Article
Biology
Nityanand Jain, Inese Jansone, Tatjana Obidenova, Raimonds Simanis, Janis Meisters, Dagnija Straupmane, Aigars Reinis
Summary: Nosocomial fungal infections are a global public health threat that requires urgent attention. In Latvia, Candida spp. make up the majority of fungal isolates, with significant impact on clinical departments.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Analia Carmo, Marilia Rocha, Patricia Pereirinha, Rui Tome, Eulalia Costa
Summary: The use of antifungal drugs, such as Nystatin, Natamycin, and AmB, started in the 1950s. However, their use was associated with severe adverse effects, leading to the development of new antifungal drugs. With the increase in fungal infections, especially invasive systemic fungal infections, and the development of drug resistance, further research and development in this field is crucial.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jie Tu, Na Liu, Yahui Huang, Wanzhen Yang, Chunquan Sheng
Summary: Candida auris is a major global threat to human health due to its strong drug resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current strategies, drug candidates, and lead compounds for the treatment of C. auris. The resistance profiles and mechanisms are summarized, and the structures and activities of clinical candidates, drug combinations, antifungal chemosensitizers, repositioned drugs, new targets, and new types of compounds are discussed in detail. The review also offers perspectives for guiding future research in this field.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
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)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Anna Maria Tortorano, Anna Prigitano, Gianluca Morroni, Lucia Brescini, Francesco Barchiesi
Summary: Candidemia and invasive candidiasis are common and have high mortality rates, with treatment needing to consider various factors. Antifungal resistance is relatively rare, but new resistant strains have emerged. Treatment options should be tailored based on individual cases and durations.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Helal F. Hetta, Yasmin N. Ramadan, Israa M. S. Al-Kadmy, Noura H. Abd Ellah, Lama Shbibe, Basem Battah
Summary: A multidrug-resistant pathogenic yeast called Candida auris can quickly spread among hospitalized and immunodeficient patients, causing nosocomial outbreaks and potentially pandemic outbreaks in 45 nations with high mortality rates. It has become resistant to decontamination techniques and can survive for weeks in hospitals. Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising treatment for diseases caused by this newly discovered pathogen, and are currently being researched as an effective solution against C. auris.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Konstantin A. Demin, Aleksandr G. Refeld, Anna A. Bogdanova, Evgenya V. Prazdnova, Igor V. Popov, Olga Yu. Kutsevalova, Alexey M. Ermakov, Anzhelica B. Bren, Dmitry V. Rudoy, Vladimir A. Chistyakov, Richard Weeks, Michael L. Chikindas
Summary: Pathogenic Candida and infections caused by those species are considered a serious threat to public health. Treatment of candidiasis is complicated by increasing resistance to current treatments and lack of development of new antimycotic drugs. Among synthetic antifungal drugs, azoles and echinocandins are effective, while the use of probiotic microorganisms to control the spread of pathogenic Candida species shows promise.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Sarah E. Murphy, Tihana Bicanic
Summary: This review presents current antifungal drugs for Candida infections, discusses mechanisms of resistance, introduces novel antifungal agents under development, and explores the use of combination therapy as a potential strategy against emerging drug-resistant Candida.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Luana Rossato, Marielle Camargo dos Santos, Roxana G. Vitale, Sybren de Hoog, Kelly Ishida
Summary: Fungal infections pose a significant threat to immunocompromised and high-risk surgical patients, with increasing rates of treatment failures. Innovative strategies are needed to develop novel and effective antifungal drugs, such as through synergistic combinations of antifungals with non-antifungal agents.
Review
Microbiology
Simona Fioriti, Lucia Brescini, Francesco Pallotta, Benedetta Canovari, Gianluca Morroni, Francesco Barchiesi
Summary: Candida spp. is a major pathogen causing fungal infections in hospitalized patients and nosocomial bloodstream infections. Combination therapy has gained significant interest in the treatment of Candida infections. Various combinations of antifungal agents have shown synergistic effects against difficult-to-treat Candida species and improved outcomes compared to monotherapy. However, further in vitro and clinical studies are needed to establish the effectiveness of combination therapy as a reliable treatment option.
