Effect of 2, 4-di-tert-butylphenol on growth and biofilm formation by an opportunistic fungus Candida albicans

Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogen, has been known to form hypoxic biofilms on medical devices which in turn confers resistance towards antifungals, resulting in subsequent therapeutic failures. Inclusion of anti-biofilm agents in the control of infections is a topic of current interest in developing potential anti-infectives. The in vitro anti-fungal and anti-biofilm efficacy of 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol [DTBP] was evaluated in this study, which revealed the potential fungicidal action of DTBP at higher concentrations where fluconazole failed to act completely. DTBP also inhibited the production of hemolysins, phospholipases and secreted aspartyl proteinase which are the crucial virulence factors required for the invasion of C. albicans. Various anti-biofilm assays and morphological observations revealed the efficacy of DTBP in both inhibiting and disrupting biofilms of C. albicans. Inhibition of hyphal development, a key process that aids in initial adhesion of C. albicans, was observed, and this could be a mechanism for the anti-biofilm activity of DTBP.     

Induction of candidicidal activity in mice by immunization with Candida albicans ribosomes

Abstract Mice immunized with ribosomes from Candida albicans are protected against experimental systemic candidiasis. In this study we investigated the candidacidal activity of spleen cells from immunized animals as measured by ⁵¹Cr release from pre-labelled yeast cells. It was found that the anti-candidal cytotoxic activity of splenocytes from immunized mice was significantly higher than that of spleen cells from non-immunized controls with various effector to target (E:T) ratios, but optimal results were obtained with an E:T ratio of 10:1. The cytotoxic activity of splenocytes as measured by the ⁵¹Cr release assay correlated well with the capacity of the cells to inhibit candidal growth as determined by quantitative plating. This candidacidal activity was not antibody dependent but increased killing was obtained by adding fresh (but not heat inactivated) mouse serum. The enhanced candidicidal activity was inhibited by removal of plastic- or nylon-adherent cells from the cell suspension but not by treatment with anti-Thy 1.2 serum and complement. The data indicate that a candidacidal cell population is induced in the spleens of animals immunized with C. albicans ribosomes.     

大黄酚体外抗白念珠菌生物膜作用的研究

目的研究大黄酚对体外白念珠菌生物膜的影响。方法采用XTT减低法评价大黄酚对白念珠菌的生物膜及黏附性的影响;镜下观察该药对白念珠菌生物膜的形态学影响;细胞毒试验检测该药的毒副作用。结果大黄酚对白念珠菌生物膜的SMIC50、SMIC80分别为125、1000μg/ml;100μg／ml及1000μg/ml含量浓度的大黄酚对自念珠菌的早期黏附及菌丝生长有抑制作用;大黄酚对人细胞毒性较弱。结论大黄酚对体外白念珠菌生物膜有较强的抑制作用。     

Effects of human lactoferrin on the cytoplasmic membrane of Candida albicans cells related with its candidacidal activity

Human lactoferrin is an innate host defence protein with antimicrobial activity that exerts a candidacidal effect in a cation concentration-dependent manner. We investigated the ability of this cationic protein (with an isoelectric point of 8.7) to permeabilize the cytoplasmic membrane of Candida albicans cells. Despite minor K(+)-release in lactoferrin-treated C. albicans cells, the killing effect was not related to an extensive membrane permeabilization, as indicated by: (a) the non-release of macromolecular cytosolic constituents; (b) the non-permeabilization for extracellular propidium iodide nor for intracellular accumulated calcein; and (c) the inability to disrupt the phospholipid bilayer of 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6, trisulfonic acid/p-xylene-bis-pyridiniumbromide-loaded liposomes. These results suggest that lactoferrin exerts its candidacidal effect through a mechanism different from membrane permeabilization described for other cationic peptides.     

