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Nabian S, Farhoudi R, Taheri M, Soltani M, Nezhad Fard R, Shahedin G. Rational design of a hybrid peptide against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 using melittin and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as pharmaceutical agents. Adv Biomed Res 2022; 11:88. [DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_341_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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2
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Bamunuarachchi NI, Khan F, Kim YM. Inhibition of Virulence Factors and Biofilm Formation of Acinetobacter Baumannii by Naturally-derived and Synthetic Drugs. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:734-759. [PMID: 33100201 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666201023122355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, and pleomorphic bacillus. A. baumannii is also a highly-infectious pathogen causing high mortality and morbidity rates in intensive care units. The discovery of novel agents against A. baumannii infections is urgently needed due to the emergence of drug-resistant A. baumannii strains and the limited number of efficacious antibiotics available for treatment. In addition to the production of several virulence factors, A. baumannii forms biofilms on the host cell surface as well. Formation of biofilms occurs through initial surface attachment, microcolony formation, biofilm maturation, and detachment stages, and is one of the major drug resistance mechanisms employed by A. baumannii. Several studies have previously reported the efficacy of naturally-derived and synthetic compounds as anti- biofilm and anti-virulence agents against A. baumannii. Here, inhibition of biofilm formation and virulence factors of A. baumannii using naturally-derived and synthetic compounds are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Institute of Food Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, South Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, South Korea
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4
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Wei X, Zhang L, Zhang R, Wu R, Si D, Ahmad B, Petitte JN, Mozdziak PE, Li Z, Guo H, Zhang M. A highly efficient hybrid peptide ameliorates intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier damage by neutralizing lipopolysaccharides and antagonizing the lipopolysaccharide-receptor interaction. FASEB J 2020; 34:16049-16072. [PMID: 33058296 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903263rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal inflammatory disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are major contributors to mortality and morbidity in humans and animals worldwide. While some native peptides have great potential as therapeutic agents against intestinal inflammation, potential cytotoxicity, anti-inciting action, and suppression of anti-inflammatory activity may limit their development as anti-inflammatory agents. Peptide hybridization is an effective approach for the design and engineering of novel functional peptides because hybrid peptides combine the advantages and benefits of various native peptides. In the present study, a novel hybrid anti-inflammatory peptide that combines the active center of Cecropin A (C) and the core functional region of LL-37 (L) was designed [C-L peptide; C (1-8)-L (17-30)] through in silico analysis to reduce cytotoxicity and improve the anti-inflammatory activity of the parental peptides. The resulting C-L peptide exhibited lower cytotoxicity than either C or L peptides alone. C-L also exerted a protective effect against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages and in the intestines of a mouse model. The hybrid peptide exhibited increased anti-inflammatory activity compared to the parental peptides. C-L plays a role in protecting intestinal tissue from damage, LPS-induced weight loss, and leukocyte infiltration. In addition, C-L reduces the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), as well as reduces cell apoptosis. It also reduced mucosal barrier damage caused by LPS. The anti-inflammatory effects of the hybrid peptide were mainly attributed to its LPS-neutralizing activity and antagonizing the activation of LPS-induced Toll-like receptor 4-myeloid differentiation factor 2 (TLR4/MD2). The peptide also affected the TLR4-(nuclear factor κB) signaling pathway, modulating the inflammatory response upon LPS stimulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that the newly designed peptide, C-L, could be developed into a novel anti-inflammatory agent for animals or humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xubiao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Rijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Rujuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dayong Si
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baseer Ahmad
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - James N Petitte
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Paul E Mozdziak
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Zhongxuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Henan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Manyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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5
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Liu W, Wu Z, Mao C, Guo G, Zeng Z, Fei Y, Wan S, Peng J, Wu J. Antimicrobial Peptide Cec4 Eradicates the Bacteria of Clinical Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1532. [PMID: 32849322 PMCID: PMC7431629 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The drug resistance rate of Acinetobacter baumannii increases year on year, and the drugs available for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) infection are extremely limited. A. baumannii, which forms biofilms, protects itself by secreting substrates such as exopolysaccharides, allowing it to survive under adverse conditions and increasing drug resistance. Antimicrobial peptides are small molecular peptides with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and immunomodulatory function. Previous studies have shown that the antimicrobial peptide Cec4 has a strong effect on A. baumannii, but the antibacterial and biofilm inhibition of this antimicrobial peptide on clinical carbapenem resistance A. baumannii is not thoroughly understood. In this study, it was indicated that most of the 200 strains of CRAB were susceptible to Cec4 with a MIC of 4 μg/ml. Cec4 has a strong inhibitory and eradication effect on the CRAB biofilm; the minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) was 64–128 μg/ml, and the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) was 256–512 μg/ml. It was observed that Cec4 disrupted the structure of the biofilm using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). A comparative transcriptome analysis of the effects of the antimicrobial peptide Cec4 on CRAB biofilm, identified 185 differentially expressed genes, including membrane proteins, bacterial resistance genes, and pilus-related genes. The results show that multiple metabolic pathways, two-component regulation systems, quorum sensing, and antibiotic synthesis-related pathways in A. baumannii biofilms were affected after Cec4 treatment. In conclusion, Cec4 may represent a new choice for the prevention and treatment of clinical infections, and may also provide a theoretical basis for the development of antimicrobial peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Liu
- Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhaoying Wu
- Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chengju Mao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo Guo
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhu Zeng
- Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ying Fei
- The Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shan Wan
- The Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jian Peng
- Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianwei Wu
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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6
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El-Seedi H, Abd El-Wahed A, Yosri N, Musharraf SG, Chen L, Moustafa M, Zou X, Al-Mousawi S, Guo Z, Khatib A, Khalifa S. Antimicrobial Properties of Apis mellifera's Bee Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070451. [PMID: 32664544 PMCID: PMC7404974 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is a rich source of secondary metabolites from honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). It contains a variety of bioactive ingredients including peptides, proteins, enzymes, and volatile metabolites. The compounds contribute to the venom’s observed biological functions as per its anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The antimicrobial action of BV has been shown in vitro and in vivo experiments against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The synergistic therapeutic interactions of BV with antibiotics has been reported. The synergistic effect contributes to a decrease in the loading and maintenance dosage, a decrease in the side effects of chemotherapy, and a decrease in drug resistance. To our knowledge, there have been no reviews on the impact of BV and its antimicrobial constituents thus far. The purpose of this review is to address the antimicrobial properties of BV and its compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Al-Rayan Research and Innovation Center, Al-Rayan Colleges, Medina 42541, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- Correspondence: (H.E.-S.); (S.K.); Tel.: +46-18-4714207 (H.E.-S.)
