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Biotechnologia 2023Essential oil (EO) from is used as complementary and traditional medicine worldwide. The present study aimed at compositional profiling of EO and molecular docking of...
Essential oil (EO) from is used as complementary and traditional medicine worldwide. The present study aimed at compositional profiling of EO and molecular docking of EO's bioactive compound 1,8 cineole against fungal enzymes involved in the riboflavin synthesis pathway, namely riboflavin synthase (RS), riboflavin biosynthesis protein RibD domain-containing protein (RibD), and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate synthase (DBPS) as apposite sites for drug designing against aspergillosis and mucormycosis, and confirmation. The compositional profile of EO was completed by GC-FID analysis. For molecular docking, the Patchdock tool was used. The ligand-enzyme 3-D interactions were examined, and ADMET properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) were calculated. GC-FID discovered the occurrence of 1,8 cineole as a major component in EO, which was subsequently used for docking analysis. The docking analysis revealed that 1,8 cineole actively bound to RS, RibD, and DBPS fungal enzymes. The results of the docking studies demonstrated that the ligand 1,8 cineole exhibited H-bond and hydrophobic interactions with RS, RibD, and DBPS fungal enzymes. 1,8 cineole obeyed Lpinsky's rule and exhibited adequate bioactivity. Wet-lab authentication was achieved by using three fungal strains: , and . Wet lab results indicated that EO was able to inhibit fungal growth.
PubMed: 37850116
DOI: 10.5114/bta.2023.130727 -
Gut May 2024The remodelling of gut mycobiome (ie, fungi) during pregnancy and its potential influence on host metabolism and pregnancy health remains largely unexplored. Here, we...
OBJECTIVE
The remodelling of gut mycobiome (ie, fungi) during pregnancy and its potential influence on host metabolism and pregnancy health remains largely unexplored. Here, we aim to examine the characteristics of gut fungi in pregnant women, and reveal the associations between gut mycobiome, host metabolome and pregnancy health.
DESIGN
Based on a prospective birth cohort in central China (2017 to 2020): Tongji-Huaxi-Shuangliu Birth Cohort, we included 4800 participants who had available ITS2 sequencing data, dietary information and clinical records during their pregnancy. Additionally, we established a subcohort of 1059 participants, which included 514 women who gave birth to preterm, low birthweight or macrosomia infants, as well as 545 randomly selected controls. In this subcohort, a total of 750, 748 and 709 participants had ITS2 sequencing data, 16S sequencing data and serum metabolome data available, respectively, across all trimesters.
RESULTS
The composition of gut fungi changes dramatically from early to late pregnancy, exhibiting a greater degree of variability and individuality compared with changes observed in gut bacteria. The multiomics data provide a landscape of the networks among gut mycobiome, biological functionality, serum metabolites and pregnancy health, pinpointing the link between and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The prepregnancy overweight status is a key factor influencing both gut mycobiome compositional alteration and the pattern of metabolic remodelling during pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a landscape of gut mycobiome dynamics during pregnancy and its relationship with host metabolism and pregnancy health, which lays the foundation of the future gut mycobiome investigation for healthy pregnancy.
PubMed: 38724219
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-332260 -
Cureus Jul 2023Background Mucormycosis is a consequence of the angioinvasive disease caused by filamentous fungi that belong to the order Mucorales, particularly , , and . is the most...
Sinonasal and Orbital Imaging Findings in COVID-Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis During the Second Wave of COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Central India.
Background Mucormycosis is a consequence of the angioinvasive disease caused by filamentous fungi that belong to the order Mucorales, particularly , , and . is the most prevalent form. The invading hyphae lead to damage of blood vessels leading to thrombosis and consequent tissue necrosis. The incidence of this disease entity witnessed a significant rise during the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to diminish both the mortality and morbidity associated with this disease. Imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing the ailment, evaluating its extent, identifying complications such as thrombosis, and facilitating surgical planning. It demonstrates exceptional sensitivity in detecting the disease at its early stages, often before symptoms manifest. Due to the angioinvasive nature of , early detection assumes utmost importance as it necessitates intensive antifungal therapy and the removal of devitalized tissue through debridement. Methodology We conducted a retrospective cohort study to analyze computed tomography (CT) imaging findings in patients with COVID-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) confirmed by histopathological examination. We compared these findings with CT findings of the nose and paranasal sinuses in patients without mucor following COVID-19 sinusitis (non-ROCM). Results All 16 cases in the non-ROCM group were in stage 1 disease. In contrast, in the ROCM group, three patients had stage 1 disease, five patients had stage 2 disease, and 10 patients had stage 3 disease (p = 0.0001). The pterygopalatine fossa was significantly affected in 10 of 18 ROCM patients and in none of the non-ROCM patients. Conclusions Imaging plays a crucial role in the early detection of mucormycosis. It assists treating physicians in initiating prompt and aggressive treatment, thereby improving the prognosis of this frequently fatal disease.
