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Picheta N, Piekarz J, Burdan O, Satora M, Tarkowski R, Kułak K. Phytotherapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3796. [PMID: 38612606 PMCID: PMC11012191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a real gynecological problem among women of reproductive age from 15 to 49. A recent analysis showed that 75% of women will have an occurrence at least once per year, while 5% are observed to have recurrent vaginal mycosis-these patients may become unwell four or more times a year. This pathology is caused in 85-90% of cases by fungi of the Candida albicans species. It represents an intractable medical problem for female patients due to pain and pruritus. Due to the observation of an increasing number of strains resistant to standard preparations and an increase in the recurrence of this pathology when using local or oral preferential therapy, such as fluconazole, an analysis was launched to develop alternative methods of treating VVC using herbs such as dill, turmeric, and berberine. An in-depth analysis of databases that include scientific articles from recent years made it possible to draw satisfactory conclusions supporting the validity of herbal therapy for the pathology in question. Although phytotherapy has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it appears to be a promising therapeutic solution for strains that are resistant to existing treatments. There is research currently undergoing aimed at comparing classical pharmacotherapy and herbal therapy in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis for the purpose of increasing medical competence and knowledge for the care of the health and long-term comfort of gynecological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Picheta
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (N.P.); (J.P.); (O.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Julia Piekarz
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (N.P.); (J.P.); (O.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Oliwia Burdan
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (N.P.); (J.P.); (O.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Małgorzata Satora
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (N.P.); (J.P.); (O.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Kułak
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
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Jawhara S. Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Improve the Gut Microbiota and Help Combat Fungal Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1556. [PMID: 37375058 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Western diets are rapidly spreading due to globalization, causing an increase in obesity and diseases of civilization. These Western diets are associated with changes in the gut microbiota related to intestinal inflammation. This review discusses the adverse effects of Western diets, which are high in fat and sugar and low in vegetable fiber, on the gut microbiota. This leads to gut dysbiosis and overgrowth of Candida albicans, which is a major cause of fungal infection worldwide. In addition to an unhealthy Western diet, other factors related to disease development and gut dysbiosis include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, prolonged use of antibiotics, and chronic psychological stress. This review suggests that a diversified diet containing vegetable fiber, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins D and E, as well as micronutrients associated with probiotic or prebiotic supplements can improve the biodiversity of the microbiota, lead to short-chain fatty acid production, and reduce the abundance of fungal species in the gut. The review also discusses a variety of foods and plants that are effective against fungal overgrowth and gut dysbiosis in traditional medicine. Overall, healthy diets and lifestyle factors contribute to human well-being and increase the biodiversity of the gut microbiota, which positively modulates the brain and central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Jawhara
- UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, F-59000 Lille, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1285, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Medicine Faculty, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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Targeting Virulence Factors of Candida albicans with Natural Products. Foods 2022; 11:foods11192951. [PMID: 36230026 PMCID: PMC9562657 DOI: 10.3390/foods11192951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products derived from natural resources, including nutritional functional food, play an important role in human health. In recent years, the study of anti-fungal and other properties of agri-foods and derived functional compounds has been a hot research topic. Candida albicans is a parasitic fungus that thrives on human mucosal surfaces, which are colonized through opportunistic infection. It is the most prevalent cause of invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised individuals, resulting in a wide variety of clinical symptoms. Moreover, the efficacy of classical therapeutic medications such as fluconazole is often limited by the development of resistance. There is an ongoing need for the development of novel and effective antifungal therapy and medications. Infection of C. albicans is influenced by a great quantity of virulence factors, like adhesion, invasion-promoting enzymes, mycelial growth, and phenotypic change, and among others. Furthermore, various natural products especially from food sources that target C. albicans virulence factors have been researched, providing promising prospects for C. albicans prevention and treatment. In this review, we discuss the virulence factors of C. albicans and how functional foods and derived functional compounds affect them. Our hope is that this review will stimulate additional thoughts and suggestions regarding nutritional functional food and therapeutic development for patients afflicted with C. albicans.
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Bar M, Binduga UE, Szychowski KA. Methods of Isolation of Active Substances from Garlic ( Allium sativum L.) and Its Impact on the Composition and Biological Properties of Garlic Extracts. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071345. [PMID: 35883836 PMCID: PMC9312217 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is widely used in the human diet and in scientific research due to its biological properties. Various factors, e.g., temperature, pressure, extraction method, type of solvent, size, and territorial origin of garlic, affect the amount and type of bioactive compounds obtained from garlic extracts. In turn, the content of bioactive compounds correlates with the biological activity of the extracts. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the current state of knowledge of the methods and effectiveness of isolation of active substances from garlic and their impact on the garlic extract composition and, consequently, biological properties. According to the literature, extracts obtained using water as a solvent are mainly responsible for antimicrobial properties, which is related to, inter alia, the high content of allicin. The use of alcohols, such as methanol or ethanol, is associated with the outstanding antioxidant power of extracts resulting from the presence of phenolic compounds. In turn, due to the presence of diallyl disulfide and disulfide trisulfide, garlic oil has anticancer potential. Acetone is the most effective organic solvent; however, it is not suitable for immediate consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Bar
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Urszula E. Binduga
- Department of Lifestyle Disorders and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Konrad A. Szychowski
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland;
- Correspondence: or
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Zhao G, Rusche LN. Sirtuins in Epigenetic Silencing and Control of Gene Expression in Model and Pathogenic Fungi. Annu Rev Microbiol 2022; 76:157-178. [PMID: 35609947 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041020-100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fungi, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, proliferate on decaying matter and then adopt quiescent forms once nutrients are depleted. This review explores how fungi use sirtuin deacetylases to sense and respond appropriately to changing nutrients. Because sirtuins are NAD+-dependent deacetylases, their activity is sensitive to intracellular NAD+ availability. This allows them to transmit information about a cell's metabolic state on to the biological processes they influence. Fungal sirtuins are primarily known to deacetylate histones, repressing transcription and modulating genome stability. Their target genes include those involved in NAD+ homeostasis, metabolism, sporulation, secondary metabolite production, and virulence traits of pathogenic fungi. By targeting different genes over evolutionary time, sirtuins serve as rewiring points that allow organisms to evolve novel responses to low NAD+ stress by bringing relevant biological processes under the control of sirtuins. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 76 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolei Zhao
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; ,
| | - Laura N Rusche
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; ,
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Navoda H, Dinushani Anupama D. Evaluation of antifungal plant extracts against cereal and legume seed-borne pathogens for effective management. STUDIES IN FUNGI 2022. [DOI: 10.48130/sif-2022-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Rigo GV, Tasca T. Vaginitis: Review on Drug Resistance. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:1672-1686. [PMID: 32753007 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200804112340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Female genital tract infections have a high incidence among different age groups and represent an important impact on public health. Among them, vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vulva and/or vagina due to the presence of pathogens that cause trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Several discomforts are associated with these infections, as well as pregnancy complications and the facilitation of HIV transmission and acquisition. The increasing resistance of microorganisms to drugs used in therapy is remarkable, since women report the recurrence of these infections and associated comorbidities. Different resistant mechanisms already described for the drugs used in the therapy against Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., and Gardnerella vaginalis, as well as aspects related to pathogenesis and treatment, are discussed in this review. This study aims to contribute to drug design, avoiding therapy ineffectiveness due to drug resistance. Effective alternative therapies to treat vaginitis will reduce the recurrence of infections and, consequently, the high costs generated in the health system, improving women's well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziela Vargas Rigo
- Research Group on Trichomonas, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Research Group on Trichomonas, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Said MM, Watson C, Grando D. Garlic alters the expression of putative virulence factor genes SIR2 and ECE1 in vulvovaginal C. albicans isolates. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3615. [PMID: 32107396 PMCID: PMC7046767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis causes sufferers much discomfort. Phytotherapy with garlic has been reported to be a possible alternative form of treatment; however, it is unknown why patients report varying success with this strategy. Fresh garlic extract has been shown to down-regulate the putative virulence gene, SIR2 in C. albicans. Our study aimed to see if previous observations were reproducible for the gene responsible for Candidalysin (ECE1). Two clinical strains from patients with reported variable efficacy of using garlic for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis were compared through biofilm assays and antimicrobial susceptibility. Real-time PCR was used to assess changes in gene expression when exposed to garlic. Treatment with fresh garlic extract and pure allicin (an active compound produced in cut garlic) resulted in a decrease in SIR2 expression in all strains. In contrast, ECE1 expression was up-regulated in a reference strain and an isolate from a patient unresponsive to garlic therapy, while in an isolate from a patient responsive to garlic therapy, down-regulation of ECE1 occurred. Future studies that investigate the effectiveness of phytotherapies should take into account possible varying responses of individual strains and that gene expression may be amplified in the presence of serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Said
- School of Science, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, 3083, Australia.,School of Science, Al Zintan University, Al Zintan, Libya
| | - Cathy Watson
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, 3rd Floor, 780 Elizabeth St, Carlton, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Department of General Practice, Monash University, 1/270 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Danilla Grando
- School of Science, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, 3083, Australia.
