Effect of plasma and heat treatments on orange juice quality / Efeito de plasma e tratamento térmico na qualidade do suco de laranja

Heat treatment is used in the orange juice industry to neutralize the action of pathogenic microorganisms. However, it can reduce the nutritional value of the juice. Thus, our study assessed the cold plasma treatment as an alternative method against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans in 'Lima' orange juice. Both, plasma and heat treatments, reduced the amount of E. coli in the juice, inactivating 16.72 and 100%, respectively. Plasma did not inactivate C. albicans, but heat treatment inactivated 100%. Plasma and heat treatment increased Hue angle and luminosity (more yellowish juice). Plasma reduced vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols content, while increased flavonoids. Heat treatment reduced the carotenoid content. However, neither heat nor plasma treatment altered the antioxidant activity. The plasma treatment reduced the intensity of color (chroma), the soluble solids content and the acidity ratio, total sugars, and the vitamin C content of juice compared to the heat-treated and control juices. Plasma-treated juice showed increased levels of yellow flavonoids, total phenolics and antioxidant activity until the 12th day of storage.

O tratamento térmico é utilizado na indústria de suco de laranja para neutralizar a ação de microrganismos patogênicos. No entanto, pode reduzir o valor nutricional do suco. Assim, o estudo avaliou o tratamento com plasma frio como método alternativo contra Escherichia coli e Candida albicans em suco de laranja 'Lima'. Ambos os tratamentos, plasma e calor, reduziram a quantidade de E. coli no suco, inativando 16.72 e 100%, respectivamente. O plasma não inativou C. albicans, mas o tratamento térmico inativou 100%. Plasma e tratamento térmico aumentaram o ângulo Hue e a luminosidade do suco (tom mais amarelo). O plasma reduziu o conteúdo de vitamina C, carotenóides e polifenóis, enquanto aumentou os flavonóides. O tratamento térmico reduziu o teor de carotenóides. No entanto, nem o calor nem o tratamento com plasma alteraram a atividade antioxidante. O tratamento com plasma reduziu a intensidade da cor (croma), o teor de sólidos solúveis e a razão de acidez, açúcares totais e o teor de vitamina C do suco em comparação com os sucos tratados termicamente e controle. O suco tratado com plasma apresentou maiores teores de flavonóides amarelos, fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante até o 12º dia de armazenamento.

Antifungal effect of (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers and their predictive mechanism of action on Candida albicans from voriconazole-resistant onychomycoses / Efeito antifúngico dos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal e seu mecanismo de ação preditivo sobre Candida albicans de onicomicoses resistentes ao voriconazol

Onychomycosis is the most common disease affecting the nail unit and accounts for at least 50% of all nail diseases. In addition, Candida albicans is responsible for approximately 70% of onychomycoses caused by yeasts. This study investigated the antifungal effect of (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers, as well as its predictive mechanism of action on C. albicans from voriconazole-resistant onychomycoses. For this purpose, in vitro broth microdilution and molecular docking techniques were applied in a predictive and complementary manner to the mechanisms of action. The main results of this study indicate that C. albicans was resistant to voriconazole and sensitive to the enantiomers (R) and (S)-citronellal at a dose of 256 and 32 µg/mL respectively. In addition, there was an increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the enantiomers in the presence of sorbitol and ergosterol, indicating that these molecules possibly affect the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane of C. albicans. Molecular docking with key biosynthesis proteins and maintenance of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane demonstrated the possibility of (R) and (S)-citronellal interacting with two important enzymes: 1,3-ß-glucan synthase and lanosterol 14α-demethylase. Therefore, the findings of this study indicate that the (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers are fungicidal on C. albicans from onychomycoses and probably these substances cause damage to the cell wall and cell membrane of these micro-organisms possibly by interacting with enzymes in the biosynthesis of these fungal structures.

