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Boahen A, Chew SY, Neela VK, Than LTL. Limosilactobacillus reuteri 29A Cell-Free Supernatant Antibiofilm and Antagonistic Effects in Murine Model of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1681-1699. [PMID: 36881331 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10050-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal dysbiosis advocates burgeoning of devious human vaginal pathobionts like Candida species that possess multiple virulence properties and metabolic flexibility to cause infections. Inevitably, antifungal resistance may emerge due to their innate nature (e.g., biofilm formation), which assists in their virulence as well as the formation of persister cells after dispersal. In consequence, the phenomenon of biofilm involvement in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and its recurrence is becoming paramount. Lactic acid bacteria and their derivatives have proven to be hostile to Candida species. Here, we throw more light on the potency of the derivatives, i.e., cell-free supernatant (CFS) produced by an indigenously isolated vaginal Lactobacillus strain, Limosilactobacillus reuteri 29A. In the present study, we investigated the antibiofilm and antagonistic effects of L. reuteri 29A CFS, against biofilms of Candida species and in murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis. In our in vitro biofilm study, the CFS disrupted and inhibited preformed biofilms of C. albicans and C. glabrata. Scanning electron microscopy displayed the destruction of preformed biofilms and impediment of C. albicans morphogenesis by the CFS. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed multiple key compounds that may act singly or synergistically. In vivo, the CFS showed no collateral damage to uninfected mice; the integrity of infected vaginal tissues was restored by the administration of the CFS as seen from the cytological, histopathological, and electron microscopical analyses. The results of this study document the potential use of CFS as an adjuvant or prophylactic option in addressing vaginal fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Boahen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400 UPM, Malaysia
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400 UPM, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400 UPM, Malaysia.
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Biomolecules, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia.
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Kuan CS, Ng KP, Yew SM, Umar Meleh H, Seow HF, How KN, Yeo SK, Jee JM, Tan YC, Yee WY, Hoh CC, Velayuthan RD, Na SL, Masri SN, Chew SY, Than LTL. Comparative genomic and phenotypic analyses of pathogenic fungi Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and Bipolaris papendorfii isolated from human skin scraping. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1351-1372. [PMID: 37351789 PMCID: PMC10485236 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and Bipolaris species are fungal plant pathogens that have been reported to cause human diseases. Recently, we have isolated numerous N. dimidiatum and Bipolaris species from the skin scrapings and nails of different patients. In this work, we have sequenced the genome of one strain of N. dimidiatum. The sequenced genome was compared to that of a previously reported Bipolaris papendorfii genome for a better understanding of their complex lifestyle and broad host-range pathogenicity. Both N. dimidiatum UM 880 (~ 43 Mb) and B. papendorfii UM 226 (~ 33 Mb) genomes include 11,015-12,320 putative coding DNA sequences, of which 0.51-2.49% are predicted transposable elements. Analysis of secondary metabolism gene clusters revealed several genes involved in melanin biosynthesis and iron uptake. The arsenal of CAZymes related to plants pathogenicity is comparable between the species, including genes involved in hemicellulose and pectin decomposition. Several important gene encoding keratinolytic peptidases were identified in N. dimidiatum and B. papendorfii, reflecting their potential pathogenic role in causing skin and nail infections. In this study, additional information on the metabolic features of these two species, such as nutritional profiling, pH tolerance, and osmotolerant, are revealed. The genomic characterization of N. dimidiatum and B. papendorfii provides the basis for the future functional studies to gain further insights as to what makes these fungi persist in plants and why they are pathogenic to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Sian Kuan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kee Peng Ng
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Su Mei Yew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hadiza Umar Meleh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Heng Fong Seow
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kang Nien How
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siok Koon Yeo
- School of Biosciences, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jap Meng Jee
- School of Biosciences, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yung-Chie Tan
- Codon Genomics Sdn Bhd, 43200 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wai-Yan Yee
- Codon Genomics Sdn Bhd, 43200 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Choong Hoh
- Codon Genomics Sdn Bhd, 43200 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rukumani Devi Velayuthan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shiang Ling Na
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Norbaya Masri
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Pathology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Rangasamy P, Foo HL, Yusof BNM, Chew SY, Jamil AAM, Than LTL. Probiotic Strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri 29B is Proven Safe and Exhibits Potential Probiotic Traits in a Murine Vaginal Model. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023:10.1007/s12602-023-10094-2. [PMID: 37314695 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lactobacilli, the most common group of bacteria found in a healthy vaginal microbiota, have been demonstrated to act as a defence against colonisation and overgrowth of vaginal pathogens. These groups of bacteria have sparked interests in incorporating them as probiotics aimed at re-establishing balance within the urogenital ecosystem. In this study, the safety characteristics of Limosilactobacillus reuteri 29B (L29B) strain were evaluated through whole genome sequencing (WGS) and animal study. Cell culture assay and 16S rDNA analysis were done to evaluate the ability of the strain to colonise and adhere to the mouse vaginal tract, and RAST analysis was performed to screen for potential genes associated with probiotic trait. The histological study on the mice organs and blood analysis of the mice showed there was no incidence of inflammation. We also found no evidence of bacterial translocation. The cell culture assay on HeLa cells showed 85% of adhesion, and there was a significant reduction of Candida strain viability in displacement assay. As for the 16S rDNA analysis, there was a significant amount of L29B colonisation of the vaginal microflora. Taken together, the intravaginal administration of L29B significantly reduced the number Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcaceae that were present in mouse vaginal tract. It also improved and promoted a balanced vaginal microflora environment without causing any harm or irritation to mice. Limosilactobacillus 29B (L29B) is safe to be administered intravaginally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Premmala Rangasamy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hooi Ling Foo
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Research Laboratory of Probiotics and Cancer Therapeutics, UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory (CANRES), Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof
- Department of Dietetic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amilia Afzan Mohd Jamil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G), Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Biomolecules, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Bnfaga AA, Lee KW, Than LTL, Amin-Nordin S. Antimicrobial and immunoregulatory effects of Lactobacillus delbrueckii 45E against genitourinary pathogens. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:19. [PMID: 36959635 PMCID: PMC10037868 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactobacilli are essential microbiota that maintain a healthy, balanced vaginal environment. Vaginitis is a common infection in women during their reproductive years. Many factors are associated with vaginitis; one of them is the imbalance of microbiota in the vaginal environment. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus delbrueckii 45E (Ld45E) against several species of bacteria, namely, Group B Streptococcus (GBS), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Candida parapsilosis, as well as to determine the concentration of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the presence of Ld45E. METHODS The probiotic characteristics of Ld45E were evaluated by examining its morphology, pH tolerance, adhesive ability onto HeLa cells, hemolytic activity, antibiotic susceptibility, and autoaggregation ability. Then, the antimicrobial activity of Ld45E was determined using Ld45E culture, cell-free supernatant, and crude bacteriocin solution. Co-aggregation and competition ability assays against various pathogens were conducted. The immunoregulatory effects of Ld45E were analyzed by measuring the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistical significance. RESULTS Ld45E is 3-5 mm in diameter and round with a flat-shaped colony. pH 4 and 4.5 were the most favorable range for Ld45E growth within 12 h of incubation. Ld45E showed a strong adhesion ability onto HeLa cells (86%) and negative hemolytic activities. Ld45E was also sensitive to ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline. We found that it had a good autoaggregation ability of 80%. Regarding antagonistic properties, Ld45E culture showed strong antimicrobial activity against GBS, E. coli, and Klebsiella spp. but only a moderate effect on C. parapsilosis. Cell-free supernatant of Ld45E exerted the most potent inhibitory effects at 40 °C against all genital pathogens, whereas bacteriocin showed a robust inhibition at 37 °C and 40 °C. The highest co-aggregation affinity was observed with GBS (81%) and E. coli (40%). Competition ability against the adhesion of GBS (80%), E. coli (76%), Klebsiella (72%), and C. parapsilosis (58%) was found. Ld45E was able to reduce the induction of the proinflammatory protein IL-17. CONCLUSIONS Ld45E possessed antimicrobial and immunoregulatory properties, with better cell-on-cell activity than supernatant activity. Thus, Ld45E is a potential probiotic candidate for adjunct therapy to address vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameda Abdullah Bnfaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Para-Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Aden University, Aden, Yemen
| | - Kai Wei Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syafinaz Amin-Nordin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400, Serdang, Malaysia.
