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Santos AS, Costa VAF, Freitas VAQ, Dos Anjos LRB, de Almeida Santos ES, Arantes TD, Costa CR, de Sene Amâncio Zara AL, do Rosário Rodrigues Silva M, Neves BJ. Drug to genome to drug: a computational large-scale chemogenomics screening for novel drug candidates against sporotrichosis. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01406-x. [PMID: 38888692 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01406-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is recognized as the predominant subcutaneous mycosis in South America, attributed to pathogenic species within the Sporothrix genus. Notably, in Brazil, Sporothrix brasiliensis emerges as the principal species, exhibiting significant sapronotic, zoonotic and enzootic epidemic potential. Consequently, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of sporotrichosis is imperative. The present study is dedicated to the repositioning of pharmaceuticals for sporotrichosis therapy. To achieve this goal, we designed a pipeline with the following steps: (a) compilation and preparation of Sporothrix genome data; (b) identification of orthologous proteins among the species; (c) identification of homologous proteins in publicly available drug-target databases; (d) selection of Sporothrix essential targets using validated genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae; (e) molecular modeling studies; and (f) experimental validation of selected candidates. Based on this approach, we were able to prioritize eight drugs for in vitro experimental validation. Among the evaluated compounds, everolimus and bifonazole demonstrated minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.5 µg/mL and 4.0 µg/mL, respectively. Subsequently, molecular docking studies suggest that bifonazole and everolimus may target specific proteins within S. brasiliensis- namely, sterol 14-α-demethylase and serine/threonine-protein kinase TOR, respectively. These findings shed light on the potential binding affinities and binding modes of bifonazole and everolimus with their probable targets, providing a preliminary understanding of the antifungal mechanism of action of these compounds. In conclusion, our research advances the understanding of the therapeutic potential of bifonazole and everolimus, supporting their further investigation as antifungal agents for sporotrichosis in prospective hit-to-lead and preclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Santana Santos
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Laura Raniere Borges Dos Anjos
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Thales Domingos Arantes
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Carolina Rodrigues Costa
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura de Sene Amâncio Zara
- Postgraduate Program in Health Technology Assistance and Assessment (PPG-AAS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Junior Neves
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
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Li W, Feng Y, Feng Z, Wang L, Whiteway M, Lu H, Jiang Y. Pitavastatin Calcium Confers Fungicidal Properties to Fluconazole by Inhibiting Ubiquinone Biosynthesis and Generating Reactive Oxygen Species. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:667. [PMID: 38929106 PMCID: PMC11200976 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluconazole (FLC) is extensively employed for the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). However, the fungistatic nature of FLC renders pathogenic fungi capable of developing tolerance towards it. Consequently, converting FLC into a fungicidal agent using adjuvants assumes significance to circumvent FLC resistance and the perpetuation of fungal infections. This drug repurposing study has successfully identified pitavastatin calcium (PIT) as a promising adjuvant for enhancing the fungicidal activity of FLC from a comprehensive library of 2372 FDA-approved drugs. PIT could render FLC fungicidal even at concentrations as low as 1 μM. The median lethal dose (LD50) of PIT was determined to be 103.6 mg/kg. We have discovered that PIT achieves its synergistic effect by inhibiting the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, thereby impeding ubiquinone biosynthesis, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, triggering apoptosis, and disrupting Golgi function. We employed a Candida albicans strain that demonstrated a notable tolerance to FLC to infect mice and found that PIT effectively augmented the antifungal efficacy of FLC against IFIs. This study is an illustrative example of how FDA-approved drugs can effectively eliminate fungal tolerance to FLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yanru Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
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Wang C, Yin X, Ma W, Zhao L, Wu X, Ma N, Cao Y, Zhang Q, Ma S, Xu L, Wang X. Clinical application of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid metagenomics next-generation sequencing in cancer patients with severe pneumonia. Respir Res 2024; 25:68. [PMID: 38317206 PMCID: PMC10840150 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), as an emerging technique for pathogen detection, has been widely used in clinic. However, reports on the application of mNGS in cancer patients with severe pneumonia remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) mNGS in cancer patients complicated with severe pneumonia. METHODS A total of 62 cancer patients with severe pneumonia simultaneously received culture and mNGS of BALF were enrolled in this study. We systematically analyzed the diagnostic significance of BALF mNGS. Subsequently, optimization of anti-infective therapy based on the distribution of pathogens obtained from BALF mNGS was also assessed. RESULTS For bacteria and fungi, the positive detection rate of mNGS was significantly higher than culture method (91.94% versus 51.61%, P < 0.001), especially for poly-microbial infections (70.97% versus 12.90%, P < 0.001). Compared with the culture method, mNGS exhibited a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 16.67%, with the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) being 56.14% and 100%, respectively. The agreement rate between these two methods was 59.68%, whereas kappa consensus analysis indicated a poor concordance (kappa = 0.171). After receipt of BALF mNGS results, anti-infective treatment strategies in 39 out of 62 cases (62.90%) were optimized. Moreover, anti-tumor therapy was a high-risk factor for mixed infections (87.18% versus 65.22%, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that cancer patients with severe pneumonia, especially those received anti-tumor therapy, were more likely to have poly-microbial infections. BALF mNGS can provide a rapid and comprehensive pathogen distribution of pulmonary infection, making it a promising technique in clinical practice, especially for optimizing therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Boulevard, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Boulevard, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Wenqing Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Boulevard, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Boulevard, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Xuhong Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yuepeng Cao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Quanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, 42 Baiziting Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Shuliang Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, 42 Baiziting Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
| | - Xuerong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Boulevard, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.