A onicomicose é a doença mais comum que afeta a unidade ungueal e representa pelo menos 50% de todas as doenças ungueais. Além disso, a Candida albicans é responsável por aproximadamente 70% das onicomicoses causadas por leveduras. Nesse estudo, foi investigado o efeito antifúngico dos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal, bem como seu mecanismo de ação preditivo sobre C. albicans de onicomicoses resistentes ao voriconazol. Para este propósito, foram aplicadas técnicas in vitro de microdiluição em caldo e docking molecular de forma preditiva e complementar para os mecanismos de ação. Os principais resultados deste estudo indicam que C. albicans foi resistente ao voriconazol e sensível aos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal na dose de 256 e 32 µg/mL respectivamente. Além disso, houve aumento da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) dos enantiômeros na presença do sorbitol e do ergosterol, indicando que estas moléculas possivelmente afetem a integridade da parede e da membrana celular de C. albicans. O docking molecular com proteínas chave da biossíntese e manutenção da parede celular e da membrana plasmática fúngica, demonstraram a possibilidade do (R) e (S)-citronelal interagir com duas importantes enzimas: 1,3-ß-glucan sintase e lanosterol 14α-demetilase. Portanto, os achados desse estudo indicam que os enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal são fungicidas sobre C. albicans de onicomicoses e provavelmente essas substâncias causem danos a parede e a membrana celular desses microrganismos possivelmente por interagir com as enzimas da biossíntese destas estruturas fúngicas.

Antimicrobial activity of the edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii(DC. ) Quél grown in liquid medium

Edible mushrooms have a number of medicinal properties and this study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Pleurotus eryngiiDPUA1816 in metabolic broths after being grown in submerged cultivation. Mycelial fragments of pure P. eryngiiculture was inoculated in sweet potato culture medium and incubated at 150 rpm for 15 days at 25°C. Pleurotuseryngiiwas also cultivated for 18 days under the same conditions, the mycelial biomass was separated by filtration for quantification. The supernatant was used in the diffusion test in agar and performed against Escherichia coliCCCD-E005, Staphylococcus aureus CCCD-S009, Pseudomonas aeruginosaCCCD-P004, Candida albicansCCCD-CC001, Candida parapsilosis CCCD-CC004 and Candida tropicalisCCCD-CC002. The samples showed no inhibitory activity against bacteria, however they showed some activity againstC. albicans(12.17 mm), C. parapsilosis(27.67 mm) and C. tropicalis(13.67 mm). After being cultivated for 18 days, P. eryngiiwas able to inhibit all yeasts after 12 days of culture, with an inhibition halo of 29.33 mm at 16 days against C. parapsilosis. This study demonstrates the antifungal potential filtered liquids from P.eryngiicultivated in purple-skinned sweet potato culture medium, which suggests the possibility of the use of this species by the pharmaceutical industry as a natural source of biological action.

Antimicrobial activity of the edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii(DC. ) Quél grown in liquid medium

Edible mushrooms have a number of medicinal properties and this study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Pleurotus eryngiiDPUA1816 in metabolic broths after being grown in submerged cultivation. Mycelial fragments of pure P. eryngiiculture was inoculated in sweet potato culture medium and incubated at 150 rpm for 15 days at 25°C. Pleurotuseryngiiwas also cultivated for 18 days under the same conditions, the mycelial biomass was separated by filtration for quantification. The supernatant was used in the diffusion test in agar and performed against Escherichia coliCCCD-E005, Staphylococcus aureus CCCD-S009, Pseudomonas aeruginosaCCCD-P004, Candida albicansCCCD-CC001, Candida parapsilosis CCCD-CC004 and Candida tropicalisCCCD-CC002. The samples showed no inhibitory activity against bacteria, however they showed some activity againstC. albicans(12.17 mm), C. parapsilosis(27.67 mm) and C. tropicalis(13.67 mm). After being cultivated for 18 days, P. eryngiiwas able to inhibit all yeasts after 12 days of culture, with an inhibition halo of 29.33 mm at 16 days against C. parapsilosis. This study demonstrates the antifungal potential filtered liquids from P.eryngiicultivated in purple-skinned sweet potato culture medium, which suggests the possibility of the use of this species by the pharmaceutical industry as a natural source of biological action.(AU)

Candidose sistêmica em cães associada à cinomose / Systemic candidosis in dogs associated with canine distemper virus

