1
|
Mcgee LMC, Carpinteyro Sanchez AG, Perieteanu M, Eskandari K, Bian Y, Mackie L, Young L, Beveridge R, Suckling CJ, Roberts CW, Scott FJ. Strathclyde minor groove binders (S-MGBs) with activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:2251-2258. [PMID: 38980760 PMCID: PMC11368431 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba spp. is the causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Strathclyde minor groove binders (S-MGBs) are a promising new class of anti-infective agent that have been shown to be effective against many infectious organisms. OBJECTIVES To synthesize and evaluate the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of a panel of S-MGBs, and therefore determine the potential of this class for further development. METHODS A panel of 12 S-MGBs was synthesized and anti-Acanthamoeba activity was determined using an alamarBlue™-based trophocidal assay against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Cross-screening against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was used to investigate selective potency. Cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells allowed for selective toxicity to be measured. DNA binding studies were carried out using native mass spectrometry and DNA thermal shift assays. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION S-MGB-241 has an IC50 of 6.6 µM against A. castellanii, comparable to the clinically used miltefosine (5.6 µM) and negligible activity against the other organisms. It was also found to have an IC50 > 100 µM against HEK293 cells, demonstrating low cytotoxicity. S-MGB-241 binds to DNA as a dimer, albeit weakly compared to other S-MGBs previously studied. This was confirmed by DNA thermal shift assay with a ΔTm = 1 ± 0.1°C. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data provide confidence that S-MGBs can be further optimized to generate new, potent treatments for Acanthameoba spp. infections. In particular, S-MGB-241, has been identified as a 'hit' compound that is selectively active against A. castellanii, providing a starting point from which to begin optimization of DNA binding and potency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah M C Mcgee
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Marina Perieteanu
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kaveh Eskandari
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yan Bian
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Logan Mackie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Louise Young
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rebecca Beveridge
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin J Suckling
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig W Roberts
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fraser J Scott
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mooney R, Richardson K, Rodgers K, Giammarini E, Williams R, Kelly S, Amaeze N, Inkster T, Henriquez FL, Mackay W. Acanthamoeba as a protective reservoir for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a clinical environment. J Hosp Infect 2024:S0195-6701(24)00291-3. [PMID: 39218354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a growing concern in healthcare associated infections and poses significant risk to those with serious underlying health conditions. The antimicrobial resistance traits of the pathogen and ability to form biofilms make effective mitigation and disinfection strategies difficult. Added to this challenge is the role that free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba play in the detection, disinfection, and transmission of P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa can survive intracellularly within amoebae, which has the potential to limit detectability and permit transmission into high-risk areas. Herein, we have screened for the presence of Acanthamoeba species and P. aeruginosa within a functioning general hospital in Scotland using a culture and molecular approach, noting their presence at several sites over a 4-month period, particularly within floor drains connecting patient rooms. In addition, microbiome analysis revealed amoebae harbour a unique microbial community comprised primarily of Pseudomonas species that were not readily detected using microbiome sequencing techniques on environmental swabs. Having demonstrated that both organisms were consistently present in hospital settings, we investigated the relationship between Acanthamoeba and P. aeruginosa in the laboratory, showing that i) Acanthamoeba growth rate is increased in the presence of Pseudomonas biofilms and viable Pseudomonas persist within the amoebae and ii) hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants are significantly less effective against an isolate of P. aeruginosa in the presence of Acanthamoeba than when the bacteria are incubated alone. These findings suggest that amoebae, and other protists, can influence the detection and persistence of P. aeruginosa in high-risk areas and should be considered when implementing mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Mooney
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Kenny Richardson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Kiri Rodgers
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Giammarini
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Roderick Williams
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Kelly
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ngozi Amaeze
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Inkster
- Antimicrobial Resistance & Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland, Delta House, 48 West Nile Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona L Henriquez
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - William Mackay
