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Indoor Air Sep 2017Most studies on molds focus on Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus. Here, we report on inflammatory and allergenic properties of more typical indoor species...
Investigation of inflammatory and allergic responses to common mold species: Results from in vitro experiments, from a mouse model of asthma, and from a group of asthmatic patients.
Most studies on molds focus on Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus. Here, we report on inflammatory and allergenic properties of more typical indoor species Aspergillus versicolor, P. chrysogenum, C. cladosporioïdes, and C. sphaerospermum that were compared to A. alternata and A. fumigatus. In a mouse model, after intranasal instillation, A. alternaria, A. versicolor, and C. sphaerospermum induced the early recruitment of neutrophils and the strong expression of inflammatory markers in the bronchoalveolar lavages fluids. A. fumigatus also induced the early accumulation of neutrophils but with lower levels of inflammatory markers. Chronic treatment induced variable response according to species: P. chrysogenum and A. fumigatus appeared strong pro-allergenic inducers compared to A. alternata and C. sphaerospermum while A. versicolor and C. cladosporioides induced a mixed pro-allergenic/pro-inflammatory response. In mold-sensitized asthmatics, mold-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) were detected with an in-house dot-blot assay. A. fumigatus and A. alternata were the most frequent sensitizers. Altogether, P. chrysogenum, P. brevicompactum, C. sphaerospermum, and C. cladosporïoides were the "major sensitizer" (defined as the strongest response against a single mold species) for almost 30% of the asthmatics. These results show that, not only A. alternata and A. fumigatus, but also indoor species have strong inflammatory and allergic properties and a harmful potency.
Topics: Air Microbiology; Air Pollution, Indoor; Alternaria; Animals; Aspergillus; Asthma; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cladosporium; Cytokines; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Inflammation; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Penicillium
PubMed: 28370571
DOI: 10.1111/ina.12385 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Jul 2002The aerosolization process of fungal propagules of three species (Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium melinii, and Cladosporium cladosporioides) was studied by using a...
The aerosolization process of fungal propagules of three species (Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium melinii, and Cladosporium cladosporioides) was studied by using a newly designed and constructed aerosolization chamber. We discovered that fungal fragments are aerosolized simultaneously with spores from contaminated agar and ceiling tile surfaces. Concentration measurements with an optical particle counter showed that the fragments are released in higher numbers (up to 320 times) than the spores. The release of fungal propagules varied depending on the fungal species, the air velocity above the contaminated surface, and the texture and vibration of the contaminated material. In contrast to spores, the release of fragments from smooth surfaces was not affected by air velocity, indicating a different release mechanism. Correlation analysis showed that the number of released fragments cannot be predicted on the basis of the number of spores. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with monoclonal antibodies produced against Aspergillus and Penicillium fungal species showed that fragments and spores share common antigens, which not only confirmed the fungal origin of the fragments but also established their potential biological relevance. The considerable immunological reactivity, the high number, and the small particle size of the fungal fragments may contribute to human health effects that have been detected in buildings with mold problems but had no scientific explanation until now. This study suggests that future fungal spore investigations in buildings with mold problems should include the quantitation of fungal fragments.
Topics: Air Microbiology; Air Pollution, Indoor; Aspergillus; Immunity; Particle Size; Penicillium; Spores, Fungal
PubMed: 12089037
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.68.7.3522-3531.2002 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Feb 2008Mold-damaged building materials may contain biologically active agents, such as (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan, allergens, and mycotoxins, which have been associated with adverse...
Mold-damaged building materials may contain biologically active agents, such as (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan, allergens, and mycotoxins, which have been associated with adverse health effects. The release of these components from contaminated surfaces into the air is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the release of particulate (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan from the surface of artificially mold-contaminated materials. Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum were grown on malt extract agar (MEA), white ceiling tiles, and a wall-papered gypsum board for 1 and 6 months. The (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan on the surfaces of moldy materials and in air samples collected from these materials was analyzed by the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. The aerosolization ratio was defined as the amount of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan in the air divided by the amount on the surface. The results showed that the aerosolization of particulate (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan was influenced mainly by the type of material and the fungal species. For A. versicolor, the aerosolization ratios of particulate (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan released from the three types of material were not significantly different. However, the ratios for S. chartarum released from ceiling tiles and gypsum board were significantly higher than the ratios for this organism released from MEA (P < 0.001) and were comparable to those for A. versicolor. These findings indicate that the use of MEA in aerosolization experiments is likely to underestimate the release of S. chartarum particles from building materials. These results provide important background information for design of future laboratory or animal experiments, as well as for interpretation of field measurement data.
Topics: Aerosols; Air Pollution, Indoor; Animals; Aspergillus; Construction Materials; Environmental Monitoring; Limulus Test; Particle Size; Spores, Fungal; Stachybotrys; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 18065630
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01791-07 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Jun 2001Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common species that causes invasive aspergillosis. In order to identify A. fumigatus, partial ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from two to six...
Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common species that causes invasive aspergillosis. In order to identify A. fumigatus, partial ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from two to six strains of five different Aspergillus species was sequenced. By comparing sequence data from GenBank, we designed specific primer pairs targeting rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of A. fumigatus. A nested PCR method for identification of other A. fumigatus-related species was established by using the primers. To evaluate the specificities and sensitivities of those primers, 24 isolates of A. fumigatus and variants, 8 isolates of Aspergillus nidulans, 7 isolates of Aspergillus flavus and variants, 8 isolates of Aspergillus terreus, 9 isolates of Aspergillus niger, 1 isolate each of Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus penicilloides, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus wangduanlii, Aspergillus qizutongii, Aspergillus beijingensis, and Exophiala dermatitidis, 4 isolates of Candida, 4 isolates of bacteria, and human DNA were used. The nested PCR method specifically identified the A. fumigatus isolates and closely related species and showed a high degree of sensitivity. Additionally, four A. fumigatus strains that were recently isolated from our clinic were correctly identified by this method. Our results demonstrate that these primers are useful for the identification of A. fumigatus and closely related species in culture and suggest further studies for the identification of Aspergillus fumigatus species in clinical specimens.
Topics: Aspergillosis; Aspergillus fumigatus; Base Sequence; DNA Primers; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; Humans; Molecular Sequence Data; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 11376067
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.39.6.2261-2266.2001 -
RSC Advances Sep 2018Further chemical examination of a coral-associated fungus LZD-14-1 by the PHLC-DAD detection resulted in the isolation of six new polycyclic alkaloids, namely...
Further chemical examination of a coral-associated fungus LZD-14-1 by the PHLC-DAD detection resulted in the isolation of six new polycyclic alkaloids, namely versiquinazolines L-Q (1-6). Their structures were determined by extensive analyses of spectroscopic data, including quantum ECD calculation and X-ray single crystal diffraction for the assignment of absolute configurations. Versiquinazoline L bearing a d-Ala residue and versiquinazoline M containing an l-serine residue are rarely found in the fumiquinazoline-type alkaloids, while versiquinazoline P displayed an unusual scaffold with a spiro-γ-lactone. Versiquinazolines P and Q exhibited significant inhibition against thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) with IC values of 13.6 ± 0.6 and 12.2 ± 0.7 μM, which showed higher activity than the positive control curcumin (IC = 25 μM). The weak cytotoxicity and potent inhibition toward TrxR suggested that versiquinazolines P and Q are potential for microenvironmental regulation of tumor progression and metastasis.
PubMed: 35548256
DOI: 10.1039/c8ra06854b -
Marine Life Science & Technology 2023Further insights on the secondary metabolites of a soft coral-derived fungus under the guidance of MS/MS-based molecular networking led to the isolation of seven known...
Targeted isolation of antitubercular cycloheptapeptides and an unusual pyrroloindoline-containing new analog, asperpyrroindotide A, using LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking.
UNLABELLED
Further insights on the secondary metabolites of a soft coral-derived fungus under the guidance of MS/MS-based molecular networking led to the isolation of seven known cycloheptapeptides, namely, asperversiamides A-C (-) and asperheptatides A-D (-) and an unusual pyrroloindoline-containing new cycloheptapeptide, asperpyrroindotide A (). The structure of was elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, and its absolute configuration was determined by advanced Marfey's method. The semisynthetic transformation of into was successfully achieved and the reaction conditions were optimized. Additionally, a series of new derivatives (-) of asperversiamide A () was semi-synthesized and their anti-tubercular activities were evaluated against H37Ra. The preliminary structure-activity relationships revealed that the serine hydroxy groups and the tryptophan residue are important to the activity.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00157-8.
PubMed: 36713278
DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00157-8 -
Microorganisms Aug 2019Historical microbial collections often contain samples that have been deposited over extended time periods, during which accepted taxonomic classification (and also...
Historical microbial collections often contain samples that have been deposited over extended time periods, during which accepted taxonomic classification (and also available methods for taxonomic assignment) may have changed considerably. Deposited samples can, therefore, have historical taxonomic assignments (HTAs) that may now be in need of revision, and subdivisions of previously-accepted taxa may also be possible with the aid of current methodologies. One such methodology is matrix-assisted laser-desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Motivated by the high discriminating power of MALDI-TOF MS coupled with the speed and low cost of the method, we have investigated the use of MALDI-TOF MS for spectral grouping of past deposits made to the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) Genetic Resource Collection under the HTA , a common ascomycete fungus frequently associated with soil and plant material, food spoilage, and damp indoor environments. Despite their common HTA, the 40 deposits analyzed in this study fall into six clear spectral-linkage groups (containing nine, four, four, four, four, and two members, respectively), along with a group of ten spectrally-unique samples. This study demonstrates the clear resolving power of MALDI-TOF MS when applied to samples deposited in historical microbial collections.
PubMed: 31382517
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7080235 -
Allergologie Select 2022Indoor mold infestation can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, including allergic and non-allergic respiratory complaints. Especially if no evidence of an...
Indoor mold infestation can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, including allergic and non-allergic respiratory complaints. Especially if no evidence of an allergic reaction can be found for the complaints, diagnostic tools that might explain mold-associated health problems are missing. As a proof-of-concept, in the present study whole blood assay (WBA) was used to determine cellular response by measuring cytokine release (IL-1β and IL-8) after in vitro stimulation. Blood was available from a total of 48 subjects. By questionnaire, complaints and possible mold exposure were documented. Specific in vitro blood stimulation was tested with endotoxin and extracts of different molds (, , , and ). To characterize the relevance of WBA in describing the mold-induced immune response, we compared the following groups: asthmatics vs. non-asthmatics, mx1-sensitized vs. non-mx1-sensitized, mold-exposed vs. non-mold-exposed. In response to endotoxin stimulation, a significantly higher IL-1β release was found in mx1-sensitized than in non-mx1-sensitized subjects. Furthermore, the blood of asthmatics showed significantly higher IL-8 and IL-1β release after stimulation with and endotoxin, respectively, compared to non-asthmatics. However, no significant difference in the level of cytokine release was observed between the mold-exposed and non-exposed group, neither after endotoxin nor mold stimulation. In conclusion, the WBA used in this study is not a suitable tool for clinical routine diagnostic workup. Our data suggests that WBA reflects cellular differences that are disease-related but not directly attributable to mold exposure. However, in combination with further data, WBA will be a helpful und interesting tool in research, e.g., in description of the complex immune response to molds.
PubMed: 35392213
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02299E -
Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics Apr 2014Three new anthraquinone derivatives (1-3) and one new artifact (4) were isolated, along with six known anthraquinone derivatives (5-10) and three xanthones (11-13), from...
Three new anthraquinone derivatives (1-3) and one new artifact (4) were isolated, along with six known anthraquinone derivatives (5-10) and three xanthones (11-13), from a culture of an endolichenic fungus, Aspergillus versicolor, that was isolated from the lichen Lobaria retigera. The structures of these substances were determined on the basis of 1D and 2D (COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR and MS analyses. The substances 1-4 were also tested for their cytotoxic activity.
Topics: Anthraquinones; Aspergillus; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Lichens; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Molecular Structure; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Xanthones
PubMed: 24815583
DOI: 10.5582/ddt.8.84 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Biological methods are currently the most commonly used methods for removing hazardous substances from land. This research work focuses on the remediation of...
Biological methods are currently the most commonly used methods for removing hazardous substances from land. This research work focuses on the remediation of oil-contaminated land. The biodegradation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and PAHs as a result of inoculation with biopreparations B1 and B2 was investigated. Biopreparation B1 was developed on the basis of autochthonous bacteria, consisting of strains sp. IN118, sp. IN101, IN53, IN119, IN113 and sp. IN109, whereas biopreparation B2 was enriched with fungi, such as , , sp., , . As a result of biodegradation tests conducted under ex situ conditions for soil inoculated with biopreparation B1, the concentrations of TPH and PAH were reduced by 31.85% and 27.41%, respectively. Soil inoculation with biopreparation B2 turned out to be more effective, as a result of which the concentration of TPH was reduced by 41.67% and PAH by 34.73%. Another issue was the phytoremediation of the pre-treated G6-3B2 soil with the use of . The tests were carried out in three systems (system 1-soil G6-3B2 + ; system 2-soil G6-3B2 + biopreparation B2 + ; system 3-soil G6-3B2 + biopreparation B2 with γ-PGA + ) for 6 months. The highest degree of TPH and PAH reduction was obtained in system 3, amounting to 65.35% and 60.80%, respectively. The lowest phytoremediation efficiency was recorded in the non-inoculated system 1, where the concentration of TPH was reduced by 22.80% and PAH by 18.48%. Toxicological tests carried out using Phytotoxkit, Ostracodtoxkit and Microtox Solid Phase tests confirmed the effectiveness of remediation procedures and showed a correlation between the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil and its toxicity. The results obtained during the research indicate the great potential of bioremediation practices with the use of microbial biopreparations and in the treatment of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.
Topics: Zea mays; Biodegradation, Environmental; Hazardous Substances; Actinomycetales; Enterobacteriaceae
PubMed: 37630356
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166104