Cytotoxic Potential of the Monoterpene Isoespintanol against Human Tumor Cell Lines.

Cancer is a disease that encompasses multiple and different malignant conditions and is among the leading causes of death in the world. Therefore, the search for new pharmacotherapeutic options and potential candidates that can be used as treatments or adjuvants to control this disease is urgent. Natural products, especially those obtained from plants, have played an important role as a source of specialized metabolites with recognized pharmacological properties against cancer, therefore, they are an excellent alternative to be used. The objective of this research was to evaluate the action of the monoterpene isoespintanol (ISO) against the human tumor cell lines MDA-MB-231, A549, DU145, A2780, A2780-cis and the non-tumor line MRC-5. Experiments with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and fluorescence with propidium iodide (PI), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dilactate (DAPI) and green plasma revealed the cytotoxicity of ISO against these cells; furthermore, morphological and chromogenic studies revealed the action of ISO on cell morphology and the inhibitory capacity on reproductive viability to form colonies in MDA-MB-231 cells. Likewise, 3D experiments validated the damage in these cells caused by this monoterpene. These results serve as a basis for progress in studies of the mechanisms of action of these compounds and the development of derivatives or synthetic analogues with a better antitumor profile.

Isoespintanol Antifungal Activity Involves Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Inhibition of Biofilm Formation, and Damage to Cell Wall Integrity in Candida tropicalis.

The growing increase in infections caused by C. tropicalis, associated with its drug resistance and consequent high mortality, especially in immunosuppressed people, today generates a serious global public health problem. In the search for new potential drug candidates that can be used as treatments or adjuvants in the control of infections by these pathogenic yeasts, the objective of this research was to evaluate the action of isoespintanol (ISO) against the formation of fungal biofilms, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and its effect on the integrity of the cell wall. We report the ability of ISO to inhibit the formation of biofilms by up to 89.35%, in all cases higher than the values expressed by amphotericin B (AFB). Flow cytometric experiments using rhodamine 123 (Rh123) showed the ability of ISO to cause mitochondrial dysfunction in these cells. Likewise, experiments using calcofluor white (CFW) and analyzed by flow cytometry showed the ability of ISO to affect the integrity of the cell wall by stimulating chitin synthesis; these changes in the integrity of the wall were also observed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These mechanisms are involved in the antifungal action of this monoterpene.

Antibacterial Screening of Isoespintanol, an Aromatic Monoterpene Isolated from Oxandra xylopioides Diels.

The incidence of nosocomial infections, as well as the high mortality and drug resistance expressed by nosocomial pathogens, especially in immunocompromised patients, poses significant medical challenges. Currently, the efficacy of plant compounds with antimicrobial potential has been reported as a promising alternative therapy to traditional methods. Isoespintanol (ISO) is a monoterpene with high biological activity. Using the broth microdilution method, the antibacterial activity of ISO was examined in 90 clinical isolates, which included 14 different species: (Escherichia coli (38), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13), Acinetobacter baumannii (3), Proteus mirabilis (7), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3), Staphylococcus aureus (5), Enterococcus faecium (1), Enterococcus faecalis (1), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (2), Citrobacter koseri (2), Serratia marcescens (1), Aeromonas hydrophila (1), and Providencia rettgeri (1). MIC90 minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged from 694.3 to 916.5 µg/mL and MIC50 values from 154.2 to 457.3 µg/mL. The eradication of mature biofilms in P. aeruginosa after 1 h of exposure to ISO was between 6.6 and 77.4%, being higher in all cases than the percentage of biofilm eradication in cells treated with ciprofloxacin, which was between 4.3 and 67.5%. ISO has antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against nosocomial bacteria and could serve as an adjuvant in the control of these pathogens.

Mechanism of Antifungal Action of Monoterpene Isoespintanol against Clinical Isolates of Candida tropicalis.