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Isa KNM, Jalaludin J, Hashim Z, Than LTL, Hashim JH, Norbäck D. Fungi composition in settled dust associated with fractional exhaled nitric oxide in school children with asthma. Sci Total Environ 2022; 853:158639. [PMID: 36089033 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungi exposure has been significantly linked to respiratory illness. However, numerous fungi taxa that are potentially allergenic still undocumented and leave a barrier to establishing a clear connection between exposure and health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the association of fungi composition in settled dust with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels among school children with doctor-diagnosed asthma. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among secondary school students in eight schools in the urban area of Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 470 school children (aged 14 years old) were randomly selected and their FeNO levels were measured and allergic skin prick tests were conducted. The settled dust samples were collected and analysed by using metagenomic technique to determine the fungi composition. The general linear regression with complex sampling was employed to determine the interrelationship. In total, 2645 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were characterised from the sequencing process which belongs to Ascomycota (60.7 %), Basidiomycota (36.4 %), Glomeromycota (2.9 %) and Chytridiomycota (0.04 %). The top five mostly abundance in all dust samples were Aspergillus clavatus (27.2 %), followed by Hyphoderma multicystidium (12.2 %), Verrucoconiothyrium prosopidis (9.4 %), Ganoderma tuberculosum (9.2 %), and Heterochaete shearii (7.2 %). The regression results indicated that A. clavatus, Brycekendrickomyces acaciae, Candida parapsilosis, Hazslinszkyomyces aloes, H. multicystidium, H. shearii, Starmerella meliponinorum, V. prosopidis were associated in increased of FeNO levels among the asthmatic group at 0.992 ppb (95 % CI = 0.34-1.68), 2.887 ppb (95 % CI = 2.09-3.76), 0.809 ppb (95 % CI = 0.14-1.49), 0.647 ppb (95 % CI = 0.36-0.94), 1.442 ppb (95 % CI = 0.29-2.61), 1.757 ppb (95 % CI = 0.59-2.87), 1.092 ppb (95 % CI = 0.43-1.75) and 1.088 ppb (95 % CI = 0.51-1.62), respectively. To our knowledge, this is a new finding. The findings pointed out that metagenomics profiling of fungi could enhance our understanding of a complex interrelation between rare and unculturable fungi with airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science, Universiti Selangor, Shah Alam Campus, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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Eow SY, Gan WY, Jiang T, Loh SP, Lee LJ, Chin YS, Than LTL, How KN, Thong PL, Liu Y, Zhao J, Chen L. MYBIOTA: A birth cohort on maternal and infant microbiota and its impact on infant health in Malaysia. Front Nutr 2022; 9:994607. [PMID: 36238465 PMCID: PMC9552002 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.994607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The microbiota plays a key role in early immunity maturation that affects infant health and is associated with the development of non-communicable diseases and allergies in later life. Objective The MYBIOTA is a prospective mother-infant cohort study in Malaysia aiming to determine the association between gut microbiota with infant health (temperament, gastrointestinal disorders, eczema, asthma, and developmental delays) in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods Pregnant mothers will be enrolled in their first trimester of pregnancy, and follow-ups will be done for infants during their first year of life. Maternal-infant biological samples (blood, feces, saliva, urine, and breast milk), anthropometric, dietary, and clinical information will be collected at different time points from early pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. Discussion This study could provide a better understanding of the colonization and development of the gut microbiome during early life and its impact on infant health. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT04919265.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiang Yen Eow
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Ying Gan
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tiemin Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Dairy Health for Maternal and Child, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Yinghai, Beijing, China
- South Asia Branch of National Engineering Center of Dairy for Maternal and Child Health, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, China
| | - Su Peng Loh
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ling Jun Lee
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yit Siew Chin
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Research Center of Excellence, Nutrition and Non-communicable Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kang Nien How
- Unit of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pui Ling Thong
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yanpin Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Dairy Health for Maternal and Child, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Yinghai, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Dairy, Beijing Technical Innovation Center of Human Milk Research, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Yinghai, Beijing, China
| | - Junying Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center of Dairy Health for Maternal and Child, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Yinghai, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Dairy, Beijing Technical Innovation Center of Human Milk Research, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Yinghai, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Dairy Health for Maternal and Child, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Yinghai, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Dairy, Beijing Technical Innovation Center of Human Milk Research, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Yinghai, Beijing, China
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Yap SK, Chin NL, Abdul Karim Shah NN, Than LTL, Niranjan K. Physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant properties and bacterial profiling of three Malaysian honey varieties: a study using multivariate analysis. J Sci Food Agric 2022; 102:5440-5451. [PMID: 35352371 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant properties, and bacterial profiles of Heterotrigona itama, Apis dorsata, and Apis mellifera honey of Malaysian origin were studied and the results were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). RESULTS The analysis showed that the Mellifera honey was characterized by high total sugar content (717.5 g kg-1 ); the Itama honey was characterized by high free acidity (347.5 meq kg-1 ); and the Dorsata honey was characterized by high radical scavenging activity (RSA; 69.3%RSA), total phenolic content (TPC; 1284.5 mg GAE kg-1 ) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF; 51.5 mg kg-1 ). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the TPC was positively correlated with HMF as well as RSA. The bacterial profile of Mellifera honey was significantly less diverse than Itama and Dorsata honey. Mellifera and Itama honey seemed to harbour a significant abundance of lactic acid bacteria, with relative abundance of 0.339 and 0.195, which suggests that it possesses probiotic potential. The Dorsata honey, however, contained pathogenic Clostridium genus, constituting 5% of its bacterial profile. CONCLUSION The characteristic properties of the three investigated honey, Itama, Dorsata, and Mellifera were identified. The distinctive characteristics of the honey varieties informed the development of appropriate processing strategies for retaining the beneficial qualities of raw honey. It is hoped that the results of this study will shine light on Malaysian honey in a highly competitive global market. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Khang Yap
- Department of Process and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nyuk Ling Chin
- Department of Process and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Nadiah Abdul Karim Shah
- Department of Process and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Keshavan Niranjan
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Ma PY, Chong CW, Than LTL, Sulong AB, Ho KL, Neela VK, Sekawi Z, Liew YK. Impact of IsaA Gene Disruption: Decreasing Staphylococcal Biofilm and Alteration of Transcriptomic and Proteomic Profiles. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061119. [PMID: 35744637 PMCID: PMC9229027 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus expresses diverse proteins at different stages of growth. The immunodominant staphylococcal antigen A (IsaA) is one of the proteins that is constitutively produced by S. aureus during colonisation and infection. SACOL2584 (or isaA) is the gene that encodes this protein. It has been suggested that IsaA can hydrolyse cell walls, and there is still need to study isaA gene disruption to analyse its impact on staphylococcal phenotypes and on alteration to its transcription and protein profiles. In the present study, the growth curve in RPMI medium (which mimics human plasma), autolytic activity, cell wall morphology, fibronectin and fibrinogen adhesion and biofilm formation of S. aureus SH1000 (wildtype) was compared to that of S. aureus MS001 (isaA mutant). RNA sequencing and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry were carried out on samples of both S. aureus strains taken during the exponential growth phase, followed by bioinformatics analysis. Disruption of isaA had no obvious effect on the growth curve and autolysis ability or thickness of cell walls, but this study revealed significant strength of fibronectin adherence in S. aureus MS001. In particular, the isaA mutant formed less biofilm than S. aureus SH1000. In addition, proteomics and transcriptomics showed that the adhesin/biofilm-related genes and hemolysin genes, such as sasF, sarX and hlgC, were consistently downregulated with isaA gene disruption. The majority of the upregulated genes or proteins in S. aureus MS001 were pur genes. Taken together, this study provides insight into how isaA disruption changes the expression of other genes and has implications regarding biofilm formation and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Yee Ma
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Chun Wie Chong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (L.T.L.T.); (V.K.N.); (Z.S.)
| | - Anita Binti Sulong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pusat Perubatan UKM, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Ket Li Ho
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (L.T.L.T.); (V.K.N.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (L.T.L.T.); (V.K.N.); (Z.S.)
| | - Yun Khoon Liew
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
- Correspondence:
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Visuvanathan T, Than LTL, Stanslas J, Chew SY, Vellasamy S. Revisiting Trigonella foenum-graecum L.: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potentialities. Plants 2022; 11:plants11111450. [PMID: 35684222 PMCID: PMC9182856 DOI: 10.3390/plants11111450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a medicinal plant that has been used as a food condiment as well as for its multiple therapeutic characteristics since ancient times. Fenugreek plant grows up to 60 cm in height, and its seeds are golden-yellow rhomboidal-shaped. Though fenugreek is more commonly known for its seeds, the leaves and stem have also been reported to have medicinal uses. These properties exhibited are due to the content of the secondary metabolites, also known as phytochemicals, in the fenugreek plant. Such metabolites are alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, and many others. Fenugreek has been used traditionally for numerous indications, such as aid in labour, lactation stimulant, and laxatives. In modern research, there have been several animal and clinical studies that have shown therapeutic effects of fenugreek when taken orally. Fenugreek is a suitable plant candidate with a high prospect of being used as a credible medicinal plant to derive new drugs. This review aims to summarize the physical and chemical properties of fenugreek and its bioactive compounds that have been isolated for medicinal purposes and discusses the traditional and pharmacological uses of fenugreek.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theysshana Visuvanathan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (T.V.); (L.T.L.T.); (S.Y.C.)
