Article
Infectious Diseases
Borong Tu, Nana Cao, Bingjie Zhang, Wende Zheng, Jiahao Li, Xiaowen Tang, Kaize Su, Jinxuan Li, Zhen Zhang, Zhenping Yan, Dongli Li, Xi Zheng, Kun Zhang, Weiqian David Hong, Panpan Wu
Summary: Fusidic acid and its derivatives show good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria without cross-resistance. They also exhibit similar bacteriostatic characteristics and effectively reduce inflammation-induced ear edema.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hui-Ting Zeng, Yi-Hu Yu, Xi Zeng, Miao-Miao Li, Xia Li, Shan-Shan Xu, Zong-cai Tu, Tao Yuan
Summary: Eight new polyketides, including three benzophenone dimers, were isolated from the fungus Pleosporales sp. YY-4. These dimeric benzophenones showed inhibitory effects on NO production in RAW-264.7 cells.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xing Huang, Zheng Liu, Zhe-Shan Quan, Hong-Yan Guo, Qing-Kun Shen
Summary: This study designed a new anti-inflammatory compound, b2, which showed potential therapeutic effects on lung injury. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that b2 could attenuate pathological changes in ALI by inhibiting inflammatory factors and related signaling pathways.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Junjun Long, Wentao Ji, Doudou Zhang, Yifei Zhu, Yi Bi
Summary: Fusidic acid (FA), a natural compound isolated from fungi, exhibits various pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research on its derivatives may provide valuable insights for drug development.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shengzhu Guo, Silin Chen, Nana Cao, Wende Zheng, Dongli Li, Zhaojun Sheng, Xuetao Xu, Qingmin Zhang, Xi Zheng, Keke Wu, Panpan Wu, Kun Zhang, Weiqian David Hong
Summary: The GA derivative GA-O-20 exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties in a hydrogel with high thermodynamic stability and low antibacterial concentrations. This supramolecular self-assembly hydrogel shows potential in the fields of antibacterial materials and drug delivery, expanding the application of GA derivatives.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatin Jannus, Marta Medina-O'Donnell, Veronika E. Neubrand, Milagros Marin, Maria J. Saez-Lara, M. Rosario Sepulveda, Eva E. Rufino-Palomares, Antonio Martinez, Jose A. Lupianez, Andres Parra, Francisco Rivas, Fernando J. Reyes-Zurita
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that inflammation may contribute to tumorigenic states. The anti-inflammatory effects of OADP have been investigated both in vitro and in vivo, showing potential in inhibiting cytokine expression and blocking inflammatory signaling pathways. The development of OADP as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent could present an effective therapeutic strategy against inflammation and tumorigenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hani Naseef, Yousef Sahoury, Mohammad Farraj, Moammal Qurt, Abdallah D. Abukhalil, Nidal Jaradat, Israr Sabri, Abdullah K. Rabba, Mahmmoud Sbeih
Summary: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a cream formulation containing fusidic acid and natural products for eradicating fusidic-acid-resistant microorganisms in skin infections. The study found that the cream had stable physical and chemical properties, and demonstrated better antimicrobial activity than the marketed product.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Luo, Yuzhu Song
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered a new generation of antibiotics with not only antimicrobial activity but also antibiofilm, immune-regulatory, and other activities. Research on the mechanism of action of AMPs can aid in their modification and development, with many studies focusing on this area. AMPs exhibit a dual mechanism of action and possess antifibroblast and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a promising therapeutic prospect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Borong Tu, Jinfeng Liang, Yi Ou, Xinyue Zhang, Wende Zheng, Rihui Wu, Lishe Gan, Dongli Li, Yujing Lu, Jiaqiang Wu, Kun Zhang, Panpan Wu, Jingwei Jin, Wing-Leung Wong, Weiqian David Hong
Summary: This study presents the design and synthesis of a series of new derivatives of 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a natural compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The derivatives functionalized with a di-substituted phenyl group at the 2-position of GA showed high antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and potent anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that these derivatives exert their anti-inflammatory activities through the regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways and cytokine expression. Therefore, GA-O-02 and GA-O-06 have great application potential as potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lena Heinbockel, Gunther Weindl, Wilmar Correa, Julius Brandenburg, Norbert Reiling, Karl-Heinz Wiesmuller, Tobias Schuerholz, Thomas Gutsmann, Guillermo Martinez de Tejada, Karl Mauss, Klaus Brandenburg
Summary: Pep19-2.5 has been described as efficiently combating infection-inducing bacteria by binding and neutralizing their most potent toxins, LPS and LP, independent of bacterial resistance. Its mode of action involves both Coulomb/polar and hydrophobic interactions with the toxins, making it a promising therapeutic option against severe bacterial infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Clemens Moeller, Lena Heinbockel, Patrick Garidel, Thomas Gutsmann, Karl Mauss, Gunther Weindl, Satoshi Fukuoka, Dominik Loser, Timm Danker, Klaus Brandenburg
Summary: This study analyzed the toxic behavior of Aspidasept and Aspidasept II and their part structures in various cellular models, as well as conducting electrophysiological experiments targeting the hERG channel and experiments on mouse neurobehavior and local lymph nodes. The data provided conclusive information about the potential toxic effects of these peptides, specifying a therapeutic window for their clinical application.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naveed Muhammad, Ihtesham Ul Haq, Muhammad Saeed Jan, Taghrid S. Alomar, Abdur Rauf, Abdul Wadood, Najla Almasoud, Sulaiman Shams
Summary: In this research, an amide based metal carboxylate compound was identified as an anti-diabetic analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. The compound showed inhibition against diabetic enzymes and demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. The molecular docking study suggested its potential inhibitory effect on the COX-2 receptor.
