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Vommaro ML, Donato S, Lo LK, Brandmayr P, Giglio A. Anatomical study of the red flour beetle using synchrotron radiation X-ray phase-contrast micro-tomography. J Anat 2023; 242:510-524. [PMID: 36417320 PMCID: PMC9919503 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13796] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (SR-PhC micro-CT) is well established, fast and non-destructive imaging technique for data acquisition that is currently being used to obtain new insights into insect anatomy and function in physiological, morphological and phylogenetic studies. In this study, we described in situ the internal organs of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst 1797, a widespread pest of cereals and stored food causing serious damage to the human economy. Two-dimensional virtual sections and volumetric reconstructions of the nervous, alimentary and reproductive systems were carried out in both sexes. The results provided a comprehensive overview of the morphological characteristics of this species, such as the different maturation stages of ovarioles and the realistic location, size and shape of internal organs. Given the great interest in this model species in experimental biology and forensic entomology, complete knowledge of the general anatomy is required for future functional applications in pest control and experimental studies. In addition, this study confirms SR-PhC micro-CT as a powerful and innovative tool in entomology, particularly suitable for small species and chitinized structures that are difficult to analyse using conventional dissection and histological methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy.,Division of Frascati, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Rome, Italy
| | - Lai Ka Lo
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Pietro Brandmayr
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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2
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Petronio Petronio G, Pietrangelo L, Cutuli MA, Magnifico I, Venditti N, Guarnieri A, Abate GA, Yewhalaw D, Davinelli S, Di Marco R. Emerging Evidence on Tenebrio molitor Immunity: A Focus on Gene Expression Involved in Microbial Infection for Host-Pathogen Interaction Studies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1983. [PMID: 36296259 PMCID: PMC9611967 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific community's interest in T. molitor as an insect model to investigate immunity and host-pathogen interactions has considerably increased. The reasons for this growing interest could be explained by the peculiar features of this beetle, which offers various advantages compared to other invertebrates models commonly used in laboratory studies. Thus, this review aimed at providing a broad view of the T. molitor immune system in light of the new scientific evidence on the developmental/tissue-specific gene expression studies related to microbial infection. In addition to the well-known cellular component and humoral response process, several studies investigating the factors associated with T. molitor immune response or deepening of those already known have been reported. However, various aspects remain still less understood, namely the possible crosstalk between the immune deficiency protein and Toll pathways and the role exerted by T. molitor apolipoprotein III in the expression of the antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, further research is required for T. molitor to be recommended as an alternative insect model for pathogen-host interaction and immunity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Petronio Petronio
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marco Alfio Cutuli
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Irene Magnifico
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Noemi Venditti
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Antonio Guarnieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Getnet Atinafu Abate
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos P.O. Box 269, Ethiopia
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma P.O. Box 307, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma P.O. Box 378, Ethiopia
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
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3
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Pippi B, Joaquim AR, Merkel S, Zanette RA, Nunes MEM, da Costa Silva DG, Schimith LE, Teixeira ML, Franco JL, Fernandes de Andrade S, Fuentefria AM. Antifungal activity and toxicological parameters of 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonamides using alternative animal models. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 130:1925-1934. [PMID: 33128257 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity and toxicological parameters of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives PH151 and PH153 using alternative animal models, to understand their behaviour when subjected to in vivo experiments. METHODS AND RESULTS We used Toll-deficient Drosophila melanogaster to test the protective effect of compounds against Candida albicans infection. Toxicological parameters were investigated in chicken and zebrafish embryos. PH151 and PH153 showed low toxicity and the treated flies with these compounds had a significantly higher survival rate than untreated flies after 7 days of infection. The compounds did not cause interruption of chicken embryogenesis. Zebrafish embryos exposed to compounds showed dose-dependent toxicity. CONCLUSIONS The data supported the potential of PH151 and PH153 for the treatment of systemic candidiasis and demonstrated to be appropriate drug candidates for further studies using mammalian models. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The increased incidence of Candida infections resistant to antifungals currently available requires acceleration of the discovery of new agents with properties of inhibiting this fungal pathogen. In this study, we have described the antifungal potential and toxicity of two 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives using in vivo alternative models, and the results confirm their potential to be developed as new drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pippi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - A R Joaquim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - S Merkel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - R A Zanette
