Development and efficacy of tryptophol-containing emulgel for reducing subcutaneous fungal nodules from Scedosporium apiospermum eumycetoma

Thitinan Kitisin, Watcharamat Muangkaew, Sumate Ampawong, Nichapa Sansurin, Natthawut Thitipramote, Passanesh Sukphopetch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and purpose: Subcutaneous infections caused by Scedosporium apiospermum present as chronic eumycetomatous manifestations in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Serious adverse effects/toxicities from the long-term use of antifungal drugs and antifungal resistance have been reported in patients with S. apiospermum infections. The present study aimed to determine the anti-S. apiospermum activities of fungal quorum sensing molecule known as tryptophol (TOH) and to develop a TOH-containing emulgel for treating S. apiospermum eumycetoma. Experimental approach: Anti-S. apiospermum activities of TOH were determined and compared with voriconazole. Effects of TOH on S. apiospermum biofilm formation and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF)-1 cell cytotoxicity were determined. Moreover, TOH-containing emulgel was developed and physical properties, in vitro, and in vivo antifungal activities against S. apiospermum eumycetoma were evaluated. Findings/Results: The minimal concentration of TOH at 100 μM exhibited anti-S. apiospermum activities by reducing growth rate, germination rate, and biofilm formation with less cytotoxicity to HFF-1 cells than voriconazole. Further study on the development of an emulgel revealed that TOH-containing emulgel exhibited excellent physical properties including homogeneity, consistency, and stability. Treatment by TOH-containing emulgel significantly reduced subcutaneous mass in a mouse model of S. apiospermum eumycetoma. The histopathological assessment showed marked improvement after 14 days of TOH-containing emulgel treatment. Conclusion and implications: TOH could be used as an anti-fungal agent against S. apiospermum infections. A novel and stable TOH-containing emulgel was developed with excellent anti-S. apiospermum activities suggesting the utilization of TOH-containing emulgel as an innovative therapeutic approach in the treatment of S. apiospermum eumycetoma.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)707-722
Number of pages16
JournalResearch in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2022

Keywords

  • Emulgel
  • Eumycetoma
  • Quorum sensing molecule
  • Scedosporium apiospermum
  • Tryptophol

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