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (T.V.); (L.T.L.T.); (S.Y.C.)
| | - Johnson Stanslas
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (T.V.); (L.T.L.T.); (S.Y.C.)
| | - Shalini Vellasamy
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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Boahen A, Than LTL, Loke YL, Chew SY. The Antibiofilm Role of Biotics Family in Vaginal Fungal Infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:787119. [PMID: 35694318 PMCID: PMC9179178 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.787119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
“Unity in strength” is a notion that can be exploited to characterize biofilms as they bestow microbes with protection to live freely, escalate their virulence, confer high resistance to therapeutic agents, and provide active grounds for the production of biofilms after dispersal. Naturally, fungal biofilms are inherently resistant to many conventional antifungals, possibly owing to virulence factors as their ammunitions that persistently express amid planktonic transition to matured biofilm state. These ammunitions include the ability to form polymicrobial biofilms, emergence of persister cells post-antifungal treatment and acquisition of resistance genes. One of the major disorders affecting vaginal health is vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and its reoccurrence is termed recurrent VVC (RVVC). It is caused by the Candida species which include Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The aforementioned Candida species, notably C. albicans is a biofilm producing pathogen and habitually forms part of the vaginal microbiota of healthy women. Latest research has implicated the role of fungal biofilms in VVC, particularly in the setting of treatment failure and RVVC. Consequently, a plethora of studies have advocated the utilization of probiotics in addressing these infections. Specifically, the excreted or released compounds of probiotics which are also known as postbiotics are being actively researched with vast potential to be used as therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of VVC and RVVC. These potential sources of postbiotics are harnessed due to their proven antifungal and antibiofilm. Hence, this review discusses the role of Candida biofilm formation in VVC and RVVC. In addition, we discuss the application of pro-, pre-, post-, and synbiotics either individually or in combined regimen to counteract the abovementioned problems. A clear understanding of the role of biofilms in VVC and RVVC will provide proper footing for further research in devising novel remedies for prevention and treatment of vaginal fungal infections.
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Balakrishnan SN, Yamang H, Lorenz MC, Chew SY, Than LTL. Role of Vaginal Mucosa, Host Immunity and Microbiota in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060618. [PMID: 35745472 PMCID: PMC9230866 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent gynaecological disease characterised by vaginal wall inflammation that is caused by Candida species. VVC impacts almost three-quarters of all women throughout their reproductive years. As the vaginal mucosa is the first point of contact with microbes, vaginal epithelial cells are the first line of defence against opportunistic Candida infection by providing a physical barrier and mounting immunological responses. The mechanisms of defence against this infection are displayed through the rapid shedding of epithelial cells, the presence of pattern recognition receptors, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. The bacterial microbiota within the mucosal layer presents another form of defence mechanism within the vagina through acidic pH regulation, the release of antifungal peptides and physiological control against dysbiosis. The significant role of the microbiota in maintaining vaginal health promotes its application as one of the potential treatment modalities against VVC with the hope of alleviating the burden of VVC, especially the recurrent disease. This review discusses and summarises current progress in understanding the role of vaginal mucosa and host immunity upon infection, together with the function of vaginal microbiota in VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subatrra Nair Balakrishnan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.N.B.); (H.Y.)
| | - Haizat Yamang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.N.B.); (H.Y.)
| | - Michael C. Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.N.B.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.C.); (L.T.L.T.)
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.N.B.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.C.); (L.T.L.T.)
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12
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Philip N, Lung Than LT, Shah AM, Yuhana MY, Sekawi Z, Neela VK. Predictors of severe leptospirosis: a multicentre observational study from Central Malaysia. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1081. [PMID: 34666707 PMCID: PMC8527767 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is a re-emerging disease with vast clinical presentations, that ranges from subclinical or mild to severe and fatal outcomes. Leptospirosis can be managed well if diagnosed earlier, however, similar clinical presentations by several other febrile illnesses or co-infections, and laboratory diagnostic challenges due to the biphasic nature of the illness, often result in mis- or underdiagnosis, thereby lead to severe illness. Identification of clinical predictors for the severe form of the disease plays a crucial role in reducing disease complication and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to determine the clinical predictors associated with severe illness among leptospirosis patients from Central Malaysia through a prospective multicenter observational study. Methods A prospective multicenter observational study was performed on patients admitted for clinically suspected leptospirosis. Three hospitals namely Hospital Serdang, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah and Hospital Teluk Intan were included in the study. Among a total of 165 clinically suspected leptospirosis patients, 83 confirmed cases were investigated for clinical predictors for severe illness. Qualitative variables were performed using χ2 and the relationship between mild and severe cases was evaluated using logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict the independent variable for severity. Results Among the 83 patients, 50 showed mild disease and 33 developed severe illness. The mean age of the patients was 41.92 ± 17.99 and most were males (n = 54, 65.06%). We identified mechanical ventilation, acute kidney injury, septic shock, creatinine level of > 1.13 mg/dL, urea > 7 mmol/L, alanine aminotransferase > 50 IU, aspartate aminotransferase > 50 IU, and platelet < 150 × 109/L as factors associated with severe illness. Acute kidney injury, alanine aminotransferase > 50 IU and platelet < 150 × 109/L were defined as the independent factors for severity. Conclusions Lungs, liver and kidney involvement and septic shock were found as the prognostic factors for severe leptospirosis. Acute kidney injury, high level of alanine aminotransferase and low level of platelets were found to be independent predictors of severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraini Philip
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anim Md Shah
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Yazli Yuhana
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Isa KNM, Jalaludin J, Elias SM, Than LTL, Jabbar MA, Saudi ASM, Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z. Metagenomic characterization of indoor dust fungal associated with allergy and lung inflammation among school children. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021; 221:112430. [PMID: 34147866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of school children to indoor air pollutants has increased allergy and respiratory diseases. The objective of this study were to determine the toxicodynamic interaction of indoor pollutants exposure, biological and chemical with expression of adhesion molecules on eosinophil and neutrophil. A self-administered questionnaire, allergy skin test, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) analyser were used to collect information on health status, sensitization to allergens and respiratory inflammation, respectively among school children at age of 14 years. The sputum induced were analysed to determine the expression of CD11b, CD35, CD63 and CD66b on eosinophil and neutrophil by using flow cytometry technique. The particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), NO2, CO2, and formaldehyde, temperature, and relative humidity were measured inside the classrooms. The fungal DNA were extracted from settled dust collected from classrooms and evaluated using metagenomic techniques. We applied chemometric and regression in statistical analysis. A total of 1869 unique of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of fungi were identified with dominated at genus level by Aspergillus (15.8%), Verrucoconiothyrium (5.5%), and Ganoderma (4.6%). Chemometric and regression results revealed that relative abundance of T. asahii were associated with down regulation of CD66b expressed on eosinophil, and elevation of FeNO levels in predicting asthmatic children with model accuracy of 63.6%. Meanwhile, upregulation of CD11b expressed on eosinophil were associated with relative abundance of A. clavatus and regulated by PM2.5. There were significant association of P. bandonii with upregulation of CD63 expressed on neutrophil and exposure to NO2. Our findings indicate that exposure to PM2.5, NO2, T. asahii, P.bandonii and A.clavatus are likely interrelated with upregulation of activation and degranulation markers on both eosinophil and neutrophil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Saliza Mohd Elias
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Jabbar
- Department of Population Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Shakir Mohd Saudi
- Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science, Universiti Selangor, Shah Alam Campus, Seksyen 7, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Hassan Y, Chew SY, Than LTL. Candida glabrata: Pathogenicity and Resistance Mechanisms for Adaptation and Survival. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080667. [PMID: 34436206 PMCID: PMC8398317 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is a yeast of increasing medical relevance, particularly in critically ill patients. It is the second most isolated Candida species associated with invasive candidiasis (IC) behind C. albicans. The attributed higher incidence is primarily due to an increase in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) population, cancer, and diabetic patients. The elderly population and the frequent use of indwelling medical devices are also predisposing factors. This work aimed to review various virulence factors that facilitate the survival of pathogenic C. glabrata in IC. The available published research articles related to the pathogenicity of C. glabrata were retrieved and reviewed from four credible databases, mainly Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus. The articles highlighted many virulence factors associated with pathogenicity in C. glabrata, including adherence to susceptible host surfaces, evading host defences, replicative ageing, and producing hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., phospholipases, proteases, and haemolysins). The factors facilitate infection initiation. Other virulent factors include iron regulation and genetic mutations. Accordingly, biofilm production, tolerance to high-stress environments, resistance to neutrophil killings, and development of resistance to antifungal drugs, notably to fluconazole and other azole derivatives, were reported. The review provided evident pathogenic mechanisms and antifungal resistance associated with C. glabrata in ensuring its sustenance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahaya Hassan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano 700241, Nigeria;
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-39769-2373
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15
