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Biomaterials Advances Jun 2024An estimated 1.7 million fatalities and 150 million cases worldwide are attributed to fungal infections annually, that are in rise due to immunocompromised patient...
An estimated 1.7 million fatalities and 150 million cases worldwide are attributed to fungal infections annually, that are in rise due to immunocompromised patient population. The challenges posed by traditional treatments can be addressed with the help of nanotechnology advancements. In this study, Co, Cu, and Ag-were doped into silica nanoparticles. Then the synthesized monometallic silica nanohybrids were combined to formulate heterometallic silica nanohybrids, characterized structurally and morphologically, compared, and evaluated for antifungal activity based on their individual and synergistic activity. The antifungal assays were conducted by using ATCC cultures of Candida albicans and QC samples of Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypseum, and Aspergillus niger. The MIC (ranging from 49.00 to 1560.00 μg/mL), MFC (ranging from 197.00 to 3125.00 μg/mL), IC values (ranging from 31.10 to 400.80 μg/mL), and FICI of nanohybrids were determined and compared. Moreover, well diffusion assay was performed. ABTS assay and DPPH assay were conducted to investigate the radical scavenging activity (RSA) of nanohybrids. SEM analysis clearly evidenced the structural deformations of each fungal cells and spores due to the treatment with trimetallic nanohybrid. According to the results, the trimetallic silica nanohybrids exhibited the most powerful synergistic RSA and the most effective antifungal activity, compared to the bimetallic silica nanohybrids.
PubMed: 38909600
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213930 -
Mycopathologia Jun 2024Dermatophyte biofilms frequently count for inadequate responses and resistance to standard antifungal treatments, resulting in refractory chronic onychomycosis... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Dermatophyte biofilms frequently count for inadequate responses and resistance to standard antifungal treatments, resulting in refractory chronic onychomycosis infection. Although antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has clinically proven to exert significant antifungal effects or even capable of eradicating dermatophyte biofilms, considerably less is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying aPDT and the potential dysregulation of signaling networks that could antagonize its action. The aim of this study is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlining aPDT combat against dermatophyte biofilm in recalcitrant onychomycosis and to decipher the potential detoxification processes elicited by aPDT, facilitating the development of more effective photodynamic interventions. We applied genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis to investigate how aPDT disrupting onychomycosis biofilm formed by three distinct dermatophytes, including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, the most frequently occurring pathogenic species. In total, 352.13 Gb of clean data were obtained for the transcriptomes of dermatophyte biofilms with or without aPDT treatment, resulting in 2,422.42 million reads with GC content of 51.84%, covering 99.9%, 98.5% and 99.4% of annotated genes of T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and M. gypseum, respectively. The genome-wide orthologous analysis identified 6624 transcribed single-copy orthologous genes in all three species, and 36.5%, 6.8% and 17.9% of which were differentially expressed following aPDT treatment. Integrative orthology analysis demonstrated the upregulation of oxidoreductase activities is a highly conserved detoxification signaling alteration in response to aPDT across all investigated dermatophyte biofilms. This study provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underneath anti-dermatophyte biofilm effects of aPDT and successfully identified a conserved detoxification regulation upon the aPDT application.
Topics: Biofilms; Photochemotherapy; Gene Expression Profiling; Arthrodermataceae; Microsporum; Humans; Antifungal Agents; Onychomycosis; Transcriptome
PubMed: 38890181
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00865-y -
Microorganisms May 2024The VITEK MS PRIME (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), a newly developed matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)...