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Scott J, Valero C, Mato-López Á, Donaldson IJ, Roldán A, Chown H, Van Rhijn N, Lobo-Vega R, Gago S, Furukawa T, Morogovsky A, Ben Ami R, Bowyer P, Osherov N, Fontaine T, Goldman GH, Mellado E, Bromley M, Amich J. Aspergillus fumigatus Can Display Persistence to the Fungicidal Drug Voriconazole. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0477022. [PMID: 36912663 PMCID: PMC10100717 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04770-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungus that can infect the lungs of patients with immunosuppression and/or underlying lung diseases. The mortality associated with chronic and invasive aspergillosis infections remain very high, despite availability of antifungal treatments. In the last decade, there has been a worrisome emergence and spread of resistance to the first-line antifungals, the azoles. The mortality caused by resistant isolates is even higher, and patient management is complicated as the therapeutic options are reduced. Nevertheless, treatment failure is also common in patients infected with azole-susceptible isolates, which can be due to several non-mutually exclusive reasons, such as poor drug absorption. In addition, the phenomena of tolerance or persistence, where susceptible pathogens can survive the action of an antimicrobial for extended periods, have been associated with treatment failure in bacterial infections, and their occurrence in fungal infections already proposed. Here, we demonstrate that some isolates of A. fumigatus display persistence to voriconazole. A subpopulation of the persister isolates can survive for extended periods and even grow at low rates in the presence of supra-MIC of voriconazole and seemingly other azoles. Persistence cannot be eradicated with adjuvant drugs or antifungal combinations and seemed to reduce the efficacy of treatment for certain individuals in a Galleria mellonella model of infection. Furthermore, persistence implies a distinct transcriptional profile, demonstrating that it is an active response. We propose that azole persistence might be a relevant and underestimated factor that could influence the outcome of infection in human aspergillosis. IMPORTANCE The phenomena of antibacterial tolerance and persistence, where pathogenic microbes can survive for extended periods in the presence of cidal drug concentrations, have received significant attention in the last decade. Several mechanisms of action have been elucidated, and their relevance for treatment failure in bacterial infections demonstrated. In contrast, our knowledge of antifungal tolerance and, in particular, persistence is still very limited. In this study, we have characterized the response of the prominent fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus to the first-line therapy antifungal voriconazole. We comprehensively show that some isolates display persistence to this fungicidal antifungal and propose various potential mechanisms of action. In addition, using an alternative model of infection, we provide initial evidence to suggest that persistence may cause treatment failure in some individuals. Therefore, we propose that azole persistence is an important factor to consider and further investigate in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Scott
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Valero
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Mato-López
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ian J. Donaldson
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandra Roldán
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Harry Chown
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Norman Van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebeca Lobo-Vega
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Takanori Furukawa
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alma Morogovsky
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronen Ben Ami
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INRAE, USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CiberInfec ISCIII, CIBER en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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An L, Jia G, Tan J, Yang L, Wang Y, Li L. Analysis of the synergistic antifungal activity of everolimus and antifungal drugs against dematiaceous fungi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1131416. [PMID: 36909734 PMCID: PMC9996166 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1131416] [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: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a form of chronic mycosis that affects the skin and mucous membranes and is caused by species of dematiaceous fungi including Exophiala spp., Phialophora spp., and Fonsecaea spp. The persistence of this disease and limitations associated with single-drug treatment have complicated efforts to adequately manage this condition. Methods In this study, a microdilution assay was used to explore the synergistic antifungal activity of everolimus (EVL) in combination with itraconazole (ITC), voriconazole (VRC), posaconazole (POS), and amphotericin B (AMB) against a range of clinical dematiaceous fungal isolates. Results These analyses revealed that the EVL+POS and EVL+ITC exhibited superior in vitro synergistic efficacy, respectively inhibiting the growth of 64% (14/22) and 59% (13/22) of tested strains. In contrast, the growth of just 9% (2/22) of tested strains was inhibited by a combination of EVL+AMB, and no synergistic efficacy was observed for the combination of EVL+VRC. Discussion Overall, these findings indicate that EVL holds promise as a novel drug that can be synergistically combined with extant antifungal drugs to improve their efficacy, thereby aiding in the treatment of CBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu An
- Department of Medical Mycology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengpei Jia
- Department of General Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Jingwen Tan
- Department of Medical Mycology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianjuan Yang
- Department of Medical Mycology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuemei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shibei Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shibei Hospital, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Li,
