Fungal Candida Research Articles

Prosthetic stomatitis and etiology of formation

Denture stomatitis is a common inflammation of the mucous membrane covered by the denture, which is caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Candida albicans is considered the most common cause of denture stomatitis. It occurs under removable dentures due to several causative and contributing factors. If left untreated, this disease can lead to fatal systemic candidal infections. Denture-associated candidal stomatitis, clinically described in the literature, is a localized or generalized inflammation of the oral mucosa in association with a removable denture. During this inflammatory process, Candida biofilms and the patient’s immune response play a significant role. Among the microorganisms in this mixed biofilm, Candida species easily multiply and transform from a saprophyte into an opportunistic pathogen. In this situation, the presence of a prosthesis plays an important role. In particular, Candida albicans is capable of interfering with the body’s innate immune system to cause infection. Additionally, edentulous older adults wearing dentures may experience an imbalance and decreased diversity of the oral microflora. The present narrative review focuses on the presentation of denture stomatitis in patients who wear dentures and, in particular, on the involvement of Candida albicans sp. associated with this pathology.

Features of the vagina microbiotope in patients with adenomyosis

The objective: to assess the composition of the vaginal microbiota in women of reproductive age with adenomyosis.Materials and methods. A comprehensive clinical-laboratory and instrumental prospective examination of 224 patients aged 30 to 50 years (average age – 42.0±1.8 years) with adenomyosis, who were included in the main study group, was conducted. The patients of the main group were divided into 2 subgroups depending on the form of adenomyosis – I group (diffuse form) included 106 women, II group (nodular form) – 118 persons. The control group included 84 healthy women of reproductive age with a regular ovulatory menstrual cycle and no history of gynecological diseases.Patients underwent microscopic examination of vaginal secretions, bacterioscopic examination of vaginal smears, stained according to Gram. Lactobacillus cultures were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid analysis.​Results. During the microscopic examination of the vaginal secretion, more than 15 leukocytes in the field of view were detected in 84 (37.5±3.2%) patients of both groups: in 40 (47.9±3.3%) patients of the I group and in 44 (52.1±3.3%) – II group. During the bacterioscopic examination of vaginal swabs, stained according to Gram, no gonococci and trichomonads were found in the main group. Candida fungi were detected microscopically in 158 patients (70.5±3.1%) of the main group: in 71 (66.9±4.6%) of the I group and in 87 (33.1±4.3%) of II group.Genotyping results showed that lactobacilli isolated from women with adenomyosis belonged to seven species: Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus amnionii, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Lactobacillus delbrueskii. The majority of lactobacilli strains have high inhibitory activity against all test strains, except for Candida albicans (39 cases, 46.4%). High adhesion to human erythrocytes was determined by 54.7% (46 cases) of the studied cultures.All lactobacilli strains were resistant to metronidazole, 83.3% (70 cases) to kanamycin, 57.1% (48 cases) to vancomycin, all strains were sensitive to roxithromycin, amoxiclav, and ampicillin. Moderate sensitivity to gentamicin and cefazolin was found in 51.9% (43 cases) of cultures, peroxide-forming activity in 80.9% (68 cases).The use of quantitative diagnostic thresholds has led to significant improvements in diagnostic performance. PCR showed 88% sensitivity and 95% specificity for Gardnerella vaginalis and 96% sensitivity and 97% specificity for Atopobium vaginae.Conclusions. It has been established that bacterial vaginosis and microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis are independently associated with adenomyosis. The results of the study confirmed that vaginal microorganisms, which are usually diagnosed in women with adenomyosis, ascend to the endometrium from the vagina vertically, which leads to infection of the upper parts of the genital tract.

Qualitative assessment of the removable denture microbiome.