Background: Candidosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, which normally reside on the surfaces of the mucous membranes and in the skin of several animal species and healthy humans; however the fungi can convert into pathogenic microorganisms and result in invasive infections with systemic involvement due to the impairment of the immune system. Systemic candidosis is rare in dogs and few reports of this mycosis are available in literature. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe three cases of systemic candidosis associated to canine distemper virus in dogs, highlighting the main epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects. Cases: Three cases of systemic infection by Candida sp. were diagnosed in dogs. The animals predominantly presented neurological clinical manifestations, followed by unspecific alterations with an evolution of 5 to 30 days. Macroscopically, the lesions were characterized by white-yellowish multifocal to coalescent areas surrounded by reddish borders in the kidneys and heart (cases 1, 2 and 3); liver and submandibular lymph node (case 1); and lung (case 2). In the brains of the three dogs were observed multifocal, blackened and/or reddish and friable areas. In case 1, was observed an increased volume of the right carpometacarpal joint, that when cut, released a reddish and turbid content. In case 2, there was deposition of a whitish lumpy material on the epicardial surface, aorta artery, pericardial sac and spleen; infarction on the right testicle, hydroureter, pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis. Microscopically, the lesions consisted of necrossupurative inflammation associated to hemorrhage, vasculitis, congestion, thrombosis, infarction and fungal structures with distinct morphological patterns which included blastoconidia, pseudohyphae and hyphae. The fungal structures were...

Candidose sistêmica em cães associada à cinomose / Systemic candidosis in dogs associated with canine distemper virus

Background: Candidosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, which normally reside on the surfaces of the mucous membranes and in the skin of several animal species and healthy humans; however the fungi can convert into pathogenic microorganisms and result in invasive infections with systemic involvement due to the impairment of the immune system. Systemic candidosis is rare in dogs and few reports of this mycosis are available in literature. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe three cases of systemic candidosis associated to canine distemper virus in dogs, highlighting the main epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects. Cases: Three cases of systemic infection by Candida sp. were diagnosed in dogs. The animals predominantly presented neurological clinical manifestations, followed by unspecific alterations with an evolution of 5 to 30 days. Macroscopically, the lesions were characterized by white-yellowish multifocal to coalescent areas surrounded by reddish borders in the kidneys and heart (cases 1, 2 and 3); liver and submandibular lymph node (case 1); and lung (case 2). In the brains of the three dogs were observed multifocal, blackened and/or reddish and friable areas. In case 1, was observed an increased volume of the right carpometacarpal joint, that when cut, released a reddish and turbid content. In case 2, there was deposition of a whitish lumpy material on the epicardial surface, aorta artery, pericardial sac and spleen; infarction on the right testicle, hydroureter, pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis. Microscopically, the lesions consisted of necrossupurative inflammation associated to hemorrhage, vasculitis, congestion, thrombosis, infarction and fungal structures with distinct morphological patterns which included blastoconidia, pseudohyphae and hyphae. The fungal structures were...(AU)

Atividade in vitro do extrato etanólico de própolis e do digluconato de clorexidina sobre as espécies de Candida isoladas da mucosa bucal de pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) / In vitro activity of ethanolic extract of propolis and chlorhexidine digluconate on Candida species isolated from the oral mucosa of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Avaliou-se a atividade dos extratos de própolis e digluconato de clorexidina em Candida sp isoladas da mucosa bucal de pacientes em UTI. Foram determinadas as concentrações fungicidas mínimas (CFM) e comparadas, nas doses sub-inibitórias, à produção de exoenzimas proteinase e fosfolipase e formação de franjas. Em 72 isolados foram avaliadas a atividade antifúngica pela técnica de microdiluição em série, na “base 2”, a produção das exoenzimas proteinase e fosfolipase, e a formação de franjas, antes e após a exposição às própolis e clorexidina. Dos 72 isolados, 53 eram C. albicans, 11 C. tropicalis, quatro C. guilhermondii e quatro sugestivas de C. dubliniensis. CFM 90% do extrato de própolis foi de 5% para C. albicans, 20% C. tropicalis, 0,625% C. guilhermondii e 0,312% sugestivas de C. dubliniensis. CFM 90% da clorexidina foi de 0,0018% para C. albicans, 0,012% C. tropicalis, de 0,0018% C. guilhermondii e de 0,00375% sugestivas de C. dubliniensis. Ocorreu inibição das exoenzimas e franjas, em ambos os produtos. Apesar da inibição da clorexidina ser menor que a da própolis, seu uso diário não causa efeitos colaterais indesejáveis como manchas nos dentes e na língua, perda do paladar e sensação de queimação na mucosa bucal.

