1
|
Bagińska N, Grygiel I, Orwat F, Harhala MA, Jędrusiak A, Gębarowska E, Letkiewicz S, Górski A, Jończyk-Matysiak E. Stability study in selected conditions and biofilm-reducing activity of phages active against drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4285. [PMID: 38383718 PMCID: PMC10881977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54469-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is currently a serious threat to human health, especially to people with immunodeficiency as well as patients with prolonged hospital stays and those undergoing invasive medical procedures. The ever-increasing percentage of strains characterized by multidrug resistance to widely used antibiotics and their ability to form biofilms make it difficult to fight infections with traditional antibiotic therapy. In view of the above, phage therapy seems to be extremely attractive. Therefore, phages with good storage stability are recommended for therapeutic purposes. In this work, we present the results of studies on the stability of 12 phages specific for A. baumannii under different conditions (including temperature, different pH values, commercially available disinfectants, essential oils, and surfactants) and in the urine of patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Based on our long-term stability studies, the most optimal storage method for the A. baumannii phage turned out to be - 70 °C. In contrast, 60 °C caused a significant decrease in phage activity after 1 h of incubation. The tested phages were the most stable at a pH from 7.0 to 9.0, with the most inactivating pH being strongly acidic. Interestingly, ethanol-based disinfectants caused a significant decrease in phage titers even after 30 s of incubation. Moreover, copper and silver nanoparticle solutions also caused a decrease in phage titers (which was statistically significant, except for the Acba_3 phage incubated in silver solution), but to a much lesser extent than disinfectants. However, bacteriophages incubated for 24 h in essential oils (cinnamon and eucalyptus) can be considered stable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Bagińska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ilona Grygiel
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Filip Orwat
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Adam Harhala
- Laboratory of Phage Molecular Biology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Adam Jędrusiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Gębarowska
- Division of Biogeochemistry and Environmental Microbiology, Department of Plant Protection, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzka 53, 50-357, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Górski
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Górski A, Międzybrodzki R, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Kniotek M, Letkiewicz S. Therapeutic Phages as Modulators of the Immune Response: Practical Implications. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S433-S439. [PMID: 37932118 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While the medical community awaits formal proof of the efficacy of phage therapy, as is required by evidence-based medicine, existing data suggest that phages could also be applied based on their non-antibacterial action, especially phage-mediated immunomodulation. Promising avenues have been revealed by findings indicating that phages may mediate diverse actions in the immune system, while the list of phages able to dampen the aberrant immunity associated with a variety of disorders continuously grows. Here we summarize what is known in this field and possible options for the future. While available data are still scarce and preliminary, it appears that "phage repurposing" is worthy of more research, which could reveal new perspectives on applying phage therapy in contemporary medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Clinic of Immunology, Transplantology, and Internal Medicine, Infant Jesus Hospital, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Kniotek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Długosz University, Częstochowa, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Międzybrodzki R, Kasprzak H, Letkiewicz S, Rogóż P, Żaczek M, Thomas J, Górski A. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Obstacles for Phage Therapy From the Perspective of Clinical Practice. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S395-S400. [PMID: 37932117 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages present unique features that enable targeted killing of bacteria, including strains resistant to many antibiotics. However, phage pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics constitute much more complex and challenging aspects for researchers than those attributable to antibiotics. This is because phages are not just chemical substances, but also biological nanostructures built of different proteins and genetic material that replicate within their bacterial hosts and may induce immune responses acting as simple antigens. Here, we present a few examples of how primary general assumptions on phage pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are verified by current preclinical and clinical observations, leading to conclusions that may not be obvious at first but are of significant value for the final success of phage therapy in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hubert Kasprzak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Długosz University, Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Paweł Rogóż
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maciej Żaczek
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jamon Thomas
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Clinic of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Infant Jesus Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stec K, Pilis K, Pilis W, Dolibog P, Letkiewicz S, Głębocka A. Effects of Fasting on the Physiological and Psychological Responses in Middle-Aged Men. Nutrients 2023; 15:3444. [PMID: 37571381 PMCID: PMC10421233 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tracking changes in the body during fasting takes into account indicators of mental well-being and physiological parameters. The aim of the study was to measure psychological and physiological reactions, along with their mutual relations, caused by 8 days of water-only fasting. Fourteen men aged 35 to 60 participated in the study, divided into two groups, younger and elder. In addition to physiological parameters, psychological data were collected using four different tests. The obtained results confirmed reduction in body weight, systolic blood pressure, resting diastolic blood pressure and glucose level, and increase in resting heart rate, cortisol and β-hydroxybutyrate concentration. However, no significant psychological changes were observed under the influence of fasting intervention. A significant interaction effect occurred for the state anxiety variable determined before and after the fasting intervention for both groups. Moreover, negative correlations between physiological (cortisol) and psychological factors of subjectively assessed stress were revealed. The only effect on cognitive ability was seen when responding to simple tasks. The study confirmed the beneficial effect of 8 days of water-only fasting on physiological variables without affecting mental well-being. The relatively high level of well-being after fasting intervention was independent of the physiological indicators of stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Stec