Antifungal activity of Rubus chingii extract combined with fluconazole against fluconazole‐resistant Candida albicans

This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of Rubus chingii extract in combination with fluconazole (FLC) against FLC‐resistant Candida albicans 100 in vitro. A R. chingii extract and FLC‐resistant C. albicans fungus suspension were prepared. The minimum inhibitory concentration and fractional inhibitory concentration index of R. chingii extract combined with FLC against C. albicans were determined, after which growth curves for C. albicans treated with R. chingii extract, FLC alone and a combination of these preparations were constructed. Additionally, the mechanisms of drug combination against C. albicans were explored by flow cytometry, gas chromatographic mass spectrometry and drug efflux pump function detection. R. chingii extract combined with FLC showed significant synergy. Flow cytometry suggested that C. albicans cells mainly arrest in G1 and S phases when they have been treated with the drug combination. The drug combination resulted in a marked decrease in the ergosterol content of the cell membrane. Additionally, efflux of Rhodamine 6G decreased with increasing concentrations of R. chingii extract. R. chingii extract combined with FLC has antifungal activity against FLC‐resistant C. albicans.     

定菌生调整实验小鼠念珠菌性阴道炎的菌群失调的研究

目的 应用阴道细菌培养与光镜细胞学检查相结合的方法,研究定菌生对阴道念珠菌感染的菌群失调的调整作用。方法 以小鼠为实验对象,用盐酸林可霉素造成阴道菌群失调,并将分离的念珠菌接种到小鼠阴道内,造成小鼠阴道念珠菌感染模型,分别采用定菌生、抗真菌＋定菌生及抗真菌（制霉菌素）治疗1疗程后,取其阴道分泌物进行念珠菌及乳杆菌的菌群分析,并同时进行分泌物镜检,取阴道组织标本做病理组织学检查。结果 模型组小鼠阴道内主要细菌数量乳杆菌显著下降（P〈0．01）．出现阴道红肿、分泌物多呈块状和阴道黏膜充血等念珠菌阴道炎的典型症状,分泌物涂片镜检查到白细胞及念珠菌,而定菌生组和定菌生＋制霉菌素组治疗的小鼠,阴道黏膜与健康对照组的阴道黏膜基本相同,阴道内主要菌群——乳杆菌的数量恢复正常,阴道内念珠菌显著降低,与自然恢复组相比差异有极显著性（P〈0．01）,与制霉菌素处理比差异也有显著性,治疗效果明显好于制霉菌素。结论 定菌生能阻止念珠菌对阴道上皮的粘附作用,能调整阴道的菌群,对阴道黏膜有一定的修复功能,是治疗念珠菌性阴道炎有效的微生态调节剂。     

白假丝酵母活性代谢物种类及分离技术的研究进展

白假丝酵母是常见的条件致病菌,研究其生物机制有重要意义.代谢物作为生物体基因表达的终产物,对其种类和含量的研究可作为基因组学和蛋白质组学的重要补充.本文综述了目前研究中所发现的与白假丝酵母形态学和应激相关的代谢物种类和作用以及其分离和分析方法,为进一步研究其致病机制和耐药性提供参考.     

Silver nanoparticles: influence of stabilizing agent and diameter on antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms

Aim: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the size‐dependent antifungal activity of different silver nanoparticles (SN) colloidal suspensions against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata mature biofilms. Methods and Results: The research presented herein used SN of three different average sizes (5, 10 and 60 nm), which were synthesized by the reduction of silver nitrate through sodium citrate and which were stabilized with ammonia or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were performed using the microdilution methodology. The antibiofilm activity of SN was determined by total biomass quantification (by crystal violet staining) and colony forming units enumeration. MIC results showed that all SN colloidal suspensions were fungicidal against the tested strains at very low concentrations (0·4–3·3 μg ml^?1). With regard to biomass quantification, SN colloidal suspensions were very effective only against C. glabrata biofilms, achieving biomass reductions around 90% at a silver concentration of 108 μg ml^?1. In general, all SN suspensions promoted significant log₁₀ reduction of the mean number of cultivable biofilm cells after exposure to silver concentrations at or higher than 108 μg ml^?1. Moreover, the results showed that the particle size and the type of stabilizing agent used did not interfere in the antifungal activity of SN against Candida biofilms. Conclusions: This study suggests that SN have antifungal therapeutic potential, but further studies are still required namely regarding formulation and delivery means. Significance and Impact of the Study: SN may contribute to the development of new strategies for the improvement of oral health and quality of life particularly of the complete denture wearers.     

