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Abstract
Snake venom contains a cocktail of compounds dominated by proteins and peptides, which make up the toxin. The toxin components of snake venom attack several targets in the human body including the neuromuscular system, kidney and blood coagulation system and cause pathologies. As such, the venom toxins can be managed and used for the treatment of these diseases. In this regard, Captopril used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases was the first animal venom toxin-based drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. Cancers cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to side effects associated with the current cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy and surgery, there is a need to improve the efficacy of current treatments and/or develop novel drugs from natural sources including animal toxin-based drugs. There is a long history of earlier and ongoing studies implicating snake venom toxins as potential anticancer therapies. Here, we review the role of crude snake venoms and toxins including phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase, C-type lectin and disintegrin as potential anticancer agents tested in cancer cell lines and animal tumour models in comparison to normal cell lines. Some of the anti-tumour activities of snake venom toxins include induction of cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of metastasis, angiogenesis and tumour growth. We thus propose the advancement of multidisciplinary approaches to more pre-clinical and clinical studies for enhanced bioavailability and targeted delivery of snake venom toxin-based anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict C Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
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2
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Krishnan N, Moledina DG, Perazella MA. Toxic Nephropathies of the Tubulointerstitium: Core Curriculum 2024. Am J Kidney Dis 2024; 83:659-676. [PMID: 38243994 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.09.017] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Toxic nephropathies are a clinically common group of disorders characterized by toxin-induced renal injury that can affect the glomerulus, vasculature, or tubulointerstitium. Various endogenous (eg, myoglobin, hemoglobin, monoclonal light chains, and lysozymes) and exogenous toxins (eg, therapeutic drugs, herbal medications, heavy metals, radiocontrast, intoxicants, and environmental exposures) have been implicated. The kidney's primary role of metabolism and excretion of substances via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion increases its susceptibility to their adverse effects. The structure, dose, metabolic handling, and excretory pathway of the drug/toxin through the kidney determines its nephrotoxic risk. Patient characteristics that impact risk include genetic determinants of drug metabolism, transport and excretion, immune response genes, and comorbid conditions. Clinical manifestations depend on site and severity of renal injury. Toxin-induced tubulointerstitial injury often presents as a decline in renal function and/or solute transport defects and renal solute wasting. Injury is often reversible with limited toxin exposure; however, irreversible renal injury can occur with prolonged exposure. In this Core Curriculum, we will focus on discussing mechanisms of common toxin-induced tubulointerstitial renal injury and review their causes, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Krishnan
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven; Section of Nephrology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Dennis G Moledina
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven; Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven
| | - Mark A Perazella
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven; Section of Nephrology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut
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3
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Peng YJ, Chen Y, Zhou CZ, Miao W, Jiang YL, Zeng X, Zhang CC. Modular catalytic activity of nonribosomal peptide synthetases depends on the dynamic interaction between adenylation and condensation domains. Structure 2024; 32:440-452.e4. [PMID: 38340732 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.01.010] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are large multidomain enzymes for the synthesis of a variety of bioactive peptides in a modular and pipelined fashion. Here, we investigated how the condensation (C) domain and the adenylation (A) domain cooperate with each other for the efficient catalytic activity in microcystin NRPS modules. We solved two crystal structures of the microcystin NRPS modules, representing two different conformations in the NRPS catalytic cycle. Our data reveal that the dynamic interaction between the C and the A domains in these modules is mediated by the conserved "RXGR" motif, and this interaction is important for the adenylation activity. Furthermore, the "RXGR" motif-mediated dynamic interaction and its functional regulation are prevalent in different NRPSs modules possessing both the A and the C domains. This study provides new insights into the catalytic mechanism of NRPSs and their engineering strategy for synthetic peptides with different structures and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Jun Peng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong-Zhao Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Miao
- Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, People's Republic of China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Liang Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cheng-Cai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, People's Republic of China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Y, Mukherjee I, Venkatasubramaniam A, Dikeman D, Orlando N, Zhang J, Ortines R, Mednikov M, Sherchand SP, Kanipakala T, Le T, Shukla S, Ketner M, Adhikari RP, Karauzum H, Aman MJ, Archer NK. Dry and liquid formulations of IBT-V02, a novel multi-component toxoid vaccine, are effective against Staphylococcus aureus isolates from low-to-middle income countries. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1373367. [PMID: 38633244 PMCID: PMC11022162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373367] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in the U.S. as well as more serious invasive diseases, including bacteremia, sepsis, endocarditis, surgical site infections, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia. These infections are exacerbated by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), highlighting the need for alternatives to antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. We have previously developed a multi-component toxoid vaccine (IBT-V02) in a liquid formulation with efficacy against multiple strains of Staphylococcus aureus prevalent in the industrialized world. However, liquid vaccine formulations are not compatible with the paucity of cold chain storage infrastructure in many low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). Furthermore, whether our IBT-V02 vaccine formulations are protective against S. aureus isolates from LMICs is unknown. To overcome these limitations, we developed lyophilized and spray freeze-dried formulations of IBT-V02 vaccine and demonstrated that both formulations had comparable biophysical attributes as the liquid formulation, including similar levels of toxin neutralizing antibodies and protective efficacy against MRSA infections in murine and rabbit models. To enhance the relevancy of our findings, we then performed a multi-dimensional screen of 83 S. aureus clinical isolates from LMICs (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo, Palestine, and Cambodia) to rationally down-select strains to test in our in vivo models based on broad expression of IBT-V02 targets (i.e., pore-forming toxins and superantigens). IBT-V02 polyclonal antisera effectively neutralized toxins produced by the S. aureus clinical isolates from LMICs. Notably, the lyophilized IBT-V02 formulation exhibited significant in vivo efficacy in various preclinical infection models against the S. aureus clinical isolates from LMICs, which was comparable to our liquid formulation. Collectively, our findings suggested that lyophilization is an effective alternative to liquid vaccine formulations of our IBT-V02 vaccine against S. aureus infections, which has important implications for protection from S. aureus isolates from LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Dustin Dikeman
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicholas Orlando
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Roger Ortines
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Mark Mednikov
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Thao Le
- Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - Sanjay Shukla
- Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - Mark Ketner
- Engineered Biopharmaceuticals, Danville, VA, United States
| | | | - Hatice Karauzum
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - M. Javad Aman
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Nathan K. Archer
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Wyckoff ST, Judkins TC, Nemeth NM, Ruder MG, Martin JA, Kunkel MR, Garrett KB, Adcock KG, Mead DG, Yabsley MJ. Surveillance for Selected Pathogens and Parasites of Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) from Western Oklahoma, USA, 2018-20. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:346-361. [PMID: 38314860 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00102] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) has been undergoing a range-wide population decline. Potential causes for declines across its historic range have been investigated for decades and include habitat loss and fragmentation and a variety of parasitic and infectious diseases. Although there have been studies on bobwhite ecology in Oklahoma, USA, relatively little is known about parasites and pathogens in the region. We evaluated the health of free-ranging bobwhites from nine sites in western Oklahoma. From 2018 to 2020, 206 bobwhites were evaluated for gross and microscopic lesions and tested for selected pathogens. In general, bobwhites were in good nutritional condition with ample muscle mass and fat stores. No significant gross lesions were observed in any bobwhite and no significant histologic lesions were detected in a subset. There was no evidence of infection with or exposure to reticuloendotheliosis virus, West Nile virus, respiratory Mycoplasmataceae species, Pasteurella multocida, intestinal Eimeria spp., or oral Trichomonas spp. Several pathogens of potential concern were detected, including avian adenovirus (8.6%), Toxoplasma gondii (2.3%), and haemosporidians (a Haemoproteus sp. (1.5%), Leucocytozoon schoutedeni (1.5%), and Plasmodium homopolare haplotype 2 [lineage LAIRI01; 3.6%]). Physaloptera sp. (12%) and Sarcocystis sp. (1%) were detected in the breast muscle. Low intraspecific genetic diversity was noted for Physaloptera sp., and sequences were most similar to Physaloptera sequences from bobwhites and grasshoppers (Orthoptera) in Texas. Low intensities of chewing lice, chiggers, and ticks were observed. A subset of bobwhites had evidence of exposure to selected toxicants and heavy metals; a small number had low levels of iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, and copper, which were not considered diagnostically relevant. In general, bobwhites from western Oklahoma appeared to be in good health with a low diversity of pathogens detected, but future work is needed to understand potentially changing disease risks for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth T Wyckoff
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green Street, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Tell C Judkins
- Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, 1801 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152, USA
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
- Department of Pathology, 501 D. W. Brooks Drive, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Mark G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - James A Martin
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green Street, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Melanie R Kunkel
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Kayla B Garrett
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green Street, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Kayla G Adcock
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Daniel G Mead
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green Street, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, 140 E. Green Street, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
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Benvenuti M, Zotti M, La Maestra S. A guide to mycetisms: A toxicological and preventive overview. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae033. [PMID: 38569657 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae033] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungi are often considered a delicacy and are primarily cultivated and harvested, although numerous species are responsible for intoxication due to toxin content. Foodborne diseases are a significant public health concern, causing approximately 420 000 deaths and 600 million morbidities yearly, of which mushroom poisoning is one of the leading causes. Epidemiological data on non-cultivated mushroom poisoning in individual countries are often unrepresentative, as intoxication rarely requires emergency intervention. On the other hand, the lack of specialist knowledge among medical personnel about the toxicological manifestations of mushroom consumption may result in ineffective therapeutic interventions. This work aims to provide an easy-to-consult and wide-ranging tool useful for better understanding the variability of mushroom intoxications, the associated symptoms, and the main treatments for the most severe cases, given the absence of a complete species mapping tool toxic. Moreover, we establish an effective collection network that describes the incidence of mushroom poisonings by reporting the species and associated toxicological manifestations for each case. In conclusion, we highlight the need to establish appropriate primary prevention interventions, such as training the affected population and increasing consultancy relationships between mycological experts and specialised healthcare personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Benvenuti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Via A. Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mirca Zotti
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, C.so Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Sebastiano La Maestra