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - M E M Nunes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica e Toxicologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - D G da Costa Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - L E Schimith
- Faculdade de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - M L Teixeira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Concórdia, Brazil
| | - J L Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - S Fernandes de Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - A M Fuentefria
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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4
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Silva LN, Campos-Silva R, Ramos LS, Trentin DS, Macedo AJ, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Virulence of Candida haemulonii complex in Galleria mellonella and efficacy of classical antifungal drugs: a comparative study with other clinically relevant non-albicans Candida species. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 18:5059575. [PMID: 30052907 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida haemulonii complex has emerged as notorious yeasts causing invasive infections with high rates of treatment failures. Since there is a particular interest in the development of non-mammalian host models to study microbial virulence, with the aim to evade the ethical impact of animal tests, herein we compared the virulence of C. haemulonii, C. duobushaemulonii and C. haemulonii var. vulnera with non-albicans Candida species (C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. lusitaniae) on Galleria mellonella and the efficacy of antifungal drugs. All these fungi induced a dose-dependent effect on larvae killing, a decrease in hemocyte density and fungi were phagocytozed by hemocytes in equal proportions. Fungal inoculation caused early larvae melanization after some minutes of injection, followed by an augmented pigmentation after 24 h. Differences among species virulence can be explained, in part, by differences in growth rate and production of hydrolytic enzymes. First-line antifungals were tested with equivalent therapeutic doses and MIC profile in vitro was correlated with in vivo antifungal efficacy. Additionally, fungal burden increased in infected larvae along time and only caspofungin reduced the number of CFUs of C. haemulonii species complex. So, G. mellonella offers a simple and feasible model to study C. haemulonii complex virulence and drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Silva
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Centro de Biotecnologia e Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Campos-Silva
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Centro de Biotecnologia e Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Lívia S Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Trentin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Alexandre J Macedo
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Centro de Biotecnologia e Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21431-909, Brazil
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5
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Immune Response of Galleria mellonella against Human Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 5:jof5010003. [PMID: 30587801 PMCID: PMC6463112 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In many aspects, the immune response against pathogens in insects is similar to the innate immunity in mammals. This has caused a strong interest in the scientific community for the use of this model in research of host⁻pathogen interactions. In recent years, the use of Galleria mellonella larvae, an insect belonging to the Lepidoptera order, has emerged as an excellent model to study the virulence of human pathogens. It is a model that offers many advantages; for example, it is easy to handle and establish in every laboratory, the larvae have a low cost, and they tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including human temperature 37 °C. The immune response of G. mellonella is innate and is divided into a cellular component (hemocytes) and humoral component (antimicrobial peptides, lytic enzymes, and peptides and melanin) that work together against different intruders. It has been shown that the immune response of this insect has a great specificity and has the ability to distinguish between different classes of microorganisms. In this review, we delve into the different components of the innate immune response of Galleria mellonella, and how these components manifest in the infection of fungal pathogens including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum.
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6
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An Invertebrate Host to Study Fungal Infections, Mycotoxins and Antifungal Drugs: Tenebrio molitor. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040125. [PMID: 30424549 PMCID: PMC6308941 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Faced with ethical conflict and social pressure, researchers have increasingly chosen to use alternative models over vertebrates in their research. Since the innate immune system is evolutionarily conserved in insects, the use of these animals in research is gaining ground. This review discusses Tenebrio molitor as a potential model host for the study of pathogenic fungi. Larvae of T. molitor are known as cereal pests and, in addition, are widely used as animal and human feed. A number of studies on mechanisms of the humoral system, especially in the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, which have similar characteristics to vertebrates, have been performed. These studies demonstrate the potential of T. molitor larvae as a model host that can be used to study fungal virulence, mycotoxin effects, host immune responses to fungal infection, and the action of antifungal compounds.
