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Scientific Reports Apr 2024Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential...
Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential side effects and high costs. Therefore, searching for natural, cost-effective solutions for dandruff and hair loss is crucial. Rosemary herb and neem tree, both cultivated in Egypt, possess well-documented anti-inflammatory properties derived from their rich phenolic phytoconstituents. This study formulated a standardized combined extract of rosemary and neem (RN-E 2:1) into hair gel and leave-in tonic formats. This extract demonstrated superior efficacy against Malassezia furfur (a causative agent of dandruff) and Trichophyton rubrum (associated with scalp disorders) compared to the conventional antifungal agent, ketoconazole. The combined extract (RN-E 2:1) also exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the suppression of iNOS expression is considered concentration-dependent. Quality control verified formulation stability, and ex-vivo studies confirmed effective ingredient penetration into the epidermis, the primary site of fungal presence. Remarkably, both formulations outperformed the standard treatment, minoxidil in hair growth trials. These findings highlight the potential of natural extracts for scalp and hair health.
Topics: Dandruff; Rosmarinus; Azadirachta; Alopecia; Plant Extracts; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38565924
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57838-w -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Mar 2024In medicine, parasitic cysts or cysticerci (fluid-filled cysts, larval stage of tapeworms) are believed to be sterile (no bacteria), and therein, the treatment of...
Rodent Gut Bacteria Coexisting with an Insect Gut Virus in Parasitic Cysts: Metagenomic Evidence of Microbial Translocation and Co-adaptation in Spatially-Confined Niches.
In medicine, parasitic cysts or cysticerci (fluid-filled cysts, larval stage of tapeworms) are believed to be sterile (no bacteria), and therein, the treatment of cysticerci infestations of deep extra-intestinal tissues (, brain) relies almost exclusively on the use of antiparasitic medications, and rarely antibiotics. To date, however, it is unclear why common post-treatment complications include abscessation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cyst contents in a higher-order rodent host, using multi-kingdom shotgun metagenomics, to improve our understanding of gut microbial translocation and adaptation strategies in wild environments. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts () in an adult vole mouse (), and from feces, liver, and peritoneal fluid of three other vole family members living in a vegetable garden in Ohio, USA. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, including , and , inhabiting the cysts. and other species were also present outside the cyst in the peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, but unexpectedly, it detected an insect-origin virus from the army moth () known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A) in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from two different voles, indicating survival of the insect virus and adaption in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in the cysts compared to other samples (peritoneal fluid, p<0.05; and feces p<0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst for and . The samples with a higher probability of fungi were the peritoneal fluid. In conclusion, commensal/pathobiont bacterial species can inhabit parasitic tapeworm cysts, which needs to be considered during therapeutic decisions of cysticerci or other chronic disease scenarios where immune privileged and spatially restricted ecosystems with limited nutrients and minimal presence of immune cells could facilitate microbial adaptation, such as within gut wall cavitating micropathologies in Crohn's disease.
PubMed: 38562820
DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.585885 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Empirically, in Indonesia, the leaves of L. (candle bush or ketepeng cina) have been used as a topical antifungal agent. is a natural microorganism found in the human...
Empirically, in Indonesia, the leaves of L. (candle bush or ketepeng cina) have been used as a topical antifungal agent. is a natural microorganism found in the human body. It is among the factors contributing to conditions such as pityriasis versicolor, a common, benign, superficial fungal infection of the skin that is closely associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. This study aimed to explore leaves, starting from determining antifungal activity against and the identification of major compounds in the ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions, and then we carried out molecular docking of the major compounds in the n-hexane fraction to lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase. The method was the disc diffusion technique to test antifungal activity, LC-MS/MS for major compound identification, and homology modeling through Swiss Models for molecular docking. The fractions of ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract showed concentration-dependent antifungal activity against . The LCMS/MS analysis revealed five major compounds in the ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions. The molecular docking demonstrated the highest binding affinity with stearidonic acid at -7.2 kcal/mol. It can be concluded that the compounds in the n-hexane fraction have antifungal activity against , as supported by both in vitro and in silico studies.
PubMed: 38543166
DOI: 10.3390/ph17030380 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is the most common chronic skin disorder, characterized by red and pruritic lesions. Its etiology is multifaceted, involving an interplay... (Review)
Review
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is the most common chronic skin disorder, characterized by red and pruritic lesions. Its etiology is multifaceted, involving an interplay of factors, such as the allergic immune response, skin barrier dysfunction, and dysbiosis of the skin microbiota. Recent studies have explored the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are lipid bilayer-delimitated particles released by all cells, in atopic dermatitis. Examination of the available literature identified that most studies investigated EVs released by , which were found to impact the skin barrier and promote the release of cytokines that contribute to atopic dermatitis development. In addition, EVs released by the skin fungus, , were found to contain allergens, suggesting a potential contribution to allergic sensitization via the skin. The final major finding was the role of EVs released by mast cells, which were capable of activating various immune cells and attenuating the allergic response. While research in this area is still in its infancy, the studies examined in this review provide encouraging insights into how EVs released from a variety of cells play a role in both contributing to and protecting against atopic dermatitis.
