-
International Journal of Infectious... May 2024To resolve an exceptional clustering of Cutibacterium avidum prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (IE) at a single heart center.
OBJECTIVE
To resolve an exceptional clustering of Cutibacterium avidum prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (IE) at a single heart center.
METHODS
During a period of 21 months, three patients experienced C. avidum bacteremia 24-128 days after aortic valve replacement. Operative procedures and electronic prescriptions of antimicrobials were surveyed, and bacterial isolates were genome sequenced.
RESULTS
The prosthetic valves were inserted by separate surgical teams. In one case, echocardiographic confirmation of IE was not achieved until 4 months after the first positive blood culture, but the causative agents were irrefutably documented in all cases by culture, or amplification of bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid, from removed prosthetic material. Whole-genome sequencing clustered isolates to a distinctive subgroup of the species but did not suggest inter-patient transmission of isolates.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite vigorous sampling of blood and tissue, detection of C. avidum was not unconditional, neither by culture nor polymerase chain reaction test. The causative agent is likely underreported and should be meticulously searched for in culture-negative prosthetic valve endocarditis.
PubMed: 38762047
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107099 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder affecting many young individuals, marked by keratinization, inflammation, seborrhea, and colonization by (). Ellagitannins,...
Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder affecting many young individuals, marked by keratinization, inflammation, seborrhea, and colonization by (). Ellagitannins, known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, have not been widely studied for their anti-acne effects. Chestnut ( Mill., ), a rich ellagitannin source, including castalagin whose acne-related bioactivity was previously unexplored, was investigated in this study. The research assessed the effect of leaf extract and castalagin on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) infected with , finding that both inhibited IL-8 and IL-6 release at concentrations below 25 μg/mL. The action mechanism was linked to NF-κB inhibition, without AP-1 involvement. Furthermore, the extract displayed anti-biofilm properties and reduced CK-10 expression, indicating a potential role in mitigating inflammation, bacterial colonization, and keratosis. Castalagin's bioactivity mirrored the extract's effects, notably in IL-8 inhibition, NF-κB inhibition, and biofilm formation at low μM levels. Other polyphenols, such as flavonol glycosides identified via LC-MS, might also contribute to the extract's biological activities. This study is the first to explore ellagitannins' potential in treating acne, offering insights for developing chestnut-based anti-acne treatments pending future in vivo studies.
Topics: Humans; Hydrolyzable Tannins; Fagaceae; Acne Vulgaris; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Keratinocytes; NF-kappa B; HaCaT Cells; Propionibacterium acnes; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biofilms; Interleukin-8
PubMed: 38731983
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094764 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Female; Mammaplasty; Propionibacterium acnes; Surgical Wound Infection; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Breast Implantation; Breast Implants; Preoperative Care
PubMed: 38728900
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.04.026 -
MSphere May 2024are part of the human skin microbiota and are opportunistic microorganisms that become pathogenic in immunodeficient states. These lipophilic bacteria willingly inhabit...
UNLABELLED
are part of the human skin microbiota and are opportunistic microorganisms that become pathogenic in immunodeficient states. These lipophilic bacteria willingly inhabit areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are abundant; hence, there is a need to thoroughly understand their metabolism. Lipids are no longer considered only structural elements but also serve as signaling molecules and may have antigenic properties. Lipidomics remains a major research challenge, mainly due to the diverse physicochemical properties of lipids. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a large comparative lipidomic analysis of eight representatives of the genus, including four phylotypes of and two strains of , , and . Lipidomic analysis was performed by liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in both positive and negative ion modes, allowing the detection of the widest range of metabolites. Fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC-MS) corroborated the lipidomic data. As a result, 128 lipids were identified, among which it was possible to select marker compounds, some of which were characteristic even of individual phylotypes. These include phosphatidylcholine PC 30:0, sphingomyelins (SM 33:1, SM 35:1), and phosphatidylglycerol with an alkyl ether substituent PG O-32:0. Moreover, cardiolipins and fatty acid amides were identified in spp. for the first time. This comparative characterization of the cutibacterial lipidome with the search for specific molecular markers reveals its diagnostic potential for clinical microbiology.
IMPORTANCE
(previously ) represents an important part of the human skin microbiota, and its role in clinical microbiology is growing due to opportunistic infections. Lipidomics, apart from protein profiling, has the potential to prove to be a useful tool for defining the cellular fingerprint, allowing for precise differentiation of microorganisms. In this work, we presented a comparative analysis of lipids found in eight strains of the genus , including a few phylotypes. Our results are one of the first large-scale comprehensive studies regarding the bacterial lipidome, which also enabled the selection of phylotype-specific lipid markers. The increased role of lipids not only as structural components but also as diagnostic markers or potential antigens has led to new lipid markers that can be used as diagnostic tools for clinical microbiology. We believe that the findings in our paper will appeal to a wide range of researchers.
