Application of Probiotic Yeasts on Candida Species Associated Infection

Superficial and life-threatening invasive Candida infections are a major clinical challenge in hospitalized and immuno-compromised patients. Emerging drug-resistance among Candida species is exacerbated by the limited availability of antifungals and their associated side-effects. In the current review, we discuss the application of probiotic yeasts as a potential alternative/ combination therapy against Candida infections. Preclinical studies have identified several probiotic yeasts that effectively inhibit virulence of Candida species, including Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida auris. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii is the only probiotic yeast commercially available. In addition, clinical studies have further confirmed the in vitro and in vivo activity of the probiotic yeasts against Candida species. Probiotics use a variety of protective mechanisms, including posing a physical barrier, the ability to aggregate pathogens and render them avirulent. Secreted metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids effectively inhibit the adhesion and morphological transition of Candida species. Overall, the probiotic yeasts could be a promising effective alternative or combination therapy for Candida infections. Additional studies would bolster the application of probiotic yeasts.

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Review of T-2307, an Investigational Agent That Causes Collapse of Fungal Mitochondrial Membrane Potential

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7020130 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 130

Author(s):

Nathan P. Wiederhold

Keyword(s):

Membrane Potential ◽

Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽

Candida Species ◽

Mammalian Cells ◽

Mitochondrial Membrane ◽

Fungal Infections ◽

Published Data ◽

Candida Auris

Invasive infections caused by Candida that are resistant to clinically available antifungals are of increasing concern. Increasing rates of fluconazole resistance in non-albicans Candida species have been documented in multiple countries on several continents. This situation has been further exacerbated over the last several years by Candida auris, as isolates of this emerging pathogen that are often resistant to multiple antifungals. T-2307 is an aromatic diamidine currently in development for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. This agent has been shown to selectively cause the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential in yeasts when compared to mammalian cells. In vitro activity has been demonstrated against Candida species, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. auris strains, which are resistant to azole and echinocandin antifungals. Activity has also been reported against Cryptococcus species, and this has translated into in vivo efficacy in experimental models of invasive candidiasis and cryptococcosis. However, little is known regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of this agent, as published data from studies involving humans are not currently available.

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Antifungal Activity of Minocycline and Azoles Against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida Species

Frontiers in Microbiology ◽

10.3389/fmicb.2021.649026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Jingwen Tan ◽

Shaojie Jiang ◽

Lihua Tan ◽

Haiyan Shi ◽

Lianjuan Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fungal Pathogens ◽

Galleria Mellonella ◽

Survival Rates ◽

Antagonistic Activity ◽

Synergistic Activity ◽

Candida Auris ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Drug Resistant Strains

Candida species are the most common fungal pathogens to infect humans, and can cause life-threatening illnesses in individuals with compromised immune systems. Fluconazole (FLU) is the most frequently administered antifungal drug, but its therapeutic efficacy has been limited by the emergence of drug-resistant strains. When co-administered with minocycline (MIN), FLU can synergistically treat clinical Candida albicans isolates in vitro and in vivo. However, there have been few reports regarding the synergistic efficacy of MIN and azoles when used to treat FLU-resistant Candida species, including Candida auris. Herein, we conducted a microdilution assay wherein we found that MIN and posaconazole (POS) showed the best in vitro synergy effect, functioning against 94% (29/31) of tested strains, whereas combinations of MIN+itraconazole (ITC), MIN+voriconazole (VOR), and MIN+VOR exhibited synergistic activity against 84 (26/31), 65 (20/31), and 45% (14/31) of tested strains, respectively. No antagonistic activity was observed for any of these combinations. In vivo experiments were conducted in Galleria mellonella, revealing that combination treatment with MIN and azoles improved survival rates of larvae infected with FLU-resistant Candida. Together, these results highlight MIN as a promising synergistic compound that can be used to improve the efficacy of azoles in the treatment of FLU-resistant Candida infections.

