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ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering May 2024Persistent foot odor and itchiness are common symptoms of tinea pedis, significantly disrupting the daily life of those affected. The cuticular barrier at the site of...
Persistent foot odor and itchiness are common symptoms of tinea pedis, significantly disrupting the daily life of those affected. The cuticular barrier at the site of the tinea pedis is thickened, which impedes the effective penetration of antifungal agents. Additionally, fungi can migrate from the skin surface to deeper tissues, posing challenges in the current clinical treatment for tinea pedis. To effectively treat tinea pedis, we developed a platform of bilayer gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) microneedles (MNs) loaded with salicylic acid (SA) and FK13-a1 (SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs). SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs exhibit pH- and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive properties for efficient drug delivery. The MNs are designed to deliver salicylic acid (SA) deep into the stratum corneum, softening the cuticle and creating microchannels. This process enables the antibacterial peptide FK13-a1 to penetrate through the stratum corneum barrier, facilitating intradermal diffusion and exerting antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. In severe cases of tinea pedis, heightened local pH levels and MMP activity further accelerate drug release. Our research demonstrates that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs are highly effective against , , and . They also reduced stratum corneum thickness, fungal burden, and inflammation in a guinea pig model of tinea pedis induced by . Furthermore, it was discovered that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs exhibit excellent biocompatibility. These findings suggest that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs have significant potential for the clinical treatment of tinea pedis as well as other fungal skin disorders.
Topics: Tinea Pedis; Animals; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Needles; Antifungal Agents; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Humans; Drug Delivery Systems; Guinea Pigs; Gelatin; Methacrylates
PubMed: 38659287
DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00305 -
Mycopathologia Apr 2024The cutaneous fungal infections in male genitalia are relatively rare, and often present with various atypical clinical symptoms. It was mainly reported in a small...
The cutaneous fungal infections in male genitalia are relatively rare, and often present with various atypical clinical symptoms. It was mainly reported in a small number of case reports, while data with large number of patients were rarely reported. In this study, we reported 79 male patients with cutaneous fungal infections on scrotum or penis. The fungal infections were confirmed by microscopic examination directly and fungus culture. Clinical characteristics and predisposing factors were also collected. Of these 79 patients, 72 has lesions on scrotum, 5 on penis and 2 on both scrotum and penis. Trichophyton (T.) rubrum is the most common pathogen, found in 50 (67.6%) patients, which presented diverse clinical manifestation such as majorly erythematous, dry diffused scaly lesions without a clear border, slightly powdery and scutular scalings. Candida (C.) albicans is the secondly common pathogen, found in 21 (28.4%) patients, which also presented diverse lesions such as erythematous with dry whitish scaly lesions and erythematous erosion. The predisposing factors mainly included concomitant fungal infections on sites other than genitalia, especially inguinal region (tinea cruris), application of corticosteroid and high moisture. In conclusion, cutaneous fungal infections in male genitalia could be caused by different fungi, showed atypical or mild clinical appearances in most cases and might be a fungus reservoir, emphasizing the necessity to timely perform the fungi examinations and corresponding therapy.
Topics: Humans; Male; Dermatomycoses; Skin; Trichophyton; Microscopy; Scrotum
PubMed: 38627263
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00839-0 -
A case of dermatophyte abscess and adjunctive use of a novel RNA: In situ hybridization to confirm .JAAD Case Reports Apr 2024
PubMed: 38590734
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2024.01.027 -
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy May 2024The increasing prevalence of dermatophyte resistance to terbinafine, a key drug in the treatment of dermatophytosis, represents a significant obstacle to treatment. is...
The increasing prevalence of dermatophyte resistance to terbinafine, a key drug in the treatment of dermatophytosis, represents a significant obstacle to treatment. is the most commonly isolated fungus in dermatophytosis. In , we identified TERG_07844, a gene encoding a previously uncharacterized putative protein kinase, as an ortholog of budding yeast polyamine transport kinase 2 (Ptk2), and found that Ptk2 (TrPtk2) is involved in terbinafine tolerance. In both and , Ptk2 knockout strains were more sensitive to terbinafine compared with the wild types, suggesting that promotion of terbinafine tolerance is a conserved function of fungal Ptk2. Pma1 is activated through phosphorylation by Ptk2 in . Overexpression of Pma1 (TrPma1) in Ptk2 knockout strain (ΔTrPtk2) suppressed terbinafine sensitivity, suggesting that the induction of terbinafine tolerance by TrPtk2 is mediated by TrPma1. Furthermore, omeprazole, an inhibitor of plasma membrane proton pump Pma1, increased the terbinafine sensitivity of clinically isolated terbinafine-resistant strains. These findings suggest that, in dermatophytes, the TrPtk2-TrPma1 pathway plays a key role in promoting intrinsic terbinafine tolerance and may serve as a potential target for combinational antifungal therapy against terbinafine-resistant dermatophytes.
Topics: Terbinafine; Antifungal Agents; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Arthrodermataceae; Fungal Proteins; Proton-Translocating ATPases; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; Phosphorylation
PubMed: 38567956
DOI: 10.1128/aac.01609-23 -
European Review For Medical and... Mar 2024A large number of patients applying to the dermatology clinics are affected by fungal diseases, and a significant portion of which are superficial fungal infections....
OBJECTIVE
A large number of patients applying to the dermatology clinics are affected by fungal diseases, and a significant portion of which are superficial fungal infections. Dermatophyte infections are a notable public health concern and frequently encountered in clinical practice. Dermatophytosis not only compromises the quality of life but also predisposes individuals to various comorbidities due to its role as a gateway for secondary bacterial agents. This study aims to determine the species distribution of dermatophytes prevalent and assess their susceptibility to antifungal drugs.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Skin, nail, and hair samples were obtained from patients with a clinical diagnosis of dermatophytosis. Samples were all cultured to isolate and identify the species. In vitro liquid microdilution tests were conducted to assess the susceptibility of the isolated strains against terbinafine, fluconazole, griseofulvin, and butenafine.