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, ul. Waszyngtona 4/8, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (K.S.); (W.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Karol Pilis
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, ul. Waszyngtona 4/8, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (K.S.); (W.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Wiesław Pilis
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, ul. Waszyngtona 4/8, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (K.S.); (W.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Paweł Dolibog
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Opole, 45-401 Opole, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, ul. Waszyngtona 4/8, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (K.S.); (W.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Alicja Głębocka
- Department of Economy in Opole, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw, 53-609 Wroclaw, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stec K, Pilis K, Pilis W, Miodek P, Pilis A, Letkiewicz S. Body Loading during an Intensive Yoga Exercise Routine and a Cycle Ergometer Test. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:4157. [PMID: 36901166 PMCID: PMC10001802 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study compared the effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic functions of the practice of an intensive yoga exercise routine called Dynamic Suryanamaskar (DSN) and a cycle ergometer test (CET) of increasing intensity. The study involved 18 middle-aged volunteers who had previously practiced DSN. The study was conducted in two series (i.e., as CET and DSN with similar intensity) until complete exhaustion. At rest (R), at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), and at the maximum workload (ML), the variables characterizing cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic functions were determined. In addition, the subjective intensity of both efforts was determined using the Borg test. No functional differences were observed in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems at similar CET and DSN intensities. Respondents experienced less subjective workload during DSN than during CET (p < 0.001). Since DSN intensifies the activity of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems to a similar degree to CET both at VAT and ML, but causes less subjective fatigue, this yogic practice can be used as a laboratory exercise test and as an effective training medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Stec
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Karol Pilis
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Wiesław Pilis
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
- Institute of Health Prophylaxis, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Przemysław Miodek
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Anna Pilis
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Żaczek M, Górski A, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Letkiewicz S, Fortuna W, Rogóż P, Pasternak E, Międzybrodzki R. A Thorough Synthesis of Phage Therapy Unit Activity in Poland-Its History, Milestones and International Recognition. Viruses 2022; 14:1170. [PMID: 35746642 PMCID: PMC9227841 DOI: 10.3390/v14061170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The year 2020 marked 15 years of the Phage Therapy Unit in Poland, the inception of which took place just one year after Poland's accession to the European Union (2004). At first sight, it is hard to find any connection between these two events, but in fact joining the European Union entailed the need to adapt the regulatory provisions concerning experimental treatment in humans to those that were in force in the European Union. These changes were a solid foundation for the first phage therapy center in the European Union to start its activity. As the number of centers conducting phage therapy in Europe and in the world constantly and rapidly grows, we want to grasp the opportunity to take a closer look at the over 15-year operation of our site by analyzing its origins, legal aspects at the local and international levels and the impressive number and diversity of cases that have been investigated and treated during this time. This article is a continuation of our work published in 2020 summarizing a 100-year history of the development of phage research in Poland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Żaczek
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Department of Phage Therapy, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (A.G.); (B.W.-D.); (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Department of Phage Therapy, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (A.G.); (B.W.-D.); (E.P.); (R.M.)
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (S.L.); (W.F.); (P.R.)
- Infant Jesus Teaching Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-005 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Department of Phage Therapy, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (A.G.); (B.W.-D.); (E.P.); (R.M.)
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (S.L.); (W.F.); (P.R.)
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (S.L.); (W.F.); (P.R.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Wojciech Fortuna
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (S.L.); (W.F.); (P.R.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wrocław Medical University, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Rogóż
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (S.L.); (W.F.); (P.R.)
| | - Edyta Pasternak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Department of Phage Therapy, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (A.G.); (B.W.-D.); (E.P.); (R.M.)
- Bioethics Committee, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Department of Phage Therapy, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (A.G.); (B.W.-D.); (E.P.); (R.M.)
