Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Derived Phytochemicals against Aspartate Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase of Aspergillus fumigatus Causing Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of fungus. The illnesses is caused by aspergillosis infection and usually attack the respiratory system, but their signs and severity vary greatly. It has already been established that plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum belonging to the Lauraceae family has the potential to help controlling aspergillosis. This work is focused on the identification of the particular phytochemical responsible for inhibiting and decreasing the effect of aspergillosis. Molecular docking method applied using “Biovia Discovery Studio”. “High positive values of -CDOCKER energy and -CDOCKER interaction energy” suggested that cinnamic acid can effectively deactivate aspergillosis.

The Predominant Lactic Acid Microorganisms and Proximate Composition of Spontaneously Fermented Gari and Fufu, Cassava Food Products

Aim: The present study is focused on determining if there are differences in the types of organisms responsible for spontaneous fermentation in two types of cassava food products, namely, fufu and gari, while also ensuring that the expected organoleptic properties associated with the fermentation process from this study location is reproducible. Study Design: A Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications was adopted and used to test for significant differences between the two cassava products. Place and Duration of Study: The roots of two cassava varieties namely, TMS 97/0211 (white pulp) and TMS 97/2205 (yellow pulp) were obtained from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, and were processed at Ede, Nigeria between March and May 2016. Methodology: Using standardized spontaneous fermentation methods, the two varieties of cassava, were sampled eight hourly over a period of 5 days, for lactic acid bacteria and fungi. Samples were incubated anaerobically, representative microbial populations were enumerated and identified using standard microbiological protocols. Proximate analysis and sensory evaluations were conducted. Results: The results showed that the predominant lactic acid bacterial organisms were Lactobacillus brevisand L plantarum. On the other hand, the representative lactic acid fungal isolates were identified as Neurospora crassa, Aspergillus fumigatus and Saccharomyces spp. Investigation of succession organisms revealed differences between the dry cassava finished product, gari and the wet finished product, fufu. The fungal organisms were the predominant starter organisms found in gari, while, the predominant starter organisms found in fufu were the bacterial types. Conclusion: The present results show that in spite of the spontaneity of the fermentation process, the yellow cassava variety supports the growth and reproduction of similar fermentation organisms as the white variety. Furthermore, the prevailing microenvironment in the fermentation set up, that is, wet or dry is the most important factor in determining the predominating organisms in the fermentation process and the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of the final product. Results from this study show that it is possible to reproduce the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics peculiar to this test location using the isolated lactic acid microorganisms.

Compounds from a jellyfish-derived fungus Aspergillus fumigates

Six compounds were isolated from the secondary metabolites of the jellyfish-derived fungus Aspergillus fumigates, whose structures were identified by chemical methods and spectroscopic analysis as pseurotin F1 (1), azaspirofurans B (2), (22E, 24R)-24-methyl-5α-cholesta-7,22-diene-3β,5,6β-triol (3), 5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-o1 (4), cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Tyr) (5), fumitremorgin C (6). The compounds 1 - 5 were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus fumigates for the first time. The isolated compounds (1 - 6) were evaluated for antibiotic activity and cytotoxicity against six bacterial strains and ten human tumor cell lines, respectively.

An albino strain of Aspergillus fumigatus causes pulmonary aspergilloma in an individual with normal immune ;system / 中华皮肤科杂志

A 76?year?old female patient complained of right chest pain for three months. CT scan showed a clump?like high?density shadow measuring 4.8 cm × 3.0 cm in size in the dorsal portion of the right lower lobe of the lung. Aspiration biopsy was performed, and biopsy samples were subjected to fungal culture and histopathological examination. Histopathological examination showed chronic granulomatous inflammation with hyaline septate hyphae. After 4?day culture, white villous dense colonies were formed on the Sabouraud′s agar medium. The center of the colonies was slightly elevated with wrinkles or radiating striae on the surface, and the bottom of the colonies was faint yellow in color. Microculture yielded abundant septate branched hyphae, and very few colorless hyaline quasi?circular spores. DNA sequencing of rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and β?tubulin genes was performed to identify the isolate, and antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out in vitro. The MEGA7.0 software was used to build phylogenetic trees of Aspergillus fumigatus complex and its closely related species. The isolate was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus by molecular biologic sequencing. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary aspergilloma. After administration of itraconazole oral solution and vorionazole tablets, the condition got better obviously.

Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus thioredoxin reductase GliT antigen-specific T cells by ELISPOT assay in healthy individuals and result evaluation / 医学研究生学报

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective potential of the Aspergillus fumigatus thiore -doxin reductase GliT ( TR) antigen by establishing and optimizing ELISPOT assay for TR antigen-specific T cells ( TR/AST) secreting IFN-γand IL-4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMCs ) and explore the role of TR/AST in invasive aspergillosis ( IA ) . Methods We optimized the reaction conditions of ELISPOT by preliminary checkerboard titration and determined the frequencies of positive spot-forming cells ( SFCs) specifically secreting IFN-γand IL-4 in the PBMCs of 20 healthy individuals with TR as specific stimulant and with PHA and PMA as positive controls ,. Results Checkerboard titration demonstrated the best result of ELISPOT with the TR antigen at the final concentration of 10μg/well and PBMCs at 3 ×105/well.The median frequency of IFN-γSFCs was sig-nificantly higher (15 [3.5, 59.5]) than that of IL-4 SFCs (0 [0, 0]) (P20/3 ×105 PBMCs), accounting for 45%, but failed to induce IL-4 response in 19 of the healthy individuals . Conclusion The Aspergillus fumigatus TR antigen could induce an immunodominant Th1 response , and therefore might be a potential protective antigen .

Aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica en un adolescente: reporte de un caso / Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in an adolescent: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica es una enfermedad poco frecuente con prevalencia de 1 a 2 por ciento a nivel mundial. Se diagnostica según Infectious Diseases Society of America por: episodios de obstrucción bronquial, eosinofilia periférica, test de reactividad cutánea a antígeno de Aspergillus, precipitación de anticuerpos para el antígeno de Aspergillus, elevación de IgE en suero, historia de infiltrados pulmonares y bronquiectasias centrales. Puede atravesar estadios de asmaaguda sensible a corticosteroides hasta estadios finales de fibrosis pulmonar. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Joven de 22 años acude al Instituto de Previsión Social, Hospital Central en la ciudad de Asunción, en donde es internado por malestar general, tos con expectoración amarillenta, sibilancias, sensación febril y dificultad respiratoria, con diagnóstico de ingreso de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y enfermedad tipo influenza, que responde al tratamiento sintomático. Se practica una radiografía simple de tórax donde se observa un patrón algodonoso bilateral. Un mes después, acude de nuevo al Hospital Central por persistencia del cuadro con eosinofilia periférica de 60 por ciento, frotis de heces sin reporte de parásitos, IgE total en suero 530 KIU/L, tomografía axial computarizada con infiltrado pulmonar difuso bilateral, test de reactividad cutánea a antígeno de Aspergillus positivo y precipitación de anticuerpos para el antígeno de Aspergillus positivo. Se trató con prednisona e itraconazol por 16semanas, obteniéndose buena respuesta; tres meses después de suspender el tratamiento no manifiesta síntomas. DISCUSIÓN: Ante pacientes internados por cuadros respiratorios presistentes es necesario un diagnóstico temprano y adecuado con el objetivo de evitar secuelas posteriores.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosisis a rare disease with a prevalence of 1 to 2 percent worldwide. It is diagnosed according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America by: episodes of bronchial obstruction, peripheral eosinophilia, positive skin-prick test to Aspergillus antigen, precipitating antibodies to Aspergillus antigen, elevated serum IgE, history of pulmonary infiltrates and central bronchiectasis. It can go through stages of corticosteroid-sensitive acute asthma to end-stage pulmonary fibrosis. CASE REPORT: A 22 year old man goes to Instituto de Prevision Social, Hospital Central de Asuncion, where is hospitalized accompanied by general malaise, cough with yellow sputum, wheezing, feverish feeling andshortness of breath, with admission diagnosis of Community Acquired Pneumonia and influenza-like illness that responds to symptomatic treatment. Chest radiography shows a bilateral cottony pattern. A month later, a persistence of the symptoms is observed with 60 percent peripheral eosinophilia, faeces smear is reported without parasites, total serum IgE 530 KIU / L chest, computed tomography with diffuse bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, positive skin antigen reactivity test for Aspergillus, positive precipitating antibodies to Aspergillus species. He was treated with prednisone and itraconazole for 16 weeks, with good response. Three months after treatment there are no symptoms. DISCUSSION: Patients hospitalized for persistently respiratory symptoms, early diagnosis is necessary and appropriate in order to prevent sequelae.