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Short-Chain Fatty Acids Prevent Diabetic Nephropathy In Vivo and In Vitro

Diabetes ◽

10.2337/db18-92-or ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 67 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 92-OR ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

WEI HUANG ◽

YONG XU ◽

YOUHUA XU ◽

LUPING ZHOU ◽

CHENLIN GAO

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Diabetic Nephropathy ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Short Chain ◽

Chain Fatty Acids

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Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of some selected under-utilized tropical seeds as protein sources in ruminants’ diet

Bulletin of the National Research Centre ◽

10.1186/s42269-020-00430-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Oluwatosin Bode Omotoso ◽

Mary Oluwafunmilayo Adeduntan ◽

Adebowale Noah Fajemisin

Keyword(s):

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Metabolizable Energy ◽

In Vitro Digestibility ◽

Protein Sources ◽

Dry Matter Digestibility ◽

Supplementary Feed ◽

Monodora Myristica

Abstract Background The study highlighted the potential of three common and under-utilized tropical leguminous seeds (Tomentosa nilotica, Dioclea reflexa and Monodora myristica) to be used as supplementary feed to ruminant livestock. These seeds (their plants inclusive) are valuable sources of food and medicine for the prevention of illness and maintenance of human health. The medicinal properties of these seeds include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immuno-stimulant. Trypsin inhibitors, which are common anti-nutritional factors in legumes and for monogastric animals, do not exert adverse effects in ruminants because they are degraded in the rumen. Hence, the crux of this study is to examine the effect of processing methods on the nutritional composition (proximate, fibre fractions, minerals, anti-nutrients) and in vitro digestibility of Tomentosa nilotica, Dioclea reflexa and Monodora myristica seeds and their suitability as feedstuff (protein sources) in small ruminant feed, particularly during off-season. Results From the results, raw Tomentosa nilotica and Monodora myristica have the highest crude protein (30.35% CP) and fat (22.40% EE), respectively. It is noteworthy that roasting best improve the mineral and significantly reduce the anti-nutrients observed in this study better compared to boiling and soaking methods. The highest organic matter digestibility, short-chain fatty acids, metabolizable energy and in vitro dry matter digestibility values were obtained in Dioclea reflexa compared to other test seeds. Roasting best improved the nutritive values, while Dioclea reflexa seed was rated highest for all the nutritional attributes and in vitro digestibility. Conclusions Dioclea reflexa could be incorporated in ruminants’ diet as protein source, particularly during the off-season, for improved ruminant production in Nigeria. However, in vivo study is therefore recommended to validate this report.

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Xylitol enhances synthesis of propionate in the colon via cross-feeding of gut microbiota

Microbiome ◽

10.1186/s40168-021-01029-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shasha Xiang ◽

Kun Ye ◽

Mian Li ◽

Jian Ying ◽

Huanhuan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiome ◽

Lactobacillus Reuteri ◽

Carbon Sources ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Microbial Composition ◽

Key Enzymes ◽

Rrna Sequencing ◽

Phosphate Acetyltransferase

Abstract Background Xylitol, a white or transparent polyol or sugar alcohol, is digestible by colonic microorganisms and promotes the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), but the mechanism underlying these effects remains unknown. We studied mice fed with 0%, 2% (2.17 g/kg/day), or 5% (5.42 g/kg/day) (weight/weight) xylitol in their chow for 3 months. In addition to the in vivo digestion experiments in mice, 3% (weight/volume) (0.27 g/kg/day for a human being) xylitol was added to a colon simulation system (CDMN) for 7 days. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing, beneficial metabolism biomarker quantification, metabolome, and metatranscriptome analyses to investigate the prebiotic mechanism of xylitol. The representative bacteria related to xylitol digestion were selected for single cultivation and co-culture of two and three bacteria to explore the microbial digestion and utilization of xylitol in media with glucose, xylitol, mixed carbon sources, or no-carbon sources. Besides, the mechanisms underlying the shift in the microbial composition and SCFAs were explored in molecular contexts. Results In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, we found that xylitol did not significantly influence the structure of the gut microbiome. However, it increased all SCFAs, especially propionate in the lumen and butyrate in the mucosa, with a shift in its corresponding bacteria in vitro. Cross-feeding, a relationship in which one organism consumes metabolites excreted by the other, was observed among Lactobacillus reuteri, Bacteroides fragilis, and Escherichia coli in the utilization of xylitol. At the molecular level, we revealed that xylitol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.14), xylulokinase (EC 2.7.1.17), and xylulose phosphate isomerase (EC 5.1.3.1) were key enzymes in xylitol metabolism and were present in Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae. Therefore, they are considered keystone bacteria in xylitol digestion. Also, xylitol affected the metabolic pathway of propionate, significantly promoting the transcription of phosphate acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.8) in Bifidobacterium and increasing the production of propionate. Conclusions Our results revealed that those key enzymes for xylitol digestion from different bacteria can together support the growth of micro-ecology, but they also enhanced the concentration of propionate, which lowered pH to restrict relative amounts of Escherichia and Staphylococcus. Based on the cross-feeding and competition among those bacteria, xylitol can dynamically balance proportions of the gut microbiome to promote enzymes related to xylitol metabolism and SCFAs.

