-
BMC Ophthalmology Feb 2024To report the microbiological isolates, aetiology, complications, antibiotic susceptibilities, and clinical remission of dacryocystitis and canaliculitis in a prominent...
BACKGROUND
To report the microbiological isolates, aetiology, complications, antibiotic susceptibilities, and clinical remission of dacryocystitis and canaliculitis in a prominent tertiary ophthalmic teaching and referral hospital located in northern China and to offer appropriate recommendations for preventing and formulating drug treatment strategies.
METHODS
This prospective study recruited a total of 477 participants who had been diagnosed with either dacryocystitis or canaliculitis. The cohort comprised 307 patients with chronic dacryocystitis, 111 patients with acute dacryocystitis, and 59 patients with canaliculitis. Purulent discharge from the lacrimal duct was collected using a sterile swab and immediately subjected to microbial culture. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted following established protocols. All participants were scheduled for follow-up visits within 14 days after receiving antibiotic therapy.
RESULTS
The present findings indicated that women exhibited a higher susceptibility to the condition, as evidenced by the occurrence of 367 cases in comparison to 110 cases among men. Among the 477 patients, definitive causes were established in 59 individuals, accounting for 12.4% of the patients. Additionally, ocular complications were reported by 132 patients, representing 27.7% of the total. Monocular involvement was observed in the majority of cases, with 402 out of 477 patients (84.3%) affected, while binocular involvement was present in 75 patients (15.7%). In total, 506 microbiological strains were recovered from 552 eyes, with Staphylococcus epidermidis (16.4%) being the most prevalent microorganism. Other predominant isolates included Corynebacterium macginleyi (9.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (5.1%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (4.9%), Haemophilus (4.4%), Propionibacterium acnes (3.5%), and Eikenella corrodens (3.1%). Among the 12 isolated fungi, Candida parapsilosis accounted for 66.7%. The susceptibility to antimicrobial agents tested in gram-negative bacilli (79.5%) was observed to be higher than that of anaerobic bacteria (76.7%) and gram-positive cocci (55.4%). With pharmacological therapy, the remission rate of acute dacryocystitis (72.7%) was found to be higher than that of canaliculitis (53.3%) and chronic dacryocystitis (42.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the microbial spectrum of dacryocystitis and canaliculitis, particularly C.macginleyi, E.corrodens and C.parapsilosis, which are also more frequently isolated. Vancomycin and imipenem may be more effective treatment options. Most cases have an unknown aetiology, and essential preventive measures involve postoperative cleansing of the lacrimal passage following eye and nasal surgeries, as well as the proactive management of rhinitis.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Canaliculitis; Prospective Studies; Dacryocystitis; Lacrimal Apparatus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Hospitals, Teaching
PubMed: 38317063
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03323-x -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024, a commensal bacterium found on human skin, formerly known as , rarely causes infections and is generally considered non-pathogenic. Recent research has revealed the...
, a commensal bacterium found on human skin, formerly known as , rarely causes infections and is generally considered non-pathogenic. Recent research has revealed the transferability of the multidrug-resistant plasmid pTZC1 between and , the latter being an opportunistic pathogen in surgical site infections. However, there is a noticeable lack of research on the genome of , and the genetic landscape of this species remains largely uncharted. We investigated the genomic features and evolutionary structure of by analyzing a total of 30 Metagenome-Assembled Genomes (MAGs) and isolate genomes retrieved from public databases, as well as those generated in this study. A pan-genome of 6,077 genes was identified for . Remarkably, the 'cloud genes' constituted 62.38% of the pan-genome. Genes associated with mobilome: prophages, transposons [X], defense mechanisms [V] and replication, recombination and repair [L] were enriched in the cloud genome. Phylogenomic analysis revealed two distinct mono-clades, highlighting the genomic diversity of . The genomic diversity was further confirmed by the distribution of Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) values. The functional profiles analysis of unveiled a wide range of potential Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) and virulence factors, suggesting its potential tolerance to various environmental challenges. Subtype I-E of the CRISPR-Cas system was the most abundant in these genomes, a feature also detected in genomes. Given the widespread distribution of strains within skin microbiome, our findings make a substantial contribution to our broader understanding of the genetic diversity, which may open new avenues for investigating the mechanisms and treatment of conditions such as acne vulgaris.
