Mechanism of molecular interaction of sitagliptin with human DPP enzyme - New Insights.

Purpose: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP) inactivates a range of bioactive peptides. The cleavage of insulinotropic peptides and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP) by DPP directly influences glucose homeostasis. This study aimed to describe the mode of interaction between sitagliptin (an antidiabetic drug) and human DPP using in silico approaches.

Antifungal activity of sustainable histone deacetylase inhibitors against planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida spp. and Cryptococcusneoformans.

The limited therapeutic options for fungal infections and the increased incidence of fungal strains resistant to antifungal drugs, especially Candida spp., require the development of new antifungal drugs and strategies. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), like vorinostat, have been studied in cancer treatment and have antifungal effects, acting alone or synergistically with classical antifungals.

Inhibitory effect of proteinase K against dermatophyte biofilms: an alternative for increasing the antifungal effects of terbinafine and griseofulvin.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of proteinase K on mature biofilms of dermatophytes, by assays of metabolic activity and biomass. In addition, the proteinase K-terbinafine and proteinase K-griseofulvin interactions against these biofilms were investigated by the checkerboard assay and scanning electron and confocal microscopy. The biofilms exposed to 32 µg ml of proteinase K had lower metabolic activity and biomass, by 39% and 38%, respectively.

The herbicide paraquat alters growth and melanin production on the species complex.

Paraquat (1,10-dimethyl-4,4-bipyridinium dichloride; PQ) is a free-radical producing herbicide that affects cell membranes and can upset the environmental balance of microorganisms present in soil, such as spp. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of PQ against spp. in planktonic and biofilm forms, as well as the protective effect of antioxidant agents against the antifungal effect of PQ and the kinetics of melanin production in response to PQ.

Azole-Resilient Biofilms and Non-wild Type C. albicans Among Candida Species Isolated from Agricultural Soils Cultivated with Azole Fungicides: an Environmental Issue?

This study aimed to identify Candida spp. from agricultural soils cultivated with azole fungicides and investigate their susceptibility to clinical (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B) and agricultural (tetraconazole and tebuconazole) antifungals in planktonic form. Additionally, Candida biofilm-forming ability and biofilm susceptibility to agricultural antifungals and voriconazole were analyzed.

Essential oils encapsulated in chitosan microparticles against Candida albicans biofilms.

The aim of the study was to produce and characterize chitosan microparticles loaded with essential oils (CMEOs), evaluate the essential oil (EO) release profile and the CMEOs' anti-Candida activity. The chitosan microparticles (CMs) loaded with lemongrass essential oil (LEO) and geranium essential oil (GEO) were produced by the spray-drying method and characterized regarding CMEO morphological and physicochemical parameters and EO encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release profile. The planktonic activity was quantified by broth microdilution, and the activity against biofilm was quantified by biomass formation measurement.

Efflux pump inhibition controls growth and enhances antifungal susceptibility of species complex.

To evaluate the inhibition of efflux pumps by using promethazine (PMZ) as a strategy to control species complex (FSSC). The susceptibility of FSSC strains to PMZ and the interaction between PMZ and antifungals were evaluated. The efflux pump activity was confirmed by flow cytometry with rhodamine 6G.

Antifungal activity of promethazine and chlorpromazine against planktonic cells and biofilms of Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii complex species.

Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii are fungal pathogens that affect the central nervous system, mainly in immunocompromised individuals. Due to the limited pharmacological arsenal available for the treatment of cryptococcosis associated with cases of antifungal resistance of Cryptococcus spp. reported in some studies, the search for new compounds with antifungal potential becomes relevant.

Cefepime and Amoxicillin Increase Metabolism and Enhance Caspofungin Tolerance of Biofilms.

It is well known that prolonged antibiotic therapy alters the mucosal microbiota composition, increasing the risk of invasive fungal infection (IFI) in immunocompromised patients. The present study investigated the direct effect of β-lactam antibiotics cefepime (CEF) and amoxicillin (AMOX) on biofilm production by ATCC 10231. Antibacterials at the peak plasmatic concentration of each drug were tested against biofilms grown on polystyrene surfaces.

Proton pump inhibitors versus species: effects on susceptibility and melanin production.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on growth and melanin production by spp. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole against spp. were determined and the effect of PPIs on melanin production was evaluated, in the presence or absence of copper sulfate or glutathione.

Potassium iodide and miltefosine inhibit biofilms of Sporothrix schenckii species complex in yeast and filamentous forms.

