Squalene monooxygenase catalyzes the epoxidation of C-C double bond of squalene to yield 2,3-oxidosqualene, the key step of sterol biosynthesis pathways in eukaryotes. Sterols are essential compounds of these organisms and squalene epoxidation is an important regulatory point in their synthesis. Squalene monooxygenase downregulation in vertebrates and fungi decreases synthesis of cholesterol and ergosterol, respectively, which makes squalene monooxygenase a potent and attractive target of hypercholesterolemia and antifungal therapies. Currently some fungal squalene monooxygenase inhibitors (terbinafi ne, naftifi ne, butenafi ne) are in clinical use, whereas mammalian enzymes ' inhibitors are still under investigation. Research on new squalene monooxygenase inhibitors is important due to the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and the lack of both suffi cient and safe remedies. In this paper we (i) review data on activity and the structure of squalene monooxygenase, (ii) present its inhibitors, (iii) compare current strategies of lowering cholesterol level in blood with some of the most promising strategies, (iv) underline advantages of squalene monooxygenase as a target for hypercholesterolemia therapy, and (v) discuss safety concerns about hypercholesterolemia therapy based on inhibition of cellular cholesterol biosynthesis and potential usage of squalene monooxygenase inhibitors in clinical practice. After many years of use of statins there is some clinical evidence for their adverse effects and only partial effectiveness. Currently they are drugs of choice but are used with many restrictions, especially in case of children, elderly patients and women of childbearing potential. Certainly, for the next few years, statins will continue to be a suitable tool for cost-effective cardiovascular prevention; however research on new hypolipidemic drugs is highly desirable. We suggest that squalene monooxygenase inhibitors could become the hypocholesterolemic agents of the future.
Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases (TyrRSs) as essential enzymes for all living organisms are good candidates for therapeutic target in the prevention and therapy of microbial infection. We examined the effect of various polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes-secondary metabolites produced by higher plants showing many beneficial properties for the human organism, on bacterial aminoacylation reaction. The most potent inhibitors of Escherichia coli TyrRS are epigallocatechin gallate, acacetin, kaempferide, and chrysin, whereas the enzymes from Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are inhibited mainly by acacetin and chrysin. Most of them act as competitive inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship showed that the most potent flavonoid inhibitors contain hydroxyl group at position 5 and 7 of A ring and OCH group at position 4' of B ring.
The aim of this study was the isolation and characterization, including the phage effect on honeybees in laboratory conditions, of phages active against Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American Foulbrood—a highly infective and easily spreading disease occurring in honeybee larva, and subsequently the development of a preparation to prevent and treat this dangerous disease. From the tested material (over 2500 samples) 35 Paenibacillus spp. strains were obtained and used to search for phages. Five phages specific to Paenibacillus were isolated and characterized (ultrastructure, morphology, biological properties, storage stability, and genome sequence). The characteristics were performed to obtain knowledge of their lytic potential and compose the final phage cocktail with high antibacterial potential and intended use of future field application. Preliminary safety studies have also been carried out on healthy bees, which suggest that the phage preparation administered is harmless.
Honey bees (Apis mellifera ) play a crucial function in terrestrial ecosystems by maintaining floral biodiversity and providing sustainable agriculture through pollination. Bees affect 35% of the world's crop production, hence, they are essential for economic sustainability, agriculture and food security. The economic value of pollination by bees goes beyond agricultural production. An important role of bees is pollination of the plants that provide food to the wild animals, and this is part of the proper functioning of the ecosystem. On the one hand Apis mellifera has great adaptive potential and it may be found in highly diverse climates almost everywhere in the world, but on the other hand bees are under constant threat by numerous pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, Microsporidia, mites and insects. Other stress factors include environmental change-related stresses, pesticides, malnutrition and migratory beekeeping. The interactions among these, along with possibly other unknown factors, are causing widespread decline in honey bee populations -Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) syndrome. Viruses are the most recent and still poorly investigated pathogens of the honey bees. Simultaneously, Varroa destructor mites and viruses are currently the high-profile suspects in collapsing bee colonies. Varroa acts as a vector for a range of RNA viruses of honey bees which are transferred when the mite feeds on hemolymph from the developing pupa. This publication aims to present an overview of the most important honey bee viruses, their diagnostics methods and treatment opportunities with emphasis on the most common and devastating viruses from Dicistroviridae and Iflaviridae families.
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