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Elmowalid GA, Abd El-Hamid MI, Abd El-Wahab AM, Atta M, Abd El-Naser G, Attia AM. Garlic and ginger extracts modulated broiler chicks innate immune responses and enhanced multidrug resistant Escherichia coli O78 clearance. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 66:101334. [PMID: 31437688 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Administration of antibiotics as feed additives in broilers resulted in prompting of some undesirable effects such as the rising emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, so scrutinizing for new alternatives like herbs is the up to date task for global health. This study was designed to determine the in-vitro antibacterial and ex-vivo immunomodulatory efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) extracts post dietary supplementation for 900-one-day-old Sasso broiler chicks. The in-vivo protective actions of these extracts against avian pathogenic MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) O78 challenge was evaluated after 21 days of extracts supplementation. Garlic extract exhibited broader antimicrobial spectra against MDR E. coli O78 and S. aureus isolates. Through the 21 days of garlic or ginger dietary supplementation, the chicks' innate immune response was modulated via various mechanisms including phagocytosis augmentation, bactericidal activity enhancement and nitric oxide (NO) production reduction, together with triggering the IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ cytokines expression levels in comparison with the non-supplemented chicks. It is tempting to speculate that protection against pathogenic E. coli O78 challenge was high in chicks supplemented with each individual extract with severe reduction in the bacterial colony forming units in chicks' vital organs that confirm the extracts immunomodulatory activity and provide a mechanism(s) of their protective actions. Our data suggest promising useful insights to garlic and ginger dietary supplementation in broilers that may be safe for consumers from antibiotic toxic metabolites' residues and protective against the risk of infection with bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal A Elmowalid
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Marwa I Abd El-Hamid
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Ashraf M Abd El-Wahab
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Atta
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Gamal Abd El-Naser
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Adel M Attia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
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Masłyk M, Janeczko M, Demchuk OM, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Golczyk H, Sierosławska A, Rymuszka A, Martyna A, Kubiński K. A representative of arylcyanomethylenequinone oximes effectively inhibits growth and formation of hyphae in Candida albicans and influences the activity of protein kinases in vitro. Saudi Pharm J 2017; 26:244-252. [PMID: 30166923 PMCID: PMC6111191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we applied various assays to reveal new activities of phenylcyanomethylenequinone oxime-4-(hydroxyimino) cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene](phenyl)ethanenitrile (4-AN) for potential anti-microbial applications. These assays demonstrated (a) the antimicrobial effect on bacterial and fungal cultures, (b) the effect on the in vitro activity of the kinase CK2, (c) toxicity towards human erythrocytes, the Caco-2 cancer cell line, and embryonic development of Zebrafish. We demonstrated the activity of 4-AN against selected bacteria and Candida spp. The MIC ranging from 4 µg/ml to 125 µg/ml proved effective in inhibition of formation of hyphae and cell aggregation in Candida, which was demonstrated at the cytological level. Noteworthy, 4-AN was found to inhibit the CK2 kinase with moderate potency. Moreover, at low concentrations, it did not exert any evident toxic effects on human erythrocytes, Caco-2 cells, or Zebrafish embryos. 4-AN can be a potential candidate as a novel drug against Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Masłyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, ul. Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Janeczko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, ul. Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Oleg M Demchuk
- Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, ul. Gliniana 33, 20-614 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Boguszewska-Czubara
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Hieronim Golczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, ul. Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Sierosławska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Toxicology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, ul. Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Rymuszka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Toxicology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, ul. Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Martyna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, ul. Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Konrad Kubiński
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, ul. Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
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Janeczko M, Masłyk M, Kubiński K, Golczyk H. Emodin, a natural inhibitor of protein kinase CK2, suppresses growth, hyphal development, and biofilm formation of Candida albicans. Yeast 2017; 34:253-265. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.3230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Janeczko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology; The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin; ul. Konstantynów 1i 20-708 Lublin Poland