Assessment of the denture plaque can provide a valuable report regarding the oral health of geriatric patients and the oral hygiene habits in this population group. Focusing on the current research gap on this topic in Romania, our research aims to highlight the microbial plaque on the different surfaces and types of removable poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) prostheses to qualitatively evaluate the microbial species, and to assess the combined effect of mechanical and chemical cleaning of dentures on the prosthetic microbiome. The prosthetic plaque from four denture wearers was identified with a UV activated fluorescent revealer and digitally photographed. Swab samples according to a certain hygiene protocol were cultured on three different growth media such as blood agar (BA), bromothymol blue lactose agar (AABTL) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Denture plaque was variably distributed on the surface of the prostheses. Regardless of the denture type (conventional complete denture, tooth or implant supported overdenture, removable partial denture) the microbial plaque was identified at the retentive areas, especially at interdental spaces. The main plaque deposition areas were the vestibular incline of the labial flange of the maxillary denture and the lingual incline of the posterior lingual flange of the mandibular denture. The prosthetic microbiome consisted of pathogenic Gram-positive aerobes (Streptococcus spp. and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp.), Gram-positive anaerobes (Actinomyces spp. and Klebsiella spp.) as well as subspecies of fungi of the genus Candida. Despite its poor variety, the denture microbiome in the investigated cases hosts colonies with high pathogenic potential. Some areas of the prostheses are more likely to accumulate dental plaque. Dentists should insist through more regular checks of the patients and their caregivers on ensuring the biocontrol of the dentures, especially in frail geriatric patients exposed to greater risks related to general health.

Analyzing the structure of the metal complexes of biologically active azo dye ligand

A novel azo dye ligand was created by diazotizing 4‐aminoantipyrine and then coupling it with 2‐aminophenol as part of a methodical investigation of physiologically active compounds, 4‐aminoantipyrine. The novel complexes containing Cr(III), Fe(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) were created from the target ligand (L). The structures of the ligand and metal complexes were verified by elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis–difference thermogravimetry (TGA‐DTG), conductivity measurements, infrared (IR), UV–Vis, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and mass spectrometry. Using the Gaussian 09 tool, the density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP method was utilized to compute the energy gaps and other important theoretical features. Also, the newly synthesized azo dye ligand, in comparison with metal complexes, was screened for its antimicrobial activity. The crystal structures of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis as gram‐positive bacteria, Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli as gram‐negative bacteria, and fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans) species were compared with the produced azo dye and its metal complexes via molecular docking. Most of the complexes exhibited greater antimicrobial activities against these organisms than did the original azo dye ligand.

EFFECTIVENESS OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN DENTAL PROSTHESIS USERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Oral Candidosis is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida, which is opportunistic and associated with immunologically compromised patients and/or those with reduced oral hygiene. The present study seeks to evaluate the use of Photodynamic Therapy to combat Oral Candidosis in denture users. A search was carried out in the databases: Pubmed, Scielo and VHL, selecting publications from the last ten years available in the literature. In this way, 106 studies were found, however, only 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. After analyzing the articles, it can be concluded that photodynamic therapy proved to be efficient in combating Oral Candidosis in patients using dental prostheses.

Inhibition of Biofilm Formation in Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans by the Phytopigment Shikonin.

Skin microbiota, such as acne-related Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungal Candida albicans, can form polymicrobial biofilms with greater antimicrobial tolerance to traditional antimicrobial agents and host immune systems. In this study, the phytopigment shikonin was investigated against single-species and multispecies biofilms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of shikonin were 10 µg/mL against C. acnes, S. aureus, and C. albicans, and at 1-5 µg/mL, shikonin efficiently inhibited single biofilm formation and multispecies biofilm development by these three microbes. Shikonin increased porphyrin production in C. acnes, inhibited cell aggregation and hyphal formation by C. albicans, decreased lipase production, and increased hydrophilicity in S. aureus. In addition, shikonin at 5 or 10 µg/mL repressed the transcription of various biofilm-related genes and virulence-related genes in C. acnes and downregulated the gene expression levels of the quorum-sensing agrA and RNAIII, α-hemolysin hla, and nuclease nuc1 in S. aureus, supporting biofilm inhibition. In addition, shikonin prevented multispecies biofilm development on porcine skin, and the antimicrobial efficacy of shikonin was recapitulated in a mouse infection model, in which it promoted skin regeneration. The study shows that shikonin inhibits multispecies biofilm development by acne-related skin microbes and might be useful for controlling bacterial infections.

PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF VULVOVAGINAL, ESOPHAGEAL AND URINARY TRACT CANDIDIASIS

Introduction: Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the Candida fungus and covers a wide variety of clinical manifestations. One of the fundamental tools in the treatment of this infection is the use of the antifungal fluconazole. The dosage and duration of treatment vary depending on the form of the infection. Objective: This article involved a critical analysis of research to identify trends, knowledge gaps, and current challenges associated with candidiasis, with an emphasis on the efficacy of fluconazole. Methodology: This research aims to deepen the understanding of candidiasis, providing valuable information for healthcare professionals and researchers facing the clinical challenges of this fungal infection. It is a species that is naturally sensitive to all systemic antifungal drugs, but cases of acquired resistance to azoles are known in patients exposed to these medications for a prolonged period. Final Considerations: Fluconazole interacts with 14-α-sterol-demethylase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of ianosterol into ergosterol. The demethylation mechanism in mammals is less sensitive to the action of fluconazole, therefore the drug helps the body to neutralize the agents that cause fungal infection.