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Via A. Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Jung P, Briegel-Williams L, Werner L, Jost E, Schultz M, Nürnberg DJ, Grube M, Lakatos M. A direct PCR approach with low-biomass insert opens new horizons for molecular sciences on cryptogam communities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0002424. [PMID: 38349146 PMCID: PMC10952543 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00024-24] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular sequence data have transformed research on cryptogams (e.g., lichens, microalgae, fungi, and symbionts thereof) but methods are still strongly hampered by the small size and intermingled growth of the target organisms, poor cultivability and detrimental effects of their secondary metabolites. Here, we aim to showcase examples on which a modified direct PCR approach for diverse aspects of molecular work on environmental samples concerning biocrusts, biofilms, and cryptogams gives new options for the research community. Unlike traditional approaches, this methodology only requires biomass equivalent to colonies and fragments of 0.2 mm in diameter, which can be picked directly from the environmental sample, and includes a quick DNA lysis followed by a standardized PCR cycle that allows co-cycling of various organisms/target regions in the same run. We demonstrate that this modified method can (i) amplify the most widely used taxonomic gene regions and those used for applied and environmental sciences from single colonies and filaments of free-living cyanobacteria, bryophytes, fungi, and lichens, including their mycobionts, chlorobionts, and cyanobionts from both isolates and in situ material during co-cycling; (ii) act as a tool to confirm that the dominant lichen photobiont was isolated from the original sample; and (iii) optionally remove inhibitory secondary lichen substances. Our results represent examples which highlight the method's potential for future applications covering mycology, phycology, biocrusts, and lichenology, in particular.IMPORTANCECyanobacteria, green algae, lichens, and other cryptogams play crucial roles in complex microbial systems such as biological soil crusts of arid biomes or biofilms in caves. Molecular investigations on environmental samples or isolates of these microorganisms are often hampered by their dense aggregation, small size, or metabolism products which complicate DNA extraction and subsequent PCRs. Our work presents various examples of how a direct DNA extraction and PCR method relying on low biomass inserts can overcome these common problems and discusses additional applications of the workflow including adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Jung
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Laura Briegel-Williams
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Lina Werner
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Emily Jost
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Matthias Schultz
- Institute for Plant Science and Microbiology, Herbarium Hamburgense, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dennis J. Nürnberg
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Dahlem Centre for Plant Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Grube
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Lakatos
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
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Le LHM, Elgamoudi B, Colon N, Cramond A, Poly F, Ying L, Korolik V, Ferrero RL. Campylobacter jejuni extracellular vesicles harboring cytolethal distending toxin bind host cell glycans and induce cell cycle arrest in host cells. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0323223. [PMID: 38319111 PMCID: PMC10913475 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03232-23] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs) are released by Gram-negative pathogens into the extracellular medium as free toxin or associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs), commonly known as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). CDT production by the gastrointestinal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni has been implicated in colorectal tumorigenesis. Despite CDT being a major virulence factor for C. jejuni, little is known about the EV-associated form of this toxin. To address this point, C. jejuni mutants lacking each of the three CDT subunits (A, B, and C) were generated. C. jejuni cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC bacteria released EVs in similar numbers and sizes to wild-type bacteria, ranging from 5 to 530 nm (mean ± SEM = 118 ±6.9 nm). As the CdtAC subunits mediate toxin binding to host cells, we performed "surface shearing" experiments, in which EVs were treated with proteinase K and incubated with host cells. These experiments indicated that CDT subunits are internal to EVs and that surface proteins are probably not involved in EV-host cell interactions. Furthermore, glycan array studies demonstrated that EVs bind complex host cell glycans and share receptor binding specificities with C. jejuni bacteria for fucosyl GM1 ganglioside, P1 blood group antigen, sialyl, and sulfated Lewisx. Finally, we show that EVs from C. jejuni WT but not mutant bacteria induce cell cycle arrest in epithelial cells. In conclusion, we propose that EVs are an important mechanism for CDT release by C. jejuni and are likely to play a significant role in toxin delivery to host cells. IMPORTANCE Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of foodborne gastroenteritis in humans worldwide and a significant cause of childhood mortality due to diarrheal disease in developing countries. A major factor by which C. jejuni causes disease is a toxin, called cytolethal distending toxin (CDT). The biology of this toxin, however, is poorly understood. In this study, we report that C. jejuni CDT is protected within membrane blebs, known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by the bacterium. We showed that proteins on the surfaces of EVs are not required for EV uptake by host cells. Furthermore, we identified several sugar receptors that may be required for EV binding to host cells. By studying the EV-associated form of C. jejuni CDT, we will gain a greater understanding of how C. jejuni intoxicates host cells and how EV-associated CDT may be used in various therapeutic applications, including as anti-tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Hoang My Le
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bassam Elgamoudi
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nina Colon
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angus Cramond
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frederic Poly
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Centre, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Le Ying
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria Korolik
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard L. Ferrero
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Casu A, Camardo Leggieri M, Toscano P, Battilani P. Changing climate, shifting myco toxins: A comprehensive review of climate change impact on mycotoxin contamination. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13323. [PMID: 38477222 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13323] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Climate change (CC) is a complex phenomenon that has the potential to significantly alter marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Global warming of 2°C is expected to be exceeded during the 21st century, and the frequency of extreme weather events, including floods, storms, droughts, extreme temperatures, and wildfires, has intensified globally over recent decades, differently affecting areas of the world. How CC may impact multiple food safety hazards is increasingly evident, with mycotoxin contamination in particular gaining in prominence. Research focusing on CC effects on mycotoxin contamination in edible crops has developed considerably throughout the years. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive literature search to collect available studies in the scientific literature published between 2000 and 2023. The selected papers highlighted how warmer temperatures are enabling the migration, introduction, and mounting abundance of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungal species, including those producing mycotoxins. Certain mycotoxigenic fungal species, such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum, are expected to readily acclimatize to new conditions and could become more aggressive pathogens. Furthermore, abiotic stress factors resulting from CC are expected to weaken the resistance of host crops, rendering them more vulnerable to fungal disease outbreaks. Changed interactions of mycotoxigenic fungi are likewise expected, with the effect of influencing the prevalence and co-occurrence of mycotoxins in the future. Looking ahead, future research should focus on improving predictive modeling, expanding research into different pathosystems, and facilitating the application of effective strategies to mitigate the impact of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Casu
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Piero Toscano
- IBE-CNR, Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council, Firenze, Italia
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
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Rivera‐de‐Torre E, Lampadariou S, Møiniche M, Bohn MF, Kazemi SM, Laustsen AH. Discovery of broadly-neutralizing antibodies against brown recluse spider and Gadim scorpion sphingomyelinases using consensus toxins as antigens. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4901. [PMID: 38358130 PMCID: PMC10868436 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4901] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are becoming increasingly important tools for treating infectious diseases and animal envenomings. However, designing and developing broadly-neutralizing antibodies can be cumbersome using traditional low-throughput iterative protein engineering methods. Here, we present a new high-throughput approach for the standardized discovery of broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies relying on phage display technology and consensus antigens representing average sequences of related proteins. We showcase the utility of this approach by applying it to toxic sphingomyelinases from the venoms of species from very distant orders of the animal kingdom, the recluse spider and Gadim scorpion. First, we designed a consensus sphingomyelinase and performed three rounds of phage display selection, followed by DELFIA-based screening and ranking, and benchmarked this to a similar campaign involving cross-panning against recombinant versions of the native toxins. Second, we identified two scFvs that not only bind the consensus toxins, but which can also neutralize sphingomyelinase activity of native whole venom in vitro. Finally, we conclude that the phage display campaign involving the use of the consensus toxin was more successful in yielding cross-neutralizing scFvs than the phage display campaign involving cross-panning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefanos Lampadariou
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
| | - Mark Møiniche
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
| | - Markus F. Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
| | | | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
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Zhong J, Fox EGP, Ling S, Yan Z, Xu J, Yang H, Hong Z, Qin C, Qiu H. Bioactivities of scent gland chemicals from Mictis fuscipes Hsiao (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Pest Manag Sci 2024. [PMID: 38411441 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7997] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the chemical diversity within stink bugs scent glands, they can be convenient models for bioprospecting novel pest control products. Preliminary behaviour observations indicated that adult Mictis fuscipes stink bugs secrete liquid droplets when defending against Solenopsis invicta fire ants, killing them within minutes. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the chemical composition of the metathoracic scent gland secretions of M. fuscipes adults, as well as assess their biological activities against fire ants. RESULTS Bioassaying fire ants against secretions of several local stink bugs confirmed that the defensive secretions of two Mictis species are significantly more lethal, where M. fuscipes was the most lethal. Volatiles chromatography analysis indicated the secretions of female and male M. fuscipes stink bugs contains 20 and 26 components, respectively, chiefly hexanoic acid and hexyl hexanoate. Five compounds were consistently present in the secretion of female adults: hexyl hexanoate, hexanoic acid, hexyl acetate, hexyl butyrate, and eugenol. These yielded a strong electrophysiological antennal (EAD) response from S. invicta workers, female alates and males, where hexyl acetate showed the strongest response. The combination of these five compounds proved strongly repellent to S. invicta. When tested singly, hexanoic acid, hexyl butyrate, hexyl hexanoate, and eugenol were repellent to S. invicta, but hexyl acetate seemed slightly attractive. Additionally, the same mixture of five components exhibited strong contact and fumigant toxicity towards S. invicta workers, eugenol being the strongest. CONCLUSION Defensive chemicals of M. fuscipes exhibit robust biological activity against S. invicta and could inspire the development of biopesticides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Eduardo G P Fox
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ambiente e Sociedade (PPGAS), Universidade Estadual de Goiás (UEG), Quirinópolis, Brazil
| | - Siquan Ling
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems and College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinzhu Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqiong Hong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changsheng Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hualong Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
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Rodrigo AP, Moutinho Cabral I, Alexandre A, Costa PM. Exploration of Toxins from a Marine Annelid: An Analysis of Phyllotoxins and Accompanying Bioactives. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:635. [PMID: 38396603 PMCID: PMC10885894 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040635] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteinaceous toxins are peptides or proteins that hold great biotechnological value, evidenced by their ecological role, whether as defense or predation mechanisms. Bioprospecting using bioinformatics and omics may render screening for novel bioactives more expeditious, especially considering the immense diversity of toxin-secreting marine organisms. Eulalia sp. (Annelida: Phyllodocidae), a toxin bearing marine annelid, was recently shown to secrete cysteine-rich protein (Crisp) toxins (hitherto referred to as 'phyllotoxins') that can immobilize its prey. By analyzing and validating transcriptomic data, we narrowed the list of isolated full coding sequences of transcripts of the most abundant toxins or accompanying bioactives secreted by the species (the phyllotoxin Crisp, hyaluronidase, serine protease, and peptidases M12A, M13, and M12B). Through homology matching with human proteins, the biotechnological potential of the marine annelid's toxins and related proteins was tentatively associated with coagulative and anti-inflammatory responses for the peptidases PepM12A, SePr, PepM12B, and PepM13, and with the neurotoxic activity of Crisp, and finally, hyaluronidase was inferred to bear properties of an permeabilizing agent. The in silico analysis succeeded by validation by PCR and Sanger sequencing enabled us to retrieve cDNAs can may be used for the heterologous expression of these toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Rodrigo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (A.A.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Inês Moutinho Cabral