| | - Aida Abd El-Wahed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Bee Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza 12627, Egypt
| | - Nermeen Yosri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Syed Ghulam Musharraf
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan;
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Moustafa Moustafa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kuwait, Safat 13060, Kuwait; (M.M.); (S.A.-M.)
| | - Xiaobo Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Saleh Al-Mousawi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kuwait, Safat 13060, Kuwait; (M.M.); (S.A.-M.)
| | - Zhiming Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Alfi Khatib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang 25200, Malaysia;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60155, Indonesia
| | - Shaden Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (H.E.-S.); (S.K.); Tel.: +46-18-4714207 (H.E.-S.)
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7
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Pinto IB, dos Santos Machado L, Meneguetti BT, Nogueira ML, Espínola Carvalho CM, Roel AR, Franco OL. Utilization of antimicrobial peptides, analogues and mimics in creating antimicrobial surfaces and bio-materials. Biochem Eng J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2019.107237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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Huang J, Zhu Y, Han ML, Li M, Song J, Velkov T, Li C, Li J. Comparative analysis of phosphoethanolamine transferases involved in polymyxin resistance across 10 clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017; 51:586-593. [PMID: 29288722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The rapid emergence of Gram-negative 'superbugs' has become a significant threat to human health globally, and polymyxins have become a last-line therapy for these very problematic pathogens. Polymyxins exhibit their antibacterial killing by initial interaction with lipid A in Gram-negative bacteria. Polymyxin resistance can be mediated by phosphoethanolamine (PEA) modification of lipid A, which abolishes the initial electrostatic interaction with polymyxins. Both chromosome-encoded (e.g. EptA, EptB and EptC) and plasmid-encoded (e.g. MCR-1 and MCR-2) PEA transferases have been reported in Gram-negative bacteria; however, their sequence and functional heterogeneity remain unclear. This article reports a comparative analysis of PEA transferases across 10 clinically relevant Gram-negative bacterial species using multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. The results show that the pairwise identities among chromosome-mediated EptA, EptB and EptC from Escherichia coli are low, and EptA shows the greatest similarity with MCR-1 and MCR-2. Among PEA transferases from representative strains of 10 clinically relevant species, the catalytic domain is more conserved compared with the transmembrane domain. In particular, PEA acceptor sites and zinc-binding pockets show high conservation between different species, indicating their potential importance for the function of PEA transferases. The evolutionary relationship of MCR-1, MCR-2 and EptA from the 10 selected bacterial species was evaluated by phylogenetic analysis. Cluster analysis illustrates that 325 EptA from 275 strains of 10 species within each individual species are highly conserved, whereas interspecies conservation is low. This comparative analysis provides key bioinformatic information to better understand the mechanism of polymyxin resistance via PEA modification of lipid A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayuan Huang
- Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yan Zhu
- Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mei-Ling Han
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mengyao Li
- Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jiangning Song
- Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Monash Centre for Data Science, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tony Velkov
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chen Li
- Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jian Li
- Infection and Immunity Programme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
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9
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Luis Villanueva-Cañas J, Ruiz-Orera J, Agea MI, Gallo M, Andreu D, Albà MM. New Genes and Functional Innovation in Mammals. Genome Biol Evol 2017; 9:1886-1900. [PMID: 28854603 PMCID: PMC5554394 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The birth of genes that encode new protein sequences is a major source of evolutionary innovation. However, we still understand relatively little about how these genes come into being and which functions they are selected for. To address these questions, we have obtained a large collection of mammalian-specific gene families that lack homologues in other eukaryotic groups. We have combined gene annotations and de novo transcript assemblies from 30 different mammalian species, obtaining ∼6,000 gene families. In general, the proteins in mammalian-specific gene families tend to be short and depleted in aromatic and negatively charged residues. Proteins which arose early in mammalian evolution include milk and skin polypeptides, immune response components, and proteins involved in reproduction. In contrast, the functions of proteins which have a more recent origin remain largely unknown, despite the fact that these proteins also have extensive proteomics support. We identify several previously described cases of genes originated de novo from noncoding genomic regions, supporting the idea that this mechanism frequently underlies the evolution of new protein-coding genes in mammals. Finally, we show that most young mammalian genes are preferentially expressed in testis, suggesting that sexual selection plays an important role in the emergence of new functional genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Villanueva-Cañas
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Research Programme in Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Present address: Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Ruiz-Orera
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Research Programme in Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Isabel Agea
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Research Programme in Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Gallo
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Mar Albà
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Research Programme in Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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10
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da Hora GCA, Archilha NL, Lopes JLS, Müller DM, Coutinho K, Itri R, Soares TA. Membrane negative curvature induced by a hybrid peptide from pediocin PA-1 and plantaricin 149 as revealed by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:8884-8898. [PMID: 27722742 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm01714b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are cationic peptides that kill bacteria with a broad spectrum of action, low toxicity to mammalian cells and exceptionally low rates of bacterial resistance. These features have led to considerable efforts in developing AMPs as an alternative antibacterial therapy. In vitro studies have shown that AMPs interfere with membrane bilayer integrity via several possible mechanisms, which are not entirely understood. We have performed the synthesis, membrane lysis measurements, and biophysical characterization of a novel hybrid peptide. These measurements show that PA-Pln149 does not form nanopores, but instead promotes membrane rupture. It causes fast rupture of the bacterial model membrane (POPG-rich) at concentrations 100-fold lower than that required for the disruption of mammalian model membranes (POPC-rich). Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for single and multiple copies of PA-Pln149 in the presence of mixed and pure POPC/POPG bilayers to investigate the concentration-dependent membrane disruption by the hybrid peptide. These simulations reproduced the experimental trend and provided a potential mechanism of action for PA-Pln149. It shows that the PA-Pln149 does not form nanopores, but instead promotes membrane destabilization through peptide aggregation and induction of membrane negative curvature with the collapse of the lamellar arrangement. The sequence of events depicted for PA-Pln149 may offer insights into the mechanism of action of AMPs previously shown to induce negative deformation of membrane curvature and often associated with peptide translocation via non-bilayer intermediate structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C A da Hora
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50740-560 Cidade Universitária, Recife, Brazil.