This study aimed to evaluate the yeast biofilm growth kinetics and ultrastructure of Sporothrix schenckii complex and assess their mature biofilm susceptibility in filamentous and yeast forms to potassium iodide (KI) and miltefosine (MIL). Yeast biofilms were evaluated by crystal violet staining, XTT reduction assay and microscopic techniques. Susceptibility of planktonic and sessile cells was analyzed by broth microdilution.

β-lactam antibiotics & vancomycin increase the growth & virulence of Candida spp.

Aim: To investigate the direct effect of antibiotics on growth and virulence of the major Candida species associated with invasive infections.

Materials & Methods: Cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, amoxicillin and vancomycin were tested at twofold the peak plasma concentration (2× PP) and the peak plasma concentration (PP). The effects of antibiotics on Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis were investigated by colony counting, flow cytometry, proteolytic activity and virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Antifungal susceptibility and virulence of Candida parapsilosis species complex: an overview of their pathogenic potential.

Purpose: Antifungal resistance and several putative virulence factors have been associated with the pathogenicity of the Candida parapsilosis species complex. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal susceptibility, the production of virulence factors and the pathogenicity of the C. parapsilosis complex.

In vitro activity of azole derivatives and griseofulvin against planktonic and biofilm growth of clinical isolates of dermatophytes.

As shown by recent research, most of the clinically relevant fungi, including dermatophytes, form biofilms in vitro and in vivo, which may exhibit antimicrobial tolerance that favour recurrent infections. The aim of this study was to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of itraconazole (ITC), voriconazole (VCZ) and griseofulvin (GRI) against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum in planktonic and biofilm growth. For the planktonic form, susceptibility testing was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), document M38-A2, while biofilm susceptibility was evaluated using the XTT colorimetric essay.

In vitro effects of promethazine on cell morphology and structure and mitochondrial activity of azole-resistant Candida tropicalis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of promethazine on the antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations against planktonic cells and mature biofilms of Candida tropicalis, as well as investigate its potential mechanisms of cell damage against this yeast species. Three C. tropicalis isolates (two azole-resistant and one azole-susceptible) were evaluated for their planktonic and biofilm susceptibility to promethazine alone and in combination with itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin.

Antifungal susceptibility of Sporothrix schenckii complex biofilms.

Sporotrichosis, caused by species of Sporothrix schenckii complex, is the most prevalent subcutaneous mycosis in many areas of Latin America. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Sporothrix spp. to form biofilms in vitro and to characterize the growth kinetics, morphology, and antifungal susceptibility of biofilms against classical antifungals.

Biofilms of Candida spp. from the ocular conjunctiva of horses with reduced azole susceptibility: a complicating factor for the treatment of keratomycosis?

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the biofilm-forming ability of Candida spp. from the ocular conjunctiva of horses and to investigate the antifungal susceptibility of these biofilms.

Procedures: Initially, the biofilm-forming ability of 15 strains was assessed by crystal violet staining, which reveals the fungal biomass adhered to the polystyrene plates, and scanning electron microscopy.

Trends in antifungal susceptibility and virulence of Candida spp. from the nasolacrimal duct of horses.

This was a cross-sectional study to investigate the antifungal susceptibility and production of virulence factors in strains of Candida isolated from the outlet and the lumen of the nasolacrimal duct of horses in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The samples were obtained from 103 horses. Sterile cotton swabs were used to collect the material from the outlet of the nasolacrimal duct and urethral probes, for the instillation of 2 ml of saline solution, were used to collect samples from the lumen of the nasolacrimal duct.

Evidence of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida Species in Tortoises and Sea Turtles.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal susceptibility of Candida spp. recovered from tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.) and sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Lepidochelys olivacea, Eretmochelys imbricata).

Exogenous tyrosol inhibits planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida species and enhances their susceptibility to antifungals.

Tyrosol is a quorum-sensing molecule of Candida albicans able to induce hyphal development in the early and intermediate stages of biofilm growth. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of high concentrations of exogenous tyrosol on planktonic cells and biofilms of C. albicans (n = 10) and C.

Candida tropicalis isolates obtained from veterinary sources show resistance to azoles and produce virulence factors.

Candida tropicalis has been associated with invasive candidiasis, being the first or second most common non-Candida albicans Candida species isolated in humans with candidemia and candiduria, as well as being frequently isolated from healthy animals. This study aimed to characterize C. tropicalis isolates (n = 64) obtained from several animal species regarding antifungal susceptibility and production of virulence factors.