[Mechanism of protective effect of n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction on vaginal epithelial cells under Candida albicans stimulation through EGFR/MAPK pathway based on transcriptomics].

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and its underlying mechanism of n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction(BEPD) containing medicinal serum on vaginal epithelial cells under Candida glabrata stimulation via the epidermal growth factor receptor/mitogen activated protein kinase( EGFR/MAPK) pathway based on transcriptomics. A vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) mouse model was established first and transcriptome sequencing was performed for the vaginal mucosa tissues to analyze the gene expression differences among the control, VVC model, and BEPD intervention groups. Simultaneously, BEPD-containing serum and fluconazole-containing serum were prepared. A431 cells were divided into the control, model, blank serum, fluconazole-containing serum, BEPD-containing serum, EGFR agonist and EGFR inhibitor groups. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted using BEPD-containing serum, fluconazole-containing serum, and an EGFR agonist and inhibitor to investigate the intervention mechanisms of BEPD on C. glabrata-induced vaginal epithelial cell damage. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was utilized to determine the safe concentrations of C. glabrata, drug-containing serum, and compounds on A431 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure the expression levels of interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GMCSF), granulocyte CSF(G-CSF), chemokine(C-X-C motif) ligand 20(CCL20), and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH). Gram staining was used to evaluate the adhesion of C. glabrata to vaginal epithelial cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to assess the effect of C.glabrata on A431 cell apoptosis. Based on the transcriptomics results, immunofluorescence was performed to measure the expressions of p-EGFR and p-ERK1/2 proteins, while Western blot validated the expressions of p-EGFR, p-ERK1/2, p-C-Fos, p-P38, Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. Sequencing results showed that compared with the VVC model, BEPD treatment up-regulated 1 075 genes and downregulated 927 genes, mainly enriched in immune-inflammatory pathways, including MAPK. Mechanistically, BEPD significantly reduced the expression of p-EGFR, p-ERK1/2, p-C-Fos and p-P38, as well as the secretion of IL-1ß, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF and CCL20, LDH release induced by C. glabrata, and the adhesion of C. glabrata to A431 cells, suggesting that BEPD exerts a protective effect on vaginal epithelial cells damaged by C. glabrata infection by modulating the EGFR/MAPK axis. In addition, BEPD downregulated the pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression and up-regulated the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression, leading to a reduction in C. glabrata-induced cell apoptosis. In conclusion, this study reveals that the intervention of BEPD in C. glabrata-induced VVC may be attributed to its regulation of the EGFR/MAPK pathway, which protects vaginal epithelial cells.

The Hog1 MAPK substrate governs Candida glabrata-epithelial cell adhesion via the histone H2A variant.

CgHog1, terminal kinase of the high-osmolarity glycerol signalling pathway, orchestrates cellular response to multiple external stimuli including surplus-environmental iron in the human fungal pathogen Candida glabrata (Cg). However, CgHog1 substrates remain unidentified. Here, we show that CgHog1 adversely affects Cg adherence to host stomach and kidney epithelial cells in vitro, but promotes Cg survival in the iron-rich gastrointestinal tract niche. Further, CgHog1 interactome and in vitro phosphorylation analysis revealed CgSub2 (putative RNA helicase) to be a CgHog1 substrate, with CgSub2 also governing iron homeostasis and host adhesion. CgSub2 positively regulated EPA1 (encodes a major adhesin) expression and host adherence via its interactor CgHtz1 (histone H2A variant). Notably, both CgHog1 and surplus environmental iron had a negative impact on CgSub2-CgHtz1 interaction, with CgHTZ1 or CgSUB2 deletion reversing the elevated adherence of Cghog1Δ to epithelial cells. Finally, the surplus-extracellular iron led to CgHog1 activation, increased CgSub2 phosphorylation, elevated CgSub2-CgHta (canonical histone H2A) interaction, and EPA1 transcriptional activation, thereby underscoring the iron-responsive, CgHog1-induced exchange of histone partners of CgSub2. Altogether, our work mechanistically defines how CgHog1 couples Epa1 adhesin expression with iron abundance, and point towards specific chromatin composition modification programs that probably aid fungal pathogens align their adherence to iron-rich (gut) and iron-poor (blood) host niches.

Impact of glucocorticoids and rapamycin on autophagy in Candida glabrata-infected macrophages from BALB/c mice.

Objective: In the defense against microorganisms like Candida albicans, macrophages recruit LC3(Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3) to the periplasm, engaging in the elimination process through the formation of a single-membrane phagosome known as LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). Building on this, we propose the hypothesis that glucocorticoids may hinder macrophage phagocytosis of Candida glabrata by suppressing LAP, and rapamycin could potentially reverse this inhibitory effect. Methods: RAW264.7 cells were employed for investigating the immune response to Candida glabrata infection. Various reagents, including dexamethasone, rapamycin, and specific antibodies, were utilized in experimental setups. Assays, such as fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), Western blot, and confocal microscopy, were conducted to assess phagocytosis, cytokine levels, protein expression, viability, and autophagy dynamics. Results: Glucocorticoids significantly inhibited macrophage autophagy, impairing the cells' ability to combat Candida glabrata. Conversely, rapamycin exhibited a dual role, initially inhibiting and subsequently promoting phagocytosis of Candida glabrata by macrophages. Glucocorticoids hinder macrophage autophagy in Candida glabrata infection by suppressing the MTOR pathway(mammalian target of rapamycin pathway), while the activation of MTOR pathway by Candida glabrata diminishes over time. Conclusion: Our study elucidates the intricate interplay between glucocorticoids, rapamycin, and macrophage autophagy during Candida glabrata infection. Understanding the implications of these interactions not only sheds light on the host immune response dynamics but also unveils potential therapeutic avenues for managing fungal infections.

Oral Candida carriage and resistance against common antifungal agents in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients.

PURPOSE: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients receiving long-term and high-dose immunosuppressive medications suffer commonly from oral candida infections. This prospective cohort study examined oral fungal carriage in HSCT recipients and screened the susceptibility against commonly used antifungal agents. An increasing oral occurrence of Candida spp. and the development of resistance against clinically administered fluconazole were hypothesized. METHODS: Two hundred HSCT recipients were included and followed up for 2 years post-HSCT. Oral microbiological specimens were analyzed with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry assays (MALDI-TOF). The colorimetric method was applied for the susceptibility testing by commercially available Sensititre YeastOne (SYO®, TREK Diagnostics Systems, Thermo-Fisher, UK). RESULTS: The prevalence of oral Candida spp. carriage increased statistically significantly after a year post-HSCT being 30, 26, 35, 44, and 47%, pre-HSCT, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-HSCT, respectively. Altogether, 169 clinical oral Candida strains were isolated. Fourteen Candida spp. were identified, and C. albicans was predominant in 74% of the isolates pre-HSCT with a descending prevalence down to 44% 2 years post-HSCT. An increasing relative proportion of non-albicans species post-HSCT was evident. No development of resistance of C. albicans against fluconazole was found. Instead, a shift from C. albicans towards non-albicans species, especially C. dubliensis, C. glabrata, and relatively seldom found C. krusei, was observed. CONCLUSION: Oral Candida carriage increases after HSCT. Instead of the expected development of resistance of C. albicans against fluconazole, the relative proportion of non-albicans strains with innate resistance against azole-group antifungals increased.

