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Low-Molecular-Weight Secondary Metabolites from Fungi: Cerrena unicolor as a New Proposal of an Effective Preparation Against Rhabditis Nematodes

Summary

This research explores how compounds extracted from the fungus Cerrena unicolor could potentially be used to combat parasitic worm infections. The study found that certain molecules produced by this fungus effectively killed or paralyzed harmful nematodes in laboratory tests, performing better than some existing medications. This discovery could lead to new and safer treatments for parasitic infections. Impacts on everyday life: • Could provide new treatment options for the 1.5 billion people affected by parasitic worm infections • May help reduce reliance on chemical pesticides in agriculture and livestock farming • Could lead to development of more environmentally friendly anti-parasitic treatments • May help address growing drug resistance issues in current parasite treatments • Could provide economic benefits by reducing livestock losses to parasitic infections

Background

Nematodes are present in up to 80% of all known animals worldwide, with many species being harmful parasites of humans, animals, plants and fungi. Gastrointestinal infections caused by parasitic nematodes are a serious health and economic problem affecting both developing and developed countries. According to WHO, about 1.5 billion people were infected with intestinal nematodes in 2018. Current anthelmintic drugs face issues with resistance development and environmental toxicity, creating an urgent need for new, effective, natural anthelmintic substances that are safe for humans and animals.

Objective

To investigate for the first time the antinematode properties of extracellular low-molecular-weight subfractions (ex-LMS) obtained from the liquid growth medium of idiophasic Cerrena unicolor cultures.

Results

The total fraction (<10 kDa) and the 0.02-1.5 kDa fraction showed significant nematicidal activity. The concentrations causing 50% reduction in viable nematodes were 11.7 mg/mL and 9.4 mg/mL respectively. At 22.22 mg/mL, these fractions reduced nematode viability to 21% and 13.8%. The 1.5-10 kDa fraction showed lower activity. The tested fractions demonstrated stronger nematicidal properties at lower concentrations compared to albendazole. The substances induced movement disturbances through paralysis of the posterior part of the nematode's body, with paralysis degree proportional to concentration.

Conclusion

C. unicolor appears to be a promising candidate for developing treatments against nematode infections. The ability to obtain effective preparations containing bioactive low-molecular-weight secondary metabolites under standardized conditions makes this particularly relevant for medical biotechnology applications.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules27051660
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