PubMed: 37649953
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42674 -
Archives of Microbiology Aug 2023Fungal infections pose a significant threat to aquaculture, causing substantial economic losses and ecological disruptions. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio), as a...
Fungal infections pose a significant threat to aquaculture, causing substantial economic losses and ecological disruptions. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio), as a crucial farmed fish, requires in-depth research to uncover the underlying fungal pathogens affecting its health. In this study, we analyzed 150 samples of C. carpio to identify the fungal pathogens responsible for the infections based on clinical signs and symptoms. Further, we assessed fungal diversity and prevalence in the infected fish. The infected fish exhibited varying degrees of gross pathogenicity, with fins and skin heavily affected, intermediate infection observed in the head and gills, and the least infection found in the operculum. Morphological examination revealed distinct characteristics such as necrosis, lesions on the skin, fins, and gills, as well as loss of scales, hemorrhagic lesions, and red spots. Furthermore, the presence of gray and white cottony patches on the body confirmed ascomycete and zygomycete infections, while a dark white cottony mass indicated phycomycete infection. Some fish exhibited severe fungal infections, presenting prominently curved spines and necrosis with red spots on the skin. These isolates belonged to various fungal groups, including ascomycetes, zygomycetes, phycomycetes, deuteromycetes, and basidiomycetes. Among these, Fusarium oxysporum emerged as the most prevalent fungal pathogen, followed by Fusarium solani, Saprolegnia delica, and Saprolegnia parasitica. Molecular identification based on ITS and LSU rRNA sequences confirmed the presence of Saprolegnia delica, Mucor hiemalis, Coniothyrium telephii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Penicillium cellarum, and Fusarium californicum in the fish samples. Phylogenetic analysis further supported the morphological and molecular data, providing insights into the relationship between the isolated fungal strains and known species from various geographical regions. Our study enhances our understanding of the diversity and prevalence of fish fungal pathogens in common carp, emphasizing the significance of employing molecular techniques for accurate identification. These comprehensive findings offer essential insights into the impact of fungal infections on common carp populations, laying the groundwork for targeted control measures to mitigate their effects on global aquaculture.
Topics: Animals; Phylogeny; Carps; Skin; Aquaculture; Farms
PubMed: 37598385
DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03651-4 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Oct 2023Lipid accumulation in oleaginous organisms is initiated by AMP deaminase (AMPD) after nitrogen depletion because it mediates the concentration of intracellular adenosine...
Lipid accumulation in oleaginous organisms is initiated by AMP deaminase (AMPD) after nitrogen depletion because it mediates the concentration of intracellular adenosine monophosphate (AMP). However, the role of AMPD in lipogenesis in the oleaginous fungus is largely unknown. Therefore, we identified the genes ( and ) encoding AMPD and investigated the role of AMPD in lipid synthesis in this fungus by overexpressing and deleting genes. Deletion of and caused 21 and 28% increments in lipid contents under N-limited conditions, respectively. These increases were correlated with the activation of enzymes involved in lipogenesis and the alteration of energy balance. Unexpectedly, overexpression of genes affected nitrogen consumption in both N-limited and N-excess media, which resulted in an increase in cell growth and lipid accumulation compared with the control strain when nitrogen was available. Furthermore, the increased lipid accumulation in the -overexpressing mutants in N-excess media was accompanied by enhanced activities of lipid biosynthetic enzymes. These data suggested that nitrogen metabolism and energy metabolism are affected by AMPD, and overexpression of genes induced lipid accumulation under nitrogen-rich conditions by mimicking the nitrogen limitation response. This highlights an intriguing function of AMPD in .
Topics: Lipogenesis; Lipid Metabolism; AMP Deaminase; Mucor; Lipids; Nitrogen
PubMed: 37822229
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04574 -
Journal de Mycologie Medicale Jun 2024Patients with hematological malignancies are at a high risk of developing invasive fungal infections (IFI) because they undergo several cycles of treatment leading to...