| | - N L Archilha
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - J L S Lopes
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - D M Müller
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Cs. Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (U.N.L). Ciudad Universitaria, C.C.242, (C.P:3000) Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - K Coutinho
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - R Itri
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - T A Soares
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50740-560 Cidade Universitária, Recife, Brazil. and Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
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11
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Trimble MJ, Mlynárčik P, Kolář M, Hancock REW. Polymyxin: Alternative Mechanisms of Action and Resistance. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2016; 6:cshperspect.a025288. [PMID: 27503996 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a025288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria is an ever-increasing issue worldwide. Unfortunately, very little has been achieved in the pharmaceutical industry to combat this problem. This has led researchers and the medical field to revisit past drugs that were deemed too toxic for clinical use. In particular, the cyclic cationic peptides polymyxin B and colistin, which are specific for Gram-negative bacteria, have been used as "last resort" antimicrobials. Before the 1980s, these drugs were known for their renal and neural toxicities; however, new clinical practices and possibly improved manufacturing have made them safer to use. Previously suggested to primarily attack the membranes of Gram-negative bacteria and to not easily select for resistant mutants, recent research exploring resistance and mechanisms of action has provided new perspectives. This review focuses primarily on the proposed alternative mechanisms of action, known resistance mechanisms, and how these support the alternative mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Trimble
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Patrik Mlynárčik
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Kolář
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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12
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Maslow JN, Glaze T, Adams P, Lataillade M. Concurrent Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant and Susceptible Subclones of Acinetobacter baumannii Affecting Different Wards of a Single Hospital. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016; 26:69-75. [PMID: 15693411 DOI: 10.1086/502489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground and Objective:Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen among acutely ill patients, especially those with thermal injury. A prospective 8-month study was conducted to describe the clinical and molecular epidemiology of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii affecting a single hospital.Methods:Univariate analysis comparing Smal macrorestriction patterns of A. baumannii generated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) versus clinical and demographic risk factors.Results:A total of 200 isolates from 76 patients were collected, of which 185 isolates from 76 patients were analyzed by PFGE. A total of 17 distinct PFGE clonal types were identified. One clonal type (strain A) represented 129 isolates from 49 patients. A group of related clonal types (strain A variants) were identified as 40 isolates from 20 patients. The only risk factor other than geographic location associated with the presence of strain A was prior treatment with antibiotics active against gram-negative bacteria (P = .0015). The two clonal types differed in antibiotic resistance profiles: 25% of strain A isolates, the dominant strain in the burn unit, were susceptible to at least one antibiotic tested. In contrast, approximately 80% of the other strain types were susceptible to at least one antibiotic and were cultured from patients admitted elsewhere in the hospital. No combination of antibiotics was observed to yield additive or synergistic activity.Conclusion:Clonally related strains of Acinetobacter that differ in susceptibility patterns may coexist within a single hospital, dependent on the selective pressure related to antibiotic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel N Maslow
- Section of Infectious Diseases, VA Medical Center, and the Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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13
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Novel Engineered Peptides of a Phage Lysin as Effective Antimicrobials against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2671-9. [PMID: 26856847 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02972-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen responsible for a range of nosocomial infections. The recent rise and spread of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii clones has fueled a search for alternative therapies, including bacteriophage endolysins with potent antibacterial activities. A common feature of these lysins is the presence of a highly positively charged C-terminal domain with a likely role in promoting outer membrane penetration. In the present study, we show that the C-terminal amino acids 108 to 138 of phage lysin PlyF307, named P307, alone were sufficient to kill A. baumannii (>3 logs). Furthermore, P307 could be engineered for improved activity, the most active derivative being P307SQ-8C (>5-log kill). Both P307 and P307SQ-8C showed high in vitro activity against A. baumannii in biofilms. Moreover, P307SQ-8C exhibited MICs comparable to those of levofloxacin and ceftazidime and acted synergistically with polymyxin B. Although the peptides were shown to kill by disrupting the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, they did not lyse human red blood cells or B cells; however, serum was found to be inhibitory to lytic activity. In a murine model of A. baumannii skin infection, P307SQ-8C reduced the bacterial burden by ∼2 logs in 2 h. This study demonstrates the prospect of using peptide derivatives from bacteriophage lysins to treat topical infections and remove biofilms caused by Gram-negative pathogens.
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Antifungal Activity and Action Mechanism of Histatin 5-Halocidin Hybrid Peptides against Candida ssp. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150196. [PMID: 26918792 PMCID: PMC4769088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The candidacidal activity of histatin 5 is initiated through cell wall binding, followed by translocation and intracellular targeting, while the halocidin peptide exerts its activity by attacking the Candida cell membrane. To improve antimicrobial activities and to understand the killing mechanism of two peptides, six hybrid peptides were designed by conjugating histatin 5 and halocidin. A comparative approach was established to study the activity, salt tolerance, cell wall glucan binding assay, cytotoxicity, generation of ROS and killing kinetics. CD spectrometry was conducted to evaluate secondary structures of these hybrid peptides. Furthermore the cellular localization of hybrid peptides was investigated by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Of the six hybrid congeners, di-PH2, di-WP2 and HHP1 had stronger activities than other hybrid peptides against all tested Candida strains. The MIC values of these peptides were 1–2, 2–4 and 2–4 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, none of the hybrid peptides was cytotoxic in the hemolytic assay and cell-based cytotoxicity assay. Confocal laser microscopy showed that di-PH2 and HHP1 were translocated into cytoplasm whereas di-WP2 was accumulated on surface of C. albicans to exert their candidacidal activity. All translocated peptides (Hst 5, P113, di-PH2) were capable of generating intracellular ROS except HHP1. Additionally, the KFH residues at C-terminal end of these peptides were assumed for core sequence for active translocation.