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Evaluation of the efficacy of heat shock protein inhibitors and antifungal drug combinations against Candida spp. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-022-01118-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Li Y, Liu Y, Sun Y, Ma S, Ma C, Zhou H, Chen G, Liu L, Cai D. Study on the mechanism of Yupingfeng powder in the treatment of immunosuppression based on UPLC⁃QTOF⁃MS, network pharmacology and molecular biology verification. Life Sci 2022; 289:120211. [PMID: 34875251 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120211] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The current study aims to investigate the effect of Yupingfeng (YPF) powder on immunosuppression, and explore the possible mechanisms. MAIN METHODS Firstly, the monomer components of YPF powder were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS combined with UNIFI automatic analysis platform, then the mechanism of YPF on immunosuppressive treatment was investigated using network pharmacological method, and finally the prediction was verified in a Candida albicans (Can)-induced immunosuppressive BALB/c mouse model. KEY FINDINGS 98 monomer compounds in YPF were obtained. Through virtual analysis and screening on the oral utilization and drug likeness properties of the components, 47 effective components were got. 9 core targets obtained were enriched in IL-17 signaling pathway. In the mouse model, YPF could reduce the number of Can and alleviate Can-induced inflammation in the kidney effectively, upregulate Can-induced low proportion of CD4+/CD8+ of splenic lymphocytes, and increase Can-induced low activity of IL-17 pathway. SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrate that YPF could improve the immunity of Can-induced immunosuppression in BALB/c mice through upregulating the activity of IL-17 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, the First Naval Force Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Zhanjiang 524005, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yongsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Shumei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, PR China; Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, PR China
| | - Chunmei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, PR China; Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, PR China
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Naval Force Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Zhanjiang 524005, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Gui'e Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Naval Force Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Zhanjiang 524005, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, PR China; Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, PR China.
| | - De Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong, PR China.
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Almeida-Paes R, de Andrade IB, Ramos MLM, Rodrigues MVDA, do Nascimento VA, Bernardes-Engemann AR, Frases S. Medicines for Malaria Venture COVID Box: a source for repurposing drugs with antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2021; 116:e210207. [PMID: 34755820 PMCID: PMC8577065 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of mycoses is often ineffective, usually prolonged, and has some side effects. These facts highlight the importance of discovering new molecules to treat fungal infections. OBJECTIVES To search the Medicines for Malaria Venture COVID Box for drugs with antifungal activity. METHODS Fourteen human pathogenic fungi were tested against the 160 drugs of this collection at 1.0 µM concentration. We evaluated the ability of the drugs to impair fungal growth, their fungicidal nature, and morphological changes caused to cells. FINDINGS Thirty-four molecules (21.25%) presented antifungal activity. Seven are antifungal drugs and one is the agricultural fungicide cycloheximide. The other drugs with antifungal activity included antibiotics (n = 3), antimalarials (n = 4), antivirals (n = 2), antiparasitcs (n = 3), antitumor agents (n = 5), nervous system agents (n = 3), immunosuppressants (n = 3), antivomiting (n = 1), antiasthmatic (n = 1), and a genetic disorder agent (n = 1). Several of these drugs inhibited Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis growth (15 and 20, respectively), while Fusarium solani was not affected by the drugs tested. Most drugs were fungistatic, but niclosamide presented fungicidal activity against the three dimorphic fungi tested. Cyclosporine affected morphology of Cryptococcus neoformans. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These drugs represent new alternatives to the development of more accessible and effective therapies to treat human fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Mariana Lucy Mesquita Ramos
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcus Vinícius de Araújo Rodrigues
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Vinícius Alves do Nascimento
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Andréa Reis Bernardes-Engemann
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Susana Frases
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Şen Kaya S, Kiraz N, Bariş A, Turan D, Öz Y, Dağ İ, Aygün G. Effects of calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine A and tacrolimus (FK506), on the activity of antifungal drugs against Candida spp. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70. [PMID: 33915075 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The simultaneous use of antifungals with immunosuppressive agents has become a necessity for patients taking immunosuppressive therapy. However, antifungal drugs are problematic because of their limited target.Hypothesis. Scientists have been searching for new antifungals and some compounds with at least additive effects on antifungals. Calcineurin inhibitors used as immunosuppressive agents also attract attention due to their antifungal property.Aim. To evaluate the activity of two calcineurin inhibitors alone and in combination with amphotericin B (AMB), caspofungin (CAS), itraconazole (ITR), voriconazole (VOR) and fluconazole (FLU).Methodology. MICs of AMB, CAS, ITR, VOR, FLU and cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (TAC) as calcineurin inhibitors were evaluated by the broth microdilution method against Candida albicans (n=13), C. krusei (n=7) and C. glabrata (n=10). Checkerboard and time-kill methods were performed to investigate the activity of combining calcineurin inhibitors with antifungal drugs.Results. The lowest MIC values were detected with VOR for all Candida isolates tested. Although we did not detect any inhibition for CsA or TAC alone at concentrations tested in this study, the combinations of CAS with CsA showed the highest synergistic activity (36.7%) by the checkerboard method, and CAS with CsA and ITR with TAC combinations exhibited apparent synergistic interaction by the time-kill method. However, the combinations of both CsA and TAC with AMB resulted in antagonistic interactions, especially against C. krusei isolate in time-kill testing.Conclusion. Synergistic interactions in the combinations of TAC or CsA with antifungal drugs, except for AMB, in many concentrations was found to be promising in terms of the treatment of patients with fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sümeyye Şen Kaya