白念珠菌菌相转换基因HYR1血清相关启动子活性的研究

目的 探讨血清对白念珠菌菌相转换特异基因HYR1上游启动子活性的影响.方法 在白念珠菌菌相转换基因HYR1上游(-1.8kb～ 43bp)中,取长度不等的片段与LacZ(载体PNG17)报告基因构成重组体,转化酵母菌EGY48,探讨血清对HYR1启动子活性的影响.结果 -600～-400bp区域存在激活启动活性,其他区域未见血清相关的调控元件.结论 在HYR1基因上游-600～-400bp间存在与血清相关的基因调控元件,该区域含有与血清相关的启动转录活性.     

口腔扁平苔藓者白色念珠菌检出率及分离株的磷脂酶活性研究

目的:研究健康人和口腔扁平苔藓(oral lichen planus,OLP)患者的口腔白色念珠菌检出率及分离株的磷脂酶活性.方法:采用含漱液浓缩培养法及白色念珠菌微生物学鉴定法,考察健康对照组、糜烂型和非糜烂型OLP患者的白色念珠菌检出率;应用蛋黄培养基沉淀环面积测量法,比较来自于健康人(26株)、糜烂型OLP患者(62株)以及非糜烂型OLP患者(24株)共112株白色念珠菌的磷脂酶活性大小.结果:糜烂型OLP患者组的口腔白色念珠菌检出率高于健康对照组和非糜烂型扁平苔藓患者组;糜烂型和非糜烂型OLP患者组的白色念珠菌分离株的磷脂酶活性高于健康对照组.结论:两种类型的OLP患者组的白色念珠菌分离株与健康对照组相比,具有不同的毒性特征,白色念珠菌与OLP(尤其是糜烂型)发生发展可能相关.     

Proteomics for the analysis of the Candida albicans biofilm lifestyle

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus capable of causing infections in immunocompromised patients. Candidiasis is often associated with the formation of biofilms on the surface of inert or biological materials. Biofilms are structured microbial communities attached to a surface and encased within a matrix of exopolymeric substance (EPS). At present, very little is known about the changes in protein profiles that occur during the transition from the planktonic to the biofilm mode of growth. Here, we report the use of proteomics for the comparative analysis of subcellular fractions obtained from C. albicans biofilm and planktonic cultures, including cell surface-associated proteins and secreted components present in liquid culture supernatants (for planktonic cultures) and EPS (for biofilms). The analysis revealed a high degree of similarity between the protein profiles associated with the planktonic and biofilm extracts, and led to the identification of several differentially expressed protein spots. Among the differentially expressed proteins, there was a preponderance of metabolic enzymes that have been described as cell surface proteins and immunodominant antigens. Proteins found in the biofilm matrix included a few predicted to form part of the secretome, and also many secretion-signal-less proteins. These observations contribute to our understanding of the C. albicans biofilm lifestyle.     

The effect of denture adhesives on Candida albicans growth in vitro

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00478.x
The effect of denture adhesives on Candida albicans growth in vitro Objective: Denture‐wearing favours the growth of Candida. In view of the fact that many denture wearers regularly use adhesives to enhance denture retention, stability and function, the aim of this work was to study the effect of denture adhesives on Candida albicans growth in vitro. Materials and methods: The denture adhesives tested were Corega^® cream, Kukident^® cream, Novafix^® cream, Polident^® cream, Protefix^® cream, Steradent^® cream, Aderyn^® powder, Corega^® ultra powder, Protefix^® powder and Corega^® strip. C. albicans growth curves were obtained in the presence or absence of a 1% solution of the denture adhesive diluted in Sabouraud broth. Macro‐ and microscopic morphological changes in C. albicans were analysed, as was microbial contamination of the denture adhesive. Results: Most of the denture adhesives studied induced morphological changes in C. albicans cells and colonies, but only two had any significant inhibitory effect on yeast growth. Kukident^® cream markedly inhibited C. albicans growth in a concentration‐dependent way, reducing the growth rate by 95%, whereas Corega^® cream also inhibited C. albicans growth but in a non‐concentration‐dependent way, reducing the growth rate by 37%. In addition, denture adhesives available as powders had detectable microbial contamination. Conclusion: Some commercially available denture adhesives showed microbial contamination and some had significant inhibitory effect on C. albicans growth.     