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Kamal LZM, Adam MAA, Shahpudin SNM, Shuib AN, Sandai R, Hassan NM, Tabana Y, Basri DF, Than LTL, Sandai D. Identification of Alkaloid Compounds Arborinine and Graveoline from Ruta angustifolia (L.) Pers for their Antifungal Potential against Isocitrate lyase (ICL1) gene of Candida albicans. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:221-236. [PMID: 33550536 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00523-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans has been reported globally as the most widespread pathogenic species contributing candidiasis from superficial to systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Their metabolic adaptation depends on glyoxylate cycle to survive in nutrient-limited host. The long term usage of fungistatic drugs and the lack of cidal drugs frequently result in strains that could resist commonly used antifungals and display multidrug resistance (MDR). In search of potential therapeutic intervention and novel fungicidals, we have explored a plant alkaloids, namely arborinine and graveoline for its antifungal potential. Alkaloids belongs to Rutaceae family have been reported with numerous antimicrobial activities. In this study, we aimed to isolate and identify the antifungal active alkaloids of R. angustifolia and assess antifungal effect targeting C. albicans isocitrate lyase (ICL) gene which regulates isocitrate lyase, key enzyme in glyoxylate cycle contributing to the virulence potential of C. albicans. Alkaloids were extracted by bioassay guided isolation technique which further identified by TLC profile and compared with the standard through HPLC and NMR analysis. The antifungal activities of the extracted alkaloids were quantified by means of MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration). The gene expression of the targeted gene upon treatment was analysed using RT-qPCR and western blot. Additionally, this study looked at the drug-likeness and potential toxicity effect of the active alkaloid compounds in silico analysis. Spectroscopic analysis showed that the isolated active alkaloids were characterized as acridone, furoquinoline, 4-quinolone known as arborinine and graveoline. Results showed that each compound significantly inhibited the growth of C. albicans at the dose of 250 to 500 µg/mL which confirm its antifungal activity. Each alkaloid was found to successfully downregulate the expression of both ICL1 gene CaIcl1 protein. Finally, ADMET analysis suggests a good prediction of chemical properties, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) that will contribute in drug discovery and development later on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laina Zarisa Mohd Kamal
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mowaffaq Adam Ahmed Adam
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nurfatimah Mohd Shahpudin
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Naqeeb Shuib
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Rosline Sandai
- Faculty of Language and Communication, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Norazian Mohd Hassan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dayang Fredalina Basri
- School of Diagnostic & Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
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Chew SY, Brown AJP, Lau BYC, Cheah YK, Ho KL, Sandai D, Yahaya H, Than LTL. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling revealed reprogramming of carbon metabolism in acetate-grown human pathogen Candida glabrata. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:1. [PMID: 33388061 PMCID: PMC7778802 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00700-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergence of Candida glabrata, which causes potential life-threatening invasive candidiasis, has been widely associated with high morbidity and mortality. In order to cause disease in vivo, a robust and highly efficient metabolic adaptation is crucial for the survival of this fungal pathogen in human host. In fact, reprogramming of the carbon metabolism is believed to be indispensable for phagocytosed C. glabrata within glucose deprivation condition during infection. METHODS In this study, the metabolic responses of C. glabrata under acetate growth condition was explored using high-throughput transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. RESULTS Collectively, a total of 1482 transcripts (26.96%) and 242 proteins (24.69%) were significantly up- or down-regulated. Both transcriptome and proteome data revealed that the regulation of alternative carbon metabolism in C. glabrata resembled other fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, with up-regulation of many proteins and transcripts from the glyoxylate cycle and gluconeogenesis, namely isocitrate lyase (ICL1), malate synthase (MLS1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1) and fructose 1,6-biphosphatase (FBP1). In the absence of glucose, C. glabrata shifted its metabolism from glucose catabolism to anabolism of glucose intermediates from the available carbon source. This observation essentially suggests that the glyoxylate cycle and gluconeogenesis are potentially critical for the survival of phagocytosed C. glabrata within the glucose-deficient macrophages. CONCLUSION Here, we presented the first global metabolic responses of C. glabrata to alternative carbon source using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. These findings implicated that reprogramming of the alternative carbon metabolism during glucose deprivation could enhance the survival and persistence of C. glabrata within the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Alistair J. P. Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Benjamin Yii Chung Lau
- Proteomics and Metabolomics (PROMET) Group, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Yoke Kqueen Cheah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Kok Lian Ho
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang Malaysia
| | - Hassan Yahaya
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
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Chee WJY, Chew SY, Than LTL. Vaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health. Microb Cell Fact 2020; 19:203. [PMID: 33160356 PMCID: PMC7648308 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-020-01464-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human vagina is colonised by a diverse array of microorganisms that make up the normal microbiota and mycobiota. Lactobacillus is the most frequently isolated microorganism from the healthy human vagina, this includes Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners, and Lactobacillus jensenii. These vaginal lactobacilli have been touted to prevent invasion of pathogens by keeping their population in check. However, the disruption of vaginal ecosystem contributes to the overgrowth of pathogens which causes complicated vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Predisposing factors such as menses, pregnancy, sexual practice, uncontrolled usage of antibiotics, and vaginal douching can alter the microbial community. Therefore, the composition of vaginal microbiota serves an important role in determining vagina health. Owing to their Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status, lactobacilli have been widely utilised as one of the alternatives besides conventional antimicrobial treatment against vaginal pathogens for the prevention of chronic vaginitis and the restoration of vaginal ecosystem. In addition, the effectiveness of Lactobacillus as prophylaxis has also been well-founded in long-term administration. This review aimed to highlight the beneficial effects of lactobacilli derivatives (i.e. surface-active molecules) with anti-biofilm, antioxidant, pathogen-inhibition, and immunomodulation activities in developing remedies for vaginal infections. We also discuss the current challenges in the implementation of the use of lactobacilli derivatives in promotion of human health. In the current review, we intend to provide insights for the development of lactobacilli derivatives as a complementary or alternative medicine to conventional probiotic therapy in vaginal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace Jeng Yang Chee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
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Philip N, Affendy NB, Masri SN, Yuhana MY, Than LTL, Sekawi Z, Neela VK. Combined PCR and MAT improves the early diagnosis of the biphasic illness leptospirosis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239069. [PMID: 32915919 PMCID: PMC7485768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of leptospirosis remains a challenge due to its non-specific symptoms and the biphasic nature of the illness. A comprehensive diagnosis that includes both molecular (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) and serology is vital for early detection of leptospirosis and to avoid misdiagnosis. However, not all samples could be subjected to both tests (serology and molecular) due to budget limitation, infrastructure, and technical expertise at least in resource-limited countries. We evaluated the usefulness of testing the clinically suspected leptospirosis cases with both techniques on all samples collected from the patients on the day of admission. Among the 165 patient’s blood/serum samples tested (from three hospitals in Central Malaysia), 43 (26%) showed positivity by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 63 (38%) by PCR, while 14 (8%) were positive by both MAT and PCR. For PCR, we tested two molecular targets (lipL32 by qPCR and 16S rDNA or rrs by nested PCR) and detected lipL32 in 47 (29%) and rrs gene in 63 (38%) patients. The use of more than one target gene for PCR increased the detection rates. Hence, a highly sensitive multiplex PCR targeting more than one diagnostic marker is recommended for the early detection of Leptospira in suspected patients. When the frequencies for positivity detected either by MAT or PCR combined, leptospirosis was diagnosed in a total of 92 (56%) patients, a higher frequency compared to when samples were only tested by a single method (MAT or PCR). The results from this study suggest the inclusion of both serology and molecular methods for every first sample irrespective of the days post-onset of symptoms (DPO) collected from patients for early diagnosis of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraini Philip
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norliza Bahtiar Affendy
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Norbaya Masri
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Yazli Yuhana
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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Mohd Isa KN, Hashim Z, Jalaludin J, Lung Than LT, Hashim JH. The Effects of Indoor Pollutants Exposure on Allergy and Lung Inflammation: An Activation State of Neutrophils and Eosinophils in Sputum. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E5413. [PMID: 32731346 PMCID: PMC7432088 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the inflammation phenotypes following indoor pollutants exposure based on marker expression on eosinophils and neutrophils with the application of chemometric analysis approaches. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken among secondary school students in eight suburban and urban schools in the district of Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. The survey was completed by 96 students at the age of 14 by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) and European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaires. The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured, and an allergic skin prick test and sputum induction were performed for all students. Induced sputum samples were analysed for the expression of CD11b, CD35, CD63, and CD66b on eosinophils and neutrophils by flow cytometry. The particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), NO2, CO2, and formaldehyde were measured inside the classrooms. RESULTS Chemometric and regression results have clustered the expression of CD63 with PM2.5, CD11b with NO2, CD66b with FeNO levels, and CO2 with eosinophils, with the prediction accuracy of the models being 71.88%, 76.04%, and 76.04%, respectively. Meanwhile, for neutrophils, the CD63 and CD66b clustering with PM2.5 and CD11b with FeNO levels showed a model prediction accuracy of 72.92% and 71.88%, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings indicated that the exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 was likely associated with the degranulation of eosinophils and neutrophils, following the activation mechanisms that led to the inflammatory reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.N.M.I.); (J.J.)
- Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.N.M.I.); (J.J.)
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.N.M.I.); (J.J.)
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- IIGH United Nations University, UKM Medical Centre, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
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Lim FL, Hashim Z, Than LTL, Md Said S, Hashim JH, Norbäck D. Respiratory health among office workers in Malaysia and endotoxin and (1,3)-β-glucan in office dust. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2020; 23:1171-1177. [PMID: 31718753 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.18.0668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between endotoxin and (1,3)-β-glucan concentrations in office dust and respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation among 695 office workers in Malaysia.METHODS: Health data were collected using a questionnaire, sensitisation testing and measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Indoor temperature, relative air humidity (RH) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) were measured in the offices and settled dust was vacuumed and analysed for endotoxin and (1,3)-β-glucan concentrations. Associations were analysed by two level multiple logistic regression.RESULTS: Overall, 9.6% of the workers had doctor-diagnosed asthma, 15.5% had wheeze, 18.4% had daytime attacks of breathlessness and 25.8% had elevated FeNO (≥25 ppb). The median levels in office dust were 11.3 EU/mg endotoxin and 62.9 ng/g (1,3)-β-glucan. After adjusting for personal and home environment factors, endotoxin concentration in dust was associated with wheeze (P = 0.02) and rhinoconjunctivitis (P = 0.007). The amount of surface dust (P = 0.04) and (1,3)-β-glucan concentration dust (P = 0.03) were associated with elevated FeNO.CONCLUSION: Endotoxin in office dust could be a risk factor for wheeze and rhinoconjunctivitis among office workers in mechanically ventilated offices in a tropical country. The amount of dust and (1,3)-β-glucan (a marker of indoor mould exposure) were associated with Th2 driven airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor
| | - Z Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor
| | - L T L Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor
| | - S Md Said
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor
| | - J H Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - D Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Philip N, Bahtiar Affendy N, Ramli SNA, Arif M, Raja P, Nagandran E, Renganathan P, Taib NM, Masri SN, Yuhana MY, Than LTL, Seganathirajah M, Goarant C, Goris MGA, Sekawi Z, Neela VK. Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri are the dominant Leptospira species causing human leptospirosis in Central Malaysia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008197. [PMID: 32203511 PMCID: PMC7117766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat-urine disease, is a global but endemic zoonotic disease in the tropics. Despite the historical report of leptospirosis in Malaysia, the information on human-infecting species is limited. Determining the circulating species is important to understand its epidemiology, thereby to strategize appropriate control measures through public health interventions, diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccine development. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS We investigated the human-infecting Leptospira species in blood and serum samples collected from clinically suspected leptospirosis patients admitted to three tertiary care hospitals in Malaysia. From a total of 165 patients, 92 (56%) were confirmed cases of leptospirosis through Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) (n = 43; 47%), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (n = 63; 68%) or both MAT and PCR (n = 14; 15%). The infecting Leptospira spp., determined by partial 16S rDNA (rrs) gene sequencing revealed two pathogenic species namely Leptospira interrogans (n = 44, 70%) and Leptospira kirschneri (n = 17, 27%) and one intermediate species Leptospira wolffii (n = 2, 3%). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) identified an isolate of L. interrogans as a novel sequence type (ST 265), suggesting that this human-infecting strain has a unique genetic profile different from similar species isolated from rodents so far. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri were identified as the dominant Leptospira species causing human leptospirosis in Central Malaysia. The existence of novel clinically important ST 265 (infecting human), that is different from rodent L. interrogans strains cautions reservoir(s) of these Leptospira lineages are yet to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraini Philip
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norliza Bahtiar Affendy
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nur Alia Ramli
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Arif
- Center of Excellence in Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Pappitha Raja
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Elanngovan Nagandran
- Clinical Research Centre Unit, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pukunan Renganathan
- Clinical Research Centre Unit, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Niazlin Mohd Taib
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Norbaya Masri
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Yazli Yuhana
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mithra Seganathirajah
- General Medicine, Hospital Serdang, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Puchong, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Cyrille Goarant
- Institut Pasteur de Noume´a, Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Noume´a, New Caledonia
| | - Marga G. A. Goris
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis Academic Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Wan Yusoff WSY, Abdullah M, Sekawi Z, Amran F, Yuhana MY, Mohd Taib N, Yap IKS, Than LTL, Md Shah A, van Belkum A, Amin Nordin S. Raised levels of Il-6, Il-17a, and Il-22 in fatal leptospirosis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:2349-2353. [PMID: 31529307 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03699-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clinical manifestations of leptospirosis range from mild, common cold-like illness, to a life-threatening condition. The host immune response has been hypothesized to play a major role in leptospirosis outcome. Increased levels of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, may promote tissue damage that lead to increased disease severity. The question is whether cytokines levels may predict the outcome of leptospirosis and guide patient management. This study aimed to assess the association between Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-related cytokines with the clinical outcome of patients with leptospirosis. Different cytokine levels were measured in fifty-two plasma samples of hospitalized patients diagnosed with leptospirosis in Malaysia (January 2016-December 2017). Patients were divided into two separate categories: survived (n = 40) and fatal outcome (n = 12). Nineteen plasma samples from healthy individuals were obtained as controls. Cytokine quantification was performed using Simple Plex™ assays from ProteinSimple (San Jose, CA, USA). Measurements were done in triplicate and statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad software and SPSS v20. IL-6 (p = 0.033), IL-17A (p = 0.022), and IL-22 (p = 0.046) were significantly elevated in fatal cases. IL-17A concentration (OR 1.115; 95% CI 1.010-1.231) appeared to be an independent predictor of fatality of leptospirosis. Significantly higher levels of TNF-α (p ≤ 0.0001), IL-6 (p ≤ 0.0001), IL-10 (p ≤ 0.0001), IL-12 (p ≤ 0.0001), IL17A (p ≤ 0.0001), and IL-18 (p ≤ 0.0001) were observed among leptospirosis patients in comparison with healthy controls. Our study shows that certain cytokine levels may serve as possible prognostic biomarkers in leptospirosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Shahriman Yushdie Wan Yusoff
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Maha Abdullah
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fairuz Amran
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Bacteriology Unit, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Yazli Yuhana
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Niazlin Mohd Taib
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ivan Kok Seng Yap
- Department of Life Sciences, International Medical University, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Taman Esplanade, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anim Md Shah
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alex van Belkum
- Clinical Unit, bioMérieux, 3 route de Port Michaud, 38390, La Balme-les-Grottes, France