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (A.A.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - António Alexandre
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (A.A.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Pedro M. Costa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (A.A.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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Henderson A, Heaney LM, Rankin-Turner S. Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry for drug and toxin analysis: A review of the recent literature. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38326879 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3644] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry (AIMS) is a form of mass spectrometry whereby analyte ionisation occurs outside of a vacuum source under ambient conditions. This enables the direct analysis of samples in their native state, with little or no sample preparation and without chromatographic separation. The removal of these steps facilitates a much faster analytical process, enabling the direct analysis of samples within minutes if not seconds. Consequently, AIMS has gained rapid popularity across a diverse range of applications, in particular the analysis of drugs and toxins. Numerous fields rely upon mass spectrometry for the detection and identification of drugs, including clinical diagnostics, forensic chemistry, and food safety. However, all of these fields are hindered by the time-consuming and laboratory-confined nature of traditional techniques. As such, the potential for AIMS to resolve these challenges has resulted in a growing interest in ambient ionisation for drug and toxin analysis. Since the early 2000s, forensic science, diagnostic testing, anti-doping, pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis and food safety have all seen a marked increase in AIMS applications, foreshadowing a new future for drug testing. In this review, some of the most promising AIMS techniques for drug analysis will be discussed, alongside different applications of AIMS published over a 5-year period, to provide a summary of the recent research activity for ambient ionisation for drug and toxin analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Henderson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Liam M Heaney
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Stephanie Rankin-Turner
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Dop D, Marcu IR, Padureanu V, Caragea DC, Padureanu R, Niculescu SA, Niculescu CE. Clostridium difficile infection in pediatric patients (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:18. [PMID: 38169799 PMCID: PMC10758920 DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1706] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) is the most common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea and among adults, the worldwide incidence rate of the infection is increasing. There is a small amount of data in the literature for pediatric patients, but most indicate an increasing trend. C. difficile is a constituent of the normal microbiota; however, under specific conditions that cause a disruption of the normal bacterial flora, colonization of C. difficile and the released toxins that cause inflammation and mucosal damage occurs. Risk factors for CDI at any age include hospitalization, exposure to antibiotics, administration of proton pump inhibitors, invasive mechanical ventilation, immunosuppression and presence of associated comorbidities. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic colonization to fulminant disease characterized by toxic megacolon, intestinal perforation and, rarely, death. The aim of the present review was to outline the features of CDI in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Dop
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Iulia Rahela Marcu
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Vlad Padureanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniel Cosmin Caragea
- Department of Nephrology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Rodica Padureanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Stefan-Adrian Niculescu
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Carmen Elena Niculescu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Del Pozzo J, Kouba I, Alvarez A, O'Sullivan-Bakshi T, Krishnamoorthy K, Blitz MJ. Environmental Justice Index and adverse pregnancy outcomes. AJOG Glob Rep 2024; 4:100330. [PMID: 38586614 PMCID: PMC10994970 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100330] [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] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Environmental Justice Index is a tool released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that quantifies and ranks the environmental burden and social vulnerability of each census tract. Racial and ethnic disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes are well established. The relative contributions of individual (person-level) and environmental (neighborhood-level) risk factors to disease prevalence remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether the Environmental Justice Index is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after adjustment for individual clinical and sociodemographic risk factors. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients who delivered a singleton newborn at ≥23 weeks of gestation between January 2019 and February 2022 at 7 hospitals within a large academic health system in New York. Patients were excluded if their home address was not available, if the address could not be geocoded to a census tract, or if the census tract did not have corresponding Environmental Justice Index data. Patients were also excluded if they had preexisting diabetes or hypertension. For patients who had multiple pregnancies during the study period, only the first pregnancy was included for analysis. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the electronic medical record. Environmental Justice Index score, the primary independent variable, ranges from 0 to 1. Higher Environmental Justice Index scores indicate communities with increased cumulative environmental burden and increased social vulnerability. The primary outcome was adverse pregnancy outcome, defined as the presence of ≥1 of any of the following conditions: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birthweight, small for gestational age newborn, placental abruption, and stillbirth. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate the relationship between Environmental Justice Index score and adverse pregnancy outcome, adjusting for potential confounding variables, including body mass index group, race and ethnicity group, advanced maternal age, nulliparity, public health insurance, and English as the preferred language. RESULTS A total of 65,273 pregnancies were included for analysis. Overall, adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 37.6% of pregnancies (n=24,545); hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (13.4%) and gestational diabetes (12.2%) were the most common adverse pregnancy outcome conditions. On unadjusted analysis, the strongest associations between Environmental Justice Index score and individual adverse pregnancy outcome conditions were observed for stillbirth (odds ratio, 1.079; 95% confidence interval, 1.025-1.135) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (odds ratio, 1.052; 95% confidence interval, 1.042-1.061). On multivariable logistic regression, every 0.1 increase in Environmental Justice Index score was associated with 1.4% higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.014; 95% confidence interval, 1.007-1.021). The strongest associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed with well-established clinical and social risk factors, including class 3 obesity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.710; 95% confidence interval, 1.580-1.849; reference: body mass index <25 kg/m2) and certain race and ethnicity groups (reference: non-Hispanic White), particularly Asian and Pacific Islander (adjusted odds ratio, 1.817; 95% confidence interval, 1.729-1.910), and non-Hispanic Black (adjusted odds ratio, 1.668; 95% confidence interval, 1.581-1.760) people. CONCLUSION Environmental Justice Index score is positively associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and most strongly associated with stillbirth and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Geospatial analysis with Environmental Justice Index may help to improve our understanding of health inequities by identifying neighborhood characteristics that increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Del Pozzo
- Northwell Health, New Hyde Park (Drs Del Pozzo and Kouba, Mr Alvarez, and Dr Blitz), NY
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South Shore University Hospital (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Bay Shore, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Hempstead, NY
| | - Insaf Kouba
- Northwell Health, New Hyde Park (Drs Del Pozzo and Kouba, Mr Alvarez, and Dr Blitz), NY
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South Shore University Hospital (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Bay Shore, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Hempstead, NY
| | - Alejandro Alvarez
- Northwell Health, New Hyde Park (Drs Del Pozzo and Kouba, Mr Alvarez, and Dr Blitz), NY
- Department of Biostatistics, Office of Academic Affairs, Northwell Health (Mr Alvarez), New Hyde Park, NY
| | - Tadhg O'Sullivan-Bakshi
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health (Mr. O'Sullivan-Bakshi and Ms. Krishnamoorthy), Manhasset, NY
| | - Kaveri Krishnamoorthy
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health (Mr. O'Sullivan-Bakshi and Ms. Krishnamoorthy), Manhasset, NY
| | - Matthew J. Blitz
- Northwell Health, New Hyde Park (Drs Del Pozzo and Kouba, Mr Alvarez, and Dr Blitz), NY
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South Shore University Hospital (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Bay Shore, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Hempstead, NY
- Institute of Health Systems Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health (Dr Blitz), Manhasset, NY
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Manoj SD, Venkatesan S, Ramalingam S. Awareness on cosmetic-related health hazards and measures to address them among service providers of beauty salons. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:713-716. [PMID: 38605752 PMCID: PMC11006026 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1092_23] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cosmetic products may contain ingredients whose safety is not certain with several instances of death and anaphylaxis due to service/cosmetic usage in beauty salons. With the mushrooming of beauty salons and with a large consumer base, there is a dearth in the literature to assess the awareness of the health hazards among the employees. This study aims to measure the awareness levels on health hazards and their emergency management among employees working in beauty salons in Coimbatore. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire, after Institutional Human Ethics Committee (IHEC) approval, was conducted*** to assess the awareness of the health hazards including emergency management among employees of beauty salons. The sample size was estimated to be 160. All the workers working in unisex beauty salons, selected by convenience sampling within 5 km radius of PSG IMS and R, were assessed based on their awareness toward cosmetics and the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0. Armonk, NY). Results Around 160 service providers of beauty salons participated in the study, among which 84% use several cosmetic products. Only 40% are aware of the health impacts and 21.3% are aware about the side effects which included rashes and itching associated with the products used for bleaching. Only 36.9% knew about the regulations for usage of cosmetic products and 30% knew that there is a governing body for the same. Conclusion Awareness of health hazards and its emergency management is less among the workers; the literacy programs to improve the awareness on use of cosmetics is the need of the hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Darshan Manoj
- Department of Community Medicine, Coimbatore Medical College, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sandhiya Venkatesan
- Department of Community Medicine, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudha Ramalingam
- Department of Community Medicine, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Tessier E, Cheutin L, Garnier A, Vigne C, Tournier JN, Rougeaux C. Early Circulating Edema Factor in Inhalational Anthrax Infection: Does It Matter? Microorganisms 2024; 12:308. [PMID: 38399712 PMCID: PMC10891819 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020308] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Anthrax toxins are critical virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus strains that cause anthrax-like disease, composed of a common binding factor, the protective antigen (PA), and two enzymatic proteins, lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF). While PA is required for endocytosis and activity of EF and LF, several studies showed that these enzymatic factors disseminate within the body in the absence of PA after intranasal infection. In an effort to understand the impact of EF in the absence of PA, we used a fluorescent EF chimera to facilitate the study of endocytosis in different cell lines. Unexpectedly, EF was found inside cells in the absence of PA and showed a pole-dependent endocytosis. However, looking at enzymatic activity, PA was still required for EF to induce an increase in intracellular cAMP levels. Interestingly, the sequential delivery of EF and then PA rescued the rise in cAMP levels, indicating that PA and EF may functionally associate during intracellular trafficking, as well as it did at the cell surface. Our data shed new light on EF trafficking and the potential location of PA and EF association for optimal cytosolic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Tessier
- Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France (C.R.)
| | - Laurence Cheutin
- Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France (C.R.)
| | - Annabelle Garnier
- Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France (C.R.)
| | - Clarisse Vigne
- Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France (C.R.)
| | - Jean-Nicolas Tournier
- Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France (C.R.)
- Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Clémence Rougeaux
- Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France (C.R.)
