scholarly journals In Vitro Interactions between Antifungals and Immunosuppressants against Aspergillus fumigatus

2004 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1664-1669 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Steinbach ◽  
Wiley A. Schell ◽  
Jill R. Blankenship ◽  
Chiatogu Onyewu ◽  
Joseph Heitman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Calcineurin Inhibitors ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Azole Antifungals ◽  
Calcineurin Pathway ◽  
In Vitro Interactions

ABSTRACT The optimal treatment for invasive aspergillosis remains elusive, despite the increased efficacy of newer agents. The immunosuppressants cyclosporine (CY), tacrolimus (FK506), and sirolimus (formerly called rapamycin) exhibit in vitro and in vivo activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including fungicidal synergy with azole antifungals. We report here that both FK506 and CY exhibit a clear in vitro positive interaction with caspofungin against Aspergillus fumigatus by disk diffusion, microdilution checkerboard, and gross and microscopic morphological analyses. Microscopic morphological analyses indicate that the calcineurin inhibitors delay filamentation, and in combination with caspofungin there is a positive interaction. Our findings suggest a potential role for combination therapy with calcineurin pathway inhibitors and existing antifungal agents to augment activity against A. fumigatus.

scholarly journals In Vitro Interactions between Antifungals and Immunosuppressants against Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from Transplant and Nontransplant Patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 4922-4925 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Steinbach ◽  
Nina Singh ◽  
Jackie L. Miller ◽  
Daniel K. Benjamin ◽  
Wiley A. Schell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Calcineurin Inhibitor ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Clinical Isolates ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
In Vitro Interactions

ABSTRACT We performed in vitro antifungal checkerboard testing on 12 Aspergillus fumigatus clinical isolates (6 transplant recipients and 6 nontransplant patients) with three antifungal agents (amphotericin B, voriconazole, and caspofungin) and three immunosuppressants (FK506, cyclosporine, and rapamycin). We were not able to detect a difference in calcineurin inhibitor antifungal activity against isolates from transplant recipients and nontransplant patients.

In Vitro Interactions of Calcineurin Inhibitors with Conventional Antifungal Agents Against the Yeast Form of Penicillium marneffei

2014 ◽  
Vol 178 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 217-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongdong Mo ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Lili Wei ◽  
Chenghang Sun ◽  
Hao Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Calcineurin Inhibitors ◽  
Penicillium Marneffei ◽  
Yeast Form ◽  
In Vitro Interactions

scholarly journals Conifers Phytochemicals: A Valuable Forest with Therapeutic Potential

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 3005
Author(s):  
Kanchan Bhardwaj ◽  
Ana Sanches Silva ◽  
Maria Atanassova ◽  
Rohit Sharma ◽  
Eugenie Nepovimova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Cancer Growth ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Antioxidant Effects

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different phytochemicals present in conifers against bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are also reviewed. Data obtained from experimental and clinical studies performed to date clearly underline that such compounds exert promising antioxidant effects, being able to inhibit cell damage, cancer growth, inflammation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, an attempt has been made with the intent to highlight the importance of conifer-derived extracts for pharmacological purposes, with the support of relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental data. In short, this review comprehends the information published to date related to conifers’ phytochemicals and illustrates their potential role as drugs.

scholarly journals Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Metformin in Cervical Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2545
Author(s):  
Ya-Hui Chen ◽  
Po-Hui Wang ◽  
Pei-Ni Chen ◽  
Shun-Fa Yang ◽  
Yi-Hsuan Hsiao
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Cervical cancer is one of the major gynecologic malignancies worldwide. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiotherapy, or a combination of these treatments; however, relapse and recurrence may occur, and the outcome may not be favorable. Metformin is an established, safe, well-tolerated drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes; it can be safely combined with other antidiabetic agents. Diabetes, possibly associated with an increased site-specific cancer risk, may relate to the progression or initiation of specific types of cancer. The potential effects of metformin in terms of cancer prevention and therapy have been widely studied, and a number of studies have indicated its potential role in cancer treatment. The most frequently proposed mechanism underlying the diabetes–cancer association is insulin resistance, which leads to secondary hyperinsulinemia; furthermore, insulin may exert mitogenic effects through the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor, and hyperglycemia may worsen carcinogenesis through the induction of oxidative stress. Evidence has suggested clinical benefits of metformin in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. Combining current anticancer drugs with metformin may increase their efficacy and diminish adverse drug reactions. Accumulating evidence is indicating that metformin exerts anticancer effects alone or in combination with other agents in cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Metformin might thus serve as an adjunct therapeutic agent for cervical cancer. Here, we reviewed the potential anticancer effects of metformin against cervical cancer and discussed possible underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Bacillus megaterium-Mediated Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles and Their Antifungal Activity against Rhizoctonia solani in Faba Bean Plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 195
Author(s):  
Amr H. Hashem ◽  
Amer M. Abdelaziz ◽  
Ahmed A. Askar ◽  
Hossam M. Fouda ◽  
Ahmed M. A. Khalil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Vicia Faba ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Damping Off ◽  
Growth Promoters ◽  
Root Rot Disease ◽  
Rot Disease

