Article
Microbiology
Alison K. Criss, Caroline A. Genco, Scott D. Gray-Owen, Ann E. Jerse, H. Steven Seifert
Summary: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo) is the main cause of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection, with 87 million new infections reported globally each year. Rising infection rates and antibiotic-resistant strains have raised concerns about untreatable infections. Neutrophils play a central role in symptomatic disease, impacting both Ngo infection and damage to host tissues.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Bruno Anderson Fernandes da Silva, Renata Torres Pessoa, Roger Henrique Sousa da Costa, Maria Rayane Correia de Oliveira, Andreza Guedes Barbosa Ramos, Maria Gabriely de Lima Silva, Lucas Yure Santos da Silva, Cassio Rocha Medeiros, Sloana Giesta Lemos Florencio, Jaime Ribeiro-Filho, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, Antonio Raposo, Sunghoon Yoo, Heesup Han, Irwin Rose Alencar de Menezes, Lucindo Jose Quintans Jr
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroethanolic barks extract of Ximenia americana (HEXA) on edema and inflammation. The results showed that HEXA has antiedematogenic effects in both acute and chronic inflammation processes, possibly through the suppression or regulation of inflammatory mediators.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Abigail Norris Turner, Alexandria Carter, Yih-Ling Tzeng, David S. Stephens, Morgan Brown, Brandon Snyder, Adam C. Retchless, Xin Wang, Jose A. Bazan
Summary: The study showed that urethral infection with the US_NmUC did not offer protection against gonorrhea despite high sequence similarity in shared protein antigens.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zachary D. Aron, Atousa Mehrani, Eric D. Hoffer, Kristie L. Connolly, Pooja Srinivas, Matthew C. Torhan, John N. Alumasa, Mynthia Cabrera, Divya Hosangadi, Jay S. Barbor, Steven C. Cardinale, Steven M. Kwasny, Lucas R. Morin, Michelle M. Butler, Timothy J. Opperman, Terry L. Bowlin, Ann Jerse, Scott M. Stagg, Christine M. Dunham, Kenneth C. Keiler
Summary: Bacterial ribosome rescue pathways are potential antibiotic targets that selectively inhibit the main ribosome rescue pathway trans-translation. Optimization of pharmacokinetic and antibiotic properties of acylaminooxadiazoles produced MBX-4132, effective in clearing multi-drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in mice. Structural analyses reveal a new mechanism for specific inhibition of trans-translation and a novel conformation within the bacterial ribosome critical for ribosome rescue pathways.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Lindley A. Barbee, Olusegun O. Soge, Christine M. Khosropour, Angela LeClair, Matthew R. Golden
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the time it takes for the Neisseria gonorrhoeae NAAT results to become negative after treatment. The results showed that the median clearance time after treatment was 3 days, and the majority of individuals cleared the infection within 12 days. Individuals with a history of infection cleared the infection faster compared to those without such history.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Maira Goytia, Crista B. Wadsworth
Summary: The increasing antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae poses a direct threat to global public health. Studying nonpathogenic commensal Neisseria can provide insights into resistance mechanisms and help in monitoring and research on pathogenic Neisseria.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Wenqi Xu, Qian Zhou, Jingwei Liu, Yan Zhang, Xiaoyu Zhu, Bangyong Zhu, Yueping Yin
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae isolates collected in three Chinese provinces to gentamicin, as well as the correlation between the MICs of gentamicin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone. The efficacy of combination therapy using these three antibiotics was also examined. The majority of N. gonorrhoeae isolates demonstrated some level of susceptibility to gentamicin. Overall, the combination therapy of gentamicin with ceftriaxone or azithromycin had indifferent effects.
