{"title":"ESBL and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in infectious pleural effusions: current epidemiology at Hôpital du Mali.","authors":"Aimé Césaire Kalambry, Tchamou Malraux Fleury Potindji, Ibrehima Guindo, Ambara Kassogue, Boubacar Sidiki Ibrahim Drame, Seydou Togo, Sadio Yena, Seydou Doumbia, Mahamadou Diakite","doi":"10.33393/dti.2023.2613","DOIUrl":"10.33393/dti.2023.2613","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern, with extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases being major contributors. Pleural infection (PI) is a severe condition in West Africa, complicated by AMR. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of ESBL and carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria in pleural effusions in Mali.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Pleural fluid samples from 526 patients with pleuritis were analyzed. Enterobacterial species were isolated and identified, and the prevalence of resistance genes (<i>bla<sub>OXA-48</sub>, bla<sub>NDM-1</sub>, bla<sub>KPC</sub>, bla<sub>TEM</sub>, bla<sub>SHV</sub></i>) and virulence factors was determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the patients, 110 were diagnosed with enterobacterial pleuritis. <i>Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis</i> were the main pathogens identified. Resistance to β-lactams and cephalosporins was high, while carbapenems showed good activity. ESBL production was detected in 33.6% of isolates, with <i>bla</i><i><sub>TEM</sub></i> being the most common gene. Carbapenemase gene (<i>bla<sub>NDM-1</sub></i>) was found in three isolates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the need for appropriate antibiotic selection based on local resistance patterns. Understanding the molecular characteristics of resistance is crucial for optimizing patient care and developing effective therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to monitor and control AMR in PIs in Mali.</p>","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"17 ","pages":"92-100"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/3b/dti-17-92.PMC10466504.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10152156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Identification of anti-pathogenic activity among in silico predicted small-molecule inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR or nitric oxide reductase (NOR)","authors":"G. Gajera, N. Henriksen, Bryan Cox, V. Kothari","doi":"10.1101/2023.07.17.549273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.07.17.549273","url":null,"abstract":"Antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Identification of novel targets in this notorious pathogen is urgently warranted to facilitate discovery of new anti-pathogenic agents acting against it. Attacking non-essential targets is believed to be a potential anti-virulence strategy. This study attempted to identify small molecule inhibitors of two important proteins LasR and nitric oxide reductase (NOR) in P. aeruginosa. This bacterial pathogen possesses multiple quorum sensing (QS) systems to regulate expression of many of its genes including those associated with virulence. Among these QS systems, ‘Las’ system can be said to be the ‘master’ regulator, whose receptor protein is LasR. Similarly, NOR plays crucial role in detoxification of reactive nitrogen species. This study attempted in silico identification of potential LasR or NOR inhibitors through a virtual screen employing AtomNet®, a proprietary deep learning neural network. Following virtual screening of a large number of compounds for their affinity to LasR or NOR, a final subset of <100 compounds was created by clustering and filtering the top scoring compounds. These compounds were evaluated for their in vivo anti-pathogenic activity by challenging the model host Caenorhabditis elegans with P. aeruginosa in presence or absence of test compounds. Survival of the worm population in 24-well assay plates was monitored over a period of 5 days microscopically. Of the 96 predicted LasR inhibitors, 11 exhibited anti-Pseudomonas activity (23-96% inhibition of bacterial virulence as per third-day end point) at 25-50 µg/ml. Of the 85 predicted NOR inhibitors, 8 exhibited anti-Pseudomonas activity (40-85% inhibition of bacterial virulence as per second-day end point) at 25-50 µg/ml. Further investigation on molecular mode of action of active compounds is warranted.","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"17 1","pages":"101 - 109"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45888013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Drug Target InsightsPub Date : 2023-06-05eCollection Date: 2023-01-01DOI: 10.33393/dti.2023.2583
Safiya Fatima Khan, Bhavya Shetty, Ibrahim Fazal, Asim Mustafa Khan, Faheem Muzaffar Mir, Muhamood Moothedath, V J Reshma, Muhaseena Muhamood