Article
Polymer Science
Heba S. Elsewedy, Tamer M. Shehata, Wafaa E. Soliman
Summary: This study aimed to formulate a fusidic acid nanolipid hydrogel and demonstrated its enhanced antibacterial activity. By incorporating fusidic acid into shea butter for preparation, the nanolipid hydrogel was confirmed to have inhibitory effects on bacteria. These findings are significant for the development of potential antibacterial agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manoj Puthia, Jan K. Marzinek, Ganna Petruk, Gizem Erturk Bergdahl, Peter J. Bond, Jitka Petrlova
Summary: This study demonstrates that APOE has anti-bacterial activity against several Gram-negative bacterial strains and exhibits significant binding affinity for lipopolysaccharide and heparin. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the binding region in helix 4 of APOE as a primary site for interaction with these molecules through electrostatic interactions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guillem Ferreres, Silvia Perez-Rafael, Juan Torrent-Burgues, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are considered promising antimicrobial materials to combat antibiotic resistance. This study found that the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid played a crucial role in the morphology, size, and antibacterial activity of the Ag NPs. Higher molecular weight polymers showed greater interaction with bacteria and better bactericidal effects, while lower molecular weight polymers had reduced antimicrobial efficacy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rajith K. R. Rajoli, Henry Pertinez, Usman Arshad, Helen Box, Lee Tatham, Paul Curley, Megan Neary, Joanne Sharp, Neill J. Liptrott, Anthony Valentijn, Christopher David, Steve P. Rannard, Ghaith Aljayyoussi, Shaun H. Pennington, Andrew Hill, Marta Boffito, Stephen A. Ward, Saye H. Khoo, Patrick G. Bray, Paul M. O'Neill, W. Dave Hong, Giancarlo Biagini, Andrew Owen
Summary: The study utilized PBPK modeling to determine optimal doses of nitazoxanide to maintain its concentration in the body at effective antiviral levels. The validated model successfully predicted human pharmacokinetics, providing a rational basis for designing clinical trials with nitazoxanide for the treatment or prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Laura N. Jeffreys, Shaun H. Pennington, Jack Duggan, Claire H. Caygill, Rose C. Lopeman, Alastair F. Breen, Jessica B. Jinks, Alison Ardrey, Samantha Donnellan, Edward Patterson, Grant L. Hughes, David W. Hong, Paul M. O'Neill, Ghaith Aljayyoussi, Andrew Owen, Stephen A. Ward, Giancarlo A. Biagini
Summary: This study assessed the in vitro synergistic interaction between remdesivir and ivermectin, demonstrating enhanced antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. Further investigation is warranted despite the current inability to clinically apply this combination treatment strategy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Rebecca Nightingale, Beatrice Chinoko, Maia Lesosky, Sarah J. Rylance, Bright Mnesa, Ndaziona Peter Kwanjo Banda, Elizabeth Joekes, Stephen Bertel Squire, Kevin Mortimer, Jamilah Meghji, Jamie Rylance
Summary: This study described the symptoms and lung function changes of Malawian adults up to 3 years following pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) treatment completion, finding that a third of PTB survivors experienced ongoing respiratory symptoms and abnormal spirometry (with accelerated FEV1 decline). Effective interventions are needed to improve the care of this group of patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rashid Mansoor, Robert J. Commons, Nicholas M. Douglas, Benjamin Abuaku, Jane Achan, Ishag Adam, George O. Adjei, Martin Adjuik, Bereket H. Alemayehu, Richard Allan, Elizabeth N. Allen, Anupkumar R. Anvikar, Emmanuel Arinaitwe, Elizabeth A. Ashley, Hazel Ashurst, Puji B. S. Asih, Nathan Bakyaita, Hubert Barennes, Karen Barnes, Leonardo Basco, Quique Bassat, Elisabeth Baudin, David J. Bell, Delia Bethell, Anders