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An Amphipathic Undecapeptide with All d-Amino Acids Shows Promising Activity against Colistin-Resistant Strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and a Dual Mode of Action. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 60:592-9. [PMID: 26574005 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01966-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple strains of Acinetobacter baumannii have developed multidrug resistance (MDR), leaving colistin as the only effective treatment. The cecropin-α-melittin hybrid BP100 (KKLFKKILKYL-NH2) and its analogs have previously shown activity against a wide array of plant and human pathogens. In this study, we investigated the in vitro antibacterial activities of 18 BP100 analogs (four known and 14 new) against the MDR A. baumannii strain ATCC BAA-1605, as well as against a number of other clinically relevant human pathogens. Selected peptides were further evaluated against strains of A. baumannii that acquired resistance to colistin due to mutations of the lpxC, lpxD, pmrA, and pmrB genes. The novel analogue BP214 showed antimicrobial activity at 1 to 2 μM and a hemolytic 50% effective concentration (EC50) of >150 μM. The lower activity of its enantiomer suggests a dual, specific and nonspecific mode of action. Interestingly, colistin behaved antagonistically to BP214 when pmrAB and lpxC mutants were challenged.
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Kaneti G, Meir O, Mor A. Controlling bacterial infections by inhibiting proton-dependent processes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1858:995-1003. [PMID: 26522076 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is recognized as one of the greatest threats in modern healthcare, taking a staggering toll worldwide. New approaches for controlling bacterial infections must be designed, eventually combining multiple strategies for complimentary therapies. This review explores an old/new paradigm for multi-targeted antibacterial therapy, focused at disturbing bacterial cytoplasmic membrane functions at sub minimal inhibitory concentrations, namely through superficial physical alterations of the bilayer, thereby perturbing transmembrane signals transduction. Such a paradigm may have the advantage of fighting the infection while avoiding many of the known resistance mechanisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Antimicrobial peptides edited by Karl Lohner and Kai Hilpert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galoz Kaneti
- Department of Biotechnology & Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Ohad Meir
- Department of Biotechnology & Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Amram Mor
- Department of Biotechnology & Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel.
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Huang W, Wang S, Yao Y, Xia Y, Yang X, Long Q, Sun W, Liu C, Li Y, Ma Y. OmpW is a potential target for eliciting protective immunity against Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Vaccine 2015. [PMID: 26207591 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an important conditioned pathogen that causes nosocomial and community-associated infections. In this study, we sought to investigate whether outer membrane protein W (OmpW) is a potential target for eliciting protective immunity against A. baumannii infections. Mice immunized with the fusion protein thioredoxin-OmpW generated strong OmpW-specific IgG responses. In a sepsis model, both active and passive immunizations against OmpW effectively protected mice from A. baumannii infections. This protection was demonstrated by a significantly improved survival rate, reduced bacterial burdens within organs, and the suppressed accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in sera. Opsonophagocytic assays with murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells indicated that the bactericidal effects of the antisera derived from the immunized mice are mediated synergistically by specific antibodies and complement components. The antisera presented significant opsonophagocytic activities against homologous strains and clonally distinct clinical isolates in vitro. Protein data analysis showed that the sequence of OmpW, which has a molecule length of 183 amino acids, is more than 91% conserved in reported A. baumannii strains. In conclusion, we identified OmpW as a highly immunogenic and conserved protein as a valuable antigen candidate for the development of an effective vaccine or the preparation of antisera to control A. baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Shijie Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Ye Xia
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Qiong Long
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Wenjia Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Cunbao Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Yang Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Yanbing Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China; Yunnan Engineering Research Center of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China.
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Insect-derived cecropins display activity against Acinetobacter baumannii in a whole-animal high-throughput Caenorhabditis elegans model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:1728-37. [PMID: 25583713 DOI: 10.1128/aac.04198-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and a concomitant decrease in antibiotic treatment options warrants a search for new classes of antibacterial agents. We have found that A. baumannii is pathogenic and lethal to the model host organism Caenorhabditis elegans and have exploited this phenomenon to develop an automated, high-throughput, high-content screening assay in liquid culture that can be used to identify novel antibiotics effective against A. baumannii. The screening assay involves coincubating C. elegans with A. baumannii in 384-well plates containing potential antibacterial compounds. At the end of the incubation period, worms are stained with a dye that stains only dead animals, and images are acquired using automated microscopy and then analyzed using an automated image analysis program. This robust assay yields a Z' factor consistently greater than 0.7. In a pilot experiment to test the efficacy of the assay, we screened a small custom library of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that were synthesized using publicly available sequence data and/or transcriptomic data from immune-challenged insects. We identified cecropin A and 14 other cecropin or cecropin-like peptides that were able to enhance C. elegans survival in the presence of A. baumannii. Interestingly, one particular hit, BR003-cecropin A, a cationic peptide synthesized by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, showed antibiotic activity against a panel of Gram-negative bacteria and exhibited a low MIC (5 μg/ml) against A. baumannii. BR003-cecropin A causes membrane permeability in A. baumannii, which could be the underlying mechanism of its lethality.
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Epinecidin-1 has immunomodulatory effects, facilitating its therapeutic use in a mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:4264-74. [PMID: 24820078 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02958-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are garnering attention as possible alternatives to antibiotics. Here, we describe the antimicrobial properties of epinecidin-1 against a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa R) and a P. aeruginosa strain from ATCC (P. aeruginosa ATCC 19660) in vivo. The MICs of epinecidin-1 against P. aeruginosa R and P. aeruginosa ATCC 19660 were determined and compared with those of imipenem. Epinecidin-1 was found to be highly effective at combating peritonitis infection caused by P. aeruginosa R or P. aeruginosa ATCC 19660 in mouse models, without inducing adverse behavioral effects or liver or kidney toxicity. Taken together, our results indicate that epinecidin-1 enhances the rate of survival of mice infected with the bacterial pathogen P. aeruginosa through both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.
