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Vanhoffelen E, Van Win T, Van Braeckel E, Reséndiz-Sharpe A, Cammue BPA, Lagrou K, Thevissen K, Vande Velde G. Combinations of posaconazole and tacrolimus are effective against infections with azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2025; 15:1550457. [PMID: 40353221 PMCID: PMC12062170 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1550457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 05/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Solid organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus are at increased risk of developing pulmonary aspergillosis, a severe to deadly complication with limited treatment options, especially against azole-resistant strains. This study investigates the antifungal interaction between posaconazole and tacrolimus, prompted by a case where a liver transplant recipient on tacrolimus experienced unexpected eradication of chronic Aspergillus fumigatus colonization following posaconazole prophylaxis. Methods We compared the combined antifungal activity of posaconazole and tacrolimus against azole-sensitive and resistant A. fumigatus in vitro against planktonic isolates and biofilm formation and in vivo in Galleria mellonella larvae, to evaluate the potential benefit over posaconazole monotherapy. Results The posaconazole-tacrolimus combination demonstrated a 4-fold increase in efficacy against azole-resistant isolates and a 30-fold increase against an azole-sensitive strain, in contrast to voriconazole. Moreover, this combination enhanced antifungal activity by 4- to 15-fold against biofilm formation of azole-sensitive strains, though no synergy was observed against azole-resistant biofilms. In vivo studies in Galleria mellonella confirmed a 2- to 7-fold decrease in fungal burden of both azole-sensitive and azole-resistant strains when combining posaconazole with tacrolimus, relative to posaconazole alone. Conclusion In vitro and in vivo findings confirm that posaconazole may offer therapeutic benefits for treating A. fumigatus infections in patients receiving tacrolimus. These results warrant further confirmation in mice and exploration of their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Vanhoffelen
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tine Van Win
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Respiratory Infection and Defense Lab (RIDL), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Bruno P. A. Cammue
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M²S), Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M²S), Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Liu L, Xing Y, Li S, Zhou L, Li B, Guo S. Different Symbiotic Species of Armillaria Affect the Yield and Active Compound Contents of Polyporus umbellatus. Microorganisms 2025; 13:228. [PMID: 40005595 PMCID: PMC11857604 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2024] [Revised: 01/14/2025] [Accepted: 01/19/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Polyporus umbellatus is a medicinal fungus primarily used for diuresis, with its sclerotium serving as the medicinal component. The growth and development of sclerotia are reliant on a symbiotic relationship with Armillaria. However, the impact of different Armillaria species on the yield and quality of sclerotia remains unclear. In this study, three Armillaria strains, A35, A541, and A19, were identified through TEF-1α sequence analysis and phylogenetic classification. These strains were classified into three distinct species: A35 as A. ostoyae, A541 as A. gallica, while the taxonomic status of A19 remains unresolved. After four years of co-cultivation with these Armillaria strains, three groups of P. umbellatus sclerotia were harvested and labeled as A35-P, A541-P, and A19-P, respectively. The yields of A35-P, A541-P, and A19-P exhibited significant variations, with A541-P achieving the highest yield (1221 ± 258 g·nest-1), followed by A35-P (979 ± 201 g·nest-1), and A19-P yielding the least (591 ± 54 g·nest-1). HPLC revealed significant differences in the levels of polyporusterone A and polyporusterone B among the groups. The total polysaccharide content, determined via the phenol-sulfuric acid method, also varied significantly, with A541-P recording the highest content (0.897 ± 0.042%), followed by A19-P (0.686 ± 0.058%), and A35-P showing the lowest value (0.511 ± 0.083%). PCA based on these data indicated clear distinctions among A35-P, A541-P, and A19-P, with the three groups forming separate clusters. This study, for the first time, demonstrates the effects of three different Armillaria species on the yield and active compound content of P. umbellatus. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting high-quality Armillaria strains and offer guidance for the artificial cultivation of P. umbellatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; (L.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (L.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongmei Xing
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; (L.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Shoujian Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; (L.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (L.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lisi Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; (L.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Bing Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; (L.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (L.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shunxing Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; (L.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (L.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100193, China
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Awad MF, Albogami B, Mwabvu T, Hassan MM, Baazeem A, Hassan MM, Elsharkawy MM. Identification and biodiversity patterns of Aspergillus species isolated from some soil invertebrates at high altitude using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15035. [PMID: 37033730 PMCID: PMC10075209 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
The carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic chemicals such as aflatoxin are a worldwide health problem. Aspergillus spp., responsible for most cases of aflatoxin contamination, are common in the environment and spread easily to many different types of food. The objectives of this study were to conduct a survey of fungi associated with three soil invertebrates in Taif, Saudi Arabia, identify these isolates and explore mycotoxins formation.
Methods
In total, 114 fungal isolates were collected from various soil invertebrates (millipedes, Armadillidium vulgare and Porcellio laevis) in Taif, Saudi Arabia, among them, 22 isolates were identified as Aspergillus spp. based on morphological and molecular characteristics followed by both Fusarium and Penicillium.