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El-Mahdy AM, Alqahtani M, Almukainzi M, Alghoribi MF, Abdel-Rhman SH. Effect of Resveratrol and Curcumin on Gene Expression of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Toxins. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:141-148. [PMID: 37986579 PMCID: PMC10840468 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2309.09001] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that can lead to a number of potentially terrible community- and hospital-acquired illnesses. Among the diverse set of virulence factors that S. aureus possesses, secreted toxins play a particularly preeminent role in defining its virulence. In this work, we aimed to facilitate the development of novel strategies utilizing natural compounds to lower S. aureus's toxin production and consequently enhance therapeutic approaches. Two natural polyphenols, resveratrol (RSV) and curcumin (CUR), were tested for their effect on reducing toxin gene production of MRSA isolates. Fifty clinical MRSA isolates were gathered from Riyadh and Jeddah. Molecular screening of toxin genes (sea, seb, sec, sed, seh, lukF, and lukS) harbored by MRSA was performed. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of RSV (50 μg/ml) and CUR (20 μg/ml) were determined to study their effect on the gene expression MRSA's toxin genes. Our findings revealed the presence of the tested genes in MRSA isolates, with lukF being the most prevalent gene and seh the least detected gene. We found that RSV reduced the relative expression of toxin genes, sea, seb, lukF, and lukS, respectively, while CUR decreased the relative expression of sea and seb genes in the examined isolates. Regarding lukF and lukS, CUR downregulated the expression of both genes in some isolates and upregulated the expression in other isolates. From these results, we concluded that RSV and CUR could be used as alternative therapeutic approaches to treat MRSA infections through reducing toxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej M. El-Mahdy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Maisa Alqahtani
- Biology Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - May Almukainzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed F. Alghoribi
- Infectious Diseases Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaymaa H Abdel-Rhman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Taibah University, AlMadinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
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Ibghi M, Rijal Leblad B, L’Bachir El Kbiach M, Aboualaalaa H, Daoudi M, Masseret E, Le Floc’h E, Hervé F, Bilien G, Chomerat N, Amzil Z, Laabir M. Molecular Phylogeny, Morphology, Growth and Toxicity of Three Benthic Dinoflagellates Ostreopsis sp. 9, Prorocentrum lima and Coolia monotis Developing in Strait of Gibraltar, Southwestern Mediterranean. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:49. [PMID: 38251265 PMCID: PMC10819257 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010049] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Few works have been carried out on benthic harmful algal blooms (BHAB) species in the southern Mediterranean and no data are available for the highly dynamic Strait of Gibraltar (western Mediterranean waters). For the first time, Ostreopsis sp. 9, Prorocentrum lima and Coolia monotis were isolated in this key region in terms of exchanges between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean and subject to intense maritime traffic. Ribotyping confirmed the morphological identification of these three dinoflagellates species. Monoclonal cultures were established and the maximum growth rate and cell yield were measured at a temperature of 24 °C and an irradiance of 90 µmol photons m-2 s-1, for each species: 0.26 ± 0.02 d-1 (8.75 × 103 cell mL-1 after 28 days) for Ostreopsis sp. 9, 0.21 ± 0.01 d-1 (49 × 103 cell mL-1 after 145 days) for P. lima and 0.21 ± 0.01 d-1 (10.02 × 103 cell mL-1 after 28 days) for C. monotis. Only P. lima was toxic with concentrations of okadaic acid and dinophysistoxin-1 measured in optimal growth conditions ranging from 6.4 pg cell-1 to 26.97 pg cell-1 and from 5.19 to 25.27 pg cell-1, respectively. The toxin content of this species varied in function of the growth phase. Temperature influenced the growth and toxin content of P. lima. Results suggest that future warming of Mediterranean coastal waters may lead to higher growth rates and to increases in cellular toxin levels in P. lima. Nitrate and ammonia affected the toxin content of P. lima but no clear trend was noted. In further studies, we have to isolate other BHAB species and strains from Strait of Gibraltar waters to obtain more insight into their diversity and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Ibghi
- Marine Environment Monitoring Laboratory, INRH (Moroccan Institute of Fisheries Research), Tangier 90000, Morocco; (M.I.); (H.A.); (M.D.)
- Equipe de Biotechnologie Végétale, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University Tetouan, Tetouan 93000, Morocco;
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 34095 Montpellier, France; (E.M.); (E.L.F.)
| | - Benlahcen Rijal Leblad
- Marine Environment Monitoring Laboratory, INRH (Moroccan Institute of Fisheries Research), Tangier 90000, Morocco; (M.I.); (H.A.); (M.D.)
| | - Mohammed L’Bachir El Kbiach
- Equipe de Biotechnologie Végétale, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University Tetouan, Tetouan 93000, Morocco;
| | - Hicham Aboualaalaa
- Marine Environment Monitoring Laboratory, INRH (Moroccan Institute of Fisheries Research), Tangier 90000, Morocco; (M.I.); (H.A.); (M.D.)
- Equipe de Biotechnologie Végétale, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University Tetouan, Tetouan 93000, Morocco;
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 34095 Montpellier, France; (E.M.); (E.L.F.)
| | - Mouna Daoudi
- Marine Environment Monitoring Laboratory, INRH (Moroccan Institute of Fisheries Research), Tangier 90000, Morocco; (M.I.); (H.A.); (M.D.)
| | - Estelle Masseret
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 34095 Montpellier, France; (E.M.); (E.L.F.)
| | - Emilie Le Floc’h
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 34095 Montpellier, France; (E.M.); (E.L.F.)
| | - Fabienne Hervé
- Laboratoire Phycotoxines, IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)/PHYTOX/METALG, 44311 Nantes, France; (F.H.); (Z.A.)
| | - Gwenael Bilien
- IFREMER, Unité Littoral, Station de Biologie Marine, Place de la Croix, 29185 Concarneau, France; (G.B.); (N.C.)
| | - Nicolas Chomerat
- IFREMER, Unité Littoral, Station de Biologie Marine, Place de la Croix, 29185 Concarneau, France; (G.B.); (N.C.)
| | - Zouher Amzil
- Laboratoire Phycotoxines, IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)/PHYTOX/METALG, 44311 Nantes, France; (F.H.); (Z.A.)
| | - Mohamed Laabir
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 34095 Montpellier, France; (E.M.); (E.L.F.)
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Danov A, Segev O, Bograd A, Ben Eliyahu Y, Dotan N, Kaplan T, Levy A. Toxinome-the bacterial protein toxin database. mBio 2024; 15:e0191123. [PMID: 38117054 PMCID: PMC10790787 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01911-23] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Microbes use protein toxins as important tools to attack neighboring cells, microbial or eukaryotic, and for self-killing when attacked by viruses. These toxins work through different mechanisms to inhibit cell growth or kill cells. Microbes also use antitoxin proteins to neutralize the toxin activities. Here, we developed a comprehensive database called Toxinome of nearly two million toxins and antitoxins that are encoded in 59,475 bacterial genomes. We described the distribution of bacterial toxins and identified that they are depleted by bacteria that live in hot and cold temperatures. We found 5,161 cases in which toxins and antitoxins are densely clustered in bacterial genomes and termed these areas "Toxin Islands." The Toxinome database is a useful resource for anyone interested in toxin biology and evolution, and it can guide the discovery of new toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleks Danov
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Science, The Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ofir Segev
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Science, The Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Avi Bograd
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Science, The Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yedidya Ben Eliyahu
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noam Dotan
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tommy Kaplan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asaf Levy
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Science, The Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Dos Santos Arraes DR, Rodrigues ABL, Sanches PR, Costa Campos CE, Moreira da Silva de Almeida SS, Reis Ferreira Lima J, Dias Lima J, da Silva GA. Bioactive alkaloids from the venom of Dendrobatoidea Cope, 1865: a scoping review. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev 2024; 27:1-20. [PMID: 37889647 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2023.2270408] [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] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Bioactive compounds derived from secondary metabolism in animals have refined selectivity and potency for certain biological targets. The superfamily Dendrobatoidea is adapted to the dietary sequestration and secretion of toxic alkaloids, which play a role in several biological activities, and thus serve as a potential source for pharmacological and biotechnological applications. This article constitutes a scoping review to understand the trends in experimental research involving bioactive alkaloids derived from Dendrobatoidea based upon scientometric approaches. Forty-eight (48) publications were found in 30 journals in the period of 60 years, between 1962 and 2022. More than 23 structural classes of alkaloids were cited, with 27.63% for batrachotoxins, 13.64% for pyridinics, with an emphasis on epibatidine, 16.36% for pumiliotoxins, and 11.82% for histrionicotoxins. These tests included in vivo (54.9%), in vitro (39.4%), and in silico simulations (5.6%). Most compounds (54.8%) were isolated from skin extracts, whereas the remainder were obtained through molecular synthesis. Thirteen main biological activities were identified, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (27.59%), sodium channel inhibitors (12.07%), cardiac (12.07%), analgesic (8.62%), and neuromuscular effects (8.62%). The substances were cited as being of natural origin in the "Dendrobatidae" family, genus "Phyllobates," "Dendrobates," and seven species: Epipedobates tricolor, Phyllobates aurotaenia, Oophaga histrionica, Oophaga pumilio, Phyllobates terribilis, Epipedobates anthonyi, and Ameerega flavopicta. To date, only a few biological activities have been experimentally tested; hence, further studies on the bioprospecting of animal compounds and ecological approaches are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Janaina Reis Ferreira Lima
- Herpetology Laboratory, Institute of Scientific and Technological Research of the State of Amapá, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil
| | - Jucivaldo Dias Lima
- Herpetology Laboratory, Institute of Scientific and Technological Research of the State of Amapá, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil
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22
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Vlasov AP, Markin OV, Vlasova TI, Muratova TA, Alagulov AA, Al-Anbari STA, Dukhovnova KM, Kormishkin AE. [Predicting the course of urgent abdominal diseases based on intensity of catabolic phenomena]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) 2024:44-48. [PMID: 38634583 DOI: 10.17116/hirurgia202404144] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a highly informative method for predicting the course of early postoperative period in urgent abdominal surgery based on indicators of lipid metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS We analyzed 113 patients with acute surgical abdominal disease including 56 (49.6%) ones with acute appendicitis complicated by peritonitis, 23 (20.4%) ones with acute intestinal obstruction complicated by peritonitis and 34 (30.0%) patients with acute moderate pancreatitis (early phase). Leukocyte count, malondialdehyde, medium-weight molecules and lipid composition (phospholipid lysoforms) were analyzed throughout a 5-day period. Considering these data, we developed a method for predicting the course of early postoperative period (patent). RESULTS Original method is highly effective in predicting the course of early postoperative period in urgent abdominal diseases. Sensitivity and specificity of this method for acute abdominal diseases complicated by acute peritonitis are 94.7% and >86.3%, for acute pancreatitis - 92.7 and 85.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION Efficacy of original method is determined by analysis of catabolic phenomena, i.e. indicators of tissue destruction. Of course, assessment of endogenous intoxication whose toxins are components of catabolic (membrane-destructive) processes is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Vlasov
- Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | - O V Markin
- Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | - T I Vlasova
- Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | - T A Muratova
- Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | - A A Alagulov
- Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | - S T A Al-Anbari
- Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | | | - A E Kormishkin
- Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
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23
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Hunault L, Auria E, England P, Deschamps J, Briandet R, Kremer V, Iannascoli B, Vidal-Maison L, Guo C, Macdonald L, Péchiné S, Denève-Larrazet C, Dupuy B, Gorochov G, Bruhns P, Sterlin D. Anti-S-layer monoclonal antibodies impact Clostridioides difficile physiology. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2301147. [PMID: 38289292 PMCID: PMC10829821 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2301147] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), a gram-positive anaerobic and spore-forming bacterium, is the leading cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults which is characterized by high levels of recurrence and mortality. Surface (S)-layer Protein A (SlpA), the most abundantly expressed protein on the bacterial surface, plays a crucial role in the early stages of infection although the nature of its involvement in C. difficile physiology is yet to be fully understood. Anti-S-layer antibodies have been identified in the sera of convalescent patients and have been correlated with improved outcomes of C. difficile infection (CDI). However, the precise mechanisms by which anti-S-layer antibodies confer protection to the host remain unknown. In this study, we report the first monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the S-layer of reference strain 630. Characterization of these mAbs unraveled important roles for the S-layer protein in growth, toxin secretion, and biofilm formation by C. difficile, with differential and even opposite effects of various anti-SlpA mAbs on these functions. Moreover, one anti-SlpA mAb impaired C. difficile growth and conferred sensitivity to lysozyme-induced lysis. The results of this study show that anti-S-layer antibody responses can be beneficial or harmful for the course of CDI and provide important insights for the development of adequate S-layer-targeting therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Hunault
