Genetic Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance and the Role of Antibiotic Adjuvants

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Santos Pontes ◽  
Rodrigo Santos Aquino de Araujo ◽  
Natalina Dantas ◽  
Luciana Scotti ◽  
Marcus Tullius Scotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
General Information ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Phenotypic Resistance

The ever increasing number of multidrug-resistant microorganism pathogens has become a great and global public health threat. Antibiotic mechanisms of action and the opposing mechanisms of resistance are intimately associated, but comprehension of the biochemical and molecular functions of such drugs is not a simple exercise. Both the environment, and genetic settings contribute to alterations in phenotypic resistance (natural bacterial evolution), and make it difficult to control the emergence and impacts of antibiotic resistance. Under such circumstances, comprehension of how bacteria develop and/or acquire antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) has a critical role in developing propositions to fight against these superbugs, and to search for new drugs. In this review, we present and discuss both general information and examples of common genetic and molecular mechanisms related to antibiotic resistance, as well as how the expression and interactions of ARGs are important to drug resistance. At the same time, we focus on the recent achievements in the search for antibiotic adjuvants, which help combat antibiotic resistance through deactivation of bacterial mechanisms of action such as β-lactamases. Recent advances involving the use of anti-resistance drugs such as: efflux pump inhibitors; anti-virulence drugs; drugs against quorum sensing; and against type II/III secretion systems are revealed. Such antibiotic adjuvants (as explored herein) collaborate against the problems of antibiotic resistance, and may restore or prolong the therapeutic activity of known antibiotics.

scholarly journals Next Generation Sequencing for the Prediction of the Antibiotic Resistance in Helicobacter pylori: A Literature Review

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 437
Author(s):  
Ilaria Maria Saracino ◽  
Matteo Pavoni ◽  
Angelo Zullo ◽  
Giulia Fiorini ◽  
Tiziana Lazzarotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Culture Methods ◽  
Phenotypic Resistance ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Background and aims: Only a few antimicrobials are effective against H. pylori, and antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem for eradication therapies. In 2017, the World Health Organization categorized clarithromycin resistant H. pylori as a “high-priority” bacterium. Standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing can be used to prescribe appropriate therapies but is currently recommended only after the second therapeutic failure. H. pylori is, in fact, a “fastidious” microorganism; culture methods are time-consuming and technically challenging. The advent of molecular biology techniques has enabled the identification of molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypic resistance to antibiotics in H. pylori. The aim of this literature review is to summarize the results of original articles published in the last ten years, regarding the use of Next Generation Sequencing, in particular of the whole genome, to predict the antibiotic resistance in H. pylori.Methods: a literature research was made on PubMed. The research was focused on II and III generation sequencing of the whole H. pylori genome. Results: Next Generation Sequencing enabled the detection of novel, rare and complex resistance mechanisms. The prediction of resistance to clarithromycin, levofloxacin and amoxicillin is accurate; for other antimicrobials, such as metronidazole, rifabutin and tetracycline, potential genetic determinants of the resistant status need further investigation.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of α-humulene against Bacteroides fragilis

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 389-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye-In Jang ◽  
Ki-Jong Rhee ◽  
Yong-Bin Eom
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Bacteroides Fragilis ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Multidrug Efflux Pump ◽  
Biofilm Inhibition ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Application

The rapid increase in antibiotic resistance has prompted the discovery of drugs that reduce antibiotic resistance or new drugs that are an alternative to antibiotics. Plant extracts have health benefits and may also exhibit antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against pathogens. This study determined the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of α-humulene extracted from plants against enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, which causes inflammatory bowel disease. The minimum inhibitory concentration and biofilm inhibitory concentration of α-humulene for B. fragilis were 2 μg/mL, and the biofilm eradication concentration was in the range of 8–32 μg/mL. The XTT reduction assay confirmed that the cellular metabolic activity in biofilm rarely occurred at the concentration of 8–16 μg/mL. In addition, biofilm inhibition by α-humulene was also detected via confocal laser scanning microcopy. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was also used to investigate the effect of α-humulene on the expression of resistance–nodulation–cell division type multidrug efflux pump genes (bmeB1 and bmeB3). According to the results of qPCR, α-humulene significantly reduced the expression of bmeB1 and bmeB3 genes. This study demonstrates the potential therapeutic application of α-humulene for inhibiting the growth of B. fragilis cells and biofilms, and it expands the knowledge about biofilm medicine.

