Scientifica最新文献

{"title":"Neuropharmacological, Antidiarrheal, and Antimicrobial Effects of <i>Chaetomorpha aerea</i> Acetone Extract: GC-MS Profiling and In Silico Analysis.","authors":"Md Mahmudul Hasan, Md Safayat Hossen Momen, Md Abdul Alim, Sajjad Hossen Chowdhury, Miton Chowdhury, Md Al Mamun, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Md Jakaria Parvez, Suman Das, S M Moazzem Hossen","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6745529","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6745529","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Chaetomorpha aerea</i>, distributed in temperate and tropical coastal regions, is traditionally consumed as a nutrient-rich food source in coastal communities and is believed to possess medicinal properties. This study evaluated the sedative, anxiolytic, antidiarrheal, and antimicrobial activities of the acetone extract of <i>C. aerea</i> (AECA). Furthermore, GC-MS performed a quantitative phytochemical analysis of the AECA. Sedative activity was evaluated in mice using the open field test (OFT) and hole cross test (HCT); anxiolytic activity was assessed using the elevated plus maze (EPM), hole board test (HBT), and light-dark box test (LDBT); and antidiarrheal activity was determined through castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility test. The disc-diffusion method was employed to evaluate antibacterial activity. In both OFT and HCT models, AECA 400 mg/kg demonstrated a significant reduction of square crossed and hole crossed compared to diazepam, respectively. In the case of EPM and HBT, 400 mg/kg dose of AECA demonstrated significant dose-dependent activity. Both in the castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility test, 400 mg/kg of AECA demonstrated moderate inhibition of diarrhea compared to standard loperamide. Antimicrobial assay of AECA showed considerable inhibition against <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Salmonella typhi</i>, measuring inhibition zones of 14 mm and 13 mm. Bioactive metabolites from GC-MS analysis were investigated through molecular docking. Docking was performed against GABA_A receptor (6X3T), MAO-A (2Z5X), M3 muscarinic receptor (5ZHP), <i>E. coli</i> FabI (1LX6), and GyrA (5ZTJ). AECA showed notable sedative, anxiolytic, antidiarrheal, and antimicrobial activities. To evaluate the molecular pathways involved and isolate the bioactive ingredients, more research is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6745529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313376/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144761212","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":"The Role of Hybrid Varieties in Enhancing Crop Productivity and Sustainability in Nepalese Agriculture.","authors":"Dipak Raj Bist, Adhiraj Kunwar, Pawan Chapagaee, Lokendra Khatri, Bibek Bhatt, Ashmita Mandal","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8275428","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8275428","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nepal is an agrarian-based country with most of the population engaged in the agriculture sector for their livelihood. Nepal, with its numerous agroecological zones, is moving from subsistence to commercial agriculture to reduce poverty, provide food security, and improve economic growth. Crop breeding programs were initiated in 1951 A.D. in Nepal to focus on the development of varieties for cereal crops, but most of the farmers are still based on their low-yielding traditional varieties. Hybrid varieties, developed by the cross-pollination between different plant varieties, play a vital part in this change by demonstrating heterosis, resulting in increased yields, resilience to biotic and abiotic challenges, and consistency in agronomic features. Hybrid maize and rice exhibit considerable potential to increase productivity, enhance smallholder farmers' earnings, and strengthen food security via efficient farming methods and mechanization. Despite these advantages, Nepal's dependency on imported hybrid seeds highlights issues such as expensive fertilizer and pesticide input costs, limited local production capacity, and concerns about genetic erosion. Nepal mostly imports hybrid seeds, and due to the rising demand, the country allocates substantial financial resources for their importation. In Nepal, the low quality of hybrid seed imported by different seed agencies and companies causes yield loss, more expenditure by farmers for purchasing seed, and a higher incidence of insect, pest, and disease. The Nepalese government should place emphasis on conducting research on hybrid seed development for cereal crops as well as vegetable seeds in collaboration with the private sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8275428"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12303640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144733067","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":"Optimization of Cinnamon Planting Density in Coconut Intercropping System in India.","authors":"Subramanian Periasamy, Surekha, Ravi Bhat, Anok Uchoi","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6485499","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6485499","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to explore the potential of cinnamon intercropping as a vertical expansion strategy with increased planting density to increase cinnamon production and address the surge in global demand for this valuable spice crop. Despite lower individual plant quill yield, the high-density pentagonal method at 0.6 m × 1.2 m spacing with 7290 plant population h^-1a resulted in high yield of 632 and 979 kg of cinnamon per hectare during first and second harvests, respectively, outperforming the control spacing (2.0 m × 2.0 m, 1404 population ha^-1). Furthermore, the coconut + cinnamon intercropping system with spacing of 0.6 m × 1.2 m resulted in significantly higher system productivity of coconut equivalent yield of 55,766 nuts per hectare per year (average of two years) compared to other spacing treatments, showcasing its potential for enhanced cultivation and productivity. Therefore, the study concluded that cinnamon is a promising and economically feasible intercrop in coconut plantations when planted using the high-density pentagonal planting method with a closer spacing of 0.6 m × 1.2 m with 7290 plant population ha^-1.