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In vitro testing of Aspergillus fumigatus susceptibility to echinocandins has always been a challenge. Using a simple and quick colorimetric method to analyze the activity of inhibitors of β-1,3-glucan synthesis, we found that the composition of the culture medium significantly influences glucan synthesis and consequently the antifungal properties of inhibitors of β-1,3-glucan synthesis when they are tested alone or in combination with chitin synthase inhibitors.

International audience; In this study, we report a novel mechanism of action for a cytotoxic derivative of betulinic acid (BA). B10 is a semi-synthetic glycosylated derivative of BA selected for its enhanced cytotoxic activity. Interestingly, although B10 induces apoptosis, caspase-3 downregulation incompletely prevents B10-induced cell death, Bcl-2 overexpression fails to protect cells and DNA fragmentation rates do not reflect cell death rates in contrast to cytoplasmic membrane permeabilization. These results implicate that apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death coexist upon B10 treatment. Unexpectedly, we found that B10 induces autophagy and also abrogates the autophagic flux. B10 destabilizes lysosomes as shown by Lysotracker Red staining and by cathepsin Z and B release from lysosomes into the cytoplasm. Consistently, the cathepsin inhibitor Ca074Me significantly decreases B10-induced cell death, further supporting the fact that the release of lysosomal enzymes contributes to B10-triggered cell death. Downregulation of ATG7, ATG5 or BECN1 by RNAi significantly decreases caspase-3 activation, lysosomal permeabilization and cell death. Thus, by concomitant induction of autophagy and inhibition of the autophagic flux, B10 turns autophagy into a cell death mechanism. These findings have important implications for the therapeutic exploitation of BA derivatives, particularly in apoptosis-resistant cancers.

International audience; Skin ageing is a complex process determined by the genetic endowment of individual and environmental factors, such as sun exposure. The effects of skin ageing are mostly encountered in the superficial dermis and in the epidermis. We have previously demonstrated in vivo the beneficial effect of a topically applied formula of 5% vitamin C in the treatment of skin ageing. Another active compound, madecassoside extracted from Centella asiatica, known to induce collagen expression and/or to modulate inflammatory mediators, might thus prevent and correct some signs of ageing. A randomized double-blind study was carried out on photoaged skin of 20 female volunteers to investigate the effects of topically applied 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside on the clinical, biophysical and structural skin properties. After 6 months of treatment, we observed a significant improvement of the clinical score for deep and superficial wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness and skin hydration. These results were corroborated by measurements of skin elasticity and semi-quantitative histological assessment of the elastic fibre network in the papillary dermis. Two-thirds of the subjects showed an improvement. The re-appearance of a normally structured elastic fibre network was observed. Our results revealed a functional and structural remodelling of chronically sun-damaged skin.

Aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13 (EC 3.4.11.2) is a transmembrane protease present in a wide variety of human tissues and cell types (endothelial, epithelial, fibroblast, leukocyte). APN/CD13 expression is dysregulated in inflammatory diseases and in cancers (solid and hematologic tumors). APN/CD13 serves as a receptor for coronaviruses. Natural and synthetic inhibitors of APN activity have been characterized. These inhibitors have revealed that APN is able to modulate bioactive peptide responses (pain management, vasopressin release) and to influence immune functions and major biological events (cell proliferation, secretion, invasion, angiogenesis). Therefore, inhibition of APN/CD13 may lead to the development of anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory drugs. This review provides an update on the biological and pharmacological profiles of known natural and synthetic APN inhibitors. Current status on their potential use as therapeutic agents is discussed with regard to toxicity and specificity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev