新生隐球菌生物膜动物模型构建及PMT4对生物膜形成的影响

目的构建新生隐球菌的PMT4基因缺陷株及新生隐球菌生物膜的体内、外模型;研究PMT4基因对生物膜形成的影响。方法采用PCR介导的长侧翼同源重组的方法敲除新生隐球菌H99的PMT4基因;采用基础培养基96孔板培养的方法建立生物膜体外模型;兔中心静脉插管、管内放置聚苯乙烯薄膜的方法建立生物膜动物模型;用倒置显微镜、共聚集激光扫描显微镜、MTT、CFU计数等方法研究PMT4缺陷株与野生株生物膜的异同。结果新生隐球菌在体内、外模型中均能形成生物膜;PMT4缺陷株与野生株生物膜在生物量和结构方面存在明显差异。结论本实验的生物膜动物模型可行;PMT4基因缺陷可造成隐球菌生物膜代谢活性下降,并形成假菌丝样结构。     

蒺藜中甾体皂苷对新生隐球菌生物膜形成的抑制作用

目的 观察蒺藜甾体皂苷类化合物TTS-12对新生隐球菌生物膜形成的影响,探讨其可能的作用机制.方法 光镜观察TTS-12对新生隐球菌生物膜生长形态的影响;MTT法观察TTS-12对新生隐球菌生物膜形成的影响;实时定量RTPCR观察不同浓度TTS-12对新生隐球菌细胞生物膜关键基因PMT4表达的影响.结果 经TTS-12处理的新生隐球菌生物膜结构更疏松,TTS-12可剂量依赖性地降低新生隐球菌生物膜生长动力学指标及PMT4基因表达水平(P＜0.01).结论 TTS-12可抑制新生隐球菌生物膜的形成.通过降低新生隐球菌PMT4基因表达可能是其抑制新生隐球菌生物膜的形成作用机制之一.     

小檗碱抗新生隐球菌活性和作用机制

【目的】研究小檗碱对新生隐球菌的抗菌活性及其作用机制。【方法】采用微量肉汤稀释法测定小檗碱对新生隐球菌标准菌株和临床分离菌株的最小抑菌浓度,通过棋盘法测定小檗碱与氟康唑、两性霉素B的协同作用,测定小檗碱对隐球菌重要毒力因子的表达,以及对巨噬细胞和隐球菌互作的影响,采用隐球菌感染大蜡螟模型测定小檗碱的体内杀菌活性。【结果】小檗碱是一种杀真菌化合物,在测试的菌株中,最小抑菌浓度(minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC)范围为8-16μg/mL。亚致死剂量小檗碱能够抑制隐球菌荚膜大小、产黑色素能力和有性生殖能力,并能增强巨噬细胞的杀菌能力。锌指转录因子Nrg1介导了上述重要的过程。在隐球菌感染动物模型中,小檗碱能够延长感染大蜡螟的存活时间。【结论】小檗碱在体内外具有优异的抗隐球菌活性,有望作为抗隐球菌药物开发的起始化合物。     

侧脑室接种隐球菌感染大鼠模型的脑组织含水量变化研究

目的探讨隐球菌中枢神经系统感染大鼠模型的脑组织含水量变化。方法侧脑室接种隐球菌构建中枢神经系统隐球菌感染的大鼠模型,大鼠随机分为实验组和对照组,实验组大鼠侧脑室注射隐球菌菌悬液,对照组大鼠侧脑室注射生理盐水。两组分别采用干湿重法于6h、12h、24h、48h、72h动态检测大鼠脑组织含水量的变化。结果大鼠隐球菌中枢神经系统感染后,脑组织含水量于6h开始明显升高,12h到达高峰,后逐渐下降,但仍明显高于对照组;与对照组差异有统计学意义。结论隐球菌中枢神经系统感染后的大鼠脑组织含水量与对照组差异明显。     

大鼠脑隐球菌感染模型建立及MRI评估

目的 建立大鼠脑感染隐球菌模型并探讨MRI评估的影像学表现。方法 运用立体定位技术给30只SD大鼠尾状核注射浓度为1×10⁶ CFU/mL的新生隐球菌菌悬液10μL,分别于大鼠建模后第14、21、28天进行T1WI、T2WI序列扫描,MRI动态监测大鼠脑内感染情况,病理解剖鼠脑并观察组织形态。结果 1×10⁶ CFU/mL浓度的新生隐球菌菌悬液建立大鼠隐球菌感染模型成功率为73.33%,隐球菌肉芽肿60%,隐球菌性脑膜脑炎13.33%;无明显异常改变20%。大鼠脑隐球菌肉芽肿MRI表现为尾状核类圆形或结节样异常信号影,T1WI低信号T2WI高信号;脑膜脑炎MRI表现为脑膜、室管膜明显线样异常信号。结论 1×10⁶ CFU/mL浓度的新生隐球菌菌悬液建立大鼠脑感染隐球菌模型,耗时短且接种成功率较高。MRI表现与病理结果高度契合,可为人脑隐球菌感染诊断及效果评估提供良好的研究模型。     