PubMed: 38304712
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1343227 -
Arthritis Research & Therapy Jan 2024Although cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is closely associated with neck pain, its cause remains unclear. In this study, an animal model of cervical disc...
BACKGROUND
Although cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is closely associated with neck pain, its cause remains unclear. In this study, an animal model of cervical disc degeneration and discogenic neck pain induced by a low concentration of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes-L) is investigated to explore the possible mechanisms of cervical discogenic pain.
METHODS
Cervical IVD degeneration and discitis was induced in 8-week-old male rats in C3-C6 IVDs through the anterior intervertebral puncture with intradiscal injections of low and high concentrations of P. acnes (P. acnes-L, n = 20 and P. acnes-H, n = 15) or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, n = 15), compared to control (injection with PBS, n = 20). The structural changes in the cervical IVD using micro-CT, histological evaluation, and gene expression assays after MRI scans at 2 and 6 weeks post-modeling. The P. acnes-L induced IVD degeneration model was assessed for cervical spine MRI, histological degeneration, pain-like behaviors (guarding behavior and forepaw von Frey), nerve fiber growth in the IVD endplate region, and DRG TNF-α and CGRP.
RESULTS
IVD injection with P. acnes-L induced IVD degeneration with decreased IVD height and MRI T2 values. IVD injection with P. acnes-H and S. aureus both lead to discitis-like changes on T2-weighted MRI, trabecular bone remodeling on micro-CT, and osseous fusion after damage in the cartilage endplate adjacent to the injected IVD. Eventually, rats in the P. acnes-L group exhibited significant nociceptive hypersensitivity, nerve fiber ingrowth was observed in the IVD endplate region, inflammatory activity in the DRG was significantly increased compared to the control group, and the expression of the pain neurotransmitter CGRP was significantly upregulated.
CONCLUSION
P. acnes-L was validated to induce cervical IVD degeneration and discogenic pain phenotype, while P. acnes-H induced was identified to resemble septic discitis comparable to those caused by S. aureus infection.
Topics: Male; Rats; Animals; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Propionibacterium acnes; Discitis; Neck Pain; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Staphylococcus aureus; Intervertebral Disc; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38297365
DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03269-x -
Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii Dec 2023Azelaic acid (AZA) is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid whose topical application has found multiple uses in dermatology. Its anti-inflammatory,... (Review)
Review
Azelaic acid (AZA) is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid whose topical application has found multiple uses in dermatology. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against Propionibacterium acne are currently used in the treatment of various types of acne such as rosacea and acne vulgaris. AZA is an inhibitor of tyrosinase, mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and DNA synthesis, and is a scavenger of harmful free radicals and inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils. Interestingly, AZA also has anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects on various cancer cells. To date, its inhibitory effect on melanocytes has been mainly used, making it widely used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Commercially available topical formulations with cosmetic and drug status contain 5% to 20% AZA in the form of gels and creams. The use of liposomal technology allows greater control over the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the formulations. When applied topically, AZA is well tolerated, and side effects are limited to generally mild and transient local skin irritation. Importantly, liposomal technology has enabled the drug to penetrate all layers of the skin while maintaining a very high accumulation of the active ingredient. This solution could be revolutionary for the treatment of skin cancer, where until now the main obstacle was poor absorption through the skin, making the treatment require multiple applications to maintain long-term activity levels. In this review, we will present the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of AZA. We will summarize its use in the treatment of dermatoses and its potential in skin cancer therapy. We will provide an overview of the preparations available on the market, taking into consideration technologies used.
PubMed: 38282869
DOI: 10.5114/ada.2023.133955 -
JID Innovations : Skin Science From... Jan 2024Although prior studies have reported distinct skin microbiome profiles associated with psoriasis, differences in methods and analyses limit generalizable conclusions....
