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Antifungal properties of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) against Aspergillus spp. in vitro
Cornelia Lass-Flörl1, Barbara Wiedauer, Astrid Mayr
1Department of Hygiene and Social Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Austria. Cornelia.Lass-Floerl@uibk.ac.at
Abstract:
This study shows that 5-hydroxytrypatmine (5-HT, serotonin) is fungicidal towards conidia and hyphae of clinical isolates of Aspergillus (A.) fumigatus, A. flavus and A. terreus. The minimal fungicidal concentrations for Aspergillus conidia and hyphae ranged between 14.68 to 117.5 mM and 29.37 to 235 mM during 24 and 48 h of incubation. Several serotonin receptor antagonists (5-HT2, 5-HT3) studied in vitro did not influence antifungal activity.
Insights
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) demonstrates fungicidal properties against clinical Aspergillus species, including conidia and hyphae. This discovery offers potential new avenues for antifungal research and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Antimicrobial Research
Background:
- Aspergillus species are significant opportunistic fungal pathogens causing invasive infections.
- Current antifungal treatments face challenges due to resistance and toxicity.
- The role of endogenous compounds like serotonin in fungal pathogenesis is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fungicidal activity of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) against clinical isolates of Aspergillus species.
- To determine the minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of serotonin for Aspergillus conidia and hyphae.
- To assess the impact of serotonin receptor antagonists on the antifungal activity of serotonin.
Main Methods:
- In vitro susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus terreus.
- Determination of minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) for fungal conidia and hyphae after 24 and 48 hours of incubation.
- Evaluation of the effect of serotonin receptor antagonists (5-HT2, 5-HT3) on serotonin's antifungal activity.
Main Results:
- Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) exhibited significant fungicidal activity against Aspergillus conidia and hyphae.
- Minimal fungicidal concentrations ranged from 14.68 to 117.5 mM for conidia and 29.37 to 235 mM for hyphae.
- Serotonin receptor antagonists did not alter the observed antifungal effects in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin possesses direct fungicidal properties against clinically relevant Aspergillus species.
- The findings suggest a potential role for serotonin as a novel antifungal agent.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of serotonin in treating invasive aspergillosis.