The promise of endogenous and exogenous riboflavin in anti-infection

Abstract

To resolve the growing problem of drug resistance in the treatment of bacterial and fungal pathogens, specific cellular targets and pathways can be used as targets for new antimicrobial agents. Endogenous riboflavin biosynthesis is a conserved pathway that exists in most bacteria and fungi. In this review, the roles of endogenous and exogenous riboflavin in infectious disease as well as several antibacterial agents, which act as analogues of the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway, are summarized. In addition, the effects of exogenous riboflavin on immune cells, cytokines, and heat shock proteins are described. Moreover, the immune response of endogenous riboflavin metabolites in infectious diseases, recognized by MHC-related protein-1, and then presented to mucosal associated invariant T cells, is highlighted. This information will provide a strategy to identify novel drug targets as well as highlight the possible clinical use of riboflavin.

Riboflavin Targets the Cellular Metabolic and Ribosomal Pathways of Candida albicans In Vitro and Exhibits Efficacy against Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

“…In addition, B vitamins also have value in patients with kidney disease, sepsis, and COVID-19 ( 44 – 46 ). Our previous review summarized the anti-infection effect of RF and suggested that RF may have direct antimicrobial effects ( 14 ). Here, in vitro and in vivo phenotypic investigations confirmed that RF has anti- Candida ability.…”

“…RF deficiency results in cleft lip, glossitis, and oral mucosal edema; it can also affect gastrointestinal and brain function, as well as the metabolism of other vitamins (such as folate, niacin, pyridoxine, and vitamin B 12 ) ( 13 ). Besides its classic role, RF also has application prospects in the field of anti-infection ( 14 ). Since RF is a photosensitizer, RF-mediated photodynamic therapy has an inhibitory effect on microbial keratitis ( 14 ), as well as infections caused by Escherichia coli , Listeria monocytogenes , Plasmodium falciparum , Staphylococcus aureus , and dengue virus ( 15 – 19 ).…”

“…Besides its classic role, RF also has application prospects in the field of anti-infection ( 14 ). Since RF is a photosensitizer, RF-mediated photodynamic therapy has an inhibitory effect on microbial keratitis ( 14 ), as well as infections caused by Escherichia coli , Listeria monocytogenes , Plasmodium falciparum , Staphylococcus aureus , and dengue virus ( 15 – 19 ). Furthermore, the level of RF was reported to be reduced in patients infected with human papillomavirus 16/18 or Helicobacter pylori ( 20 , 21 ).…”

Decoding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systems Biology Approach

“…92 Riboflavin, perhaps by supporting mitochondrial activity, plays a role in elevating heat shock proteins as an inherent defense against microbial challenges by acting as an agonist of MHC-related protein-1, which in turn facilitates mucosal-associated invariant T cells. 93 Motor neurons are selectively impaired during riboflavin deficiency states by which hypomagnesemia along with low magnesium may impede ATP production. In case studies, riboflavin at 150 mg/day improved muscle strength and reduced plasma lactate and alanine concentrations in a patient with mitochondrial complex I deficiency.…”

“…97 It is interesting to note that riboflavin has been shown to reduce the virulence of E. coli and S. aureus, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide. 93,98 Analogues of the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway, such as roseoflavin, have been shown to exert bactericidal effects by targeting and downregulating the ribolavin riboswitch in bacteria. 99 Carnitine also plays an important role in energy metabolism and has been shown to improve inspiratory capacity.…”