| | - Syafinaz Amin Nordin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Chew SY, Chee WJY, Than LTL. The glyoxylate cycle and alternative carbon metabolism as metabolic adaptation strategies of Candida glabrata: perspectives from Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:52. [PMID: 31301737 PMCID: PMC6626413 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbon utilization and metabolism are fundamental to every living organism for cellular growth. For intracellular human fungal pathogens such as Candida glabrata, an effective metabolic adaptation strategy is often required for survival and pathogenesis. As one of the host defence strategies to combat invading pathogens, phagocytes such as macrophages constantly impose restrictions on pathogens' access to their preferred carbon source, glucose. Surprisingly, it has been reported that engulfed C. glabrata are able to survive in this harsh microenvironment, further suggesting alternative carbon metabolism as a potential strategy for this opportunistic fungal pathogen to persist in the host. MAIN TEXT In this review, we discuss alternative carbon metabolism as a metabolic adaptation strategy for the pathogenesis of C. glabrata. As the glyoxylate cycle is an important pathway in the utilization of alternative carbon sources, we also highlight the key metabolic enzymes in the glyoxylate cycle and its necessity for the pathogenesis of C. glabrata. Finally, we explore the transcriptional regulatory network of the glyoxylate cycle. CONCLUSION Considering evidence from Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this review summarizes the current knowledge of the glyoxylate cycle as an alternative carbon metabolic pathway of C. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wallace Jeng Yang Chee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Fish-Low CY, Than LTL, Ling KH, Lin Q, Sekawi Z. Plasma proteome profiling reveals differentially expressed lipopolysaccharide-binding protein among leptospirosis patients. J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2019; 53:157-162. [PMID: 31029530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human leptospirosis, or commonly known as "rat urine disease" is a zoonotic disease that is caused by the bacteria called Leptospira sp. The incidence rate of leptospirosis has been under-reported due to its unspecific clinical symptoms and the limitations of current laboratory diagnostic methods. Leptospirosis can be effectively treated with antibiotics in the early stage, and it is a curable disease but the accuracy to diagnose the infection is rarely achieved. METHODS The present pilot study investigated plasma protein profiles of leptospirosis patients and compared them against two control groups which consisted of dengue patients and healthy individuals. The plasma protein digests were analyzed using shotgun approach by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Protein abundances were estimated from the exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI) values. Plasma proteins in leptospirosis patients with at least two-fold differential expression compared to dengue and healthy control groups (p < 0.05, ANOVA) were identified. RESULTS Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) was found to be the only protein that has significant different expression between leptospirosis and the two control groups. The expression levels of leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG1) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) were different significantly between leptospirosis and healthy group but not to the dengue control group. CONCLUSION This is the first plasma proteome-based study on leptospirosis that reports the differential expression of LBP compared to both dengue and healthy controls, which has not been previously reported in the context of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yee Fish-Low
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Chew SY, Ho KL, Cheah YK, Ng TS, Sandai D, Brown AJP, Than LTL. Glyoxylate cycle gene ICL1 is essential for the metabolic flexibility and virulence of Candida glabrata. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2843. [PMID: 30808979 PMCID: PMC6391369 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39117-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Candida glabrata appears to utilise unique stealth, evasion and persistence strategies in subverting the onslaught of host immune response during systemic infection. However, macrophages actively deprive the intracellular fungal pathogen of glucose, and therefore alternative carbon sources probably support the growth and survival of engulfed C. glabrata. The present study aimed to investigate the role of the glyoxylate cycle gene ICL1 in alternative carbon utilisation and its importance for the virulence of C. glabrata. The data showed that disruption of ICL1 rendered C. glabrata unable to utilise acetate, ethanol or oleic acid. In addition, C. glabrata icl1∆ cells displayed significantly reduced biofilm growth in the presence of several alternative carbon sources. It was also found that ICL1 is crucial for the survival of C. glabrata in response to macrophage engulfment. Disruption of ICL1 also conferred a severe attenuation in the virulence of C. glabrata in the mouse model of invasive candidiasis. In conclusion, a functional glyoxylate cycle is essential for C. glabrata to utilise certain alternative carbon sources in vitro and to display full virulence in vivo. This reinforces the view that antifungal drugs that target fungal Icl1 have potential for future therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kok Lian Ho
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yoke Kqueen Cheah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tzu Shan Ng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Liew WPP, Mohd-Redzwan S, Than LTL. Gut Microbiota Profiling of Aflatoxin B1-Induced Rats Treated with Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E49. [PMID: 30658400 PMCID: PMC6357033 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a ubiquitous carcinogenic food contaminant. Gut microbiota is of vital importance for the host's health, regrettably, limited studies have reported the effects of xenobiotic toxins towards gut microbiota. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the interactions between AFB1 and the gut microbiota. Besides, an AFB1-binding microorganism, Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs) was tested on its ability to ameliorate the changes on gut microbiota induced by AFB1. The fecal contents of three groups of rats included an untreated control group, an AFB1 group, as well as an Lcs + AFB1 group, were analyzed. Using the MiSeq platform, the PCR products of 16S rDNA gene extracted from the feces were subjected to next-generation sequencing. The alpha diversity index (Shannon) showed that the richness of communities increased significantly in the Lcs + AFB1 group compared to the control and AFB1 groups. Meanwhile, beta diversity indices demonstrated that AFB1 group significantly deviated from the control and Lcs + AFB1 groups. AFB1-exposed rats were especially high in Alloprevotella spp. abundance. Such alteration in the bacterial composition might give an insight on the interactions of AFB1 towards gut microbiota and how Lcs plays its role in detoxification of AFB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie-Pui-Pui Liew
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Sabran Mohd-Redzwan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Ting SY, Ishola OA, Ahmed MA, Tabana YM, Dahham S, Agha MT, Musa SF, Muhammed R, Than LTL, Sandai D. Metabolic adaptation via regulated enzyme degradation in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. J Mycol Med 2016; 27:98-108. [PMID: 28041812 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The virulence of Candida albicans is dependent upon fitness attributes as well as virulence factors. These attributes include robust stress responses and metabolic flexibility. The assimilation of carbon sources is important for growth and essential for the establishment of infections by C. albicans. Previous studies showed that the C. albicans ICL1 genes, which encode the glyoxylate cycle enzymes isocitratelyase are required for growth on non-fermentable carbon sources such as lactate and oleic acid and were repressed by 2% glucose. In contrast to S. cerevsiae, the enzyme CaIcl1 was not destabilised by glucose, resulting with its metabolite remaining at high levels. Further glucose addition has caused CaIcl1 to lose its signal and mechanisms that trigger destabilization in response to glucose. Another purpose of this study was to test the stability of the Icl1 enzyme in response to the dietary sugars, fructose, and galactose. In the present study, the ICL1 mRNAs expression was quantified using Quantitative Real Time PCR, whereby the stability of protein was measured and quantified using Western blot and phosphoimager, and the replacing and cloning of ICL1 ORF by gene recombination and ubiquitin binding was conducted via co-immuno-precipitation. Following an analogous experimental approach, the analysis was repeated using S. cerevisiaeas a control. Both galactose and fructose were found to trigger the degradation of the ICL1 transcript in C. albicans. The Icl1 enzyme was stable following galactose addition but was degraded in response to fructose. C. albicans Icl1 (CaIcl1) was also subjected to fructose-accelerated degradation when expressed in S. cerevisiae, indicating that, although it lacks a ubiquitination site, CaIcl1 is sensitive to fructose-accelerated protein degradation. The addition of an ubiquitination site to CaIcl1 resulted in this enzyme becoming sensitive to galactose-accelerated degradation and increases its rate of degradation in the presence of fructose. It can be concluded that ubiquitin-independent pathways of fructose-accelerated enzyme degradation exist in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Ting
- Infectomics Cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia
| | - O A Ishola
- Infectomics Cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia
| | - M A Ahmed
- Infectomics Cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia
| | - Y M Tabana
- Infectomics Cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia
| | - S Dahham
- Infectomics Cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia
| | - M T Agha
- Infectomics Cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia
| | - S F Musa
- Infectomics Cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia
| | - R Muhammed
- Regenerative medicine cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, UniversitiSains Malaysia, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia
| | - L T L Than
- Department of medical microbiology and parasitology, faculty of medicine and health sciences, universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - D Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, advanced medical and dental institute, universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Bertam Penang, Malaysia.