The VITEK MS PRIME (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), a newly developed matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system, alongside the VITEK PICKME pen (PICKME), offers easy sample preparation for bacteria and yeasts. The VITEK MS PRIME also offers two software platforms for filamentous fungi: the IVD database and the RUO database. Our study evaluated its identification agreement on 320 clinical isolates of bacteria and yeasts, comparing PICKME and traditional wooden toothpick sampling techniques against MicroIDSys Elite (ASTA) results. Additionally, we assessed the IVD (v3.2) and SARAMIS (v4.16) RUO databases on 289 filamentous fungi against molecular sequencing. The concordance rates for species-level identification of bacteria and yeasts were about 89.4% (286/320) between the PICKME and wooden toothpick, and about 83.4-85.3% between the VITEK MS PRIME and ASTA MicroIDSys Elite. Retesting with PICKME improved concordance to 91.9%. For filamentous fungi, species-level identification reached 71.3% with the IVD database and 85.8% with RUO, which significantly enhanced basidiomycetes' identification from 35.3% to 100%. Some strains in the IVD database, like , , and , failed to be identified. The VITEK MS PRIME with PICKME offers reliable and efficient microorganism identification. For filamentous fungi, combined use of the RUO database can be beneficial, especially for basidiomycetes.
PubMed: 38792793
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050964 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Sep 2024Dermatophytes are notorious pathogens capable of infecting various mammals skin, posing serious threats to human health and overall life quality worldwide. Artemisia...
Chemical composition of Artemisia argyi essential oil and its antifungal activity against dermatophytes by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and causing oxidative damage.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Dermatophytes are notorious pathogens capable of infecting various mammals skin, posing serious threats to human health and overall life quality worldwide. Artemisia argyi has been recorded and applied for over a thousand years to treat skin itching. Although it has the potential to be developed as a plant-based antifungal agent, it's antifungal activity and action mechanism of active ingredients are still unclear.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition, antifungal activity against skin fungi, and potential mechanisms of Artemisia argyi essential oil (AEO).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The chemical composition of AEO was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) firstly. Flat growth restraint and double half dilution tests was performed to evaluate AEO antifungal activity against Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum. And then, the physiological mechanism of AEO inhibiting dermatophytes was systematically explored through scanning electron microscopy, relative conductivity, membrane leakage, ROS content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Finally, the main pathways were screened through transcriptome sequencing, while the related genes expression levels and enzyme activity were validated.
RESULTS
Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenoids were the most highly representative class of AEO. AEO had powerful antifungal activity against M. gypseum, T. mentagrophytes, and T. rubrum, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.6, 1.2, and 1.2 μL/mL, respectively. Moreover, AEO can also damage the cell membrane integrity of T. mentagrophytes, resulting in cellular extravasation of intracellular substances. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the main target of AEO is to inhibit electron transfer and oxidative phosphorylation during respiration, ultimately leading to obstruction of normal ATP synthesis and energy metabolism in mitochondria. And a large amount of ROS will generate due to the incompletely catalysis of oxygen under mitochondrial complexes. Coupled with the decrease of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, POD) activity, excessive accumulation of ROS will cause serious oxidative damage to cells and eventually exhibiting antifungal activity against dermatophytes.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrated that Artemisia argyi was a valuable source of active compounds with antifungal activity. These findings support AEO as a potential agent to inhibit dermatophytes and prevent related dermatophytoses.
Topics: Artemisia; Antifungal Agents; Oils, Volatile; Arthrodermataceae; Oxidative Stress; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38754641
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118344 -
Veterinary World Mar 2024Catnip essential oils have antimicrobial effects against bacteria, yeast, and fungi; however, there is limited information regarding their antimicrobial activity against...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Catnip essential oils have antimicrobial effects against bacteria, yeast, and fungi; however, there is limited information regarding their antimicrobial activity against pathogens that cause canine skin infections. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical constituents of catnip essential oil and assay its antimicrobial activity against , , , , , and .
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Catnip essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical constituents were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). antimicrobial activity was investigated using broth microdilution and time-kill tests. To evaluate the effect of catnip essential oil on microbial morphology and cell membrane integrity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and leakage studies were conducted.