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nuri Kiraz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Bariş
- Department of Microbiology, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Turan
- Department of Microbiology, Haydarpasa Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Öz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - İlknur Dağ
- Vocational Health Services High School, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.,Central Research Laboratory Application and Research Center, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Aygün
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Galocha M, Costa IV, Teixeira MC. Carrier-Mediated Drug Uptake in Fungal Pathogens. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111324. [PMID: 33182427 PMCID: PMC7697741 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus species are the most frequent cause of severe human fungal infections. Clinically relevant antifungal drugs are scarce, and their effectiveness are hampered by the ability of fungal cells to develop drug resistance mechanisms. Drug effectiveness and drug resistance in human pathogens is very often affected by their “transportome”. Many studies have covered a panoply of drug resistance mechanisms that depend on drug efflux pumps belonging to the ATP-Binding Cassette and Major Facilitator Superfamily. However, the study of drug uptake mechanisms has been, to some extent, overlooked in pathogenic fungi. This review focuses on discussing current knowledge on drug uptake systems in fungal pathogens, highlighting the need for further studies on this topic of great importance. The following subjects are covered: (i) drugs imported by known transporter(s) in pathogenic fungi; and (ii) drugs imported by known transporter(s) in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae or in human parasites, aimed at the identification of their homologs in pathogenic fungi. Besides its contribution to increase the understanding of drug-pathogen interactions, the practical implications of identifying drug importers in human pathogens are discussed, particularly focusing on drug development strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Galocha
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.G.); (I.V.C.)
- Biological Sciences Research Group, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Vieira Costa
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.G.); (I.V.C.)
- Biological Sciences Research Group, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Cacho Teixeira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.G.); (I.V.C.)
- Biological Sciences Research Group, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-21-841-7772; Fax: +351-21-841-9199
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11
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Observational Cohort Study of Oral Mycobiome and Interkingdom Interactions over the Course of Induction Therapy for Leukemia. mSphere 2020; 5:5/2/e00048-20. [PMID: 32295867 PMCID: PMC7160678 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00048-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the term "microbiome" refers to all microorganisms, the majority of microbiome studies focus on the bacteriome. Here, we characterize the oral mycobiome, including mycobiome-bacteriome interactions, in the setting of remission-induction chemotherapy (RIC) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Oral samples (n = 299) were prospectively collected twice weekly from 39 AML patients during RIC until neutrophil recovery. Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA gene (V4) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequencing were used to determine bacterial and fungal diversity and community composition. Intrakingdom and interkingdom network connectivity at baseline (T1) and at midpoint (T3) and a later time point (T6) were assessed via SPIEC-EASI (sparse inverse covariance estimation for ecological association inference). In this exploratory study, mycobiome α-diversity was not significantly associated with antibiotic or antifungal receipt. However, postchemotherapy mycobiome α-diversity was lower in subjects receiving high-intensity chemotherapy. Additionally, greater decreases in Malassezia levels were seen over time among patients on high-intensity RIC compared to low-intensity RIC (P = 0.003). A significantly higher relative abundance of Candida was found among patients who had infection (P = 0.008), while a significantly higher relative abundance of Fusarium was found among patients who did not get an infection (P = 0.03). Analyses of intrakingdom and interkingdom relationships at T1, T3, and T6 indicated that interkingdom connectivity increased over the course of IC as bacterial α-diversity diminished. In (to our knowledge) the first longitudinal mycobiome study performed during AML RIC, we found that mycobiome-bacteriome interactions are highly dynamic. Our study data suggest that inclusion of mycobiome analysis in the design of microbiome studies may be necessary to optimally understand the ecological and functional role of microbial communities in clinical outcomes.IMPORTANCE This report highlights the importance of longitudinal, parallel characterization of oral fungi and bacteria in order to better elucidate the dynamic changes in microbial community structure and interkingdom functional interactions during the injury of chemotherapy and antibiotic exposure as well as the clinical consequences of these interrelated alterations.