Optical and physical characteristics of chitosan/silver vanadate nanocomposites

Chitosan/AgVO3 nanocomposite thin films were synthesized via solution casting method using water as solvent. Silver vanadate (AgVO3) nanoparticles were prepared separately using a chemical precipitation technique. The structure and properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling ratio tests, and antimicrobial assays. FTIR analysis confirmed the interaction between the amide I group of chitosan and AgVO3 nanoparticles. Increasing AgVO3 content resulted in decreased optical bandgap of the nanocomposite films. XRD patterns showed the amorphous nature of the nanocomposites. SEM images revealed evenly distributed AgVO3 nanoparticles within the chitosan matrix. The swelling ratio decreased with higher AgVO3 loading, suggesting improved hydrolytic stability. The nanocomposite films demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as Candida fungus. The tunable optical properties, swelling behavior, and antibacterial effects spotlight the potential of chitosan/AgVO3 nanocomposites for versatile biomedical applications.

Synthesis, Biological and Medicinal Evaluation of New Boric Acid Ester Derived From Antibiotic Drug with Some of Its Metal Complexes

Synthesis of new ligand, namely [bis(2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl) hydrogen borate] (BIB), utilizing the reaction of metronidazole with boric acid in mole ratio (2:1), as well as the metal complexes with [Ni(II) and Cu(II)], were synthesized. All synthesized compounds were characterized by utilizing spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, 1H-NMR, thermal analysis (T.G., UV-Vis), and atomic absorption (A.A.S.), as well as micro elemental analysis (C.H.N.), melting point (m.p), magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, and chloride content measurements. All complexes were paramagnetic, and the electrolyte and the suggested geometries were tetrahedral for nickel and octahedral for copper. In addition, all the transition metal complexes produced were shown to be antibacterial and antifungal against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and the fungus Candida. Also, metronidazole and the ligand were evaluated as anticancer agents against human breast cancer (MCF-7). The results showed that ligand was more active as an anticancer than metronidazole.

Antimicrobial Evaluation of Anthraquinones and Preanthraquinone from the Root Extract of Aloe kefaensis

The aim of this study was to isolate antimicrobial compounds from the roots of Aloe kefaensis, a plant endemic to Ethiopia and used to treat various microbial infections by traditional healers. The air-dried and powdered plant material was sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, dichloromethane, acetone, and methanol. Then, each solvent extract was evaluated for its in vitro antimicrobial activity against four bacterial (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus) and one fungal (Candida albicans) strains using the agar disk diffusion method. Superior antimicrobial activity was exhibited against all the strains by dichloromethane extract, with the highest activity observed against S. typhi (inhibition zone diameter of 23.0 mm at 200 mg/mL). Due to similarity in their TLC profile, the acetone and dichloromethane extracts were combined and subjected to silica gel column chromatography for fractionation and isolation of the compounds. Separation of these extracts using silica gel column chromatography resulted in four anthraquinones: deoxyerythrolaccin (1), chrysophanol (2), laccaic acid D-methyl ester (3), and 3, 8-dihydroxy-1-methylanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (4) and one preanthraquinone, aloesaponol II (5). The structure of these compounds was established using NMR (1D and 2D) spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity and showed varying degrees of potency. Compounds 2 and 4 showed the highest activity against Salmonella typhimurium at 10 mg/mL, with a zone of inhibition of 28.5 and 25.0 mm, respectively, in comparison to gentamicin (26.0 mm inhibition zone diameter at 10 mg/mL). Therefore, this strong antimicrobial activity of the extracts and isolates supports the traditional usage of Aloe kefaensis to treat microbial diseases.

RFX transcription factor in the human-associated yeast Candida albicans regulates adhesion to oral epithelium.

