Review
Infectious Diseases
Vasiliki Soulountsi, Theodoros Schizodimos, Serafeim Chrysovalantis Kotoulas
Summary: In recent decades, invasive candidiasis (IC) has become a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden in the intensive care unit (ICU). The epidemiology of IC remains a difficult and unsolved puzzle for the literature. IC burden estimation is challenging due to various definitions and limitations in case-finding methodologies. Candidemia and intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC) are the predominant types of IC in the ICU, with an increasing incidence of candidemia, particularly in elderly or immunosuppressed patients, and a shift towards non-albicans species worldwide.
Article
Dermatology
Gabriele Sass, David J. J. Larwood, Marife Martinez, David A. A. Stevens
Summary: This study investigated the therapeutic effect of Nikkomycin Z on disseminated candidiasis in mice. The results showed that Nikkomycin Z had a significant impact on the survival rate of mice, but it did not completely cure the infection. The inhibitory effect of Nikkomycin Z in exogenous infections may be related to its concentration in the target tissue and its action on mycelial formation.
Article
Immunology
Jie Tu, Tianbao Zhu, Qingwen Wang, Wanzhen Yang, Yahui Huang, Defeng Xu, Na Liu, Chunquan Sheng
Summary: Candida auris is a serious public health threat that has caused a global epidemic due to its multi-drug resistance, remarkable transmissibility, and high mortality. A novel benzoanilide antifungal agent, compound A1, was discovered through a comprehensive strategy involving phenotypic screening, hit optimization, antifungal assays, and mechanism exploration. Compound A1 showed potent efficacy against Candida auris infection both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigation revealed that compound A1 inhibited the biosynthesis of virulence factors and fungal cell walls by blocking glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) and GPI-anchored proteins. Therefore, compound A1 represents a promising lead compound for combating drug-resistant candidiasis.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Oluwatosin Goje, Ryan Sobel, Paul Nyirjesy, Steven R. R. Goldstein, Mark Spitzer, Brooke Faught, Shelagh Larson, Thomas King, Nkechi E. E. Azie, David Angulo, Jack D. D. Sobel
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ibrexafungerp in different patient subgroups, and the results showed that this treatment had significant clinical cure and mycological cure rates for acute vulvovaginal candidiasis, and was not affected by race, BMI, baseline VSS score, and Candida species.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bingxin Li, Luyao Pan, Haofeng Zhang, Lingping Xie, Xi Wang, Jiahui Shou, Yu Qi, Xiaojian Yan
Summary: This article briefly introduces the recent developments in using nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles, liposomes, and metal-organic frameworks to combat Candida albicans in antifungal applications, aiming to improve the bioavailability of antifungal drugs.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rodrigo L. Fabri, Jhamine C. O. Freitas, Ari S. O. Lemos, Lara M. Campos, Irley O. M. Diniz, Nicolas C. C. Pinto, Thiago P. Silva, Cinthia Palazzi, Paula Marchesini, Caio Monteiro, Alan F. Barbosa, Mario G. Carvalho, Luciana M. Chedier, Marcelo G. F. Araujo, Ana Carolina M. Apolonio, Vinicius N. Rocha, Rossana C. N. Melo, Priscila F. Pinto
Summary: This study evaluated the antifungal activity of spilanthol against Candida albicans ATCC (R) 10231 (TM), a multidrug-resistant fungal strain. The findings showed that spilanthol(AcO) has the potential to be considered for the therapeutical treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. albicans.
Article
Mycology
Qiuyu Pang, Weida Liu, Fan Cui, Siyue Kan, Xiaofang Li
Summary: This study investigated the genotypes and drug resistance of Candida albicans strains causing different conditions of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Results showed that C. albicans was the main pathogen of VVC, but non-albicans Candida (NAC) infection and mixed infection cases were increasing. Some C. albicans strains exhibited resistance to multiple drugs. The genotypes of RVVC and drug-resistant C. albicans strains were different from those of uncomplicated VVC. These findings have significant diagnostic and therapeutic implications for VVC.
Article
Microbiology
Jian Miao, Jessica Regan, Chun Cai, Glen E. Palmer, David L. Williams, Michael D. Kruppa, Brian M. Peters
Summary: This study characterizes the glycogen metabolism pathways in Candida albicans and shows that glycogen metabolism is important for the long-term survival and virulence of the fungus.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aina Mesquida, Teresa Vicente, Elena Reigadas, Maria Palomo, Carlos Sanchez-Carrillo, Patricia Munoz, Jesus Guinea, Pilar Escribano
Summary: The study demonstrated that Ibrexafungerp has good in vitro activity against Candida albicans from vaginal samples, including isolates with reduced susceptibility to fluconazole. Population structure analysis revealed two genotype populations, with some genotypes showing reduced susceptibility to fluconazole.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiuyi Liang, Agata J. Pacula-Miszewska, Magdalena Obieziurska-Fabisiak, Richa Vartak, Ganming Mao, Ketankumar Patel, Natalya U. Fedosova, Jacek Scianowski, Blase Billack
Summary: In this study, a series of novel organoselenium compounds were evaluated for their antifungal activity. CHB4 and CHB6 exhibited strong inhibitory effects against Candida albicans and showed selectivity towards fungi. They also demonstrated low cytotoxicity and skin irritation. In a mouse model, CHB4 and CHB6 effectively reduced yeast colonization, alleviated mucosal injury, and decreased inflammatory response.