The growing increase in infections by Candida spp., non-albicans, coupled with expressed drug resistance and high mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients, have made candidemia a great challenge. The efficacy of compounds of plant origin with antifungal potential has recently been reported as an alternative to be used. Our objective was to evaluate the mechanism of the antifungal action of isoespintanol (ISO) against clinical isolates of Candida tropicalis. Microdilution assays revealed fungal growth inhibition, showing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 326.6 and 500 µg/mL. The eradication of mature biofilms by ISO was between 20.3 and 25.8% after 1 h of exposure, being in all cases higher than the effect caused by amphotericin B (AFB), with values between 7.2 and 12.4%. Flow cytometry showed changes in the permeability of the plasma membrane, causing loss of intracellular material and osmotic balance; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the damage to the integrity of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, ISO induced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS). This indicates that the antifungal action of ISO is associated with damage to membrane integrity and the induction of iROS production, causing cell death.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Duguetia vallicola (Annonaceae) against in-Hospital Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is especially dominant in people with cystic fibrosis; the drug resistance expressed by this pathogen and its capacity for adaptation poses a significant challenge to its treatment and control, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates globally. In this sense, the search for new treatment alternatives is imminent today, with products of plant origin being an excellent alternative for use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential and to explore the possible effect of ethanolic extracts from the wood and bark of Duguetia vallicola on the cell membrane. Microdilution assays showed the inhibition of bacterial growth by more than 50%, with the lowest concentration (62.5 µg/mL) of both extracts evaluated. Furthermore, we report the ability of both extracts to inhibit mature biofilms, with inhibition percentages between 48.4% and 93.7%. Intracellular material leakage experiments (260/280 nm), extracellular pH measurements, and fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB) showed cell membrane damage. This indicates that the antibacterial action of ethanolic extracts of D. vallicola is associated with damage to the integrity of the cell membrane and consequent death of these pathogens. These results serve as a reference for future studies in establishing the mechanisms of action of these extracts.

Transcriptional Reprogramming of Candida tropicalis in Response to Isoespintanol Treatment.

Candida tropicalis, an opportunistic pathogen, ranks among the primary culprits of invasive candidiasis, a condition notorious for its resistance to conventional antifungal drugs. The urgency to combat these drug-resistant infections has spurred the quest for novel therapeutic compounds, with a particular focus on those of natural origin. In this study, we set out to evaluate the impact of isoespintanol (ISO), a monoterpene derived from Oxandra xylopioides, on the transcriptome of C. tropicalis. Leveraging transcriptomics, our research aimed to unravel the intricate transcriptional changes induced by ISO within this pathogen. Our differential gene expression analysis unveiled 186 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to ISO, with a striking 85% of these genes experiencing upregulation. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of ISO's influence on C. tropicalis, spanning a spectrum of physiological, structural, and metabolic adaptations. The upregulated DEGs predominantly pertained to crucial processes, including ergosterol biosynthesis, protein folding, response to DNA damage, cell wall integrity, mitochondrial activity modulation, and cellular responses to organic compounds. Simultaneously, 27 genes were observed to be repressed, affecting functions such as cytoplasmic translation, DNA damage checkpoints, membrane proteins, and metabolic pathways like trans-methylation, trans-sulfuration, and trans-propylamine. These results underscore the complexity of ISO's antifungal mechanism, suggesting that it targets multiple vital pathways within C. tropicalis. Such complexity potentially reduces the likelihood of the pathogen developing rapid resistance to ISO, making it an attractive candidate for further exploration as a therapeutic agent. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive overview of the transcriptional responses of C. tropicalis to ISO exposure. The identified molecular targets and pathways offer promising avenues for future research and the development of innovative antifungal therapies to combat infections caused by this pathogenic yeast.

