scholarly journals Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in the Battle Against Pathogenic Bacteria

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bingqing Yang ◽  
Dan Fang ◽  
Qingyan Lv ◽  
Zhiqiang Wang ◽  
Yuan Liu

The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria constitute a global threat for public health. Despite ongoing efforts to confront this crisis, the pace of finding new potent antimicrobials is far slower than the evolution of drug resistance. The abuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics not only accelerates the formation of resistance but also imposes a burden on the intestinal microbiota, which acts a critical role in human homeostasis. As such, innovative therapeutic strategies with precision are pressingly warranted and highly anticipated. Recently, target therapies have achieved some breakthroughs by the aid of modern technology. In this review, we provide an insightful illustration of current and future medical targeted strategies, including narrow-spectrum agents, engineered probiotics, nanotechnology, phage therapy, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We discuss the recent advances and potential hurdles of these strategies. Meanwhile, the possibilities to mitigate the spread of resistance in these approaches are also mentioned. Altogether, a better understanding of the advantages, disadvantages, and mechanisms of action of these targeted therapies will be conducive to broadening our horizons and optimizing the existing antibacterial approaches.

Antibiotics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cebriá-Mendoza ◽  
Sanjuán ◽  
Domingo-Calap

Bacteriophages represent an alternative strategy to combat pathogenic bacteria. Currently, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections constitute a major public health problem due to extensive antibiotic resistance in some strains. Using a non-pathogenic species of the same genus as an experimental model, Mycobacterium smegmatis, here we have set up a basic methodology for mycobacteriophage growth and we have explored directed evolution as a tool for increasing phage infectivity and lytic activity. We demonstrate mycobacteriophage adaptation to its host under different conditions. Directed evolution could be used for the development of future phage therapy applications against mycobacteria.


Medwave ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (04) ◽  
pp. e8198-e8198
Author(s):  
Ignacio Silva-Ayarza ◽  
Vivienne C Bachelet

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, has had an enormous impact on public health worldwide due to its rapid spread and pandemic behavior, challenges in its control and mitigation, and few therapeutic alternatives. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentation, and diagnostic techniques. In addition, the main lineages and the different strategies for disease prevention are reviewed, with emphasis on the development of vaccines and their different platforms. Finally, some of the currently available therapeutic strategies are summarized. Throughout the article, we point out the current knowns and unknowns at the time of writing this article.


Author(s):  
FAVIAN BAYAS-MOREJON ◽  
ANGELICA TIGRE-LEON ◽  
MARCELO TAPIA-VERDEZOTO ◽  
FABIAN FLORES-RIBADENEIRA

Objective: The resistance of pathogenic bacteria to multiple antimicrobials has become a real global threat in terms of food safety and public health. To Study of antibacterial activity of golden berry extracts against E. coli isolated from meats in Ecuador. Methods: Two solvents (water and ethyl alcohol) were used as well as three parts of the Goldenberry (mature berries, semi-mature berries and leaves) for its transformation into extracts. The extracts obtained were used in tests of anti-E. coli activity, contrasting with Ampicillin and gentamicin by means of the disk difusión method. Results: Extracts in ethyl alcohol from semi-ripe berries and leaves were more effective at inhibiting the development of E. coli, with A2B1 and A2B3 treatments being those with the best antibacterial effect with 35.3% and 50% respectively. These results were close to those obtained with the antibiotics under study. Conclusion: The use of uvilla extracts could be a viable natural alternative to act against pathogens.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-170
Author(s):  
Helen Griffiths ◽  
Laura Dwyer

Carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has been implicated in an alarming increase in the incidence of endoscopy-associated infections and deaths worldwide. Public Health England acknowledges that the rapid spread of CRE bacteria poses an increasing threat to public health and modern medicine here in the UK. As endoscopists, we assume that the endoscope we are handed has been appropriately decontaminated, but how many of us can honestly say that we understand the process and the pathway by which the instruments we use are reprocessed? Do we understand the associated risks if the pathway fails and our part in supporting the teams responsible for this critical role? Successful decontamination of endoscopes is everyone’s business, and this article outlines what every endoscopist should know about decontamination.


Author(s):  
A. U. Zamurayeva ◽  
Е. T. Supiyeva ◽  
B Sh. Orynbayeva

Relevance. The modern method of infiltration provides an opportunity to stop the spread of pathogenic bacteria and the development of caries at the white spot stage, replacing the destroyed enamel cells with special polymers having low viscosity and high penetrating ability. The stabilization of the process is achieved in a short time with the maximum safety of their tissues. Purpose. Treatment of initial tooth decay in children by infiltration, assessment of the effectiveness and advantages of modern technology. Materials and methods. Clinical examination was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Additionally, a laser diagnostic method was used using the KaVo DIAGNOdent device (Germany). The LLP Dentistry Center «Zhaik Dent» and the LLP «Concept» used the Icon system for the treatment of initial caries and after orthodontic treatment for 25 children with 54 teeth. Results. At the end of tooth treatment with the Icon infiltration method, parents and the child were given recommendations: from the next day, brush your teeth 2 times a day, rinse your mouth regularly after eating, do not drink drinks, products with coloring substances. To monitor the result of treatment, the child was prescribed for reexamination after 7-10 days, after one month, in the following periods – once a year.After working with the material of the Icon system, the authors noted the pronounced effects of the treatment of initial caries by the method of infiltration.Conclusions. 1. The method of infiltration is a modern and promising technology for the treatment of dental caries at an early stage without losing healthy tissues. 2. The Icon infiltration method makes it possible to stop the spread of pathogenic bacteria and develop tooth decay at the white spot stage, replacing the destroyed enamel cells with special polymers having low viscosity and high penetrating ability. 3. The stabilization of the carious process is achieved in a short time with the maximum preservation of the tooth's tissues. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 955-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Sang Cho ◽  
Jang Ho Lee ◽  
Jeiwon Cho ◽  
Guang-Ho Cha ◽  
Gyun Jee Song

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 430-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Bashir Dar ◽  
Aashiq Hussain Bhat ◽  
Shajrul Amin ◽  
Syed Anjum ◽  
Bilal Ahmad Reshi ◽  
...  

Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) drive major signalling cascades and play critical role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and trafficking. Deregulated PPIs are implicated in multiple malignancies and represent the critical targets for treating cancer. Herein, we discuss the key protein-protein interacting domains implicated in cancer notably PDZ, SH2, SH3, LIM, PTB, SAM and PH. These domains are present in numerous enzymes/kinases, growth factors, transcription factors, adaptor proteins, receptors and scaffolding proteins and thus represent essential sites for targeting cancer. This review explores the candidature of various proteins involved in cellular trafficking (small GTPases, molecular motors, matrix-degrading enzymes, integrin), transcription (p53, cMyc), signalling (membrane receptor proteins), angiogenesis (VEGFs) and apoptosis (BCL-2family), which could possibly serve as targets for developing effective anti-cancer regimen. Interactions between Ras/Raf; X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)/second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac/DIABLO); Frizzled (FRZ)/Dishevelled (DVL) protein; beta-catenin/T Cell Factor (TCF) have also been studied as prospective anticancer targets. Efficacy of diverse molecules/ drugs targeting such PPIs although evaluated in various animal models/cell lines, there is an essential need for human-based clinical trials. Therapeutic strategies like the use of biologicals, high throughput screening (HTS) and fragment-based technology could play an imperative role in designing cancer therapeutics. Moreover, bioinformatic/computational strategies based on genome sequence, protein sequence/structure and domain data could serve as competent tools for predicting PPIs. Exploring hot spots in proteomic networks represents another approach for developing targetspecific therapeutics. Overall, this review lays emphasis on a productive amalgamation of proteomics, genomics, biochemistry, and molecular dynamics for successful treatment of cancer.


Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvana Mirella Aliberti ◽  
Francesco De Caro ◽  
Giovanni Boccia ◽  
Rosario Caruso ◽  
Mario Capunzo

: Italy was the first western nation affected by the pandemic and was observed as a pilot case in the management of the new coronavirus epidemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 disease has been very difficult in Italy, on June 25, 2020 there are 239,821 total cases of which 33,592 deaths nationwide. Three lessons emerged from this experience that can serve as a blueprint to improve future plans for the outbreak of viruses. First, early reports on the spread of COVID-19 can help inform public health officials and medical practitioners in effort to combat its progression; second, inadequate risk assessment related to the urgency of the situation and limited reporting to the virus has led the rapid spread of COVID-19; third, an effective response to the virus had to be undertaken with coherent system of actions and simultaneously.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 509
Author(s):  
Amanda Carroll-Portillo ◽  
Henry C. Lin

Conventional phage therapy using bacteriophages (phages) for specific targeting of pathogenic bacteria is not always useful as a therapeutic for gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. Complex dysbiotic GI disorders such as small intestinal bowel overgrowth (SIBO), ulcerative colitis (UC), or Crohn’s disease (CD) are even more difficult to treat as these conditions have shifts in multiple populations of bacteria within the microbiome. Such community-level structural changes in the gut microbiota may require an alternative to conventional phage therapy such as fecal virome transfer or a phage cocktail capable of targeting multiple bacterial species. Additionally, manipulation of the GI microenvironment may enhance beneficial bacteria–phage interactions during treatment. Mucin, produced along the entire length of the GI tract to protect the underlying mucosa, is a prominent contributor to the GI microenvironment and may facilitate bacteria–phage interactions in multiple ways, potentially serving as an adjunct during phage therapy. In this review, we will describe what is known about the role of mucin within the GI tract and how its facilitation of bacteria–phage interactions should be considered in any effort directed at optimizing effectiveness of a phage therapy for gastrointestinal dysbiosis.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
Robert J. Geraghty ◽  
Matthew T. Aliota ◽  
Laurent F. Bonnac

The emergence or re-emergence of viruses with epidemic and/or pandemic potential, such as Ebola, Zika, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 and 2 (SARS and SARS-CoV-2) viruses, or new strains of influenza represents significant human health threats due to the absence of available treatments. Vaccines represent a key answer to control these viruses. However, in the case of a public health emergency, vaccine development, safety, and partial efficacy concerns may hinder their prompt deployment. Thus, developing broad-spectrum antiviral molecules for a fast response is essential to face an outbreak crisis as well as for bioweapon countermeasures. So far, broad-spectrum antivirals include two main categories: the family of drugs targeting the host-cell machinery essential for virus infection and replication, and the family of drugs directly targeting viruses. Among the molecules directly targeting viruses, nucleoside analogues form an essential class of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. In this review, we will discuss the interest for broad-spectrum antiviral strategies and their limitations, with an emphasis on virus-targeted, broad-spectrum, antiviral nucleoside analogues and their mechanisms of action.


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