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Journal of Microorganism Control 2024Cutibacterium acnes is an opportunistic pathogen recognized as a contributing factor to acne vulgaris. The accumulation of keratin and sebum plugs in hair follicles...
Cutibacterium acnes is an opportunistic pathogen recognized as a contributing factor to acne vulgaris. The accumulation of keratin and sebum plugs in hair follicles facilitates C. acnes proliferation, leading to inflammatory acne. Although numerous antimicrobial cosmetic products for acne-prone skin are available, their efficacy is commonly evaluated against planktonic cells of C. acnes. Limited research has assessed the antimicrobial effects on microorganisms within keratin and sebum plugs. This study investigates whether an antibacterial toner can penetrate keratin and sebum plugs, exhibiting bactericidal effects against C. acnes. Scanning electron microscopy and next-generation sequencing analysis of the keratin and sebum plug suggest that C. acnes proliferate within the plug, predominantly in a biofilm-like morphology. To clarify the potential bactericidal effect of the antibacterial toner against C. acnes inside keratin and sebum plugs, we immersed the plugs in the toner, stained them with LIVE/DEAD BacLight Bacterial Viability Kit to visualize microorganism viability, and observed them using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results indicate that most microorganisms in the plugs were killed by the antibacterial toner. To quantitatively evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of the toner against C. acnes within keratin and sebum, we immersed an artificial plug with inoculated C. acnes type strain and an isolate collected from acne-prone skin into the toner and obtained viable cell counts. The number of the type strain and the isolate inside the artificial plug decreased by over 2.2 log and 1.2 log, respectively, showing that the antibacterial toner exhibits bactericidal effects against C. acnes via keratin and sebum plug penetration.
Topics: Sebum; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Keratins; Acne Vulgaris; Biofilms; Microbial Viability; Propionibacteriaceae; Propionibacterium acnes; Hair Follicle; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
PubMed: 38880618
DOI: 10.4265/jmc.29.2_63 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2024Dendrobium crepidatum Lindl. ex Paxton is a perennial epiphyte of Dendrobium genus, distributed in southern China, and utilized as the traditional Chinese medicine...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Dendrobium crepidatum Lindl. ex Paxton is a perennial epiphyte of Dendrobium genus, distributed in southern China, and utilized as the traditional Chinese medicine "Shihu" in Yunnan Province. Due to its heat-clearing and detoxicating properties, it is formulated as the "XiaoCuoWan" as recorded in the China Pharmacopoeia, and specially used to treat chronic skin inflammatory diseases, such as acne.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This research aimed to estimate impact of the octahydroindoline alkaloid Homocrepidine A (HCA), isolated from D. crepidatum, on acne inflammation using both human THP-1 cells and mouse models. Furthermore, the potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of HCA has been analyzed through molecular biology methods and computer simulation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
THP-1 cells and mouse models induced by live Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) were employed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of crude extract of D. crepidatum (DCE) and HCA. ELISA was utilized to detect the release of inflammatory cytokines in both cellular and murine ear tissues. RNAseq was used to screen the pathways associated with HCA-mediated inflammatory inhibition, while Western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence were utilized to detect the expression of relevant proteins. Additionally, molecular docking simulations and cellular thermal shift assays were employed to confirm the target of HCA.
RESULTS
Our research shows that DCE and HCA can effectively alleviate acne inflammation. HCA inhibits TLR2 expression by interacting with amino acid residues in the TIR domain of hTLR2, including Pro-681, Asn-688, Trp-684, and Ile-685. Moreover, HCA disrupts inflammatory signal transduction mediated by MAPK and NF-κB pathways through MyD88-dependent pathway. Additionally, HCA treatment facilitates Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulates HO-1 expression, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasomes activation. In vivo experiments further revealed that HCA markedly attenuated erythema and swelling caused by P. acnes in mice ears, while also decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-8.
CONCLUSIONS
Our research highlights the protective effects of D. crepidatum and its bioactive compound HCA against acne inflammation, marking the first exploration of its potential in this context. The discoveries indicate that HCA treatment may represent a promising functional approach for acne therapy.
PubMed: 38871011
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118455 -
Food Chemistry Jun 2024Herein, the texture properties, polyphenol contents, and in vitro protein digestion characteristics of soymilk single- or co-fermented by non-typical milk fermenter...
Introducing Bacillus natto and Propionibacterium shermanii into soymilk fermentation: A promising strategy for quality improvement and bioactive peptide production during in vitro digestion.
Herein, the texture properties, polyphenol contents, and in vitro protein digestion characteristics of soymilk single- or co-fermented by non-typical milk fermenter Bacillus natto (B. natto), Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii (P. shermanii), and traditional milk fermenter were evaluated. Co-fermenting procedure containing B. natto or P. shermanii could raise the amounts of gallic acid, caffeic acid, and GABA when compared to the unfermented soymilk. Co-fermented soymilk has higher in vitro protein digestibility and nutritional protein quality. Through peptidomic analysis, the co-work of P. shermanii and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) may release the highest relative percentage of bioactive peptides, while the intervention of B. natto and Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) resulted in more differentiated peptides. The multi-functional bioactive peptides were mainly released from glycine-rich protein, β-conglycinin alpha subunit 1, and ACB domain-containing protein. These findings indicated the potential usage of B. natto/S. thermophilus or P. shermanii/L. plantarum in bio-enhanced soymilk fermentation.