Adhesion to mucosal surfaces is a critical step in many bacterial and fungal infections. Here, using a mouse model of oral infection by the human fungal pathobiont Candida albicans, we report the identification of a novel regulator of C. albicans adhesion to the oral mucosa. The regulator is a member of the regulatory factor X (RFX) family of transcription factors, which control cellular processes ranging from genome integrity in model yeasts to tissue differentiation in vertebrates. Mice infected with the C. albicans rfx1 deletion mutant displayed increased fungal burden in tongues compared to animals infected with the reference strain. High-resolution imaging revealed RFX1 transcripts being expressed by C. albicans cells during infection. Concomitant with the increase in fungal burden, the rfx1 mutant elicited an enhanced innate immune response. Transcriptome analyses uncovered HWP1, a gene encoding an adhesion protein that mediates covalent attachment to buccal cells, as a major RFX1-regulated locus. Consistent with this result, we establish that C. albicans adhesion to oral cells is modulated by RFX1 in an HWP1-dependent manner. Our findings expand the repertoire of biological processes controlled by the RFX family and illustrate a mechanism whereby C. albicans can adjust adhesion to the oral epithelium.

Динамическое наблюдение за возбудителями пневмонии с летальным исходом болезни при СOVID-19 в период пандемии и в постпандемийный период

Objective. To determine the trend of circulating pneumonia pathogens and their levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the pandemic of new coronavirus infection (NCI) and in the early postpandemic period with terminal episodes. Materials and Methods. The peculiarity of this study is the study material – autopsy specimens (lung tissue) obtained from fatal pneumonia cases. Surveillance was conducted from April 2021 to June 2022 in different phases of the epidemic process of the pandemic with the inclusion of periods of decline and wave rises in incidence (I, II, III periods, a total of 435 samples were studied). Postpandemic IV period was considered from August 2022 to July 2023 – 111 samples were examined. A total of 608 bacterial isolates were isolated during postmortem examination of samples from 546 pneumonia patients. Bacteriological examination was performed by the classical method, identification of pathogens and determination of their sensitivity to germicide was performed using a Vitek 2 Compact 30 bacterial analyzer. Results. During four periods of observation there was a change in the rank position of the leading and other pathogens of pneumonia by the frequency of detection from patients: Klebsiella pneumoniae (42.7; 61.1; 62.9; 40.5%), Acinetobacter baumannii (34.0; 20.4; 12.9; 18.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.7; 4.3; 12.9; 20.7%), Escherichia coli (14.6; 1.8; 7.6; 11.7%), Proteus mirabilis (2.9; 0.62; 3.5; 8.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.8; 11.1; 6.5; 7.2%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (0.8; 0.6; 1.6; 2.7%). The group Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia marcescens was isolated in 3.9; 1.9; 4.1; 3.6% of cases. Achromobacter xylosoxidans was detected in periods 2 and 4 (1.2; 0.9%). The proportion of carbapenem-resistant strains (carbR) decreased in the postpandemic period for K. pneumoniae (70.5; 81.8; 76.6; 51.1%) and remained high in all periods of observation for A. baumannii (100; 97.0; 100; 95.2%) and P. aeruginosa (57.1;77.8;72.7;100%). S. aureus was represented mainly by germicide-sensitive variants during all periods of observation. Circulation of E. coli in the postpandemic period was due to BLRS producers (63.8% of cases). All 100% of P. mirabilis strains were resistant to cefepime (IV generation cephalosporin). Thus, during the first year of follow-up in the postpandemic period, there was a decrease in the share of K. pneumoniae in the etiology of fatal pneumonias with simultaneous decrease in the level of carb R-variants against the background of decreased pressure of intensive germicide use. The frequency of isolation of fungi of the genus Candida from autopsy specimens was 8.2%. The species structure was represented by 6 species of fungi: C. albicans – 33.3%, C. glabrata – 28.6%, C. krusei – 14.3%, C. tropicalis – 14.3%, C. lusitaniae – 4.8%, C. kefyr – 4.8%. Antimycotic-resistant strains were detected among the fungi C. glabrata and C. krusei, which is probably the reason for the increased proportion of these species in autopsy specimens. Conclusion. Bacteriological study of autopsy material in fatal pneumonias is a significant direction of microbiological monitoring, which allows obtaining important information about the bacterial flora that accompanies the patient's death, about the change of priority pathogens, the extent of their resistance, and the duration of circulation of resistant forms. Key words: pneumonia, fatal outcome, COVID-19 pandemic, postpandemic period, autopsy specimens, bacterial pathogens, circulation trends

Volatile chemical profiling and distinction of Citrus essential oils by GC analyses with correlation matrix; evaluation of its in vitro radical scavenging and microbicidal efficacy