| | - Maciej Masłyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology; The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin; ul. Konstantynów 1i 20-708 Lublin Poland
| | | | - Hieronim Golczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology; The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin; ul. Konstantynów 1i 20-708 Lublin Poland
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Ebrahimy F, Dolatian M, Moatar F, Majd HA. Comparison of the therapeutic effects of Garcin(®) and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis. Singapore Med J 2016; 56:567-72. [PMID: 26512149 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2015153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of garlic tablets (Garcin(®)) and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis in women who presented to a health centre in Koohdasht, Iran, from August 2011 to March 2012. METHODS The clinical trial was conducted on 110 married women (aged 18-44 years) who had complaints of itching or a burning sensation in the vaginal area. Candida vaginitis was diagnosed by pH measurement of vaginal secretions, direct microscopic evaluation and Sabouraud dextrose agar cultures of the vaginal discharge. On confirmation of diagnosis, the patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 55). One group received 1,500 mg of Garcin tablets daily and the other received fluconazole tablets 150 mg daily, over a period of seven days. Four to seven days after the completion of treatment, patients were examined for treatment response and possible side effects. RESULTS Complaints related to the disease improved by about 44% in the Garcin group and 63.5% in the fluconazole group (p < 0.05). The overall symptoms of the disease (i.e. redness of vulva and vagina, cheesy discharge, pustulopapular lesions and abnormal cervix) improved by about 60% in the Garcin group and 71.2% in the fluconazole group (p > 0.05). Results of microscopic evaluation and vaginal discharge culture showed significant differences before and after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The present study shows that Garcin tablets could be a suitable alternative to fluconazole for the treatment of Candida vaginitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Ebrahimy
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Dolatian
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariborz Moatar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Alavi Majd
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Interspecies Interactions between Clostridium difficile and Candida albicans. mSphere 2016; 1:mSphere00187-16. [PMID: 27840850 PMCID: PMC5103046 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00187-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and Clostridium difficile are two opportunistic pathogens that reside in the human gut. A few studies have focused on the prevalence of C. albicans in C. difficile-infected patients, but none have shown the interaction(s) that these two organisms may or may not have with each other. In this study, we used a wide range of different techniques to better understand this interaction at a macroscopic and microscopic level. We found that in the presence of C. albicans, C. difficile can survive under ambient aerobic conditions, which would otherwise be toxic. We also found that C. difficile affects the hypha formation of C. albicans, most likely through the excretion of p-cresol. This ultimately leads to an inability of C. albicans to form a biofilm. Our study provides new insights into interactions between C. albicans and C. difficile and bears relevance to both fungal and bacterial disease. The facultative anaerobic polymorphic fungus Candida albicans and the strictly anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium Clostridium difficile are two opportunistic pathogens residing in the human gut. While a few studies have focused on the prevalence of C. albicans in C. difficile-infected patients, the nature of the interactions between these two microbes has not been studied thus far. In the current study, both chemical and physical interactions between C. albicans and C. difficile were investigated. In the presence of C. albicans, C. difficile was able to grow under aerobic, normally toxic, conditions. This phenomenon was neither linked to adherence of bacteria to hyphae nor to biofilm formation by C. albicans. Conditioned medium of C. difficile inhibited hyphal growth of C. albicans, which is an important virulence factor of the fungus. In addition, it induced hypha-to-yeast conversion. p-Cresol, a fermentation product of tyrosine produced by C. difficile, also induced morphological effects and was identified as an active component of the conditioned medium. This study shows that in the presence of C. albicans, C. difficile can persist and grow under aerobic conditions. Furthermore, p-cresol, produced by C. difficile, is involved in inhibiting hypha formation of C. albicans, directly affecting the biofilm formation and virulence of C. albicans. This study is the first detailed characterization of the interactions between these two gut pathogens. IMPORTANCECandida albicans and Clostridium difficile are two opportunistic pathogens that reside in the human gut. A few studies have focused on the prevalence of C. albicans in C. difficile-infected patients, but none have shown the interaction(s) that these two organisms may or may not have with each other. In this study, we used a wide range of different techniques to better understand this interaction at a macroscopic and microscopic level. We found that in the presence of C. albicans, C. difficile can survive under ambient aerobic conditions, which would otherwise be toxic. We also found that C. difficile affects the hypha formation of C. albicans, most likely through the excretion of p-cresol. This ultimately leads to an inability of C. albicans to form a biofilm. Our study provides new insights into interactions between C. albicans and C. difficile and bears relevance to both fungal and bacterial disease.
