Upregulation of pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, phoQ, phoP, and arnT genes contributing to resistance to colistin in superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from human clinical samples in Tehran, Iran

Background: Antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, particularly resistance to colistin, has become a growing concern. This study seeks to investigate the upregulation of specific genes (pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, phoQ, phoP, and arnT) that contribute to colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates collected from human clinical samples in Tehran, Iran. Methods: Thirty eight K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, as well as evaluation for phenotypic AmpC and ESBL production according to CLSI guidelines. The investigation of antibiotic resistance genes was conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas the quantification of colistin resistance related genes expressions was performed via Real-Time PCR. Results: The highest and lowest antibiotics resistance were observed for cefotaxime 33 (86.8%) and minocycline 8 (21.1%), respectively. Twenty-four (63.2%) and 31 (81.6%) isolates carried AmpC and ESBLs, respectively. Also, antibiotic resistance genes containing blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTXM, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, and aac(6')-Ib were detected in K. pneumoniae isolates. Only 5 (13.1%) isolates were resistant to colistin and the MIC range of these isolates was between 4 and 64 μg ml−1. Upregulation of the pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, phoQ, phoP, and arnT genes was observed in colistin-resistant isolates. The colistin-resistant isolates were found to possess a simultaneous presence of ESBLs, AmpC, fluoroquinolone, aminoglycoside, and carbapenem resistant genes. Conclusions: This study reveals escalating antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae, with notable coexistence of various resistance traits, emphasizing the need for vigilant surveillance and innovative interventions

Tumor cells growth and survival time with the ketogenic diet in animal models: A systematic review

Recently, interest in targeted cancer therapies via metabolic pathways has been renewed with the discovery that many tumors become dependent on glucose uptake during anaerobic glycolysis. Also the inability of ketone bodies metabolization due to various deficiencies in mitochondrial enzymes is the major metabolic changes discovered in malignant cells. Therefore, administration of a ketogenic diet (KD) which is based on high in fat and low in carbohydrates might inhibit tumor growth and provide a rationale for therapeutic strategies. So, we conducted this systematic review to assess the effects of KD on the tumor cells growth and survival time in animal studies. All databases were searched from inception to November 2015. We systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholars, Science Direct and Cochrane Library according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. To assess the quality of included studies we used SYRCLE's RoB tool. 268 articles were obtained from databases by primary search. Only 13 studies were eligible according to inclusion criteria. From included studies, 9 articles indicate that KD had a beneficial effect on tumor growth and survival time. Tumor types were included pancreatic, prostate, gastric, colon, brain, neuroblastoma and lung cancers. In conclusions, although studies in this field are rare and inconsistence, recent findings have demonstrated that KD can potentially inhibit the malignant cell growth and increase the survival time. Because of differences physiology between animals and humans, future studies in cancer patients treated with a KD are needed

Prevalence of colistin resistance in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction The development of colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii during treatment has been identified in certain patients, often leading to prolonged or recurrent infections. As colistin, is the last line of therapy for A. baumannii infections that are resistant to almost all other antibiotics, colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains currently represent a significant public health threat, particularly in healthcare settings where there is significant selective pressure. Aim The aim of this study was to comprehensively determine the prevalence of colistin resistance in A. baumannii from clinical samples. Regional differences in these rates were also investigated using subgroup analyses. Method The comprehensive search was conducted using “Acinetobacter baumannii”, “Colistin resistant” and all relevant keywords. A systematic literature search was performed after searching in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to April 25, 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata software version 17 and sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using I2. The potential for publication bias was explored using Egger's tests. A total of 30,307 articles were retrieved. After a thorough evaluation, 734 studies were finally eligible for inclusion in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. Result According to the results, the prevalence of resistance to colistin among A. baumannii isolates was 4% (95% CI 3–5%), which has increased significantly from 2% before 2011 to 5% after 2012. South America had the highest resistance rate to this antibiotic. The broth microdilution method had the highest level of resistance, while the agar dilution showed the lowest level. Conclusions This meta-analysis found a low prevalence of colistin resistance among A. baumannii isolates responsible for infections worldwide from 2000 to 2023. However, there is a high prevalence of colistin-resistant isolates in certain countries. This implies an urgent public health threat, as colistin is one of the last antibiotics available for the treatment of infections caused by XDR strains of A. baumannii

Additional file 1 of Prevalence of colistin resistance in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Additional file 1: Table S1. Characteristics and references of included studies are presente