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6485499"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12301090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144733066","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":"Phytochemical Composition, Antibacterial Activity, Modes of Action, and Antibiotic Resistance-Modifying Effects of <i>Harungana madagascariensis</i> (Hypericaceae) Against Multidrug-Resistant <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>.","authors":"Richard Mouozong, Aimé Gabriel Fankam, Varelle Lambou Diffo, Victor Kuete","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8950117","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8950117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Harungana madagascariensis</i> is a plant used in African traditional medicine to treat a wide range of human diseases, including microbial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, modes of action, and antibiotic resistance-modifying effects of the leaf, bark and root extracts of <i>H</i>. <i>madagascariensis</i> against multidrug-resistant <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity and antibiotic resistance-modifying effects of extracts. Phytochemical composition of extracts was carried out using known qualitative and quantitative methods. The action of the most active extract was evaluated on the bacteria cell membrane and catalase activity. The phytochemical results indicated that all the extracts contain alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins. Moreover, <i>H</i>. <i>madagascariensis</i> leaf extract (HMLE) had the highest phenolic (107.41 ± 9.66 mg GAE/g of extract) and flavonoid (53.67 ± 5.09 mg QE/g of extract) contents. The extracts had a wide range of antibacterial activity, with MICs ranging from 16 to 2048 μg/mL. HMLE identified as the most active extract affected the cytoplasmic membrane integrity and inhibited the catalase activity of <i>P</i>. <i>aeruginosa</i>. Moreover, HMLE at its subinhibitory concentration (MIC/8) improved the antibiotic activity by 2- to 16-fold. The MICs of tetracycline and doxycycline deceased from 32 to ≤ 2 <i>μ</i>g/mL and that of kanamycin from 256 to 32 μg/mL against the tested MDR <i>P</i>. <i>aeruginosa</i>. In conclusion, this study indicates that extracts from <i>H. madagascariensis</i>, particularly from its leaves, could serve as valuable assets in the discovery of new treatment option of infections due to MDR <i>P</i>. <i>aeruginosa</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8950117"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12277053/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683030","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":"A Computational Approach to Repurposing Natural Products for DprE1 Inhibition.","authors":"A V Snehalatha, N V Anil Kumar","doi":"10.1155/sci5/2105236","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/2105236","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate the potential of natural products (NPs) as inhibitors of decaprenylphosphoryl-D-ribose 2'-epimerase (DprE1), an enzyme crucial in <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> cell wall synthesis. Over 100 NPs were screened for anti-TB properties. Subsequently, the binding mechanism of the most potent inhibitor to DprE1 was investigated using computational methods, including molecular docking and simulations. Three compounds (CNP0123918, CNP0041612, and CNP0281145) were identified with promising binding interactions within DprE1's active site. CNP0123918 emerged as the top candidate, exhibiting good interaction with key residues in DprE1. This study suggests that computer-aided drug repurposing holds potential as a successful strategy for identifying novel anti-TB drugs. These findings contribute to the development of novel DprE1 inhibitors. Future research will focus on in vitro assays and in vivo and toxicology assessment of CNP0123908 to establish its potential as an effective DprE1 inhibitor.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"2105236"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12267967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144660110","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":"Chemoprotection and Immunostimulation of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicosis in Nile Tilapia, <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>.","authors":"Bilal A Paray, Eijaz A Bhat, Abdulkadir O Adebayo, Femi J Fawole, Ibrahim Adeshina","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9985059","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/9985059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper examined the chemoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) against chlorpyrifos (CPL)-induced toxicosis in Nile tilapia, <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>. Fish (<i>n</i> = 120, mean weight = 8.8 ± 0.6 g) were divided into 12 tanks (100-L capacity, 10 fish/tank) to represent two groups. Group 1 (60 fish) was fed a diet (300 g/kg crude protein) containing 40 mg ALA/kg feed, while Group 2 (60 fish) was fed a basal diet without ALA. Then, 30 fish from each group were exposed to 450 μg CPL/L. Thus, the experimental treatments were control, CPL (basal diet and exposed to CPL), ALA (ALA-based diet), and ALA + CPL (ALA-based and exposed to CPL) for 14 days. Fish fed with ALA alone showed significantly (<i>p</i>=0.001) higher survival rates (100%), improved hematological and biochemical profiles, enhanced antioxidant activity, and stronger immune responses than CPL-exposed fish alone. CPL exposure caused severe physiological disorders and histological damage, particularly in the liver. However, ALA + CPL interactions mitigated these adverse effects, restoring tissue integrity and functionality. The findings underscore ALA's potential as a dietary intervention to reduce environmental toxicant-induced stress in aquaculture, improving fish health and resilience against toxins.