Review
Dermatology
Debora Castelo-Branco, Shawn R. Lockhart, Yee-Chun Chen, Daniel Assis Santos, Ferry Hagen, Nichola Jane Hawkins, Rose-Anne Lavergne, Jacques Meis, Patrice Le Pape, Marcos Fabio Gadelha Rocha, Jose Julio Costa Sidrim, Maiken Arendrup, Florent Morio
Summary: Even pathogenic yeasts can be widely present in the environment, potentially developing resistance to drugs through environmental pathways. Studies show that pathogenic yeasts may cross borders between plants, animals, and humans, and environmental reservoirs may lead to resistance in Candida or other yeasts for humans.
Review
Biology
Steve Kett, Ayush Pathak, Stefano Turillazzi, Duccio Cavalieri, Massimiliano Marvasi
Summary: Arthropods are able to produce a variety of antifungal compounds, but some taxa, particularly eusocial insects, also acquire additional compounds through mutualistic associations with microbes. These associations have been maintained for over 50 million years, indicating the continued effectiveness of the compounds and suggesting potential strategies for reducing antifungal resistance in clinical settings.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tsidiso G. Maphanga, Serisha D. Naicker, Stanford Kwenda, Jose F. Munoz, Erika van Schalkwyk, Jeannette Wadula, Trusha Nana, Arshad Ismail, Jennifer Coetzee, Chetna Govind, Phillip S. Mtshali, Ruth S. Mpembe, Nelesh P. Govender
Summary: A study on Candida auris isolates from South African hospitals revealed a high prevalence of multidrug resistance, particularly to azoles. Even phenotypically susceptible isolates showed mutations in resistance genes, indicating a complex pattern of antifungal resistance in this fungal pathogen.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
YanChun Zhu, Kelli M. Hager, Swati R. Manjari, Nilesh K. Banavali, Vishnu Chaturvedi, Sudha Chaturvedi
Summary: Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen causing global outbreaks in health care facilities, and the emergence of echinocandin-resistant strain is concerning. The currently used antifungal susceptibility tests are slow and not scalable, limiting their effectiveness in surveillance. The development of a TaqMan chemistry probe-based fluorescence melt curve analysis allows for rapid and accurate detection of FKS1 mutations conferring echinocandin resistance, providing a potential solution to the urgent need for assessment of resistance.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Abhishek Kumar, Priya Bansal, Deepti Katiyar, Surya Prakash, Nidagurthi Guggilla Raghavendra Rao
Summary: This article discusses the worldwide problem of fungal infections and presents novel mechanisms and techniques for the development of antifungal drugs. It also suggests strategies to overcome resistance in fungi.
CURRENT MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carlos Jose Dias, Herikson Araujo Costa, Carlos Alberto Alves Dias-Filho, Andressa Coelho Ferreira, Bruno Rodrigues, Maria Claudia Irigoyen, Antonio Carlos Romao Borges, Vicenilma de Andadre Martins, Flavia Castello Branco Vidal, Rachel Melo Ribeiro, Natalino Salgado Filho, Cristiano T. Mostarda
Summary: The use of carvacrol in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) showed antihypertensive effects and increased expression of MAS receptors in kidney tissue.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andressa Coelho Ferreira, Carlos Alberto Alves Dias-Filho, Nivaldo de Jesus Silva Soares Junior, Carlos Jose Dias, Sally Cristina Moutinho Monteiro, Rafael Martins Andrade, Cristiano Teixeira Mostarda
Summary: Cardiac channelopathies are a group of inherited cardiac diseases that are associated with mutations in genes encoding cardiac ion channels. The two main hereditary arrhythmias in children and adolescents, Brugada Syndrome and Long QT Syndrome, show different clinical manifestations. Brugada Syndrome is more commonly observed in this population and is characterized by episodes of syncope or sudden cardiac death. On the other hand, Long QT Syndrome has a milder phenotype but requires monitoring and correction of electrolyte disturbances.
JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ezio R. A. de Sa, Janilson L. Souza, Rayla K. M. Costa, Romulo O. Barros, Carlos E. B. de Lima, Francisco das C. A. Lima, Ricardo M. Ramos
Summary: This study investigated the potential inhibitory activity of alkaloids from Pilocarpus microphyllus leaves against Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan responsible for Chagas disease. Computational methods were used to analyze the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties of these alkaloids. The results suggested that isopilosine could be a potential drug candidate for Chagas disease. The findings contribute to the search for new treatments for this neglected tropical disease.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Kayo Alves Figueiredo, Rayla Kelly Magalhaes Costa, Jefferson Almeida Rocha, Stanley Juan Chavez Gutierrez, Ricardo Martins Ramos, Michel Mualem de Moraes Alves, Fernando Aecio de Amorim Carvalho, Andre Luis Menezes Carvalho, Francisco das Chagas Alves Lima
Summary: In this study, Riparins A-F were evaluated for their antileishmanial activity, in silico ADME-Tox profile, and molecular docking. RipC and RipE showed significant cytotoxic activity against L. major and had a high selectivity index. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated important interactions between Riparins and LmNMT and LmLEI. Therefore, Riparins have potential application in antileishmanial therapy.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nivaldo de Jesus Silva Soares Junior, Carlos Alberto Alves Dias-Filho, Andressa Coelho Ferreira, Sally Cristina Moutinho Monteiro, Henrique de Oliveira Castro, Mayra Santos Silva, Cristiano T. Mostarda
Summary: This study aimed to examine the impact of physical activity on heart rate variability and cardiovascular parameters in adolescents. The results showed that adolescents who regularly engaged in physical activity had better heart rate variability and sleep quality compared to sedentary adolescents.
SLEEP AND BREATHING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Esley S. Santos, Priscila C. Silva, Paulo S. A. Sousa, Cristhyane C. Aquino, Gabriella Pacheco, Luiz F. L. S. Teixeira, Alyne R. Araujo, Francisca B. M. Sousa, Romulo O. Barros, Ricardo M. Ramos, Jefferson A. Rocha, Lucas A. D. Nicolau, Jand V. R. Medeiros
Summary: This study demonstrates through computer simulations and in vitro experiments that Diminazene aceturate may have inhibitory effects on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has the potential to prevent viral entry into cells and inhibit replication, providing new clues for developing treatments for COVID-19.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Josianne Rocha Barboza, Francisco Assis Nascimento Pereira, Cleydlenne Costa Vasconcelos, Maria Nilce de Sousa Ribeiro, Alberto Jorge Oliveira Lopes
Summary: Ovarian cancer is a major cause of death among women with genital tract cancer. Platinum and taxanes-derived drugs are the main treatments for ovarian cancer, but their toxicity and resistance issues call for more effective and tolerable options. Phytochemicals, plant-derived chemicals with antitumor activity, have shown potential as therapeutic agents or adjuvants in the treatment of ovarian cancer. This literature review summarizes the existing evidence from pre-clinical and clinical trials on the potential of phytochemicals in ovarian cancer treatment and their mechanisms of action, aiming to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic options.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuri Nascimento Froes, Joao Guilherme Nantes Araujo, Joyce Resende dos Santos Goncalves, Milena de Jesus Marinho Garcia de Oliveira, Gustavo Oliveira Everton, Victor Elias Mouchrek Filho, Maria Raimunda Chagas Silva, Luis Douglas Miranda Silva, Lucilene Amorim Silva, Lidio Goncalves Lima Neto, Renata Mondego de Oliveira, Mylena Andrea Oliveira Torres, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Alberto Jorge Oliveira Lopes, Amanda Silva dos Santos Alianca, Claudia Quintino da Rocha, Joicy Cortez de Sa Sousa
Summary: This study evaluated the antileishmanial activity of V. brasiliana leaves using in vitro and in silico approaches. The results showed that V. brasiliana had inhibitory activity against Leishmania and low cytotoxicity. Therefore, V. brasiliana and its metabolites may serve as potential lead compounds for leishmaniasis treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sebastiao Vieira de Morais, Priscylla Gouveia Mendonca, Cleydlenne Costa Vasconcelos, Paloma Larissa Arruda Lopes, Joao Batista Santos Garcia, Natalia Tabosa Machado Calzerra, Thyago Moreira de Queiroz, Silvia Tereza de Jesus Rodrigues Moreira Lima, Gyl Eanes Barros Silva, Alberto Jorge Oliveira Lopes, Maria do Socorro de Sousa Cartagenes, Gerson Ricardo de Souza Domingues
Summary: This study investigated the effects of cuminaldehyde on an experimental model of osteoarthritis induced in rat knees. Cuminaldehyde was found to be as effective as indomethacin in reducing pain in all evaluated tests, including forced walking, functional disability of weight distribution on the legs, and spontaneous pain in animals with osteoarthritis. Cuminaldehyde also modulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibited COX-2 enzyme activity.
