Fungal quinones: diversity, producers, and applications of quinones from Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces, Fusarium, and Arthrinium

Quinones represent an important group of highly structurally diverse, mainly polyketide-derived secondary metabolites widely distributed among filamentous fungi. Many quinones have been reported to have important biological functions such as inhibition of bacteria or repression of the immune response in insects. Other quinones, such as ubiquinones are known to be essential molecules in cellular respiration, and many quinones are known to protect their producing organisms from exposure to sunlight. Most recently, quinones have also attracted a lot of industrial interest since their electron-donating and -accepting properties make them good candidates as electrolytes in redox flow batteries, like their often highly conjugated double bond systems make them attractive as pigments. On an industrial level, quinones are mainly synthesized from raw components in coal tar. However, the possibility of producing quinones by fungal cultivation has great prospects since fungi can often be grown in industrially scaled bioreactors, producing valuable metabolites on cheap substrates. In order to give a better overview of the secondary metabolite quinones produced by and shared between various fungi, mainly belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces, Fusarium, and Arthrinium, this review categorizes quinones into families such as emodins, fumigatins, sorbicillinoids, yanuthones, and xanthomegnins, depending on structural similarities and information about the biosynthetic pathway from which they are derived, whenever applicable. The production of these quinone families is compared between the different genera, based on recently revised taxonomy. KEY POINTS: • Quinones represent an important group of secondary metabolites widely distributed in important fungal genera such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces, Fusarium, and Arthrinium. • Quinones are of industrial interest and can be used in pharmacology, as colorants and pigments, and as electrolytes in redox flow batteries. • Quinones are grouped into families and compared between genera according to the revised taxonomy.

MRI abnormalities of sacroiliac joints in early spondylarthropathy: a 1-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

To describe changes in chronic and acute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in early spondylarthropathy (SpA), and to associate these findings with computed tomography (CT), X-ray, and clinical findings during a 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients, 20 males and 14 females, median age 27 years, with inflammatory low back pain (median 23 months) were included. MRI, CT, and X-ray, as well as clinical and laboratory tests were performed. After a follow-up period of 1 year (median 377 days) the examinations were repeated, and the findings were correlated.

RESULTS

MRI and CT changes resulting from SIJ destruction increased significantly during follow-up, and the two modalities were significantly correlated. For the MRI findings of inflammatory activity, only bone marrow oedema decreased significantly. An increase in the Schober test was the only clinical examination that changed significantly.

CONCLUSION

In early SpA, MRI can detect significant inflammatory and destructive changes of the SIJs over a 1-year follow-up period, in spite of minimal changes in the clinical parameters. The MRI changes in inflammatory activity are not detectable by CT and X-ray examinations. Thus, MRI may be a sensitive method, without known risks, for early diagnosis and for following disease progression in SpA.

Magnetic resonance imaging of sacroiliitis in early seronegative spondylarthropathy. Abnormalities correlated to clinical and laboratory findings

OBJECTIVE

To compare a new MRI scoring system of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in early spondylarthropathy (SpA) with clinical and laboratory parameters.

METHODS

Forty-one patients (24 males, 17 females) with a median age of 26 yr and a median duration of inflammatory low back pain of 19 months were included. They all fulfilled the ESSG-criteria for SpA. The patients were examined by MRI of the SIJs using a new scoring system. Clinical examinations, biochemical tests, functional score (BASFI), and pain score (BASDAI) were also performed.

RESULTS

95% of the patients had inflammation and/or destructive bone changes of the SIJs at MRI. No correlation was found between MRI pathology and clinical findings. MRI demonstrated significantly greater severity of both inflammation and destruction of the SIJs in HLA B27 positive patients than in the HLA B27 negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with early SpA, MRI was able to detect inflammatory and destructive changes of the SIJs, but the changes were not associated to clinical findings. Our results suggest a role of MRI in the detection of early-stage sacroiliitis.

Imaging of sacroiliitis in early seronegative spondylarthropathy. Assessment of abnormalities by MR in comparison with radiography and CT

PURPOSE

To analyze the type and frequency of abnormalities of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in early seronegative spondylarthropathy (SpA) by MR in comparison with CT and radiography, assess the most appropriate MR sequences to be used, and introduce a new way of grading MR abnormalities of the SIJ.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The SIJs of 41 patients with early SpA (median duration of inflammatory low back pain of 19 months) were evaluated by MR imaging using STIR, T1, T2, and T1 fat saturated (FS) sequences before and after i.v. Gd contrast medium followed by staging of abnormalities. The findings were compared with those obtained by CT and radiography.

RESULTS

MR and CT had equal efficacy superior to radiography in staging of erosions and osseous sclerosis. Only MR allowed visualization and grading of active inflammatory changes in the subchondral bone and surrounding ligaments in addition to bone marrow fatty accumulations. T2-weighted sequences did not contribute to assessment of sacroiliitis.