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Synergistic effects and antibiofilm properties of chimeric peptides against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:1622-9. [PMID: 24366740 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02473-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens highlights the need to identify novel antibiotics. Here we investigated the efficacies of four new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for potential drug development. The antibacterial activities, synergistic effects, and antibiofilm properties of the four chimeric AMPs were tested against Acinetobacter baumannii, an emerging Gram-negative, nosocomial, drug-resistant pathogen. Nineteen A. baumannii strains resistant to ampicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, and erythromycin were isolated at a hospital from patients with cholelithiasis. All four peptides exhibited significant antibacterial effects (MIC=3.12 to 12.5 μM) against all 19 strains, whereas five commercial antibiotics showed little or no activity against the same pathogens. An exception was polymyxin, which was effective against all of the strains tested. Each of the peptides showed synergy against one or more strains when administered in combination with cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, or erythromycin. The peptides also exhibited an ability to prevent biofilm formation, which was not seen with cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, or erythromycin, though polymyxin also inhibited biofilm formation. Indeed, when administered in combination with ciprofloxacin, the AMP HPMA exerted a potent synergistic effect against A. baumannii biofilm formation. Collectively, our findings indicate that the AMPs tested have no cytotoxicity but possess potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities and may act synergistically with commercial antibiotics.
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Roca I, Espinal P, Vila-Farrés X, Vila J. The Acinetobacter baumannii Oxymoron: Commensal Hospital Dweller Turned Pan-Drug-Resistant Menace. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:148. [PMID: 22536199 PMCID: PMC3333477 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past few decades Acinetobacter baumannii has evolved from being a commensal dweller of health-care facilities to constitute one of the most annoying pathogens responsible for hospitalary outbreaks and it is currently considered one of the most important nosocomial pathogens. In a prevalence study of infections in intensive care units conducted among 75 countries of the five continents, this microorganism was found to be the fifth most common pathogen. Two main features contribute to the success of A. baumannii: (i) A. baumannii exhibits an outstanding ability to accumulate a great variety of resistance mechanisms acquired by different mechanisms, either mutations or acquisition of genetic elements such as plasmids, integrons, transposons, or resistant islands, making this microorganism multi- or pan-drug-resistant and (ii) The ability to survive in the environment during prolonged periods of time which, combined with its innate resistance to desiccation and disinfectants, makes A. baumannii almost impossible to eradicate from the clinical setting. In addition, its ability to produce biofilm greatly contributes to both persistence and resistance. In this review, the pathogenesis of the infections caused by this microorganism as well as the molecular bases of antibacterial resistance and clinical aspects such as treatment and potential future therapeutic strategies are discussed in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Roca
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, IDIBAPS and Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
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Brogden NK, Brogden KA. Will new generations of modified antimicrobial peptides improve their potential as pharmaceuticals? Int J Antimicrob Agents 2011; 38:217-25. [PMID: 21733662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The concept of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potent pharmaceuticals is firmly established in the literature, and most research articles on this topic conclude by stating that AMPs represent promising therapeutic agents against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Indeed, early research in this field showed that AMPs were diverse in nature, had high activities with low minimal inhibitory concentrations, had broad spectrums of activity against bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens, and could easily be manipulated to alter their specificities, reduce their cytotoxicities and increase their antimicrobial activities. Unfortunately, commercial development of these peptides, for even the simplest of applications, has been very limited. With some peptides there are obstacles with their manufacture, in vivo efficacy and in vivo retention. More recently, the focus has shifted. Contemporary research now uses a more sophisticated approach to develop AMPs that surmount many of these prior obstacles. AMP mimetics, hybrid AMPs, AMP congeners, cyclotides and stabilised AMPs, AMP conjugates and immobilised AMPs have all emerged with selective or 'targeted' antimicrobial activities, improved retention, or unique abilities that allow them to bind to medical or industrial surfaces. These groups of new peptides have creative medical and industrial application potentials to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and septic shock, to preserve food or to sanitise surfaces both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Brogden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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López-Rojas R, Docobo-Pérez F, Pachón-Ibáñez ME, de la Torre BG, Fernández-Reyes M, March C, Bengoechea JA, Andreu D, Rivas L, Pachón J. Efficacy of cecropin A-melittin peptides on a sepsis model of infection by pan-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 30:1391-8. [PMID: 21479973 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-011-1233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Pan-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii have prompted the search for therapeutic alternatives. We evaluate the efficacy of four cecropin A-melittin hybrid peptides (CA-M) in vivo. Toxicity was determined in mouse erythrocytes and in mice (lethal dose parameters were LD(0), LD(50), LD(100)). Protective dose 50 (PD(50)) was determined by inoculating groups of ten mice with the minimal lethal dose of A. baumannii (BMLD) and treating with doses of each CA-M from 0.5 mg/kg to LD(0). The activity of CA-Ms against A. baumannii was assessed in a peritoneal sepsis model. Mice were sacrificed at 0 and 1, 3, 5, and 7-h post-treatment. Spleen and peritoneal fluid bacterial concentrations were measured. CA(1-8)M(1-18) was the less haemolytic on mouse erythrocytes. LD(0) (mg/kg) was 32 for CA(1-8)M(1-18), CA(1-7)M(2-9), and Oct-CA(1-7)M(2-9), and 16 for CA(1-7)M(5-9). PD(50) was not achieved with non-toxic doses (≤ LD(0)). In the sepsis model, all CA-Ms were bacteriostatic in spleen, and decreased bacterial concentration (p < 0.05) in peritoneal fluid, at 1-h post-treatment; at later times, bacterial regrowth was observed in peritoneal fluid. CA-Ms showed local short-term efficacy in the peritoneal sepsis model caused by pan-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- R López-Rojas
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
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Wang LN, Yu B, Han GQ, He J, Chen DW. Design, expression and characterization of recombinant hybrid peptide Attacin-Thanatin in Escherichia coli. Mol Biol Rep 2009; 37:3495-501. [PMID: 19967452 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-009-9942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides will be attractive and potential candidates as peptide drugs because of their efficient action against microbes and low toxicity to mammal cells. To improve their antibacterial activity, some modifications needs to be made. In this research, the hybrid peptide gene Attacin-Thanatin with 642 bp in length with preferred codons of E. coli was generated using the technology of Gene splicing by overlap extension. The gene was inserted in-frame into E. coli expression plasmid pET-32a (+) and induced to express in E. coli Rosetta. The recombinant protein was partial purified and its biological activity was determined. Analysis of the E. coli Rosetta induced with IPTG revealed that the molecular weight of fusion protein was approximately 41.8 kDa, which perfectly matched the mass calculated from the amino acid sequence. Biological activity detection showed that this peptide effectively inhibited the growth of the test bacteria including E. coli DH5α, E. coli BL21 (DE3), Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Among these bacteria, the Gram-negative E. coli was the most sensitive. Furthermore, there was minor hemolysis activity for porcine red blood cells. So, the results indicated that the hybrid peptide Attacin-Thanatin could be served as a promising candidate for the chemical antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Na Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