Review
Oncology
Leandro Lima da Silva, Amanda Mara Teles, Joana M. O. Santos, Marcelo Souza de Andrade, Rui Medeiros, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha, Paula A. Oliveira, Ana Paula Azevedo dos Santos, Fernanda Ferreira Lopes, Geraldo Braz, Haissa O. Brito, Rui M. Gil da Costa
Summary: High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancer, other anogenital cancers, and oropharyngeal carcinomas. Low-risk HPV, especially HPV6 and HPV11, can cause genital warts and laryngeal papillomas. However, there is evidence suggesting that HPV6 and HPV11 may also cause malignant lesions at non-cervical anatomic sites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richard Pereira Dutra, Marcos Marinho de Sousa Jr, Maria Simone Pereira Maciel Mignoni, Karla Gabriela Mota de Oliveira, Euzineti Borges Pereira, Aline Santana Figueredo, Arthur Andre Castro da Costa, Tatielle Gomes Dias, Cleydlenne Costa Vasconcelos, Lucilene Amorim Silva, Aramys Silva Reis, Alberto Jorge Oliveira Lopes
Summary: In this study, the leishmanicidal activity and chemical composition of Brazilian Amazon red propolis were evaluated. The propolis exhibited a high concentration of phenolic compounds and inhibitory activity against Leishmania amazonensis. Additionally, a fraction of the propolis showed enhanced bioactivity and no cytotoxicity towards macrophages. The in silico study suggested that liquiritigenin may be the compound responsible for the leishmanicidal activity. These findings highlight the potential of Brazilian Amazon red propolis for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabio Vidal de Figueiredo, Gerusinete Rodrigues Bastos dos Santos, Flavia Castello Branco Vidal, Marcos Antonio Custodio Neto da Silva, Rodrigo Lopes da Silva, Zulmira da Silva Batista, Marcelo Souza de Andrade, Maria do Carmo Lacerda Barbosa, Anna Cyntia Brandao Nascimento Manicoba, Mayara Cristina Pinto da Silva, Maria do Desterro Soares Brandao Nascimento
Summary: The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 lineages in cervical cancer patients, assess their response to chemoradiotherapy, and their relation to pathological factors. The results showed that patients with HPV-16 lineage A had a better response to chemotherapy.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Monaliza Teresa Campos Sodre, Fernanda Avelino Ferraz, Amanda Karoline Vieira Alencar, Karinny Farias Silva, Douglas Henrique dos Santos Silva, Lucas dos Santos Silva, Jessica Silva dos Santos Araujo Carneiro, Cristina Andrade Monteiro, Luis Claudio Nascimento Silva, Andrea de Souza Monteiro
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in developing alginate-based gel formulations to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. The highest activity was observed with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917. The formulated alginate gel with 10% L. plantarum ATCC 14917 showed inhibitory effects on S. aureus growth.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Leonardo da Rocha Sousa, Nildomar Ribeiro Viana, Angelica Gomes Coelho, Celma de Oliveira Barbosa, Debora Santos Lula Barros, Maria do Carmo de Carvalho e Martins, Ricardo Martins Ramos, Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo
Summary: Monoterpenes, as secondary metabolites of plants, have been reported to have antidiabetic effects and show potential for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. A comprehensive review of scientific literature and patent documents supports the promising pharmaceutical potential of monoterpenes for therapeutic applications.
ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Carlos Jose Dias, Rodrigo Barroso, Carlos Alberto Alves Dias-Filho, Andressa Coelho Ferreira, Christian Emmanuel Torres Cabido, Carlos C. Crestani, Mayra Santos Silva, Alcimar Nunes Pinheiro, Bruno Rodrigues, Tiano Teixeira Mostarda
Summary: This study found that vitamin D deficiency has a negative impact on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and physiological stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).