International Journal of Microbiology最新文献

{"title":"Differential Expression of <i>fimH</i>, <i>ihf</i>, <i>upaB</i>, and <i>upaH</i> Genes in Biofilms- and Suspension-Grown Bacteria From Samples of Different Uropathogenic Strains of <i>Escherichia coli</i>.","authors":"Esmeralda Rodríguez-Miranda, María de Lourdes Reyes-Escogido, Viridiana Olmedo-Ramírez, Octavio Jiménez-Garza, Sergio López-Briones, Marco Antonio Hernández-Luna","doi":"10.1155/ijm/5235071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/ijm/5235071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Uropathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> (UPEC) strains are the main bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). UPEC are a significant public health hazard due to their high proliferation, antibiotic resistance, and infection recurrence. The ability to form biofilms is a mechanism of antibiotic resistance, which requires the expression of different genes such as <i>fimH</i>, <i>ihf</i>, <i>upaB</i>, and <i>upaH</i>. Despite the relevance of biofilm formation in bacterial pathogenicity, differences in the expression level of these genes among bacterial growth conditions have been little studied. Here, we have characterized the expression of <i>fimH</i>, <i>ihf</i>, <i>upaB</i>, and <i>upaH</i> genes in biofilms and suspension-grown bacteria of different <i>E. coli</i> strains. These included the UPEC CFT073, the multidrug-resistant strain CDC-AR-0346, and clinical isolates obtained from UTI patients. The expression of <i>fimH</i>, <i>ihf</i>, <i>upaB</i>, and <i>upaH</i> was markedly heterogeneous in clinical isolates, both in terms of transcript levels and response to suspension or biofilm conditions. That expression pattern was distinct from the one in UPEC CFT073, where <i>upaB</i> and <i>upaH</i> were upregulated and <i>ihf</i> and <i>fimH</i> were slightly downregulated in biofilm. In conclusion, the data presented here show that the pattern of biofilm-associated genes in the clinical isolates from UTI patients is not fully related to the reference strain of UPEC CFT073. However, analysis of a larger number of samples is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"5235071"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11658850/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142864248","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":"Anticancer Effect of Mycotoxins From <i>Penicillium aurantiogriseum</i>: Exploration of Natural Product Potential.","authors":"Assia Bouhoudan, Joaira Bakkach, Mustapha Khaddor, Nadira Mourabit","doi":"10.1155/ijm/5553860","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijm/5553860","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Research into biologically natural substances with antitumor properties, known for their potential to induce fewer side effects and exhibit specificity toward cancerous cells, remains imperative. The pressing demand for novel agents in cancer therapy underscores the intensive investigation of natural products from microorganisms. <i>Penicillium aurantiogriseum</i>, frequently isolated from food and feed, emerges as a promising candidate against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This species harbors numerous mycotoxins that warrant extensive clinical study due to their potential in cancer treatment. Identifying mycotoxins with anticancer properties produced by <i>P. aurantiogriseum</i> could unveil novel therapeutic targets and enrich the pharmacological landscape. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the utilization of <i>P. aurantiogriseum</i> mycotoxins in cancer research and elucidates therapeutic agents' advantages and limitations. <i>P. aurantiogriseum</i> produces at least 15 mycotoxins with potent anticancer effects mediated through diverse mechanisms, including enzyme inhibition (e.g., pseurotin), induction of apoptosis (e.g., auranthine, aurantiamides A, aurantiomides A-C, penicillic acid, penitrem, verrucisidinol, acetate verrucosidinol, and chaetoglobosin A), and cell-cycle arrest (e.g., anicequol, aurantiamine, and Taxol). Although certain mycotoxins, such as Taxol, Anacin, and Compactin, are used in commerce, many others remain relatively unexplored. The mycotoxins derived from <i>P. aurantiogriseum</i> hold considerable potential for cancer treatment, offering novel therapeutic avenues and enhancing current treatments through synergistic combinations and advanced delivery systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"5553860"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11637627/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142818114","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":"Molecular Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> O177 Isolates, Their Antibiotic Resistance, and Virulence Profiles From Broiler Chickens.","authors":"Tsepo Ramatla, Tshepang Motlhaping, Nkanyezenhle Ndlovu, Kealeboga Mileng, Jody Howard, George Khasapane, Taole Ramaili, Prudent Mokgokong, Jane Nkhebenyane, Rendani Ndou, Kgaugelo Lekota, Oriel Thekisoe","doi":"10.1155/ijm/9778058","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijm/9778058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The World Health