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Corral MJ, Benito-Peña E, Jiménez-Antón MD, Cuevas L, Moreno-Bondi MC, Alunda JM. Allicin Induces Calcium and Mitochondrial Dysregulation Causing Necrotic Death in Leishmania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004525. [PMID: 27023069 PMCID: PMC4811430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Allicin has shown antileishmanial activity in vitro and in vivo. However the mechanism of action underlying its antiproliferative effect against Leishmania has been virtually unexplored. In this paper, we present the results obtained in L.infantum and a mechanistic basis is proposed. Methodology/Principal Finding Exposure of the parasites to allicin led to high Ca2+ levels and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced production of ATP and elevation of cytosolic ROS. The incubation of the promastigotes with SYTOX Green revealed that decrease of ATP was not associated with plasma membrane permeabilization. Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining indicated that allicin did not induce phospholipids exposure on the plasma membrane. Moreover, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and TUNEL analysis demonstrated that allicin did not provoke DNA fragmentation. Analysis of the cell cycle with PI staining showed that allicin induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that allicin induces dysregulation of calcium homeostasis and oxidative stress, uncontrolled by the antioxidant defense of the cell, which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and a bioenergetic catastrophe leading to cell necrosis and cell cycle arrest in the premitotic phase. Leishmaniasis is a vectorial parasitic disease caused by flagellate organisms from the genus Leishmania. Infection is present in over 80 countries and visceral forms are the second most fatal human parasitic disease. Control relies on chemotherapy but available drugs have important shortcomings such as toxicity, side effects, unaffordable price of the safest presentations and increasing reports of parasite resistance and clinical failures. Thus, new drugs are needed. Allicin, a molecule obtained from garlic, has shown antiproliferative effect against different cancer cells, bacteria, fungi and Protista including Leishmania. Insofar its mechanism of action is poorly known. Our results with L.infantum point towards allicin inducing high levels of intracellular calcium, redox inbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction with reduction of ATP. These events lead to cell necrosis without evidence of apoptotic-like markers. The proposed model suggests the potential use of allicin against leishmaniasis, alone or in combination with other drugs with different mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J. Corral
- Department of Animal Health, Group ICPVet, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Benito-Peña
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Optical Chemosensors and Applied Photochemistry Group (GSOLFA), University Complutense Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Dolores Jiménez-Antón
- Department of Animal Health, Group ICPVet, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense Madrid, Spain
| | - Laureano Cuevas
- National Microbiology Centre, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María C. Moreno-Bondi
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Optical Chemosensors and Applied Photochemistry Group (GSOLFA), University Complutense Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Alunda
- Department of Animal Health, Group ICPVet, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
There has been a global upsurge in fungal infections due to rise in immunodeficiencies, debilitation and situations of violated anatomical barriers. The available antifungal repertoire has limited activity and is fraught with toxicity concerns. Drug resistance has also shown a rapid upward trend. This has resulted in increased treatment failures, mortality and health care costs. Novel effective and safe antimycotics are needed. Analogues of existing antifungal compounds and new molecules are being developed. New targets are being explored for their putative role in curtailing fungal infections. Newer antigens as vaccine candidates are being researched into. Focused efforts in this direction have yielded encouraging results. This review illuminates the various antifungal strategies which hold promise for the future.