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12
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Roszkowiak J, Jajor P, Guła G, Gubernator J, Żak A, Drulis-Kawa Z, Augustyniak D. Interspecies Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) Modulate the Sensitivity of Pathogenic Bacteria and Pathogenic Yeasts to Cationic Peptides and Serum Complement. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225577. [PMID: 31717311 PMCID: PMC6888958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The virulence of bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) contributes to innate microbial defense. Limited data report their role in interspecies reactions. There are no data about the relevance of OMVs in bacterial-yeast communication. We hypothesized that model Moraxella catarrhalis OMVs may orchestrate the susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts to cationic peptides (polymyxin B) and serum complement. Using growth kinetic curve and time-kill assay we found that OMVs protect Candida albicans against polymyxin B-dependent fungicidal action in combination with fluconazole. We showed that OMVs preserve the virulent filamentous phenotype of yeasts in the presence of both antifungal drugs. We demonstrated that bacteria including Haemophilus influenza, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa coincubated with OMVs are protected against membrane targeting agents. The high susceptibility of OMV-associated bacteria to polymyxin B excluded the direct way of protection, suggesting rather the fusion mechanisms. High-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectroscopy (HPLC-UV) and zeta-potential measurement revealed a high sequestration capacity (up to 95%) of OMVs against model cationic peptide accompanied by an increase in surface electrical charge. We presented the first experimental evidence that bacterial OMVs by sequestering of cationic peptides may protect pathogenic yeast against combined action of antifungal drugs. Our findings identify OMVs as important inter-kingdom players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Roszkowiak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (G.G.); (Z.D.-K.)
| | - Paweł Jajor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Guła
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (G.G.); (Z.D.-K.)
| | - Jerzy Gubernator
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Żak
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Science, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (G.G.); (Z.D.-K.)
| | - Daria Augustyniak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (G.G.); (Z.D.-K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-375-6296
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13
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The susceptibility of Candida albicans strains to selected anticancer drugs and flucytosine, relevance of the presence of self-splicing intron in 25S rDNA. J Mycol Med 2018; 29:39-43. [PMID: 30545669 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of intron 25S allows to divide the Candida albicans species into three subclasses (A, B, C). Intronless and intron harboring strains were reported to have different susceptibility to some drugs, for example to flucytosine and bleomycin. OBJECTIVES In this paper we tested the activity of selected antineoplastic agents, bleomycin, mitomycin C, dactinomycin and fluorouracil as well as antifungal drug flucytosine against 49 C. albicans isolates. Twenty-four strains used in this work contained intron, whereas twenty-five were intronless. METHODS The minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by the standard microdilution method according to EUCAST. RESULTS All of the tested agents showed antifungal activity. Bleomycin was the strongest with an average minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] of 15.5mg/L (range: 2-32), while the highest MIC was found for dactinomycin: 172.14mg/L (range: 128-256). Intron harboring strains seem to be more susceptible to bleomycin and flucytosine; however, differences were not statistically significant. The only two strains with elevated MICs for flucytosine were intronless. In contrast, the MIC of 5-fluorouracil was more than two times lower in intron harbouring strains comparing to intronless strains (P-value=0.0124). We found that the addition of folinate significantly increased the susceptibility of intronless strains to fluorouracil. MIC of fluorouracil decreased in this group from 58.24 (range: 16-256) to 16,78mg/L (2-64) after the supplementation of folinate. CONCLUSION The antifungal potential of tested substances, especially the simultaneous action of fluorouracil and folinate (combination used in oncology), is encouraging further research.