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (S.L.); (W.F.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jończyk-Matysiak E, Owczarek B, Popiela E, Świtała-Jeleń K, Migdał P, Cieślik M, Łodej N, Kula D, Neuberg J, Hodyra-Stefaniak K, Kaszowska M, Orwat F, Bagińska N, Mucha A, Belter A, Skupińska M, Bubak B, Fortuna W, Letkiewicz S, Chorbiński P, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Roman A, Górski A. Isolation and Characterization of Phages Active against Paenibacillus larvae Causing American Foulbrood in Honeybees in Poland. Viruses 2021; 13:1217. [PMID: 34201873 PMCID: PMC8310151 DOI: 10.3390/v13071217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the isolation and characterization, including the phage effect on honeybees in laboratory conditions, of phages active against Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American Foulbrood-a highly infective and easily spreading disease occurring in honeybee larva, and subsequently the development of a preparation to prevent and treat this dangerous disease. From the tested material (over 2500 samples) 35 Paenibacillus spp. strains were obtained and used to search for phages. Five phages specific to Paenibacillus were isolated and characterized (ultrastructure, morphology, biological properties, storage stability, and genome sequence). The characteristics were performed to obtain knowledge of their lytic potential and compose the final phage cocktail with high antibacterial potential and intended use of future field application. Preliminary safety studies have also been carried out on healthy bees, which suggest that the phage preparation administered is harmless.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | - Barbara Owczarek
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | - Ewa Popiela
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego Street 38C, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.P.); (P.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Kinga Świtała-Jeleń
- Pure Biologics, Duńska Street 11, 54-427 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.Ś.-J.); (K.H.-S.)
| | - Paweł Migdał
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego Street 38C, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.P.); (P.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Martyna Cieślik
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | - Norbert Łodej
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | - Dominika Kula
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | - Joanna Neuberg
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | | | - Marta Kaszowska
- Laboratory of Microbial Immunochemistry and Vaccines, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 54-427 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Filip Orwat
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | - Natalia Bagińska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | - Anna Mucha
- Department of Genetics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, 51-631 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Belter
- BioScientia, Ogrodowa Street 2/8, 61-820 Poznań, Poland; (A.B.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Barbara Bubak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
| | - Wojciech Fortuna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wrocław Medical University, Borowska 213, 54-427 Wrocław, Poland;
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 12-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Paweł Chorbiński
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 45, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Adam Roman
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego Street 38C, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.P.); (P.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.C.); (N.Ł.); (D.K.); (J.N.); (F.O.); (N.B.); (B.B.); (B.W.-D.); (A.G.)
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolf Weigl Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Infant Jesus Hospital, The Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Letkiewicz S, Pilis K, Ślęzak A, Pilis A, Pilis W, Żychowska M, Langfort J. Eight Days of Water-Only Fasting Promotes Favorable Changes in the Functioning of the Urogenital System of Middle-Aged Healthy Men. Nutrients 2020; 13:nu13010113. [PMID: 33396948 PMCID: PMC7824351 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether, after 8 days of water-only fasting, there are changes in the efficiency of the lower urinary tract, the concentration of sex hormones, and the symptoms of prostate diseases in a group of middle-aged men (n = 14). For this purpose, before and after 8 days of water-only fasting (subjects drank ad libitum moderately mineralized water), and the following somatic and blood concentration measurements were made: total prostate specific antigen (PSA-T), free prostate specific antigen (PSA-F), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), prolactin (Pr), total testosterone (T-T), free testosterone (T-F), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), sex hormone globulin binding (SHGB), total cholesterol (Ch-T), β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB). In addition, prostate volume (PV), volume of each testis (TV), total volume of both testes (TTV), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) values were determined. The results showed that after 8 days of water-only fasting, Qmax and IPSS improved but PV and TTV decreased significantly. There was also a decrease in blood levels of PSA-T, FSH, P, T-T, T-F, and DHEA, but SHGB concentration increased significantly. These results indicate that 8 days of water-only fasting improved lower urinary tract functions without negative health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (S.L.); (A.Ś.); (A.P.); (W.P.)