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Emergence of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in KPC-3-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in vivo

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy ◽

10.1093/jac/dkz330 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 74 (11) ◽

pp. 3211-3216 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Stephan Göttig ◽

Denia Frank ◽

Eleonora Mungo ◽

Anika Nolte ◽

Michael Hogardt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Combination Therapy ◽

Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽

Selection Pressure ◽

Galleria Mellonella ◽

Phenotypic Characterization ◽

Infection Model ◽

Development Of Resistance ◽

Time Kill

Abstract Objectives The β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination ceftazidime/avibactam is active against KPC-producing Enterobacterales. Herein, we present molecular and phenotypic characterization of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in KPC-3-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae that emerged in vivo and in vitro. Methods Sequence analysis of blaKPC-3 was performed from clinical and in vitro-generated ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates. Time–kill kinetics and the Galleria mellonella infection model were applied to evaluate the activity of ceftazidime/avibactam and imipenem alone and in combination. Results The ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant clinical K. pneumoniae isolate revealed the amino acid change D179Y in KPC-3. Sixteen novel mutational changes in KPC-3 among in vitro-selected ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant isolates were described. Time–kill kinetics showed the emergence of a resistant subpopulation under selection pressure with either imipenem or ceftazidime/avibactam. However, combined selection pressure with imipenem plus ceftazidime/avibactam prevented the development of resistance and resulted in bactericidal activity. Concordantly, the G. mellonella infection model revealed that monotherapy with ceftazidime/avibactam is prone to select for resistance in vivo and that combination therapy with imipenem results in significantly better survival. Conclusions Ceftazidime/avibactam is a valuable antibiotic against MDR and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. Based on time–kill kinetics as well as an in vivo infection model we postulate a combination therapy of ceftazidime/avibactam and imipenem as a strategy to prevent the development of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in KPC-producing Enterobacterales in vivo.

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STEM-20. RADIO-SENSITIZING GLIOBLASTOMA CANCER STEM CELLS BY INHIBITION OF FACT

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noz175.993 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽

pp. vi237-vi238

Author(s):

Miranda Montgomery ◽

Abigail Zalenski ◽

Amanda Deighen ◽

Sherry Mortach ◽

Treg Grubb ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Dna Damage ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Combination Therapy ◽

High Rate ◽

Primary Role ◽

Cancer Cell Growth ◽

Treatment Paradigm

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) has a particularly high rate of recurrence with a 5-year overall survival rate of approximately 5%. This is in part due to a sub-population of cancer stem cells (CSC), which are both radioresistant and chemotherapeutically resistant to conventional treatments. Here we investigated CBL0137, a small molecule form of curaxin, in combination with radiotherapy as a means to radiosensitize CSCs. CBL0137 sequesters FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex to chromatin, which leads to activation of p53 and inhibition of NF-κB. This sequestering of FACT results in cytotoxicity especially within tumor cells and prevents FACT from performing its primary role as a histone chaperone, as well as inhibits its part in the DNA damage response pathway. We show that when combined with radiotherapy, CBL0137 administration limited the ability of CSCs to identify and repair damaged DNA. CSCs treated in vitro with CBL0137 and irradiation showed an increased inhibition of cancer cell growth and decreased viability compared to irradiation or drug alone. Combination therapy also showed more DNA damage in the CSCs than with either agent alone. Based on our in vitro evidence for the efficacy of combination therapy to target CSCs, we moved forward to test the treatment in vivo. Using a subcutaneous model, we show that the amount of CD133+ cells (a marker for GMB CSCs) was reduced in irradiation plus CBL0137 compared to either treatment alone. Survival studies demonstrated that irradiation plus CBL0137 compared to irradiation alone or CBL0137 alone increase lifespan. Here we show the ability of CBL0137, in combination with irradiation, to target patient GBM CSCs both in vitro and in vivo. This work establishes a new treatment paradigm for GBM that inclusively targets CSCs and may ultimately reduce tumor recurrence.