The activity of propolis extract and chlorhexidine digluconate on Candida sp isolated from oral mucosa of patients in ICU was evaluated. The minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined, and also the production of proteinase and phospholipase exoenzymes and the fringe formation. Seventy-two isolates were used and identified by the API 20C AUX® System. The antifungal activity was evaluated by “at base 2” serial microdilution technique. Also the exoenzymes production (proteinase and phospholipase), the fringes formation, before and after being exposed to propolis and chlorhexidine, were analysed. Of 72 isolates, 53 were C. albicans, 11 C. tropicalis, four C. guilhermondii and four suggestive C. dubliniensis. The MFC 90% of propolis extract was 5% C. albicans, 20% C. tropicalis, 0.625% C. guilhermondii; and 0.312% suggestive of C. dubliniensis. MFC 90% of chlorhexidine was 0.0018% C. albicans, 0.012% C. tropicalis, 0.0018% C. guilhermondii and 0.00375% suggestive of C. dubliniensis. The inhibition of exoenzymes and fringes occurred in the both products. Although the inhibition of chlorhexidine is lower than that showed by propolis, its daily use neither cause undesirable side effects as blemishes on the teeth and tongue, nor the loss of the taste and the burning sensation in the oral mucosa.

Atividade in vitro do extrato etanólico de própolis e do digluconato de clorexidina sobre as espécies de Candida isoladas da mucosa bucal de pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) / In vitro activity of ethanolic extract of propolis and chlorhexidine digluconate on Candida species isolated from the oral mucosa of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Avaliou-se a atividade dos extratos de própolis e digluconato de clorexidina em Candida sp isoladas da mucosa bucal de pacientes em UTI. Foram determinadas as concentrações fungicidas mínimas (CFM) e comparadas, nas doses sub-inibitórias, à produção de exoenzimas proteinase e fosfolipase e formação de franjas. Em 72 isolados foram avaliadas a atividade antifúngica pela técnica de microdiluição em série, na “base 2”, a produção das exoenzimas proteinase e fosfolipase, e a formação de franjas, antes e após a exposição às própolis e clorexidina. Dos 72 isolados, 53 eram C. albicans, 11 C. tropicalis, quatro C. guilhermondii e quatro sugestivas de C. dubliniensis. CFM 90% do extrato de própolis foi de 5% para C. albicans, 20% C. tropicalis, 0,625% C. guilhermondii e 0,312% sugestivas de C. dubliniensis. CFM 90% da clorexidina foi de 0,0018% para C. albicans, 0,012% C. tropicalis, de 0,0018% C. guilhermondii e de 0,00375% sugestivas de C. dubliniensis. Ocorreu inibição das exoenzimas e franjas, em ambos os produtos. Apesar da inibição da clorexidina ser menor que a da própolis, seu uso diário não causa efeitos colaterais indesejáveis como manchas nos dentes e na língua, perda do paladar e sensação de queimação na mucosa bucal.(AU)

The activity of propolis extract and chlorhexidine digluconate on Candida sp isolated from oral mucosa of patients in ICU was evaluated. The minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined, and also the production of proteinase and phospholipase exoenzymes and the fringe formation. Seventy-two isolates were used and identified by the API 20C AUX® System. The antifungal activity was evaluated by “at base 2” serial microdilution technique. Also the exoenzymes production (proteinase and phospholipase), the fringes formation, before and after being exposed to propolis and chlorhexidine, were analysed. Of 72 isolates, 53 were C. albicans, 11 C. tropicalis, four C. guilhermondii and four suggestive C. dubliniensis. The MFC 90% of propolis extract was 5% C. albicans, 20% C. tropicalis, 0.625% C. guilhermondii; and 0.312% suggestive of C. dubliniensis. MFC 90% of chlorhexidine was 0.0018% C. albicans, 0.012% C. tropicalis, 0.0018% C. guilhermondii and 0.00375% suggestive of C. dubliniensis. The inhibition of exoenzymes and fringes occurred in the both products. Although the inhibition of chlorhexidine is lower than that showed by propolis, its daily use neither cause undesirable side effects as blemishes on the teeth and tongue, nor the loss of the taste and the burning sensation in the oral mucosa.(AU)

