Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of nosocomial infections globally. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii has become an important public health concern. To combat drug resistance, alternative methods such as phage therapy have been suggested. In total, 30 MDR A. baumannii strains were isolated from clinical specimens, and their antibiotic susceptibilities were determined. The Acinetobacter phage vB_AbaS_SA1, isolated from hospital sewage, was characterized. In addition to its plaque size, particle morphology, and host range, its genome sequence was determined and annotated. Finally, the antibacterial effects of phage alone, antibiotics alone, and phage/antibiotic combinations were assessed against the A. baumannii strains. Phage vB_AbaS_SA1 had siphovirus morphology, showed a latent period of 20 minutes, and a 250 PFU/cell (plaque forming unit/cell) burst size. When combined with antibiotics, vB_AbaS_SA1 (SA1) showed a significant phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) effect and reduced the overall effective concentration of antibiotics in time-kill assessments. The genome of SA1 is a linear double-stranded DNA of 50,108 bp in size with a GC content of 39.15%. Despite the potent antibacterial effect of SA1, it is necessary to perform additional research to completely elucidate the mechanisms of action and potential constraints associated with utilizing this bacteriophage.
17 April 2024 in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology
The escalating prevalence of male reproductive disorders and associated infertility has become a pressing concern, necessitating heightened awareness due to its substantial socioeconomic and psychological impact. Research has elucidated the multifaceted etiology of male infertility, encompassing oxidative stress, inflammation, and lifestyle-related factors. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring non-flavonoid polyphenol, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the relationship between this compound and male fertility remains poorly understood, with existing research yielding conflicting results. The current review aimed to discuss the effects of resveratrol on human male fertility and explore the underlying mechanisms by which it may influence male infertility.