Aspergetherins A-D,New Chlorinated Biphenyls with anti-MRSA Activity from the Marine Sponge Symbiotic Fungus Aspergillus terreus 164018

Aspergetherins A-D ( 1 – 4 ), four new chlorinated biphenyls, were isolated from the rice fermentation of a marine sponge symbiotic fungus Aspergillus terreus 164018, along with seven known biphenyl derivatives ( 5 – 11 ). The structures of four new compounds were determined by a comprehensive analysis of the spectroscopic data, including HR-ESI-MS and 2D NMR data. All 11 isolates were evaluated for their anti-bacterial activity against two strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among them, compounds 1 , 3 , 8 and 10 showed anti-MRSA activity with MIC values of 1.0–128 μg/mL. Preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis unveiled that both chlorinated substitution and esterification of 2-carboxylic acid could impact the antibacterial activity of biphenyls.     

Effects of Brazilian green propolis extract on planktonic cells and biofilms of multidrug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Propolis could represent an alternative therapeutic agent for targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria due to its antimicrobial potential. The effect of Brazilian green propolis (BGP) aqueous extract (AqExt) was evaluated on eight multidrug-resistant clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as on one reference strain for each bacterial species. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined and optimal concentrations were further evaluated in comparison with 0.12% chlorhexidine. The natural extract was chemically characterized by HPLC-DAD analysis. The MBC values ranged between 3.12 and 27.5?mg ml^?1. Analysis of bacterial metabolic activity after treatment for 5?min with BGP-AqExt revealed a strong antimicrobial potential, similar to chlorhexidine. The extract comprised several active compounds including quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic and p-coumaric acid, drupani, galangin, and artepillin C. Altogether, the findings suggest that BGP-AqExt is fast and effective against multidrug-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa in planktonic cultures and biofilms.     

醋酸氯己定的杀菌效果

采用悬液定量杀菌试验,对醋酸氯己定的杀菌效果进行实验室研究。研究发现,0.1%醋酸氯己定对金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠埃希菌、枯草芽胞杆菌、白假丝酵母菌和黑曲霉均具有明显的杀菌作用。通过模拟现场试验,醋酸氯己定起到了显著的杀菌效果。     

Bactericidal properties of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, alone and in combination, and chlorine and formaldehyde against bacterial water strains.

The bactericidal properties of peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, and formaldehyde were compared in vitro using a rapid micromethod. A combination of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide was also tested to assess interactions. The activities of these agents, which are widely used as disinfectants, were evaluated against water isolates and culture collection strains. Peracetic acid and chlorine exhibited an excellent antimicrobial activity, with a relatively rapid destruction of 10(5) bacteria/mL. The time-dependent bactericidal activities of hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde were the lowest. The combination of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, tested by a checkerboard micromethod, was found to be synergistic. The minimal bactericidal concentration was established in terms of time for a given mixture of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Determination of bactericidal concentrations showed that synergy was maintained with increasing contact time. Concentrations for minimal times of treatment by chemicals that provided interesting activities in vitro were tested for disinfection of ultrafiltration membranes. The bactericidal activities of peroxygen compounds were confirmed and synergism was maintained in working conditions. Chlorine showed a loss of efficacy when used on membranes.     

醋酸氯己定与乙醇的协同杀菌效果

采用悬液定量杀菌试验,对醋酸氯己定与乙醇的协同杀菌效果进行了实验室研究。研究发现,0.1%醋酸氯己定与75%乙醇混合溶液对金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠埃希菌、白假丝酵母菌和黑曲霉均呈现出显著的协同杀菌作用。结果表明,醋酸氯己定与乙醇具有良好的协同杀菌效果。     

洗必泰与新洁尔灭的协同杀菌效果

采用悬液定量杀菌试验,以协同系数T/E值作为评价指标,对洗必泰与新洁尔灭的协同杀菌效果进行了实验室研究。发现0.1%洗必泰与0.1%新洁尔灭协同作用2 min,对金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠埃希菌和白色念珠菌均起到了显著协同杀菌效果。     

Development of chemically defined medium for Mannheimia succiniciproducens based on its genome sequence

This study presents a novel methodology for the development of a chemically defined medium (CDM) using genome-scale metabolic network and flux balance analysis. The genome-based in silico analysis identified two amino acids and four vitamins as non-substitutable essential compounds to be supplemented to a minimal medium for the sustainable growth of Mannheimia succiniciproducens, while no substitutable essential compounds were identified. The in silico predictions were verified by cultivating the cells on a CDM containing the six non-substitutable essential compounds, and it was further demonstrated by observing no cell growth on the CDM lacking any one of the non-substitutable essentials. An optimal CDM for the enhancement of cell growth and succinic acid production, as a target product, was formulated with a single-addition technique. The fermentation on the optimal CDM increased the succinic acid productivity by 36%, the final succinic acid concentration by 17%, and the succinic acid yield on glucose by 15% compared to the cultivation using a complex medium. The optimal CDM also lowered the sum of the amounts of by-products (acetic, formic, and lactic acids) by 30%. The strategy reported in this paper should be generally applicable to the development of CDMs for other organisms, whose genome sequences are available.     

A comparative study of the bactericidal and growth inhibitory activities of the bisbiguanides alexidine and chlorhexidine

A comparative study of the growth inhibitory and bactericidal activities of two related bisbiguanide antiseptics, alexidine and chorhexidine is reported. Whilst overall bactericidal activities and MICs were similar, alexidine was more rapid in its action and it is suggested that (1) it might possess additional targets at the cell envelope to chlorhexidine, and (2) the nature of the interaction at the cytoplasmic membrane for the two compounds differs.     

Antibacterial characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Curcuma xanthorrhiza</Emphasis> extract on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptococcus mutans</Emphasis> biofilm

This study evaluated the antibacterial effects of a natural Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract (Xan) on a Streptococcus mutans biofilm by examining the bactericidal activity, inhibition of acidogenesis and morphological alteration. Xan was obtained from the roots of a medicinal plant in Indonesia, which has shown selective antibacterial effects on planktonic S. mutans. S. mutans biofilms were formed on slide glass over a 72 h period and treated with the following compounds for 5, 30, and 60 min: saline, 1% DMSO, 2 mg/ml chlorhexidine (CHX), and 0.1 mg/ml Xan. The Xan group exposed for 5 and 30 min showed significantly fewer colony forming units (CFU, 57.6 and 97.3%, respectively) than those exposed to 1% DMSO, the negative control group (P<0.05). These CFU were similar in number to those slides exposed to CHX, the positive control group. Xan showed similar bactericidal effect to that of CHX but the dose of Xan was one twentieth that of CHX. In addition, the biofilms treated with Xan and CHX maintained a neutral pH for 4 h, which indicates that Xan and CHX inhibit acid production. Scanning electron microscopy showed morphological changes in the cell wall and membrane of the Xan-treated biofilms; an uneven surface and a deformation in contour. Overall, natural Xan has strong bactericidal activity, inhibitory effects on acidogenesis, and alters the microstructure of S. mutans biofilm. In conclusion, Xan has potential in anti-S. mutans therapy for the prevention of dental caries.     

A comparative study of the bactericidal and growth inhibitory activities of the bisbiguanides alexidine and chlorhexidine

A comparative study of the growth inhibitory and bactericidal activities of two related bisbiguanide antiseptics, alexidine and chorhexidine is reported. Whilst overall bactericidal activities and MICs were similar, alexidine was more rapid in its action and it is suggested that (1) it might possess additional targets at the cell envelope to chlorhexidine, and (2) the nature of the interaction at the cytoplasmic membrane for the two compounds differs.     

Pyranocoumarin, a novel anti-TB pharmacophore: synthesis and biological evaluation against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Pyranocoumarin compounds were identified to embody a novel and unique pharmacophore for anti-TB activity. A systematic approach was taken to investigate the structural characteristics. Focused libraries of compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-TB activity in primary screening assays. Compounds shown to be active were further determined for MIC and MBC values. Three of the four bactericidal compounds (16, 17c, and 18f) were amino derivatives, with MIC values of 16 microg/mL and respective MBC values of 32, 32, and 64 microg/mL.     

Susceptibility and resistance of ruminal bacteria to antimicrobial feed additives

Susceptibility and resistance of ruminal bacterial species to avoparcin, narasin, salinomycin, thiopeptin, tylosin, virginiamycin, and two new ionophore antibiotics, RO22-6924/004 and RO21-6447/009, were determined. Generally, antimicrobial compounds were inhibitory to gram-positive bacteria and those bacteria that have gram-positive-like cell wall structure. MICs ranged from 0.09 to 24.0 micrograms/ml. Gram-negative bacteria were resistant at the highest concentration tested (48.0 micrograms/ml). On the basis of their fermentation products, ruminal bacteria that produce lactic acid, butyric acid, formic acid, or hydrogen were susceptible and bacteria that produce succinic acid or ferment lactic acid were resistant to the antimicrobial compounds. Selenomonas ruminantium was the only major lactic acid-producing bacteria resistant to all the antimicrobial compounds tested. Avoparcin and tylosin appeared to be less inhibitory (MIC greater than 6.0 micrograms/ml) than the other compounds to the two major lactic acid-producing bacteria, Streptococcus bovis and Lactobacillus sp. Ionophore compounds seemed to be more inhibitory (MIC, 0.09 to 1.50 micrograms/ml) than nonionophore compounds (MIC, 0.75 to 12.0 micrograms/ml) to the major butyric acid-producing bacteria. Treponema bryantii, an anaerobic rumen spirochete, was less sensitive to virginiamycin than to the other antimicrobial compounds. Ionophore compounds were generally bacteriostatic, and nonionophore compounds were bactericidal. The specific growth rate of Bacteroides ruminicola was reduced by all the antimicrobial compounds except avoparcin. The antibacterial spectra of the feed additives were remarkably similar, and it appears that MICs may not be good indicators of the potency of the compounds in altering ruminal fermentation characteristics.     

Susceptibility and resistance of ruminal bacteria to antimicrobial feed additives.

Susceptibility and resistance of ruminal bacterial species to avoparcin, narasin, salinomycin, thiopeptin, tylosin, virginiamycin, and two new ionophore antibiotics, RO22-6924/004 and RO21-6447/009, were determined. Generally, antimicrobial compounds were inhibitory to gram-positive bacteria and those bacteria that have gram-positive-like cell wall structure. MICs ranged from 0.09 to 24.0 micrograms/ml. Gram-negative bacteria were resistant at the highest concentration tested (48.0 micrograms/ml). On the basis of their fermentation products, ruminal bacteria that produce lactic acid, butyric acid, formic acid, or hydrogen were susceptible and bacteria that produce succinic acid or ferment lactic acid were resistant to the antimicrobial compounds. Selenomonas ruminantium was the only major lactic acid-producing bacteria resistant to all the antimicrobial compounds tested. Avoparcin and tylosin appeared to be less inhibitory (MIC greater than 6.0 micrograms/ml) than the other compounds to the two major lactic acid-producing bacteria, Streptococcus bovis and Lactobacillus sp. Ionophore compounds seemed to be more inhibitory (MIC, 0.09 to 1.50 micrograms/ml) than nonionophore compounds (MIC, 0.75 to 12.0 micrograms/ml) to the major butyric acid-producing bacteria. Treponema bryantii, an anaerobic rumen spirochete, was less sensitive to virginiamycin than to the other antimicrobial compounds. Ionophore compounds were generally bacteriostatic, and nonionophore compounds were bactericidal. The specific growth rate of Bacteroides ruminicola was reduced by all the antimicrobial compounds except avoparcin. The antibacterial spectra of the feed additives were remarkably similar, and it appears that MICs may not be good indicators of the potency of the compounds in altering ruminal fermentation characteristics.     

Synthesis and analgesic activity of N,N'-dicarbonyltryptamines

5-Methoxytryptamine and L-tryptophan methyl ester were acylated with malonic acid, dimethyl malonate, or succinic anhydride to produce the corresponding N,N'-dicarbonyltryptamine derivatives. The analgesic activity was evaluated by the tail flick test. All of the compounds exhibited desirable analgesic potency. This result is consistent with that of N-(N-acetyl-L-tryptophanyl)-5-methoxytryptamine and confirmed that introducing substituted tryptamine into the amide chain of melatonin does enhance analgesic potency.     

Antibiotic resistance plasmids and bactericidal effect of chlorhexidine on Enterobacteriaceae

The effect of plasmid RP4 on the bactericidal effect of chlorhexidine on five Enterobacteriaceae has been tested. Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Proteus mirabilis strains harbouring RP4 were more susceptible than R^- strains to this antiseptic. The role of 17 other plasmids harboured in the same bacterial host ( E. coli ) on the bactericidal effect of chlorhexidine has also been examined. Six plasmids (R751, R702, R144, RP4, pME206, S-a), of which four belonged to incompatibility group P, produced an increased bactericidal effect of chlorhexidine.     

Comparative study on the antimicrobial effect of 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol on the normal flora of hands.