Article
Microbiology
Mohammed A. El-Kholy, Ghada F. Helaly, Ebtisam F. El Ghazzawi, Gamal El-Sawaf, Sherine M. Shawky
Summary: This study examined the antifungal susceptibility profile and virulence factors of Candida tropicalis isolates from ICU patients in Alexandria, Egypt. The results showed an increasing trend in fluconazole and voriconazole resistance, with strong biofilm formation observed in blood culture isolates. Early and accurate identification of Candida species along with susceptibility testing is crucial due to the emergence of C. tropicalis as a serious source of infections.
Review
Microbiology
Paulo Henrique Fonseca do Carmo, Maira Terra Garcia, Livia Mara Alves Figueiredo-Godoi, Anna Carolina Pinheiro Lage, Newton Soares da Silva, Juliana Campos Junqueira
Summary: Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Current antifungal treatments have limitations such as toxicity and drug resistance, leading to the exploration of nanocarrier systems like metal nanoparticles. This review focuses on the use of silver, gold, and iron nanoparticles as potential antifungal agents against C. albicans, discussing their mechanism of action and potential for reducing drug resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Lamiaa A. Al-Madboly, Mohamed A. Abd El-Salam, Jairo K. Bastos, Safinaz H. El-Shorbagy, Rasha M. El-Morsi
Summary: Our study demonstrates that GQAs can be used as safe and highly effective phytochemicals against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida albicans. GQAs exhibited strong antifungal activity by interfering with fungal growth, disrupting fungal membrane integrity, and inducing apoptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo models confirmed the potential therapeutic use of GQAs for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Gurpreet Kaur, Sonam Chawla, Piyush Kumar, Ritu Singh
Summary: This article highlights the urgency of developing an anti-Candida vaccine, reviews current vaccination strategies, and discusses the immune protection mechanisms and challenges in vaccine development. It also covers potential solutions and future directions, such as exploring novel adjuvants and utilizing immunoinformatics approaches.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carolina Medeiros de Almeida Maia, Silvana Pasetto, Cassiano Francisco Weege Nonaka, Edja Maria Melo de Brito Costa, Ramiro Mendonca Murata
Summary: The study found that the A. colubrina extract has antifungal, anti-biofilm, and anti-proteolytic enzyme effects against Candida strains, with low cytotoxicity to host cells and modulatory effects on the host immune response.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Shiyun Meng, Mahmoud Rouabhia, Ze Zhang
Summary: This work reviews the research on the cellular response to electrical stimulation (ES) and its mechanisms, focusing on potential clinical applications. Different techniques and methodologies have been developed, leading to complications in interpreting and comparing experimental outcomes. The review categorizes these techniques and comments on their strengths and weaknesses. The study finds that ES can enhance cell proliferation, growth, migration, and stem cell differentiation, showing potential for manipulating cellular activities. However, inappropriate parameters or setup can have negative effects, and comparing different parameter sets is challenging. Mechanistic studies are rare and much needed. Despite this, ES combined with advanced materials and nanotechnology is gaining momentum in biomedical research and regenerative medicine.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Samuel Cashman-Kadri, Patrick Lague, Ismail Fliss, Lucie Beaulieu
Summary: This study investigated the structure-activity relationships and mode of action of synthesized GAPDH-related antimicrobial peptides. It was found that increasing the net positive charge and hydrophobicity improved the antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the peptides. The peptides were shown to cause membrane permeabilization and target intracellular components, indicating a mixed mode of action.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soheila Abachi, Clement Offret, Ismail Fliss, Andre Marette, Laurent Bazinet, Lucie Beaulieu
Summary: Fish-extracted biopeptides have been proven to modulate inflammation. This study aimed to fractionate and identify peptide fractions from Atlantic mackerel with immunomodulatory activity. The results showed that hydrophobicity and charge of the peptides were important factors for their immunomodulation activity.