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In Vitro Synergy and In Vivo Activity of Tigecycline-Ciprofloxacin Combination Therapy against Vibrio vulnificus Sepsis

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.00310-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 63 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Seong Eun Kim ◽

Hee Kyung Kim ◽

Su-Mi Choi ◽

Yohan Yu ◽

Uh Jin Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Survival Rate ◽

Mortality Rate ◽

Combination Therapy ◽

Combination Treatment ◽

Vibrio Vulnificus ◽

Antibiotic Regimen ◽

Content Type ◽

Time Kill

ABSTRACT The mortality rate associated with Vibrio vulnificus sepsis remains high. An in vitro time-kill assay revealed synergism between tigecycline and ciprofloxacin. The survival rate was significantly higher in mice treated with tigecycline plus ciprofloxacin than in mice treated with cefotaxime plus minocycline. Thus, combination treatment with tigecycline-ciprofloxacin may be an effective novel antibiotic regimen for V. vulnificus sepsis.

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In Vitro Probitotic Evaluation of Saccharomyces boulardii with Antimicrobial Spectrum in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10061428 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1428

Author(s):

Ramachandran Chelliah ◽

Eun-Ji Kim ◽

Eric Banan-Mwine Daliri ◽

Usha Antony ◽

Deog-Hwan Oh

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Enzyme ◽

Saccharomyces Boulardii ◽

Antimicrobial Spectrum ◽

Antimicrobial Efficiency ◽

Heat Stable ◽

Yeast Strains ◽

Probiotic Yeast ◽

Probiotic Strains

In the present study, we screened for potential probiotic yeast that could survive under extreme frozen conditions. The antimicrobial and heat-stable properties of the isolated yeast strains Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) (KT000032, KT000033, KT000034, KT000035, KT000036, and KT000037) was analyzed and compared with commercial probiotic strains. The results revealed that the tested S. boulardii KT000032 strain showed higher resistance to gastric enzymes (bile salts, pepsin, and pancreatic enzyme) at low pH, with broad antibiotic resistance. In addition, the strain also showed efficient auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities and efficient hydrophobicity in the in-vitro and in-vivo C. elegens gut model. Further, the KT000032 strain showed higher antimicrobial efficiency against 13 different enteropathogens and exhibited commensal relationships with five commercial probiotic strains. Besides, the bioactive compounds produced in the cell-free supernatant of probiotic yeast showed thermo-tolerance (95 °C for two hours). Furthermore, the thermo-stable property of the strains will facilitate their incorporation into ready-to-eat food products under extreme food processing conditions.

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The Antiinfective Effects of Velvet Antler of Formosan Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei) onStaphylococcus aureus-Infected Mice

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2011/534069 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Ting-Yeu Dai ◽

Chih-Hua Wang ◽

Kun-Nan Chen ◽

I-Nung Huang ◽

Wei-Sheng Hong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipoteichoic Acid ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Protective Mechanisms ◽

Velvet Antler ◽

Sambar Deer ◽

Dose Dependent ◽

Cervus Unicolor

We assayed the effects of velvet antler (VA) of Formosan sambar deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei) and its extracts on the anti-infective activity against pathogenicStaphylococcus aureus in vitroandin vivoin this study.In vitrodata indicated that the VA extracts stimulated the proliferation of resting splenocytes and macrophages in a dose-dependent manner up to the highest concentration used (150 μg mL−1). The production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) by lipoteichoic acid was significantly suppressed after being cocultured with the VA extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Animal test inS. aureus-infected mice demonstrated that the numbers of bacteria determined in the kidneys and peritoneal lavage fluid ofS. aureus-infected mice were significantly higher than those found in the same organs of mice pretreated with the VA samples. Moreover, the highly enhanced phagocytic activity of macrophages was further verified afterin vitrotreatment with the VA samples. The protective mechanisms of the VA samples might include an immune enhancer and an inflammatory cytokine suppressor.

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