A novel model for predicting deep-seated candidiasis due to Candida glabrata among cancer patients: A 6-year study in a cancer center of China.

Followed by Candida albicans, Candida glabrata ranks as the second major species contributing to invasive candidiasis. Given the higher medical burden and lower susceptibility to azoles in C. glabrata infections, identifying these infections is critical. From 2016 to 2021, patients with deep-seated candidiasis due to C. glabrata and non-glabrata Candida met the criteria to be enrolled in the study. Clinical data were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. A predictive model and nomogram were constructed using R software based on the stepwise algorithm and logistic regression. The performance of the model was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). A total of 197 patients were included in the study, 134 of them infected with non-glabrata Candida and 63 with C. glabrata. The predictive model for C. glabrata infection consisted of gastrointestinal cancer, co-infected with bacteria, diabetes mellitus, and kidney dysfunction. The specificity was 84.1% and the sensitivity was 61.5% in the validation cohort when the cutoff value was set to the same as the training cohort. Based on the model, treatment for patients with a high-risk threshold was better than 'treatment for all' in DCA, while opting low-risk patients out of treatment was also better than 'treatment for none' in opt-out DCA. The predictive model provides a rapid method for judging the probability of infections due to C. glabrata and will be of benefit to clinicians making decisions about therapy strategies.

Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of vaginal Candida glabrata isolates in Namibia.

Candida glabrata is the most common non-albicans Candida species that causes vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Given the intrinsically low susceptibility of C. glabrata to azole drugs, investigations into C. glabrata prevalence, fungal susceptibility profile, and molecular epidemiology are necessary to optimise the treatment of VVC. This molecular epidemiological study was conducted to determine antifungal drug profile, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with phenotypic antifungal resistance and epidemic diversity of C. glabrata isolates from women with VVC in Namibia. Candida glabrata isolates were identified using phenotypic and molecular methods. Antifungal susceptibility of strains was determined for fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, and anidulafungin. Whole genome sequencing was used to determine SNPs in antifungal resistance genes and sequence type (ST) allocation. Among C. glabrata isolates, all (20/20; 100%) exhibited phenotypic resistance to the azole class antifungal drug, (fluconazole), and phenotypic susceptibility to the polyene class (amphotericin B), and the echinocandins (anidulafungin). Non-synonymous SNPs were identified in antifungal resistance genes of all fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata isolates including ERG6 (15%), ERG7 (15%), CgCDR1 (25%), CgPDR1 (60%), SNQ2 (10%), FKS1 (5.0%), FKS2 (5.0%), CgFPS1 (5.0%), and MSH2 (15%). ST15 (n = 8/20, 40%) was predominant. This study provides important insight into phenotypic and genotypic antifungal resistance across C. glabrata isolates from women with VVC in Namibia. In this study, azole resistance is determined by an extensive range of SNPs, while the observed polyene and echinocandin resistance-associated SNPs despite phenotypic susceptibility require further investigation.

Candida glabrata is inherently resistant to azole drugs. In this study, we identified a clone that was predominant in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis in Namibia, and that harboured various mutations in resistance-associated genes. This study provides important insight into antifungal resistance across C. glabrata isolates in a sub-Sahara African setting.

Effect of the Pulsatilla decoction n-butanol extract on vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida glabrata and on its virulence factors.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) is more persistent and resistant to treatment than when caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans) and has been on the rise in recent years. The n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction (BEPD) has been shown to be effective in treating VVC caused by C. glabrata, but the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, the experimenter conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the effects of BEPD on the virulence factors of C. glabrata, as well as its efficacy, with a focus on possible immunological mechanism in VVC caused by C. glabrata. The contents of Anemoside B4, Epiberberine, Berberine, Aesculin, Aesculetin, Phellodendrine and Jatrorrhizine in BEPD, detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, were 31,736.64, 13,529.66, 105,143.72, 19,406.20, 4952.67, 10,317.03, 2489.93 µg/g, respectively. In vitro experiments indicated that BEPD moderately inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, its adhesion, and biofilm formation, and affected the expression of efflux transporters in the biofilm state. In vivo experiments demonstrated that BEPD significantly reduced vaginal inflammatory manifestation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and LDH in mice with VVC caused by C. glabrata. Moreover, it inhibited the Phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, P38, P65, and C-Fos proteins. The results suggested that although BEPD moderately inhibits the growth and virulence factors of C. glabrata in vitro, it can significantly reduce vaginal inflammation by down-regulating the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway in mice with VVC infected by C. glabrata.

Characterization of a selective, iron-chelating antifungal compound that disrupts fungal metabolism and synergizes with fluconazole.

Fungal infections are a growing global health concern due to the limited number of available antifungal therapies as well as the emergence of fungi that are resistant to first-line antimicrobials, particularly azoles and echinocandins. Development of novel, selective antifungal therapies is challenging due to similarities between fungal and mammalian cells. An attractive source of potential antifungal treatments is provided by ecological niches co-inhabited by bacteria, fungi, and multicellular organisms, where complex relationships between multiple organisms have resulted in evolution of a wide variety of selective antimicrobials. Here, we characterized several analogs of one such natural compound, collismycin A. We show that NR-6226C has antifungal activity against several pathogenic Candida species, including C. albicans and C. glabrata, whereas it only has little toxicity against mammalian cells. Mechanistically, NR-6226C selectively chelates iron, which is a limiting factor for pathogenic fungi during infection. As a result, NR-6226C treatment causes severe mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to formation of reactive oxygen species, metabolic reprogramming, and a severe reduction in ATP levels. Using an in vivo model for fungal infections, we show that NR-6226C significantly increases survival of Candida-infected Galleria mellonella larvae. Finally, our data indicate that NR-6226C synergizes strongly with fluconazole in inhibition of C. albicans. Taken together, NR-6226C is a promising antifungal compound that acts by chelating iron and disrupting mitochondrial functions.IMPORTANCEDrug-resistant fungal infections are an emerging global threat, and pan-resistance to current antifungal therapies is an increasing problem. Clearly, there is a need for new antifungal drugs. In this study, we characterized a novel antifungal agent, the collismycin analog NR-6226C. NR-6226C has a favorable toxicity profile for human cells, which is essential for further clinical development. We unraveled the mechanism of action of NR-6226C and found that it disrupts iron homeostasis and thereby depletes fungal cells of energy. Importantly, NR-6226C strongly potentiates the antifungal activity of fluconazole, thereby providing inroads for combination therapy that may reduce or prevent azole resistance. Thus, NR-6226C is a promising compound for further development into antifungal treatment.