A gloved-hand wash method was used to compare the antimicrobial effect of chlorhexidine gluconate alcohol emollient hand wash (HIBISTAT) with that of 70% isopropyl alcohol on the normal flora of the hands (81 subjects) under conditions designed to mimic use by surgeons. Results of the immediate postwash effects on the bacterial counts for all 3 tests days showed that chlorhexidine significantly reduced the normal flora of the hands. When compared with the base line bacterial counts, there was 85, 96, and 98% reduction with chlorhexidine treatment and 84, 93, and 90% reduction with alcohol treatment on days 1,2, and 5, respectively. The difference between chlorhexidine and alcohol treatments was not statistically significant on days 1 and 2, but was significant on day 5 (P less than 0.01). For delayed postwash bacterial counts (for persistent antimicrobial effects), the overall log means were 4.9943 and 5.4684 for chlorhexidine and alcohol treatments, respectively. The difference between the two treatments was significant (P less than 0.01). After the chlorhexidien treatment, there was no significant growth of bacteria over a period of 6 h when compared with the base line bacterial counts.     

Antibacterial activity of anacardic acid and totarol, alone and in combination with methicillin, against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus

The inhibitory and bactericidal activities of anacardic acid and totarol, alone and in combination with methicillin, were investigated against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The growth of two MRSA strains was inhibited by 6·25 μg ml^-1 of anacardic acid and 0·78 μg ml^-1 of totarol. The time-kill curve study showed that these two compounds were bactericidal against MRSA. Anacardic acid killed MRSA cells more rapidly than totarol, and no viable cells were detected after being exposed to 6·25 μg ml^-1 of anacardic acid for 6 h. Anacardic acid showed bactericidal activity against MRSA at any stage of growth, and also even when cell division was inhibited by chloramphenicol. In the combination studies, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methicillin was lowered from 800 to 1·56 μg ml^-1 for MRSA ATCC 33591, and from 800 to 6·25 μg ml^-1 for MRSA ATCC 33592, by combining with 1/2 X MIC of anacardic acid. The time-kill curves demonstrated synergistic bactericidal activities for these combinations.     

Comparative study on the antimicrobial effect of 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol on the normal flora of hands.

A gloved-hand wash method was used to compare the antimicrobial effect of chlorhexidine gluconate alcohol emollient hand wash (HIBISTAT) with that of 70% isopropyl alcohol on the normal flora of the hands (81 subjects) under conditions designed to mimic use by surgeons. Results of the immediate postwash effects on the bacterial counts for all 3 tests days showed that chlorhexidine significantly reduced the normal flora of the hands. When compared with the base line bacterial counts, there was 85, 96, and 98% reduction with chlorhexidine treatment and 84, 93, and 90% reduction with alcohol treatment on days 1,2, and 5, respectively. The difference between chlorhexidine and alcohol treatments was not statistically significant on days 1 and 2, but was significant on day 5 (P less than 0.01). For delayed postwash bacterial counts (for persistent antimicrobial effects), the overall log means were 4.9943 and 5.4684 for chlorhexidine and alcohol treatments, respectively. The difference between the two treatments was significant (P less than 0.01). After the chlorhexidien treatment, there was no significant growth of bacteria over a period of 6 h when compared with the base line bacterial counts.     

Identification of mutagenic compounds formed during chlorination of humic acid

Humic acid chlorination products are being studied in an effort to identify the chemicals responsible for the mutagenicity formed during water chlorination. In the present report, 19 chlorinated organic compounds have been identified and quantified in ether extracts of chlorinated humic acid solutions. 10 of these compounds, including a number of chlorinated propanones and chlorinated propenals, are direct-acting mutagens in the Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay. The position of the chlorine substituent has been found to be an important factor in the mutagenic activity of these two classes of compounds. The total mutagenicity of the compounds identified thus far, when tested either individually or as a composite, accounts for only 7-8% of the total TA100 mutagenicity, and less than 2% of the TA98 mutagenicity formed during humic acid chlorination. The addition of bromide to the humic acid chlorination reaction results in up to a 2-fold increase in the level of mutagenicity formed.     

Synthesis and Analgesic Activity of N,N'-Dicarbonyltryptamines

ABSTRACT

5-Methoxytryptamine and L-tryptophan methyl ester were acylated with malonic acid, dimethyl malonate, or succinic anhydride to produce the corresponding N, N'-dicarbonyltryptamine derivatives. The analgesic activity was evaluated by the tail flick test. All of the compounds exhibited desirable analgesic potency. This result is consistent with that of N-(N-acetyl-L-tryptophanyl)-5-methoxytryptamine and confirmed that introducing substituted tryptamine into the amide chain of melatonin does enhance analgesic potency.