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"9985059"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12267956/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144660111","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":"Phytochemical Investigations and Pharmacological Potential of Organic Extracts of <i>Calotropis gigantea</i> L. Leaves.","authors":"Adil Jamal, Amina Arif, Shumaila Kiran, Muhammad Naveed Shahid, Md Belal Hossain","doi":"10.1155/sci5/1669969","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/1669969","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Calotropis gigantea</i> holds significant therapeutic value in Indian traditional medicine, since it is utilized for the treatment of several diseases. The current study was performed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant radical scavenging (DPPH), and hemolytic and antimicrobial activities of organic fractions of <i>C. gigantea</i> leaves. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals, antioxidant components, phenolics, and flavonoids were conducted using organic solvents, including methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous solutions. The bioactive fractions extracted from the leaf were tested against pathogenic organisms (<i>Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus</i>, and <i>Aspergillus niger</i>) using the agar well diffusion and microdilution broth method. Hemolytic assay was employed to measure erythrocyte damage in response to bioactive fractions. Our study reflected the presence of bioactive constituents (alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and quinones) with abundance of these found in all except <i>n</i>-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous. All extracts contained significant amounts of total phenolics and total flavonoids (μg/mg). DPPH activity measured was maximum in methanolic aqueous followed by <i>n</i>-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and <i>n</i>-butanol. Methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions showed maximum inhibition antibacterial activity in all Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains while antifungal activity tested in all fungal strains against all fractions showed promising inhibition. The results of our investigation indicate that the organic fractions exhibited reduced hemolytic activity, suggesting an enhanced medicinal potential and decreased toxicity of <i>C. gigantea</i> extracts. Based on the current results, it can be inferred that extracts derived from <i>C. gigantea</i> have diverse potential and urge further investigation as a possible reservoir of metabolites, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds. Nevertheless, it is imperative to utilize an appropriate and standardized solvent extraction methodology in order to recover possible phytochemicals and antioxidants that possess therapeutic properties from <i>C. gigantea</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"1669969"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12263267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144643284","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":"NRDR Inhibits the Migration of Endometrial Cancer Cells and Affects Their Gene Expression.","authors":"Ying Liu, Jiankai Shi, Shuxin Li, Shujun Liu, Yang Liu, Jiwei Liu, Xiaoying He, Chuncheng Liu, Libing Ma","doi":"10.1155/sci5/2495655","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/2495655","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Studying the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer is important to treatment of endometrial cancer. NADP(H)-dependent retinol dehydrogenase/reductase (NRDR) is associated with the development of cancer. Our previous research has found that NRDR can inhibit the synthesis of estradiol (E2) in granulosa cells. Based on the above statement, we speculate that NRDR may also be involved in the development of endometrial cancer. Therefore, this study investigated the expression patterns and mechanisms of NRDR in endometrial cancer. <b>Material and Methods</b>: This study was performed using Ishikawa cells combined with multiple methods, including immunohistochemical staining, wound healing and Transwell migration assays, RNA-seq analysis, and so on. <b>Results:</b> The results showed that NRDR was expressed in endometrial cancer tissues and uterine glands, and it was higher in endometrial cancer tissues of elderly patients. Wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay results showed that RNA interference targeting NRDR gene expression could promote the migration of endometrial cancer cells and the expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, and Twist. In addition, E2 could downregulate the expression of NRDR in endometrial cancer cells. Lastly, RNA-seq was performed on Ishikawa cells (RNA interference of NRDR), and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed. Further enrichment analysis of the functions and signaling pathways of DEGs using GO and KEGG revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in intrinsic component of plasma membrane, integral components of plasma membrane and calcium signaling pathway. <b>Conclusions</b>: In our study, it turns out that NRDR is a tumor suppressor in endometrial cancer cells. Through investigating the physiological function and molecular mechanism of NRDR in endometrial cancer, our experiment provides a theoretical basis for further understanding the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"2495655"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12259335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144637961","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":"Microplastics in Certain Commercial Finfish and Shellfish