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14
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Antifungal tolerance is a subpopulation effect distinct from resistance and is associated with persistent candidemia. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2470. [PMID: 29941885 PMCID: PMC6018213 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tolerance to antifungal drug concentrations above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) is rarely quantified, and current clinical recommendations suggest it should be ignored. Here, we quantify antifungal tolerance in Candida albicans isolates as the fraction of growth above the MIC, and find that it is distinct from susceptibility/resistance. Instead, tolerance is due to the slow growth of subpopulations of cells that overcome drug stress more efficiently than the rest of the population, and correlates inversely with intracellular drug accumulation. Many adjuvant drugs used in combination with fluconazole, a widely used fungistatic drug, reduce tolerance without affecting resistance. Accordingly, in an invertebrate infection model, adjuvant combination therapy is more effective than fluconazole in treating infections with highly tolerant isolates and does not affect infections with low tolerance isolates. Furthermore, isolates recovered from immunocompetent patients with persistent candidemia display higher tolerance than isolates readily cleared by fluconazole. Thus, tolerance correlates with, and may help predict, patient responses to fluconazole therapy. The authors show that antifungal tolerance, defined as the fraction of growth of a fungal pathogen above the minimal inhibitory concentration, is due to the slow growth of subpopulations of cells that overcome drug stress, and that high tolerance is often associated with persistent infections.
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15
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Anticandidal activity of hetero-dinuclear copper(II) Mn(II) Schiff base and its potential action of the mechanism. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 33:202. [PMID: 29080032 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-017-2368-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are one of the major challenges especially for immunosuppressed patients since they are drug resistant and pathogen to patients. Therefore, developing new, efficient and nonresistant antifungal agents have been a primary focus of international research. In the current study, a novel Schiff base [hetero-dinuclear copper(II) Mn(II) complex] (SB) derivative was investigated for its anticandidal activity against Candida albicans and possible mechanisms inducing cell death. The results revealed that SB treatment induces apoptotic and necrotic pathways in C. albicans ATCC10231 strain. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production determined by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining was triggered by SB and amphotericin B administrations in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that SB exposure resulted in regulation of critical development and stress related gene expressions. SB treatment directly upregulated expression of stress related genes, DDR48 and RIM101, while suppressed important cell signaling and antibiotic resistance acquiring related genes such as HSP90, ERG11 and EFG1. Furthermore, CaMCA1 mRNA levels were found to be significantly high in SB-treated yeast cells, indicating possible caspase-like mechanism activation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that SB treatment led to severe cell wall integrity disruption and wrinkling. The study will encourage development of SB-based anticandidal regimens but further studies are highly warranted to understand limitations and the extended use in the routine.
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16
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Pathogenic characteristics of Candida albicans isolated from oral cavities of denture wearers and cancer patients wearing oral prostheses. Microb Pathog 2017; 110:128-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Pritchard M, Jack A, Powell L, Sadh H, Rye P, Hill K, Thomas D. Alginate oligosaccharides modify hyphal infiltration ofCandida albicansin anin vitromodel of invasive human candidosis. J Appl Microbiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M.F. Pritchard
- Advanced Therapies Group; Cardiff University School of Dentistry; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff UK
| | - A.A. Jack
- Advanced Therapies Group; Cardiff University School of Dentistry; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff UK
| | - L.C. Powell
- Advanced Therapies Group; Cardiff University School of Dentistry; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff UK
| | - H. Sadh
- Advanced Therapies Group; Cardiff University School of Dentistry; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff UK
| | | | - K.E. Hill
- Advanced Therapies Group; Cardiff University School of Dentistry; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff UK
| | - D.W. Thomas
- Advanced Therapies Group; Cardiff University School of Dentistry; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff UK
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18
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Fluoroquinolone therapy could influence the clinical signs of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Rev Iberoam Micol 2017; 34:58-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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19