Although prior studies have reported distinct skin microbiome profiles associated with psoriasis, differences in methods and analyses limit generalizable conclusions. Individual studies have actually reported conflicting findings; for example, and have been significantly associated with both psoriatic lesions and healthy skin. Qualitative reviews have attempted to summarize this body of work, but there is great variability across the studies' findings and methods. To better unify these data, we created a meta-analysis of all publicly available datasets by utilizing a uniform bioinformatics pipeline and reference database to investigate associations of the skin microbiome in psoriasis. A total of 977 skin swab samples (341 lesional, 295 nonlesional, and 341 healthy) from 6 studies were analyzed. The aggregated analysis revealed a higher relative abundance of microorganisms, including and , among others, from patients with psoriasis than those from healthy swab samples; in addition, , unclassified, and were significantly higher in healthy samples. Furthermore, comparison of functional pathways predicted from 16S gene markers showed that L-ornithine biosynthesis and L-histidine biosynthesis were lower in psoriatic lesions than in healthy controls. Taken together, this meta-analysis allows for a more generalizable association between the skin microbiome and psoriasis.
PubMed: 38282647
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2023.100249 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease originating in the sebaceous gland units of the skin follicles. Isotretinoin is presently the primary choice...
INTRODUCTION
Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease originating in the sebaceous gland units of the skin follicles. Isotretinoin is presently the primary choice for the treatment of acne vulgaris. However, it could induce several adverse reactions like diarrhea, cheilitis, headache, elevated triglyceride levels and risk of inflammatory bowel disease and depression. Hence, it is imperative to seek an alternative therapy.
METHODS
One hundred five patients were randomly divided into 3 groups, and received a baseline treatment of oral doxycycline for the initial 4 weeks. Group I received isotretinoin oral for 12 weeks; Group P received oral MH-301 treatment for 12 weeks; Group IP received combined treatment with oral probiotics and oral isotretinoin for 12 weeks. The number of skin lesions was recorded at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks during the treatment to compare the efficacy of each intervention, and skin and fecal samples were collected from patients at 12 weeks for high-throughput sequencing to explore the microbiota differences between various groups.
RESULTS
Our results revealed that the combination of MH-301 with isotretinoin significantly reduced the number of skin lesions in patients compared to using MH-301 and isotretinoin alone ( < 0.001). Additionally, skin microbiome High-throughput analysis indicated the restorative effects of MH-301 on skin microbial diversity while also observing a reduction in the main microbiota of skin lesions, and . Meanwhile, gut microbiome High-throughput analysis showed that it could regulate disorders of the intestinal microbiota and increased the abundance of probiotics such as , , and genera.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, MH-301 could be used in combination with isotretinoin for optimal results in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The research conducted provides theoretical and data support for the adjuvant effect of in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier (ChiCTR2200063499).
PubMed: 38264057
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1340068 -
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome Jan 2024Abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism contribute to the progression and exacerbation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fish oil and probiotics are dietary... (Review)
Review
Comparison of the efficacy of fish oil and probiotic supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism contribute to the progression and exacerbation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fish oil and probiotics are dietary supplements that have the potential to improve glucose and lipid metabolism. However, their efficacy remains unclear in T2DM patients.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were retrieved to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of fish oil or probiotic supplementation in T2DM patients from the database inception to December 13, 2023. Primary outcome indicators encompassed glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and blood lipid profile (triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Secondary outcome indicators included inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) and adipocytokine (including leptin and adiponectin). The R software was used for statistical analysis, and GraphPad Prism was used for figure rendering.
RESULTS
A total of 60 RCTs involving 3845 T2DM patients were included in the analysis. The results showed that the probiotics (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Propionibacterium, etc.) were more effective in reducing HOMA-IR than fish oil (Surca = 0.935). Bifidobacterium demonstrated the highest efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels (Surca = 0.963). Regarding lipid metabolism, fish oil was superior to probiotics in lowering TG and TC levels (Surca values of 0.978 and 0.902, respectively). Furthermore, fish oil outperformed probiotics in reducing TNF-α (Surca = 0.839) and leptin (Surca = 0.712), and increasing adiponectin levels (Surca = 0.742). Node-splitting analysis showed good consistency (P > 0.05 for direct, indirect, and network comparison across various interventions).
CONCLUSIONS
In T2DM patients, fish oil was more effective than probiotics in regulating lipid metabolism. Probiotics outperformed fish oil in regulating glucose metabolism particularly; specifically, Bifidobacterium showed higher efficacy in reducing blood glucose.
PubMed: 38254166
DOI: 10.1186/s13098-024-01266-3 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024Acne vulgaris is a type of chronic skin disorder caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Neutrophil extrinsic traps (NETs) play key role in many types of...