- Urological and Andrological Clinic “Urogen”, 42-600 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
| | - Karol Pilis
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (S.L.); (A.Ś.); (A.P.); (W.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-34-365-5983 or +48-508-204-403
| | - Andrzej Ślęzak
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (S.L.); (A.Ś.); (A.P.); (W.P.)
| | - Anna Pilis
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (S.L.); (A.Ś.); (A.P.); (W.P.)
| | - Wiesław Pilis
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (S.L.); (A.Ś.); (A.P.); (W.P.)
| | - Małgorzata Żychowska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Department of Sport, Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, 85-091 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Józef Langfort
- Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Górski A, Międzybrodzki R, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Borysowski J, Letkiewicz S, Weber-Dąbrowska B. The fall and rise of phage therapy in modern medicine. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 19:1115-1117. [PMID: 31364887 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1651287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences , Wroclaw , Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences , Wroclaw , Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld sInstitute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences , Wroclaw , Poland.,Medical Sciences Institute, Katowice School of Economics , Katowice , Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences , Wroclaw , Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld sInstitute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences , Wroclaw , Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Górski A, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Łusiak-Szelachowska M, Międzybrodzki R, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Borysowski J, Letkiewicz S, Bagińska N, Sfanos KS. Phage Therapy in Prostatitis: Recent Prospects. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1434. [PMID: 30008710 PMCID: PMC6034095 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostatitis has various etiology including bacterial infection and dysregulated immunity; some of its forms remain a serious therapeutic challenge. Inflammation occurs in all forms of this disorder and is proposed to predispose to the development of prostate cancer (PC). There are reports that phage therapy is effective in chronic bacterial prostatitis. Recent findings suggest that phages not only eliminate bacteria, but also mediate immunomodulating (for example, anti-inflammatory) functions. The immunomodulating effects of phages could be beneficial in treating all forms of prostatitis and play some role in the prevention of the development of PC. As the etiological factors contributing to the majority of prostatitis cases remains largely unknown, and management options are often likewise limited, phage therapy merits further research as an attractive therapeutic option given its immunomodulating effects irrespective of the underlying causative factor(s).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marzanna Łusiak-Szelachowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Medical Sciences Institute, Katowice School of Economics, Katowice, Poland
| | - Natalia Bagińska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Karen S Sfanos
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Górski A, Międzybrodzki R, Łobocka M, Głowacka-Rutkowska A, Bednarek A, Borysowski J, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Łusiak-Szelachowska M, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Bagińska N, Letkiewicz S, Dąbrowska K, Scheres J. Phage Therapy: What Have We Learned? Viruses 2018; 10:E288. [PMID: 29843391 PMCID: PMC6024844 DOI: 10.3390/v10060288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article we explain how current events in the field of phage therapy may positively influence its future development. We discuss the shift in position of the authorities, academia, media, non-governmental organizations, regulatory agencies, patients, and doctors which could enable further advances in the research and application of the therapy. In addition, we discuss methods to obtain optimal phage preparations and suggest the potential of novel applications of phage therapy extending beyond its anti-bacterial action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka Street 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka Street 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Łobocka
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego Street 5 A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
- Autonomous Department of Microbial Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska Street 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Głowacka-Rutkowska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego Street 5 A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Bednarek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego Street 5 A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka Street 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marzanna Łusiak-Szelachowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Natalia Bagińska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Medical Sciences Institute, Katowice School of Economics, Harcerzy Września Street 3, 40-659 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Krystyna Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla Street 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Research and Development Center, Regional Specialized Hospital, Kamieńskiego 73a, 51-124 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Jacques Scheres
- National Institute of Public Health NIZP, Chocimska Street 24, 00-971 Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jończyk-Matysiak E, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Żaczek M, Międzybrodzki R, Letkiewicz S, Łusiak-Szelchowska M, Górski A. Prospects of Phage Application in the Treatment of Acne Caused by Propionibacterium acnes. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:164. [PMID: 28228751 PMCID: PMC5296327 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Propionibacterium acnes is associated with purulent skin infections, and it poses a global problem for both patients and doctors. Acne vulgaris (acne) remains a problem due to its chronic character and difficulty of treatment, as well as its large impact on patients' quality of life. Due to the chronic course of the disease, treatment is long lasting, and often ineffective. Currently there are data regarding isolation of P. acnes phages, and there have been numerous studies on phage killing of P. acnes, but no data are available on phage application specifically in acne treatment. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge on the phages active against P. acnes described so far and their potential application in the treatment of acne associated with P. acnes. The treatment of acne with phages may be important in order to reduce the overuse of antibiotics, which are currently the main acne treatment. However, more detailed studies are first needed to understand phage functioning in the skin microbiome and the possibility to use phages to combat P. acnes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclaw, Poland; Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Żaczek