Genome-wide profiling of piggyBac transposon insertion mutants reveals loss of the F1F0 ATPase complex causes fluconazole resistance in Candida glabrata.

Invasive candidiasis caused by non-albicans species has been on the rise, with Candida glabrata emerging as the second most common etiological agent. Candida glabrata possesses an intrinsically lower susceptibility to azoles and an alarming propensity to rapidly develop high-level azole resistance during treatment. In this study, we have developed an efficient piggyBac (PB) transposon-mediated mutagenesis system in C. glabrata to conduct genome-wide genetic screens and applied it to profile genes that contribute to azole resistance. When challenged with the antifungal drug fluconazole, PB insertion into 270 genes led to significant resistance. A large subset of these genes has a role in the mitochondria, including almost all genes encoding the subunits of the F1F0 ATPase complex. We show that deleting ATP3 or ATP22 results in increased azole resistance but does not affect susceptibility to polyenes and echinocandins. The increased azole resistance is due to increased expression of PDR1 that encodes a transcription factor known to promote drug efflux pump expression. Deleting PDR1 in the atp3Δ or atp22Δ mutant resulted in hypersensitivity to fluconazole. Our results shed light on the mechanisms contributing to azole resistance in C. glabrata. This PB transposon-mediated mutagenesis system can significantly facilitate future genome-wide genetic screens.

Comparative in vitro analysis of the antifungal activity of different calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers

Aim: This study aimed to perform an in vitro comparative analysis of the antifungal activity of different calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers against three fungal species. Methods: The antifungal properties of three calcium silicate-based sealers were tested: Bio-C Sealer, Cambiar a Sealer Plus BC, and MTA-Fillapex. Two commonly used sealers were used as controls: AH Plus and Endomethasone. An agar diffusion test was performed to analyze the antifungal activity of the sealers against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and a mixed microbial culture medium. The results were analyzed using ANOVA (p <0.05). Results: Endomethasone exhibited the highest inhibition against all strains examined, maintaining a consistent level of inhibition throughout 7 days. MTA-Fillapex demonstrated the best performance among the calcium silicate-based sealers for the three fungal species (p < 0.05), maintaining stable values over the 7 days, surpassing that of Endomethasone. Nevertheless, MTA-Fillapex only exhibited antimicrobial effect against the mixed culture for the first 24 hours, and no antimicrobial activity was observed at 48 hours, being surpassed by all tested sealers (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Of all silicate-based sealers tested, only MTA-Fillapex exhibited promising antifungal activity. Nevertheless, care must be taken when extrapolating these results, as MTA-Fillapex exhibited poor antimicrobial activity when tested in mixed microbial cultures

ROS mediated anticandidal efficacy of 3-Bromopyruvate prevents vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice model.

Candidal infections, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), necessitate effective therapeutic interventions in clinical settings owing to their intricate clinical nature and elusive understanding of their etiological mechanisms. Given the challenges in developing effective antifungal therapies, the strategy of repurposing existing pharmaceuticals has emerged as a promising approach to combat drug-resistant fungi. In this regard, the current study investigates molecular insights on the anti-candidal efficacy of a well-proven anticancer small molecule -3-bromopyruvate (3BP) against three clinically significant VVC causing Candida species viz., C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Furthermore, the study validates 3BP's therapeutic application by developing it as a vaginal cream for the treatment of VVC. 3BP exhibited phenomenal antifungal efficacy (killing >99%) with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) of 256 µg/mL against all tested Candida spp. Time killing kinetics experiment revealed 20 min as the minimum time required for 3BP at 2XMIC to achieve complete-killing (99.9%) in all Candida strains. Moreover, the ergosterol or sorbitol experiment explicated that the antifungal activity of 3BP does not stem from targeting the cell wall or the membrane component ergosterol. Instead, 3BP was observed to instigate a sequence of pre-apoptotic cascade events, such as phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, nuclear condensation and ROS accumulations, as evidenced by PI, DAPI and DCFH-DA staining methods. Furthermore, 3BP demonstrated a remarkable efficacy in eradicating mature biofilms of Candida spp., achieving a maximum eradication level of 90%. Toxicity/safety profiling in both in vitro erythrocyte lysis and in vivo Galleria mellonella survival assay authenticated the non-toxic nature of 3BP up to 512 µg/mL. Finally, a vaginal cream formulated with 3BP was found to be effective in VVC-induced female mice model, as it significantly decreasing fungal load and protecting vaginal mucosa. Concomitantly, the present study serves as a clear demonstration of antifungal mechanistic action of anticancer drug -3BP, against Candida species. This finding holds significant potential for mitigating candidal infections, particularly VVC, within healthcare environments.

Mortalidad de la sepsis en la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Mortality from sepsis in intensive care unit

INTRODUCCIÓN. La sepsis es un estado de disfunción multisistémica, que se produce por una respuesta desregulada del huésped a la infección. Diversos factores influyen en la gravedad, manifestaciones clínicas y progresión de la sepsis, tales como, heterogeneidad inmunológica y regulación dinámica de las vías de señalización celular. La evolución de los pacientes depende del tratamiento oportuno, las escalas de puntuación clínica permiten saber la mortalidad estimada. OBJETIVO. Evaluar la mortalidad en la unidad de cuidados intensivos; establecer el manejo y la utilidad de aplicar paquetes de medidas o "bundlers" para evitar la progresión a disfunción, fallo multiorgánico y muerte. METODOLOGÍA. Modalidad de investigación tipo revisión sistemática. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos como Google académico, Mendeley, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, revistas como New England Journal Medicine, Critical Care, Journal of the American Medical Association, British Medical Journal. Se obtuvo las guías "Sobreviviendo a la sepsis" actualización 2021, 3 guías internacionales, 10 estudios observacionales, 2 estudios multicéntricos, 5 ensayos aleatorizados, 6 revisiones sistémicas, 5 metaanálisis, 1 reporte de caso clínico, 4 artículos con opiniones de expertos y actualizaciones con el tema mortalidad de la sepsis en UCI con un total de 36 artículos científicos. RESULTADOS. La mortalidad de la sepsis en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, fue menor en el hospital oncológico de Guayaquil, seguido de Australia, Alemania, Quito, Francia, Estados Unidos de Norteamérica y Vietnan, La mortalidad más alta se observa en pacientes con enfermedades del tejido conectivo. DISCUSIÓN. La aplicación de los paquetes de medidas o "bundlers" en la sepsis, se asocia con una mejor supervivencia y menores días de estancia hospitalaria. CONCLUSIÓN. Las escalas SOFA, APACHE II y SAPS II ayudan a predecir la mortalidad de forma eficiente, en la detección y el tratamiento temprano en pacientes con enfermedades agudas y de alto riesgo.