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16
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Barros de Andrade E Sousa LC, Kühn C, Tyc KM, Klipp E. Dosage and Dose Schedule Screening of Drug Combinations in Agent-Based Models Reveals Hidden Synergies. Front Physiol 2016; 6:398. [PMID: 26779031 PMCID: PMC4701919 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus Candida albicans is the most common causative agent of human fungal infections and better drugs or drug combination strategies are urgently needed. Here, we present an agent-based model of the interplay of C. albicans with the host immune system and with the microflora of the host. We took into account the morphological change of C. albicans from the yeast to hyphae form and its dynamics during infection. The model allowed us to follow the dynamics of fungal growth and morphology, of the immune cells and of microflora in different perturbing situations. We specifically focused on the consequences of microflora reduction following antibiotic treatment. Using the agent-based model, different drug types have been tested for their effectiveness, namely drugs that inhibit cell division and drugs that constrain the yeast-to-hyphae transition. Applied individually, the division drug turned out to successfully decrease hyphae while the transition drug leads to a burst in hyphae after the end of the treatment. To evaluate the effect of different drug combinations, doses, and schedules, we introduced a measure for the return to a healthy state, the infection score. Using this measure, we found that the addition of a transition drug to a division drug treatment can improve the treatment reliability while minimizing treatment duration and drug dosage. In this work we present a theoretical study. Although our model has not been calibrated to quantitative experimental data, the technique of computationally identifying synergistic treatment combinations in an agent based model exemplifies the importance of computational techniques in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Barros de Andrade E Sousa
- Theoretische Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinBerlin, Germany; RNA Bioinformatics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlin, Germany
| | - Clemens Kühn
- Theoretische Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarzyna M Tyc
- Theoretische Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin, Germany
| | - Edda Klipp
- Theoretische Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin, Germany
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17
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Li G, Ma X, Deng L, Zhao X, Wei Y, Gao Z, Jia J, Xu J, Sun C. Fresh Garlic Extract Enhances the Antimicrobial Activities of Antibiotics on Resistant Strains in Vitro. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e14814. [PMID: 26060559 PMCID: PMC4458355 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.14814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Infections caused by strains with multi-drug resistance are difficult to treat with standard antibiotics. Garlic is a powerful remedy to protect against infections of many bacteria, fungi and viruses. However, little is known about the potentials of fresh garlic extract (FGE) to improve the sensitivity of multi-drug resistant strains to antibiotics. Objectives: In this study, we used the disk diffusion method to investigate the antimicrobial activities of FGE and the combination of antibiotics with FGE, on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, to evaluate the interactions between antibiotics and FGE. Materials and Methods: Clinical isolates were isolated from clinical specimens obtained from the inpatients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center. The isolates consisted of MRSA, (n = 30), C. albicans (n = 30) and P. aeruginosa (n = 30). Quality control for CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) disk diffusion was performed using S. aureus ATCC®25923, C. albicans ATCC®90028 and P. aeruginosa ATCC®27853. The 93 microorganisms were divided into four groups in a factorial design: control (deionized water), FGE, antibiotics without FGE, and antibiotics with FGE. Next, antibacterial activity was evaluated by measuring the diameter of inhibition zones according to performance standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS). Results: Fresh garlic extract displayed evident inhibition properties against C. albicans and MRSA, yet weak inhibition properties against P. aeruginosa. Additionally, FGE showed the potential to improve the effect of antibiotics on antibiotic resistant pathogens. The synergism of fluconazole and itraconazole with FGE on C. albicans yielded larger sized inhibition zones compared with fluconazole and itraconazole without FGE (P < 0.01). The factorial analysis represents intense positive interaction effects (P < 0.01). The synergism of cefotaxime and ceftriaxone with FGE on P. aeruginosa yielded larger sized inhibition zones than cefotaxime and ceftriaxone without FGE (P < 0.01). The factorial analysis represents intense positive interaction effects (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The results suggest that FGE can improve the antibiotic sensitivity of these pathogens to some antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Xudong Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Lisha Deng
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Xixi Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuejiao Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhongyang Gao
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Jia
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiru Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
- Corresponding author: Jiru Xu, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China. Tel/Fax: +86-2985323805, E-mail:
| | - Chaofeng Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
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18
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Watson CJ, Grando D, Fairley CK, Chondros P, Garland SM, Myers SP, Pirotta M. The effects of oral garlic on vaginal candida colony counts: a randomised placebo controlled double-blind trial. BJOG 2013; 121:498-506. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- CJ Watson
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care Academic Centre; University of Melbourne; Carlton Vic. Australia
- Gynaecology Assessment Clinic; Royal Women's Hospital; Flemington Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - D Grando
- School of Applied Sciences; RMIT University; Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - CK Fairley
- School of Population Health; University of Melbourne; Carlton Vic. Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre; Alfred Health; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - P Chondros