Micosis pulmonares en pacientes de la Quinta Región: Período 2007-2010 / Frequency of pulmonary mycoses determined by analyzing lung secretion samples

Background: The frequency of pulmonary mycoses has increased in the past few years specially in immunocompromised patients. Aim: To determine the frequency of invasive fungal diseases by analyzing lung secretion samples. Material and Methods: Samples of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) tracheal aspiration (TA) and induced sputum (IS) were obtained from patients of five hospitals in the Valparaíso Region for the diagnosis of invasive or non-invasive fungal disease, and pneumocystis (PCP), in the period 2007-2010. Clinical data of patients was obtained reviewing medical records or interviewing attending physicians. The diagnosis considered the clinical condition of the patient (immunocompromised or prior lung damage), computed tomography imaging, direct microscopy and cultures. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria was used for the diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases. Results: Ninety respiratory samples were received and 39 fungal infections were diagnosed. Eleven were probably invasive, seven were non-invasive and 21 were PCP. All patients with probable invasive disease had neutropenia. Most patients with non-invasive infections had bronchiectasis. Aspergillus fumigatus was the main causing agent in both invasive and non-invasive fungal diseases. Patients with PCP were mostly adults with AIDS and children with leukemia. The total mortality rate of patients with invasive fungal disease was of 73%. No deaths were recorded among patients with non-invasive disease. Among patients with PCP, three of 11 HIV and six of 10 non HIV subjects died. Conclusions: Aspergillus fumigatus predominates both in invasive and non-invasive pulmonary mycoses. The former has a high mortality. PCP occurred mainly in adult patients with HIV-AIDS.

Estudo proteômico da interação do Aspergillus fumigatus com células endoteliais da veia umbilical humana (HUVECs) / Proteomic study of the interaction of Aspergillus fumigatus with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)

O Aspergillus fumigatus é o principal agente etiológico da aspergilose invasiva, uma infecção fúngica oportunista que acomete, principalmente, pacientes de Unidades Hematológicas, como aqueles com neutropenia profunda e prolongada. Após a filamentação este fungo angioinvasivo é capaz de ativar e causar danos em células endoteliais de veia umbilical humana (HUVEC) que passam a expressar um fenótipo pró-trombótico. A ativação destas células, dependente de contato célulacélula, é mediada por TNF-α e caracterizada pela expressão de moléculas próinflamatórias, como citocinas, quimiocinas e moléculas de adesão. Recentemente, nosso grupo comparou a ativação endotelial de HUVECs desafiadas com cepas selvagens e uma cepa mutante para o gene UGM1. Nestes experimentos a cepa mutante Δugm1, que apresenta um fenótipo de maior produção de galactosaminogalactana (GAG) na parede celular, mostrou um fenótipo hiperadesivo e uma capacidade maior de ativar células endoteliais. Entretanto, os receptores e as vias de sinalização envolvidos nesta ativação permanecem desconhecidos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar as proteínas envolvidas nestes processos através do estudo das proteínas diferencialmente expressas nas HUVECs após a interação com A. fumigatus, usando a técnica proteômica 2D-DIGE. Brevemente, as HUVECs foram infectadas com tubos germinativos da cepa selvagem (AF293) e da cepa Δugm1 de A. fumigatus. Em seguida, as proteínas foram marcadas com diferentes fluorocromos e separadas por eletroforese bidimensional. A análise quantitativa foi realizada utilizando o software DeCyder...

Aspergillus fumigatus is the main etiological agent of invasive aspergillosis, the main opportunistic fungal infection of Hematologial Unity’s patients, especially those with long-term neutropenia. Upon filamentation, this angioinvasive fungus can activate and damage the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which in response switch to a pro-thrombotic phenotype. HUVEC activation is mediated by TNF-α once cell-cell contact occurs. This activation is characterized by the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. Recently, our group performed the comparison of HUVEC activation upon interaction with a wild type and the UGM1 mutant strains of A. fumigatus. The Δugm1 strain, which presents an increased production of the cell wall galactosaminogalactan, showed a hyper adherent phenotype and an increased capability to cause endothelial cell stimulation and activation, when compared with the wild type strain. The receptors involved in the pathogen-host interaction or the signaling pathways after endothelial activation by A. fumigatus remain unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the differentially expressed proteins in HUVECs upon interaction with A. fumigatus, using the 2D-DIGE proteomic approach. Briefly, HUVECs were challenged with germlings of A. fumigatus wild type Af293 and Δugm1 strains and then submitted to protein extraction. The total HUVEC protein extracts were labeled with different CyDyes and fractionated by 2D electrophoresis. Quantitative analysis to determine the differences in protein abundance amongst interacted cells vs. control endothelial cells was performed using the software DeCyder. Five differentially expressed proteins were identified by MS/MS including galectin-1 and annexin A2, both overexpressed after the interaction. These two proteins are described elsewhere to be associated with host-pathogen interaction...