Antifungal and marker effects ofTalisia esculentalectin onMicrosporum canis in vitro

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of lectin obtained from Talisia esculenta (TEL) seeds as a tool to recognize and study Microsporum canis. For this purpose, we investigated the antifungal and marker action of this lectin and the relationship of these effects with the presence of carbohydrates on the structure of this fungus. Methods and Results: The in vitro antifungal activity of TEL was analysed by broth microdilution assay. In addition, TEL was assessed against the arthroconidia present on hairs obtained from infected dogs and cats. The affinity of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labelled TEL for macroconidia and arthroconidia of M. canis was also tested. The effects of TEL on the growth of the M. canis strains began with 0·125 mg ml−1, and 100% inhibition was obtained with a concentration of 2 mg ml−1. The addition of carbohydrates, especially N‐acetyl‐glucosamine and d‐mannose, inhibited these antifungal effects. TEL was able to inhibit the growth of arthroconidial chitin‐rich forms of M. canis obtained from hairs of infected animals and strains cultured in Sabouraud agar. FITC‐labelled TEL efficiently marked macroconidial and arthroconidial forms of M. canis, as shown by fluorescent microscopy. Conclusions: These results show that the inhibitory effects of TEL on M. canis growth may be related to the interaction of lectin with the carbohydrates present at the micro‐organism’s surface, mainly d‐mannose and N‐acetyl‐glucosamine. Significance and Impact of the Study: Talisia esculenta can be used as an important tool in the biochemical study of M. canis or as a molecule to recognize this dermatophyte in infected tissue.

Poisoning by Talisia esculenta (A. St.-Hil.) Radlk in sheep and cattle

“…The toxic compound contained in the leaves and seeds of the plant is unknown; however, a protein called talisin with hemagglutinating activity of human and animal erythrocytes has been identified in the seeds of T. esculenta 4 This protein has insecticidal activity [8][9][10] and an inhibitory effect on fungal growth. 4,12 Talisin has also been shown to induce an inflammatory response including the recruitment of neutrophils and mononuclear cells in mice 3 and to cause a noncompetitive inhibition of trypsin. 5 Further studies should be conducted to determine whether the toxicity of T. esculenta to ruminants is caused by talisin.…”

Ethnopharmacology of Fruit Plants: A Literature Review on the Toxicological, Phytochemical, Cultural Aspects, and a Mechanistic Approach to the Pharmacological Effects of Four Widely Used Species

“…Pinheiro et al [ 66 ] analyzed the possible antifungal activity of lectin extracted from T. esculenta seeds. This activity was tested on Microsporum canis , a filamentous keratinophilic fungus that causes infections in skin, hair and nails in humans and animals.…”

Lectins, Interconnecting Proteins with Biotechnological/Pharmacological and Therapeutic Applications

“…; however, only C. parapsilosis growth was inhibited by these lectins. Pinheiro et al [102] reported antifungal effect of Talisia esculenta lectin on arthroconidial forms of the dermatophyte Microsporum canis obtained from hairs of infected animals. Authors proved that the antifungal mechanism involved the carbohydrate-binding sites of this protein.…”