山苍子油对小鼠系统性新生隐球菌感染的实验研究

目的研究山苍子油治疗小鼠系统性新生隐球菌感染的疗效。方法建立小鼠系统性新生隐球菌感染模型,观察给药后小鼠的中位生存时间,检测小鼠肾脏及肺菌落形成单位计数。结果山苍子油不仅能够显著延长感染小鼠的中位生存时间,提高其生存率,而且可显著增加感染小鼠肾脏及肺菌落清除率。结论山苍子油对系统性新生隐球菌感染小鼠具有治疗作用。     

新生隐球菌通过Dectin-1上调单个核细胞miR-146a的表达

目的 研究miR-146a是否参与新生隐球菌感染免疫应答过程.方法 采用RT-PCR检测了6例新生隐球菌性脑膜炎患者和6名健康个体外周血单个核细胞（PBMC）中miR-146a的表达.以热灭活新生隐球菌刺激来自健康个体的PB-MC,并加入Dectin-1抑制剂昆布多糖,采用RT-PCR检测热灭活新生隐球菌和昆布多糖对PBMC中miR-146a表达的影响.结果 新生隐球菌性脑膜炎患者PBMC中miR-146a的表达较健康个体明显增高.热灭活新生隐球菌可以上调PBMC中miR-146a的表达,昆布多糖可以削弱其上调miR-146a表达的能力.结论 热灭活新生隐球菌可以通过Dectin-1受体上调miR-146a的表达.miR-146a参与了新生隐球菌感染免疫应答过程,值得进一步研究.     

中枢神经系统隐球菌感染动物模型的研究

目的 构建中枢神经系统隐球菌感染的动物模型。方法 给予小鼠脑内接种隐球菌构建中枢神经系统隐球菌感染的动物模型。小鼠被随机地分为实验组和对照组,给予实验组小鼠脑内接种隐球菌菌悬液,对照组小鼠脑内接种生理盐水。结果 从组织病理方面观察到,实验组小鼠脑组织中的蛛网膜下腔、软脑膜表面、脑实质内、侧脑室脉络丛组织内均可见隐球菌菌体,脑膜轻度增生,侧脑室轻度扩大,脉络丛血管轻度扩张充血。对照组小鼠脑组织可见侧脑室轻度扩大,蛛网膜下腔血管、脑实质内血管、脉络丛血管均有轻度扩张充血,而蛛网膜下腔、软脑膜表面、脑实质内及侧脑室和室旁均未见隐球菌浸润。从组织病理观察结果两组具有一定的对比性。结论 小鼠脑内接种隐球菌构建其中枢神经系统隐球菌感染的模型,为研究人中枢神经系统隐球菌病提供了一个工具。     

隐球菌感染体外血脑屏障模型的构建与应用

目的构建体外血脑屏障模型,并检测隐球菌不同菌株穿越血脑屏障的能力。方法本研究应用商品化的小鼠脑微血管内皮细胞系b END.3构建体外血脑屏障模型,并验证该模型应用于隐球菌穿越血脑屏障机制研究的可行性。通过构建模型,以非致病性的酿酒酵母作为阴性对照,比较新生隐球菌不同血清型标准株及基因缺陷株穿越体外血脑屏障能力的差异。结果跨膜电阻值(TEER)检测提示体外血脑屏障模型构建成功。检测结果显示酿酒酵母作为阴性对照穿越血脑屏障效率最低,新生隐球菌血清A型标准株H99穿越细胞屏障效率最强,血清D型标准株JEC21穿越细胞屏障效率显著低于H99。较之H99,黑色素酶缺陷株lac1裣穿越体外血脑屏障模型的效率没有显著差异;尿素酶缺陷株ure1裣效率显著下降(P0.05),约为标准株H99通过率的59.9%;荚膜缺陷株cap59裣突破体外血脑屏障模型效率最低,约为标准株H99的18%(P0.001)。结论隐球菌中枢系统感染体外模型成功构建。新生隐球菌突破血脑屏障的能力与其血清型以及荚膜、尿素酶等毒力因子的表达密切相关。     