Importance of some factors on the dimorphism of Candida albicans

The passage between the yeast and mycelial forms of Candida albicans B 311-10 was studied by using the minimal syntehtic medium of Shepherd et al. [19] modified without biotin and with low glucose concentrations. It was observed that biotin, aminoacids and particularly pH are not important factors in the dimorphism of C. albicans. The only factor of notable importance in the passage of yeast form to mycelial form in C. albicans was glucose concentration.     

Comment on: "Energy landscape of a small peptide revealed by dihedral angle principal component analysis"

The dihedral angle principal component analysis method published recently by Mu, Nguyen, and Stock, is shown to produce distortions of the free energy landscape due to the neglect of constraints in the coordinates. It is further shown that these distortions can create artificial minima and energy barriers. The rugged energy landscape that the authors find for a small peptide chain might thus be an artifact of their method.     

白念珠菌耐药机制新进展

近年来对于深部真菌感染的研究报道越来越多,其已日益成为一些重要疾病临床治疗过程中的常见并发症,其中,白念珠菌病的发病率仍居高不下.虽然目前有多种抗真菌药物应用于临床,但其耐药现象愈来愈严重,给临床治疗带来了极大的挑战.近来有关白念珠菌耐药机制的研究有了较新的进展.该文就新发现的白念珠菌的耐药机制,作一概述.     

白色念珠菌拮抗菌株的筛选

目的筛选对白色念珠菌具有明显拮抗作用的菌株.方法通过纸片琼脂扩散法(K-B法)观察各菌株对白色念珠菌的拮抗作用;再利用试管法观察有拮抗作用菌株对白色念珠菌的抑菌效果.结果 K-B法表明大肠埃希菌、甲型链球菌和卡他球菌对白色念珠菌无抑菌作用,表皮葡萄球菌、微球菌有抑菌作用,但抑菌环小;枯草杆菌有明显抑菌作用.试管法表明表皮葡萄球菌和枯草杆菌对白色念珠菌均有生物拮抗作用,其抑菌率分别为97%和89.7%.结论枯草杆菌是白色念珠菌的理想拮抗菌株.     

黄芩素与氟康唑协同抗白念珠菌生物被膜作用研究

目的：研究黄芩素与氟康唑合用对白念珠菌生物被膜形成的影响。方法采用激光共聚焦显微镜观察黄芩素与氟康唑合用对白念珠菌生物被膜生长形态的影响;采用 XTT 法考察黄芩素与氟康唑合用对白念珠菌生物被膜形成能力的影响;应用水-烃两相测定实验考察黄芩素与氟康唑合用对白念珠菌生物被膜细胞表面疏水性（ Cell surface hydrophobicity, CSH）的影响;应用实时定量 RT-PCR（Real Time RT-PCR）实验考察黄芩素与氟康唑合用对白念珠菌 CSH1、EFG1、HWP1、ALS1基因表达的影响。结果黄芩素与氟康唑合用能够协同抑制白念珠菌生物被膜的形成,经黄芩素与氟康唑处理的白念珠菌不能形成正常的生物被膜,其生长动力学及细胞表面疏水性下降,细胞疏水性相关基 CSH1、菌丝形成调控基因EFG1、黏附相关基因 HWP1基因的表达水平降低。结论黄芩素与氟康唑合用可协同抑制白念珠菌生物被膜的形成。     

Nitric oxide-dependent killing of Candida albicans by murine peritoneal cells during an experimental infection

Abstract The phagocytic and candidacidal activities of the peritoneal cells of Candida albicans -infected mice were studied 20 days following experimental infection. Both activities were enhanced during infection. The production of nitric oxide (NO) by the peritoneal cells of infected mice was determined, and an increase in the nitrite concentration in supernatants of peritoneal cell cultures was detected. The period of NO production by the peritoneal cells coincided partially with the period of enhanced C. albicans killing. The inhibition of NO synthesis by N -monomethyl- l -arginine was concomitant with inhibition of candidacidal activity. We conclude that NO systhesis is the primary candidacidal mechanism of the murine peritoneal cells activated by C. albicans infection.