Isolation of Candida spp. from denture-related stomatitis in Pará, Brazil

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Candida species from the oral cavity of denture wearers with denture-related stomatitis who were attended at the University Federal of Pará (Belém City, Pará State, Brazil). A total of 36 denture wearers with denture-related stomatitis were included, and type I (50%), type II (33%) and type III (17%) stomatitis were observed. Candida spp. were isolated from 89% of the cases and included five different Candida species. C. albicans was the most frequently recovered species (78% of the cases), followed by C. famata and C. tropicalis. We observed a significant association between Candida species isolation and unsatisfactory denture condition (p = 0.0017). Our results demonstrated the highly frequency of Candida species isolation in denture wearers with denture-related stomatitis and showed the relationship between these species and poor denture maintenance.(AU)

Cerebral Candida albicans infection in two dogs

Background: Candida spp. are pleomorphic fungi that are commensal inhabitants of the oral, gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and urogenital mucosa of mammals. Candida albicans is described as the most important species. This opportunistic pathogen may produce local or systemic infections in dogs. Local infections have been reported in several tissues and systemic infection is rare in dogs with few reports in the literature describing this presentation. The aim of the present study was to report two cases of cerebral Candida albicans infection in dogs in Brazil.Case: Two cases of cerebral Candida albicans infection in dogs that showed nervous signs are described. In both cases, the brain showed marked asymmetry of the telencephalic hemispheres with multifocal to coalescing yellowish or reddish areas and a partial loss of distinction between gray and white matter. In Case 1, the mediastinal, tracheobronchial and mesenteric lymph nodes, as well as the right kidney and adrenal gland, showed altered architecture due to numerous whitish gray nodules. Histological lesions were characterized by granulomatous (case 1) or pyogranulomatous (case 2) necrotizing meningoencephalitis with intralesional fungal organisms. In case 1, similar granulomatous infiltrate with intralesional fungal organisms was also seen in the lymph nodes, kidney and adrenal gland. In case 2, there was evidence consistent with an underlying infection of canine distemper virus. Were observed lymphoplasmocytic interstitial pneumonia, lymphoid rarefaction in lymph nodes, and viral intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the epithelial cells of the stomach and vesical urothelium. In these two cases, the fungal organisms displayed three different morphological patterns. The first pattern was characterized by delicate tubular structures with thin parallel walls that were rarely septate and tended to undulate slightly, and measured approximately 4-20 µm (true hyphae).[...]

Cerebral Candida albicans infection in two dogs

Background: Candida spp. are pleomorphic fungi that are commensal inhabitants of the oral, gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and urogenital mucosa of mammals. Candida albicans is described as the most important species. This opportunistic pathogen may produce local or systemic infections in dogs. Local infections have been reported in several tissues and systemic infection is rare in dogs with few reports in the literature describing this presentation. The aim of the present study was to report two cases of cerebral Candida albicans infection in dogs in Brazil.Case: Two cases of cerebral Candida albicans infection in dogs that showed nervous signs are described. In both cases, the brain showed marked asymmetry of the telencephalic hemispheres with multifocal to coalescing yellowish or reddish areas and a partial loss of distinction between gray and white matter. In Case 1, the mediastinal, tracheobronchial and mesenteric lymph nodes, as well as the right kidney and adrenal gland, showed altered architecture due to numerous whitish gray nodules. Histological lesions were characterized by granulomatous (case 1) or pyogranulomatous (case 2) necrotizing meningoencephalitis with intralesional fungal organisms. In case 1, similar granulomatous infiltrate with intralesional fungal organisms was also seen in the lymph nodes, kidney and adrenal gland. In case 2, there was evidence consistent with an underlying infection of canine distemper virus. Were observed lymphoplasmocytic interstitial pneumonia, lymphoid rarefaction in lymph nodes, and viral intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the epithelial cells of the stomach and vesical urothelium. In these two cases, the fungal organisms displayed three different morphological patterns. The first pattern was characterized by delicate tubular structures with thin parallel walls that were rarely septate and tended to undulate slightly, and measured approximately 4-20 µm (true hyphae).[...](AU)