INTRODUCTION. Sepsis is a state of multisystem dysfunction, which is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Several factors influence the severity, clinical manifestations and progression of sepsis, such as immunological heterogeneity and dynamic regulation of cell signaling pathways. The evolution of patients depends on timely treatment, clinical scoring scales allow to know the estimated mortality. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate mortality in the intensive care unit; to establish the management and usefulness of applying bundlers to prevent progression to dysfunction, multiorgan failure and death. METHODOLOGY. Systematic review type research modality. A bibliographic search was carried out in databases such as Google Scholar, Mendeley, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, journals such as New England Journal Medicine, Critical Care, Journal of the American Medical Association, British Medical Journal. We obtained the guidelines "Surviving Sepsis" update 2021, 3 international guidelines, 10 observational studies, 2 multicenter studies, 5 randomized trials, 6 systemic reviews, 5 meta-analyses, 1 clinical case report, 4 articles with expert opinions and updates on the subject of sepsis mortality in ICU with a total of 36 scientific articles. RESULTS. The mortality of sepsis in the intensive care unit, was lower in the oncological hospital of Guayaquil, followed by Australia, Germany, Quito, France, United States of America and Vietnam, The highest mortality is observed in patients with connective tissue diseases. DISCUSSION. The application of bundlers in sepsis is associated with better survival and shorter days of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS. The SOFA, APACHE II and SAPS II scales help to predict mortality efficiently in the early detection and treatment of patients with acute and high-risk disease.

Synergistic interaction of fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate on the inhibition of Candida glabrata phospholipase gene

Abstract Candida glabrata infections are responsible for deaths of people globally. Fluconazole is known to be less effective against C. glabrata, which developed many strategies to evade being destroyed by fluconazole. To achieve enhanced efficacy of fluconazole against C. glabrata, the interaction of fluconazole with sodium bicarbonate was investigated using the CLSI guidelines. The efficacy of fluconazole alone and in combination with sodium bicarbonate was evaluated using the time-kill and phospholipase production assays. Eventually, the expression of PLB was assessed using semi-quantitative RT-PCR to investigate the inhibitory properties of fluconazole alone and in combination with sodium bicarbonate against C. glabrata. The fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate combination displayed synergistic and antagonistic effects (FICI= 0.375-4.25). In C. glabrata ATCC, SN 152, and SN 164, the fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate combination exhibited a significant fungicidal activity (p< 0.05) but antagonistic effect in the case of SN 283. With exception of SN 283, a significant reduction was noted in phospholipase production in clinical isolates of C. glabrata treated with fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate combination. The PLB was down-regulated significantly by 0.168-0.515 fold in C. glabrata treated with fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate. The results suggested fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate to have a potential synergistic interaction in C. glabrata, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with phospholipase gene

Avaliação in vitro de formulações do óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon nardus) sobre propriedades biológicas, físicas e mecânicas de resina acrílica para prótese dentária / In vitro evaluation of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil formulations on biological, physical and mechanical properties of acrylic resin for dental prosthesis

O controle de formação de biofilme deve ser promovido por meio de técnicas diárias de higienização, sendo uma delas o uso de soluções de desinfecção. Dentre as soluções químicas comercialmente disponíveis, algumas podem ocasionar efeitos adversos quando utilizadas em longo prazo. Dessa forma, a busca por métodos alternativos de desinfecção, com soluções que não alterem as propriedades do material e que sejam inertes para o seu usuário torna-se essencial. Este estudo teve como objetivos: avaliar in vitro, a ação antifúngica de formulações de 5 mg/mL à base do óleo de citronela em biofilmes mistos de espécie de Candida em resina acrílica ativada termicamente (RAAT) para base protética por meio de contagem do número de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC/mL), em dois tempos de exposição (15 e 30 minutos) e avaliar a citotoxicidade das formulações em células da linhagem epitelial HaCat, e verificar a ação destas formulações de citronela a 5 mg/mL na alteração de propriedades físicas e mecânicas de amostras de RAAT. Inicialmente, foram feitas as formulações à base de citronela em forma de emulsão e nanoemulsão. Em seguida, por meio de ensaios de microdiluição em caldo, foi obtida a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração fungicida mínima (CFM) das cepas de Candida testadas. Foram confeccionadas amostras de RAAT para a realização dos ensaios, sendo 96 amostras para o ensaio de biofilme, divididas de acordo com os grupos: GI - controle negativo (Biofilme misto C. albicans ATCC + C. glabrata ATCC + C. albicans oral 6892 + C. albicans oral 7037); GII- Nanoemulsão de Citronela 5mg/mL; GIIIControle da Nanoemulsão (Tween 20); GIV- Emulsão de Citronela 5mg/mL; GV- Controle da Emulsão (Goma Xantana); GVI- Clorexidina 0,12% (Periogard), e 20 para o ensaio de viabilidade celular, divididas nos grupos: GI- Nanoemulsão de Citronela 5mg/mL; GII- Controle da Nanoemulsão (Tween 20); GIII- Emulsão de Citronela 5mg/mL; GIV- Controle da Emulsão (Goma Xantana); GV- Clorexidina 0,12% (Periogard). Biofilmes mistos de Candida foram formados sobre as superfícies das amostras, e foram quantificados por meio de contagem de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFCs). Para o teste de viabilidade celular utilizou-se células epiteliais da linhagem HaCaT, avaliadas através da coloração com resazurina. Para avaliação das propriedades físicas e mecânicas foram confeccionadas 50 amostras retangulares e 50 circulares de RAAT, separadas aleatoriamente em 5 grupos, de acordo com a formulação utilizada: GI ­ controle (água destilada); GII ­ saliva artificial; GIII ­ nanoemulsão de citronela a 5mg/mL; GIV - emulsão de citronela a 5mg/mL e GV - Clorexidina 0,12% (Periogard). As amostras foram imersas nas respectivas formulações, simulando a desinfecção de próteses dentarias pelo período de 30 minutos diários, durante 6 meses. Após este período, foi feita a análise da alteração de rugosidade de superfície (Ra - µm), estabilidade de cor (CIEDE 2000), avaliação da microdureza Knoop e resistência a flexão (MPa) das amostras. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos às análises estatísticas (p< 0,05). As formulações fitoterápicas à base de citronela apresentaram valores de CIM e CFM que variaram entre 0,156-1 mg/mL sobre as espécies de Candida e inibiram o crescimento do biofilme misto, apresentando uma redução estatisticamente significativa na contagem de UFC/mL, de até 2,7 Log destes fungos, principalmente quando submetidas ao tempo de exposição de 30 minutos. As formulações fitoterápicas testadas não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre si, apresentando viabilidade da célula HaCaT maior que 70%, diferentemente da clorexidina a 0,12%. Não houve diferença nos valores médios de rugosidade de superfície em nenhum dos grupos após serem submetidos à imersão nas formulações testes, com exceção do grupo controle, que apresentou diferença estatística significativa na rugosidade de superfície após o período de imersão. Nos valores de alteração de cor (ΔE00) foi possível observar que não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos experimentais antes e após serem submetidos a imersão nas formulações testes. Nos valores de microdureza Knoop houve diferença estatística significativa apenas entre o grupo controle e o grupo emulsão de citronela. Para os dados de resistência flexural, módulo de elasticidade, força máxima e alongamento não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos após imersão. Em suma, concluiu-se que as formulações fitoterápicas à base de citronela apresentaram efeito antifúngico sobre as diferentes espécies de Candida em superfície de resina acrílica para próteses dentárias, não apresentaram efeito citotóxico sobre células da linhagem epitelial, e se mostraram seguras como formulações antissépticas no que se refere às propriedades físicas e mecânicas estudadas, sendo potencialmente promissoras para serem indicadas como soluções desinfetantes para próteses dentárias(AU)