scholarly journals Quinolone resistance (qnrA) gene in isolates of Escherichia coli collected from the Al-Hillah River in Babylon Province, Iraq

Pharmacia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Hawraa Mohammed Al-Rafyai ◽  
Mourouge Saadi Alwash ◽  
Noor Salman Al-Khafaji
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Quinolone Resistance ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Phenotypic Resistance ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Potential Reservoir ◽  
Public Health Hazards

Aquatic environment contamination remains a foremost global public health hazards, and symbolizes a significant reservoir of releasing antibiotic resistant bacteria. The survival of Escherichia coli in aquatic environments serves as a potential reservoir of antibiotic resistance, encompassing but not restricted to a plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) mechanism. The current study aimed to detect the presence of the PMQR-qnrA gene in quinolone-resistant E. coli isolates. Sixty-one waterborne E. coli with known phylogroups/subgroups isolated from the Al-Hillah River in Babylon Province, Iraq, were screened for the phenotypic resistance to third-generation quinolones (levofloxacin and ofloxacin) and were further analysed for the presence of the qnrA gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fifty-seven (93.4%) of 61 E. coli isolates were levofloxacin-resistant, and 55 (90.2%) were ofloxacin-resistant. Among the 57 quinolone-resistant E. coli, 40 (65.57%) isolates were found to carry the PMQR-qnrA gene. Among the 40 qnrA-positive E. coli, 22 (36.1%) isolates were in phylogroup B2, followed by 8 (13.1%) isolates in phylogroup D, 6 (9.8%) isolates in phylogroup B1, and 4 (6.6%) isolates in phylogroup A. The presence of the PMQR-qnrA gene in E. coli belonging to phylogroup B2 and D reflects the need for routine monitoring of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the Al-Hillah River.

scholarly journals Pleiotropy complicates a trade-off between phage resistance and antibiotic resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (21) ◽  
pp. 11207-11216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alita R. Burmeister ◽  
Abigail Fortier ◽  
Carli Roush ◽  
Adam J. Lessing ◽  
Rose G. Bender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Phage Resistance ◽  
Resistance Mutations ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Evolutionary Context ◽  
Structural Barrier

Bacteria frequently encounter selection by both antibiotics and lytic bacteriophages. However, the evolutionary interactions between antibiotics and phages remain unclear, in particular, whether and when phages can drive evolutionary trade-offs with antibiotic resistance. Here, we describeEscherichia coliphage U136B, showing it relies on two host factors involved in different antibiotic resistance mechanisms: 1) the efflux pump protein TolC and 2) the structural barrier molecule lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Since TolC and LPS contribute to antibiotic resistance, phage U136B should select for their loss or modification, thereby driving a trade-off between phage resistance and either of the antibiotic resistance mechanisms. To test this hypothesis, we used fluctuation experiments and experimental evolution to obtain phage-resistant mutants. Using these mutants, we compared the accessibility of specific mutations (revealed in the fluctuation experiments) to their actual success during ecological competition and coevolution (revealed in the evolution experiments). BothtolCand LPS-related mutants arise readily during fluctuation assays, withtolCmutations becoming more common during the evolution experiments. In support of the trade-off hypothesis, phage resistance viatolCmutations occurs with a corresponding reduction in antibiotic resistance in many cases. However, contrary to the hypothesis, some phage resistance mutations pleiotropically confer increased antibiotic resistance. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying this surprising pleiotropic result, consideration for applied phage biology, and the importance of ecology in evolution of phage resistance. We envision that phages may be useful for the reversal of antibiotic resistance, but such applications will need to account for unexpected pleiotropy and evolutionary context.