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Ishola OA, Ting SY, Tabana YM, Ahmed MA, Yunus MA, Mohamed R, Lung Than LT, Sandai D. The Role of Isocitrate Lyase (ICL1) in the Metabolic Adaptation of Candida albicans Biofilms. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2016; 9:e38031. [PMID: 27800147 PMCID: PMC5086032 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.38031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A major characteristic of Candida biofilm cells that differentiates them from free-floating cells is their high tolerance to antifungal drugs. This high resistance is attributed to particular biofilm properties, including the accumulation of extrapolymeric substances, morphogenetic switching, and metabolic flexibility. Objectives This study evaluated the roles of metabolic processes (in particular the glyoxylate cycle) on biofilm formation, antifungal drug resistance, morphology, and cell wall components. Methods Growth, adhesion, biofilm formation, and cell wall carbohydrate composition were quantified for isogenic Candida albicans ICL1/ICL1, ICL1/icl1, and icl1/icl1 strains. The morphology and topography of these strains were compared by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. FKS1 (glucan synthase), ERG11 (14-α-demethylase), and CDR2 (efflux pump) mRNA levels were quantified using qRT-PCR. Results The ICL1/icl1 and icl1/icl1 strains formed similar biofilms and exhibited analogous drug-tolerance levels to the control ICL1/ICL1 strains. Furthermore, the drug sequestration ability of β-1, 3-glucan, a major carbohydrate component of the extracellular matrix, was not impaired. However, the inactivation of ICL1 did impair morphogenesis. ICL1 deletion also had a considerable effect on the expression of the FKS1, ERG11, and CDR2 genes. FKS1 and ERG11 were upregulated in ICL1/icl1 and icl1/icl1 cells throughout the biofilm developmental stages, and CDR2 was upregulated at the early phase. However, their expression was downregulated compared to the control ICL1/ICL1 strain. Conclusions We conclude that the glyoxylate cycle is not a specific determinant of biofilm drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seng Yeat Ting
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Yasser M Tabana
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Mowaffaq Adam Ahmed
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Amir Yunus
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Rafeezul Mohamed
- Regenerative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
- Corresponding author: Doblin Sandai, Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia. Tel: +60-45622386, Fax: +60-194951073, E-mail: ,
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Chew SY, Than LTL. Vulvovaginal candidosis: contemporary challenges and the future of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. Mycoses 2016; 59:262-73. [PMID: 26765516 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is a common gynaecological disorder that is delineated by the inflammation of vaginal wall and it is caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida species. In fact, three out of every four women will experience at least one occasion of VVC during some point in their lives. Although uncomplicated VVC is relatively harmless, the complicated VVC such as recurrent attack often creates restlessness and depression in the patients, thus greatly affects their quality of life. Managements of VVC are usually associated with the use of antimycotic suppositories, topical cream or oral agents. These antimycotic agents are either available over-the-counter or prescribed by the clinicians. In recent decades, the rise of clinical challenges such as the increased prevalence of resistant Candida strains, recurrent VVC infection and adverse effects of multidrug interactions have necessitated the development of novel therapeutic or prophylactic options to combat the complicated VVC in the future. In this review, we discuss the current antimycotic treatments available for Candida vaginitis and the problems that exist in these seemingly effective treatments. Besides, we attempt to contemplate some of the future and prospective strategies surrounding the development of alternative therapeutic and prophylactic options in treating and preventing complicated VVC respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43300, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43300, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Ng TS, Chew SY, Rangasamy P, Mohd Desa MN, Sandai D, Chong PP, Than LTL. SNF3 as High Affinity Glucose Sensor and Its Function in Supporting the Viability of Candida glabrata under Glucose-Limited Environment. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1334. [PMID: 26648919 PMCID: PMC4664639 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is an emerging human fungal pathogen that has efficacious nutrient sensing and responsiveness ability. It can be seen through its ability to thrive in diverse range of nutrient limited-human anatomical sites. Therefore, nutrient sensing particularly glucose sensing is thought to be crucial in contributing to the development and fitness of the pathogen. This study aimed to elucidate the role of SNF3 (Sucrose Non Fermenting 3) as a glucose sensor and its possible role in contributing to the fitness and survivability of C. glabrata in glucose-limited environment. The SNF3 knockout strain was constructed and subjected to different glucose concentrations to evaluate its growth, biofilm formation, amphotericin B susceptibility, ex vivo survivability and effects on the transcriptional profiling of the sugar receptor repressor (SRR) pathway-related genes. The CgSNF3Δ strain showed a retarded growth in low glucose environments (0.01 and 0.1%) in both fermentation and respiration-preferred conditions but grew well in high glucose concentration environments (1 and 2%). It was also found to be more susceptible to amphotericin B in low glucose environment (0.1%) and macrophage engulfment but showed no difference in the biofilm formation capability. The deletion of SNF3 also resulted in the down-regulation of about half of hexose transporters genes (four out of nine). Overall, the deletion of SNF3 causes significant reduction in the ability of C. glabrata to sense limited surrounding glucose and consequently disrupts its competency to transport and perform the uptake of this critical nutrient. This study highlighted the role of SNF3 as a high affinity glucose sensor and its role in aiding the survivability of C. glabrata particularly in glucose limited environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu Shan Ng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaSerdang, Malaysia
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaSerdang, Malaysia
| | - Premmala Rangasamy
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaSerdang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd N. Mohd Desa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaSerdang, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains MalaysiaBertam, Malaysia
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaSerdang, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaSerdang, Malaysia
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Ng TS, Mohd Desa MN, Sandai D, Chong PP, Than LTL. Phylogenetic and Transcripts Profiling of Glucose Sensing Related Genes in Candida glabrata. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e25177. [PMID: 26855740 PMCID: PMC4735840 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.25177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The sensing mechanism of glucose in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is well studied. However, such information is scarcely found in other yeast species such as Candida glabrata. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the glucose sensing pathway related genes of C. glabrata and to analyze the regulation pattern of these genes in response to different surrounding glucose concentrations through the quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Materials and Methods: Phylogenetic analysis was carried out on predicted amino acid sequences of C. glabrata and S. cerevisiae to compare their degree of similarity. In addition, the growth of C. glabrata in response to different amounts of glucose (0%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1% and 2%) was evaluated via the spot dilution assay on prepared agar medium. Besides, the SNF3 and RGT2, which act as putative glucose sensors, and the RGT1 and MIG1, which act as putative transcriptional regulators and selected downstream hexose transporters (HXTs), were analysed through qRT-PCR analysis for the gene expression level under different glucose concentrations. Results: Comparative analysis of predicted amino acids in the phylogenetic tree showed high similarity between C. glabrata and S cerevisiae. Besides, C. glabrata demonstrated the capability to grow in glucose levels as low as 0.01% in the spot dilution assay. In qRT-PCR analysis, differential expressions were observed in selected genes when C. glabrata was subjected to different glucose concentrations. Conclusions: The constructed phylogenetic tree suggests the close evolutionary relationship between C. glabrata and S. cerevisiae. The capability of C. glabrata to grow in extremely low glucose environments and the differential expression of selected glucose-sensing related genes suggested the possible role of these genes in modulating the growth of C. glabrata in response to different glucose concentrations. This study helps deepen our understanding of the glucose sensing mechanism in C. glabrata and serves to provide fundamental data that may assist in unveiling this mechanism as a potential drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu Shan Ng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Corresponding author: Leslie Thian Lung Than, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: +60-389472373, Fax: +60-389413802, E-mail:
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Ng TS, Desa MNM, Sandai D, Chong PP, Than LTL. Growth, biofilm formation, antifungal susceptibility and oxidative stress resistance of Candida glabrata are affected by different glucose concentrations. Infect Genet Evol 2015; 40:331-338. [PMID: 26358577 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Glucose is an important fuel source to support many living organisms. Its importance in the physiological fitness and pathogenicity of Candida glabrata, an emerging human fungal pathogen has not been extensively studied. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of glucose on the growth, biofilm formation, antifungal susceptibility and oxidative stress resistance of C. glabrata. In addition, its effect on the expression of a putative high affinity glucose sensor gene, SNF3 was also investigated. Glucose concentrations were found to exert effects on the physiological responses of C. glabrata. The growth rate of the species correlated positively to the amount of glucose. In addition, low glucose environments were found to induce C. glabrata to form biofilm and resist amphotericin B. Conversely, high glucose environments promoted oxidative stress resistance of C. glabrata. The expression of CgSNF3 was found to be significantly up-regulated in low glucose environments. The expression of SNF3 gene in clinical isolates was found to be higher compared to ATCC laboratory strains in low glucose concentrations, which may explain the better survivability of clinical isolates in the low glucose environment. These observations demonstrated the impact of glucose in directing the physiology and virulence fitness of C. glabrata through the possible modulation by SNF3 as a glucose sensor, which in turn aids the species to adapt, survive and thrive in hostile host environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu Shan Ng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Lim FL, Hashim Z, Md Said S, Than LTL, Hashim JH, Norbäck D. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) among office workers in an academic institution, Malaysia--associations with asthma, allergies and office environment. J Asthma 2015; 53:170-8. [PMID: 26300213 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2015.1077861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are few studies on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and respiratory symptoms among adults in tropical areas. The aim was to study associations between FeNO and selected personal factors, respiratory symptoms, allergies, office characteristics and indoor office exposures among office workers (n = 460) from a university in Malaysia. METHODS Information on health was collected by a questionnaire, skin prick test and FeNO measurement. Temperature, relative air humidity, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were measured in the offices. Settled dust was vacuumed in the offices and analyzed for endotoxin, (1,3)-β-glucan and house dust mites allergens, namely Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f 1). Two-level linear mixed models and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the associations. RESULTS One-fourth (25.9%) of the office workers had elevated FeNO level (≥ 25 ppb) and 61.5% had HDM, cat, seafood or pollen allergy. Male gender (p < 0.001), current smoking (p = 0.037), height (p < 0.001) and atopy (p < 0.001) were associated with FeNO. The amount of vacuumed dust was associated with FeNO among atopic subjects (p = 0.009). Asthma and rhinitis symptoms were associated with FeNO (p < 0.05), especially among atopic subjects. In particular, a combination of atopy and elevated FeNO were associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (p < 0.001), rhinitis (p < 0.001) and airway symptoms last 12 months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Gender, smoking, height and atopy are important risk factors for elevated FeNO levels. A combination of allergy testing and FeNO measurement could be useful in respiratory illness epidemiology studies and patient investigations in tropical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lee Lim
- a Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
| | | | | | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- c Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Universiti Putra Malaysia , UPM Serdang , Selangor , Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- d United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), UKM Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia .,e Department of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences , National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Aziz , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia , and
| | - Dan Norbäck
- f Department of Medical Sciences , Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University and University Hospital , Uppsala , Sweden
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Chew SY, Cheah YK, Seow HF, Sandai D, Than LTL. In vitro modulation of probiotic bacteria on the biofilm of Candida glabrata. Anaerobe 2015; 34:132-8. [PMID: 26028405 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A conspicuous new concept of pathogens living as the microbial societies in the human host rather than free planktonic cells has raised considerable concerns among scientists and clinicians. Fungal biofilms are communities of cells that possess distinct characteristic such as increased resistance to the immune defence and antimycotic agents in comparison to their planktonic cells counterpart. Therefore, inhibition of the biofilm may represent a new paradigm for antifungal development. In this study, we aim to evaluate the in vitro modulation of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)-causing Candida glabrata biofilms using probiotic lactobacilli strains. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 were shown to have completely inhibited C. glabrata biofilms and the results were corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed scanty structures of the mixed biofilms of C. glabrata and probiotic lactobacilli strains. In addition, biofilm-related C. glabrata genes EPA6 and YAK1 were downregulated in response to the probiotic lactobacilli challenges. The present study suggested that probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 strains inhibited C. glabrata biofilm by partially impeding the adherence of yeast cells and the effect might be contributed by the secretory compounds produced by these probiotic lactobacilli strains. Further investigations are required to examine and identify the biofilm inhibitory compounds and the mechanism of probiotic actions of these lactobacilli strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yoke Kqueen Cheah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Heng Fong Seow
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Lim FL, Hashim Z, Than LTL, Md Said S, Hisham Hashim J, Norbäck D. Asthma, Airway Symptoms and Rhinitis in Office Workers in Malaysia: Associations with House Dust Mite (HDM) Allergy, Cat Allergy and Levels of House Dust Mite Allergens in Office Dust. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124905. [PMID: 25923543 PMCID: PMC4414577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A prevalence study was conducted among office workers in Malaysia (N= 695). The aim of this study was to examine associations between asthma, airway symptoms, rhinitis and house dust mites (HDM) and cat allergy and HDM levels in office dust. Medical data was collected by a questionnaire. Skin prick tests were performed for HDM allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae) and cat allergen Felis domesticus. Indoor temperature and relative air humidity (RH) were measured in the offices and vacuumed dust samples were analyzed for HDM allergens. The prevalence of D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and cat allergy were 50.3%, 49.0% and 25.5% respectively. Totally 9.6% had doctor-diagnosed asthma, 15.5% had current wheeze and 53.0% had current rhinitis. The Der p 1 (from D. pteronyssinus) and Der f 1 (from D. farinae) allergens levels in dust were 556 ng/g and 658 ng/g respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted by multilevel logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, current smoking, HDM or cat allergy, home dampness and recent indoor painting at home. Office workers with HDM allergy had more wheeze (p= 0.035), any airway symptoms (p= 0.032), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.005), current asthma (p= 0.007), current rhinitis (p= 0.021) and rhinoconjuctivitis (p< 0.001). Cat allergy was associated with wheeze (p= 0.021), wheeze when not having a cold (p= 0.033), any airway symptoms (p= 0.034), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.010), current asthma (p= 0.020) and nasal allergy medication (p= 0.042). Der f 1 level in dust was associated with daytime breathlessness (p= 0.033) especially among those with HDM allergy. Der f 1 levels were correlated with indoor temperature (p< 0.001) and inversely correlated with RH (p< 0.001). In conclusion, HDM and cat allergies were common and independently associated with asthma, airway symptoms and rhinitis. Der f 1 allergen can be a risk factor for daytime breathlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lee Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Salmiah Md Said
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Chew SY, Cheah YK, Seow HF, Sandai D, Than LTL. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 exhibit strong antifungal effects against vulvovaginal candidiasis-causing Candida glabrata isolates. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 118:1180-90. [PMID: 25688886 PMCID: PMC4406132 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aims This study investigates the antagonistic effects of the probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 against vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)-causing Candida glabrata. Methods and Results Growth inhibitory activities of Lact. rhamnosus GR-1 and Lact. reuteri RC-14 strains against C. glabrata were demonstrated using a spot overlay assay and a plate-based microtitre assay. In addition, these probiotic lactobacilli strains also exhibited potent candidacidal activity against C. glabrata, as demonstrated by a LIVE/DEAD yeast viability assay performed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The metabolic activities of all C. glabrata strains were completely shut down in response to the challenges by the probiotic lactobacilli strains. In addition, both probiotic lactobacilli strains exhibited strong autoaggregation and coaggregation phenotypes in the presence of C. glabrata, which indicate that these lactobacilli strains may exert their probiotic effects through the formation of aggregates and, thus the consequent prevention of colonization by C. glabrata. Conclusions Probiotic Lact. rhamnosus GR-1 and Lact. reuteri RC-14 strains exhibited potent antagonistic activities against all of the tested C. glabrata strains. These lactobacilli exhibited antifungal effects, including those attributed to their aggregation abilities, and their presence caused the cessation of growth and eventual cell death of C. glabrata. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first study to report on the antagonistic effects of these probiotic lactobacilli strains against the non-Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) species C. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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Than LTL, Chong PP, Ng KP, Seow HF. Detection of medically important Candida species by absolute quantitation real-time polymerase chain reaction. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2014; 8:e14940. [PMID: 25789129 PMCID: PMC4350049 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.14940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The number of invasive candidiasis cases has risen especially with an increase in the number of immunosuppressed and immunocom promised patients. The early detection of Candida species which is specific and sensitive is important in determining the correct administration of antifungal drugs to patients. Objectives: This study aims to develop a method for the detection, identification and quantitation of medically important Candida species through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Materials and Methods: The isocitrate lyase (ICL) gene which is not found in mammals was chosen as the target gene of real-time PCR. Absolute quantitation of the gene copy number was achieved by constructing the plasmid containing the ICL gene which is used to generate standard curve. Twenty fungal species, two bacterial species and human DNA were tested to check the specificity of the detection method. Results: All eight Candida species were successfully detected, identified and quantitated based on the ICL gene. A seven-log range of the gene copy number and a minimum detection limit of 103 copies were achieved. Conclusions: A one-tube absolute quantification real-time PCR that differentiates medically important Candida species via individual unique melting temperature was achieved. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were not compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kee Peng Ng
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Heng Fong Seow
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Corresponding author: Seow Heng Fong, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia, Malaysia. Tel: +60-389464203, Fax: +60-389464232, E-mail:
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