{"title":"Licorice as a herbal extract in periodontal therapy.","authors":"Safiya Fatima Khan, Bhavya Shetty, Ibrahim Fazal, Asim Mustafa Khan, Faheem Muzaffar Mir, Muhamood Moothedath, V J Reshma, Muhaseena Muhamood","doi":"10.33393/dti.2023.2583","DOIUrl":"10.33393/dti.2023.2583","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Periodontal disease is caused by specific pathogens which results in inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures and subsequently causes the continued breakdown of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Licorice (<i>Glycyrrhiza glabra</i>) is a perennial herb with substantial medicinal value. Licorice extract is derived from dried, unpeeled stolons and roots of <i>Glycyrrhiza uralensis</i> and <i>G. glabra</i>. The bioactive ingredients in licorice extract such as glycyrrhizin, licoricidin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and licorisoflavan A have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adherence effects that are beneficial against periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease has a complex etiology that includes the host response and microorganisms, licorice phytochemicals offer a therapeutic advantage due to their dual functionality. The aim of this review was to enumerate the bioactive compounds present in herbal licorice extract and to elucidate the beneficial effects of licorice and its derivatives in periodontal therapy. Literature review and clinical trials evaluating the effect of licorice on periodontopathogens and periodontal disease are included in this article.</p>","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"17 ","pages":"70-77"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/86/dti-17-70.PMC10243202.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9597793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Safiya Fatima Khan, Bhavya Shetty, Ibrahim Fazal, Asim Mustafa Khan, Faheem Muzaffar Mir, Muhamood Moothedath, Reshma VJ, Muhaseena Muhamood
{"title":"Licorice as a herbal extract in periodontal therapy","authors":"Safiya Fatima Khan, Bhavya Shetty, Ibrahim Fazal, Asim Mustafa Khan, Faheem Muzaffar Mir, Muhamood Moothedath, Reshma VJ, Muhaseena Muhamood","doi":"10.33393/dti.2023.2583","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33393/dti.2023.2583","url":null,"abstract":"Periodontal disease is caused by specific pathogens which results in inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures and subsequently causes the continued breakdown of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb with substantial medicinal value. Licorice extract is derived from dried, unpeeled stolons and roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. glabra. The bioactive ingredients in licorice extract such as glycyrrhizin, licoricidin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and licorisoflavan A have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adherence effects that are beneficial against periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease has a complex etiology that includes the host response and microorganisms, licorice phytochemicals offer a therapeutic advantage due to their dual functionality. The aim of this review was to enumerate the bioactive compounds present in herbal licorice extract and to elucidate the beneficial effects of licorice and its derivatives in periodontal therapy. Literature review and clinical trials evaluating the effect of licorice on periodontopathogens and periodontal disease are included in this article.","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"64 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135658074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Drug Target InsightsPub Date : 2023-05-29eCollection Date: 2023-01-01DOI: 10.33393/dti.2023.2595
Feny J Ruparel, Siddhi K Shah, Jhanvi H Patel, Nidhi R Thakkar, Gemini N Gajera, Vijay O Kothari
{"title":"Network analysis for identifying potential anti-virulence targets from whole transcriptome of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> exposed to certain anti-pathogenic polyherbal formulations.","authors":"Feny J Ruparel, Siddhi K Shah, Jhanvi H Patel, Nidhi R Thakkar, Gemini N Gajera, Vijay O Kothari","doi":"10.33393/dti.2023.2595","DOIUrl":"10.33393/dti.2023.2595","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global threat. Identification of novel antibacterial targets is urgently warranted to help antimicrobial drug discovery programs. This study attempted identification of potential targets in two important pathogens <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus.</i></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Transcriptomes of <i>P. aeruginosa</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> exposed to two different quorum-modulatory polyherbal formulations were subjected to network analysis to identify the most highly networked differentially expressed genes (hubs) as potential anti-virulence targets.