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chao-Pellicer J, Arberas-Jiménez I, Sifaoui I, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Exploring therapeutic approaches against Naegleria fowleri infections through the COVID box. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100545. [PMID: 38718717 PMCID: PMC11091526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri, known as the brain-eating amoeba, is the pathogen that causes the primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe neurodegenerative disease with a fatality rate exceeding 95%. Moreover, PAM cases commonly involved previous activities in warm freshwater bodies that allow amoebae-containing water through the nasal passages. Hence, awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public are the key to contribute to a higher and faster number of diagnoses worldwide. Current treatment options for PAM, such as amphotericin B and miltefosine, are limited by potential cytotoxic effects. In this context, the repurposing of existing compounds has emerged as a promising strategy. In this study, the evaluation of the COVID Box which contains 160 compounds demonstrated significant in vitro amoebicidal activity against two type strains of N. fowleri. From these compounds, terconazole, clemastine, ABT-239 and PD-144418 showed a higher selectivity against the parasite compared to the remaining products. In addition, programmed cell death assays were conducted with these four compounds, unveiling compatible metabolic events in treated amoebae. These compounds exhibited chromatin condensation and alterations in cell membrane permeability, indicating their potential to induce programmed cell death. Assessment of mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and a significant reduction in ATP production emphasized the impact of these compounds on the mitochondria, with the identification of increased ROS production underscoring their potential as effective treatment options. This study emphasizes the potential of the mentioned COVID Box compounds against N. fowleri, providing a path for enhanced PAM therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Chao-Pellicer
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Iñigo Arberas-Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Santos Porto D, da Costa Bernardo Port B, Conte J, Fretes Argenta D, Pereira Balleste M, Amadeu Micke G, Machado Campos Â, Silva Caumo K, Caon T. Development of ophthalmic nanoemulsions of β-caryophyllene for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Int J Pharm 2024; 659:124252. [PMID: 38782149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Although rare, amoebic keratitis (AK) is a disease caused by Acanthamoeba spp. that can lead to blindness. The drugs currently available for its treatment are very toxic, which has motivated the investigation for more effective and safe therapeutic options. In this study, the in vitro activity of ß-caryophyllene (BCP) was exploited taking into account its action against other protozoans as well as its well-known healing and anti-inflammatory properties (aspects relevant for the AK pathogenesis). On the other hand, high volatilization and oxidation phenomena are found for this compound, which led to its incorporation into nanoemulsions (NEs). Two emulsifying agents were tested, resulting in monodisperse systems with reduced droplet size (<265 nm) and high surface charge (positive and negative for NEs prepared with cetrimonium bromide -CTAB and Phosal® 50+, respectively). NEs prepared with CTAB were shown to be more stable after long-term storage at 4 and 25 °C than those prepared with Phosal®. Pure BCP, at the highest concentration (500 µM), resulted in a level of inhibition of Acanthamoeba trophozoites equivalent to that of reference drug (chlorhexidine). This activity was even greater after oil nanoencapsulation. The reduced droplet size could improve the interaction of the oil with the microorganism, justifying this finding. Changes in surface charge did not impact the activity. Positively charged NEs improved the interaction and retention of BCP in the cornea and thus should be prioritized for further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Santos Porto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia Conte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Debora Fretes Argenta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Maira Pereira Balleste
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Amadeu Micke
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Ângela Machado Campos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Karin Silva Caumo
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago Caon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mooney R, Giammarini E, Corbett E, Thomson S, McKinley K, Sinisterra Sebastian P, Rodgers K, O’Donnell J, McGinness C, Roberts CW, Ramaesh K, Henriquez FL. Sodium Metabisulfite Inhibits Acanthamoeba Trophozoite Growth through Thiamine Depletion. Pathogens 2024; 13:431. [PMID: 38921729 PMCID: PMC11206890 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe infection of the cornea. Prevention and treatment are difficult due to the inefficacy of currently available compounds. The impact of many commonly used compounds for routine examinations of Acanthamoeba is unexplored but might offer insight useful in combatting AK. In this study, we demonstrate that sodium metabisulfite, a common preservation constituent of eye care solutions, was found to be active against Acanthamoeba trophozoites at concentrations lower than that commonly found in eye drops (IC50 0.03 mg/mL). We demonstrate that sodium metabisulfite depletes thiamine from growth medium and that Acanthamoeba is a thiamine auxotroph, requiring thiamine salvage for growth. The inhibitory effects of sodium metabisulfite can be overcome by thiamine supplementation. These results are consistent with the lack of key enzymes for thiamine biosynthesis in the genome of Acanthamoeba, an area which might prove exploitable using new or existing compounds. Indeed, this study highlights sodium metabisulfite as a useful inhibitor of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites in vitro and that it acts, at least in part, by limiting available thiamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Mooney
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Elisa Giammarini
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Erin Corbett
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Scott Thomson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Kevin McKinley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Paula Sinisterra Sebastian
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Kiri Rodgers
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Jana O’Donnell
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Charles McGinness
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Paisley, Glasgow PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Craig W. Roberts
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Kanna Ramaesh