Article
Immunology
Kathryn A. Matthias, Kristie L. Connolly, Afrin A. Begum, Ann E. Jerse, Andrew N. Macintyre, Gregory D. Sempowski, Margaret C. Bash
Summary: Recent studies have found that Neisseria meningitidis vaccines lacking specific proteins can provide protection against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in mice, and the antibodies produced can cross-react with N. gonorrhoeae. This finding supports the development of a cross-protective vaccine against Neisseria infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Valeria Gaspari, Marielle Ezekielle Djusse, Sara Morselli, Luca Rapparini, Claudio Foschi, Simone Ambretti, Tiziana Lazzarotto, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Antonella Marangoni
Summary: Commensal Neisseria species in the oropharynx may serve as an important reservoir for multi-drug resistant gonorrhea, particularly in men having sex with men (MSM). We evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of non-pathogenic Neisseria species isolated from the oropharynx of MSM attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Bologna, Italy, and a general population of males. The study found that MSM had higher rates of resistance to azithromycin and ciprofloxacin compared to the general population, highlighting the potential risk of the spread of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Steven Park, Riccardo Russo, Landon Westfall, Riju Shrestha, Matthew Zimmerman, Veronique Dartois, Natalia Kurepina, Barry Kreiswirth, Eric Singleton, Shao-Gang Li, Nisha Mittal, Yong-Mo Ahn, Joseph Bilotta, Kristie L. Connolly, Ann E. Jerse, Joel S. Freundlich, David S. Perlin
Summary: JSF-2659 is a novel preclinical drug candidate with potent activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and high-threat multidrug resistant organisms, and it has low potential to develop new resistance.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Eve Bernet, Marthe Lebughe, Antony T. Vincent, Mohammad Mehdi Haghdoost, Golara Golbaghi, Steven Laplante, Annie Castonguay, Frederic J. Veyrier
Summary: The study suggests that a boron-based salt, sodium tetraphenylborate (NaBPh4), displays high bactericidal activity against Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with limited impact on closely related commensal species. The drug candidate's target(s) are likely located intracellularly or within the cell envelope, and mutants with decreased susceptibility show reduced virulence. This narrow selectivity of NaBPh4 is observed to have potential therapeutic importance.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christophe Van Dijck, Achilleas Tsoumanis, Anke Rotsaert, Bea Vuylsteke, Dorien Van den Bossche, Elke Paeleman, Irith De Baetselier, Isabel Brosius, Jolein Laumen, Jozefien Buyze, Kristien Wouters, Lutgarde Lynen, Marjan Van Esbroeck, Natacha Herssens, Said Abdellati, Steven Declercq, Thijs Reyniers, Yven Van Herrewege, Eric Florence, Chris Kenyon
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the use of Listerine mouthwash in reducing bacterial sexually transmitted infections among HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. Results showed that Listerine did not significantly reduce the incidence of STIs in this population.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xuechun Li, Wenjing Le, Xiangdi Lou, Caroline A. Genco, Peter A. Rice, Xiaohong Su
Summary: Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates collected in Nanjing, China that showed decreased susceptibility or resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) were found to have varying susceptibility to ertapenem. The study also identified genetic determinants of ESC resistance and analyzed associations with ertapenem susceptibility. The findings suggest that ertapenem may be an effective therapy for ESC-resistant isolates with identifiable resistance determinants.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magnus N. Osnes, Lucy van Dorp, Ola B. Brynildsrud, Kristian Alfsnes, Thamarai Schneiders, Kate E. Templeton, Koji Yahara, Francois Balloux, Dominique A. Caugant, Vegard Eldholm
Summary: A study on Neisseria gonorrhoeae multilocus sequence type (ST) 1901 found that this lineage is commonly associated with treatment failure, particularly due to alleles linked to reduced susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). The genetic diversity of ST-1901 was classified into minor and major clades, both originating in East Asia and dispersing globally in waves, with one clade acquiring a gene that significantly reduces susceptibility to ESCs. Despite declining effective population sizes, the lineage has become a reservoir for clones resistant to ceftriaxone, a key drug for gonorrhea treatment.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sunita Gulati, Andreas Holm Mattsson, Sophie Schussek, Bo Zheng, Rosane B. DeOliveira, Jutamas Shaughnessy, Lisa A. Lewis, Peter A. Rice, Par Comstedt, Sanjay Ram
Summary: A safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed to combat multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In this study, a platform called EDEN was used to screen 26 potential vaccine antigens, and their efficacy was tested in a mouse model. The combination of NGO1549 and NGO0265 showed significant reduction in colonization by MDR strains.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Vuyisa Mzozoyana, Fanie R. van Heerden, Craig Grimmer
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abdolkarim Farokhzadeh, Farideh Badichi Akher, Bahareh Honarparvar, Fanie R. Van Heerden
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Grace Obi, Jude C. Chukwujekwu, Fanie R. van Heerden
SYNTHETIC COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Vuyisa Mzozoyana, Fanie R. van Heerden
SYNTHETIC COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Crystallography
Buyiswa G. Hlangothi, Lungelwa Mahanjana, Eric C. Hosten, Fanie R. van Heerden, Maryna van de Venter
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KRISTALLOGRAPHIE-NEW CRYSTAL STRUCTURES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdolkarim Farrokhzadeh, Farideh Badichi Akher, Fisayo A. Olotu, Fanie R. Van Heerden