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care Academic Centre; University of Melbourne; Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - SM Garland
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Royal Women's Hospital; Flemington Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; University of Melbourne; Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - SP Myers
- NatMed-Research; Southern Cross University; East Lismore NSW Australia
| | - M Pirotta
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care Academic Centre; University of Melbourne; Carlton Vic. Australia
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19
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Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the antifungal activity of allicin alone and in combination with antifungal drugs. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38242. [PMID: 22679493 PMCID: PMC3367977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The antifungal activity of allicin and its synergistic effects with the antifungal agents flucytosine and amphotericin B (AmB) were investigated in Candida albicans (C. albicans). C. albicans was treated with different conditions of compounds alone and in combination (allicin, AmB, flucytosine, allicin + AmB, allicin + flucytosine, allicin + AmB + flucytosine). After a 24-hour treatment, cells were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure morphological and biophysical properties associated with cell death. The clearing assay was conducted to confirm the effects of allicin. The viability of C. albicans treated by allicin alone or with one antifungal drug (AmB, flucytosine) in addition was more than 40% after a 24-hr treatment, but the viability of groups treated with combinations of more than two drugs was less than 32%. When the cells were treated with allicin alone or one type of drug, the morphology of the cells did not change noticeably, but when cells were treated with combinations of drugs, there were noticeable morphological changes. In particular, cells treated with allicin + AmB had significant membrane damage (burst or collapsed membranes). Classification of cells according to their cell death phase (CDP) allowed us to determine the relationship between cell viability and treatment conditions in detail. The adhesive force was decreased by the treatment in all groups compare to the control. Cells treated with AmB + allicin had a greater adhesive force than cells treated with AmB alone because of the secretion of molecules due to collapsed membranes. All cells treated with allicin or drugs were softer than the control cells. These results suggest that allicin can reduce MIC of AmB while keeping the same efficacy.
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20
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Quave CL, Estévez-Carmona M, Compadre CM, Hobby G, Hendrickson H, Beenken KE, Smeltzer MS. Ellagic acid derivatives from Rubus ulmifolius inhibit Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and improve response to antibiotics. PLoS One 2012; 7:e28737. [PMID: 22242149 PMCID: PMC3252291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofilms contribute to the pathogenesis of many forms of Staphylococcus aureus infection. Treatment of these infections is complicated by intrinsic resistance to conventional antibiotics, thus creating an urgent need for strategies that can be used for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-associated infections. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This study demonstrates that a botanical natural product composition (220D-F2) rich in ellagic acid and its derivatives can limit S. aureus biofilm formation to a degree that can be correlated with increased antibiotic susceptibility. The source of this composition is Rubus ulmifolius Schott. (Rosaceae), a plant used in complementary and alternative medicine in southern Italy for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. All S. aureus clonal lineages tested exhibited a reduced capacity to form a biofilm at 220D-F2 concentrations ranging from 50-200 µg/mL, which were well below the concentrations required to limit bacterial growth (530-1040 µg/mL). This limitation was therapeutically relevant in that inclusion of 220D-F2 resulted in enhanced susceptibility to the functionally-distinct antibiotics daptomycin, clindamycin and oxacillin. Testing with kidney and liver cell lines also demonstrated a lack of host cell cytotoxicity at concentrations of 220D-F2 required to achieve these effects. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrate that extract 220D-F2 from the root of Rubus ulmifolius can be used to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation to a degree that can be correlated with increased antibiotic susceptibility without toxic effects on normal mammalian cells. Hence, 220D-F2 is a strong candidate for development as a botanical drug for use in the prevention and treatment of S. aureus biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Quave
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Miriam Estévez-Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- Pharmacy Department, National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cesar M. Compadre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Gerren Hobby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Howard Hendrickson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Karen E. Beenken
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Mark S. Smeltzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Center for Orthopaedic Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
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21
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Ota N, Takano F, Muroga S, Kawabata T, Ishigaki Y, Yahagi N, Ohta T. Garlic extract and its selected organosulphur constituents promote ileal immune responses ex vivo. J Funct Foods 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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22