Antifungal potential of isoespintanol extracted from Oxandra xylopioides diels (Annonaceae) against intrahospital isolations of Candida SPP.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of isoespintanol (ISO) extracted from Oxandra xylopioides Diels (Annonaceae) against clinical isolates of Candida spp. Isoespintanol was obtained from the petroleum benzine extract of the leaves and was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). For antifungal activity experiments, the broth microdilution method was used. The results show an inhibitory effect against Candida spp., with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 450.4-503.3 µg/mL. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of ISO against fungal biofilms is highlighted, even in some cases, greater than the effect shown by amphotericin B (AFB) and in others, where AFB showed no effect. Assays with fluorescent staining with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Evans blue, measurement of extracellular pH and leakage of intracellular material, evidenced damage at the level of fungal membranes and general cell damage, when cells were exposed to ISO, compared to untreated cells. The results of this research, serve as the basis for future studies in the establishment of the mechanisms of antifungal action of ISO, which could serve as an adjunct in the treatment of infections by these yeasts.

Prevalencia de infecciones fúngicas en centros hospitalarios de Montería-Córdoba, Colombia

RESUMEN Introducción: Las infecciones fúngicas se han convertido en una importante causa de mortalidad y morbilidad y en concreto, las oportunistas originadas tanto por levaduras como por hongos filamentosos, han visto incrementada su incidencia de forma significativa. Las infecciones sistémicas de origen fúngico han adquirido una elevada importancia en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia de infecciones fúngicas en diferentes centros hospitalarios. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo trasversal realizado en Montería-Córdoba, Colombia, durante el periodo 2011-2015. La investigación se fundamentó en el análisis estadístico de datos clínicos de pacientes con infecciones fúngicas de cuatro centros hospitalarios en la ciudad de Montería, basados en la clasificación internacional de enfermedades, decima versión. Resultados: Prevalecieron once tipos de infecciones fúngicas en el periodo 2011-2015. Predominó la candidiasis con 47,8 %, otras micosis superficiales 20,6 %, dermatofitosis 14,3 % y cromomicosis con 13,0 %. El sexo más afectado fue el masculino con 53,1 %. El grupo de edad prevalente fue de 34 años para ambos sexos. Conclusiones: Existe un incremento de las infecciones fúngicas en el periodo 2011-2015 en Montería-Córdoba. La candidiasis se comporta como una infección prevalente. Asimismo, los resultados de este estudio pueden ser un referente para futuros investigaciones epidemiológicas en Colombia.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fungal infections have become an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Opportunistic fungal infections in particular, either caused by yeasts or by filamentous fungi, have raised their incidence significantly. Systemic infections of a fungal origin have acquired great importance in immunocompromised patients. Objective: Analyze the prevalence of fungal infections in several hospital institutions. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Montería, Córdoba, Colombia, in the period 2011-2015. The research was based on the statistical analysis of clinical data from patients with fungal infections attending four hospital institutions in the city of Montería, in keeping with the International Classification of Diseases, tenth version. Results: Eleven types of fungal infections prevailed in the period 2011-2015. A predominance was found of candidiasis (47.8 %), other superficial mycosis (20.6%), dermatophytosis (14.3 %) and chromomycosis (13.0 %). The male sex was more affected with 53.1 %, whereas the prevailing age group was 34 years for both sexes. Conclusions: An increase in fungal infection prevalence was observed in Montería, Córdoba, in the period 2011-2015. Candidiasis behaves as a prevalent infection. The results of the study may serve as reference for future epidemiological studies in Colombia.

[Presumptive identification of Cryptococcus gattii isolated from Terminalia catappa in Montería city, Córdoba, Colombia]. / Identificación presuntiva de Cryptococcus gattii aislado de Terminalia catappa en Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: the members of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex are responsible for cryptococcosis in animals and humans. Human infection is thought to be acquired by inhalation of airborne propagules from an environmental source; therefore it is greatly important to study their habitat. OBJECTIVE: to determine the ecological relationship of Cryptococcus gattii with Terminalia catappa trees present in urban areas of Montería city in Colombia. METHODS: a total of 163 Terminalia catappa trees were selected; some samples were taken from the bark, the leaves, the flowers, the fruits of these trees and from the surrounding soil. The yeast was isolated using the Guizotia abyssinica seed agar medium; it was identified thanks to biochemical and morphologic tests whereas the right variety was determined by L-canavanine-glycine-bromothymol blue (CGB), D-proline and D-tryptophan tests. RESULTS: there was obtained 9.050 CFU/g isolate of Cryptococcus spp., 5.795 CFU/g of which were presumptively identified as Cryptococcus gattii. The highest percentage of isolates was found in flowers, followed by bark and fruits, presenting small cellular and capsular sizes. These isolates were more frequent in the south of the city, followed by the center zone and the lowest percentage in the northern zone. CONCLUSIONS: these findings confirmed the close relationship of Cryptococcus gattii and Terminalia catappa, being this the first study conducted in Monteria city. These results give us meaningful information for understanding and analyzing the epidemiology of cryptococcosis in Monteria city, Colombia.