Bjorkman, Caroline Boulton, Teun Bousema, Philippe Brasseur, Hasifa Bukirwa, Rebekah Burrow, Verena Carrara, Michel Cot, Umberto D'Alessandro, Debashish Das, Sabyasachi Das, Timothy M. E. Davis, Meghna Desai, Abdoulaye A. Djimde, Arjen M. Dondorp, Grant Dorsey, Chris J. Drakeley, Stephan Duparc, Emmanuelle Espie, Jean-Francois Etard, Catherine Falade, Jean Francois Faucher, Scott Filler, Carole Fogg, Mark Fukuda, Oumar Gaye, Blaise Genton, Awab Ghulam Rahim, Julius Gilayeneh, Raquel Gonzalez, Rebecca F. Grais, Francesco Grandesso, Brian Greenwood, Anastasia Grivoyannis, Christoph Hatz, Eva Maria Hodel, Georgina S. Humphreys, Jimee Hwang, Deus Ishengoma, Elizabeth Juma, S. Patrick Kachur, Piet A. Kager, Erasmus Kamugisha, Moses R. Kamya, Corine Karema, Kassoum Kayentao, Adama Kazienga, Jean-Rene Kiechel, Poul-Erik Kofoed, Kwadwo Koram, Peter G. Kremsner, David G. Lalloo, Moses Laman, Sue J. Lee, Bertrand Lell, Amelia W. Maiga, Andreas Martensson, Mayfong Mayxay, Wilfred Mbacham, Rose McGready, Herve Menan, Didier Menard, Frank Mockenhaupt, Brioni R. Moore, Olaf Muller, Alain Nahum, Jean-Louis Ndiaye, Paul N. Newton, Billy E. Ngasala, Frederic Nikiema, Akindeh M. Nji, Harald Noedl, Francois Nosten, Bernhards R. Ogutu, Olusola Ojurongbe, Lyda Osorio, Jean-Bosco Ouedraogo, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Anil Pareek, Louis K. Penali, Patrice Piola, Mateusz Plucinski, Zul Premji, Michael Ramharter, Caitlin L. Richmond, Lars Rombo, Philip J. Rosenthal, Sam Salman, Albert Same-Ekobo, Carol Sibley, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Frank M. Smithuis, Fabrice A. Some, Sarah G. Staedke, Peter Starzengruber, Nathalie Strub-Wourgaft, Inge Sutanto, Todd D. Swarthout, Din Syafruddin, Ambrose O. Talisuna, Walter R. Taylor, Emmanuel A. Temu, Julie Thwing, Halidou Tinto, Emiliana Tjitra, Offianan A. Toure, T. Hien Tran, Johan Ursing, Innocent Valea, Giovanni Valentini, Michele van Vugt, Lorenz von Seidlein, Stephen A. Ward, Vincent Were, Nicholas J. White, Charles J. Woodrow, William Yavo, Adoke Yeka, Issaka Zongo, Julie A. Simpson, Philippe J. Guerin, Kasia Stepniewska, Ric N. Price, Cally Roper
Summary: In patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, the nadir hemoglobin occurs 2 days after starting treatment. Factors associated with moderately severe anemia on day 7 in Africa and Asia include severe anemia at baseline, young age, high parasitemia, and delayed parasite clearance. In Asia, artemisinin-based treatments are associated with a greater risk of anemia during recovery compared to non-artemisinin-based treatments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shannon Quek, Darren A. N. Cook, Yang Wu, Amy E. Marriott, Andrew Steven, Kelly L. Johnston, Louise Ford, John Archer, Janet Hemingway, Stephen A. Ward, Simon C. Wagstaff, Joseph D. Turner, Mark J. Taylor
Summary: The research reveals that lymphatic filariasis microfilariae depleted of Wolbachia lose their ability to develop in the mosquito vector rapidly due to a down-regulation of chitinase enzymes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Wilson L. Mandala, Steve Ward, Terrie E. Taylor, Samuel C. Wassmer
Summary: Secondary lymphoid tissues play a crucial role in the human immune response to P. falciparum infection. This study examined the phenotype of lymphocyte subsets in the lymph nodes and spleens of children with acute falciparum malaria. The results suggest that there is a relocation of lymphocytes to these lymphoid tissues during acute infection, which may contribute to the observed immune system perturbations.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Borong Tu, Nana Cao, Bingjie Zhang, Wende Zheng, Jiahao Li, Xiaowen Tang, Kaize Su, Jinxuan Li, Zhen Zhang, Zhenping Yan, Dongli Li, Xi Zheng, Kun Zhang, Weiqian David Hong, Panpan Wu
Summary: Fusidic acid and its derivatives show good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria without cross-resistance. They also exhibit similar bacteriostatic characteristics and effectively reduce inflammation-induced ear edema.