Topics: Humans; Dermatitis, Atopic; Skin; Hypersensitivity; Allergens; Extracellular Vesicles
PubMed: 38542227
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063255 -
Veterinary Sciences Feb 2024This work describes the antimycotic activity of propolis from the stingless bees and , collected from two Mexican regions (Veracruz and Chiapas, respectively), against...
This work describes the antimycotic activity of propolis from the stingless bees and , collected from two Mexican regions (Veracruz and Chiapas, respectively), against three clinical isolates and the reference strain ATCC 14522 of , the causative agent of canine otitis. The chemical components of the ethanolic extracts of propolis were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and sesquiterpenes were the predominant compounds. The antimycotic activity was evaluated by plate microdilution. The induced changes in the yeasts were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and staining with calcofluor white and propidium iodide. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 7.11 mg/mL, and the minimum fungicidal concentration was 21.33 mg/mL for both extracts. The EPPs of and caused substantial damage to yeast morphology, where the propidium iodide staining of the yeasts treated with both EEPs revealed the penetration of this marker, which indicates the destruction of the cell wall and plasma membrane of the fungi. This result suggests that these types of propolis could be used as alternative treatments for canine external otitis. To the best of our knowledge, this seems to be the first scientific report that has demonstrated structural damage in by Mexican stingless bee propolis.
PubMed: 38535840
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11030106 -
Journal of Dermatological Science Apr 2024Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmented patches on the skin that majorly impact patients' quality of life. Although its etiology...
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmented patches on the skin that majorly impact patients' quality of life. Although its etiology involves genetic and environmental factors, the role of microorganisms as environmental factors in vitiligo pathology remains under-researched.
OBJECTIVES
Our study explored the presence of characteristic bacterial and fungal flora in vitiligo-affected skin and investigated their potential roles in vitiligo pathogenesis.
METHODS
We sequenced bacterial 16S rRNA and the fungal ITS1 region from skin swabs collected at frequently affected sites, namely the forehead and back, of patients with vitiligo. We analyzed bacterial and fungal flora in lesional and non-lesional areas of patients with vitiligo compared with corresponding sites in age- and sex-matched healthy subjects.
RESULTS
Our findings revealed elevated α-diversity in both bacterial and fungal flora within vitiligo lesions compared with healthy controls. Notably, bacterial flora exhibited a distinctive composition in patients with vitiligo, and the proportional representation of Enterococcus was inversely correlated with the degree of vitiligo progression. Gammaproteobacteria, Staphylococcus spp., and Corynebacterium spp. were more abundant in vitiligo patients, with notable Staphylococcus spp. prevalence during the stable phase on the forehead. Conversely, the proportion of Malassezia sympodialis was lower and that of Malassezia globosa was higher in the progressive phase on the back of vitiligo patients.
CONCLUSION
Our study identified some characteristic bacterial and fungal groups associated with vitiligo activity and prognosis, highlighting the potential roles of microorganisms in pathogenesis and offering insights into personalized disease-management approaches.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Female; Male; Adult; Mycobiome; Skin; Middle Aged; Japan; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Microbiota; Case-Control Studies; Young Adult; Forehead; Back; Malassezia; Corynebacterium; Staphylococcus; East Asian People
PubMed: 38508974
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2024.02.008 -
Biophysics Reviews Mar 2023A microbiome consists of viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and other microeukaryotes. It influences host immune systems and contributes to the development of various... (Review)
Review
A microbiome consists of viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and other microeukaryotes. It influences host immune systems and contributes to the development of various diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, and skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. The skin is the largest organ in the human body and has various microorganisms on its surface. Several studies on skin microbiomes have illustrated the effects of their composition, metabolites, and interactions with host cells on diseases. However, most studies have focused on the bacterial microbiome rather than the fungal microbiome, namely, mycobiome, although emerging evidence indicates that fungi also play a critical role in skin microbiomes through interactions with the host cells. I briefly summarize the current progress in the analysis of mycobiomes on human skin. I focused on alteration of the skin mycobiome caused by atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, with an emphasis on the genus, which are the most dominant fungi residing here.