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Khodavandi A, Harmal NS, Alizadeh F, Scully OJ, Sidik SM, Othman F, Sekawi Z, Ng KP, Chong PP. Comparison between allicin and fluconazole in Candida albicans biofilm inhibition and in suppression of HWP1 gene expression. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 19:56-63. [PMID: 21924600 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2011.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2011] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human pathogen with the ability to differentiate and grow in filamentous forms and exist as biofilms. The biofilms are a barrier to treatment as they are often resistant to the antifungal drugs. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of allicin, an active compound of garlic on various isolates of C. albicans. The effect of allicin on biofilm production in C. albicans as compared to fluconazole, an antifungal drug, was investigated using the tetrazolium (XTT) reduction-dependent growth and crystal violet assays as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Allicin-treated cells exhibited significant reduction in biofilm growth (p<0.05) compared to fluconazole-treated and also growth control cells. Moreover, observation by SEM of allicin and fluconazole-treated cells confirmed a dose-dependent membrane disruption and decreased production of organisms. Finally, the expression of selected genes involved in biofilm formation such as HWP1 was evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and relative real time RT-PCR. Allicin was shown to down-regulate the expression of HWP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Khodavandi
- Department of Paramedical Sciences, Gachsaran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gachsaran, Iran
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23
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Modulation of morphogenesis in Candida albicans by various small molecules. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2011; 10:1004-12. [PMID: 21642508 DOI: 10.1128/ec.05030-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, a member of the mucosal microbiota, is responsible for a large spectrum of infections, ranging from benign thrush and vulvovaginitis in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals to severe, life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. A striking feature of C. albicans is its ability to grow as budding yeast and as filamentous forms, including hyphae and pseudohyphae. The yeast-to-hypha transition contributes to the overall virulence of C. albicans and may even constitute a target for the development of antifungal drugs. Indeed, impairing morphogenesis in C. albicans has been shown to be a means to treat candidiasis. Additionally, a large number of small molecules such as farnesol, fatty acids, rapamycin, geldanamycin, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and cell cycle inhibitors have been reported to modulate the yeast-to-hypha transition in C. albicans. In this minireview, we take a look at molecules that modulate morphogenesis in this pathogenic yeast. When possible, we address experimental findings regarding their mechanisms of action and their therapeutic potential. We discuss whether or not modulating morphogenesis constitutes a strategy to treat Candida infections.
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Yousuf S, Ahmad A, Khan A, Manzoor N, Khan LA. Effect of garlic-derived allyl sulphides on morphogenesis and hydrolytic enzyme secretion inCandida albicans. Med Mycol 2011; 49:444-8. [DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2010.539629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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25
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Khodavandi A, Alizadeh F, Harmal NS, Sidik SM, Othman F, Sekawi Z, Jahromi MAF, Ng KP, Chong PP. Comparison between efficacy of allicin and fluconazole against Candida albicans in vitro and in a systemic candidiasis mouse model. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2011; 315:87-93. [PMID: 21204918 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2010.02170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of allicin compared with fluconazole in alleviating systemic Candida albicans infections was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo through a systemic candidiasis mouse model. Determination of in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for different C. albicans isolates revealed that both allicin and fluconazole showed different MICs that ranged from 0.05 to 12.5 μg mL(-1) and 0.25 to 16 μg mL(-1) , respectively. A time-kill study showed a significant effect of allicin (P<0.01) against C. albicans, comparable to that of fluconazole. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that, similar to fluconazole, allicin produced structural destruction of C. albicans cell surface at low MIC and lysis or puncture at high MIC concentrations. Treatment of BALB/c mice systemically infected with C. albicans showed that although the allicin treatment (at 5 mg kg(-1) day(-1) ) was slightly less efficacious than fluconazole treatment in terms of the fungal load reduction and host survival time, it was still effective against C. albicans in terms of mean survival time, which increased from 8.4 to 15.8 days. These results demonstrate the efficacy of anticandidal effects of allicin both in vitro and in an animal model of candidiasis and affirm the potential of allicin as an adjuvant therapy to fluconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Khodavandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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Lim CSY, Wong WF, Rosli R, Ng KP, Seow HF, Chong PP. 2-dodecanol (decyl methyl carbinol) inhibits hyphal formation and SIR2 expression in C. albicans. J Basic Microbiol 2010; 49:579-83. [PMID: 19810039 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.200900035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is capable of undergoing yeast-hypha transition to attain pathogenicity in humans. In this study, we investigated the differential expression of CaSIR2 via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), during yeast-hypha transition with and without the presence of 2-dodecanol. SIR2 transcript levels were found to be significantly enhanced after hyphal induction as compared to the yeast form. This study found that 2-dodecanol is able to inhibit hyphal development and block SIR2 up-regulation, even in hyphal-inducing growth conditions. We suggest that SIR2 may be involved in Candida albicans quorum-sensing and serum-induced yeast-hyphae transition via the Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 signalling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystale Siew-Ying Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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27
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In Vitro Investigation of Antifungal Activity of Allicin Alone and in Combination with Azoles Against Candida Species. Mycopathologia 2009; 169:287-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-009-9251-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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28
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 1990. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.1620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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