Summary: Chirality in drug design plays a crucial role in enhancing the selectivity and efficacy of therapeutic molecules. Computational approaches were used to explore the binding modes of (R,R) and (R,S)-HEC72702 on hepatitis B virus capsid, revealing that chirality change affects the inhibitory affinity of (R,R)-HEC72702. Analysis of energy decomposition highlighted the importance of van der Waals interactions in the binding process.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bamigboye J. Taiwo, Temidayo D. Popoola, Fanie R. van Heerden, Amos A. Fatokun
Summary: The research found compounds in okra that exhibited mild toxicity to cancer cells while also possessing antioxidant properties. These findings provide insight into the traditional use of okra for cancer, cardiovascular complications, and diabetes treatment, and suggest it as a potential source of novel therapeutics.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sushil K. Chaudhary, Maxleene Sandasi, Felix Makolo, Fanie R. van Heerden, Alvaro M. Viljoen
Summary: Aspalathin, a natural compound found in South African rooibos, possesses various pharmacological properties and is widely used in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Research has shown its potential in antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nasir Tajuddeen, Tarryn Swart, Heinrich C. Hoppe, Fanie R. van Heerden
Summary: The phytochemical constituents, antiplasmodial, and cytotoxic effects of Ozoroa obovata var. obovata from South Africa were investigated, leading to the isolation of various bioactive compounds with antiplasmodial and antiproliferative activities. The study revealed significant activities of the plant leaf extract against malaria and HeLa cells, along with the identification of several novel compounds in O. obovata.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nasir Tajuddeen, Tarryn Swart, Heinrich C. Hoppe, Fanie R. van Heerden
Summary: This study investigated the phytochemical and antiplasmodial properties of Pappea capensis leaves, commonly used by indigenous communities in Africa for treating malaria. The leaf extract showed strong anti-malarial activity but also cytotoxicity against human cervix adenocarcinoma cells. The isolated compounds displayed similar activity patterns, indicating the potential of P. capensis for malaria treatment but the need for further research on its cytotoxic effects on noncancerous cells.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nasir Tajuddeen, Tarryn Swart, Heinrich C. Hoppe, Fanie R. van Heerden
Summary: Previous studies showed that the methanol extract of Gardenia thunbergia had antiplasmodial activity, but no compounds had been isolated from the plant. This study identified a new saponin and eight other known compounds from the plant's methanol leaf extract, which displayed non-selective antiplasmodial activity. The presence of these isolated compounds in the leaf extract may explain the traditional use of Gardenia thunbergia in treating malaria.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nontembeko Dube, Fanie R. van Heerden, Costas Zachariades, Osariyekemwen O. Uyi, Thinandavha C. Munyai
Summary: This study investigated the alkaloids and PAs from Chromolaena odorata in different regions and habitats in South Africa, with and without the specialist herbivore Pareuchaetes insulata, and isolated two pyrrolizidine alkaloids from the root extract of the plant. The presence of alkaloids and pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the SAB C. odorata was detected for the first time in this study, with implications for plant defense and herbivore interactions.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Talent Chipiti, Alvaro M. Viljoen, Maria L. Cordero-Maldonado, Clinton G. L. Veale, Fanie R. Van Heerden, Maxleene Sandasi, Weiyang Chen, Alexander D. Crawford, Gill M. Enslin
Summary: This study screened 20 medicinal plants traditionally used in South Africa for epilepsy treatment, and identified compounds from Rauvolfia caffra Sond. that showed potential anti-epileptic activity in a zebrafish larvae model. The findings suggest the possibility of developing new anti-seizure therapeutic compounds from these natural sources.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nasir Tajuddeen, Tarryn Swart, Heinrich C. Hoppe, Fanie R. van Heerden
Summary: This study identified methyl gallate as the compound responsible for the antiplasmodial activity of Vachellia xanthophloea leaf extract. Other compounds isolated from the plant were also determined. Methyl gallate showed good inhibitory activity against P. falciparum and low cytotoxicity. These findings explain the traditional use of the plant as an antimalarial remedy.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Bamigboye J. Taiwo, Temidayo D. Popoola, Fanie R. van Heerden, Amos A. Fatokun
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
Anaswara Rani, Sneha Asha, Minsa Mini, Pooja P. Rajan, Merin Tomy, Ashita Jose, Xavier Ts, Praveen Kumar
Summary: This study focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Centra-therum punctatum leaf extract. The synthesized nanoparticles showed potent antimicrobial activity and effectively inhibited biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings demonstrate the potential of copper oxide nanoparticles for environmentally friendly synthesis and applications.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bruno Fagundes dos Santos, Talita Oliveira de Arauja, Camilla Oliveira Rios, Advanio Inacio Siqueira-Silva, Eduardo Gusmao Pereira
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between iron excess and phosphorus deficiency in Paspalum densum. The results showed that iron excess decreased phosphorus concentration in roots, while phosphorus deficiency increased iron concentration in leaves. Stomatal limitation was the main cause of decreased photosynthesis due to iron excess. Phosphorus deficiency contributed to higher phosphorus use efficiency and biomass.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2024)