PubMed: 38505818
DOI: 10.1063/5.0136543 -
Environmental Microbiome Mar 2024The complex and co-evolved interplay between plants and their microbiota is crucial for the health and fitness of the plant holobiont. However, the microbiota of the...
BACKGROUND
The complex and co-evolved interplay between plants and their microbiota is crucial for the health and fitness of the plant holobiont. However, the microbiota of the seeds is still relatively unexplored and no studies have been conducted with olive trees so far. In this study, we aimed to characterize the bacterial, fungal and archaeal communities present in seeds of ten olive genotypes growing in the same orchard through amplicon sequencing to test whether the olive genotype is a major driver in shaping the seed microbial community, and to identify the origin of the latter. Therefore, we have developed a methodology for obtaining samples from the olive seed's endosphere under sterile conditions.
RESULTS
A diverse microbiota was uncovered in olive seeds, the plant genotype being an important factor influencing the structure and composition of the microbial communities. The most abundant bacterial phylum was Actinobacteria, accounting for an average relative abundance of 41%. At genus level, Streptomyces stood out because of its potential influence on community structure. Within the fungal community, Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were the most abundant phyla, including the genera Malassezia, Cladosporium, and Mycosphaerella. The shared microbiome was composed of four bacterial (Stenotrophomonas, Streptomyces, Promicromonospora and Acidipropionibacterium) and three fungal (Malassezia, Cladosporium and Mycosphaerella) genera. Furthermore, a comparison between findings obtained here and earlier results from the root endosphere of the same trees indicated that genera such as Streptomyces and Malassezia were present in both olive compartments.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the first insights into the composition of the olive seed microbiota. The highly abundant fungal genus Malassezia and the bacterial genus Streptomyces reflect a unique signature of the olive seed microbiota. The genotype clearly shaped the composition of the seed's microbial community, although a shared microbiome was found. We identified genera that may translocate from the roots to the seeds, as they were present in both organs of the same trees. These findings set the stage for future research into potential vertical transmission of olive endophytes and the role of specific microbial taxa in seed germination, development, and seedling survival.
PubMed: 38491515
DOI: 10.1186/s40793-024-00560-x -
Gut Microbes 2024The role of gut fungal species in tumor-related processes remains largely unexplored, with most studies still focusing on fungal infections. This review examines the... (Review)
Review
The role of gut fungal species in tumor-related processes remains largely unexplored, with most studies still focusing on fungal infections. This review examines the accumulating evidence suggesting the involvement of commensal and pathogenic fungi in cancer biological process, including oncogenesis, progression, and treatment response. Mechanisms explored include fungal influence on host immunity, secretion of bioactive toxins/metabolites, interaction with bacterial commensals, and migration to other tissues in certain types of cancers. Attempts to utilize fungal molecular signatures for cancer diagnosis and fungal-derived products for treatment are discussed. A few studies highlight fungi's impact on the responsiveness and sensitivity to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and fecal microbiota transplant. Given the limited understanding and techniques in fungal research, the studies on gut fungi are still facing great challenges, despite having great potentials.
Topics: Humans; Mycobiome; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Fungi; Carcinogenesis; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38485702
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2328868 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Feb 2024A retrospective study of microbiological laboratory results from 2020 to 2022, obtained from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory of the island of Gran Canaria, Spain,...
Microbiological Survey and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Microorganisms Obtained from Suspect Cases of Canine Otitis Externa in Gran Canaria, Spain.
A retrospective study of microbiological laboratory results from 2020 to 2022, obtained from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory of the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, focused on canine otitis cases, was performed. The objective of this study was to analyze the pathogen distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, prevalence of multidrug resistant phenotypes and the role of coinfections in otitis cases in order to provide up-to-date evidence that could support effective control strategies for this prevalent pathology. A total of 604 submissions were processed for the diagnosis of canine external otitis. Of the samples analyzed, 472 were positive for bacterial or fungal growth (78.1%; 95% CI: 74.8-81.4%). A total of 558 microbiological diagnoses were obtained, divided in 421 bacterial (75.4%; 95% CI: 71.8-79.0%) and 137 fungal (24.6%; 95% CI: 20.9-28.1%) identifications. , and were the most prevalent microorganisms detected in clinical cases of otitis. High level antimicrobial resistance was found for (30.7%), (29.4%), (25.1%) and (19%). Multidrug-resistant phenotypes were observed in 47% of the bacteria isolated. In addition, a 26.4% prevalence of methicillin-resistant was detected. The high prevalence of antimicrobial resistant phenotypes in these bacteria highlights the current necessity for constant up-to-date prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility data that can support evidence-based strategies to effectively tackle this animal and public health concern.
PubMed: 38473127
DOI: 10.3390/ani14050742