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Influence of Serum and Albumin on Echinocandin In Vitro Potency and Pharmacodynamics

  • Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics of Antifungal Agents (P Gubbins, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The echinocandins target fungi by inhibiting the production of (1,3)-β-d-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. These agents have less toxicity to mammalian cells, as compared to other antifungals; however, they maintain potent activity against many pathogenic fungi, including polyene- and azole-resistant isolates. Members of this class are highly protein-bound, and the addition of serum or albumin to the growth medium has profound effects on their in vitro potency and pharmacodynamics. In addition, studies have demonstrated an association between in vitro activity, in the presence of serum, and outcomes in animal models of invasive fungal infections. Serum and albumin may also be useful to help detect echinocandin-resistant Candida isolates with point mutations in the gene that encodes for glucan synthase. Thus, in vitro studies evaluating echinocandins in the presence of protein can provide valuable insight regarding their potency and pharmacodynamics.

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Conflict of Interest

A. Nasar: none; L. Ryan: none; C.R. Frei: supported by an NIH/KL2 career development award (RR025766) during the time this work was performed. In addition, C.R.F. has received research grants from AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Elan, Ortho-McNeil Janssen, and Pfizer and has served as a scientific consultant/advisor for Forest and Ortho-McNeil Janssen; J.M. Cota: none; N.P. Wiederhold: received research support from Pfizer, Schering-Plough, Merck, Basilea, and Astellas, and has served on advisory boards for Merck, Astellas, Toyama, and Viamet.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, TX, USA

    Aasya Nasar, Laurajo Ryan, Christopher R. Frei & Nathan P. Wiederhold

  2. Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 6220, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA

    Aasya Nasar, Laurajo Ryan, Christopher R. Frei & Nathan P. Wiederhold

  3. University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Jason M. Cota

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  1. Aasya Nasar
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Correspondence to Nathan P. Wiederhold.

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Nasar, A., Ryan, L., Frei, C.R. et al. Influence of Serum and Albumin on Echinocandin In Vitro Potency and Pharmacodynamics. Curr Fungal Infect Rep 7, 89–95 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-013-0136-z

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