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Fernández-Reyes M, Rodríguez-Falcón M, Chiva C, Pachón J, Andreu D, Rivas L. The cost of resistance to colistin in Acinetobacter baumannii: a proteomic perspective. Proteomics 2009; 9:1632-45. [PMID: 19253303 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200800434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen of clinical concern, was induced in the susceptible strain ATCC 19606 by growth under increasing pressure of the antibiotic, the only drug universally active against multi-resistant clinical strains. In 2-D difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) experiments, 35 proteins with differences in expression between both phenotypes were identified, most of them appearing as down regulated in the colistin-resistant strain. These include outer membrane (OM) proteins, chaperones, protein biosynthesis factors, and metabolic enzymes, all suggesting substantial loss of biological fitness in the resistant phenotype, as substantiated by complementary experiments in the absence of colistin. Results shed light on the scarcity of widespread clinical outbreaks for resistant phenotypes.
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Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a highly troublesome pathogen for many institutions globally. As a consequence of its immense ability to acquire or upregulate antibiotic drug resistance determinants, it has justifiably been propelled to the forefront of scientific attention. Apart from its predilection for the seriously ill within intensive care units, A. baumannii has more recently caused a range of infectious syndromes in military personnel injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. This review details the significant advances that have been made in our understanding of this remarkable organism over the last 10 years, including current taxonomy and species identification, issues with susceptibility testing, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, global epidemiology, clinical impact of infection, host-pathogen interactions, and infection control and therapeutic considerations.
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Vila J, Pachón J. Therapeutic options for Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2008; 9:587-99. [PMID: 18312160 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.9.4.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is an important cause of nosocomial infections, mainly in patients in intensive care units. This microorganism, although with slight differences depending on the country, presents resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, occasionally including resistance to colistin: hence, it can be considered the paradigm of nosocomial multiresistant bacteria. This review analyzes the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and the molecular bases associated with the increase in antimicrobial resistance, as well as the current treatment of Acinetobacter infections. Although controversy remains, the pooled data suggest that infections by A. baumannii may be associated with considerable attributable mortality. Moreover, in cases of pneumonia and bacteraemia, inappropriate treatment is associated with, among other factors, mortality. Therefore, treatment should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Vila
- Hospital Clinic, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Villarroel, 170; 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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Andreu D. Bruce Merrifield's contribution to antimicrobial peptide research. Biopolymers 2008; 90:236-9. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.20954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Abrunhosa F, Faria S, Gomes P, Tomaz I, Pessoa JC, Andreu D, Bastos M. Interaction and lipid-induced conformation of two cecropin-melittin hybrid peptides depend on peptide and membrane composition. J Phys Chem B 2007; 109:17311-9. [PMID: 16853210 DOI: 10.1021/jp051572e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The interaction of two hybrid peptides of cecropin A and melittin [CA(1-8)M(1-18) and CA(1-7)M(2-9)] with liposomes was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), circular dichroism (CD), and quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS). The study was carried out with large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) of three different lipid compositions: 1,2-dimyristoil-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) (DMPG) and a binary mixture of DMPC/DMPG, in a wide range of peptide-to-lipid (P:L) molar ratios (0 to 1:7). DSC results indicate that, for both peptides, the interaction depends on membrane composition, with very different behavior for zwitterionic and anionic membranes. CD data show that, although the two peptides have different secondary structures in buffer (random coil for CA(1-7)M(2-9) and predominantly beta-sheet for CA(1-8)M(1-18)), they both adopt an alpha-helical structure in the presence of the membranes. Overall, results are compatible with a model involving a strong electrostatic surface interaction between the peptides and the negatively charged liposomes, which gives place to aggregation in the gel phase and precipitation after a threshold peptide concentration. In the case of zwitterionic membranes, a progressive surface coverage with peptide molecules destabilizes the membrane, eventually leading to membrane disruption. Moreover, delicate modulations in behavior were observed depending on the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Abrunhosa
- CIQ (U.P.) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Falagas ME, Bliziotis IA. Pandrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: the dawn of the post-antibiotic era? Int J Antimicrob Agents 2007; 29:630-6. [PMID: 17306965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2006.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The evolving problem of antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae has led to the emergence of clinical isolates susceptible to only one class of antimicrobial agents and eventually to pandrug-resistant (PDR) isolates, i.e. resistant to all available antibiotics. We reviewed the available evidence from laboratory and clinical studies that reported on polymyxin-resistant and/or PDR P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii or K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. Eleven laboratory studies reported on isolates with resistance to polymyxins, three of which (including two surveillance studies) also included data regarding PDR isolates. In addition, two clinical studies (from Central and Southern Europe) reported on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients infected with PDR isolates. These data suggest that polymyxin-resistant or PDR P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae clinical isolates are currently relatively rare. However, they have important global public health implications because of the therapeutic problems they pose. The fears for the dawn of a post-antibiotic era appear to be justified, at least for these three Gram-negative bacteria. We must increase our efforts to preserve the activity of available antibiotics, or at least expand as much as possible the period of their use, whilst intense research efforts should be focused on the development and introduction into clinical practice of new antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Falagas
- Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBS), 9 Neapoleos Street, 151 23 Marousi, Athens, Greece.