BACKGROUND
Patients with hematological malignancies are at a high risk of developing invasive fungal infections (IFI) because they undergo several cycles of treatment leading to episodes of neutropenia. In addition, they alternate between hospital stays and periods spent at home. Thus, when an IFI is diagnosed during their hospital stays, it is highly challenging to identify the origin of the fungal contamination. The objective of this study was to analyze at home fungal exposure of 20 patients with leukemia by taking air and water samples in their living residence.
METHODS
Air was sampled in 3 rooms of each home with a portable air system impactor. Tap water was collected at 3 water distribution points of each home. For positive samples, fungi were identified by mass spectrometry or on the basis of their morphological features.
RESULTS
85 % of homes revealed the presence in air of Aspergillus spp. and those belonging to the section Fumigati presented the highest concentrations and the greatest frequency of isolation. Concerning mucorales, Rhizopus spp. and Mucor spp. were isolated in air of 20 % and 5 % of dwellings, respectively. In 4 homes, more than 70 % of the fungal species identified in air were potential opportunists; these were mainly Aspergillus spp. with concentrations greater than 20 cfu/m. The water samples revealed the presence of Fusarium in 3 dwellings, with concentrations up to 80 cfu/L. Finally, for one patient, fungal species isolated during a period of hospitalization were phenotypically similar to those isolated in samples taken at home. For a second patient, a PCR Mucorale was positive on a sample of bronchoalveolar fluid while air samples taken at his home also revealed also the presence of mucorales.
CONCLUSION
The presence of opportunistic fungal species in the air of all the explored homes suggests the need for strengthened preventive measures in the home of immunocompromised patients. It would be interesting to compare the fungi isolated (from patients and from their environment) by genotyping studies aimed at specifying the correspondence existing between fungal species present in the patients' homes and those responsible for IFI in the same patients.
PubMed: 38865808
DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2024.101492 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Sep 2023The current investigation was carried out to assess the potential of fungi isolated from polluted soil samples in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, to degrade crude oil. In a...
The current investigation was carried out to assess the potential of fungi isolated from polluted soil samples in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, to degrade crude oil. In a minimal salt medium with 1% crude oil as the carbon source, the growth potential of various fungal isolates was examined. Among twelve fungal isolates, YS-6 and YS-10, identified as Cunninghamella echinulata and Mucor circinelloides based on multiple sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses, were selected as having superior crude oil degrading abilities. To the best of our knowledge, the isolated species have never been detected in polluted soil samples in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. YS-6 and YS-10 have shown their capacity to metabolize crude oil by removing 59.7 and 78.1% of crude oil, respectively. Interestingly, they succeeded in reducing the surface tension to 41.2 and 35.9 mN/m, respectively. Moreover, the emulsification activity and hydrophobicity were determined to be 36.7, 44.9, 35.9, and 53.4%, respectively. The recovery assays included zinc sulfate, ammonium sulfate, acid precipitation, and solvent extraction techniques. All these approaches showed that the amount of biosurfactants correlates to the tested hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the enzyme activity of these two isolates generated significantly more laccase (Lac) than manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP), as compared to the control. In conclusion, our study highlights new perspectives on the fungal resources found in persistently polluted terrestrial ecosystems. This knowledge will be useful for bioremediation, safe disposal of petroleum-oil contamination, and other industrial uses.
Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Petroleum; Ecosystem; Phylogeny; Hydrocarbons; Soil
PubMed: 37249816
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01008-z -
African Health Sciences Sep 2023This study was aimed at evaluating the microbial quality and proximate analysis of soymilk produced and sold within Calabar Metropolis.
BACKGROUND
This study was aimed at evaluating the microbial quality and proximate analysis of soymilk produced and sold within Calabar Metropolis.
METHODOLOGY
Soymilk samples were purchased in pairs from five locations in Calabar Metropolis. The samples collected were subjected to microbiological and proximate analysis to ascertain the hygienic standards of the products and nutrient contents.
RESULTS
The result showed that the highest heterotrophic bacterial count of 5.3 × 10 cfu/ml was recorded in soymilk sample sold in Goldie market while the least (2.7 × 10 cfu/ml) was recorded at Watt market. The mean fungal count was highest in Akim market samples (5.8 x 10 cfu/ml) and lowest in Atimbo market samples (2.4 x 10 cfu/ml). The probable bacterial and fungal isolates were identified as: sp, , Klebsiella sp, sp, sp, sp, sp, sp and sp. All the isolated bacteria species were found to be resistant to more than 50% of the antibiotics used. Proximate composition analysis of the soymilk samples revealed high moisture, carbohydrate and protein contents.