Results
The sequences of ITS 1 and ITS 4 were utilized. Using bootstrap analysis, phylogenetic tree was split into two distinct clusters. Five sub clusters were included inside the first major cluster, and their bootstrap value was 99%. While, there were two small clusters in the second major cluster. All the tested Aspergillus strains were able to have a single PCR fragment amplified using the primer AspTef. TEF-1 DNA sequence bootstrap analysis with 1,000 replicates revealed two distinct groups. Additionally, the Aspergillus isolates were grouped into two different clusters with about 65% genetic similarity using ISSR-PCR analysis. The standard polymerase chain reaction was used to effectively amplify the Aopks, afl-A and omt-A genes in aflatoxigenic Aspergillus strains. Four Aspergillus strains used in this investigation were shown to generate aflatoxin B1. While, three Aspergillus stains showed ochratoxin genes.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the results indicate significant differences in the fungal community between ecoregions and soil invertebrates. Moreover, mycotoxin detection and identification among Aspergillus isolates were elucidated. This study could shed light on the risk of mycotoxin contamination along the supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Fadl Awad
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- High Altitude Research Centre, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bander Albogami
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- High Altitude Research Centre, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarombera Mwabvu
- School of Biology & Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, South Africa
| | - Montaser M. Hassan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- High Altitude Research Centre, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Baazeem
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- High Altitude Research Centre, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M. Hassan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- High Altitude Research Centre, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohsen Mohamed Elsharkawy
- Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr Elsheikh, Egypt
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Kucukoglu O, Sariguzel FM, Koc AN, Parkan OM. Molecular epidemiology, virulence factors, and antifungal susceptibility of Candida inconspicua strains isolated from clinical samples in Turkey. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 106:115915. [PMID: 36947944 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.115915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the molecular epidemiology, virulence factors, and antifungal susceptibility of clinical Candida inconspicua isolates. All isolates were identified by phenotypic methods and sequence analysis of ITS 1-2, D1/D2, EF-1 alpha. Proteinase, phospholipase, and esterase activities, biofilm formation, and antifungal susceptibilities were determined. All thirty isolates identified as Candida norvegensis by phenotypic methods were reidentified as C. inconspicua by sequence analysis, demonstrating the inadequacy of phenotypic methods to differentiate these 2 species. The gene regions examined in terms of determining evolutionary relatedness did not show intraspecies nucleotide variations. Therefore, different molecular approaches are needed to evaluate molecular epidemiology. Esterase, phospholipase, and biofilm formation were found to be positive in 100%, 100%, and 36.6% of the strains, respectively. The MIC50/MIC90 values for fluconazole and flucytosine were found to be higher than the other tested antifungals, which should be taken into account in the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Kucukoglu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fatma Mutlu Sariguzel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Ayse Nedret Koc
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Omur Mustafa Parkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
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Yang L, Liu X, Wang J, Li L, Feng W, Ji Z. Pyridoxine biosynthesis protein MoPdx1 affects the development and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1099967. [PMID: 36824685 PMCID: PMC9941553 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1099967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
B vitamins are essential micro-organic compounds for the development of humans and animals. Vitamin B6 comprises a group of components including pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. In addition, vitamin B6 acts as the coenzymes in amino acid biosynthesis, decarboxylation, racemic reactions, and other biological processes. In this study, we found that the expressions of a gene encoding pyridoxine biosynthesis protein (PDX1) were significantly upregulated in the early infectious stages in M. oryzae. Furthermore, deletion of MoPDX1 slowed vegetative growth on different media, especially on MM media, and the growth defect was rescued when MoPdx1-protein was expressed in mutants strains and when commercial VB6 (pyridoxine) was added exogenously. However, VB6 content in different strains cultured in CM media has no significant difference, suggested that MoPdx1 was involved in de novo VB6 biosynthesis not in uptake process, and VB6 regulates the vegetative growth of M. oryzae. The ΔMopdx1 mutants presented abnormal appressorium turgor, slowed invasive growth and reduced virulence on rice seedlings and sheath cells. MoPdx1 was located in the cytoplasm and present in spore and germ tubes at 14 hours post inoculation (hpi) and then transferred into the appressorium at 24 hpi. Addition of VB6 in the conidial suspentions could rescue the defects of appressorium turgor pressure at 14 hpi or 24 hpi, invasive growth and pathogenicity of the MoPDX1 deletion mutants. Indicated that MoPdx1 affected the appressorium turgor pressure, invasive growth and virulence mainly depended on de novo VB6, and VB6 was biosynthesized in conidia, then transported into the appressorium, which play important roles in substances transportation from conidia to appressorium thus to regulate the appressorium turgor pressure. However, deletion of MoPDX1 did not affect the ability that scavenge ROS produced by rice cells, and the mutant strains were unable to activate host defense responses. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays investigating potential MoPdx1-interacting proteins suggested that MoPdx1 might take part in multiple pathways, especially in the ribosome and in biosynthesis of some substances. These results indicate that vitamins are involved in the development and pathogenicity of M. oryzae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lianwei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wanzhen Feng
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Sanya, China
| | - Zhaolin Ji
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Zhaolin Ji,
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