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de Moraes DC, Rollin-Pinheiro R, Pinto MDCFR, Domingos LTS, Barreto-Bergter E, Ferreira-Pereira A. Antifungal activity of β-lapachone against a fluconazole-resistant Candida auris strain. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01375-1. [PMID: 38743245 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01375-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida spp. can be found in the human microbiome. However, immunocompromised patients are likely to develop invasive Candida infections, with mortality rates higher than 50%. The discovery of C. auris, a species that rapidly acquire antifungal resistance, increased the concern about Candida infections. The limited number of antifungal agents and the high incidence of resistance to them make imperative the development of new antifungal drugs. β-lapachone is a biological active naphthoquinone that displays antifungal activity against C. albicans and C. glabrata. The aim of this study was to evaluate if this substance affects C. auris growth and elucidate its mechanism of action. A fluconazole-resistant C. auris isolate was used in this study. The antifungal activity of β-lapachone was determined through microbroth dilution assays, and its mechanism of action was evaluated using fluorescent probes. Interaction with fluconazole and amphotericin B was assessed by disk diffusion assay and checkerboard. β-lapachone inhibited planktonic C. auris cell growth by 92.7%, biofilm formation by 84.9%, and decrease the metabolism of preformed biofilms by 87.1% at 100 µg/ml. At 100 µg/ml, reductions of 30% and 59% of Calcofluor White and Nile red fluorescences were observed, indicating that β-lapachone affects cell wall chitin and neutral lipids content, respectively. Also, the ratio 590 nm/529 nm of JC-1 decreased 52%, showing that the compound affects mitochondria. No synergism was observed between β-lapachone and fluconazole or amphotericin B. Data show that β-lapachone may be a promising candidate to be used as monotherapy to treat C. auris resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Clemente de Moraes
- Universidade Estácio de Sá, 24020-340, Centro, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Freire Ribeiro Pinto
- Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Levy Tenório Sousa Domingos
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio Ferreira-Pereira
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.
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Yue D, Zheng D, Bai Y, Yang L, Yong J, Li Y. Insights into the anti-Candida albicans properties of natural phytochemicals: An in vitro and in vivo investigation. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2518-2538. [PMID: 38450815 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis, attributed to Candida albicans, has long been a formidable threat to human health. Despite the advent of effective therapeutics in recent decades, the mortality rate in affected patient populations remains discouraging. This is exacerbated by the emergence of multidrug resistance, significantly limiting the utility of conventional antifungals. Consequently, researchers are compelled to continuously explore novel solutions. Natural phytochemicals present a potential adjunct to the existing arsenal of agents. Previous studies have substantiated the efficacy of phytochemicals against C. albicans. Emerging evidence also underscores the promising application of phytochemicals in the realm of antifungal treatment. This review systematically delineates the inhibitory activity of phytochemicals, both in monotherapy and combination therapy, against C. albicans in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Moreover, it elucidates the mechanisms underpinning the antifungal properties, encompassing (i) cell wall and plasma membrane damage, (ii) inhibition of efflux pumps, (iii) induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, and (iv) inhibition of virulence factors. Subsequently, the review introduces the substantial potential of nanotechnology and photodynamic technology in enhancing the bioavailability of phytochemicals. Lastly, it discusses current limitations and outlines future research priorities, emphasizing the need for high-quality research to comprehensively establish the clinical efficacy and safety of phytochemicals in treating fungal infections. This review aims to inspire further contemplation and recommendations for the effective integration of natural phytochemicals in the development of new medicines for patients afflicted with C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daifan Yue
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongming Zheng
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxin Bai
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Linlan Yang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiangyan Yong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Contreras Martínez OI, Angulo Ortíz A, Santafé Patiño G. Mechanism of Antifungal Action of Monoterpene Isoespintanol against Clinical Isolates of Candida tropicalis. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185808. [PMID: 36144544 PMCID: PMC9505055 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing increase in infections by Candida spp., non-albicans, coupled with expressed drug resistance and high mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients, have made candidemia a great challenge. The efficacy of compounds of plant origin with antifungal potential has recently been reported as an alternative to be used. Our objective was to evaluate the mechanism of the antifungal action of isoespintanol (ISO) against clinical isolates of Candida tropicalis. Microdilution assays revealed fungal growth inhibition, showing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 326.6 and 500 µg/mL. The eradication of mature biofilms by ISO was between 20.3 and 25.8% after 1 h of exposure, being in all cases higher than the effect caused by amphotericin B (AFB), with values between 7.2 and 12.4%. Flow cytometry showed changes in the permeability of the plasma membrane, causing loss of intracellular material and osmotic balance; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the damage to the integrity of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, ISO induced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS). This indicates that the antifungal action of ISO is associated with damage to membrane integrity and the induction of iROS production, causing cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Angulo Ortíz
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
| | - Gilmar Santafé Patiño
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
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