Variant analysis from bacterial isolates affirms DnaK crucial for multidrug resistance

Next-generation sequencing and associated computational analyses have become powerful tools for comparing the whole genomes and detecting the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the genes. In our study, we have identified specific mutations within the plausible drug resistant genes of eight multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial species. Essentially, we have unearthed few proteins, involved in folding and enabling survival under stress, to be the most crucial ones from the network of the whole genome protein interactome (PIN) of these species. To confirm the relevance of these proteins to antibiotic resistance, variant analyses were performed on all the selected MDR species, isolated from patients’ samples in PATRIC database, against their respective reference genomes. The SNPs found in the patient isolates revealed the nucleotide changes from C to A on DnaK, thereby altering a single amino acid change that might lead to misfolding of proteins. Thus, we propose DnaK to be the best characterized bacterial chaperone having implications in multidrug resistance. To this end, to provide an alternative solution to tackle MDR, docking studies were performed with a phenaleno-furanone derivative which revealed the highest binding energy and inhibition against DnaK

Omega-3 fatty acids status in human subjects estimated using a food frequency questionnaire and plasma phospholipids levels

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Intakes of omega-3 (<it>n</it>-3) fatty acids (FA) are associated with several health benefits. The aim of this study was to verify whether intakes of <it>n</it>-3 FA estimated from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) correlate with <it>n</it>-3 FA levels measured in plasma phospholipids (PL).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study sample consisted of 200 French-Canadians men and women aged between 18 to 55 years. Dietary data were collected using a validated FFQ. Fasting blood samples were collected and the plasma PL FA profile was measured by gas chromatography.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Low intakes of <it>n</it>-3 long-chain FA together with low percentages of <it>n</it>-3 long-chain FA in plasma PL were found in French-Canadian population. Daily intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were similar between men and women. Yet, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and total <it>n</it>-3 FA intakes were significantly higher in men compared to women (ALA: 2.28 g and 1.69 g, p < 0.0001, total <it>n</it>-3 FA: 2.57 g and 1.99 g, p < 0.0001; respectively). In plasma PL, DPA and DHA percentages were significantly different between men and women (DPA: 1.03% and 0.88%, p < 0.0001, DHA: 3.00% and 3.43%, p = 0.0005; respectively). Moreover, DHA (men: r = 0.52, p < 0.0001; women: r = 0.57, p < 0.0001) and total <it>n</it>-3 FA (men: r = 0.47, p < 0.0001; women: r = 0.52, p < 0.0001) intakes were positively correlated to their respective plasma PL FA levels. In women, EPA (r = 0.44, p < 0.0001) and DPA (r = 0.23, p = 0.02) intakes were also correlated respectively with EPA and DPA plasma PL FA percentages.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Estimated <it>n</it>-3 long-chain FA intake among this young and well-educated French-Canadian population is lower than the recommendations. Further, FFQ data is comparable to plasma PL results to estimate DHA and total <it>n</it>-3 FA status in healthy individuals as well as to evaluate the EPA and DPA status in women. Overall, this FFQ could be used as a simple, low-cost tool in future studies to rank <it>n</it>-3 FA status of individuals.</p