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclaw, Poland; Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclaw, Poland; Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of WarsawWarsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclaw, Poland; Medical Sciences Institute, Katowice School of EconomicsKatowice, Poland
| | - Marzanna Łusiak-Szelchowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclaw, Poland; Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclaw, Poland; Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of WarsawWarsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Łusiak-Szelachowska M, Żaczek M, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Międzybrodzki R, Letkiewicz S, Fortuna W, Rogóż P, Szufnarowski K, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Olchawa E, Walaszek KM, Górski A. Antiphage activity of sera during phage therapy in relation to its outcome. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:109-117. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim was to study the association between the phage neutralization of patients’ sera and the clinical outcome of phage therapy (PT). Patients: About 62 patients with various bacterial infections receiving PT as well as 30 healthy volunteers were studied. Materials & methods: Antiphage activity of sera (AAS) was examined using the phage neutralization test of different types of phages before and during PT in relation to the route of phage administration and correlated with the results of PT. Results & conclusion: The analysis of the association between AAS level and clinical results indicated that the level of AAS is not correlated with the outcome of PT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzanna Łusiak-Szelachowska
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maciej Żaczek
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Medical Sciences Institute, Katowice School of Economics, Katowice, Poland
| | - Wojciech Fortuna
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Rogóż
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szufnarowski
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Kinga M Walaszek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Górski A, Międzybrodzki R, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Fortuna W, Letkiewicz S, Rogóż P, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Dąbrowska K, Majewska J, Borysowski J. Phage Therapy: Combating Infections with Potential for Evolving from Merely a Treatment for Complications to Targeting Diseases. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1515. [PMID: 27725811 PMCID: PMC5035766 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is considered to be one of the greatest challenges of medicine and our civilization. Lack of progress in developing new anti-bacterial agents has greatly revived interest in using phage therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. Although a number of clinical trials are underway and more are planned, the realistic perspective of registration of phage preparations and their entering the health market and significantly contributing to the current antimicrobial crisis is rather remote. Therefore, in addition to planning further clinical trials, our present approach of phage treatment carried out as experimental therapy (compassionate use) should be expanded to address the growing and urgent needs of increasing cohorts of patients for whom no alternative treatment is currently available. During the past 11 years of our phage therapy center’s operation, we have obtained relevant clinical and laboratory data which not only confirm the safety of the therapy but also provide important information shedding more light on many aspects of the therapy, contributing to its optimization and allowing for construction of the most appropriate clinical trials. New data on phage biology and interactions with the immune system suggest that in the future phage therapy may evolve from dealing with complications to targeting diseases. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this promising trend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland; Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland; Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, WarsawPoland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland; Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland; Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, WarsawPoland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland; Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland
| | - Wojciech Fortuna
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland; Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland; Katowice School of Economics, KatowicePoland
| | - Paweł Rogóż
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland; Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, WroclawPoland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw Poland
| | - Krystyna Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw Poland
| | - Joanna Majewska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Łusiak-Szelachowska M, Żaczek M, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Międzybrodzki R, Kłak M, Fortuna W, Letkiewicz S, Rogóż P, Szufnarowski K, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Owczarek B, Górski A. Phage neutralization by sera of patients receiving phage therapy. Viral Immunol 2014; 27:295-304. [PMID: 24893003 PMCID: PMC4076984 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2013.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of our investigation was to verify whether phage therapy (PT) can induce antiphage antibodies. The antiphage activity was determined in sera from 122 patients from the Phage Therapy Unit in Wrocław with bacterial infections before and during PT, and in sera from 30 healthy volunteers using a neutralization test. Furthermore, levels of antiphage antibodies were investigated in sera of 19 patients receiving staphylococcal phages and sera of 20 healthy volunteers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The phages were administered orally, locally, orally/locally, intrarectally, or orally/intrarectally. The rate of phage inactivation (K) estimated the level of phages' neutralization by human sera. Low K rates were found in sera of healthy volunteers (K ≤ 1.73). Low K rates were detected before PT (K ≤ 1.64). High antiphage activity of sera K > 18 was observed in 12.3% of examined patients (n = 15) treated with phages locally (n = 13) or locally/orally (n = 2) from 15 to 60 days of PT. High K rates were found in patients treated with some Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis phages. Low K rates were observed during PT in sera of patients using phages orally (K ≤ 1.04). Increased inactivation of phages by sera of patients receiving PT decreased after therapy. These results suggest that the antiphage activity in patients' sera depends on the route of phage administration and phage type. The induction of antiphage activity of sera during or after PT does not exclude a favorable result of PT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzanna Łusiak-Szelachowska