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Genes associated with denitrification and sulfur metabolism emerged as the most important targets in <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. Increased buildup of nitrite (NO<sub>2</sub>) in <i>P. aeruginosa</i> culture exposed to the polyherbal formulation <i>Panchvalkal</i> was confirmed through <i>in vitro</i> assay too. Generation of nitrosative stress and inducing sulfur starvation seemed to be effective anti-pathogenic strategies against this notorious gram-negative pathogen. Important targets identified in <i>S. aureus</i> were the transcriptional regulator <i>sarA</i>, immunoglobulin-binding protein Sbi, serine protease <i>SplA</i>, the <i>saeR/S</i> response regulator system, and gamma-hemolysin components <i>hlgB</i> and <i>hlgC</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Further validation of the potential targets identified in this study is warranted through appropriate <i>in </i><i>vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> assays in model hosts. Such validated targets can prove vital to many antibacterial drug discovery programs globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"17 ","pages":"58-69"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/69/dti-17-58.PMC10238913.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9584080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Feny J. Ruparel, Siddhi K. Shah, Jhanvi H. Patel, Nidhi R. Thakkar, Gemini N. Gajera, Vijay O. Kothari
{"title":"Network analysis for identifying potential anti-virulence targets from whole transcriptome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus exposed to certain anti-pathogenic polyherbal formulations","authors":"Feny J. Ruparel, Siddhi K. Shah, Jhanvi H. Patel, Nidhi R. Thakkar, Gemini N. Gajera, Vijay O. Kothari","doi":"10.33393/dti.2023.2595","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33393/dti.2023.2595","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global threat. Identification of novel antibacterial targets is urgently warranted to help antimicrobial drug discovery programs. This study attempted identification of potential targets in two important pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: Transcriptomes of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus exposed to two different quorum-modulatory polyherbal formulations were subjected to network analysis to identify the most highly networked differentially expressed genes (hubs) as potential anti-virulence targets. Results: Genes associated with denitrification and sulfur metabolism emerged as the most important targets in P. aeruginosa. Increased buildup of nitrite (NO2) in P. aeruginosa culture exposed to the polyherbal formulation Panchvalkal was confirmed through in vitro assay too. Generation of nitrosative stress and inducing sulfur starvation seemed to be effective anti-pathogenic strategies against this notorious gram-negative pathogen. Important targets identified in S. aureus were the transcriptional regulator sarA, immunoglobulin-binding protein Sbi, serine protease SplA, the saeR/S response regulator system, and gamma-hemolysin components hlgB and hlgC. Conclusion: Further validation of the potential targets identified in this study is warranted through appropriate in vitro and in vivo assays in model hosts. Such validated targets can prove vital to many antibacterial drug discovery programs globally.","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135693233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Drug Target InsightsPub Date : 2023-04-13eCollection Date: 2023-01-01DOI: 10.33393/dti.2023.2574
Vanessa Zambelli, Emma J Murphy, Paolo Delvecchio, Laura Rizzi, Roberto Fumagalli, Emanuele Rezoagli, Giacomo Bellani
{"title":"Treatment with levosimendan in an experimental model of early ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction.","authors":"Vanessa Zambelli, Emma J Murphy, Paolo Delvecchio, Laura Rizzi, Roberto Fumagalli, Emanuele Rezoagli, Giacomo Bellani","doi":"10.33393/dti.2023.2574","DOIUrl":"10.33393/dti.2023.2574","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-saving approach in critically ill patients. However, it may affect the diaphragmatic structure and function, beyond the lungs. Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer widely used in clinics to improve cardiac contractility in acute heart failure patients. In vitro studies have demonstrated that levosimendan increased force-generating capacity of the diaphragm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of levosimendan administration in an animal model of ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD) on muscle contraction and diaphragm muscle cell viability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sprague-Dawley rats underwent prolonged MV (5 hours). VIDD+Levo group received a starting bolus of levosimendan immediately after intratracheal intubation and then an intravenous infusion of levosimendan throughout the study. Diaphragms were collected for ex vivo contractility measurement (with electric stimulation), histological analysis and Western blot analysis. Healthy rats were used as the control.