RESULTS
GC-MS analysis revealed that the principal components of catnip essential oil were - and -nepetalactone (57.09% of peak area), --nepetalactone (39.69% of peak area), -caryophyllene (1.88% of peak area), and caryophyllene oxide (1.34% of peak area). The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration values determined by broth microdilution ranged from 0.0625 mg/mL to 4.0 mg/mL. Time-kill testing showed that the germicidal effects of catnip essential oil were time and concentration-dependent, respectively. Environmental SEM and cell leakage analysis indicated that catnip essential oil disrupted the integrity of cell membranes in the tested microorganisms.
CONCLUSION
Catnip essential oil has potential as an alternative antimicrobial against a wide range of canine skin infection pathogens, including , and .
PubMed: 38680153
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.585-592 -
Cureus Mar 2024Dermatophytes, fungi specialized in keratin degradation, are key agents in skin infections, commonly referred to as tineas. Tinea manuum, affecting the hands, typically...
Dermatophytes, fungi specialized in keratin degradation, are key agents in skin infections, commonly referred to as tineas. Tinea manuum, affecting the hands, typically presents in noninflammatory or inflammatory forms, with ulcerative manifestations rarely reported. , a relatively uncommon cause of tineas, exhibits variable prevalence influenced by geographic factors. This study investigates a case of Ulcerative Unilateral Tinea Manuum caused by , aiming to explore the differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management. A 23-year-old female from the Yucatan Peninsula presented with an ulcerated lesion on her left hand. Initially suspected as Leishmaniasis, subsequent examination revealed tinea manuum. The study discusses differential diagnoses, highlighting the rarity of ulcerative presentations in dermatophytosis, and explores potential pathogenic mechanisms. This case underscores the importance of considering dermatophytes in ulcerative skin lesions and suggests a comprehensive diagnostic approach, particularly in endemic regions.
PubMed: 38576705
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55576 -
Cureus Mar 2024This case report describes a rare occurrence of tinea capitis kerion type caused by in three siblings. The clinical presentation included pseudo-alopecic plaques with a...
This case report describes a rare occurrence of tinea capitis kerion type caused by in three siblings. The clinical presentation included pseudo-alopecic plaques with a dirty appearance, erythema, and honey-like crusts. A direct examination revealed ecto-endothrix parasitization in the hair shaft. Shared use of a comb among the siblings was suspected as the mode of transmission. Treatment with oral terbinafine resulted in a complete resolution. Systematic epidemiological surveys on tinea infections are scarce, and preliminary data from our center indicated a higher prevalence. The literature review identified five reported cases of -induced tinea capitis.
PubMed: 38571824
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55485 -
The American Journal of Tropical... May 2024Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes in children, but it is rare in infants. Although oral itraconazole has been widely used to treat tinea...
Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes in children, but it is rare in infants. Although oral itraconazole has been widely used to treat tinea capitis, its use in infants is limited due to its low prevalence in this age group. A previous study reported the effectiveness of itraconazole continuous therapy in treating infantile tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis. However, this approach has not been extended to tinea capitis caused by other fungi. In this study, we present four cases of infantile tinea capitis treated with continuous itraconazole oral solution therapy (5 mg/kg/day). Two patients were infected with M. canis, one patient with Nannizzia gypsea, and another with Trichophyton tonsurans. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of itraconazole oral solution continuous therapy, expanding our understanding by demonstrating its effectiveness for infantile tinea capitis caused by T. tonsurans and N. gypsea.
Topics: Humans; Itraconazole; Tinea Capitis; Antifungal Agents; Infant; Male; Female; Administration, Oral; Microsporum; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38531098
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0741 -
Antimicrobial and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory flavonoid glycosides from the plant : and approaches.RSC Advances Mar 2024Seven flavonoid glycosides were isolated from the aerial portions of during a phytochemical analysis. This comprised one novel component, ecurvoside, and six...