Agaricus brasiliensis polysaccharides stimulate human monocytes to capture Candida albicans, express toll-like receptors 2 and 4, and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines

Agaricus brasiliensis é um cogumelo medicinal com atividades imunomoduladoras e antitumorais atribuídas aos ß-glucanos presentes na fração polissacarídica de seu corpo de frutificação. Uma vez que os ß-glucanos aumentam a imunorresponsividade celular, neste estudo objetivamos avaliar o efeito de uma fração rica em polissacarídeos tratados com ácido (ATF) de A. brasiliensis sobre a capacidade de monócitos humanos de aderir / fagocitar células de levedura C. albicans . expressão de receptores de reconhecimento de padrões e sua capacidade de produzir citocinas. Métodos: A adesão / fagocitose de C. albicans marcada com FITC foi avaliada por citometria de fluxo. As células foram incubadas com anticorpos marcados com fluorocromo específicos para TLR2 e 4, ßGR e MR e também avaliadas por citometria de fluxo. Os monócitos foram cultivados com ATF, e os sobrenadantes da cultura foram coletados para análise da produção de citocinas in vitro por ELISA (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-12 e IL-10). Resultados: ATF aumentou significativamente a aderência / fagocitose de C. albicans por monócitos e isso foi associado com expressão aumentada de TLR2 e TLR4, enquanto nenhum efeito foi observado em ßGR ou MR. Além disso, a expressão de TLR4 e TLR2 foi associada a níveis mais elevados de produção in vitro de TNF-α e IL-1, respectivamente. A produção de IL-10 também foi aumentada pelo tratamento com ATF, mas não encontramos associação entre sua produção e a expressão de receptores Toll-like. Conclusão: Nossos resultados nos forneceram evidências de que polissacarídeos de A. brasiliensis afetam monócitos humanos provavelmente através da modulação de receptores Toll-like.(AU)

Agaricus brasiliensis polysaccharides stimulate human monocytes to capture Candida albicans, express toll-like receptors 2 and 4, and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines

Agaricus brasiliensis é um cogumelo medicinal com atividades imunomoduladoras e antitumorais atribuídas aos ß-glucanos presentes na fração polissacarídica de seu corpo de frutificação. Uma vez que os ß-glucanos aumentam a imunorresponsividade celular, neste estudo objetivamos avaliar o efeito de uma fração rica em polissacarídeos tratados com ácido (ATF) de A. brasiliensis sobre a capacidade de monócitos humanos de aderir / fagocitar células de levedura C. albicans . expressão de receptores de reconhecimento de padrões e sua capacidade de produzir citocinas. Métodos: A adesão / fagocitose de C. albicans marcada com FITC foi avaliada por citometria de fluxo. As células foram incubadas com anticorpos marcados com fluorocromo específicos para TLR2 e 4, ßGR e MR e também avaliadas por citometria de fluxo. Os monócitos foram cultivados com ATF, e os sobrenadantes da cultura foram coletados para análise da produção de citocinas in vitro por ELISA (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-12 e IL-10). Resultados: ATF aumentou significativamente a aderência / fagocitose de C. albicans por monócitos e isso foi associado com expressão aumentada de TLR2 e TLR4, enquanto nenhum efeito foi observado em ßGR ou MR. Além disso, a expressão de TLR4 e TLR2 foi associada a níveis mais elevados de produção in vitro de TNF-α e IL-1, respectivamente. A produção de IL-10 também foi aumentada pelo tratamento com ATF, mas não encontramos associação entre sua produção e a expressão de receptores Toll-like. Conclusão: Nossos resultados nos forneceram evidências de que polissacarídeos de A. brasiliensis afetam monócitos humanos provavelmente através da modulação de receptores Toll-like.(AU)