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Levosimendan treatment maintained an adequate mean arterial pressure during the entire experimental protocol, preserved levels of autophagy-related proteins (LC3BI and LC3BII) and the muscular cell diameter demonstrated by histological analysis. Levosimendan did not affect the diaphragmatic contraction or the levels of proteins involved in the protein degradation (atrogin).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our data suggest that levosimendan preserves muscular cell structure (cross-sectional area) and muscle autophagy after 5 hours of MV in a rat model of VIDD. However, levosimendan did not improve diaphragm contractile efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"17 ","pages":"39-44"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/41/dti-17-39.PMC10105369.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9324491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Are calcium channel blockers related to lung cancer?","authors":"Ratchanon Rattanathanoo, Jarin Chindaprasirt, Watchara Boonsawat, Panita Limpawattana, Sittichai Khamsai, Kittisak Sawanyawisuth","doi":"10.33393/dti.2023.2573","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33393/dti.2023.2573","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Background: Calcium channel blocker (CCB) is a common antihypertensive agent for the treatment of hypertension. There are inconsistent data of an association of CCB and lung cancer in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate this association by a case-control design. Methods: The inclusion criteria were adult patients 18 years or over, diagnosed with hypertension, lung cancer or pulmonary tuberculosis, and presenting with one of the suggestive symptoms of lung cancer. Those who were pregnant or had a diagnosis of lung cancer or pulmonary tuberculosis prior to the diagnosis of hypertension were excluded. Diagnosis of lung cancer was made pathologically, while tuberculosis was made by positive acid-fast bacilli on sputum examination, sputum culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or polymerase chain reaction positive for M. tuberculosis with a chest x-ray compatible with tuberculosis. Cases were those diagnosed with lung cancer, while controls were those diagnosed with tuberculosis. Factors associated with lung cancer were calculated by logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 178 patients who met the study criteria. Of those, 69 patients (38.8%) were in the case group. The lung cancer group had EGFR gene mutation in 21 patients (52.5%) and adenocarcinoma was the most common cell type of lung cancer (55 patients; 79.7%). There were two factors independently associated with lung cancer including dyslipidemia and family history of lung cancer. Conclusions: CCB was not associated with lung cancer in patients with hypertension but dyslipidemia and family history of lung cancer were independently associated with lung cancer in this setting.","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"17 ","pages":"54-57"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/b6/dti-17-54.PMC10203876.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9526478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Activity of sotorasib against brain metastases from NSCLC harboring <i>KRAS</i> p.G12C mutation: a case report.","authors":"Alessandro Inno, Fabiana Marchetti, Matteo Valerio, Niccolò Giaj Levra, Filippo Alongi, Giovanni Foti, Stefania Gori","doi":"10.33393/dti.2023.2593","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33393/dti.2023.2593","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the CodeBreaK 100 phase 2 study, sotorasib was active for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) p.G12C mutation. However, patients with untreated and/or active brain metastases were excluded from the trial, and the activity of sotorasib in the setting of brain metastases should be further investigated. Here we report the case of a KRAS p.G12C mutant NSCLC patient with three brain metastases, of whom one was untreated and the other two had progressed after radiotherapy with symptoms requiring steroids, that responded to sotorasib. Our report suggests that sotorasib may be active against untreated or progressive brain metastases, supporting further evaluation of sotorasib in this setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":11326,"journal":{"name":"Drug Target Insights","volume":"17 ","pages":"90-91"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d9/0c/dti-17-90.PMC10318585.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10180423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}