Organization (WHO) describes Shiga toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> (STEC) as a bacterium that can cause severe food-borne diseases. Common sources of infection include undercooked meat products and faecal contamination in vegetables. This study aimed to isolate, identify and assess the virulence and antibiotic resistance profiles of STEC isolates from broiler chicken faeces. Faecal samples were cultured, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to identify the isolates. Subsequently, the confirmed isolates were screened for seven virulence markers using PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates to 13 different antibiotics was determined using the disk diffusion method. PCR was also employed to screen for antibiotic resistance genes. The <i>uidA</i> gene, which encodes the beta-glucuronidase enzyme, was detected in 62 (64.6%) of the 91 presumptively identified <i>E. coli</i> isolates. Of these, 23 isolates (37.1%) were confirmed to be <i>E. coli</i> O177 serogroup through amplification of <i>wzy</i> gene. All <i>E. coli</i> O177 isolates possessed the virulence <i>stx2</i> gene, while 65% carried the <i>stx1</i> gene. Among the <i>E. coli</i> O177 isolates, three harboured a combination of <i>vir + stx2 + stx1 + hlyA</i> genes, while one isolate contained a combination of <i>eaeA + stx2 + stx1 + hlyA</i> genes. All <i>E. coli</i> O177 isolates carried one or more antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, with 17 isolates (73.7%) identified as multidrug resistance (MDR). This is the first study to report the presence of <i>E. coli</i> O177 serotype from broiler chickens in South Africa. The findings reveal that broiler chicken faeces are a significant reservoir for MDR <i>E. coli</i> O177 and a potential source of AMR genes. These results underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and monitoring of the spread of AMR infectious bacteria in food-producing animals and their environments. The study also emphasizes that monitoring and control of poultry meat should be considered a major public health concern.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"9778058"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11634401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142812408","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":"Alterations in Gut Microbiota Correlate With Hematological Injuries Induced by Radiation in Beagles.","authors":"Zongyu Huang, Likun Wang, Jianghui Tong, Yong Zhao, Hui Ling, Yazhou Zhou, Yafang Tan, Xiaohui Xiong, Yefeng Qiu, Yujing Bi, Zhiyuan Pan, Ruifu Yang","doi":"10.1155/ijm/3096783","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijm/3096783","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dynamics of gut microbiota and their associations with the corresponding hematological injuries postradiation remain to be elucidated. Using single whole-body exposure to ⁶⁰Co-<i>γ</i> ray radiation at the sublethal dose of 2.5 Gy, we developed a beagle model of acute radiation syndrome (ARS) and then monitored the longitudinal changes of gut microbiome and hematology for 45 days. We found that the absolute counts of circulating lymphocytes, neutrophils, and platelets were sharply declined postradiation, accompanied by a largely shifted composition of gut microbiome that manifested as a significantly increased ratio of <i>Firmicutes</i> to <i>Bacteroidetes</i>. In irradiated beagles, alterations in hematological parameters reached a nadir on day 14, sustaining for 1 week, which were gradually returned to the normal levels thereafter. However, no structural recovery of gut microbiota was observed throughout the study. Fecal metagenomics revealed that irradiation increased the relative abundances of genus <i>Streptococcus</i>, species <i>Lactobacillus animalis</i> and <i>Lactobacillus murinus</i>, but decreased those of genera <i>Prevotella</i> and <i>Bacteroides</i>. Metagenomic functions prediction demonstrated that 26 altered KEGG pathways were significantly enriched on Day 14 and 35 postradiation. Furthermore, a total of 43 bacterial species were found to correlate well with hematological parameters by Spearman's analysis. Our results provide an insight into the longitudinal changes in intestinal microbiota at different clinical stages during ARS in canine. Several key microbes those tightly associated with the hematological alterations may serve as biomarkers to discriminate the different phases of host with ARS.