Effects of Four Isothiocyanates in Dissolved and Gaseous States on the Growth and Aflatoxin Production of Aspergillus flavus In Vitro

New Ground in Antifungal Discovery and Therapy for Invasive Fungal Infections: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

This review explores current advancements and challenges in antifungal therapies amid rising fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. We detail the limitations of existing antifungal classes-azoles, echinocandins, polyenes, and flucytosine-in managing systemic infections and the urgent need for alternative solutions. With the increasing incidence of resistance pathogens, such as Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus, we assess emerging antifungal agents, including Ibrexafungerp, T-2307, and N'-Phenylhydrazides, which target diverse fungal cell mechanisms. Innovations, such as nanoparticles, drug repurposing, and natural products, are also evaluated for their potential to improve efficacy and reduce resistance. We emphasize the importance of novel approaches to address the growing threat posed by fungal infections, particularly for patients with limited treatment options. Finally, we briefly examine the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of new antifungal treatments, diagnoses, and resistance prediction, which provides powerful tools in the fight against fungal pathogens. Overall, we highlight the pressing need for continued research to advance antifungal treatments and improve outcomes for high-risk populations.

Comprehensive Review of Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin A Dynamics: Emergence, Toxicological Impact, and Advanced Control Strategies

Filamentous fungi exhibit remarkable adaptability to diverse substrates and can synthesize a plethora of secondary metabolites. These metabolites, produced in response to environmental stimuli, not only confer selective advantages but also encompass potentially deleterious mycotoxins. Mycotoxins, exemplified by those originating from Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium species, represent challenging hazards to both human and animal health, thus warranting stringent regulatory control. Despite regulatory frameworks, mycotoxin contamination remains a pressing global challenge, particularly within cereal-based matrices and their derived by-products, integral components of animal diets. Strategies aimed at mitigating mycotoxin contamination encompass multifaceted approaches, including biological control modalities, detoxification procedures, and innovative interventions like essential oils. However, hurdles persist, underscoring the imperative for innovative interventions. This review elucidated the prevalence, health ramifications, regulatory paradigms, and evolving preventive strategies about two prominent mycotoxins, aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. Furthermore, it explored the emergence of new fungal species, and biocontrol methods using lactic acid bacteria and essential mustard oil, emphasizing their efficacy in mitigating fungal spoilage and mycotoxin production. Through an integrative examination of these facets, this review endeavored to furnish a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by mycotoxin contamination and the emergent strategies poised to ameliorate its impact on food and feed safety.

Isothiocyanates in medicine: A comprehensive review on phenylethyl-, allyl-, and benzyl-isothiocyanates

In recent years, isothiocyanates (ITCs), bioactive compounds primarily derived from Brassicaceae vegetables and herbs, have gained significant attention within the biomedical field due to their versatile biological effects. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the therapeutic potential and individual biological mechanisms of the three specific ITCs phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), as well as their collective impact within the formulation of ANGOCIN® Anti-Infekt N (Angocin). Angocin comprises horseradish root (Armoracia rusticanae radix, 80 mg) and nasturtium (Tropaeoli majoris herba, 200 mg) and is authorized for treating inflammatory diseases affecting the respiratory and urinary tract. The antimicrobial efficacy of this substance has been confirmed both in vitro and in various clinical trials, with its primary effectiveness attributed to ITCs. PEITC, AITC, and BITC exhibit a wide array of health benefits, including potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, along with noteworthy anticancer potentials. Moreover, we highlight their ability to modulate critical biochemical pathways, such as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways, shedding light on their involvement in cellular apoptosis and their intricate role to guide immune responses.

Benzyl isothiocyanate improves the prognosis of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis by reducing fungal load and inhibiting Mincle signal pathway

Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis is a potential blinding disease associated with A. fumigatus invasion and excessive inflammatory response. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a secondary metabolite with broad antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity extracted from cruciferous species. However, the role of BITC in A. fumigatus keratitis has not been discovered yet. This study aims to explore the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of BITC in A. fumigatus keratitis. Our results provided evidences that BITC exerted antifungal effects against A. fumigatus by damaging cell membranes, mitochondria, adhesion, and biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo, fungal load and inflammatory response including inflammatory cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were reduced in BITC-treated A. fumigatus keratitis. Additionally, BITC significantly decreased Mincle, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression in RAW264.7 cells that stimulated by A. fumigatus or Mincle ligand trehalose-6,6-dibehenate. In summary, BITC possessed fungicidal activities and could improve the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis by reducing fungal load and inhibiting the inflammatory response mediated by Mincle.