FOOD AND BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
S. Bennett, I. Fliss, L. Ben Said, F. Malouin, P. Lacasse
Summary: The study evaluated the reduction of bacterial populations through the application of bacteriocin-based teat formulas. The results showed that nisin and the bacteriocin consortium showed the most promise as a teat disinfectant by reducing staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacteria counts.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Atieh Abedin-Do, Ze Zhang, Yvan Douville, Mireille Methot, Julien Bernatchez, Mahmoud Rouabhia
Summary: The study found that low-intensity electrical stimulation can promote the growth and migration of fibroblasts from diabetic donors and enhance the synthesis of proteolytic enzymes involved in wound healing. This suggests that electrical stimulation has the potential to modulate the wound healing activities of fibroblasts extracted from diabetic skin donors.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Salwa Karboune, Erin J. Davis, Ismail Fliss, Eugenio Spadoni Andreani
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential use of cranberry extracts as prebiotics for promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gastrointestinal system.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samira Soltani, Yvan Boutin, Frederic Couture, Eric Biron, Muriel Subirade, Ismail Fliss
Summary: Some bacteriocins and reuterin can be safely applied topically as sanitizers at recommended concentrations, as they show minimal skin toxicity and sensitization effects.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Neftaha Tazi, Abdelhabib Semlali, Lionel Loubaki, Abdullah Alamri, Mahmoud Rouabhia
Summary: This study found that cannabis smoke condensate (CSC) has adverse effects on gingival epithelial cells, including affecting cell shape and adhesion, reducing cell viability, and causing apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress. CSC also decreased phosphorylation levels in signaling pathway proteins. These findings suggest that cannabis smoke could impair the immune function of gingival epithelial cells, leading to gingivitis and periodontitis.
ARCHIVES OF ORAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Lionel Loubaki, Mahmoud Rouabhia, Mohamed Al Zahrani, Abdullah Al Amri, Abdelhabib Semlali
Summary: Cannabinoids, the active components of cannabis, have palliative effects on cancer patients and may also be helpful in treating certain rare forms of cancer. This study investigated the cytotoxic effect of a cannabinoid mixture (CM) on oral cells. The results showed that CM had high cytotoxicity in oral cancer cells at a concentration higher than 0.1 μg/mL but not in normal gingival cells. Low concentrations of CM increased apoptosis, autophagy, antioxidant levels, mitochondrial stress, and DNA damage in oral cells. Furthermore, CM inhibited major signaling pathways involved in cancer progression and cell migration. These findings suggest that cannabinoids could potentially be beneficial in oral cancer therapy.
Article
Oncology
Abdelhabib Semlali, Sofia Papadakos, Camille Contant, Ikram Zouaoui, Mahmoud Rouabhia
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-tumor activity and mechanism of action of rapamycin in oral cancer. The results showed that rapamycin can inhibit cancer cell growth and migration, promote cell apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibit cancer-promoting signaling pathways.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Atieh Abedin-Do, Ze Zhang, Yvan Douville, Mirelle Methot, Julien Bernatchez, Mahmoud Rouabhia
Summary: The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. This study engineered a diabetic human skin equivalent (DHSE) using fibroblasts and keratinocytes extracted from the skin of diabetic patients and demonstrated that exposure to low-intensity electrical stimulation (ES) can promote diabetic cell activity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Garcia-Vela, Laila Ben Said, Samira Soltani, Ramzi Guerbaa, Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Houssem Ben Yahia, Karim Ben Slama, Carmen Torres, Ismail Fliss
Summary: This study aimed to screen and characterize potential inhibitory strains of Enterococcus against necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens in poultry. Two potential strains, E. faecium X2893 and X2906, were found to have antimicrobial activity, no acquired resistance genes, no plasmids, and the acm gene implicated in host colonization, making them promising candidates for further research as protective cultures in poultry farming.
Article
Polymer Science
Miada Abubaker Osman, Nick Virgilio, Mahmoud Rouabhia, Louis-Etienne Lorenzo, Frej Mighri
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop a solvent-free PLA open-cell porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering using compression molding and a new chemical foaming compound called CFCO. The addition of a CS-g-PLA copolymer during foaming allowed for the copolymer to project towards the surface of the pores and strongly adhere there. At a concentration of 6.90 wt% of CS-g-PLA copolymer, the scaffold showed a significant increase in cell proliferation compared to control samples and scaffolds with CS-g-PLA copolymer dispersed throughout the entire PLA matrix.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Abdelhabib Semlali, Ikram Ajala, Sarra Beji, Mohammed Mousa Al-Zharani, Mahmoud Rouabhia
Summary: This study examines the combined effect of anethole and cisplatin on oral cancer therapy. Results show that anethole enhances cisplatin's inhibitory effect on oral cancer cell proliferation, inhibits cell migration, and induces apoptosis through caspase activation. Additionally, anethole and cisplatin increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial stress. The combination of anethole and cisplatin also inhibits major cancer signaling pathways, such as MAPKase, beta-catenin, and NF-kappa B, thereby enhancing cisplatin's cancer cell-killing effect and reducing associated side effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdelhabib Semlali, Sarra Beji, Ikram Ajala, Mohammed Al-Zharani, Mahmoud Rouabhia
Summary: Oral cancer has traditionally been treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies. Recent studies have shown that 3,5-Bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-N-methyl-4-piperidine (PAC), a new curcumin analog, possesses anticancer properties and could be considered a complementary or alternative therapy. The combination of PAC and cisplatin enhances oral cancer cell death by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress, indicating PAC's potential as a powerful complementary agent to cisplatin in the treatment of gingival squamous cell carcinomas.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