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Fardet L, Petersen I, Nazareth I. Common Infections in Patients Prescribed Systemic Glucocorticoids in Primary Care: A Population-Based Cohort Study. PLoS Med 2016; 13:e1002024. [PMID: 27218256 PMCID: PMC4878789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the relative risk of common bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections in the general population of individuals exposed to systemic glucocorticoids, or about the impact of glucocorticoid exposure duration and predisposing factors on this risk. METHODS AND FINDINGS The hazard ratios of various common infections were assessed in 275,072 adults prescribed glucocorticoids orally for ≥15 d (women: 57.8%, median age: 63 [interquartile range 48-73] y) in comparison to those not prescribed glucocorticoids. For each infection, incidence rate ratios were calculated for five durations of exposure (ranging from 15-30 d to >12 mo), and risk factors were assessed. Data were extracted from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) primary care database. When compared to those with the same underlying disease but not exposed to glucocorticoids, the adjusted hazard ratios for infections with significantly higher risk in the glucocorticoid-exposed population ranged from 2.01 (95% CI 1.83-2.19; p < 0.001) for cutaneous cellulitis to 5.84 (95% CI 5.61-6.08; p < 0.001) for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). There was no difference in the risk of scabies, dermatophytosis and varicella. The relative increase in risk was stable over the durations of exposure, except for LRTI and local candidiasis, for which it was much higher during the first weeks of exposure. The risks of infection increased with age and were higher in those with diabetes, in those prescribed higher glucocorticoid doses, and in those with lower plasma albumin level. Most associations were also dependent on the underlying disease. A sensitivity analysis conducted on all individuals except those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease produced similar results. Another sensitivity analysis assessing the impact of potential unmeasured confounders such as disease severity or concomitant prescription of chemotherapy suggested that it was unlikely that adjusting for these potential confounders would have radically changed the findings. Limitations of our study include the use of electronic medical records, which could have resulted in some degree of misclassification of the infectious outcomes; a possible reporting bias, as general practitioners could be more prone to record an infection in those exposed to glucocorticoids; and a low number of events for some outcomes such as scabies or varicella, which may have led to limited statistical power. CONCLUSIONS The relative risk of LRTI and local candidiasis is very high during the first weeks of glucocorticoid exposure. Further studies are needed to assess whether low albumin level is a risk factor for infection by itself (e.g., by being associated with a higher free glucocorticoid fraction) or whether it reflects other underlying causes of general debilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Fardet
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Dermatology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Paris, France.,EA 7379 Epidémiologie en Dermatologie et Evaluation des Thérapeutiques, Université Paris-Est Créteil, UPEC Paris 12, Créteil, France
| | - Irene Petersen
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irwin Nazareth
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Infectious Diseases in Transplantation--Report of the 20th Nantes Actualités Transplantation Meeting. Transplantation 2016; 99:2444-7. [PMID: 26627674 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The 20th Nantes Actualités Transplantation (NAT) meeting was held on June 11, 2015, and June 12, 2015. This year, the local organizing committee selected an update on infectious diseases in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. With an attendance of close to 170 clinicians, researchers, students, engineers, technicians, invited speakers, and guests from North and South America, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, and France, the meeting was well attended. Invited speakers' expertise covered basic as well as translational microbiology, immunology, transplantation, and intensive care medicine. This report identifies a number of advances presented during the meeting in the care and management of infectious diseases in transplantation and immunocompromised patients. New antiviral immune responses and their modulation by pathogens in addition to novel antimicrobial therapeutic strategies, cell therapies, and genomic analysis were discussed.
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Cordeiro RDA, Evangelista AJDJ, Serpa R, Marques FJDF, Melo CVSD, Oliveira JSD, Franco JDS, Alencar LPD, Bandeira TDJPG, Brilhante RSN, Sidrim JJC, Rocha MFG. Inhibition of heat-shock protein 90 enhances the susceptibility to antifungals and reduces the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex. Microbiology (Reading) 2016; 162:309-317. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - Rosana Serpa
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - Francisca Jakelyne de Farias Marques
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - Charlline Vládia Silva de Melo
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - Jonathas Sales de Oliveira
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Pereira de Alencar
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences,State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - Tereza de Jesus Pinheiro Gomes Bandeira
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Christus College – UNICHRISTUS,Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - Marcos Fébio Gadelha Rocha
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology,Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences,State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
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22
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Hodge G, Cohen SH, Thompson GR. In vitro interactions between amphotericin B and hydrocortisone: potential implications for intrathecal therapy. Med Mycol 2015; 53:749-53. [PMID: 26162473 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myv047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal meningitis remains a severe and often lethal infection requiring aggressive antifungal therapy and in refractory cases the use of intrathecal amphotericin B (AmB). Administration of amphotericin B by this method may result in clinically apparent adverse reactions such as paresthesias, radiculitis, or myelopathy. Coadministration of hydrocortisone is therefore often given in an attempt to avoid these effects; however, the potential consequences of this approach on fungal growth or on drug synergy/antagonism had not previously been assessed. We used the checkerboard titration broth microdilution method to analyze interactions by fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs). The combination of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone resulted in synergy or indifference against all isolates (Candida, Cryptococcus, and Coccidioides) during in vitro testing at low concentrations. Antagonism was observed using higher hydrocortisone concentrations (those not observed in vivo) suggesting possible steric hindrance or binding to AmB may occur at doses unlikely to be present during clinical care. Concurrent hydrocortisone and AmB administration should not be avoided due to in vitro antagonism concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Hodge
