Antimicrobial activity of selected cyclic dipeptides

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Cyclic dipeptides are rationally designed molecules with potential antimicrobial and antitumor activities.
• Investigating their effects on the gastrointestinal epithelium is crucial for pharmaceutical development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of specific cyclic dipeptides.
• To assess the impact of these cyclic dipeptides on gastrointestinal epithelial cells in vitro.
• To identify suitable solvents for potential pharmaceutical applications.

Main Methods:

• Antimicrobial activity was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay against a panel of bacteria and fungi.
• Effects on gastrointestinal epithelium were assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase expression in HT-29 cells.
• Solvent screening was performed for pharmaceutical application suitability.

Main Results:

• Cyclo(Pro-Trp) and cyclo(Phe-Pro) exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
• Cyclo(Trp-Pro) and cyclo(Trp-Trp) demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity.
• Cyclo(Phe-Pro), cyclo(Tyr-Pro), cyclo(Trp-Trp), and cyclo(Trp-Pro) enhanced gastrointestinal cell maturation.

Conclusions:

• The studied cyclic dipeptides possess significant antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
• These compounds positively influence gastrointestinal cell maturation.
• The findings support the potential of these cyclic dipeptides as pharmacological agents.