Identificación presuntiva de Cryptococcus gattii aislado de Terminalia catappa en Montería, Córdoba, Colombia / Presumptive identification of Cryptococcus gattii isolated from Terminalia catappa in Montería city, Córdoba, Colombia

Introducción: los miembros del complejo Cryptococcus neoformans, son la causa de criptococosis en humanos y animales. La infección en humanos es adquirida por la inhalación de los propágulos presentes en el ambiente, por esta razón es de gran importancia el estudio de su hábitat. Objetivo: determinar la relación ecológica de Cryptococcus gattii con árboles de Terminalia catappa presentes en la zona urbana de la ciudad de Montería, Colombia. Métodos: se seleccionaron 163 árboles de Terminalia catappa de los cuales se tomaron muestras de corteza, hojas, flores, fruto y suelo circundante. El aislamiento se realizó utilizando el medio de agar semillas de Guizotia abyssinica, la identificación se hizo mediante pruebas morfológicas y fisiológicas y la variedad se determinó con las pruebas de L-canavanina-glicina-azul de bromotimol (CGB), D-prolina y D-triptofano. Resultados: se obtuvieron 9,050 UFC/g con características de Cryptococcus spp. De ellas, 5,795 UFC/g correspondieron presuntivamente a Cryptococcus gattii. El mayor porcentaje de aislamientos se encontró en flores, seguido por corteza y fruto, con tamaños celulares y capsulares pequeños. Estos aislamientos fueron más frecuentes en el sur de la ciudad, seguido por la zona centro y en menor porcentaje por la zona norte. Conclusiones: los hallazgos muestran una estrecha relación entre Cryptococcus gattii y Terminalia catappa. Este estudio es el primero que se hace en la ciudad de Montería. Los resultados brindan información valiosa para la comprensión y el análisis sobre la epidemiología de la criptococosis en la ciudad de Montería, Colombia.

Introduction: the members of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex are responsible for cryptococcosis in animals and humans. Human infection is thought to be acquired by inhalation of airborne propagules from an environmental source; therefore it is greatly important to study their habitat. Objective: to determine the ecological relationship of Cryptococcus gattii with Terminalia catappa trees present in urban areas of Montería city in Colombia. Methods: a total of 163 Terminalia catappa trees were selected; some samples were taken from the bark, the leaves, the flowers, the fruits of these trees and from the surrounding soil. The yeast was isolated using the Guizotia abyssinica seed agar medium; it was identified thanks to biochemical and morphologic tests whereas the right variety was determined by L-canavanine-glycine- bromothymol blue (CGB), D-proline and D-tryptophan tests. Results: there was obtained 9.050 CFU/g isolate of Cryptococcus spp., 5.795 CFU/g of which were presumptively identified as Cryptococcus gattii. The highest percentage of isolates was found in flowers, followed by bark and fruits, presenting small cellular and capsular sizes. These isolates were more frequent in the south of the city, followed by the center zone and the lowest percentage in the northern zone. Conclusions: these findings confirmed the close relationship of Cryptococcus gattii and Terminalia catappa, being this the first study conducted in Montería city. These results give us meaningful information for understanding and analyzing the epidemiology of cryptococcosis in Monteria city, Colombia.