Quoi de neuf dans l’acné ? Nouvelles approches thérapeutiques

In Vitro Efficiency of Antimicrobial Peptides against Staphylococcal Pathogens Associated with Canine Pyoderma

Simple Summary

Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) are predominant pathogens in canine pyoderma, especially S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus. The antimicrobial resistance of CoPS has a key role in the management of canine skin infections. The vast majority of those diseases have a chronic character with a tendency to recur, which is reflected by recurrent systemic antibiotic therapy, associated with an alarming increase in the proportion of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) seem to be a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of selected AMPs against pathogenic staphylococcal strains, including multidrug- and methicillin-resistant strains isolated from canine pyoderma cases. The tested AMPs were shown to be equally efficient antimicrobial agents against resistant- and susceptible pathogenic staphylococcal strains associated with canine pyoderma. AMPs were more efficient against S. pseudintermedius than against S. aureus strains. Our findings seem to be particularly interesting from a clinical perspective, as a starting point from which to perform in vivo experiments to estimate the usefulness of these peptides as topical drug molecules for the treatment of canine pyoderma.

Abstract

The emergence of staphylococcal canine pathogens resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents is a growing and urgent problem in veterinary practice. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) seem to be a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of selected AMPs against pathogenic staphylococcal strains, including multidrug- and methicillin-resistant strains isolated from canine pyoderma cases. Seven antimicrobial peptides (aurein 1.2, CAMEL, citropin 1.1, protegrin-1, pexiganan, temporin A and uperin 3.6) synthesized by the 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) solid-phase method were tested. The minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) were determined by the broth microdilution method. The study showed that analyzed AMPs exerted an extensive effect against canine pathogens, with the most active peptide being uperin 3.6. The tested AMPs were equally efficient against both resistant- and susceptible staphylococcal strains and were more efficient against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius than against Staphylococcus aureus strains. Our findings are particularly interesting from a clinical perspective, as they point to AMPs as potential therapeutic topical agents in canine pyoderma cases associated with antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci.

Interaction and efficacy of Keigai-rengyo-to extract and acupuncture in male patients with acne vulgaris: a study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial

BACKGROUND

In consideration of patients seeking to use traditional Chinese medicine, an evidence-based potentiality for safe and effective use of herbal medicine and acupuncture in treatment of acne vulgaris has been suggested. However, despite common use of a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture in clinical practice, the current level of evidence is insufficient to draw a conclusion for an interaction and efficacy of herbal medicine and acupuncture. Therefore, considering these methodological flaws, this study was designed to assess the interaction and efficacy of an available herbal medicine, Keigai-rengyo-to extract (KRTE), and acupuncture for treatment of acne using the 2 × 2 factorial design and the feasibility of a large clinical trial.

METHODS/DESIGN

A randomized, assessor single blinded, 2 × 2 factorial pilot trial will be conducted. Forty four participants with acne vulgaris will be randomized into one of four groups: waiting list group (WL), KRTE only group (KO), acupuncture only group (AO), and KRTE and acupuncture combined treatment group (KA). After randomization, a total of 8 sessions of acupuncture treatment will be performed twice a week in the AO- and KA groups, respectively. Patients in the KO- and KA groups will be prescribed KRTE 3 times a day at a dose of 7.4 g after meals for 4 weeks. The following outcome measurements will be used in examination of subjects: the mean percentage change and the count change of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, the Skindex 29, visual analogue scale (VAS) and investigator global assessment (IGA) from baseline to the end of the trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS), Republic of Korea: KCT0000071.