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maciej Żaczek
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marlena Kłak
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Fortuna
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Rogóż
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szufnarowski
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Research and Development Centre, Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Barbara Owczarek
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Międzybrodzki R, Borysowski J, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Fortuna W, Letkiewicz S, Szufnarowski K, Pawełczyk Z, Rogóż P, Kłak M, Wojtasik E, Górski A. Clinical aspects of phage therapy. Adv Virus Res 2012; 83:73-121. [PMID: 22748809 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394438-2.00003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Phage therapy (PT) is a unique method of treatment of bacterial infections using bacteriophages (phages)-viruses that specifically kill bacteria, including their antibiotic-resistant strains. Over the last decade a marked increase in interest in the therapeutic use of phages has been observed, which has resulted from a substantial rise in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of bacteria, coupled with an inadequate number of new antibiotics. The first, and so far the only, center of PT in the European Union is the Phage Therapy Unit (PTU) established at the Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Wrocław, Poland in 2005. This center continues the rich tradition of PT in Poland, which dates from the early 1920s. The main objective of this chapter is to present a detailed retrospective analysis of the results of PT of 153 patients with a wide range of infections resistant to antibiotic therapy admitted for treatment at the PTU between January 2008 and December 2010. Analysis includes the evaluation of both the efficacy and the safety of PT. In general, data suggest that PT can provide good clinical results in a significant cohort of patients with otherwise untreatable chronic bacterial infections and is essentially well tolerated. In addition, the whole complex procedure employed to obtain and characterize therapeutic phage preparations, as well as ethical aspects of PT, is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Letkiewicz S, Międzybrodzki R, Kłak M, Jończyk E, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Górski A. The perspectives of the application of phage therapy in chronic bacterial prostatitis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 60:99-112. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2010.00723.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
18
|
Abstract
The technological advances of the 20th century resulted in the creation of the Internet and its introduction into everyday life on a global scale. The Internet provides access to information and the sale and purchase of goods. Medications are also subject to trade. Their sale is conducted by online pharmacies and their global turnover amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars. Medications ordered over the Internet are sent by mail all over the world. Considering the events of recent years, we cannot exclude the risk of a terrorist attack through online pharmacies. Terrorists can establish such companies, legally or illegally, or acquire ones already existing. Parcels, which are highly trusted by the customers of online pharmacies, can, for example, be contaminated with dangerous materials. The sale of online medications in the international system is potentially dangerous and requires international regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Katowice School of Economics, Harcerzy Września 3, 40-659 Katowice, Piotrowice, Poland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Letkiewicz S, Miedzybrodzki R, Fortuna W, Weber-Dabrowska B, Górski A. Eradication of Enterococcus faecalis by phage therapy in chronic bacterial prostatitis--case report. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2009; 54:457-61. [PMID: 19937220 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-009-0064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2009] [Revised: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of three patients suffering from chronic bacterial prostatitis who were qualified for an experimental phage therapy protocol managed at the Phage Therapy Unit in Wrocław is described. They had previously been treated unsuccessfully with long-term targeted antibiotics, autovaccines, and laser biostimulation. Rectal application of phage lysates targeted against Enterococcus faecalis cultured from the prostatic fluid gave encouraging results regarding bacterial eradication, abatement of clinical symptoms of prostatitis, and lack of early disease recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Letkiewicz
- Urological and Andrological Clinic UROGEN, 42-600, Tarnowskie Góry, Poland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Górski A, Miedzybrodzki R, Borysowski J, Weber-Dabrowska B, Lobocka M, Fortuna W, Letkiewicz S, Zimecki M, Filby G. Bacteriophage therapy for the treatment of infections. Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2009; 10:766-774. [PMID: 19649921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Increasing levels of antibiotic resistance constitutes one of the main challenges in medicine today, and has increased interest in the potential use of alternative antibacterial agents. One of the most interesting 'classes' of novel antibacterials used to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria is bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically infect and kill bacterial cells. This review discusses the current status of bacteriophage therapy, including the experience of one expert center specializing in this form of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Phage Therapy Unit, L Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Weigla 12, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|