Extracellular phospholipase production of oral Candida albicans isolates from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics, denture wearers and healthy individuals following brief exposure to polyene, echinocandin and azole antimycotics

Objective Candida albicans is the primary causative agent of oral candidosis, and one of its key virulent attributes is considered to be its ability to produce extracellular phospholipases that facilitate cellular invasion. Oral candidosis can be treated with polyenes, and azoles, and the more recently introduced echinocandins. However, once administered, the intraoral concentration of these drugs tend to be sub-therapeutic and rather transient due to factors such as the diluent effect of saliva and cleansing effect of the oral musculature. Hence, intra-orally, the pathogenic yeasts may undergo a brief exposure to antifungal drugs. We, therefore, evaluated the phospholipase production of oral C. albicans isolates following brief exposure to sub-therapeutic concentrations of the foregoing antifungals. Materials and methods Fifty C. albicans oral isolates obtained from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics using steroid inhalers, partial denture wearers and healthy individuals were exposed to sub-therapeutic concentrations of nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole and fluconazole for one hour. Thereafter the drugs were removed and the phospholipase production was determined by a plate assay using an egg yolk-agar medium. Results The phospholipase production of these isolates was significantly suppressed with a percentage reduction of 10.65, 12.14, 11.45 and 6.40% following exposure to nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin and ketoconazole, respectively. This suppression was not significant following exposure to fluconazole. Conclusions Despite the sub-therapeutic, intra oral, bioavailability of polyenes, echinocandins and ketoconazole, they are likely to produce a persistent antifungal effect by suppressing phospholipase production, which is a key virulent attribute of this common pathogenic yeast.(AU)

Treatment with some anti-inflammatory drugs reduces germ tube formation in Candida albicans strains

Candida albicans is an opportunistic dimorphic fungus that inhabits various host mucosal sites. It can cause both superficial and serious systemic disease. Conversion from the yeast to the hyphal form has been associated with increased virulence and mucosal invasiveness. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium diclofenac and aspirin on germs tube formation of different Candida albicans strains. Prostaglandins may play an important role in fungal colonization. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase isoenzymes. These drugs specifically block the biosynthesis of mammalian prostaglandins by inhibiting one or both of cyclooxygenase isoenzymes. In tests for germ tube formation sodium diclofenac reduced the filamentation to the 12.5%- 5.1%. In the presence of aspirin the filamentation was reduced up to 85-45% depending on the tested strain. Our results suggest that cyclooxygenase-depending synthesis of fungal prostaglandins is important for morphogenesis and fungal virulence. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase isoensymes (aspirin and diclofenac) are effective in decreasing germ tube formation of Candida albicans.

Modulation of antimicrobial metabolites production by the fungus Aspergillus parasiticus

Biosynthesis of active secondary metabolites by fungi occurs as a specific response to the different growing environments. Changes in this environment alter the chemical and biological profiles leading to metabolites diversification and consequently to novel pharmacological applications. In this work, it was studied the influence of three parameters (fermentation length, medium composition and aeration) in the biosyntheses of antimicrobial metabolites by the fungus Aspergillus parasiticus in 10 distinct fermentation periods. Metabolism modulation in two culturing media, CYA and YES was evaluated by a 2² full factorial planning (ANOVA) and on a 2³ factorial planning, role of aeration, medium composition and carbohydrate concentration were also evaluated. In overall, 120 different extracts were prepared, their HPLC profiles were obtained and the antimicrobial activity against A. flavus, C. albicans, E. coli and S. aureus of all extracts was evaluated by microdilution bioassay. Yield of kojic acid, a fine chemical produced by the fungus A. parasiticus was determined in all extracts. Statistical analyses pointed thirteen conditions able to modulate the production of bioactive metabolites by A. parasiticus. Effect of carbon source in metabolites diversification was significant as shown by the changes in the HPLC profiles of the extracts. Most of the extracts presented inhibition rates higher than that of kojic acid as for the extract obtained after 6 days of fermentation in YES medium under stirring. Kojic acid was not the only metabolite responsible for the activity since some highly active extracts showed to possess low amounts of this compound, as determined by HPLC.(AU)