Seven flavonoid glycosides were isolated from the aerial portions of during a phytochemical analysis. This comprised one novel component, ecurvoside, and six well-studied compounds, namely astragalin, isoquercitrin, nicotiflorin, rutin, hesperidin, and neohesperidin. The chemical structures of compounds were identified using spectroscopic techniques and a comparison with previously published studies. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition testing was carried out on all isolated compounds. The compounds evaluated have IC values between 35.6 and 239.1 g mL, indicating a moderate degree of inhibition. antimicrobial activities of compounds 1-7 have screened against the bacteria (), methicillin-resistant (MRSA), (), and fungi: (), (), and (), where compound 6 showed excellent activity against fungi with an MIC value of 12.5 μM. In accordance with the molecular docking study, ecurvoside (1) or pose 472 interacted well with the 3TOP enzyme: PDB and the molecular dynamic simulations proved that the complex of ecurvoside and 3TOP has a stable simulation time of 50-100 ns and the significant residual amino acids in 3TOP are relative to interactions more than one time such as Asp 960, Glu 961, Lys 1088, Glu 1095, Arg 1097, Gly 1102, Thr 1103, Gln 1109, Glu 1178: A chain and Glu 1095, Thr 1101, and Asp 1107: B chain. The docking studies of compounds 1-7 to the enzyme 2VF5 explain the general mechanism to inhibit bacteria and proved that compound 6 (pose 370) inhibited stronger than compound 7 (pose 362) and compound 5 (pose 280), and compounds 1 to 4 do not interact well with 2VF5.
PubMed: 38505391
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra00666f -
World Journal of Microbiology &... Mar 2024Fungal infections represent a challenging threat to the human health. Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum are pathogenic fungi causing various topical mycoses...
Fungal infections represent a challenging threat to the human health. Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum are pathogenic fungi causing various topical mycoses in humans. The globally emerging issue of resistance to fungi demands the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this context, the application of nanoliposomes as vehicles for carrying active therapeutic agents can be a suitable alternative. In this study, rhinacanthin-C was isolated from Rhinacanthus naustus and encapsulated in nano-liposomal formulations, which were prepared by the modified ethanol injection method. The two best formulations composed of soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC), cholesterol (CHL), and tween 80 (T80) in a molar ratio of 1:1:0 (F1) and 1:1:0.5 (F2) were proceeded for experimentation. The physical characteristics and antifungal activities were performed and compared with solutions of rhinacanthin-C. The rhinacanthin-C encapsulating efficiencies in F1 and F2 were 94.69 ± 1.20% and 84.94 ± 1.32%, respectively. The particle sizes were found to be about 221.4 ± 13.76 nm (F1) and 115.8 ± 23.33 nm (F2), and zeta potential values of -38.16 mV (F1) and -40.98 mV (F2). Similarly, the stability studies of rhinacanthin-C in liposomes demonstrated that rhinacanthin-C in both formulations was more stable in mediums with pH of 4.0 and 6.6 than pure rhinacanthin-C when stored at the same conditions. Rhinacanthin-C in F1 was slightly more stable than F2 when stored in mediums with a pH of 10.0 after three months of storage. However, rhinacanthin-C in both formulations was less stable than pure rhinacanthin-C in a basic medium of pH 10.0. The antifungal potential was evaluated against M. gypsum and T. rubrum. The findings revealed a comparatively higher zone of inhibition for F1. In the MIC study, SPC: CHL: T80 showed higher inhibition against M. gypseum and a slightly higher inhibition against T. rubrum compared to free rhinacanthin-C solution. Moreover, rhinacanthin-C showed significant interaction against 14α-demethylase in in silico study. Overall, this study demonstrates that nanoliposomes containing rhinacanthin-C can improve the stability and antifungal potential of rhinacanthin-C with sustained and prolonged duration of action and could be a promising vehicle for delivery of active ingredients for targeting various fungal infections.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Plant Extracts; Naphthoquinones; Acanthaceae; Mycoses
PubMed: 38459287
DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03916-0