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7
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Scorzoni L, de Paula E Silva ACA, Marcos CM, Assato PA, de Melo WCMA, de Oliveira HC, Costa-Orlandi CB, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Fusco-Almeida AM. Antifungal Therapy: New Advances in the Understanding and Treatment of Mycosis. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:36. [PMID: 28167935 PMCID: PMC5253656 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The high rates of morbidity and mortality caused by fungal infections are associated with the current limited antifungal arsenal and the high toxicity of the compounds. Additionally, identifying novel drug targets is challenging because there are many similarities between fungal and human cells. The most common antifungal targets include fungal RNA synthesis and cell wall and membrane components, though new antifungal targets are being investigated. Nonetheless, fungi have developed resistance mechanisms, such as overexpression of efflux pump proteins and biofilm formation, emphasizing the importance of understanding these mechanisms. To address these problems, different approaches to preventing and treating fungal diseases are described in this review, with a focus on the resistance mechanisms of fungi, with the goal of developing efficient strategies to overcoming and preventing resistance as well as new advances in antifungal therapy. Due to the limited antifungal arsenal, researchers have sought to improve treatment via different approaches, and the synergistic effect obtained by the combination of antifungals contributes to reducing toxicity and could be an alternative for treatment. Another important issue is the development of new formulations for antifungal agents, and interest in nanoparticles as new types of carriers of antifungal drugs has increased. In addition, modifications to the chemical structures of traditional antifungals have improved their activity and pharmacokinetic parameters. Moreover, a different approach to preventing and treating fungal diseases is immunotherapy, which involves different mechanisms, such as vaccines, activation of the immune response and inducing the production of host antimicrobial molecules. Finally, the use of a mini-host has been encouraging for in vivo testing because these animal models demonstrate a good correlation with the mammalian model; they also increase the speediness of as well as facilitate the preliminary testing of new antifungal agents. In general, many years are required from discovery of a new antifungal to clinical use. However, the development of new antifungal strategies will reduce the therapeutic time and/or increase the quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Scorzoni
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Ana C A de Paula E Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Caroline M Marcos
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Patrícia A Assato
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Wanessa C M A de Melo
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Caroline B Costa-Orlandi
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Maria J S Mendes-Giannini
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Ana M Fusco-Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
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8
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Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) Extract: In Vivo Study of Antimicrobial Activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis in Galleria mellonella Model. ScientificWorldJournal 2016; 2016:8626987. [PMID: 27668280 PMCID: PMC5030419 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8626987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the increase of bacterial resistance, medicinal alternatives are being explored. Punica granatum L. is an effective herbal extract with broad spectrum of action and bactericidal, antifungal, anthelmintic potential and being able to modulate the immune response. The aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of pomegranate glycolic extract (PGE) against the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis by using Galleria mellonella as in vivo model. Fifteen larvae were used per group. Injection of high concentration (200, 100, and 25 mg/mL) of PGE showed a toxic effect, leading them to death. A suspension of P. gingivalis (106 cells/mL) was inoculated in the left last proleg and PGE (12.5, 6.25, 3.1, and 2.5 mg/mL) were injected into the right proleg. The larvae were then kept at 37°C under the dark. Injection of PGE at any dose statistically improved larvae survival rates. The data were analysed (log-rank test, Mantel-Cox, P < 0.05) and showed that all concentrations of PGE (12.5, 6.25, 3.1, and 2.5 mg/mL) presented higher larval survival rates, with significant statistical difference in relation to control group (P. gingivalis). In conclusion, the PGE had antimicrobial action against P. gingivalis in vivo model using G. mellonella.
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9
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Klančnik A, Pogačar MŠ, Raspor P, Abram M, Možina SS, Vučković D. Virulence genes and cytokine profile in systemic murine Campylobacter coli infection. Virulence 2015; 6:581-90. [PMID: 26039573 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1042642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter coli are one of the most common bacteria in bacterial gastroenteritis and acute enterocolitis in humans. However, relatively little is known regarding the mechanisms of pathogenesis and host response to C. coli infections. To investigate the influence of genetic changes, we first used PCR to demonstrate the presence of the known virulence genes cadF, virB11, cdtB, cdtC and ceuE in the clinical isolate C. coli 26536, which was isolated from the liver of infected BALB/c mice. Sequence analyses of the cadF, virB11, cdtB and ceuE genes in C. coli 26536 confirmed the stability in these virulence genes during their transmission through the host. We further investigated C. coli infection for the bacterial clearance from the liver and spleen of infected mice, and for their immune response. C. coli persisted well in both organs, with better survival in the liver. We also determined the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., interleukin [IL]-6, IL-12, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in plasma and in liver homogenates from the infected mice, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The lowest levels among these cytokines were for tumor necrosis factor-α in the plasma and IL-6 in the liver on days 1, 3 and 8 post-infection. The most pronounced production was for IL-10, in both plasma (days 1 and 8 post-infection) and liver (day 8 post-infection), which suggests that it has a role in healing of the organ inflammation. Our findings showed dynamic relationships between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and thus contribute toward clarification of the healing processes involved in the resolution of C. coli infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Klančnik
- a Department of Food Science and Technology ; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana ; Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | | | - Peter Raspor
- d Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Primorska ; Izola , Slovenia
| | - Maja Abram