CONCLUSION

MR of the SIJs is reliable in its visualization of joint erosions in early SpA and allows differentiation between active and chronic sacroiliitis. We recommend the following sequences: semicoronal T1 and both semicoronal and semiaxial STIR. If these images are normal, the examination can be finished; otherwise additional semicoronal T1 FS before and after i.v. contrast has to be performed as well as semiaxial post-contrast T1 FS.

Imaging of sacroiliitis in early seronegative spondylarthropathy. Assessment of abnormalities by MR in comparison with radiography and CT

PURPOSE

To analyze the type and frequency of abnormalities of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in early seronegative spondylarthropathy (SpA) by MR in comparison with CT and radiography, assess the most appropriate MR sequences to be used, and introduce a new way of grading MR abnormalities of the SIJ.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The SIJs of 41 patients with early SpA (median duration of inflammatory low back pain of 19 months) were evaluated by MR imaging using STIR, T1, T2, and T1 fat saturated (FS) sequences before and after i.v. Gd contrast medium followed by staging of abnormalities. The findings were compared with those obtained by CT and radiography.

RESULTS

MR and CT had equal efficacy superior to radiography in staging of erosions and osseous sclerosis. Only MR allowed visualization and grading of active inflammatory changes in the subchondral bone and surrounding ligaments in addition to bone marrow fatty accumulations. T2-weighted sequences did not contribute to assessment of sacroiliitis.

CONCLUSION

MR of the SIJs is reliable in its visualization of joint erosions in early SpA and allows differentiation between active and chronic sacroiliitis. We recommend the following sequences: semicoronal T1 and both semicoronal and semiaxial STIR. If these images are normal, the examination can be finished; otherwise additional semicoronal T1 FS before and after i.v. contrast has to be performed as well as semiaxial post-contrast T1 FS.

Epiphyseal separation of the coracoid process without acromioclavicular dislocation

A patient with an epiphyseal separation through the base of the coracoid process of the shoulder associated with a grade I acromioclavicular sprain is reported. The epiphyseal separation was not visible on conventional roentgenograms. A CT scan demonstrated the abnormality. In patients with considerable intractable pain due to contusion of the shoulder, early use of CT should be considered to determine whether symptoms are caused by epiphyseal separation of the coracoid process.

Topical metronidazole in the treatment of rosacea

One percent metronidazole in an emollient cream base was compared with 250 mg oral tetracycline taken twice daily for the treatment of seventy-five patients with rosacea. After eight weeks of treatment there was no statistically significant difference between the results of the two treatments. Tetracycline did have a more rapid onset of effect on papules and pustules. Both treatments were well tolerated.

Precautions for personnel applying topical nitrogen mustard to patients with mycosis fungoides

An increased awareness among staff personnel of the potential damaging effects of cytostatic drugs has lead us to take specific precautions when nitrogen mustard is used as topical therapy in mycosis fungoides. This report deals with the risks involved in using nitrogen mustard, and how to take steps against such risks. The exposure of healthy staff personnel to potential risks from cytostatic drugs can, and should, be avoided.

Treatment of dyskeratosis follicularis Darier with the retinoic acid derivative Ro 10-9359 (Tigason)

The results of treatment of 29 patients with Darier's disease with the aromatic retinoid Ro 10-9359 are reported. Therapeutic tests for a period of more than 18 months seem to justify its use in Darier's disease. With a modest dose it is possible to keep the symptoms at an acceptable level, i. e., 50% clearing or more without too troublesome side effects. Because of the side effects the dosage must be fixed individually. It is pointed out that with the development of Ro 10-9359, an efficient remedy for Darier's disease has become available for the first time.

Comedo formation following cobalt irradiation

After cobalt-60 therapy 3 patients developed open and closed comedones in the face corresponding to the treatment fields. Biopsies showed extensive dermal elastotic material. It is suggested that the elastotic fibres may contribute to a change in the supporting function of the dermis and a secondary sebum retention and comedo formation.

Efficacy of bufexamac (NFN) cream in skin diseases. A double-blind multicentre trial

The effect of a new non-steroid anti-inflammatory substance (bufexamac) in a special constituent was compared with that of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide, 1% hydrocortisone cream, and placebo during a double-blind multicentre trial. The clinical effect of these four creams was studied in 193 patients receiving treatment for the following skin disorders: atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and non-allergic contact dermatitis, as well as dermatitis seborrheica. After 2 and 4 weeks' treatment, when 193 and 157 patients, respectively, were re-examined, the effect of triamcinolone acetonide and hydrocortisone cream was significantly better, than that obtained with bufexamac in the cream basis employed. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference in effect between bufexamac and placebo cream was observed.