Topics: Lipidomics; Humans; Propionibacteriaceae; Chromatography, Liquid; Lipids; Skin; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Fatty Acids; Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38712970
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00054-24 -
Drug Delivery and Translational Research May 2024Acne Vulgaris or Acne is a multifactorial bacterial infection caused by Propionibacterium acne, leading to inflammation and decreased quality of life, especially in...
Acne Vulgaris or Acne is a multifactorial bacterial infection caused by Propionibacterium acne, leading to inflammation and decreased quality of life, especially in adolescence. Currently, antibiotics and retinoids are preferred for treating acne. However, their continuous usage may lead to anti-microbial resistance and other side effects. Therefore, research on developing effective strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistance and improve acne healing is ongoing. The current work reports the synthesis and evaluation of near-infrared light-absorbing copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles loaded with a biomolecule, Glycyrrhizin (Ga). The photothermal efficacy studies, and in-vitro and in-vivo experiments indicated that the Ga-CuS NPs generated localized hyperthermia in acne-causing bacteria, leading to their complete growth inhibition. The results indicated that the Ga-Cus NPs possess excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in the acne and inflammatory models. This could be from the synergistic effect of CuS NPs mediated mild Photothermal effect and inherent pharmacological properties of Ga. Further detailed studies of the formulations can pave the way for application in cosmetic clinics for the effective and minimally invasive management of Acne-like conditions.
PubMed: 38704496
DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01594-x -
Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the... 2024Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is a unique scaffold protein that regulates several immunological signaling pathways, including LIF/LIF receptor and...
Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is a unique scaffold protein that regulates several immunological signaling pathways, including LIF/LIF receptor and LPS/TLR4 signals. STAP-2 is required for Fas/FasL-dependent T cell apoptosis and SDF-1α-induced T cell migration. Conversely, STAP-2 modulates integrin-mediated T cell adhesion, suggesting that STAP-2 is essential for several negative and positive T cell functions. However, whether STAP-2 is involved in T cell-antigen receptor (TCR)-mediated T cell activation is unknown. STAP-2 deficiency was recently reported to suppress TCR-mediated T cell activation by inhibiting LCK-mediated CD3ζ and ZAP-70 activation. Using STAP-2 deficient mice, it was demonstrated that STAP-2 is required for the pathogenesis of Propionibacterium acnes-induced granuloma formation and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Here, detailed functions of STAP-2 in TCR-mediated T cell activation, and how STAP-2 affects the pathogenesis of T cell-mediated inflammation and immune diseases, are reviewed.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Apoptosis; CD3 Complex; Cell Adhesion; Cell Movement; Chemokine CXCL12; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Inflammation; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck); Propionibacterium acnes; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes; ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase
PubMed: 38692923
DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.23-00154-4 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Apr 2024The aim of this study was to assess the microbial variations and biomarkers in the vaginal and oral environments of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the microbial variations and biomarkers in the vaginal and oral environments of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer (CC) and to develop novel prediction models.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study included 164 samples collected from both the vaginal tract and oral subgingival plaque of 82 women. The participants were divided into four distinct groups based on their vaginal and oral samples: the control group (Z/KZ, n = 22), abortion group (AB/KAB, n = 17), HPV-infected group (HP/KHP, n = 21), and cervical cancer group (CC/KCC, n = 22). Microbiota analysis was conducted using full-length 16S rDNA gene sequencing with the PacBio platform.
RESULTS
The vaginal bacterial community in the Z and AB groups exhibited a relatively simple structure predominantly dominated by Lactobacillus. However, CC group shows high abundances of anaerobic bacteria and alpha diversity. Biomarkers such as Bacteroides, Mycoplasma, Bacillus, Dialister, Porphyromonas, Anaerococcus, and Prevotella were identified as indicators of CC. Correlations were established between elevated blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and local/systemic inflammation, pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion, which contribute to unevenness in the vaginal microenvironment. The altered microbial diversity in the CC group was confirmed by amino acid metabolism. Oral microbial diversity exhibited an inverse pattern to that of the vaginal microbiome, indicating a unique relationship. The microbial diversity of the KCC group was significantly lower than that of the KZ group, indicating a link between oral health and cancer development. Several microbes, including Fusobacterium, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Veillonella, Streptococcus, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Propionibacterium, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Neisseria, were identified as CC biomarkers. Moreover, periodontal pathogens were associated with blood CRP levels and oral hygiene conditions. Elevated oral microbial amino acid metabolism in the CC group was closely linked to the presence of pathogens. Positive correlations indicated a synergistic relationship between vaginal and oral bacteria.