隐球菌感染体外血脑屏障模型的构建与应用CSCD

目的构建体外血脑屏障模型,并检测隐球菌不同菌株穿越血脑屏障的能力。方法本研究应用商品化的小鼠脑微血管内皮细胞系b END.3构建体外血脑屏障模型,并验证该模型应用于隐球菌穿越血脑屏障机制研究的可行性。通过构建模型,以非致病性的酿酒酵母作为阴性对照,比较新生隐球菌不同血清型标准株及基因缺陷株穿越体外血脑屏障能力的差异。结果跨膜电阻值(TEER)检测提示体外血脑屏障模型构建成功。检测结果显示酿酒酵母作为阴性对照穿越血脑屏障效率最低,新生隐球菌血清A型标准株H99穿越细胞屏障效率最强,血清D型标准株JEC21穿越细胞屏障效率显著低于H99。较之H99,黑色素酶缺陷株lac1裣穿越体外血脑屏障模型的效率没有显著差异;尿素酶缺陷株ure1裣效率显著下降(P<0.05),约为标准株H99通过率的59.9%;荚膜缺陷株cap59裣突破体外血脑屏障模型效率最低,约为标准株H99的18%(P<0.001)。结论隐球菌中枢系统感染体外模型成功构建。新生隐球菌突破血脑屏障的能力与其血清型以及荚膜、尿素酶等毒力因子的表达密切相关。     

新生隐球菌感染小鼠肺泡巨噬细胞相关细胞因子与疾病病程相关性研究

目的通过检测新生隐球菌感染小鼠巨噬细胞相关细胞因子的表达水平,探讨其在感染小鼠疾病病程的作用。方法应用单侧小鼠鼻孔接种感染新生隐球菌建立小鼠吸入感染隐球菌模型,在感染后第1、4、7、11、14、18、21天,PAS染色观察小鼠肺组织病理变化,并通过RT-PCR检测相应时间点小鼠巨噬细胞内相关细胞因子(IL-6、IL-8、TGF-β、TNF-α)的表达。结果小鼠吸入感染隐球菌后,PAS染色发现第4天肺内散在分布隐球菌,第7天可见肉芽肿形成,第11天大量炎性细胞浸润,第14天见肉芽肿内大量隐球菌,第18天隐球菌分布至全肺,第21天肺组织大量坏死;RT-PCR结果显示TGF-β和IL-6的表达在感染后14天达到最高值,然后逐渐降低,其中TGF-β升高幅度更为明显。结论在新生隐球菌感染小鼠中,TGF-β参与了机体的抗真菌免疫,在调节炎症反应方面有重要作用。     

Pulmonary cryptococcosis induces chitinase in the rat

Background

We previously demonstrated that chronic pulmonary infection with Cryptococcus neoformans results in enhanced allergic inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in a rat model. Because the cell wall of C. neoformans consists of chitin, and since acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) has recently been implicated as a novel mediator of asthma, we sought to determine whether such infection induces chitinase activity and expression of AMCase in the rat.

Methods

We utilized a previously-established model of chronic C. neoformans pulmonary infection in the rat to analyze the activity, expression and localization of AMCase.

Results

Our studies indicate that intratracheal inoculation of C. neoformans induces chitinase activity within the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of infected rats. Chitinase activity is also elicited by pulmonary infection with other fungi (e.g. C. albicans), but not by the inoculation of dead organisms. Enhanced chitinase activity reflects increased AMCase expression by airway epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. Systemic cryptococcosis is not associated with increased pulmonary chitinase activity or AMCase expression.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a possible link between respiratory fungal infections, including C. neoformans, and asthma through the induction of AMCase.     

STE12α基因对新生隐球菌形态学影响的初步研究

目的研究STE12α基因对新生隐球菌形态学的影响。方法分别敲除血清A型和血清B型新生隐球菌菌株的STE12α基因,建立缺陷株,再将STE12α基因重新导入建立重建株。观察并比较野生株、STE12α基因缺陷株及重建株在体内、外孵育后菌落和菌落的形态学差异。结果 STE12α基因缺陷株组形成的菌落明显偏少,菌株直径偏小,荚膜发育不良,而重构株组这些方面的改变都得到了恢复。结论 STE12α基因对新生隐球菌的形态学改变有着重要的影响,可能直接影响其毒力。     

