The Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-Rich (SRCR) proteins are an archaic group of proteins characterized by the presence of multiple SRCR domains. They are membrane-bound or secreted proteins, which are generally related to host defense systems in animals. Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 (DMBT1) is a SRCR protein which is secreted in mucosal fluids and involved in host defense by pathogen binding by its SRCR domains.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntimicrob Agents Chemother
June 2005
The therapeutic efficacy of an antimicrobial peptide, human lactoferrin 1-11 (hLF1-11), was investigated in a model of chronic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (gentamicin susceptible) osteomyelitis in rabbits. We incorporated 50 mg hLF1-11/g or 50 mg gentamicin/g cement powder into a calcium phosphate bone cement (Ca-P) and injected it into the debrided tibial cavity, creating a local drug delivery system. The efficacy of hLF1-11 and gentamicin was compared to that of a sham-treated control (plain bone cement) (n=6) and no treatment (infected only) (n=5).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: The continued rise in drug-resistant pathogens has led to global research efforts into new antimicrobial agents. A promising class of new agents are the antimicrobial peptides. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of the antimicrobial peptide Dhvar-5 in a prophylactic, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis model.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe integrity of biofilms on voice prostheses used to rehabilitate speech in laryngectomized patients causes unwanted increases in airflow resistance, impeding speech. Biofilm integrity is ensured by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This study aimed to determine whether synthetic salivary peptides or mucolytics, including N-acetylcysteine and ascorbic acid, influence the integrity of voice prosthetic biofilms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To compare the levels of sulfated mucins in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in ICU patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) with those in non-infectious controls, i.e., ventilated ICU patients without VAP, and nonventilated patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To investigate salivary flow and frequency of oral mucositis in intensive care unit patients compared with patients admitted because of elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In addition, the pattern of oropharyngeal colonization was investigated in these patients.
Design: Prospective study.