Antimicrobial effect of para-alkoxyphenylcarbamic acid esters containing substituted N-phenylpiperazine moiety

In current research, nine basic esters of para-alkoxyphenylcarbamic acid with incorporated 4-(4fluoro-/3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazin-1-yl fragment, 6i-6m and 8f-8i, were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Taking into account the minimum inhibitory concentration assay (MIC), as the most active against given yeast was evaluated 8i (MIC = 0.20 mg/mL), the most lipophilic structure containing para-butoxy and trifluoromethyl substituents. Investigating the efficiency of the compounds bearing only a single atom of fluorine and appropriate para-alkoxy side chain against Candida albicans, the cut-off effect was observed. From evaluated homological series, the maximum of the effectiveness was noticed for the stucture 6 k (MIC = 0.39 mg/mL), containing para-propoxy group attached to phenylcarbamoyloxy fragment, beyond which the compounds ceased to be active. On the contrary, all the tested molecules were against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (MICs > 1.00 mg/mL) practically inactive.(AU)

Cancer drugs inhibit morphogenesis in the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans

Candida infections are very common in cancer patients and it is a common practice to prescribe antifungal antibiotics along with anticancer drugs. Yeast to hyphal form switching is considered to be important in invasive candidiasis. Targeting morphogenetic switching may be useful against invasive candidiasis. In this study, we report the antimorphogenetic properties of thirty cancer drugs.(AU)

Candida albicans morphologies revealed by scanning electron microscopy analysis

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations were used to analyze particular morphologies of Candida albicans clinical isolate (strain 82) and mutants defective in hyphae-promoting genes EFG1 (strain HLC52) and/ or CPH1 (strains HLC54 and Can16). Transcription factors Efg1 and Cph1 play role in regulating filamentation and adhesion of C. albicans' morphologies. Comparative analysis of such mutants and clinical isolate showed that Efg1 is required for human serum-induced cell growth and morphological switching. In the study, distinct differences between ultrastructural patterns of clinical strain's and null mutants' morphologies were observed (spherical vs tube-like blastoconidia, or solid and fragile constricted septa vs only the latter observed in strains with EFG1 deleted). In addition, wild type strain displayed smooth colonies of cells in comparison to mutants which exhibited wrinkled phenotype. It was observed that blastoconidia of clinical strain exhibited either polarly or randomly located budding. Contrariwise, morphotypes of mutants showed either multiple polar budding or a centrally located single bud scar (mother-daughter cell junction) distinguishing tube-like yeast/ pseudohyphal growth (the length-to-width ratios larger than 1.5). In their planktonic form of growth, blastoconidia of clinical bloodstream isolate formed constitutively true hyphae under undiluted human serum inducing conditions. It was found that true hyphae are essential elements for developing structural integrity of conglomerate, as mutants displaying defects in their flocculation and conglomerate-forming abilities in serum. While filamentation is an important virulence trait in C. albicans the true hyphae are the morphologies which may be expected to play a role in bloodstream infections.(AU)

Candida spp: manual identification (reference method) and automated identification (Vitek system platform)

Yeasts are becoming a common cause of nosocomial fungal infections that affect immunocompromised patients. Such infections can evolve into sepsis, whose mortality rate is high. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of Candida species identification by the automated system Vitek-Biomerieux (Durham, USA). Ninety-eight medical charts referencing the Candida spp. samples available for the study were retrospectively analyzed. The system Vitek-Biomerieux with Candida identification card is recommended for laboratory routine use and presents 80.6% agreement with the reference method. By separate analysis of species, 13.5% of C. parapsilosis samples differed from the reference method, while the Vitek system wrongly identified them as C. tropicalis, C. lusitaneae or as Candida albicans. C. glabrata presented a discrepancy of only one sample (25%), and was identified by Vitek as C. parapsilosis. C. guilliermondii also differed in only one sample (33.3%), being identified as Candida spp. All C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. lusitaneae samples were identified correctly.(AU)