scholarly journals CmeABC Multidrug Efflux Pump Contributes to Antibiotic Resistance and Promotes Campylobacter jejuni Survival and Multiplication in Acanthamoeba polyphaga

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Vieira ◽  
Amritha Ramesh ◽  
Alan M. Seddon ◽  
Andrey V. Karlyshev
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bacterial Resistance ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Microbial Pathogens ◽  
Bacterial Survival ◽  
Acanthamoeba Polyphaga ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Campylobacter jejuni is a foodborne pathogen that is recognized as the leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis. The widespread use of antibiotics in medicine and in animal husbandry has led to an increased incidence of antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter. In addition to a role in multidrug resistance (MDR), the Campylobacter CmeABC resistance-nodulation-division (RND)-type efflux pump may be involved in virulence. As a vehicle for pathogenic microorganisms, the protozoan Acanthamoeba is a good model for investigations of bacterial survival in the environment and the molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity. The interaction between C. jejuni 81-176 and Acanthamoeba polyphaga was investigated in this study by using a modified gentamicin protection assay. In addition, a possible role for the CmeABC MDR pump in this interaction was explored. Here we report that this MDR pump is beneficial for the intracellular survival and multiplication of C. jejuni in A. polyphaga but is dispensable for biofilm formation and motility. IMPORTANCE The endosymbiotic relationship between amoebae and microbial pathogens may contribute to persistence and spreading of the latter in the environment, which has significant implications for human health. In this study, we found that Campylobacter jejuni was able to survive and to multiply inside Acanthamoeba polyphaga; since these microorganisms can coexist in the same environment (e.g., on poultry farms), the latter may increase the risk of infection with Campylobacter. Our data suggest that, in addition to its role in antibiotic resistance, the CmeABC MDR efflux pump plays a role in bacterial survival within amoebae. Furthermore, we demonstrated synergistic effects of the CmeABC MDR efflux pump and TetO on bacterial resistance to tetracycline. Due to its role in both the antibiotic resistance and the virulence of C. jejuni, the CmeABC MDR efflux pump could be considered a good target for the development of antibacterial drugs against this pathogen.

scholarly journals Expression of the Fluoroquinolones Efflux Pump Genes acrA and mdfA in Urinary Escherichia coli Isolates

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Abdelhamid ◽  
Rania R. Abozahra
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Efflux System ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Tract Infections

Escherichia coli is one of the most frequent causes of urinary tract infections. Efflux system overexpression is reported to contribute to E. coli resistance to several antibiotics. Our aim in this study was to investigate the relation between antibiotic resistance and the expression of the efflux pump genes acrA and mdfA in E. coli by real-time reverse transcription-PCR. We tested the in vitro susceptibilities to 12 antibiotics in 28 clinical isolates of E. coli obtained from urine samples. We also determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations of levofloxacin to these samples. We then revealed significant correlations between the overexpression of both mdfA and acrA and MICs of levofloxacin. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the increased expression of efflux pump genes such as mdfA and acrA can lead to levofloxacin resistance in E. coli. These findings contribute to further understanding of the molecular mechanisms of efflux pump systems and how they contribute to antibiotic resistance.

scholarly journals Genomic and Transcriptomic Insights into How Bacteria Withstand High Concentrations of Benzalkonium Chloride Biocides

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (12) ◽  
pp. e00197-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minjae Kim ◽  
Janet K. Hatt ◽  
Michael R. Weigand ◽  
Raj Krishnan ◽  
Spyros G. Pavlostathis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Genetic Markers ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Typical Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Concentrations

