Molecular docking and simulation of the interaction of sulbactam with Acinetobacter baumannii BaeSR and AdeSR

Targeting Acinetobacter baumannii resistance-nodulation-division efflux pump transcriptional regulators to combat antimicrobial resistance

Regulatory elements controlling gene expression fine-tune bacterial responses to environmental cues, including antimicrobials, to optimize survival. Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen notorious for antimicrobial resistance, relies on efficient efflux systems. Though the role of efflux systems in antibiotic expulsion are well recognized, the regulatory mechanisms controlling their expression remain understudied. This review explores the current understanding of these regulators, aiming to inspire strategies to combat bacterial resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes.

In-silico study of protein-protein interactions in wheat blast using docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach

Despite advancements in agricultural research and the introduction of modern biotechnological and farming techniques, food security remains a significant issue. Although the efforts of farmers to meet the demands of a growing population, many plant diseases caused by pathogens, through their effects on cell division and tissue growth, lead to the annual loss of countless food crops. The recently emerged wheat blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) poses a significant danger to worldwide wheat cultivation. The fungus is a highly varied lineage of the M. oryzae, responsible for causing rice blast disease. In spite of being a significant challenge to successful wheat production in South America since 1985, the underlying biology of the wheat blast pathogen is still not fully understood. The initial outbreak of the wheat blast in South Asia had a severe impact on wheat production, resulting in a complete loss of yield in affected fields. For the purpose of enhancing disease management, it's vital to acquire a comprehensive comprehension of the infection biology of the fungus and its interaction with wheat plants on molecular levels. Host-pathogen protein interactions (HPIs) have the potential to reveal the pathogens' mechanism for overcoming the host organism. The current study delves into the interactions between the host plant wheat and MoT through protein-protein interactions, molecular docking, and 100 ns molecular dynamic simulations. This research uncovers the structural and functional basis of these proteins, leading to improved plant health and production.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Clinical Outcomes and Adverse Effects in Septic Patients with Impaired Renal Function Who Received Different Dosages of Cefoperazone–Sulbactam

This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and adverse effects in septic patients with impaired renal function who received different dosages of cefoperazone–sulbactam (CFP–SUL 1 g/1 g or 2 g/2 g every 12 h). The retrospective study was conducted using the Chang Gung Research Database to include adult patients who had renal insufficiency presented with septicemia caused by Gram-negative organisms and had received CFP–SUL for more than 1 week. A total of 265 patients (44 in the CFP–SUL 1 g/1 g group and 221 in the CFP–SUL 2 g/2 g group) were eligible to be included in this study. After 1:3 propensity score matching, 41 and 123 patients in the CFP–SUL 1 g/1 g and CFP–SUL 2 g/2 g groups, respectively, were included for analyses. There were no significant between-group differences in all-cause mortality rates and adverse effects, including prolonged prothrombin time. A logistic regression model showed that the Pitt bacteremia score was related to all-cause mortality rate and prolonged prothrombin time was associated with renal replacement therapy. The adverse effects of CFP–SUL did not increase in septic patients with impaired renal function receiving CFP–SUL 2 g/2 g Q12H. However, this study may be underpowered to reveal a difference in all-cause mortality.

Docking and Molecular Dynamic of Microalgae Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Beta-Lactamase

Bacterial resistance is responsible for a wide variety of health problems, both in children and adults. The persistence of symptoms and infections are mainly treated with β-lactam antibiotics. The increasing resistance to those antibiotics by bacterial pathogens generated the emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), an actual public health problem. This is due to rapid mutations of bacteria when exposed to antibiotics. In this case, β-lactamases are enzymes used by bacteria to hydrolyze the beta-lactam rings present in the antibiotics. Therefore, it was necessary to explore novel molecules as potential β-lactamases inhibitors to find antibacterial compounds against infection caused by ESBLs. A computational methodology based on molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations was used to find new microalgae metabolites inhibitors of β-lactamase. Six 3D β-lactamase proteins were selected, and the molecular docking revealed that the metabolites belonging to the same structural families, such as phenylacridine (4-Ph), quercetin (Qn), and cryptophycin (Cryp), exhibit a better binding score and binding energy than commercial clinical medicine β-lactamase inhibitors, such as clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam. These results indicate that 4-Ph, Qn, and Cryp molecules, homologous from microalgae metabolites, could be used, likely as novel β-lactamase inhibitors or as structural templates for new in-silico pharmaceutical designs, with the possibility of combatting β-lactam resistance.