PubMed: 38850988
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139585 -
Clinical & Experimental Optometry May 2024The pathogenesis of chronic dacryocystitis (CDC) is associated with a variety of bacteria. Investigating microflora has the potential to provide a theoretical basis for...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The pathogenesis of chronic dacryocystitis (CDC) is associated with a variety of bacteria. Investigating microflora has the potential to provide a theoretical basis for preventing and treating CDC.
BACKGROUND
16S rRNA sequencing is a sequence-based bacterial analysis. The application of 16S rRNA sequencing in CDC is rarely reported.
METHODS
A case-control study of infected and healthy eyes diagnosed as CDC patients was conducted. Seventy-eight patients were divided into A (conjunctival sac secretions from healthy eyes), B (conjunctival sac secretions from affected eyes), and C (lacrimal sac secretions from affected eyes) groups. The flora of samples was analysed with 16S rRNA sequencing, and the data was analysed using QIIME, R, LefSE and other software. The potential functions were analysed by PICRUSt.
RESULTS
A total of 1440 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained, 139 specific to group A, 220 specific to group B, and 239 specific to group C. There was no significant difference in α index between the three groups. The beta diversity and grouping analysis data indicated that the three groups of flora were similar in species richness and diversity, but there were some differences in composition. In group A, the abundance of . and . was higher; in group B, the abundance of . was higher; in group C, the abundance of . and . was higher. Six pathways were identified to assess the potential microbial functions.
CONCLUSION
Alterations in the microbiota of the conjunctiva and lacrimal sac are associated with the pathogenesis of CDC, which may provide certain guidance for antibiotic treatment of CDC.
PubMed: 38811366
DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2024.2358246 -
Medicine May 2024Acne is a prevalent inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous unit, which seriously affects the appearance and mental health of patients. Bibliometrics is the...
BACKGROUND
Acne is a prevalent inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous unit, which seriously affects the appearance and mental health of patients. Bibliometrics is the statistical analysis of academic literature in a certain field. We aimed to characterize the 100 most cited articles on acne from a bibliometric perspective, as well as explore the frontier hotspots and trends of acne.
METHODS
A search was conducted on the Web of Science database on August 8, 2023. we employed the terms "acne," "acne Vulgaris," and "common acne" in our search. The top 100 articles with the most citations throughout the time frame of 2014 to 2023 were discovered and assessed. The visualization study was carried out using bibliometric tools such as CiteSpace 6.2.R4, VOSviewer 1.6.18, and MapChart.
RESULTS
The top 100 most cited articles were published between 2014 and 2021, originated from a diverse range of 48 countries, with a predominant focus on the United States of America (USA) and Germany. The top 100 papers were cited between 50 and 712 times. Dreno B, from Nantes University, was the most frequently nominated author. With 12 papers, the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology contributed the most to the top 100 list. Alongside the term "acne", the following terms or phrases were observed frequency in the top 100 articles, Cutibacterium acnes, sebaceous, western diet, antibiotic resistance, staphylococcus-epidermidis, insulinlike growth factor 1, benzoyl peroxide, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Alongside the term "acne", terms or phrases such as Cutibacterium acnes, sebaceous, western diet, antibiotic resistance, staphylococcus-epidermidis, insulinlike growth factor 1, benzoyl peroxide, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, etc also have a high frequency in the top 100 articles.
CONCLUSION
This analysis summarizes the shifting trends of acne research over the last decades. Research on acne is currently flourishing. The related pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies have been the focus of current research and developmental trends in future research.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Bibliometrics; Humans; Biomedical Research; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 38788015
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037657 -
Acta Neurochirurgica May 2024Surgical site infection (SSI) is a serious complication after cranioplasty. Due to the relatively frequent occurrence of post-cranioplasty SSI, the utility of autologous...
PURPOSE
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a serious complication after cranioplasty. Due to the relatively frequent occurrence of post-cranioplasty SSI, the utility of autologous bone flap swab cultures surrounding cryopreservation as a reliable predictor has been the subject of an ongoing debate. This bicentric study aims to contribute to this topic by conducting an in-depth analysis of bone flaps obtained via decompressive craniectomies. This study had three major aims: assessments of 1) bacterial contamination of bone flaps after decompressive craniotomy, 2) impact of cryoconservation on contamination rates and 3) potential effectiveness of anti-infective treatment to reduce the germ load prior to cranioplasty.
METHODS
Cryopreserved bone flaps from two centers were used. Microbiological cultivations of swabs prior to and after cryopreservation were taken and assessed for aerobic and anaerobic growth over a 14-day incubation period. Additionally, in a subset of bone flaps, swab testing was repeated after thorough rinsing with an anti-infectant (octenidine-phenoxyethanol) followed by saline.
RESULTS
All 63 bone flaps (patients median age at surgery: 59 years) were obtained via decompressive craniectomies. Swabs done prior to cryopreservation revealed a 54% infection rate with Propionibacterium acnes being the most common microorganism in 65% of those cases. After thorough disinfection of the preserved bone flaps, all but one case showed no bacterial growth in swab testing. Furthermore, no relevant risk factors for bacterial contamination could be identified.
CONCLUSION
This retrospective study showed the common presence of bacterial growth in cryopreserved bone flaps before and after freezing. Rinsing with octenidine-phenoxyethanol and saline effectively prevented bacterial growth in a notable percentage of cases, suggesting a potential strategy to reduce contamination. However, persistent bacterial growth in some cases underscores the need for further research to optimize antiseptic measures during autologous cranioplasty.
Topics: Humans; Cryopreservation; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Surgical Wound Infection; Decompressive Craniectomy; Adult; Surgical Flaps; Aged; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 38771556
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-06119-6 -
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