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Falagas ME, Koletsi PK, Bliziotis IA. The diversity of definitions of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Med Microbiol 2006; 55:1619-1629. [PMID: 17108263 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.46747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Different definitions of the terms multidrug-resistant (MDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been used in the biomedical literature. The authors searched for relevant studies indexed in the PubMed database (01/2000-09/2005) to systematically examine the various definitions of MDR and PDR for these bacteria. Initially 107 retrieved relevant studies were reviewed. Ninety-two studies were further analysed, 50 of which focused on A. baumannii and 42 on P. aeruginosa. A considerable diversity of definitions of the terms MDR and PDR A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa was found. Of note, the term PDR was inappropriately used in all five studies that used it. The review reveals that various definitions have been used for the terms MDR and PDR A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, a fact that causes confusion to researchers and clinicians. The authors believe that at least a widely accepted definition for PDR A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa should be uniformly used worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Falagas
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBS), 9 Neapoleos Street, 151 23 Marousi, Athens, Greece
| | - Patra K Koletsi
- Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBS), 9 Neapoleos Street, 151 23 Marousi, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis A Bliziotis
- Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBS), 9 Neapoleos Street, 151 23 Marousi, Athens, Greece
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Rahal JJ. Novel Antibiotic Combinations against Infections with Almost Completely Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter Species. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 43 Suppl 2:S95-9. [PMID: 16894522 DOI: 10.1086/504486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
For infections with antibiotic-susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, most studies have suggested that combination therapy, usually with a beta -lactam antibiotic plus an aminoglycoside, is preferable for patients with bacteremia and neutropenia. Against infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter baumannii isolates that are resistant to all antibiotics except the polymyxins, several novel antibiotic combinations demonstrate increased activity in vitro compared with that of any single agent. Whether these combinations yield outcomes that are improved over those seen with a polymyxin or other agent alone remains to be determined. However, against infections with species resistant to all antibiotics, including polymyxins, novel combinations are the only remaining therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Rahal
- Infectious Disease Section and Lang Research Center, New York Hospital Queens, and Department of Medicine, Weill College of Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 11355-5095, USA.
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Saugar JM, Rodríguez-Hernández MJ, de la Torre BG, Pachón-Ibañez ME, Fernández-Reyes M, Andreu D, Pachón J, Rivas L. Activity of cecropin A-melittin hybrid peptides against colistin-resistant clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii: molecular basis for the differential mechanisms of action. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 50:1251-6. [PMID: 16569836 PMCID: PMC1426946 DOI: 10.1128/aac.50.4.1251-1256.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii has successfully developed resistance against all common antibiotics, including colistin (polymyxin E), the last universally active drug against this pathogen. The possible widespread distribution of colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains may create an alarming clinical situation. In a previous work, we reported differences in lethal mechanisms between polymyxin B (PXB) and the cecropin A-melittin (CA-M) hybrid peptide CA(1-8)M(1-18) (KWKLFKKIGIGAVLKVLTTGLPALIS-NH2) on colistin-susceptible strains (J. M. Saugar, T. Alarcón, S. López-Hernández, M. López-Brea, D. Andreu, and L. Rivas, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 46:875-878, 2002). We now demonstrate that CA(1-8)M(1-18) and three short analogues, namely CA(1-7)M(2-9) (KWKLFKKIGAVLKVL-NH2), its Nalpha-octanoyl derivative (Oct-KWKLFKKIGAVLKVL-NH2), and CA(1-7)M(5-9) (KWKLLKKIGAVLKVL-NH2) are active against two colistin-resistant clinical strains. In vitro, resistance to colistin sulfate was targeted to the outer membrane, as spheroplasts were equally lysed by a given peptide, regardless of their respective level of colistin resistance. The CA-M hybrids were more efficient than colistin in displacing lipopolysaccharide-bound dansyl-polymyxin B from colistin-resistant but not from colistin-susceptible strains. Similar improved performance of the CA-M hybrids in permeation of the inner membrane was observed, regardless of the resistance pattern of the strain. These results argue in favor of a possible use of CA-M peptides, and by extension other antimicrobial peptides with similar features, as alternative chemotherapy in colistin-resistant Acinetobacter infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Saugar
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, and Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
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Giacometti A, Cirioni O, Kamysz W, D'Amato G, Silvestri C, Simona Del Prete M, Lukasiak J, Scalise G. In vitro activity and killing effect of the synthetic hybrid cecropin A-melittin peptide CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2) on methicillin-resistant nosocomial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and interactions with clinically used antibiotics. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2004; 49:197-200. [PMID: 15246510 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2004.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2003] [Accepted: 02/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro activity of CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2), a 15-residue synthetic hybrid peptide derived from the sequences of cecropin A and melittin, alone and in combination with amoxicillin-clavulanate, imipenem, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, and vancomycin, was investigated against 40 nosocomial isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobial activity of CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2) was measured by minimal inhibitory concentration, MBC, and time-kill studies. All isolates were inhibited at concentrations of 1 to 16 microg/mL. Combination studies performed with S. aureusATCC 43300 demonstrated synergy only when CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2) was combined with amoxicillin-clavulanate and imipenem. Our findings show that CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2) is active against methicillin-resistant S. aureusand that its activity is enhanced when it is combined with several antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giacometti
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy.