CONCLUSION
The microbial population detected in terms of number and types reflected poor hygienic standard of production.
Topics: Humans; Public Health; Bacteria; Colony Count, Microbial; Escherichia coli
PubMed: 38357170
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v23i3.87 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that are considered as a potential source of natural compounds, and can be applied in various industries. The aims of this research...
Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that are considered as a potential source of natural compounds, and can be applied in various industries. The aims of this research were molecular identification of endophytic fungi isolated from the Gundelia tournefortii stems, and investigation their biological activities as well as phenolic and fatty acid profile. Surface sterilized stems of G. tournefortii were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) to isolate the fungal endophytes. Genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB method, and PCR amplification was performed by ITS 1 and ITS 4 as primers. The enzyme production of endophytic fungi was determined based on the formation of a clear zone that appeared around the colonies of fungus. The anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the amount of free radicals DPPH. Also, the total phenol and flavonoid contents were measured obtained by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Moreover, the separation and identification of phenolic acids and fatty acids were done by HPLC and GC, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was done based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and five isolates were identified as following: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium glabrum, Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, and Mucor circinelloides. Evaluation of the enzymatic properties showed that P. gabrum (31 ± 1.9 mm), and A. niger (23 ± 1.7) had more ability for producing pectinase and cellulase. The anti-oxidant activity of isolates showed that A. alternata extract (IC = 471 ± 29 µg/mL) had the highest anti-oxidant properties, followed by A. tenuissima extract (IC = 512 ± 19 µg/mL). Also, the extract of A. alternata had the greatest amount of total phenols and flavonoids contents (8.2 ± 0.4 mg GAL/g and 2.3 ± 0.3 mg QE/g, respectively). The quantification analysis of phenolic acid showed that rosmarinic acid, para-coumaric acid, and meta-coumaric acid (42.02 ± 1.31, 7.53 ± 0.19, 5.41 ± 0.21 mg/g, respectively) were the main phenolic acids in the studied fungi. The analysis of fatty acids confirmed that, in all fungi, the main fatty acids were stearic acid (27.9-35.2%), oleic acid (11.3-17.3%), palmitic acid (16.9-23.2%), linoleic acid (5.8-11.6%), and caprylic acid (6.3-10.9%). Our finding showed that endophytic fungi are a source of bioactive compounds, which could be used in various industries. This is the first report of endophytic fungi associated with G. tournefortii, which provides knowledge on their future use on biotechnological processes.
Topics: Antioxidants; Phylogeny; Plant Extracts; Aspergillus niger; Fatty Acids; Fungi; Endophytes
PubMed: 38528041
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57222-8 -
International Archives of Allergy and... 2024The full spectrum of bacterial and fungal species in adult asthma and the effect of inhaled corticosteroid use is not well described. The aim was to collect mouthwash...
INTRODUCTION
The full spectrum of bacterial and fungal species in adult asthma and the effect of inhaled corticosteroid use is not well described. The aim was to collect mouthwash and induced sputum samples from newly diagnosed asthma patients in the pretreatment period and in chronic asthma patients while undergoing regular maintenance inhaled corticosteroid therapy, in order to demonstrate the bacterial and fungal microbiome profile.
METHODS
The study included 28 asthmatic patients on inhaler steroid therapy, 25 steroid-naive asthmatics, and 24 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from induced sputum and mouthwash samples. Analyses were performed using bacterial primers selected from the 16S rRNA region for the bacterial genome and "panfungal" primers selected from the 5.8S rRNA region for the fungal genome.
RESULTS
Dominant genera in mouthwash samples of steroid-naive asthmatics were Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Rothia. The oral microbiota of asthmatic patients on inhaler steroid treatment included Neisseria, Rothia, and Veillonella species. Abundant genera in induced sputum samples of steroid-naive asthma patients were Actinomyces, Granulicatella, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Atopobium. Sputum microbiota of asthma patients taking inhaler steroids were dominated by Prevotella and Porphyromonas. Mucor plumbeus and Malassezia restricta species were abundant in the airways of steroid-naive asthma patients. Choanephora infundibulifera and Malassezia restricta became dominant in asthma patients taking inhaled steroids.
CONCLUSION
The oral and airway microbiota consist of different bacterial and fungal communities in healthy and asthmatic patients. Inhaler steroid use may influence the composition of the oral and airway microbiota.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Mycobiome; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Mouthwashes; Asthma; Bacteria; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Sputum; Steroids; Malassezia
PubMed: 37844548
DOI: 10.1159/000531866