The control of biofilm formation should be promoted through daily hygiene techniques such as the use of disinfection solutions. Among the commercially available chemical solutions, some can lead to adverse effects in long-term use. Thus, the search for alternative methods of disinfection with solutions that do not interfere with properties of the material and those inert to the user becomes essential. This study aimed to: evaluate, in vitro, the antifungal effect of 5 mg/mL formulations based on citronella oil on mixed biofilms of Candida species in thermally activated acrylic resin (TAAR) for prosthetic base by counting the number of colony forming units (CFU/mL), in two exposure times (15 and 30 minutes) and to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the formulations in cells of the HaCat epithelial lineage, and to verify the action of these formulations of citronella at 5 mg/mL in the alteration of physical and mechanical properties of TAAR samples. Initially, citronella-based formulations were prepared as emulsion and nanoemulsion. Then, by means of broth microdilution assays, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the tested Candida strains were obtained. For the biofilm test, 96 TAAR samples were prepared and assigned to the groups, as follows: GI - negative control (Mixed biofilm C. albicans ATCC + C. glabrata ATCC + C. albicans oral 6892 + C. albicans oral 7037); GII- Citronella Nanoemulsion 5mg/mL; GIII- Nanoemulsion Control (Tween 20); GIV- Citronella Emulsion 5mg/mL; GVEmulsion Control (Xanthan Gum); GVI- Chlorhexidine 0,12% (Periogard). For the cell viability assay, 20 samples were prepared and assigned to the following groups: GI- Citronella Nanoemulsion 5mg/mL; GII- Nanoemulsion Control (Tween 20); GIII- Citronella Emulsion 5mg/mL; GIV- Emulsion Control (Xanthan Gum); GV- Chlorhexidine 0,12% (Periogard). Mixed Candida biofilms were formed on the surfaces of the samples, and were quantified by counting colony forming units (CFUs). For the cell viability test, epithelial cells of the HaCaT lineage were used, evaluated by staining with resazurin. To evaluate the physical and mechanical properties, 50 rectangular and 50 circular samples of TAAR were prepared and randomly assigned into 5 groups, according to the formulation used: GI ­ control (distilled water); GII ­ artificial saliva; GIII ­ citronella nanoemulsion at 5mg/mL; GIV ­ citronella emulsion at 5mg/mL and GV ­ chlorhexidine 0,12% (Periogard). The samples were immersed in the respective formulations, simulating the disinfection of dental prostheses for a period of 30 minutes daily, for 6 months. After this period, the analysis of surface roughness change (Ra - µm), color stability (CIEDE 2000), evaluation of Knoop microhardness and flexural strength (MPa) of the samples was performed. The data obtained were submitted to statistical analysis (p< 0,05). The phytotherapic formulations based on citronella presented MIC and MFC values that varied between 0,156-1 mg/mL on Candida species and inhibited the growth of mixed biofilm, showing a statistically significant reduction in the CFU/mL counts, up to 2,7 Log of these fungi, mainly when subjected to an exposure time of 30 minutes. The phytotherapic formulations tested did not show statistical differences between them, showing HaCaT cell viability greater than 70%, unlike 0,12% chlorhexidine. There was no difference in the mean values of surface roughness in any of the groups after being subjected to immersion in the test formulations, except for the control group, that presented a statistically significant difference in surface roughness after the immersion period. Regarding color change (ΔE00) it was possible to observe that there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental groups before and after being subjected to immersion in the test formulations. In the Knoop microhardness values, there was a statistically significant difference only between the control group and the citronella emulsion group. For data on flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, maximum force and stretching, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups after immersion. In summary, it can be concluded that phytotherapic formulations based on citronella had an antifungal effect on different Candida species on acrylic resin surfaces for dental prostheses, besides not presenting a cytotoxic effect on cells of the epithelial lineage, and proved to be safe as antiseptic formulations in the which refers to the physical and mechanical properties studied, being potentially promising to be indicated as disinfectant solutions for dental prostheses(AU)

Atividade antifúngica de isolados clínicos de Candida não-albicans aos óleos essenciais de Syzygium aromaticum (cravo-da-índia) e Eucalyptus globulus (eucalipto-comum) / Antifungal activity of clinical isolates of Candida non-albicans to the essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum (cloud) and Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus)