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm UMR1222, Paris, France
- Collège doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Emile Auria
- Laboratoire Pathogenèse des Bactéries Anaérobies, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, UMR-CNRS 6047, Paris, France
| | - Patrick England
- Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3528, Plateforme de Biophysique Moléculaire, Paris, France
| | - Julien Deschamps
- Institut Micalis, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Romain Briandet
- Institut Micalis, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Vanessa Kremer
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm UMR1222, Paris, France
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Bruno Iannascoli
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm UMR1222, Paris, France
| | - Léo Vidal-Maison
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Séverine Péchiné
- Equipe Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut MICALIS (UMR 1319 Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech), Orsay, France
| | - Cécile Denève-Larrazet
- Equipe Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut MICALIS (UMR 1319 Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech), Orsay, France
| | - Bruno Dupuy
- Laboratoire Pathogenèse des Bactéries Anaérobies, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, UMR-CNRS 6047, Paris, France
| | - Guy Gorochov
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Bruhns
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm UMR1222, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Sterlin
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
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24
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Montuori E, De Luca D, Penna A, Stalberga D, Lauritano C. Alexandrium spp.: From Toxicity to Potential Biotechnological Benefits. Mar Drugs 2023; 22:31. [PMID: 38248656 PMCID: PMC10821459 DOI: 10.3390/md22010031] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Many dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium are well known for being responsible for harmful algal blooms (HABs), producing potent toxins that cause damages to other marine organisms, aquaculture, fishery, tourism, as well as induce human intoxications and even death after consumption of contaminated shellfish or fish. In this review, we summarize potential bioprospecting associated to the genus Alexandrium, including which Alexandrium spp. produce metabolites with anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, as well as anti-Alzheimer applications. When available, we report their mechanisms of action and targets. We also discuss recent progress on the identification of secondary metabolites with biological properties favorable to human health and aquaculture. Altogether, this information highlights the importance of studying which culturing conditions induce the activation of enzymatic pathways responsible for the synthesis of bioactive metabolites. It also suggests considering and comparing clones collected in different locations for toxin monitoring and marine bioprospecting. This review can be of interest not only for the scientific community, but also for the entire population and industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Montuori
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Research Infrastructure for Marine Biological Resources Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Antonella Penna
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Campus E. Mattei, 61029 Urbino, Italy;
| | - Darta Stalberga
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy
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25
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Zhang P, Liu B, Mu X, Xu J, Du B, Wang J, Liu Z, Tong Z. Performance of Classification Models of Toxins Based on Raman Spectroscopy Using Machine Learning Algorithms. Molecules 2023; 29:197. [PMID: 38202780 PMCID: PMC10780255 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010197] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid and accurate detection of protein toxins is crucial for public health. The Raman spectra of several protein toxins, such as abrin, ricin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and bungarotoxin (BGT), have been studied. Multivariate scattering correction (MSC), Savitzky-Golay smoothing (SG), and wavelet transform methods (WT) were applied to preprocess Raman spectra. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract spectral features, and the PCA score plots clustered four toxins with two other proteins. The k-means clustering results show that the spectra processed with MSC and MSC-SG methods have the best classification performance. Then, the two data types were classified using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) with an accuracy of 100%. The prediction results of the PCA and PLS-DA and the partial least squares regression model (PLSR) perform well for the fingerprint region spectra. The PLSR model demonstrates excellent classification and regression ability (accuracy = 100%, Rcv = 0.776). Four toxins were correctly classified with interference from two proteins. Classification models based on spectral feature extraction were established. This strategy shows excellent potential in toxin detection and public health protection. These models provide alternative paths for the development of rapid detection devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhaoyang Tong
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China; (P.Z.); (B.L.); (X.M.); (J.X.); (B.D.); (J.W.); (Z.L.)
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26
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Jiang JH, Cameron DR, Nethercott C, Aires-de-Sousa M, Peleg AY. Virulence attributes of successful methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus lineages. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0014822. [PMID: 37982596 PMCID: PMC10732075 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00148-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of severe and often fatal infections. MRSA epidemics have occurred in waves, whereby a previously successful lineage has been replaced by a more fit and better adapted lineage. Selection pressures in both hospital and community settings are not uniform across the globe, which has resulted in geographically distinct epidemiology. This review focuses on the mechanisms that trigger the establishment and maintenance of current, dominant MRSA lineages across the globe. While the important role of antibiotic resistance will be mentioned throughout, factors which influence the capacity of S. aureus to colonize and cause disease within a host will be the primary focus of this review. We show that while MRSA possesses a diverse arsenal of toxins including alpha-toxin, the success of a lineage involves more than just producing toxins that damage the host. Success is often attributed to the acquisition or loss of genetic elements involved in colonization and niche adaptation such as the arginine catabolic mobile element, as well as the activity of regulatory systems, and shift metabolism accordingly (e.g., the accessory genome regulator, agr). Understanding exactly how specific MRSA clones cause prolonged epidemics may reveal targets for therapies, whereby both core (e.g., the alpha toxin) and acquired virulence factors (e.g., the Panton-Valentine leukocidin) may be nullified using anti-virulence strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhih-Hang Jiang
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David R. Cameron
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cara Nethercott
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marta Aires-de-Sousa
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institutode Tecnologia Químicae Biológica António Xavier (ITQB-NOVA), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa-Lisboa (ESSCVP-Lisboa), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anton Y. Peleg
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre to Impact Antimicrobial Resistance, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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27
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Pereira AFM, Cavalcante JS, Angstmam DG, Almeida C, Soares GS, Pucca MB, Ferreira Junior RS. Unveiling the Pain Relief Potential: Harnessing Analgesic Peptides from Animal Venoms. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2766. [PMID: 38140106 PMCID: PMC10748172 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122766] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of pain encompasses a complex interplay of sensory and emotional experiences associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Accurately describing and localizing pain, whether acute or chronic, mild or severe, poses a challenge due to its diverse manifestations. Understanding the underlying origins and mechanisms of these pain variations is crucial for effective management and pharmacological interventions. Derived from a wide spectrum of species, including snakes, arthropods, mollusks, and vertebrates, animal venoms have emerged as abundant repositories of potential biomolecules exhibiting analgesic properties across a broad spectrum of pain models. This review focuses on highlighting the most promising venom-derived toxins investigated as potential prototypes for analgesic drugs. The discussion further encompasses research prospects, challenges in advancing analgesics, and the practical application of venom-derived toxins. As the field continues its evolution, tapping into the latent potential of these natural bioactive compounds holds the key to pioneering approaches in pain management and treatment. Therefore, animal toxins present countless possibilities for treating pain caused by different diseases. The development of new analgesic drugs from toxins is one of the directions that therapy must follow, and it seems to be moving forward by recommending the composition of multimodal therapy to combat pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia Marques Pereira
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil;
| | - Joeliton S. Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Davi Gomes Angstmam
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Cayo Almeida
- Center of Mathematics, Computing Sciences and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09280-560, SP, Brazil;
| | - Gean S. Soares
- Delphina Rinaldi Abdel Azil Hospital and Emergency Room (HPSDRAA), Manaus 69093-415, AM, Brazil;
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara 14801-320, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira Junior
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
- Center for Translational Science and Development of Biopharmaceuticals FAPESP/CEVAP, São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil
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Bernabè G, Brun P, Pietra GD, Zatta V, Asad S, Meneghello S, Cordioli G, Lavezzo E, Valente E, Mietto S, Besutti V, Castagliuolo I. Prevalence and virulence potential of Aeromonas spp. isolated from human diarrheal samples in North East Italy. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0080723. [PMID: 37855641 PMCID: PMC10715124 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00807-23] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In this work, we demonstrate the epidemiologic relevance of the Aeromonas genus as the cause of infective diarrhea in North East Italy, both in children and adult subjects, with the significative presence of highly pathogenic strains. Aeromonas strains possess a heterogeneous armamentarium of pathogenicity factors that allows the microbe to affect a wide range of human intestinal epithelial cell processes that justify the ability to induce diarrhea through different mechanisms and cause diseases of variable severity, as observed for other gastrointestinal pathogens. However, it remains to be determined whether specific genotype(s) are associated with clinical pictures of different severity to implement the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this relevant enteric pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bernabè
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Zatta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Shirin Asad
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Meneghello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Lavezzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Microbiology Unit of Padua University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Sofia Mietto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Valeria Besutti
- Microbiology Unit of Padua University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Ignazio Castagliuolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Microbiology Unit of Padua University Hospital, Padova, Italy
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Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and is responsible for a spectrum of diseases characterized by high levels of recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. Treatment is complex, since antibiotics constitute both the main treatment and the major risk factor for infection. Worryingly, resistance to multiple antibiotics is becoming increasingly widespread, leading to the classification of this pathogen as an urgent threat to global health. As a consummate opportunist, C. difficile is well equipped for promoting disease, owing to its arsenal of virulence factors: transmission of this anaerobe is highly efficient due to the formation of robust endospores, and an array of adhesins promote gut colonization. C. difficile produces multiple toxins acting upon gut epithelia, resulting in manifestations typical of diarrheal disease, and severe inflammation in a subset of patients. This review focuses on such virulence factors, as well as the importance of antimicrobial resistance and genome plasticity in enabling pathogenesis and persistence of this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Buddle
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robert P Fagan