Acne vulgaris is a type of chronic skin disorder caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Neutrophil extrinsic traps (NETs) play key role in many types of inflammatory skin diseases. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) was reported modulate immune responses and neutrophil activity. Here, we explored the potential role of ADSCs and the potential mechanism associated with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in relieving acne vulgaris. In the P. acnes-infected ear skin model, histological staining was used to evaluate the inflammatory infiltration and NET formation in control, P. acnes, and P. acnes + ADSCs groups. Besides, western blot was used to detect the expression levels of cit-H3, MPO, and Nrf2 in ear tissue. In vitro, the immunofluorescence staining of MPO and cit-H3, and SYTOX green staining were performed to measure the NET formation. CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, and wound healing assay were used to detect the proliferation and migration abilities of keratinocytes. ELISA assay was utilized to detect the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In P. acnes-infected ear skin, ADSC treatment significantly attenuated inflammation and NET formation via activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. In vitro, the conditioned medium of ADSCs reduced the formation of P. acne-induced NETs. Besides, ADSCs could inhibit that the NETs efficiently promoted the proliferation, migration, and inflammatory cytokine secretion of keratinocytes. Our study suggested that ADSCs could attenuate P. acne-related inflammation by inhibiting NET formation. This study provides a novel therapeutic perspective of ADSCs in combating acne vulgaris.
Topics: Humans; Extracellular Traps; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Acne Vulgaris; Inflammation; Stem Cells; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 38233540
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51931-w -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023The Korean mountains are home to the Korean red pine (). Pine needle oil has been used as a food additive and a traditional herbal medicine; however, any health-related...
The Korean mountains are home to the Korean red pine (). Pine needle oil has been used as a food additive and a traditional herbal medicine; however, any health-related properties of its trunk oil remain unknown. Herein, we assessed antibacterial and antiviral properties of essential oil extracted from the trunk of . Th extracted oil was hydrodistilled using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the oil was tested using the microbroth dilution technique against 10 bacterial species (6 g-positive and 4 g-negative) and fungi. The extract exerted strong antimicrobial activity against , , , , and (minimum inhibitory concentration = 10 mL/L). Additionally, it exhibited dose-dependent activity against influenza virus A and feline coronavirus. Furthermore, among 20 identified constituents accounting for 98.7% of the oil contents, the major components included 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol (10.12%), 2-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-2-propanol (9.09%), fenchone (8.14%), -isopropyltoluene (6.35%), and isothymol methyl ether (6.14%). The trunk essential oil showed antibacterial and antiviral activities that depended on its chemical composition and the microbial strains tested herein. The essential oil can be used as an antimicrobial agent and disinfectant.
PubMed: 38231728
DOI: 10.3390/foods12234279 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024In our pursuit of enhancing acne treatment while minimizing side effects, we developed tailored Adapalene microsponges (MS) optimized using a Box-Behnken design 3. The...
In our pursuit of enhancing acne treatment while minimizing side effects, we developed tailored Adapalene microsponges (MS) optimized using a Box-Behnken design 3. The independent variables, Eudragit RS100 percentage in the polymer mixture, organic phase volume, and drug to polymer percentage, were explored. The optimized formulation exhibited remarkable characteristics, with a 98.3% ± 1.6 production yield, 97.3% ± 1.64 entrapment efficiency, and a particle size of 31.8 ± 1.1 µm. Notably, it achieved a 24 h cumulative drug release of 75.1% ± 1.4. To delve deeper into its efficacy, we evaluated the optimized microspongeal-gel in vitro, in vivo, and clinically. It demonstrated impressive retention in the pilosebaceous unit, a target for acne treatment. Comparative studies between our optimized Adapalene microspongeal gel and marketed Adapalene revealed superior performance. In vivo studies on Propionibacterium acnes-infected mice ears showed a remarkable 97% reduction in ear thickness, accompanied by a significant decrease in inflammatory signs and NF-κB levels, as confirmed by histopathological and histochemical examination. Moreover, in preliminary clinical evaluation, it demonstrated outstanding effectiveness in reducing comedonal lesions while causing fewer irritations. This not only indicates its potential for clinical application but also underscores its ability to enhance patient satisfaction, paving the way for future commercialization.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Adapalene; Acne Vulgaris; Skin; Polymers; Dermatologic Agents; Treatment Outcome; Gels
PubMed: 38228631
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51392-1