RESUMO: Introdução: O gênero Candida possui alta taxa de incidência no ser humano, sendo a espécie Candida albicans a mais isolada em infecções invasivas e superficiais. Porém, tem sido relatado um aumento considerável de espécies de Candidanão-albicans em infecções fúngicas. Os óleos essenciais, por serem voláteis, podem agir como sinais de comunicação química e arma de defesa. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia, in vitro, dos óleos essenciais de Syzygium aromaticum e Eu-calyptus globulus na inibição do crescimento de espécies de Candida não-albicans. Métodos: Para avaliação da atividade antifúngica de S. aromaticum e de E. globulus e do efeito dos seus óleos essenciais sobre a micromorfologia das espécies Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis e Candida glabrata, foram empregadas, nesta ordem, a técnica de difusão em ágar e de microcultivo para leveduras. Resultados: Na técnica de difusão, o óleo essencial de S. aromaticum apresentou for-mação de halo de inibição para Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis e Candida glabrata. O óleo de E. globulus, por sua vez, não apresentou crescimento de halos de inibição em nenhuma das concentrações testadas frente às três espécies de Candida não-albicans. Todavia, com o microcultivo, ambos os óleos essenciais se provaram, in vitro, eficazes antimi-crobianos tendo apresentado estruturas indicativas de atividade antifúngica na maior concentração dos óleos e diferentes graus de destruição celular nas demais concentrações. Conclusão: Nas condições deste estudo, concluiu-se que os pro-dutos avaliados exerceram atividade antifúngica contra cepas de Candida não-albicans, destacando-se o óleo essencial de S. aromaticum que apresentou atividade antimicrobiana em ambas as metodologias. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The genus Candida possesses a high incidence of infection in humans, with the Candida albicans species being the most isolated in invasive and superficial infections. However, a considerable increase in non-albicans Candidaspecies has been reported in fungal infections. Essential oils, for being volatile, can act as chemical communication sig-nals and defense mechanisms. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness, in vitro, of the essential oils of Syzygium aromati-cum and Eucalyptus globulus in inhibiting the growth of non-albicans Candida species. Methods: To evaluate the antifun-gal activity of S. aromaticum and E. globulus and the effect of their essential oils on the micromorphology of the species Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida glabrata, in this order, the agar diffusion technique and microculture for yeasts. Results: In the diffusion technique, the essential oil of S. aromaticum presented an inhibition halo for Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida glabrata. E. globulus oil, on the other hand, did not show inhibition halo growth in any of the concentrations tested against the three non-albicans Candida species. However, in the microculture, both essential oils have proven to be effective antimicrobials having shown structures indicative of antifungal activity in the highest concentration and different degrees of cell destruction in the other concentrations. Conclusion: In the conditions of this study, it was concluded that the products evaluated exerted antifungal activity against non-albicans Candidastrains, highlighting the essential oil of S. aromaticum that showed antimicrobial activity in both methodologies. (AU)

Avaliação in vitro da formação de biofilme por cepas de Candida spp. provenientes de indivíduos diabéticos e não diabéticos em ambiente sem e com suplementação de glicose / In vitro evaluation of biofilm formation by Candida spp. strains from diabetic and non-diabetic individuals in environment without and with glucose supplementation

É notório o papel do diabetes mellitus como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de doenças bucais, como a candidíase bucal, cárie e a periodontite. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a formação de biofilme por cepas de Candida spp. provenientes de diabéticos e não diabéticos em ambiente sem e com suplementação de glicose. Trata-se de um estudo experimental laboratorial in vitro, em três etapas. Etapas um e dois, de obtenção e identificação de 48 cepas de Candida spp., sendo que 32 de C. albicans e 16 de C. glabrata, com auxílio da técnica de PCR. Ainda, a etapa três, de processamento microbiológico, com a avaliação da capacidade de formação de biofilme por três ensaios distintos: I) determinação do número de unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC/mL); II) matéria seca dos biofilmes; III) taxa de crescimento de biofilme em fundo de placa de poliestireno. Inicialmente, objetivando simular as características observadas in vivo, o fundo das placas de cultivo recebeu 400 µL de saliva humana para formação da película adquirida. Decorrida a incubação a 37 °C por 24 h, a saliva foi descartada e cada poço de cultura recebeu suspensão padronizada das leveduras (106 UFC/mL) em Saubouraud Dextrose Broth sem suplementação e com suplementação de glicose a 2 e 10 mg/mL, e as placas foram incubadas a 37 °C por 48 h. Para avaliação do número de UFC/mL, o biofilme aderido foi coletado, diluído seriamente e cultivado em placas de Petri com Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Após incubação os resultados foram expressos em log UFC/mL. Para a avaliação da matéria seca, a solução remanescente foi liofilizada e mensurada em balança de precisão. A taxa de crescimento de biofilme foi avaliada por microscopia Operetta CLS High Content e o FilmTracer(TM) LIVE/DEAD Biofilm Viability kit, conforme o protocolo do fabricante. Posteriormente, 10 imagens por poço foram obtidas e digitalizadas com ampliação de 40 ×. A área recoberta por biofilme (µm2) das imagens foi avaliada com auxílio do software Harmony High Content Imaging. Os dados apresentaram distribuição não normal, e a comparação entre as cepas de diabéticos e não diabéticos foi realizada pelo teste U Mann-Whitney. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis one way foi utilizado para verificar diferenças entre as condições de suplementação de glicose. O nível de significância estatística adotado foi de α = 5%. Os valores de UFC/mL mostraram um maior crescimento das cepas de C. albicans dos pacientes diabéticos em relação aos não diabéticos nas três suplementações (p < 0,001). Por outro lado, acerca da matéria seca em 10 mg/mL e da taxa de crescimento de biofilme sem suplementação de glicose e a 2 mg/mL, os resultados indicaram uma formação de biofilme maior para cepas de C. albicans dos não diabéticos (p < 0,001). Em conclusão, cepas de C. albicans e C. glabrata provenientes de diabéticos e não diabéticos em ambiente sem e com suplementação de glicose apresentaram resultados distintos quanto à formação de biofilme, por diferentes técnicas

The role of diabetes mellitus is notorious as a risk factor for development of oral diseases, such as oral candidiasis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate biofilm formation by Candida spp. strains from diabetic and non-diabetic individuals in environment without and with glucose supplementation. This is an in vitro experimental laboratory study, in three stages. Stages one and two of obtainment and identification of 48 Candida spp. strains, with 32 of C. albicans and 16 of C. glabrata, with the help of PCR technique. Also, stage three, of microbiological processing, with evaluation of biofilm formation capacity by three different assays: I) determination of the number of colony forming units (CFU/mL); II) biofilm dry matter; III) biofilm growth rate on the bottom of polystyrene plates. Initially, aiming to simulate the characteristics observed in vivo, the bottom of the cultivation plates received 400 µL of human saliva for formation of acquired pellicle. After the incubation at 37 °C for 24 h, the saliva was discarded and each culture well received standardized suspension of yeast (106 CFU/mL) in Saubouraud Dextrose Broth without supplementation and with glucose supplementation at 2 and 10 mg/mL, and the plates were incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. To assess the number of CFU/mL, the adhered biofilm was collected, seriously diluted, and cultivated in Petri dishes with Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. After the incubation, the results were expressed in log CFU/mL. To assess the dry matter, the remaining solution was lyophilized and measured on a precision scale. The biofilm growth rate was evaluated by Operetta CLS High Content microscopy and FilmTracer(TM) LIVE/DEAD Biofilm Viability kit, according to manufacturer's protocol. Later, 10 images per well were obtained and digitalized with 40 × magnification. The area covered by biofilm (µm2) of the images was assessed with the help of Harmony High Content Imaging software. Data showed non-normal distribution, and the comparison among the diabetic and non-diabetic strains was performed by Mann-Whitney U test. Kruskal-Wallis one-way test was used to verify differences between conditions of glucose supplementation. The level of statistical significance adopted was α = 5%. The values of CFU/mL showed greater growth of the diabetic patient's strains in relation to the non-diabetic ones (p < 0.001). On the other hand, regarding dry matter at 10 mg/mL and the growth rate of biofilm without glucose supplementation and at 2 mg/mL, the results indicated a higher biofilm formation for strains of C. albicans from non-diabetic individuals (p <0.001). In conclusion, C. albicans and C. glabrata strains from diabetic and non-diabetic individuals in environment without and with glucose supplementation showed different results concerning the biofilm formation, using different techniques