Rhizoctonia root-rot disease causes severe economic losses in a wide range of crops, including Vicia faba worldwide. Currently, biosynthesized nanoparticles have become super-growth promoters as well as antifungal agents. In this study, biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) have been examined as growth promoters as well as antifungal agents against Rhizoctonia solani RCMB 031001 in vitro and in vivo. Se-NPs were synthesized biologically by Bacillus megaterium ATCC 55000 and characterized by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. TEM and DLS images showed that Se-NPs are mono-dispersed spheres with a mean diameter of 41.2 nm. Se-NPs improved healthy Vicia faba cv. Giza 716 seed germination, morphological, metabolic indicators, and yield. Furthermore, Se-NPs exhibited influential antifungal activity against R. solani in vitro as well as in vivo. Results revealed that minimum inhibition and minimum fungicidal concentrations of Se-NPs were 0.0625 and 1 mM, respectively. Moreover, Se-NPs were able to decrease the pre-and post-emergence of R. solani damping-off and minimize the severity of root rot disease. The most effective treatment method is found when soaking and spraying were used with each other followed by spraying and then soaking individually. Likewise, Se-NPs improve morphological and metabolic indicators and yield significantly compared with infected control. In conclusion, biosynthesized Se-NPs by B. megaterium ATCC 55000 are a promising and effective agent against R. solani damping-off and root rot diseases in Vicia faba as well as plant growth inducer.

scholarly journals In Vitro Activities of Voriconazole in Combination with Three Other Antifungal Agents against Candida glabrata

2004 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 3317-3322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Barchiesi ◽  
Elisabetta Spreghini ◽  
Monia Maracci ◽  
Annette W. Fothergill ◽  
Isabella Baldassarri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Glabrata ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Synergistic Interactions ◽  
Microdilution Method ◽  
Broth Microdilution Method ◽  
Disk Diffusion Assay ◽  
Combination Regimens

ABSTRACT Candida glabrata has recently emerged as a significant pathogen involved in both superficial and deep-seated infections. In the present study, a checkerboard broth microdilution method was performed to investigate the in vitro activities of voriconazole (VOR) in combination with terbinafine (TRB), amphotericin B (AMB), and flucytosine (5FC) against 20 clinical isolates of C. glabrata. Synergy, defined as a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of ≤0.50, was observed in 75% of VOR-TRB, 10% of VOR-AMB, and 5% of VOR-5FC interactions. None of these combinations yielded antagonistic interactions (FIC index > 4). When synergy was not achieved, there was still a decrease in the MIC of one or both drugs used in the combination. In particular, the MICs were reduced to ≤1.0 μg/ml as a result of the combination for all isolates for which the AMB MIC at the baseline was ≥2.0 μg/ml. By a disk diffusion assay, the halo diameters produced by antifungal agents in combination were greater that those produced by each drug alone. Finally, killing curves showed that VOR-AMB exhibited synergistic interactions, while VOR-5FC sustained fungicidal activities against C. glabrata. These studies demonstrate that the in vitro activity of VOR against this important yeast pathogen can be enhanced upon combination with other drugs that have different modes of action or that target a different step in the ergosterol pathway. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential beneficial effects of such combination regimens in vivo.

scholarly journals A potential role for the COOH-terminal domain in the lateral packing of type III intermediate filaments.