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"3096783"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11631345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142807005","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":"Biopreservation of Food Using Bacteriocins From Lactic Acid Bacteria: Classification, Mechanisms, and Commercial Applications.","authors":"Dhea Alya Putri, Jiang Lei, Nia Rossiana, Yolani Syaputri","doi":"10.1155/ijm/8723968","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijm/8723968","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Food is the primary substance needed by humans to survive. However, food is easily contaminated by spoilage bacteria, which cause a decrease in quality and shelf life. Moreover, spoilage bacteria in food can be pathogenic, leading to foodborne disease that endangers human health. This issue has also driven the widespread use of synthetic preservatives, which have negative effects both in the short and long term. Biopreservation efforts utilizing bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria offer an alternative solution to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of food. These bacteriocins are safe to use as they are produced by lactic acid bacteria that are approved for use in food. The application of various types of bacteriocins as biopreservatives has been widely conducted. Several other types of bacteriocins are continuously being researched and developed to ensure their safety and suitability for use as food biopreservatives. This article highlights bacteriocins, including their classification, general overview, mechanisms of action, differences from antibiotics, diversity, applications, prospects, and challenges as future food biopreservatives. Additionally, this article presents commercial bacteriocins, namely, nisin and pediocin, which are frequently used for food preservation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"8723968"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11620799/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142785326","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":"Biofilm-Forming Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Water From Distribution Systems: Occurrence and Public Health Implications.","authors":"Olorunjuwon O Bello, Mathew O Oni, Temitope K Bello, Aderonke M Ilemobayo, Adebanke M Ajagunna, Adeleke Osho","doi":"10.1155/ijm/4147226","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijm/4147226","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biofilm is a structurally-connected microbial community, covered by a self-produced polymeric matrix and adhered to biotic or abiotic surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of biofilm-producing antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water from distribution systems. Water samples were taken from 32 tanks across Ondo City and Akure metropolis, Nigeria. Information regarding the sanitation status of the tanks was gathered by observation and oral interviews. The physicochemical properties were determined using standard methods. Using the pour plate technique. Agars included serially diluted water samples were inoculated onto plate count agar, mannitol salt agar, <i>Salmonella-Shigella</i> agar, MacConkey agar, and cetrimide nutrient agar to assess total viable bacteria, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Salmonella</i> and <i>Shigella</i>, coliforms, and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, respectively. Eosin-methylene blue agar was used to cultivate <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Enterobacter aerogenes.</i> Pure isolates were characterised using API kits and assessed for antibiotic resistance and biofilm production employing the Kirby-Bauer and tissue culture plate techniques, respectively. The ages of the water tanks ranged from 1 to 25 years old; all tanks had cover-lids; 13 (40.63%) had water guards while 12 (37.5%) underwent water treatment. The physicochemical properties chiefly fell within WHO standards for drinking water. One hundred and eighty-seven isolates were obtained. <i>S. aureus</i> (15.51%) had the highest frequency while <i>Salmonella enterica</i> (3.2%) had the lowest frequency. Thirty-six percent of the isolates were strong biofilm producers, while 20.67% Gram-negative and 18.69% Gram-positive bacterial isolates were antibiotic-resistant. This study revealed a high occurrence of biofilm-forming bacteria and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water distribution systems, emphasizing the urgency of improving water quality for public health protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"4147226"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11617039/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142780121","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":"Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producer Gram-Negative Rods and Associated Factors Among Patients With Wound Infection at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Sara Tesfaye, Wudu Tafere, Wondwossen Abebe, Yitayih Wondimeneh","doi":"10.1155/2024/1478975","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/1478975","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Background:&lt;/b&gt; Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have significantly affected the management and treatment of wound infections globally. Data on the prevalence of MDR bacterial profiles that cause wound infections in Ethiopia are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to determine MDR as well as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production profiles of Gram-negative rods that are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics and that cause wound infections. &lt;b&gt;Objective:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producer Gram-negative rods and associated factors among patients with wound infection at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital between May and July 2022. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 228 participants. Swabs from different wound types were inoculated onto the MacConkey agar and blood agar plates and incubated overnight at 37°C for 24 h. Biochemical tests were performed on isolated colonies for the identification of bacterial species based on their biochemical reaction. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion technique as per the standard Kirby-Bauer method by using Muller-Hinton agar, and the zone of inhibition was interpreted as resistant, intermediate, and sensitive as per the recommendation of Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. Isolates were tested against ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase screening using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and combined disk tests were applied for phenotypic confirmatory test of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing isolates. &lt;b&gt;Result:&lt;/b&gt; Of 228 study participants, 162 (71.1%) were culture-positive. Among culture-positive patients, 165 Gram-negative bacteria were recovered. The most common Gram-negative isolates were &lt;i&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt; (47; 28.5%), followed by &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; (43; 26.1%) and &lt;i&gt;Klebsiella pneumoniae&lt;/i&gt; (24; 14.5%). The susceptibility rates of the isolate for imipenem and tobramycin were 97.0% and 73.2%, respectively, and the overall multidrug resistance rate was 80.5%. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producer bacteria were also isolated. Besides, all (100%) of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producer bacteria were MDR. Living in rural areas (AOR 5.8; 95% CI [2.01-16.7]), hospital admission (AOR 3.95; 95% CI [1.13-13.83]), antibiotic use (AOR 2.83; 95% CI [1.03-7.72]), and comorbidity (AOR 0.25; 95% CI [0.07-0.59]) were significantly associated with wound infection. &lt;b&gt;Conclusions and Recommendations:&lt;/b&gt; There was a high prevalence of Gram-negative bacterial isolates in this study&lt;i&gt;. Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt; (28.5%) was the predominant isolate. In addition, high rates of multidrug resistance were observed. The high lev","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"1478975"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11573444/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142668077","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":"Bacteriuria Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Ejisu Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Ghana.","authors":"Constancia S Dansoa, Nicholas Y Anaba, Richard T Zangine, Christine Kodji, Frank A Bonsu, Gideon O Abbiw, Isaac Acheampong, Solomon Wireko, Seth A Domfeh","doi":"10.1155/2024/1120083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1120083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at increased risk of infections, such as malignant otitis externa and rhinocerebral mucormycosis, with the urinary tract being the most affected (for example, emphysematous pyelonephritis commonly caused by <i>Escherichia coli</i>). Hence, this study assessed the prevalence of bacteriuria and antibiogram patterns of bacteria isolates among T2DM patients visiting the Ejisu Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. In this cross-sectional study, 58 patients visiting the hospital for routine healthcare were conveniently recruited after obtaining informed consent. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and medical history were obtained using pretested structured questionnaires. Mid-stream urine was collected for bacteria isolation and identification using standard bacterial culture and biochemical tests. Bacteria cultures ≥ 10⁵ CFU/mL were considered significant bacteriuria. The antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the bacteria isolates were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Bacteriuria was recorded among 15.5% (9/58) of the patients, mainly those with no previous history (77.8%) and no symptoms (55.6%) of urinary tract infections (UTIs). <i>E. coli</i> (55.6%) and <i>Klebsiella</i> spp. (44.6%) were primarily isolated from the T2DM patients. All the bacteria isolates (<i>E. coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella</i> spp.) demonstrated the highest resistance to co-trimoxazole and tetracycline (55.6%) and a complete susceptibility to amikacin and levofloxacin (100%). However, 60% of the <i>E. coli</i> isolates and 25% of the <i>Klebsiella</i> isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR; resistant to at least one antibiotic agent in three or more antimicrobial categories). The study shows that T2DM patients have bacteria in their urine which are resistant to most common antibiotics, even among those with no history of UTIs; hence, routine bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing among T2DM patients is recommended for better patient management to reduce the co-morbidities of UTIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"1120083"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11540879/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142604518","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":"Potential