ABSTRACTBenzalkonium chlorides (BAC) are commonly used biocides in broad-spectrum disinfectant solutions. How microorganisms cope with BAC exposure remains poorly understood, despite its importance for disinfection and disinfectant-induced antibiotic resistance. To provide insights into these issues, we exposed two isolates of an opportunistic pathogen,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to increasing concentrations of BAC. One isolate was preadapted to BAC, as it originated from a bioreactor fed with subinhibitory concentrations of BAC for 3 years, while the other originated from a bioreactor that received no BAC. Replicated populations of both isolates were able to survive high concentrations of BAC, up to 1,200 and 1,600 mg/liter for the non- and preadapted strains, respectively, exceeding typical application doses. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed upregulation of efflux pump genes and decreased expression of porins related to BAC transport as well as reduced growth rate. Increased expression of spermidine (a polycation) synthase genes and mutations in thepmrB(polymyxin resistance) gene, which cause a reduction in membrane negative charge, suggested that a major adaptation to exposure to the cationic surfactant BAC was to actively stabilize cell surface charge. Collectively, these results revealed thatP. aeruginosaadapts to BAC exposure by a combination of mechanisms and provided genetic markers to monitor BAC-resistant organisms that may have applications in the practice of disinfection.IMPORTANCEBAC are widely used as biocides in disinfectant solutions, food-processing lines, domestic households, and health care facilities. Due to their wide use and mode of action, there has been rising concern that BAC may promote antibiotic resistance. Consistent with this idea, at least 40 outbreaks have been attributed to infection by disinfectant- and antibiotic-resistant pathogens such asP. aeruginosa. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that bacteria use to deal with BAC exposure remain poorly elucidated. Elucidating these mechanisms may be important for monitoring and limiting the spread of disinfectant-resistant pathogens. Using an integrated approach that combined genomics and transcriptomics with physiological characterization of BAC-adapted isolates, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the BAC resistance mechanisms inP. aeruginosa. Our findings also revealed potential genetic markers to detect and monitor the abundance of BAC-resistant pathogens across clinical or environmental settings. This work contributes new knowledge about high concentrations of benzalkonium chlorides disinfectants-resistance mechanisms at the whole-cell genomic and transcriptomic level.

Autophagy Modulators and Neuroinflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 955-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Sang Cho ◽  
Jang Ho Lee ◽  
Jeiwon Cho ◽  
Guang-Ho Cha ◽  
Gyun Jee Song
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of various neurological disorders. Therefore, various studies have focused on the development of neuroinflammation inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools. Recently, the involvement of autophagy in the regulation of neuroinflammation has drawn substantial scientific interest, and a growing number of studies support the role of impaired autophagy in the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review recent research on the role of autophagy in controlling neuroinflammation. We focus on studies employing both mammalian cells and animal models to evaluate the ability of different autophagic modulators to regulate neuroinflammation. Methods: We have mostly reviewed recent studies reporting anti-neuroinflammatory properties of autophagy. We also briefly discussed a few studies showing that autophagy modulators activate neuroinflammation in certain conditions. Results: Recent studies report neuroprotective as well as anti-neuroinflammatory effects of autophagic modulators. We discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of action of these drugs and their potential limitations as therapeutic agents against neurological disorders. Conclusion: Autophagy activators are promising compounds for the treatment of neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation.

The Role of the Endothelium in Premature Atherosclerosis: Molecular Mechanisms

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 1041-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Spartalis ◽  
Eleftherios Spartalis ◽  
Antonios Athanasiou ◽  
Stavroula A. Paschou ◽  
Christos Kontogiannis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Number Of Genes ◽  
Causes Of Mortality ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Made In

Atherosclerotic disease is still one of the leading causes of mortality. Atherosclerosis is a complex progressive and systematic artery disease that involves the intima of the large and middle artery vessels. The inflammation has a key role in the pathophysiological process of the disease and the infiltration of the intima from monocytes, macrophages and T-lymphocytes combined with endothelial dysfunction and accumulated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are the main findings of atherogenesis. The development of atherosclerosis involves multiple genetic and environmental factors. Although a large number of genes, genetic polymorphisms, and susceptible loci have been identified in chromosomal regions associated with atherosclerosis, it is the epigenetic process that regulates the chromosomal organization and genetic expression that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Despite the positive progress made in understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the knowledge about the disease remains scarce.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document