CONCLUSION
HPV infection and CC impact both the vaginal and oral microenvironments, affecting systemic metabolism and the synergy between bacteria. This suggests that the use of oral flora markers is a potential screening tool for the diagnosis of CC.
Topics: Humans; Female; Microbiota; Vagina; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Infections; Mouth; Adult; Middle Aged; Papillomaviridae; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Human Papillomavirus Viruses
PubMed: 38685022
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05124-8 -
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... Apr 2024Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) previously named Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) has been increasingly recognized by spine surgeons as a cause of indolent... (Review)
Review
Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) previously named Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) has been increasingly recognized by spine surgeons as a cause of indolent post-surgical spinal infection. Patients infected with C. acnes may present with pseudarthrosis or nonspecific back pain. Currently, microbiological tissue cultures remain the gold standard in diagnosing C. acnes infection. Ongoing research into using genetic sequencing as a diagnostic method shows promising results and may be another future way of diagnosis. Optimized prophylaxis involves the use of targeted antibiotics, longer duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, antibacterial-coated spinal implants, and evidence-based sterile surgical techniques all of which decrease contamination. Antibiotics and implant replacement remain the mainstay of treatment, with longer durations of antibiotics proving to be more efficacious. Local guidelines must consider the surge of antimicrobial resistance worldwide when treating C. acnes.
PubMed: 38679079
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2024.04.018 -
Cancers Apr 2024Some researchers have speculated that the prostatic microbiome is involved in the development of prostate cancer (PCa) but there is no consensus on certain microbiota in... (Review)
Review
Some researchers have speculated that the prostatic microbiome is involved in the development of prostate cancer (PCa) but there is no consensus on certain microbiota in the prostatic tissue of PCa vs. healthy controls. This systematic review aims to investigate and compare the microbiome of PCa and healthy tissue to determine the microbial association with the pathogenesis of PCa. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Articles were screened by two independent and blinded reviewers. Literature that compared the prostatic tissue microbiome of patients with PCa with benign controls was included. We found that PCa may be associated with increased , the herpesviridae and families, and , but definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from the existing data. Challenges include the difficulty of obtaining uncontaminated tissue samples and securing tissue from healthy controls. As a result, methods are varied with many studies using cancerous and "healthy" tissue from the same prostate. The organisms chosen for each study were also highly variable, making it difficult to compare studies. These issues have led to lower confidence in our results. Overall, further work is warranted to better understand the implications of the prostatic microbiome in the pathogenesis of PCa.
PubMed: 38672631
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081549 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Rosa spp., commonly known as rosehips, are wild plants that have traditionally been employed as herbal remedies for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. Rosehip... (Review)
Review
Rosa spp., commonly known as rosehips, are wild plants that have traditionally been employed as herbal remedies for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. Rosehip is a storehouse of vitamins, including A, B complex, C, and E. Among phytonutrients, vitamin C is found in the highest amount. As rosehips contain significant levels of vitamin C, they are perfect candidates for the development of skincare formulations that can be effectively used in the treatment of different skin disorders (i.e., scarring, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, melasma, and atopic dermatitis). This research focuses on the vitamin C content of several sp. by their botanical and geographic origins, which according to research studies are in the following order: > > > , with lower levels in and , respectively. Among rosehip species, is the most extensively studied species which also displays significant amounts of bioactive compounds, but also antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities (e.g., against , and ). The investigation also highlights the use of rosehip extracts and oils to minimise the harmful effects of acne, which primarily affects teenagers in terms of their physical appearance (e.g., scarring, hyperpigmentation, imperfections), as well as their moral character (e.g., low self-confidence, bullying). Additionally, for higher vitamin C content from various rosehip species, the traditional (i.e., infusion, maceration, Soxhlet extraction) and contemporary extraction methods (i.e., supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extractions) are highlighted, finally choosing the best extraction method for increased bioactive compounds, with emphasis on vitamin C content. Consequently, the current research focuses on assessing the potential of rosehip extracts as medicinal agents against various skin conditions, and the use of rosehip concentrations in skincare formulations (such as toner, serum, lotion, and sunscreen). Up-to-date studies have revealed that rosehip extracts are perfect candidates as topical application products in the form of nanoemulsions. Extensive studies have revealed that rosehip extracts also exhibit specific activities against multiple skin disorders (i.e., wound healing, collagen synthesis, atopic dermatitis, melasma, and anti-aging effects). Overall, with multiple dermatological actions and efficacies, rosehip extracts and oils are promising agents that require a thorough investigation of their functioning processes to enable their safe use in the skincare industry.
PubMed: 38666029
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1390419