Target Metabolites From Gut Microbiota Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study.","authors":"Sehar Aslam, Muhammad Qasim, Fatima Noor, Muhammad Shahid, Usman Ali Ashfaq, Samman Munir, Helal F Al-Harthi, Mutaib M Mashraqi, Umair Waqas, Mohsin Khurshid","doi":"10.1155/2024/4286228","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/4286228","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, posing significant challenges and economic burdens on healthcare systems. Gut microbiota metabolites have shown promise in cancer treatment, but the specific active metabolites and their key targets remain unclear. This study employed a network pharmacology-based approach to identify potent metabolites of gut microbiota and their key targets. Active metabolites produced by gut microbiota were retrieved using the database gutMGene, and targets associated with these metabolites were identified using the Swiss Target Prediction tool. HCC-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, and overlapping targets were selected through a Venn diagram tool. An integrated metabolites-target-pathway network was analyzed to identify active inhibitors against HCC, including <i>p</i>-cresol glucuronide, secoisolariciresinol, glycocholic acid, enterodiol, and citric acid. Molecular docking tests were performed to validate the findings and assess the binding affinity of the metabolites with their target proteins. The study identified AKT1, EGFR, ALB, and TNF genes as potential therapeutic targets against hepatic cancer. The metabolites, <i>p</i>-cresol glucuronide, secoisolariciresinol, glycocholic acid, enterodiol, and citric acid, exhibited significant binding affinity with their respective target proteins. The study also revealed multiple signaling pathways and biological processes associated with the metabolites, demonstrating their preventive effect against HCC. This research utilizes a network pharmacology-based approach to identify potent metabolites of gut microbiota and their key targets for the treatment of HCC. The findings were validated through molecular docking tests, providing a foundation for future studies on anti-HCC metabolites and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, this study offers insights into the development of novel anti-HCC drugs utilizing gut microbiota metabolites.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"4286228"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11537736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142582956","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":"<i>Penicillium citrinum</i> CFAM 521 Isolated From the Amazon Region: A Novel Source of a Fibrinolytic Enzyme.","authors":"Thayana Cruz de Souza, Marcos Gustavo Araujo Schwarz, Daniela Marinho da Silva, Carolina Rabelo Maia, Cláudia Patrícia Mendes de Araújo, Antônio Alcirley da Silva Balieiro, Luiz Antonio de Oliveira, Wim Maurits Sylvain Degrave, Ormezinda Celeste Cristo Fernandes, Leila Mendonça-Lima","doi":"10.1155/2024/5306083","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/5306083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fibrinolytic agents are essential in treating thrombosis, playing a critical role in improving survival rates in cardiovascular diseases. Microbial fibrinolytic proteases have emerged as promising alternatives due to their affordability, specificity, lower toxicity, and reduced side effects. Consequently, the search for microorganisms capable of producing these enzymes has gained significant economic importance in the pharmaceutical industry. This study reports and characterizes a novel fibrinolytic enzyme produced by <i>Penicillium citrinum</i> CFAM 521, a strain isolated from the Amazon region. The enzyme was purified using a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-phosphate salt aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). The effects of PEG molecular weight, PEG concentration, and phosphate concentration on the protease partition coefficient (K) were evaluated through a 2² full factorial design. The enzyme exhibited both fibrinolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities. After partitioning in a two-phase system with 10% (w/w) PEG and 15% (w/w) sodium phosphate, the fibrinolytic proteases were predominantly retained in the salt-rich bottom phase (<i>K</i> = 0.33). The enzyme has a molecular weight of 34 kDa, with optimal pH and temperature at 9°C and 37°C, respectively. Inhibitory analysis confirmed that it is a serine protease, and its activity was enhanced by the addition of Mn²⁺. Notably, the enzyme exhibited no hemolytic activity. Therefore, <i>P. citrinum</i> CFAM 521 represents a novel source of fibrinolytic enzymes, highlighting its potential as an alternative for the development of thrombolytic agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":14098,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Microbiology","volume":"2024 ","pages":"5306083"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11537737/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142582952","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}