1991 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
P D Kouklis ◽  
T Papamarcaki ◽  
A Merdes ◽  
S D Georgatos
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Filament Assembly ◽  
Filament Bundles ◽  
Self Association ◽  
Specific Association ◽  
A Site ◽  
Idiotypic Antibody

To identify sites of self-association in type III intermediate filament (IF) proteins, we have taken an "anti-idiotypic antibody" approach. A mAb (anti-Ct), recognizing a similar feature near the end of the rod domain of vimentin, desmin, and peripherin (epsilon site or epsilon epitope), was characterized. Anti-idiotypic antibodies, generated by immunizing rabbits with purified anti-Ct, recognize a site (presumably "complementary" to the epsilon epitope) common among vimentin, desmin, and peripherin (beta site or beta epitope). The beta epitope is represented in a synthetic peptide (PII) modeled after the 30 COOH-terminal residues of peripherin, as seen by comparative immunoblotting assays. Consistent with the idea of an association between the epsilon and the beta site, PII binds in vitro to intact IF proteins and fragments containing the epsilon epitope, but not to IF proteins that do not react with anti-Ct. Microinjection experiments conducted in vivo and filament reconstitution assays carried out in vitro further demonstrate that "uncoupling" of this site-specific association (by competition with PII or anti-Ct) interferes with normal IF architecture, resulting in the formation of filaments and filament bundles with diameters much greater than that of the normal IFs. These thick fibers are very similar to the ones observed previously when a derivative of desmin missing 27 COOH-terminal residues was assembled in vitro (Kaufmann, E., K. Weber, and N. Geisler. 1985. J. Mol. Biol. 185:733-742). As a molecular explanation, we propose here that the epsilon and the beta sites of type III IF proteins are "complementary" and associate during filament assembly. As a result of this association, we further postulate the formation of a surface-exposed "loop" or "hairpin" structure that may sterically prevent inappropriate filament-filament aggregation and regulate filament thickness.

Azole-resistant and -susceptible Aspergillus fumigatus isolates show comparable fitness and azole treatment outcome in immunocompetent mice

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 703-710
Author(s):  
Michaela Lackner ◽  
Günter Rambach ◽  
Emina Jukic ◽  
Bettina Sartori ◽  
Josef Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Clinical Parameters ◽  
Fitness Advantage ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Immunocompetent Mice

Abstract No data are available on the in vivo impact of infections with in vitro azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in immunocompetent hosts. Here, the aim was to investigate fungal fitness and treatment response in immunocompetent mice infected with A. fumigatus (parental strain [ps]) and isogenic mutants carrying either the mutation M220K or G54W (cyp51A). The efficacy of itraconazole (ITC) and posaconazole (PSC) was investigated in mice, intravenously challenged either with a single or a combination of ps and mutants (6 × 105 conidia/mouse). Organ fungal burden and clinical parameters were measured. In coinfection models, no fitness advantage was observed for the ps strain when compared to the mutants (M220K and G54W) independent of the presence or absence of azole-treatment. For G54W, M220K, and the ps, no statistically significant difference in ITC and PSC treatment was observed in respect to fungal kidney burden. However, clinical parameters suggest that in particular the azole-resistant strain carrying the mutation G54W caused a more severe disease than the ps strain. Mice infected with G54W showed a significant decline in body weight and lymphocyte counts, while spleen/body weight ratio and granulocyte counts were increased. In immunocompetent mice, in vitro azole-resistance did not translate into therapeutic failure by either ITC or PSC; the immune system appears to play the key role in clearing the infection.

scholarly journals Albumin Enhances Caspofungin Activity against Aspergillus Species by Facilitating Drug Delivery to Germinating Hyphae

2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 1226-1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petros Ioannou ◽  
Aggeliki Andrianaki ◽  
Tonia Akoumianaki ◽  
Irene Kyrmizi ◽  
Nathaniel Albert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
The Other ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type

The modestin vitroactivity of echinocandins againstAspergillusimplies that host-related factors augment the action of these antifungal agentsin vivo. We found that, in contrast to the other antifungal agents (voriconazole, amphotericin B) tested, caspofungin exhibited a profound increase in activity against variousAspergillusspecies under conditions of cell culture growth, as evidenced by a ≥4-fold decrease in minimum effective concentrations (MECs) (P= 0. 0005). Importantly, the enhanced activity of caspofungin againstAspergillusspp. under cell culture conditions was strictly dependent on serum albumin and was not observed with the other two echinocandins, micafungin and anidulafungin. Of interest, fluorescently labeled albumin bound preferentially on the surface of germinatingAspergillushyphae, and this interaction was further enhanced upon treatment with caspofungin. In addition, supplementation of cell culture medium with albumin resulted in a significant, 5-fold increase in association of fluorescently labeled caspofungin withAspergillushyphae (P< 0.0001). Collectively, we found a novel synergistic interaction between albumin and caspofungin, with albumin acting as a potential carrier molecule to facilitate antifungal drug delivery toAspergillushyphae.

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