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Escamilla-Gutiérrez A, Córdova-Espinoza MG, Sánchez-Monciváis A, Tecuatzi-Cadena B, Regalado-García AG, Medina-Quero K. In silico selection of aptamers for bacterial toxins detection. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:10909-10918. [PMID: 36546716 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2159529] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The most commonly used toxins in biological warfare are staphylococcal enterotoxin B (3SEB), cholera toxin (1XTC), and botulinum toxin (3BTA). Uncovering novel strategies for identifying these toxins is paramount; therefore, aptamers are used for this purpose. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides selected via Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) with high binding affinity and specificity against target molecules. However, SELEX in vitro is tedious; hence, adopting alternative in silico molecular docking approaches is necessary. We aimed to conduct molecular docking with accessible tools and obtain RNA aptamers. First, 4,820,095 sequences obtained from an initial library of 9.5 × 109 Python script sequences were used. The GraphClust program was used to create representative groups or clusters, and the DoGSiteScorer (https://proteins.plus/) was used to conduct binding site detection of the proteins: 5DO4 (thrombin), 3SEB, 1XTC, and 3BTA. rDock, HDock, and PatchDock were adopted, combining different docking program results (consensus scoring), to improve receptor-ligand prediction. An analysis of the poses and root mean square deviation (RMSD) was performed, and 468 structurally different aptamers were obtained. The DoGSiteScorer program predicted the binding site of each protein to direct the interaction with the aptamer. Candidate aptamers for 3SEB, 1XTC, and 3BTA were selected according to the pose value considering the closeness of the interaction with a lower mean of 45.923 Å, 45.854 Å, and 72.490 Å, respectively.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Escamilla-Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
- Hospital General, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social IMSS, Ciudad de México, México
| | - María Guadalupe Córdova-Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Anahí Sánchez-Monciváis
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Brenda Tecuatzi-Cadena
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ana Gabriela Regalado-García
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Karen Medina-Quero
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
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Caldarelli M, Franza L, Rio P, Gasbarrini A, Gambassi G, Cianci R. Gut-Kidney-Heart: A Novel Trilogy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3063. [PMID: 38002063 PMCID: PMC10669427 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiota represents a key factor in determining health and disease. Its role in inflammation and immunological disorders is well known, but it is also involved in several complex conditions, ranging from neurological to psychiatric, from gastrointestinal to cardiovascular diseases. It has recently been hypothesized that the gut microbiota may act as an intermediary in the close interaction between kidneys and the cardiovascular system, leading to the conceptualization of the "gut-kidney-heart" axis. In this narrative review, we will discuss the impact of the gut microbiota on each system while also reviewing the available data regarding the axis itself. We will also describe the role of gut metabolites in this complex interplay, as well as potential therapeutical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Caldarelli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (P.R.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Laura Franza
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Rio
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (P.R.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (P.R.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Giovanni Gambassi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (P.R.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (P.R.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
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Nolasco M, Mariano DOC, Pimenta DC, Biondi I, Branco A. Proteomic analyses of venom from a Spider Hawk, Pepsis decorata. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20220090. [PMID: 37965483 PMCID: PMC10642949 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0090] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The composition of the venom from solitary wasps is poorly known, although these animals are considered sources of bioactive substances. Until the present moment, there is only one proteomic characterization of the venom of wasps of the family Pompilidae and this is the first proteomic characterization for the genus Pepsis. Methods To elucidate the components of Pepsis decorata venom, the present work sought to identify proteins using four different experimental conditions, namely: (A) crude venom; (B) reduced and alkylated venom; (C) trypsin-digested reduced and alkylated venom, and; (D) chymotrypsin-digested reduced and alkylated venom. Furthermore, three different mass spectrometers were used (Ion Trap-Time of Flight, Quadrupole-Time of Flight, and Linear Triple Quadruple). Results Proteomics analysis revealed the existence of different enzymes related to the insect's physiology in the venom composition. Besides toxins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), hyaluronidase, and Kunitz-type inhibitors were also identified. Conclusion The data showed that the venom of Pepsis decorata is mostly composed of proteins involved in the metabolism of arthropods, as occurs in parasitic wasps, although some classical toxins were recorded, and among them, for the first time, ACE was found in the venom of solitary wasps. This integrative approach expanded the range of compounds identified in protein analyses, proving to be efficient in the proteomic characterization of little-known species. It is our understanding that the current work will provide a solid base for future studies dealing with other Hymenoptera venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Nolasco
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | - Douglas O. C. Mariano
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel C. Pimenta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ilka Biondi
- Laboratory of Venomous Animals and Herpetology. Biology Department, State University of Feira de Santana - UEFS, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | - Alexsandro Branco
- Phytochemistry Laboratory, Health Department, State University of Feira de Santana - UEFS, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
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You Y, Zhou Y, Duan X, Mao X, Li Y. Research progress on the application of different preservation methods for controlling fungi and toxins in fruit and vegetable. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:12441-12452. [PMID: 35866524 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2101982] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables are susceptible to fungal infections during picking, transportation, storage and processing, which have a high potential to produce toxins. Fungi and toxins can cause acute or chronic poisoning after entering the body. In the field of fruit and vegetable preservation, technologies such as temperature control, modified atmosphere, irradiation, application of natural or chemical preservatives, and edible films are commonly used. In practical applications, according to the types, physiological differences and actual needs of fruits and vegetables, suitable preservation methods can be selected to achieve the effect of preservation and control of fungi and toxins. The starting point of fresh-keeping technology is to delay post-harvest senescence of fruits and vegetables, inhibit the respiratory intensity, and control the reproduction of microorganisms, which is important to control the reproduction of fungi and the production of toxins. From the three directions of physical, chemical and biological means, the article analyses and explores the effects of different external factors on the production of toxins and the effects of different preservation techniques on fungal growth and toxin production in fruits and vegetables, in order to provide new ideas for the preservation of fruits and vegetables and the control of harmful substances in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli You
- Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunna Zhou
- Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewu Duan
- Department of South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Mao
- Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanshen Li
- Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Gul H, Gadratagi BG, Güncan A, Tyagi S, Ullah F, Desneux N, Liu X. Fitness costs of resistance to insecticides in insects. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1238111. [PMID: 37929209 PMCID: PMC10620942 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1238111] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemical application is considered one of the most crucial methods for controlling insect pests, especially in intensive farming practices. Owing to the chemical application, insect pests are exposed to toxic chemical insecticides along with other stress factors in the environment. Insects require energy and resources for survival and adaptation to cope with these conditions. Also, insects use behavioral, physiological, and genetic mechanisms to combat stressors, like new environments, which may include chemicals insecticides. Sometimes, the continuous selection pressure of insecticides is metabolically costly, which leads to resistance development through constitutive upregulation of detoxification genes and/or target-site mutations. These actions are costly and can potentially affect the biological traits, including development and reproduction parameters and other key variables that ultimately affect the overall fitness of insects. This review synthesizes published in-depth information on fitness costs induced by insecticide resistance in insect pests in the past decade. It thereby highlights the insecticides resistant to insect populations that might help design integrated pest management (IPM) programs for controlling the spread of resistant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Gul
- MARA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Basana Gowda Gadratagi
- Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Ali Güncan
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ordu University, Ordu, Türkiye
| | - Saniya Tyagi
- Department of Entomology, BRD PG College, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Farman Ullah
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Xiaoxia Liu
- MARA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Pal R, Seleem MN. Antisense inhibition of RNA polymerase α subunit of Clostridioides difficile. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0175523. [PMID: 37772833 PMCID: PMC10581251 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01755-23] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, the causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, has emerged as a major enteric pathogen in recent years. Antibiotic treatment perturbs the gut microbiome homeostasis, which facilitates the colonization and proliferation of the pathogen in the host intestine. Paradoxically, the clinical repertoire for C. difficile infection includes the antibiotics vancomycin and/or fidaxomicin. The current therapies do not address the perturbed gut microbiome, which supports the recurrence of infection after cessation of antibiotic therapy. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are novel alternatives to traditional antimicrobial therapy capable of forming strong and stable complexes with RNA and DNA, thus permitting targeted inhibition of specific genes. Here, we report a novel PNA that can target the RNA polymerase α subunit (rpoA) in C. difficile. The designed anti-rpoA construct inhibited clinical isolates of C. difficile (minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged between 4 and 8 µM) and exhibited bactericidal activity. Furthermore, silencing of the rpoA gene suppressed the expression of genes that encode virulence factors [toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB)] in C. difficile, and the gene that encodes the transcription factor stage 0 sporulation protein (spoOA). Interestingly, the efficacy of the designed PNA conjugate remained unaffected even when tested at different pH levels and against a high inoculum of the pathogen. The rpoA-TAT conjugate was very specific against C. difficile and did not inhibit members of the beneficial gut microflora. Taken altogether, our study confirms that the rpoA gene can be a promising narrow-spectrum therapeutic target to curb C. difficile infection. IMPORTANCE The widespread use of antibiotics can destroy beneficial intestinal microflora, opening the door for spores of Clostridioides difficile to run rampant in the digestive system, causing life-threatening diarrhea. Alternative approaches to target this deadly pathogen are urgently needed. We utilized targeted therapeutics called peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to inhibit gene expression in C. difficile. Inhibition of the RNA polymerase α subunit gene (rpoA) by PNA was found to be lethal for C. difficile and could also disarm its virulence factors. Additionally, antisense inhibition of the C. difficile rpoA gene did not impact healthy microflora. We also propose a novel approach to manipulate gene expression in C. difficile without the need for established genetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusha Pal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Mohamed N. Seleem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Whyte C, Swan SC, Turner AD, Hatfield RG, Mitchell E, Lafferty S, Morrell N, Rowland-Pilgrim S, Davidson K. The Presence of Pseudo-nitzschia australis in North Atlantic Aquaculture Sites, Implications for Monitoring Amnesic Shellfish Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:554. [PMID: 37755980 PMCID: PMC10536095 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090554] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The farming of shellfish plays an important role in providing sustainable economic growth in coastal, rural communities in Scotland and acts as an anchor industry, supporting a range of ancillary jobs in the processing, distribution and exporting industries. The Scottish Government is encouraging shellfish farmers to double their economic contribution by 2030. These farmers face numerous challenges to reach this goal, among which is the problem caused by toxin-producing microplankton that can contaminate their shellfish, leading to harvesting site closure and the recall of product. Food Standards Scotland, a non-ministerial department of the Scottish Government, carries out a monitoring programme for both the toxin-producing microplankton and the toxins in shellfish flesh, with farms being closed when official thresholds for any toxin are breached. The farm remains closed until testing for the problematic toxin alone, often diarrhetic shellfish toxin (DST), shows the site to have dropped below the regulatory threshold. While this programme has proved to be robust, questions remain regarding the other toxins that may be present at a closed site. In this study, we tested archival material collected during site closures but only tested for DSTs as part of the official control monitoring. We found the presence of amnesic shellfish toxin (AST) in low concentrations in the majority of sites tested. In one case, the level of AST breached the official threshold. This finding has implications for AST monitoring programmes around Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Whyte
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Sarah C. Swan
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Andrew D. Turner
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK (S.R.-P.)
