidative stress enzymes were studied using standard protocols. The minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of cathelicidin LL-37 ranged from 25-100 and 50-200 µg/mL, respectively. A combination interaction in a 1:1 ratio (cathelicidin LL-37: antifungal drug) resulted in 70% synergy with fluconazole and 100% synergy with amphotericin B and caspofungin. Assessment of the C. auris membrane by using propidium iodide assay after exposure to cathelicidin LL-37 linked membrane permeabilization with inhibition of C. auris cell growth and viability. These results were backed up by scanning electron microscopy studies demonstrating that exposure with cathelicidin LL-37 caused C. auris cells to undergo extensive surface changes. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed that cathelicidin LL-37 caused oxidative stress in C. auris, as is evident from the significant increase in the activity of primary antioxidant enzymes. In addition, cathelicidin LL-37 inhibited the cell cycle and accumulated cells in the S phase. Therefore, these results specify the potential of cathelicidin LL-37 for developing a new and effective anti-Candida agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan A. Rather
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal S. M. Sabir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer H. Asseri
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sajad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 385541, Korea
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23
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Nasr M, Abd-Elhamid N, Abd-Allah D, Elkholy BM. Acitretin: Could it be a new therapeutic player in the field of onychomycosis? Mycoses 2022; 65:402-410. [PMID: 35103343 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onychomycosis represents a therapeutic challenge. The complete cure rate with itraconazole pulse therapy remains unsatisfactory implying the need for an effective therapeutic regimen. Given the successful treatment of recurrent dermatophytosis with isotretinoin and itraconazole, we investigated the therapeutic use of acitretin in onychomycosis. AIM To evaluate and compare the efficacy of combined itraconazole and acitretin versus monotherapy with each in onychomycosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 135 adult patients with finger- and/or toe-nail onychomycosis. They were equally subdivided into 3 groups: Itraconazole pulse therapy, acitretin, and combined itraconazole/acitretin therapy. The drugs were administered for 3 months. Evaluation of severity was done by onychomycosis severity index score. Potassium hydroxide microscopy and culture were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS Mycological and complete cure of onychomycosis was observed in 51.1% and 20% of the itraconazole group, 28.9% and 28.9% of the acitretin group, and 80% and 53.3% of the combined group. There was a statistically-significant difference between groups in favor of the combined itraconazole/acitretin therapy (P ≤ 0.05). LIMITATIONS Small sample and short therapy duration. CONCLUSIONS Acitretin could be a powerful therapeutic player in the field of onychomycosis, with greater efficacy when combined with itraconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Nasr
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nahla Abd-Elhamid
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Dina Abd-Allah
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Basma M Elkholy
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Chesnay A, Paget C, Heuzé-Vourc’h N, Baranek T, Desoubeaux G. Pneumocystis Pneumonia: Pitfalls and Hindrances to Establishing a Reliable Animal Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:129. [PMID: 35205883 PMCID: PMC8877242 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a severe lung infection that occurs primarily in largely immunocompromised patients. Few treatment options exist, and the mortality rate remains substantial. To develop new strategies in the fields of diagnosis and treatment, it appears to be critical to improve the scientific knowledge about the biology of the Pneumocystis agent and the course of the disease. In the absence of in vitro continuous culture system, in vivo animal studies represent a crucial cornerstone for addressing Pneumocystis pneumonia in laboratories. Here, we provide an overview of the animal models of Pneumocystis pneumonia that were reported in the literature over the last 60 years. Overall, this review highlights the great heterogeneity of the variables studied: the choice of the host species and its genetics, the different immunosuppressive regimens to render an animal susceptible, the experimental challenge, and the different validation methods of the model. With this work, the investigator will have the keys to choose pivotal experimental parameters and major technical features that are assumed to likely influence the results according to the question asked. As an example, we propose an animal model to explore the immune response during Pneumocystis pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Chesnay
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie-Médecine Tropicale, Pôle Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours, France;
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
| | - Christophe Paget
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
| | - Nathalie Heuzé-Vourc’h
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
| | - Thomas Baranek
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
| | - Guillaume Desoubeaux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie-Médecine Tropicale, Pôle Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours, France;
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
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