From Cox's Bazar Fish Landing Center, Bangladesh: Evaluating Abundance and Risks.","authors":"Md Shahriar Ahmed, Md Khalid Saifullah, Mst Afifa Khatun, Ananya Chakraborty, Anika Tasnim, Upayan Anam, Mohammad Toha, Md Kamruzzaman Munshi, Mohammad Amzad Hossain, Mohammed Mahbub Iqbal","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9515482","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/9515482","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microplastics (MPs) are significant environmental pollutants that have rapidly garnered public attention due to their widespread presence and harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. While MP pollution in the coastal regions has been widely reported, their potential impacts on public health are still not fully understood. The current study examined MP contamination in nine commercially important fish and shellfish species collected from the coastal waters of Bangladesh, specifically from the Bay of Bengal. MP abundances (fiber, fragment, and microbeads) were evaluated in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gills of fish and in the whole body of shellfish. Fibers were the most prevalent MP types found across the samples. In the case of gills, the highest abundance of MPs was found in Bombay duck, while the lowest was in pomfret. For GIT samples, hilsa showed the highest MP concentration, whereas the lowest was observed in bombay duck. Moreover, the highest level was observed in crabs, while the lowest was in squid (<i>p</i> < 0.05), likely because crabs are benthic feeders exposed to sediment-bound MPs, whereas squids are pelagic predators with lower exposure and more selective diets. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared research revealed that the major polymer types were polymethyl methacrylate (43.33%), ethylene vinyl acetate (23.33%), nitrile butadiene rubber (1.67%), polypropylene (5%), polycarbonate (3.33%), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (6.67%), nylon (5%), high-density polyethylene (1.67%), polyvinyl chloride (6.67%), and polyurethane (3.33%). MP contamination in fish and shellfish was assessed using contamination factor and pollution load index values, both below 10, indicating low to moderate pollution levels. The polymer hazard index further categorized the identified polymer types into risk levels ranging from low to very high, highlighting potential ecological and health concerns. These results underscore the urgent need for effective environmental management and continuous monitoring to mitigate MP-related risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"9515482"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12259316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144637951","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":"Antimicrobial Effect of Common Bacterial Pigments on Clinically Significant Microorganisms.","authors":"Afroz Salman, Biranthabail Dhanashree, Himani Kotian","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3951925","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/3951925","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this research is to investigate the antimicrobial characteristics of bacterial pigments. Pigments are vibrant metabolites generated by bacteria, offering defence against radiation, sunlight, stress and competing microorganisms. Bacterial pigments have various applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food sectors due to their antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant properties. In this cross-sectional in vitro study, we used 30 isolates each of <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, <i>Klebsiella</i> spp. and <i>Candida</i> spp. isolated from human urine, blood and pus samples to study the antimicrobial effect of pigments produced by <i>Serratia marcescens</i> (prodigiosin), <i>Chromobacterium violaceum</i> (violacein) and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (pyocyanin). At the suitable pH and temperature, pigment-producing bacteria were mass-cultured in nutrient broth. Pigments were extracted from <i>S. marcescens</i> and <i>C. violaceum</i> cultures using acetone and methanol. Pyocyanin from <i>P. aeruginosa</i> was extracted by using hydrochloric acid and chloroform. Extracted pigments were dried and characterised by mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the crude pigments was determined by the agar dilution method using Muller Hinton agar (MHA) plates for bacterial isolates, and Sabouraud's Dextrose agar (SDA) for <i>Candida</i> spp. <i>E. faecalis</i> ATCC 29212, <i>K. pneumonia</i> ATCC 700603 and <i>C. albicans</i> ATCC 14053 were used as standards. The minimum concentration of the pigment that supressed the growth of microorganism on the MHA/SDA agar plate was considered as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Data were analysed using the Chi-square statistical method. <i>E. faecalis</i>, which were resistant to teicoplanin, vancomycin, norfloxacin and penicillin, were found susceptible to pyocyanin (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella</i> spp. were susceptible to pyocyanin, violacein and prodigiosin (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <i>Candida</i> spp. resistant to caspofungin, micafungin, showed susceptibility to prodigiosin, and those isolates resistant to amphotericin B showed susceptibility to pyocyanin (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Among all clinical isolates, <i>Klebsiella</i> spp. from urine exhibited the highest resistance to the pigments studied. Among the pigments studied, violacein and prodigiosin exhibited superior antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Therefore, violacein and prodigiosin could serve as an alternative antimicrobial substance for addressing multidrug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3951925"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12256167/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144637950","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}