- c Department of Microbiology ; Medical Faculty; University of Rijeka ; Rijeka , Croatia
| | - Sonja Smole Možina
- a Department of Food Science and Technology ; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana ; Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Darinka Vučković
- c Department of Microbiology ; Medical Faculty; University of Rijeka ; Rijeka , Croatia
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10
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Trevijano-Contador N, Herrero-Fernández I, García-Barbazán I, Scorzoni L, Rueda C, Rossi SA, García-Rodas R, Zaragoza O. Cryptococcus neoformans induces antimicrobial responses and behaves as a facultative intracellular pathogen in the non mammalian model Galleria mellonella. Virulence 2015; 6:66-74. [PMID: 25531532 PMCID: PMC4603429 DOI: 10.4161/21505594.2014.986412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated opportunistic fungal pathogen that is found in multiple niches in the environment and that can cause fatal meningoencephalitis in susceptible patients, mainly HIV+ individuals. Cryptococcus also infects environmental hosts such as nematodes, insects and plants. In particular, C. neoformans can kill the lepidopteran Galleria mellonella, which offers a useful tool to study microbial virulence and drug efficacy. Galleria mellonella immunity relies on innate responses based on melanization, accumulation of antimicrobial peptides, and cellular responses as phagocytosis or multicellular encapsulation. In this work we have investigated the immune response of G. mellonella during cryptococcal infection. We found that G. mellonella infected with C. neoformans had a high lytic activity in their hemolymph. This response was temperature- and capsule-dependent. During interaction with phagocytic cells, C. neoformans behaved as an intracellular pathogen since it could replicate within hemocytes. Non-lytic events were also observed. In contrast to Candida species, C. neoformans did not induce melanization of G. mellonella after infection. Finally, passage of C. neoformans through G. mellonella resulted in changes in capsule structure as it has been also reported during infection in mammals. Our results highlight that G. mellonella is an optimal model to investigate innate immune responses against C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Trevijano-Contador
- Mycology Reference Laboratory; National Center for Microbiology; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2; Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Herrero-Fernández
- Mycology Reference Laboratory; National Center for Microbiology; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2; Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene García-Barbazán
- Mycology Reference Laboratory; National Center for Microbiology; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2; Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Mycology Reference Laboratory; National Center for Microbiology; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2; Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica; Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas; R. Expedicionários do Brasil, 1621, CEP. 14801–902, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Rueda
- Mycology Reference Laboratory; National Center for Microbiology; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2; Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Suélen Andreia Rossi
- Mycology Reference Laboratory; National Center for Microbiology; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2; Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica; Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas; R. Expedicionários do Brasil, 1621, CEP. 14801–902, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rocío García-Rodas
- Mycology Reference Laboratory; National Center for Microbiology; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2; Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Zaragoza
- Mycology Reference Laboratory; National Center for Microbiology; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2; Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
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Pereira MF, Rossi CC, Vieira de Queiroz M, Martins GF, Isaac C, Bossé JT, Li Y, Wren BW, Terra VS, Cuccui J, Langford PR, Bazzolli DMS. Galleria mellonella is an effective model to study Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2014; 161:387-400. [PMID: 25414045 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.083923-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is responsible for swine pleuropneumonia, a respiratory disease that causes significant global economic loss. Its virulence depends on many factors, such as capsular polysaccharides, RTX toxins and iron-acquisition systems. Analysis of virulence may require easy-to-use models that approximate mammalian infection and avoid ethical issues. Here, we investigate the potential use of the wax moth Galleria mellonella as an informative model for A. pleuropneumoniae infection. Genotypically distinct A. pleuropneumoniae clinical isolates were able to kill larvae at 37 °C but had different LD50 values, ranging from 10(4) to 10(7) c.f.u. per larva. The most virulent isolate (1022) was able to persist and replicate within the insect, while the least virulent (780) was rapidly cleared. We observed a decrease in haemocyte concentration, aggregation and DNA damage post-infection with isolate 1022. Melanization points around bacterial cells were observed in the fat body and pericardial tissues of infected G. mellonella, indicating vigorous cell and humoral immune responses close to the larval dorsal vessel. As found in pigs, an A. pleuropneumoniae hfq mutant was significantly attenuated for infection in the G. mellonella model. Additionally, the model could be used to assess the effectiveness of several antimicrobial agents against A. pleuropneumoniae in vivo. G. mellonella is a suitable inexpensive alternative infection model that can be used to study the virulence of A. pleuropneumoniae, as well as assess the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monalessa Fábia Pereira
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Micro-organismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária - BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Ciro César Rossi
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Micro-organismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária - BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Marisa Vieira de Queiroz
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Micro-organismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária - BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ferreira Martins
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Clement Isaac
- Department of Zoology, Ambrose Alli University, Akpoma, Nigeria.,Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Janine T Bossé
- Section of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yanwen Li
- Section of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Brendan W Wren
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Vanessa Sofia Terra
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Jon Cuccui
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Denise Mara Soares Bazzolli
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Micro-organismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária - BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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