Leaf volatile oil compositions of five Citrus species viz., Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus limon, Citrus maxima, Citrus medica and Citrus medica * Citrus limon were examined in this study by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and percentage volatile compositions were compared. Thirty-eight compounds were identified that account for 90 to 99 % of essential oil composition from Citrus species, respectively. GC–MS profiling of essential oils revealed that Citrus leaf oils were predominantly characterized by limonene (15.76±0.01% to 29.36±0.46%) as one of the major constituents. Monoterpenoids (77.38±0.19% to 98.05±0.05%) are the prominent class of constituents present in the volatile oils of four Citrus plants under study whereas in one species (C. maxima), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (38.97±0.21%) were the dominant category. The data from GC analyses were subjected to correlation study to analyse the correlation between the volatile constituents among the selected Citrus species. These essential oils were initially evaluated for their antioxidant capacity and the leaf oils exhibited promising radical scavenging property with an average IC50 value of 29.15±0.01 μg/mL. This study was further designed to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of five Citrus leaf essential oils against various pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Four examined essential oils gave a comparative antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value against tested bacterial strains ranging from 3.62±0.02mg/mLto60.0±0.32mg/mL.Citrus leaf oils were found to be more sensitive to Escherichia coli with MIC values ranged between 3.62±0.03 to 10.15±0.02 mg/mL. These essential oils also exhibited strong inhibitory potential against tested fungal strains, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, with MIC ranging from 3.22±0.02 to 28.17±0.04 mg/mL. Out of the five essential oils screened in this study, four of them have shown significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities which can be attributed to synergistic potential of major monoterpenoid constituents present in these oils viz., geranial, neral, citronellal, nerol, geraniol, geranyl formate rather than the sesquiterpene dominated essential oil. Based on the findings obtained and conclusions derived, it is evident that the selected Citrus leaf essential oils are promising natural agents to fight free radical damage and antibiotic-resistant microbes.

The state of the caecum microflora in laying hens when phytobiotics are included in the diet

The article describes the composition of the microflora of caecum in laying hens when introducing feed additives with phytobiotic effect “Activo” and “Activo Liquid” into the diet used at the enterprise. Microbiological studies indicated a lower content (at 24 weeks of age) and absence (at 32 weeks of age) of opportunistic microflora in the caeca of experimental birds in the form of Staphylococcus Saprophyticus; absence of Streptococcus haemolyticus B of serogroup G; a decrease in the level of fungal flora Candida sp. and the absence of hemolytic E. coli (Escherichia coli haemolytic) in all study periods. The noted positive effects contributed to an increase in productive indicators in chickens.

Photoinduced force microscopy as a novel method for the study of microbial nanostructures.

A detailed comparison of the capabilities of electron microscopy and nano-infrared (IR) microscopy for imaging microbial nanostructures has been carried out for the first time. The surface sensitivity, chemical specificity, and non-destructive nature of spectroscopic mapping is shown to offer significant advantages over transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the study of biological samples. As well as yielding important topographical information, the distribution of amides, lipids, and carbohydrates across cross-sections of bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal (Candida albicans) cells was demonstrated using PiFM. The unique information derived from this new mode of spectroscopic mapping of the surface chemistry and biology of microbial cell walls and membranes, may provide new insights into fungal/bacterial cell function as well as having potential use in determining mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, especially those targeting the cell wall.

Возможности применения препаратов рекомбинантного интерферона α-2b в комплексной терапии кандидозной инфекции слизистых оболочек у пациентов групп риска