| | - Robert G. Hatfield
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK (S.R.-P.)
| | - Elaine Mitchell
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Shannon Lafferty
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Nadine Morrell
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK (S.R.-P.)
| | - Stepahanie Rowland-Pilgrim
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK (S.R.-P.)
| | - Keith Davidson
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA, UK
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Müller E, Hackney CM, Ellgaard L, Morth JP. High-resolution crystal structure of the Mu8.1 conotoxin from Conus mucronatus. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2023; 79:240-246. [PMID: 37642664 PMCID: PMC10478764 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x23007070] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine cone snails produce a wealth of peptide toxins (conotoxins) that bind their molecular targets with high selectivity and potency. Therefore, conotoxins constitute valuable biomolecular tools with a variety of biomedical purposes. The Mu8.1 conotoxin from Conus mucronatus is the founding member of the newly identified saposin-like conotoxin class of conotoxins and has been shown to target Cav2.3, a voltage-gated calcium channel. Two crystal structures have recently been determined of Mu8.1 at 2.3 and 2.1 Å resolution. Here, a high-resolution crystal structure of Mu8.1 was determined at 1.67 Å resolution in the high-symmetry space group I4122. The asymmetric unit contained one molecule, with a symmetry-related molecule generating a dimer equivalent to that observed in the two previously determined structures. The high resolution allows a detailed atomic analysis of a water-filled cavity buried at the dimer interface, revealing a tightly coordinated network of waters that shield a lysine residue (Lys55) with a predicted unusually low side-chain pKa value. These findings are discussed in terms of a potential functional role of Lys55 in target interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Müller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Preben Morth
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Koch TL, Torres JP, Baskin RP, Salcedo PF, Chase K, Olivera BM, Safavi-Hemami H. A toxin-based approach to neuropeptide and peptide hormone discovery. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1176662. [PMID: 37720554 PMCID: PMC10501145 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1176662] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide hormones and neuropeptides form a diverse class of bioactive secreted molecules that control essential processes in animals. Despite breakthroughs in peptide discovery, many signaling peptides remain undiscovered. Recently, we demonstrated the use of somatostatin-mimicking toxins from cone snails to identify the invertebrate ortholog of somatostatin. Here, we show that this toxin-based approach can be systematically applied to discover other unknown secretory peptides that are likely to have signaling function. Using large sequencing datasets, we searched for homologies between cone snail toxins and secreted proteins from the snails' prey. We identified and confirmed expression of five toxin families that share strong similarities with unknown secretory peptides from mollusks and annelids and in one case also from ecdysozoans. Based on several lines of evidence we propose that these peptides likely act as signaling peptides that serve important physiological functions. Indeed, we confirmed that one of the identified peptides belongs to the family of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone, a peptide not previously observed in Spiralia. We propose that this discovery pipeline can be broadly applied to other systems in which one organism has evolved molecules to manipulate the physiology of another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lund Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Joshua P. Torres
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert P. Baskin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Paula Flórez Salcedo
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Kevin Chase
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Dong Q, Lin H, Allen MM, Garneau JR, Sia JK, Smith RC, Haro F, McMillen T, Pope RL, Metcalfe C, Burgo V, Woodson C, Dylla N, Kohout C, Sundararajan A, Snitkin ES, Young VB, Fortier LC, Kamboj M, Pamer EG. Virulence and genomic diversity among clinical isolates of ST1 (BI/NAP1/027) Clostridioides difficile. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112861. [PMID: 37523264 PMCID: PMC10627504 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112861] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile produces toxins that damage the colonic epithelium, causing colitis. Variation in disease severity is poorly understood and has been attributed to host factors and virulence differences between C. difficile strains. We test 23 epidemic ST1 C. difficile clinical isolates for their virulence in mice. All isolates encode a complete Tcd pathogenicity locus and achieve similar colonization densities. However, disease severity varies from lethal to avirulent infections. Genomic analysis of avirulent isolates reveals a 69-bp deletion in the cdtR gene, which encodes a response regulator for binary toxin expression. Deleting the 69-bp sequence in virulent R20291 strain renders it avirulent in mice with reduced toxin gene transcription. Our study demonstrates that a natural deletion within cdtR attenuates virulence in the epidemic ST1 C. difficile isolates without reducing colonization and persistence. Distinguishing strains on the basis of cdtR may enhance the specificity of diagnostic tests for C. difficile colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Dong
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Huaiying Lin
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marie-Maude Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Julian R Garneau
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jonathan K Sia
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rita C Smith
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Fidel Haro
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tracy McMillen
- Infection Control, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rosemary L Pope
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Carolyn Metcalfe
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Victoria Burgo
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Che Woodson
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Nicholas Dylla
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Claire Kohout
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Evan S Snitkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vincent B Young
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Louis-Charles Fortier
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Mini Kamboj
- Infection Control, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric G Pamer
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Vandierendonck J, Girardin Y, De Bruyn P, De Greve H, Loris R. A Multi-Layer-Controlled Strategy for Cloning and Expression of Toxin Genes in Escherichia coli. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:508. [PMID: 37624265 PMCID: PMC10467106 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080508] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular cloning and controlled expression remain challenging when the target gene encodes a protein that is toxic to the host. We developed a set of multi-layer control systems to enable cloning of genes encoding proteins known to be highly toxic in Escherichia coli and other bacteria. The different multi-layer control systems combine a promoter-operator system on a transcriptional level with a riboswitch for translational control. Additionally, replicational control is ensured by using a strain that reduces the plasmid copy number. The use of weaker promoters (such as PBAD or PfdeA) in combination with the effective theophylline riboswitch is essential for cloning genes that encode notoriously toxic proteins that directly target translation and transcription. Controlled overexpression is possible, allowing the system to be used for evaluating in vivo effects of the toxin. Systems with a stronger promoter can be used for successful overexpression and purification of the desired protein but are limited to toxins that are more moderate and do not interfere with their own production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Henri De Greve
- Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie and Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussel, Belgium; (J.V.); (Y.G.)
| | - Remy Loris
- Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie and Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussel, Belgium; (J.V.); (Y.G.)
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41
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Bista PK, Pillai D, Narayanan SK. Outer-Membrane Vesicles of Fusobacterium necrophorum: A Proteomic, Lipidomic, and Functional Characterization. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2082. [PMID: 37630642 PMCID: PMC10458137 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082082] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) are extruded nanostructures shed by Gram-negative bacteria, containing periplasmic contents, and often including virulence factors with immunogenic properties. To assess their potential for use in vaccine development, we purified OMVs from the Fusobacterium necrophorum subspecies necrophorum, an opportunistic necrotic infection-causing pathogen, and characterized these structures using proteomics, lipid-profiling analyses, and cytotoxicity assays. A proteomic analysis of density-gradient-purified F. necrophorum OMVs identified 342 proteins, a large proportion of which were outer-membrane proteins (OMPs), followed by cytoplasmic proteins, based on a subcellular-localization-prediction analysis. The OMPs and toxins were among the proteins with the highest intensity identified, including the 43-kDa-OMP-, OmpA-, and OmpH-family proteins, the cell-surface protein, the FadA adhesin protein, the leukotoxin-LktA-family filamentous adhesin, the N-terminal domain of hemagglutinin, and the OMP transport protein and assembly factor. A Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of several OMPs and toxins in the F. necrophorum OMVs. The lipid-profiling analysis revealed phospholipids, sphingolipids, and acetylcarnitine as the main lipid contents of OMVs. The lactate-dehydrogenase-cytotoxicity assays showed that the OMVs had a high degree of cytotoxicity against a bovine B-lymphocyte cell line (BL-3 cells). Thus, our data suggest the need for further studies to evaluate the ability of OMVs to induce immune responses and assess their vaccine potential in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabha K. Bista
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (P.K.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Deepti Pillai
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (P.K.B.); (D.P.)
- Indiana Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Sanjeev K. Narayanan
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (P.K.B.); (D.P.)
