ABSTRACT
In contrast to well-studied and broadly used Ganoderma species, such as Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma applanatum, knowledge regarding Ganoderma pfeifferi is very limited. Herein is an overview of the phytochemistry, biological activities and possible applications of this mushroom species. In addition to triterpenoids and polysaccharides, G. pfeifferi contains unique sesquiterpenoids and other small molecular weight compounds. Some of these compounds exhibit remarkable antimicrobial activities in vitro and in vivo against multi-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA. Antiviral properties, UV-protection abilities and other activities are also known. Potential issues arising from the conversion of research results into practical applications are discussed.
Subject(s)
Ganoderma/chemistry , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , Antiviral Agents/isolation & purification , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Gram-Positive Bacteria/drug effects , Humans , Hydroquinones/chemistry , Hydroquinones/isolation & purification , Hydroquinones/pharmacology , Keratinocytes/drug effects , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Triterpenes/chemistry , Triterpenes/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Seven novel ß-lactam antibiotics with activities against Gram-positive bacterial strains, among them methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, were synthesized by amination of 2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in usable yields (30-60%). These products protected mice against an infection with S. aureus lethal to the control animals. The results show the usefulness of laccase for the synthesis of potential new antibiotics, in addition to the interdependence of the laccase substrates, the amino coupling partners, and the product formation, yield, and activity. The syntheses of ß-lactam antibiotics with 2,5-dihydroxyaromatic acid substructures (para-substituted) are then compared with those of 3,4-dihydroxyaromatic acid substructures (ortho-substituted). Para-substituted laccase substrates were better reaction partners in these syntheses than ortho-substituted compounds.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemical synthesis , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Biocatalysis , Laccase/metabolism , beta-Lactams/chemical synthesis , beta-Lactams/pharmacology , Amination , Animals , Bacteria/drug effects , Benzene/chemistry , Benzene/metabolism , Biotransformation , Female , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Sordariales/enzymologyABSTRACT
In order to design potential biomaterials, we investigated the laccase-catalyzed cross-linking between L-lysine or lysine-containing peptides and dihydroxylated aromatics. L-Lysine is one of the major components of naturally occurring mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs). Dihydroxylated aromatics are structurally related to 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine, another main component of MAPs. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses show that the epsilon-amino group of L-lysine is able to cross-link dihydroxylated aromatics. Additional oligomer and polymer cross-linked products were obtained from di- and oligopeptides containing L-lysine. Potential applications in medicine or industry for biomaterials synthesised via the three component system consisting of the oligopeptide [Tyr-Lys]10, dihydroxylated aromatics and laccase are discussed.
Subject(s)
Amino Acids/chemistry , Hydrocarbons, Aromatic/chemistry , Laccase/chemistry , Peptides/chemistry , Amino Acid Sequence , Catalysis , Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry , Fungal Proteins/chemistry , Molecular Sequence Data , Proteins/chemistry , Pycnoporus/enzymologyABSTRACT
Novel cephalosporins, penicillins, and carbacephems were synthesized by amination of catechols with amino-beta-lactams like cefadroxil, amoxicillin, ampicillin and the structurally related carbacephem loracarbef using laccase from Trametes sp. All isolated monoaminated products inhibited the growth of several Gram positive bacterial strains in the agar diffusion assay, among them methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. Observed differences in the cytotoxicity and in vivo activity in a "Staphylococcus-infected, immune suppressed mouse" model are discussed.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemical synthesis , Catechols/chemistry , Laccase/metabolism , beta-Lactams/chemical synthesis , Amination , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Catalysis , Fungi/enzymology , Structure-Activity Relationship , beta-Lactams/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Sixteen novel cephalosporins were synthesized by amination of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid derivatives with the aminocephalosporins cefadroxil, cefalexin, cefaclor, and the structurally related carbacephem loracarbef using laccases from Trametes sp. or Myceliophthora thermophila. All products inhibited the growth of several Gram positive bacterial strains in the agar diffusion assay, among them methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The products protected mice against an infection with Staphylococcus aureus lethal to the control animals. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity of the new compounds were negligible. The results show the usefulness of laccase for the synthesis of potential new antibiotics. The biological activity of the new compounds stimulates intensified pharmacological tests.
Subject(s)
Cephalosporins/chemical synthesis , Fungi/enzymology , Gentisates/chemistry , Laccase/metabolism , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Bacteria/drug effects , Cyclophosphamide , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial , Female , Immunocompromised Host , Immunosuppressive Agents , Laccase/chemistry , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapyABSTRACT
Eight novel penicillins were synthesized by heteromolecular reaction of ampicillin or amoxicillin with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid derivatives using a laccase from Trametes spec. All products inhibited the growth of several gram positive bacterial strains in the agar diffusion assay, among them methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. The products protected mice against an infection with Staphylococcus aureus lethal to the untreated animals. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity of the new compounds were neglectable. The results show the usefulness of laccase for the synthesis of potential new antibiotics. The biological activity of the new compounds stimulates intensified pharmacological tests.
Subject(s)
Basidiomycota/metabolism , Laccase/metabolism , Penicillins/biosynthesis , Animals , Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology , Bacteria/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Chemical Phenomena , Chemistry, Physical , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Female , Indicators and Reagents , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Mass Spectrometry , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Penicillins/pharmacology , Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy , Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology , beta-Lactamase Inhibitors , beta-Lactamases/metabolismABSTRACT
To test the effects of heavy metals in river water, we compared the sensitivity of seven different biological test methods, using bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), human FL cells, protozoans (Paramecium spp.), nematodes (Rhabditis oxycerca), aquatic plants (Lemna minor), and fishes (Leuciscus idus melanotus). As test substance we used a representative mixture of 3.0 microg/l As, 2.5 microg/l Pb, 0.8 microg/l Cd, 1.7 microg/l Cr, 3.9 microg/l Cu, 6.7 microg/l Ni, 0.4 microg/l Hg, and 23.0 microg/l Zn, imitating the detectable heavy metal contamination of the Odra estuary (NE Germany/NW Poland). This mixture was defined as normal concentration (NC). Most sensitive was the test with L. minor (exposure time 10 d). The plants already showed phytotoxic effects at the heavy metal concentration found in the Odra estuary. Test systems with human cells, protozoans, and nematodes (exposure time 1-7 d) reacted at concentrations 85-100 times above the NC. Fish toxicity (exposure time 2 d) occurred from 130-fold concentration upwards. In contrast, the standard test carried out with luminescent bacteria (exposure time 30 min) was affected only at > 1000-fold concentrations. This test is therefore not suitable as an early warning system to detect ecological risks. Even the NC of heavy metals measured in the Odra estuary inhibits cells and the growth of aquatic plants. Of the single heavy metals tested, copper produced the strongest effects. Therefore, the reduction of heavy metal emissions, especially of copper-which can amplify the toxicity of other heavy metals-should be a task of highest priority.
Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring/methods , Metals, Heavy/toxicity , Rivers/chemistry , Toxicity Tests/methods , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Aliivibrio fischeri , Animals , Araceae , Biological Availability , Cells, Cultured , Copper/toxicity , Cyprinidae , Germany , Humans , Metals, Heavy/pharmacokinetics , Paramecium , Poland , Rhabditoidea , Sensitivity and Specificity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/pharmacokineticsABSTRACT
This review describes pharmacologically active compounds from mushrooms. Compounds and complex substances with antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, antiallergic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and central activities are covered, focusing on the review of recent literature. The production of mushrooms or mushroom compounds is discussed briefly.