RESULTS
A total of 353 samples were obtained from the hair, skin, and nail lesions of 326 patients. Dermatophyte was isolated in 71 of the samples (20.1%). The cultured dermatophyte subtypes included Trichophyton rubrum (13.8% in 49 samples), Microsporum audouini (5.7% in 20 samples), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (0.6% in 2 samples). Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed that terbinafine was the most effective antifungal drug against all dermatophyte species, while fluconazole exhibited the highest resistance.
CONCLUSIONS
The most common dermatophytosis agent in our region is T. rubrum. The least antifungal resistance was found against terbinafine. Conducting antifungal susceptibility tests is crucial for selecting effective treatment regimens and early detection of resistance development.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Arthrodermataceae; Terbinafine; Fluconazole; Turkey; Black Sea; Quality of Life; Trichophyton; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Tinea
PubMed: 38567576
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202403_35717 -
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 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024This research investigates the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) and their potential as...
This research investigates the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) and their potential as antibacterial and antifungal agents. Characterization techniques like ultraviolet-visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX) confirmed the formation of spherical (AgNPs). UV-vis spectroscopy reaffirms AgNP formation with a peak at 429 nm. DLS and zeta potential measurements revealed an average size of 30.77 nm and a negative surface charge (- 0.532 mV). Further, XRD analysis established the crystalline structure of the AgNPs. Moreover, the TEM descriptions indicate that the AgNPs are spherical shapes, and their sizes ranged from 9 to 22 nm with an average length of 15.27 nm. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis validated the formation of metallic silver and elucidated the surface state composition of AgNPs. Biologically, CO-AgNPs showed moderate antibacterial activity but excellent antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis (MCC 1559) and Trichophyton rubrum (MCC 1598). Low MIC values (0.195 and 0.390 mg/mL) respectively, suggest their potential as effective antifungal agents. This suggests potential applications in controlling fungal infections, which are often more challenging to treat than bacterial infections. Molecular docking results validated that bioactive compounds in C. odorata contribute to antifungal activity by interacting with its specific domain. Further research could pave the way for the development of novel and safe antifungal therapies based on biogenic nanoparticles.
Topics: Silver; Antifungal Agents; Chromolaena; Metal Nanoparticles; Molecular Docking Simulation; Plant Extracts; Anti-Bacterial Agents; X-Ray Diffraction; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38553574
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57972-5 -
Clinical Case Reports Apr 2024While the initial lesions of tinea capitis are often overlooked due to their small size and numerous hairs emerging from the follicle, it is crucial not to dismiss the...
While the initial lesions of tinea capitis are often overlooked due to their small size and numerous hairs emerging from the follicle, it is crucial not to dismiss the partial presence of comma or harpin hairs and black spots.
PubMed: 38550745
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8706 -
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences May 2024Camels are highly suited for severe desert conditions and able to provide most of the natural products like urine, which has been used as alternative medicine to treat... (Review)
Review
Camels are highly suited for severe desert conditions and able to provide most of the natural products like urine, which has been used as alternative medicine to treat diverse infections and disorders. There is, however, a shortage and paucity of scientific reviews highlighting the antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral effects of camel urine. By better understanding its antimicrobial characteristics, our overarching aim is to provide an exhaustive overview of this valuable natural product by synthesizing and summarizing data on the efficacy of this biofluid and also describing the potential substances exhibiting antimicrobial properties. We searched three databases in order to point out relevant articles (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar) until December 2022. Research articles of interest evaluating the antimicrobial effects of camel urine were selected. Overall, camel urine furnished promising antibacterial activities against gram-positive bacteria, namely (30 mm), (22 mm), (25 mm) and (21 mm), as well as gram-negative bacteria, especially and spp., without forgetting its efficiency on as well. The excretion also showed its potency against H1N1 virus, vesicular stomatitis virus and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Similarly, the camel urine featured strong antifungal activity against and dermatophytes with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.625 μg/ml against , 2.5 μg/ml against and 1.25 μg/ml against and . This comprehensive review will be valuable for researchers interested in investigating the potential of camel urine in the development of novel broad-spectrum key molecules targeting a wide range of drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms.
PubMed: 38495380
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.103966 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Feb 2024The relationship between the gut mycobiome and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains largely unexplored.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between the gut mycobiome and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains largely unexplored.
METHODS
In this study, we compared the gut fungal populations of 223 ESRD patients and 69 healthy controls (HCs) based on shotgun metagenomic sequencing data, and analyzed their associations with host serum and fecal metabolites.
RESULTS
Our findings revealed that ESRD patients had a higher diversity in the gut mycobiome compared to HCs. Dysbiosis of the gut mycobiome in ESRD patients was characterized by a decrease of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and an increase in various opportunistic pathogens, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladophialophora immunda, Exophiala spinifera, Hortaea werneckii, Trichophyton rubrum, and others. Through multi-omics analysis, we observed a substantial contribution of the gut mycobiome to host serum and fecal metabolomes. The opportunistic pathogens enriched in ESRD patients were frequently and positively correlated with the levels of creatinine, homocysteine, and phenylacetylglycine in the serum. The populations of Saccharomyces, including the HC-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae, were frequently and negatively correlated with the levels of various toxic metabolites in the feces.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results provided a comprehensive understanding of the associations between the gut mycobiome and the development of ESRD, which had important implications for guiding future therapeutic studies in this field.
Topics: Humans; Mycobiome; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Feces; Metabolome; Kidney Failure, Chronic
PubMed: 38403655
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05004-1