Evaluación de susceptibilidad en cándidas spp por colorimetría obtenida en gestantes de un hospital obstétrico / Susceptibility evaluation in candida spp by colorimetry obtained in pregnant women from an obstetric hospital / Avaliação da suscetibilidade em cândida spp por colorimetria obtida em gestantes de um hospital obstétrico

INTRODUCCIÓN: las infecciones fúngicas ocasionadas por levaduras del género Cándida son extremadamente comunes en mujeres de edad reproductiva, y constituyen un motivo de atención medica de salud. OBJETIVO: evaluar la susceptibilidad de Cándidas spp, mediante el método colorimétrico (Integral Yeast System Plus). MÉTODO: fue de tipo descriptivo, transversal; se recopiló información mediante observación directa en campo y el análisis documental para obtener información bibliográfica de tipo secundaria. RESULTADOS: de los 72 casos encontrados de Cándida Albicans revela que son susceptibles a la anfotericina B (2ug/ml); de los 5 casos encontrados de Cándida Krusei revela que son sensibles a la Anfotericina B (2ug/ml); De 1 caso encontrado de Cándida Parapsilosis revela sensibilidad en la Nistatina (1.25ug/ml). En este estudio la prevalencia de la infección por Cándida fue del (44.98%). CONCLUSIONES: Cándida Albicans fue la especie más común aislada en las mujeres embarazadas representando un 72%, En la evaluación de la susceptibilidad a través del kit Integral System Yeast Plus se obtuvo que Cándida Albicans es susceptible a Anfotericina B, Flucitosina entre otros, en Cándida Glabrata se obtuvo que es sensible a la Nistatina, Anfotericina B, susceptible entre otros, en Cándida Krusei se obtuvo que es sensible a la Anfotericina B, Clotrimazol, Miconazol, susceptibles a la Nistatina, Voriconazol y resistente a la Flucitosina, Ketoconazol, Itraconazol y Fluconazol.

INTRODUCTION: fungal infections caused by yeast of the genus Candida are extremely common in women of reproductive age, and constitute a reason for medical health care. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the susceptibility of Candida spp, using the colorimetric method (Integral Yeast System Plus). METHOD: it was descriptive, transversal; Information was collected through direct observation in the field and documentary analysis to obtain secondary bibliographic information. RESULTS: of the 72 cases found, Candida Albicans reveals that they are susceptible to amphotericin B (2ug / ml); of the 5 cases found, Candida Krusei reveals that they are sensitive to Amphotericin B (2ug / ml); Of 1 case found of Candida Parapsilosis reveals sensitivity in Nystatin (1.25ug / ml). In this study, the prevalence of Candida infection was (44.98%). CONCLUSIONS: Candida Albicans was the most common species isolated in pregnant women, representing 72%. In the evaluation of susceptibility through the Integral System Yeast Plus kit it was obtained that Candida Albicans is susceptible to Amphotericin B, Flucytosine among others, in Candida Glabrata was obtained that it is sensitive to Nystatin, Amphotericin B, susceptible among others, in Candida Krusei it was obtained that it is sensitive to Amphotericin B, Clotrimazole, Miconazole, susceptible to Nystatin, Voriconazole and resistant to Flucytosin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Fluconazole.

INTRODUÇÃO: as infecções fúngicas causadas por leveduras do gênero Candida são extremamente comuns em mulheres em idade reprodutiva e constituem motivo de cuidados médicos. OBJETIVO: avaliar a suscetibilidade de Candida spp, por meio do método colorimétrico (Integral Yeast System Plus). MÉTODO: foi descritivo, transversal; as informações foram coletadas por meio de observação direta em campo e análise documental para obtenção de informações bibliográficas secundárias. RESULTADOS: Dos 72 casos encontrados, Cândida Albicans revelou ser suscetíveis à anfotericina B (2ug /ml); dos 5 casos encontrados, Candida Krusei revela que são sensíveis à Anfotericina B (2ug / ml); de 1 caso encontrado de Candida Parapsilosis revela sensibilidade na Nistatina (1,25ug / ml). Neste estudo, a prevalência de infecção por Candida foi (44,98%). CONCLUSÕES: Cândida Albicans foi a espécie mais comum isolada em gestantes, representando 72%. Na avaliação da susceptibilidade através do kit Integral System Yeast Plus foi obtido que Candida Albicans é suscetível à Anfotericina B, Flucitosina entre outras, em Cândida Glabrata foi obtido que é sensível a Nistatina, Anfotericina B, suscetível entre outras, em Candida Krusei foi obtido que é sensível a Anfotericina B, Clotrimazol, Miconazol, suscetível a Nistatina, Voriconazol e resistente a Flucitosina, Cetoconazol, Itraconazol e Fluconazol.

The secreted acid trehalase encoded by the CgATH1 gene is involved in Candida glabrata virulence

BACKGROUND Candida glabrata yeast is the second cause of candidiasis worldwide. Differs from other yeasts since assimilates only glucose and trehalose (a characteristic used in rapid identification tests for this pathogen) by secreting into the medium a highly active acid trehalase encoded by the CgATH1 gene. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterise the function of the acid trehalase in the physiopathology of C. glabrata. METHODS Gene deletion was performed to obtain a mutant ath1Δ strain, and the ability of the ath1Δ strain to grow in trehalase, or the presence of trehalase activity in the ath1Δ yeast cells, was verified. We also tested the virulence of the ath1Δ strain in a murine model of infection. FINDINGS The ath1Δ mutant strain grows normally in the presence of glucose, but loses its ability to grow in trehalose. Due to the high acid trehalase activity present in wild-type cells, the cytoplasmic neutral trehalase activity is only detected in the ath1Δ strain. We also observed a significantly lower virulence of the ath1Δ strain in a murine model of infection with either normal or immunocompromised mice. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The acid trehalase is involved in the hydrolysis of external trehalose by C. glabrata, and the enzyme also plays a major virulence role during infectivity.