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Dupuy B. Regulation of Clostridial Toxin Gene Expression: A Pasteurian Tradition. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:413. [PMID: 37505682 PMCID: PMC10467148 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070413] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The alarming symptoms attributed to several potent clostridial toxins enabled the early identification of the causative agent of tetanus, botulism, and gas gangrene diseases, which belongs to the most famous species of pathogenic clostridia. Although Clostridioides difficile was identified early in the 20th century as producing important toxins, it was identified only 40 years later as the causative agent of important nosocomial diseases upon the advent of antibiotic therapies in hospital settings. Today, C. difficile is a leading public health issue, as it is the major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults. In particular, severe symptoms within the spectrum of C. difficile infections are directly related to the levels of toxins produced in the host. This highlights the importance of understanding the regulation of toxin synthesis in the pathogenicity process of C. difficile, whose regulatory factors in response to the gut environment were first identified at the Institut Pasteur. Subsequently, the work of other groups in the field contributed to further deciphering the complex mechanisms controlling toxin production triggered by the intestinal dysbiosis states during infection. This review summarizes the Pasteurian contribution to clostridial toxin regulation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Dupuy
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, UMR-CNRS 6047, Laboratoire Pathogenèse des Bactéries Anaérobies, F-75015 Paris, France
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Karmaus W, Kheirkhah Rahimabad P, Pham N, Mukherjee N, Chen S, Anthony TM, Arshad HS, Rathod A, Sultana N, Jones AD. Association of Metabolites, Nutrients, and Toxins in Maternal and Cord Serum with Asthma, IgE, SPT, FeNO, and Lung Function in Offspring. Metabolites 2023; 13:737. [PMID: 37367895 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060737] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of metabolites, nutrients, and toxins (MNTs) in sera at the end of pregnancy and of their association with offspring respiratory and allergic disorders is underexplored. Untargeted approaches detecting a variety of compounds, known and unknown, are limited. In this cohort study, we first aimed at discovering associations of MNTs in grandmaternal (F0) serum with asthma, immunoglobulin E, skin prick tests, exhaled nitric oxide, and lung function parameters in their parental (F1) offspring. Second, for replication, we tested the identified associations of MNTs with disorders in their grandchildren (F2-offspring) based on F2 cord serum. The statistical analyses were sex-stratified. Using liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry in F0, we detected signals for 2286 negative-ion lipids, 59 positive-ion lipids, and 6331 polar MNTs. Nine MNTs (one unknown MNT) discovered in F0-F1 and replicated in F2 showed higher risks of respiratory/allergic outcomes. Twelve MNTs (four unknowns) constituted a potential protection in F1 and F2. We recognized MNTs not yet considered candidates for respiratory/allergic outcomes: a phthalate plasticizer, an antihistamine, a bile acid metabolite, tryptophan metabolites, a hemiterpenoid glycoside, triacylglycerols, hypoxanthine, and polyphenol syringic acid. The findings suggest that MNTs are aspirants for clinical trials to prevent adverse respiratory/allergic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Karmaus
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Parnian Kheirkhah Rahimabad
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Ngan Pham
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Nandini Mukherjee
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Su Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4375, USA
| | - Thilani M Anthony
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Hasan S Arshad
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Isle of Wight PO30 5TG, UK
| | - Aniruddha Rathod
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Nahid Sultana
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - A Daniel Jones
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Garrido S, Riobó P, Rial P, Rodríguez F. Short-Term Interactions of Noctiluca scintillans with the Toxic Dinoflagellates Dinophysis acuminata and Alexandrium minutum: Growth, Toxins and Allelopathic Effects. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:373. [PMID: 37368674 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060373] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Galician Rías (NW Iberian Peninsula) are an important shellfish aquaculture area periodically affected by toxic episodes often caused by dinoflagellates such as Dinophysis acuminata and Alexandrium minutum, among others. In turn, water discolorations are mostly associated with non-toxic organisms such as the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans, a voracious non-selective predator. The objective of this work was to study the biological interactions among these dinoflagellates and their outcome in terms of survival, growth and toxins content. To that aim, short experiments (4 days) were carried out on mixed cultures with N. scintillans (20 cells mL-1) and (i) one strain of D. acuminata (50, 100 and 500 cells mL-1) and (ii) two strains of A. minutum (100, 500 and 1000 cells mL-1). Cultures of N. scintillans with two A. minutum collapsed by the end of the assays. Both D. acuminata and A. minutum exposed to N. scintillans arrested its growth, though feeding vacuoles in the latter rarely contained any prey. Toxin analyses at the end of the experiment showed an increase in intracellular OA levels in D. acuminata and a significant reduction in PSTs in both A. minutum strains. Neither OA nor PSTs were detected in N. scintillans. Overall, the present study indicated that the interactions among them were ruled by negative allelopathic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Garrido
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Spanish National Research Council, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Pilar Riobó
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, Spanish National Research Council, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Pilar Rial
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Spanish National Research Council, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Spanish National Research Council, 36390 Vigo, Spain
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Hasnain M, Abideen Z, Ali F, Hasanuzzaman M, El-Keblawy A. Potential of Halophytes as Sustainable Fodder Production by Using Saline Resources: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Directions. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:plants12112150. [PMID: 37299129 DOI: 10.3390/plants12112150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Good quality water and arable land are required for both domestic and agricultural uses. Increasing population leads to urbanization and industrialization increasing the need to share these resources and creating threats to the food supply. Higher meat consumption requires mitigation strategies to protect food and mitigate economic crises, especially in developing nations. The production of food crops for energy purposes and lower yield due to climate change increase food prices as well as have a negative impact on the economy. Thus, an alternative food source is required featuring high forage components to reduce grazing periods and to prevent rangeland degradation. Halophytes can tolerate high salinity and can be easily grown for fodder in coastal areas where fodder is a problem. Varied climate conditions offer opportunities to grow suitable halophytes for specific purposes. One important feature is their use as fodder. To reduce food shortages, saline areas could be used to grow nutritive and productive halophytic forage. Wild plants have undesirable metabolites produced in harsh conditions which may be harmful for ruminant health. Halophytes have moderate amounts of these metabolites which are nontoxic. Halophytes can be grown without intruding on agricultural lands and freshwater resources and could promote livestock production which may improve the socio-economic conditions of poor farmers in a sustainable and ecofriendly manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hasnain
- Department of Biotechnology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 35200, Pakistan
| | - Zainul Abideen
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Faraz Ali
- School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Sydney 40939, Australia
| | - Mirza Hasanuzzaman
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali El-Keblawy
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 2727, United Arab Emirates
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Grenda T, Jarosz A, Sapała M, Grenda A, Patyra E, Kwiatek K. Clostridium perfringens-Opportunistic Foodborne Pathogen, Its Diversity and Epidemiological Significance. Pathogens 2023; 12:768. [PMID: 37375458 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The C. perfringens species is associated with various environments, such as soils, sewage, and food. However, it is also a component of the gastrointestinal (GI) microflora (i.e., microbiota) of sick and healthy humans and animals. C. perfringens is linked with different systemic and enteric diseases in livestock and humans, such as gas gangrene, food poisoning, non-foodborne diarrhoea, and enterocolitis. The strains of this opportunistic pathogen are known to secrete over 20 identified toxins that are considered its principal virulence factors. C. perfringens belongs to the anaerobic bacteria community but can also survive in the presence of oxygen. The short time between generations, the multi-production capability of toxins and heat-resistant spores, the location of many virulence genes on mobile genetic elements, and the inhabitance of this opportunistic pathogen in different ecological niches make C. perfringens a very important microorganism for public health protection. The epidemiological evidence for the association of these strains with C. perfringens-meditated food poisoning and some cases of non-foodborne diseases is very clear and well-documented. However, the genetic diversity and physiology of C. perfringens should still be studied in order to confirm the importance of suspected novel virulence traits. A very significant problem is the growing antibiotic resistance of C. perfringens strains. The aim of this review is to show the current basic information about the toxins, epidemiology, and genetic and molecular diversity of this opportunistic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Grenda
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Jarosz
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sapała
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Anna Grenda
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewelina Patyra
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kwiatek
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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Beres C, Colobatiu L, Tabaran A, Mihaiu R, Mihaiu M. Prevalence and Characterisation of Clostridium perfringens Isolates in Food-Producing Animals in Romania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1373. [PMID: 37374875 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061373] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) recovered from animal faeces, as well as to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of such isolates. A total of 14 (14/100; 14%) C. perfringens isolates were isolated from the 100 analysed samples (twelve recovered from faecal samples collected from pigs and two from veal calves' faecal samples). The preponderant genotype was type A, with all isolates being cpa-positive. The most potent antimicrobial agents against C. perfringens proved to be vancomycin, rifampicin and lincomycin. A strong resistance to tetracycline (71.4%), penicillin (64.2%), erythromycin (42.8%) and enrofloxacin (35.7%) was also observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis regarding the prevalence, characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of C. perfringens in food-producing animals in Romania, adding further evidence for the probable role of animals as a source of resistant C. perfringens strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Beres
- Department of Animal Breeding and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Manastur Street No. 3/5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Liora Colobatiu
- Department of Medical Devices, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babes Street No. 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Tabaran
- Department of Animal Breeding and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Manastur Street No. 3/5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Romolica Mihaiu
- Department of Management, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Babes Bolyai University, Mihail Kogalniceanu Street No.1, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marian Mihaiu
- Department of Animal Breeding and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Manastur Street No. 3/5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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48
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Kocyigit E, Kocaadam-Bozkurt B, Bozkurt O, Ağagündüz D, Capasso R. Plant Toxic Proteins: Their Biological Activities, Mechanism of Action and Removal Strategies. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:356. [PMID: 37368657 PMCID: PMC10303728 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants evolve to synthesize various natural metabolites to protect themselves against threats, such as insects, predators, microorganisms, and environmental conditions (such as temperature, pH, humidity, salt, and drought). Plant-derived toxic proteins are often secondary metabolites generated by plants. These proteins, including ribosome-inactivating proteins, lectins, protease inhibitors, α-amylase inhibitors, canatoxin-like proteins and ureases, arcelins, antimicrobial peptides, and pore-forming toxins, are found in different plant parts, such as the roots, tubers, stems, fruits, buds, and foliage. Several investigations have been conducted to explore the potential applications of these plant proteins by analyzing their toxic effects and modes of action. In biomedical applications, such as crop protection, drug development, cancer therapy, and genetic engineering, toxic plant proteins have been utilized as potentially useful instruments due to their biological activities. However, these noxious metabolites can be detrimental to human health and cause problems when consumed in high amounts. This review focuses on different plant toxic proteins, their biological activities, and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, possible usage and removal strategies for these proteins are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Kocyigit
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ordu University, Cumhuriyet Yerleşkesi, 52200 Ordu, Turkey;
| | - Betul Kocaadam-Bozkurt
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Erzurum Technical University, Yakutiye, 25100 Erzurum, Turkey; (B.K.-B.); (O.B.)
| | - Osman Bozkurt
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Erzurum Technical University, Yakutiye, 25100 Erzurum, Turkey; (B.K.-B.); (O.B.)
| | - Duygu Ağagündüz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gazi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Emek, 06490 Ankara, Turkey;
| | - Raffaele Capasso
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
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Ward MCE, Barrios MC, Fallon AM. Paraquat is toxic to the soil-dwelling arthropod, Folsomia candida (Collembola: Isotomidae), and has potential effects on its Wolbachia endosymbiont. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 198:107936. [PMID: 37196858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107936] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The springtail, Folsomia candida, is a soil arthropod commonly used to evaluate environmental toxins. Conflicting data on the toxicity of the herbicide paraquat prompted re-evaluation of its effects on F. candida survival and reproduction. Paraquat has an LC50 of about 80 μM when tested in the absence of charcoal; charcoal, often used in test arenas to facilitate visualization of the white Collembola, has a protective effect. Survivors of paraquat treatment fail to resume molting and oviposition, suggesting an irreversible effect on the Wolbachia symbiont that restores diploidy during parthenogenetic reproduction of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel C E Ward
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980, Folwell Ave. St. Paul, Mn 55108
| | - Maria C Barrios
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980, Folwell Ave. St. Paul, Mn 55108
| | - Ann M Fallon
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980, Folwell Ave. St. Paul, Mn 55108.
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Singh AN, Nice JB, Brown AC, Wittenberg NJ. Identifying size-dependent toxin sorting in bacterial outer membrane vesicles. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.03.539273. [PMID: 37205353 PMCID: PMC10187208 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539273] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that play a critical role in cell-cell communication and virulence. Despite being isolated from a single population of bacteria, OMVs can exhibit heterogeneous size and toxin content, which can be obscured by assays that measure ensemble properties. To address this issue, we utilize fluorescence imaging of individual OMVs to reveal size-dependent toxin sorting. Our results showed that the oral bacterium Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) produces OMVs with a bimodal size distribution, where larger OMVs were much more likely to possess leukotoxin (LtxA). Among the smallest OMVs (< 100 nm diameter), the fraction that are toxin positive ranges from 0-30%, while the largest OMVs (> 200 nm diameter) are between 70-100% toxin positive. Our single OMV imaging method provides a non-invasive way to observe OMV surface heterogeneity at the nanoscale level and determine size-based heterogeneities without the need for OMV fraction separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarshi N. Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, U.S.A
| | - Justin B Nice
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, U.S.A
| | - Angela C. Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, U.S.A
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