Background: despite the availability of various antifungal medications, achieving complete relief of fungal infections can be challenging, particularly in cases where Candida spp. exhibit resistance to antimycotic agents or in patients who are at increased risk of developing candidiasis, such as those with immunosuppression, decompensated diabetes mellitus, or undergoing prolonged antibacterial treatment. The limited success of antifungal monotherapy in treating candida infections highlights the necessity for alternative treatment tactics. Aim: this study aims to assess the impact of recombinant interferon α-2b combined with antioxidants, administered as rectal suppositories, on extending the relapse-free period in high-risk patients following successful antifungal treatment of oral and genital mucosal candidiasis. Patients and Methods: the study comprised 50 patients with different forms of oral and genital mucosal candidiasis, all having insulin- independent diabetes mellitus and suboptimal glycated hemoglobin levels. Initial antifungal treatment involved drugs from the imidazole or triazole groups. Patients were then randomized into two cohorts: one receiving recombinant interferon α-2b with antioxidants (n=17) and the other receiving a placebo (n=18). Clinical outcomes and microbial content of Candida fungi were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Results: the median age of participants was 55.5 years, with females constituting 56% (28 patients) of the cohort. Vulvovaginal candidiasis was the most prevalent diagnosis, affecting 42% of patients. The initial mean microbial load of Candida was 1.4×105 CFU/ml. Post initial antifungal treatment, 70% (35 patients) exhibited full symptom regression and marked reduction in CFU levels. The group treated with interferon α-2b experienced a mean clinical remission duration of 53.6±7.5 days, with 76.5% (13 patients) maintaining remission throughout the 60-day follow-up and CFU levels dropping below 1×103. In contrast, the placebo group had a mean remission duration of 30.1±9.6 days post- antimycotic therapy. Conclusion: integrating recombinant interferon α-2b with antioxidants into the treatment regimens for oral and genital mucosal candidiasis in high-risk patients significantly extends clinical remission periods. These findings suggest that this combination therapy could be a promising option for rehabilitation and potentially preventive interventions for patients susceptible to candida infections. KEYWORDS: Candida spp., mucosal candidiasis, diabetes mellitus, interferon alpha-2b. FOR CITATION: Zlobin D.E., Gureeva M.A., Molochkov A.V., Misnikova I.V., Polesko I.V., Guseva T.S. Possibilities of recombinant interferon α-2b drugs in the complex therapy of mucosal candidiasis infection in patients at risk. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2024;8(7):433–438 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2024-8-7-10.

Phytoconstituents profiling of indigenous herbal drugs and its in vitro microbial, in silico biological examination against Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

Background: Habb-E-Shifa, Hamdard Sualin, and Hamdard Joshanda traditional herbal medicines may promote host resistance against infection by bacteria, viruses, and fungi which are easily accessible at inexpensive with no complexity. These herbal medicines are used to cure sore throat, cough, fever, lung cancer, and asthma patients in developing South Asian countries. These traditional herbal medicines acted a crucial role in the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Aims and Objectives: This research article aimed at conducting phytochemistry, antimicrobial activity, COVID-19 docking and some spectroscopic (Infrared, Ultraviolet, 13C-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C-NMR), 1H-NMR, and Mass Spectra) characterizations of the polyherbal drugs were carried out. Additionally, In-vitro and In-silico analyses were performed to measure activity against COVID-19. High Performance - Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), antimicrobial, and docking studies were carried out. The preliminary phytochemical assay and bioactive compounds were screened using HPLC and GC-MS. The study is an attempt to assess the promising effects of selected polyherbal indigenous drugs such as Habb-E-Shifa, Hamdard Sualin, and Hamdard Joshanda phytoconstituents against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Materials and Methods: The extract of the selected polyherbal formulations showed high-to-moderate preventive effects on the growth inhibition in the pathogenic bacterium, namely Streptococcus oralis, Staphylococcus aureus, Propionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris, and three fungal Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus,and Aspergillus niger. Further docking study evaluates the pharmacological activity of bioactive chemical compounds with SARS-CoV-2 NSP5 (PDB ID: 7nxh) and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) (PDB ID: 7wk6). Results: In this study, for the first time, we attempted to examine some spectroscopic characterization of selected herbals. The total phenol content (1.66, 1.55, and 1.13 mg/mL) and total flavonoid content (4.92, 0.49, and 0.50 mg/mL) were present in the extracted samples of Habb-E-Shifa (H), Hamdard Joshanda (J), and Hamdard Sualin (S). Studies on COVID-19 docking infer the affinity of the herb's chemical components toward COVID-19 protease and ACE-2 receptor by establishing excellent binding capacity in complex formation. The results confirmed that polyherbal drugs harbor biological activities and thereby highlight that these extracts can serve as a remedy for antimicrobial and COVID-19. Conclusions: The research article confirms the remarkable potential in exhibiting antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. These herbal medicines such as Habb-E-Shifa (H), Hamdard Joshanda (J), and Hamdard Sualin (S) showed a vital role against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein with human ACE2 (7wk6) and amino acids of SARS-CoV-2 NSP5 (7nxh). Our study provides obvious evidence supporting dietary therapy and herbal medicine as potentially effective against SARS-CoV-2. Based on present studies, these herbal products can be introduced as preventive and therapeutic agents fight against coronavirus.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the leaf and stem extracts of Carissa bispinosa used for dental health care

BackgroundCarissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan is one of the plants used traditionally to treat oral infections. However, there is limited data validating its therapeutic properties and photochemistry. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective efficacy of the leaf and stem extracts of C. bispinosa against oral infections.MethodsThe phenolic and tannin contents were measured using Folin-Ciocalteau method after extracting with different solvents. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were assessed using the microdilution method against fungal (Candida albicans and Candida glabrata) and bacterial (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) strains. The 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing power (FRP) models were utilised to assess the antioxidant potential of the extracts. Cytotoxicity of the leaf acetone extract was evaluated using the methylthiazol tetrazolium assay.ResultsThe methanol leaf extract had the highest phenolic content (113.20 mg TAE/g), whereas hexane extract displayed the highest tannin composition of 22.98 mg GAE/g. The acetone stem extract had the highest phenolic content (338 mg TAE/g) and the stem extract yielded the highest total tannin content (49.87 mg GAE/g). The methanol leaf extract demonstrated the lowest MIC value (0.31 mg/mL), whereas the stem ethanol extract had the least MIC value of 0.31 mg/mL. The stem methanol extract had the best DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50, 72 µg/mL) whereas the stem ethanol extract displayed maximum FRP with absorbance of 1.916. The leaf acetone extract had minimum cytotoxicity with the lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.63 mg/mL.ConclusionsThe results obtained in this study validated the protective effect of C. bispinosa against oral infections.

Antimicrobial activity of amazon medicinal plants

In recent decades, an increase in resistance of bacteria and fungi to antimicrobials has been observed. Therefore, have each other investigated the antimicrobial potential of plants with medicinal properties. In this context, the Amazon has a high variability of plants with potentially active compounds. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanol extracts from Amazonian medicinal plants. Leaves and stems of 19 plant species were dried, crushed and extracted by cold maceration with ethanol. The extracts were dried and solubilized at a concentration of 100 mg mL-1 to done antimicrobial activity assays using the agar diffusion method against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and fungi of the genus Candida. Of the total of 38 extracts analyzed, 14 (36.8%) had antimicrobial activity against at least one of the microorganisms tested. The Brazilnut tree stem extract was active against the highest number of microorganisms, three bacteria (S. aureus, E. coli and K. pneumoniae) and three fungi (C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei). The mulateiro leaf extract was active against three microorganisms, the saracura-mira stem extract against two, and the other extracts only against one microorganism. K. pneumoniae was the most sensitive microorganism, and the most resistant was C. albicans. The lowest values for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for antibacterial activity were for stone-breaker stem extract against K. pneumoniae (0.048 mg mL-1), and for antifungal activity for Brasilnut tree stem against C. krusei (3.125 mg mL-1), stone-breaker leaf against C. guillermondii (3.125 mg mL-1), and mulateiro leaf against C. tropicalis (3.125 mg mL-1). The lowest values of minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) were for the extracts of stone-breaker stem against K. pneumoniae (0.192 mg mL-1) and mulateiro leaf against C. tropicalis (3.125 mg mL-1). The tested Amazonian medicinal plants had antimicrobial activity, especially Brazilnut tree, this being the first report for this plant species.

Preliminarily investigation on the In-vitro Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Sorindeia warneckei Extracts

Abstract Phytochemicals that are naturally occurring in plants are known to be potentially bioactive, having anti-oxidative, antimicrobial and enzyme inhibiting potentials. This study investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the methanol and dichloromethane extracts of the leaf and stem Sorindeia warneckei. The plant extract showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, glycosides, coumarins, steroids, alkaloids, anthraquinones and reducing sugars. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay while the antidiabetic activity was evaluated using an in-vitro α-amylase inhibitory assay. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity was expressed in % inhibition with L Ascorbic acid as standard showing IC50 0.69μg/ml with methanol extract while dichloromethane leaf extract having the highest activity at 0.45μg/ml. The α-amylase assay showed that the extracts exhibited potent alpha amylase inhibitory activity in a dose dependent manner with the leaf methanol extract having an IC50 of 2.33µg/L. The antimicrobial screening using the agar diffusion and agar dilution methods against the bacteria isolates Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhirimurium, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans and the fungal isolates Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oligosporus showed a good positive result. Preliminary investigation reveals that Sorindeia warneckei, contain bioactive compounds that possess promising pharmaceutical potentials that could be exploited.