Mecanismos de resistencia a fluconazol expresados por Candida glabrata: una situación para considerar en la terapéutica / Resistance mechanisms to fluconazole expressed by Candida glabrata: a situation to consider in therapy / Mecanismos de resistência a fluconazol expressos por Candida glabrata: uma situação a considerar na terapêutica

Introducción: Los esfuerzos terapéuticos orientados a atender las micosis por Candidaspp. se han enfocado en el empleo de azoles; sin embargo, en la literatura científica se discute su beneficio, por los amplios y descritos mecanismos de resistencia. Objetivo: Describir los mecanismos de resistencia al fluconazol expresados por la especie Candida glabrata, con la intención de que sean considerados dentro de las variables de elegibilidad para la intervención. Método: Se realizó una revisión integrativa utilizando la pregunta orientadora: ¿cuáles son los mecanismos de resistencia al fluconazol expresados por la especie Candida glabrata? Veintinueve estudios obtenidos de la base de datos PubMed cumplieron los criterios del análisis crítico propuesto por el instrumento PRISMA, utilizado para la selección de los artículos incluidos para su revisión en este manuscrito. Las categorías bajo las cuales se organizaron los elementos de análisis fueron: sobrexpresión de bombas de eflujo y modificaciones en la enzima lanosterol 14-alfa-desmetilasa. Resultados: Los mecanismos de resistencia al fluconazol expresados por Candida glabrata están determinados principalmente por la regulación a la alza de bombas de adenosina-trifosfato Binding Cassette (ABC) y por la modificación del punto de unión con su blanco farmacológico: la enzima lanosterol 14-alfa-desmetilasa. Conclusión: Los mecanismos de resistencia expresados por Candida glabrata se asocian con la modificación estructural de la diana farmacológica y la sobreexpresión de bombas de eflujo de manera diferencial a otras especies. Se sugiere que Candida glabrata es intrínsecamente menos susceptible al fluconazol.

Introduction: Therapeutic efforts aimed at treating mycosis caused by Candida spp. have focused on the use of azoles; however, their benefits have been subject to discussion in scientific literature, due to the extensive and well-described resistance mechanisms. Objective: To describe the resistance mechanisms to fluconazole expressed by the Candida glabrata species, so they are considered within the variables of eligibility for intervention. Method: An integrative review was carried out using the guiding question: what are the fluconazole resistance mechanisms expressed by the Candida glabrata species? Twenty-nine studies obtained from the PubMed database met the criteria for the critical analysis proposed by the PRISMA instrument, which was used for the selection of articles for review included in this paper. The analysis elements were organized in the following categories: overexpression of efflux pumps and modifications in the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase. Results: The resistance mechanisms to fluconazole expressed by Candida glabrata are mainly determined by the upregulation of Adenosine triphosphate Binding Cassette (ABC) pumps and by the modification of the point of attachment with its pharmacological target: the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase. Conclusion: The resistance mechanisms expressed by Candida glabrata are associated with the structural modification of the pharmacological target and the overexpression of efflux pumps, in a way different to other species. It is suggested that Candida glabrata is intrinsically less susceptible to fluconazole.

Introdução: Os esforços terapêuticos voltados ao tratamento de micose por Candida spp. se focaram no uso de azóis; no entanto, na literatura científica discute-se seu benefício devido aos extensos e descritos mecanismos de resistência. Objetivo: Descrever os mecanismos de resistência ao fluconazol expressos pela espécie Candida glabrata, com a intenção de serem considerados dentro das variáveis de elegibilidade para a intervenção. Método: Uma revisão integrativa foi realizada utilizando a questão norteadora: quais os mecanismos de resistência ao fluconazol expressos pela espécie Candida glabrata? Vinte e nove estudos obtidos da base de dados PubMed atenderam os critérios de análise crítica proposta pelo instrumento PRISMA, utilizado para a seleção dos artigos incluídos para revisão neste manuscrito. As categorias sob as quais se organizaram os elementos de análise foram: superexpressão de bombas de efluxo e modificações na enzima lanosterol 14-alfa-desmetilase. Resultados: Os mecanismos de resistência ao fluconazol expressos por Candida glabrata são determinados principalmente pela regulação positiva das bombas de adenosina-trifosfato Binding Cassette (ABC) e pela modificação do ponto de fixação com seu alvo farmacológico: a enzima lanosterol 14-alfa-desmetilasa. Conclusão: Os mecanismos de resistência expressos por Candida glabrata são associados à modificação estrutural da Diana farmacológica e a superexpressão de bombas de efluxo de maneira diferencial a outras espécies. Sugere-se que Candida glabrata é intrinsecamente menos susceptível ao fluconazol.

Detection of intracellular Helicobacter pylori in Candida. SPP from neonate oral swabs

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: There is evidence of detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the stool of newborns and in the yeast that colonizes the oral cavity of this age group. However, there is a lack of research to confirm it. This study proposes to determine the existence of the bacteria at an early age, specifically in newborns. OBJECTIVE: To identify intracellular H. pylori in oral yeasts and to detect antigens of the bacteria in newborn stools. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional and descriptive study. Samples were obtained from infants (oral swab and meconium). Identification of yeast species was performed using the following techniques: CHROMagar Candida, Germinal Tube Test and API Candida Identification System, then the yeasts were observed by light microscopy and fluorescence. Detection of H. pylori antigen in meconium and PCR were performed to amplify specific genes of the bacterium (rRNA16S, cagA, vacA s1a, vacA s1b, vacA s2, vacA m1, vacA m2 and dupA). RESULTS: Intracellular H. pylori was detected in yeast of the species Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) isolated from an oral swab of a newborn. CONCLUSION: The results of this study evidenced the existence of intracellular H. pylori in newborns.

RESUMO ANTECEDENTES: Há evidências de detecçâo de Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) em fezes de recém-nascidos, como também dentro de leveduras que colonizam a cavidade oral dessa faixa etária. No entanto, faltam investigações que confirmem esses achados. OBJETIVO: Identificar H. pylori intracelular em leveduras de origem oral e detectar antígenos dessa bactéria em fezes neonatais. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal e descritivo. As amostras foram obtidas de bebês (zaragatoa oral e mecônio). As identificações das espécies de leveduras foram realizadas utilizando as seguintes técnicas: CHROMagar Candida, teste de tubo germinativo e sistema de identificação API Cândida. As leveduras foram observadas por microscopía óptica e fluorescência. Realizou-se a detecçâo de antígeno de H. pylori em mecônio e PCR para a amplificação de genes específicos desta bactéria (rRNA16S, cagA, vacA s1a, vacA s1b, vacA s2, vacA m1, vacA m2 e dupA). RESULTADOS: Foi detectado H. pylori intracelular em leveduras da espécie Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) isoladas a partir de zaragatoas oral de um recém-nascido. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo evidenciaram a existência interna de levedura de H. pylori em recém-nascidos.