Human defenses against Cryptococcus neoformans: An update

Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen, especially in AIDS patients, and is found world-wide. On the other hand, Cryptococcus neoformans var. gatti (CN-g) is restricted to an association with two species of Eucalyptus trees. Alveolar macrophages (AM) constitute the first line of defense to Cryptococcus neoformans and offers some resistance. The inflammatory response to Cryptococcus neoformans with an influx of neutrophils and monocytes affords a second line of defense. Secretion of proinflammatory monokines by human AM is now being defined. The inflammatory phagocytes are efficient in killing Cryptococcus neoformans and offer strong resistance. T and B cell responses to infection, a third line of defense, results in production of lymphokines (IFNg, etc.) and specific antibodies. Enhancement of lymphocyte responses by IL-12 and IL-18 to Cryptococcus neoformans infection appears to be critical. Susceptibility of AIDS patients to Cryptococcus neoformans is associated with low CD4+ T cell counts and likely reduced efficacy of the second line of defense. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

An innate immune system cell is a major determinant of species-related susceptibility differences to fungal pneumonia

Rats and mice are considered resistant and susceptible hosts, respectively, for experimental cryptococcosis. For both species, alveolar macrophages (AM) are central components of the host response to pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans infection. We explored the role of AM in three strains of mice and three strains of rats during cryptococcal infection by comparing the outcome of infection after macrophage depletion using liposomal clodronate. AM depletion was associated with enhancement and amelioration of disease in rats and mice, respectively, as measured by lung fungal burden. The apparent protective role for AM in rats correlated with enhanced anti-cryptococcal activity as measured by phagocytic activity, oxidative burst, lysozyme secretion, and ability to limit intracellular growth of C. neoformans. Furthermore, rat AM were more resistant to lysis in association with intracellular infection. In summary, differences in AM function in rats and mice suggest an explanation for the species differences in susceptibility to C. neoformans based on the inherent efficacy of a central effector cell of the innate immune system.     

Cryptococcus neoformans biofilm formation depends on surface support and carbon source and reduces fungal cell susceptibility to heat, cold, and UV light

The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans possesses a polysaccharide capsule and can form biofilms on medical devices. We describe the characteristics of C. neoformans biofilm development using a microtiter plate model, microscopic examinations, and a colorimetric 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium-hydroxide (XTT) reduction assay to observe the metabolic activity of cryptococci within a biofilm. A strong correlation between XTT and CFU assays was demonstrated. Chemical analysis of the exopolymeric material revealed sugar composition consisting predominantly of xylose, mannose, and glucose, indicating the presence of other polysaccharides in addition to glucurunoxylomannan. Biofilm formation was affected by surface support differences, conditioning films on the surface, characteristics of the medium, and properties of the microbial cell. A specific antibody to the capsular polysaccharide of this fungus was used to stain the extracellular polysaccharide matrix of the fungal biofilms using light and confocal microscopy. Additionally, the susceptibility of C. neoformans biofilms and planktonic cells to environmental stress was investigated using XTT reduction and CFU assays. Biofilms were less susceptible to heat, cold, and UV light exposition than their planktonic counterparts. Our findings demonstrate that fungal biofilm formation is dependent on support surface characteristics and that growth in the biofilm state makes fungal cells less susceptible to potential environmental stresses.     

新生隐球菌感染12例临床特点及实验室检测的回顾性分析

目的:了解新生隐球菌深部感染的临床特点及实验室检测,分析其耐药性.方法:对12例新生隐球菌感染患者的临床资料进行网顾性分析;应用美国BD9240全自动血液分析仪进行细菌培养和真菌培养,阳性酵母样真菌经API20C鉴定到种;FUNGS 3进行真菌药敏试验.结果:12例患者均经病原学确诊;其中中枢神经系统感染6例,血液感染5例,腹腔感染1例;新生隐球菌对临床常用5种抗真菌药物除2例氟康唑中介外,其余均敏感.结论:新生隐球菌不仅引起中枢神经系统感染,也可引起身体多部位感染,死亡率较高;早期病原学检测对疾病的诊断和治疗十分重要,联合用药预后较好.     

Phenotyping of Cryptococcus neoformans strains in Bergamo,Italy (1985-2000)

Cryptococcus neoformans is the cause of the most common life-threatening fungal infection in patients with AIDS. Thirty strains of C. neoformans were collected from inpatients and typied evaluating activity, morphotyping, serotyping, chemosensitivity and adhesivity. Cryptococcus neoformans strains showed different aspectotype profile, the sole presence of serotypes A and D, good susceptibility to azoles and Amphotericin B. Phenotypic epidemiologic markers can be used: characterization of clinical strains excludes a common source.