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-Davis
| | - Stuart H Cohen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-Davis Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center
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Routh MM, Chauhan NM, Karuppayil SM. Cancer drugs inhibit morphogenesis in the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Braz J Microbiol 2014; 44:855-9. [PMID: 24516452 PMCID: PMC3910200 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822013000300029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida infections are very common in cancer patients and it is a common practice to prescribe antifungal antibiotics along with anticancer drugs. Yeast to hyphal form switching is considered to be important in invasive candidiasis. Targeting morphogenetic switching may be useful against invasive candidiasis. In this study, we report the antimorphogenetic properties of thirty cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhushree M Routh
- DST-FIST and UGC-SAP Sponsored School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, MS, India
| | - Nitin M Chauhan
- DST-FIST and UGC-SAP Sponsored School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, MS, India
| | - S Mohan Karuppayil
- DST-FIST and UGC-SAP Sponsored School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, MS, India
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24
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Schaenman JM, Khuu T, Kubak BM. Fungi as Eukaryotes: Understanding the Antifungal Effects of Immunosuppressive Drugs. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-013-0169-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Santos DWCL, Padovan ACB, Melo ASA, Gonçalves SS, Azevedo VR, Ogawa MM, Freitas TVS, Colombo AL. Molecular identification of melanised non-sporulating moulds: a useful tool for studying the epidemiology of phaeohyphomycosis. Mycopathologia 2013; 175:445-54. [PMID: 23288581 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-012-9608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Subcutaneous infections caused by melanised fungi have been increasingly reported among transplant patients, and these infections have the potential for blood and visceral dissemination. Some moulds, such as Mycelia sterilia, cannot grow and sporulate on different media, making their identification impossible by conventional methods. The fast and accurate identification of melanised fungi at the species level is important because species may have tropism to different organs and different susceptibilities to antifungal agents. Molecular tools have been reported to be helpful for the species identification of non-sporulating moulds. Our goal was to identify the species of M. sterilia isolates obtained from clinical samples of transplant patients using sequences of ITS and the D1/D2 regions of rDNA. Clinical samples were obtained from eight kidney transplant recipients who developed subcutaneous fungal infections. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and conventional culture. Histopathology showed septated, melanised hyphae, and the cultures identified non-sporulating fungi. Therefore, the DNA from the M. sterilia isolates was subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing of the ITS and D1/D2 regions. Genus/species identification was obtained by comparison with gene banks. We obtained the following identifications: Alternaria sp. (2), Cochliobolus lunatus/Curvularia lunata (2), Cochliobolus hawaiiensis/Bipolaris hawaiiensis (1), Ochroconis sp. (1), Medicocopsis romeroi/Pyrenochaeta romeroi (1) and Nigrograna mackinnonii/Pyrenochaeta mackinnonii (1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W C L Santos
- Special Mycology Laboratory-LEMI, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Lewis RE, Ben-Ami R, Best L, Albert N, Walsh TJ, Kontoyiannis DP. Tacrolimus enhances the potency of posaconazole against Rhizopus oryzae in vitro and in an experimental model of mucormycosis. J Infect Dis 2012; 207:834-41. [PMID: 23242544 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We hypothesized that tacrolimus, an inhibitor of the calcineurin pathway, would enhance the in vivo activity of posaconazole against Rhizopus oryzae, the Mucorales species most commonly associated with mucormycosis. METHODS We examined patterns of growth inhibition and fungicidal activity of posaconazole and tacrolimus, alone and in combination, against R. oryzae in vitro, using multiple methods (ie, hyphal metabolic and fluorescent vital dye reduction assays and measurement of chitin concentrations), and in vivo, using 2 mucormycosis models: an invertebrate model (Drosophila) and a nonlethal murine model of cutaneous mucormycosis. RESULTS Combinations of posaconazole and tacrolimus were synergistic in checkerboard assays for 4 clinical isolates of R. oryzae (48-hour fractional inhibitory concentration index, 0.187-0.281). Pharmacodynamic analysis of the combination revealed that the 90% effective concentration threshold of posaconazole activity against R. oryzae could be achieved with 2-fold lower drug concentrations (0.5-1 mg/L) when administered with tacrolimus (0.007-2 mg/L). In vivo, combination therapy was associated with improved survival in the fly model of mucormycosis (65% vs 57% posaconazole alone) and with significant reductions in cutaneous lesions and R. oryzae fungal burden, compared with animals that received posaconazole monotherapy, in the cutaneous model of mucormycosis. CONCLUSIONS Combination posaconazole-tacrolimus therapy displays synergism in vitro and improved antifungal efficacy in vivo in 2 phylogenetically distinct models of mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell E Lewis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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