Article
Biology
Kangsa Amporndanai, Nattapon Pinthong, Paul M. O'Neill, W. David Hong, Richard K. Amewu, Chandrakala Pidathala, Neil G. Berry, Suet C. Leung, Stephen A. Ward, Giancarlo A. Biagini, S. Samar Hasnain, Svetlana Antonyuk
Summary: Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquito bites, and developing new antimalarial drugs is crucial to fight drug-resistant strains. This study investigates the interaction between various antimalarial drugs and human and parasite cytochrome bc(1) complex through experimental and computational research, providing important insights for the design of more effective and safe drugs.
Article
Immunology
Samantha Donnellan, Shaun H. Pennington, Alessandra Ruggiero, Carmen Martinez-Rodriguez, Marion Pouget, Jordan Thomas, Steve A. Ward, Georgios Pollakis, Giancarlo A. Biagini, William A. Paxton
Summary: The coinfection of tuberculosis and HIV is a major global health concern. This study used fluorescent labeled viral particles and bacteria to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of coinfection. It was found that HIV infection inhibited the replication of tuberculosis, and antiviral and antimicrobial treatments showed therapeutic efficacy. This method can be used for mechanistic studies to develop novel treatment strategies.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huifang Li, Tithi Roy, Samuel T. Boateng, Hao He, Chang Liu, Weixi Liu, Dongli Li, Panpan Wu, Navindra P. Seeram, Jean Christopher Chamcheu, Hang Ma
Summary: Phenolics enriched pomegranate fruit (Pomella(R)) and red maple leaf (Maplifa(R)) extracts, along with their major phenolic constituents, demonstrate protective effects on skin collagen. Their synergistic collagenase inhibitory effects suggest potential as active ingredients in skincare products.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Laura N. Jeffreys, Alison Ardrey, Taghreed A. Hafiz, Lauri-Anne Dyer, Ashley J. Warman, Nada Mosallam, Gemma L. Nixon, Nicholas E. Fisher, W. David Hong, Suet C. Leung, Ghaith Aljayyoussi, Jaclyn Bibby, Deepak V. Almeida, Paul J. Converse, Nader Fotouhi, Neil G. Berry, Eric L. Nuermberger, Anna M. Upton, Paul M. O'Neill, Stephen A. Ward, Giancarlo A. Biagini
Summary: This study successfully expressed Mycobacterium tuberculosis cytochrome bd oxidase and identified a series of inhibitors that can effectively suppress bacterial growth, suggesting their potential as antitubercular agents.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Song Ang, Jinfeng Liang, Wende Zheng, Zhen Zhang, Jinxuan Li, Zhenping Yan, Wing-Leung Wong, Kun Zhang, Min Chen, Panpan Wu
Summary: Many studies have found that matrine (MA) has various pharmacological activities and high prospects for use as a natural pesticide. In this study, 58 derivatives of MA were prepared and tested for their mosquitocidal activity. Compounds 4e and 4m showed good larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus and also exhibited inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase.
Article
Microbiology
A. E. Marriott, J. L. Dagley, S. Hegde, A. Steven, C. Fricks, U. DiCosty, A. Mansour, E. J. Campbell, C. M. Wilson, F. Gusovsky, S. A. Ward, W. D. Hong, P. O'Neill, A. Moorhead, S. McCall, J. W. McCall, M. J. Taylor, J. D. Turner
Summary: We demonstrated that lymphopenic mouse strains like NSG and RAG2 are susceptible to the larval development phase of heartworm disease. These mouse models can provide a refined alternative for preclinical drug research and reduce the need for experimental use of cats or dogs.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shaun Pennington, Claire Caygill, Rose Lopeman, Laura Jeffreys, Jack Duggan, Alastair Breen, Jessica Jinks, Alison Ardrey, Ghaith Aljayyoussi, Steve Ward, Giancarlo Biagini
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shengzhu Guo, Kaize Su, Huiji Yang, Wende Zheng, Zhen Zhang, Song Ang, Kun Zhang, Panpan Wu
Summary: In this study, a natural glycyrrhetinic acid-derived gel was successfully constructed, which showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Moreover, the gel exhibited a high adsorption capacity for dyes, outperforming most reported dye adsorbent materials.