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Clark NM, Patterson J, Lynch JP. Antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative organisms in the intensive care unit. Curr Opin Crit Care 2004; 9:413-23. [PMID: 14508155 DOI: 10.1097/00075198-200310000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review the hospital-acquired gram-negative organisms commonly encountered among patients in the intensive care unit and discuss pertinent surveillance data, resistance mechanisms and patterns, and optimal treatment regimens for these pathogens. RECENT FINDINGS There has been a notable increase in antibiotic resistance among gram-negative intensive care unit pathogens. Data from surveillance programs such as National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System, Intensive Care Antimicrobial Resistance Epidemiology, and others have documented undesirable trends in antibiotic resistance, indicating decreasing efficacy of antibiotic classes such as third-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones, The increased prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases has contributed to the finding of multidrug resistance among bacteria such as Klebsiella and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, organisms such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia display intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics, making selection of optimal therapy difficult. Studies have correlated infection by these organisms with prior antibiotic exposure, and containment of the spread of infection can be achieved by careful antibiotic use and infection control practices. SUMMARY Antibiotic resistance continues to rise among hospital-acquired gram-negative pathogens. Optimal management of these infections requires knowledge of local epidemiology and practices to control their spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M Clark
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Sharma S, Ramya TNC, Surolia A, Surolia N. Triclosan as a systemic antibacterial agent in a mouse model of acute bacterial challenge. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003; 47:3859-66. [PMID: 14638495 PMCID: PMC296231 DOI: 10.1128/aac.47.12.3859-3866.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2002] [Revised: 11/25/2002] [Accepted: 08/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The upsurge of multiple-drug-resistant microbes warrants the development and/or use of effective antibiotics. Triclosan, though used in cosmetic and dermatological preparations for several decades, has not been used as a systemic antibacterial agent due to problems of drug administration. Here we report the striking efficacy of triclosan in a mouse model of acute systemic bacterial infection. Triclosan not only significantly extends the survival time of the infected mice, it also restores blood parameters and checks liver damage induced by the bacterial infection. We believe that the excellent safety track record of triclosan in topical use coupled with our findings qualifies triclosan as a candidate drug or lead compound for exploring its potential in experimental systems for treating systemic bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Sharma
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India
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Rivas L, Andreu D. [Eukaryotic antibiotic peptides: a new alternative in clinical practice?]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2003; 21:358-65. [PMID: 14525692 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(03)72963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic antibiotic peptides are key components of innate immunity. They act as a first barrier against invading pathogens. Expectations about their clinical use have been raised as they are active against a wide range of pathogens, and unlikely to induce resistance. Both characteristics are related to their lethal mechanism, based on interaction with anionic phospholipids in the outer facet of the cytoplasmic membrane of the pathogens, leading to permeabilization. This review will especially focus on antibiotic peptides of human origin. Their mechanism of action, strategies of pathogen resistance, and role in activities other than microbicidal effect will be described. Practical applications and prospects of future use in anti-infectious therapy will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC). Madrid. Spain.
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Giacometti A, Cirioni O, Kamysz W, D'Amato G, Silvestri C, Del Prete MS, Łukasiak J, Scalise G. Comparative activities of cecropin A, melittin, and cecropin A-melittin peptide CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH2 against multidrug-resistant nosocomial isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. Peptides 2003; 24:1315-8. [PMID: 14706545 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2003.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro activity of three polycationic peptides, cecropin A, melittin, and cecropin A-melittin hybrid peptide CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH2, alone and in combination with various clinically used antimicrobial agents, was investigated against 32 nosocomial isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial activities were measured by MIC, MBC and bacterial killing assay. The peptides demonstrated different ranges of inhibitory values: overall, the organisms were more susceptible to CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH2 (MIC range, 0.25-16 mg/l) than to cecropin A (0.50-32 mg/l) and melittin (0.50-32 mg/l). Synergy was observed when CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH2 and melittin were combined with beta-lactam antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giacometti
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, University of Ancona, c/o Ospedale Regionale, via Conca, I-60020 Ancona, Italy.
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Jang WS, Kim CH, Kim KN, Park SY, Lee JH, Son SM, Lee IH. Biological activities of synthetic analogs of halocidin, an antimicrobial peptide from the tunicate Halocynthia aurantium. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003; 47:2481-6. [PMID: 12878508 PMCID: PMC166113 DOI: 10.1128/aac.47.8.2481-2486.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Halocidin is a heterodimer antimicrobial peptide previously isolated from the tunicate Halocynthia aurantium. Based on the larger monomer (18Hc) of halocidin, nine halocidin congeners, including a series of 6 peptides truncated successively from the carboxyl-terminal end of 18Hc and 3 analogs (18HcKK, K19Hc, and K19HcKK), which have lysine residues in place of two internal histidines or have a lysine added to the amino terminus of the 18Hc molecule, were prepared. Each peptide was also converted into a homodimeric version. The antimicrobial activities of halocidin congeners truncated from the C terminus were dramatically decreased, suggesting that the full length of 18Hc is required for maintaining its maximum antimicrobial activity. Dimer forms of halocidin congeners exhibited stronger antimicrobial activities than the monomer of the corresponding peptide. Four dimer peptides (di-18Hc, di-18HcKK, di-K19Hc, and di-K19HcKK) were analyzed for antimicrobial activities against 10 clinically isolated antibiotic-resistant bacteria in elevated concentrations of NaCl or MgCl(2). Of the peptides studied here, di-K19Hc retained invariably strong activity against all bacteria in diverse conditions and also showed much reduced hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong Sik Jang
- Department of Life Science, Hoseo University, Asan City, Choongnam-Do 336-795, South Korea
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Urban C, Segal-Maurer S, Rahal JJ. Considerations in control and treatment of nosocomial infections due to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Clin Infect Dis 2003; 36:1268-74. [PMID: 12746772 DOI: 10.1086/374847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2002] [Accepted: 01/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to control infection due to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-Ab) by identifying isolates as clonally related, leading to enhanced infection-control measures, including cohorting, surveillance, contact precaution, initial therapy with ampicillin/sulbactam and local polymyxin B, and, more recently, therapy with synergistic antibiotic combinations. Class restriction of cephalosporins has been associated with a reduction in cephalosporins-cephamycin-carbapenem resistance among nosocomial Klebsiella isolates. This has been supplemented by restriction of carbapenem use after an initial 24-h period in an effort to reduce the selection of porin-deficient, carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Evidence is reviewed suggesting that eradication of MDR-Ab nosocomial colonization may prevent subsequent infection. Relatively few standard antibacterial drugs remain active against MDR-Ab. Published clinical results of therapy with these agents are reviewed, and in vitro evidence of synergy between them is presented that suggests that combination therapy should be studied for enhanced clinical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Urban
- Infectious Disease Section, New York Hospital Queens, Flushing, New York 11355-5095, USA
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