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Gartnavel Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
| | - Fiona L. Henriquez
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
da Silveira J, Cardoso AP, Fernandes C, Junior AH, da Rosa Monte Machado G, Caumo KS. Anti-Acanthamoeba metallopharmaceuticals: Amoebicidal activity and synergistic effect of copper(II) coordination compound. Biometals 2024:10.1007/s10534-024-00602-4. [PMID: 38647983 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00602-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. emerged as a clinically important pathogen related to amoebic keratitis. It is among the main causes of corneal transplantation and vision loss in ophthalmology. The treatment protocols have a low cure rate, high toxicity, and need for drug combination. Transition metal compounds have shown promising antiprotozoal effects. This study evaluates the amoebicidal activity of copper(II) coordination compounds in combination with chlorhexidine and the cytotoxicity to topical ocular application. These copper(II) coordination compounds were screened against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites (ATCC 50492). The cytotoxicity on rabbit corneal cell line (ATCC-CCL 60) was performed. The compounds showed high amoebicidal potential, with inhibition of trophozoite viability above 80%. The Cp12 and Cp13 compounds showed Minimal Inhibitory Amoebicidal Concentration (MIAC) at 200 µM and mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) values lower than 10 µM. Against the cysts, Cp12 showed a reduction in viability (48%) in the longest incubation period. A synergistic effect for Cp12 with chlorhexidine was observed. The compounds have a dose-dependent effect against rabbit corneal cells. Compound Cp12 has potential for future application in developing ophthalmic formulations against Acanthamoeba keratitis and its use in multipurpose solutions is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline da Silveira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Investigação Aplicada a Protozoários Emergentes (LADIPE), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Cardoso
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Christiane Fernandes
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Horn Junior
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriella da Rosa Monte Machado
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Investigação Aplicada a Protozoários Emergentes (LADIPE), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-970, Brazil
| | - Karin Silva Caumo
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Investigação Aplicada a Protozoários Emergentes (LADIPE), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-970, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Spottiswoode N, Haston JC, Hanners NW, Gruenberg K, Kim A, DeRisi JL, Wilson MR. Challenges and advances in the medical treatment of granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241228340. [PMID: 38312848 PMCID: PMC10838035 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241228340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Granulomatous amebic encephalitis, caused by the free-living amebae Balamuthia mandrillaris or Acanthamoeba species, is a rare and deadly infectious syndrome with a current mortality rate of >90%. Much work remains to define the optimal treatment for these infections. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the supporting evidence behind antimicrobials currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with updated statistics on survival rates and medication usage from the CDC Free-Living Ameba Database. We also discuss promising treatments, especially the emerging therapeutic agent nitroxoline, and provide recommendations for the next steps in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Spottiswoode
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia C. Haston
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Natasha W. Hanners
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Katherine Gruenberg
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Annie Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph L. DeRisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub SF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael R. Wilson
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gongolarones as antiamoeboid chemical scaffold. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114185. [PMID: 36916403 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Free Living Amoeba (FLA) infections caused by Acanthamoeba genus include chronic nervous system diseases such as Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE), or a severe eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Current studies focused on therapy against these diseases are aiming to find novel compounds with amoebicidal activity and low toxicity to human tissues. Brown algae, such as Gongolaria abies-marina (previously known as Cystoseira abies-marina, S.G. Gmelin), presents bioactive molecules of interest, including some with antiprotozoal activity. In this study, six meroterpenoids were isolated and purified from the species Gongolaria abies-marina. Gongolarones A (1), B (2) and C (3) were identified as new compounds. Additionally, cystomexicone B (4), 1'-methoxyamentadione (5) and 6Z-1'-methoxyamentadione (6) were isolated. All compounds exhibited amoebicidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff, A. polyphaga and A. griffini strains. Gongolarones A (1) and C (3) showed the lowest IC50 values against the two stages of these amoebae (trophozoite and cyst). Structure-activity relationship revealed that the cyclization by ether formation from C-12 to C-15 of 1, and the isomerization Δ2 t to Δ3 t of 3, increased the antiamoeboid activity of both compounds. Furthermore, gongolarones A (1) and C (3) triggered chromatin condensation, mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress, and disorganization of the tubulin-actin cytoskeleton in treated trophozoites. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images analysis revealed that compounds 1 and 3 induced autophagy process and inhibited the encystation process. All those results suggest that both compounds could induce programmed cell death (PCD) in Acanthamoeba.
Collapse
|
9
|
Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Reyes-Batlle M, Sifaoui I, Tejedor D, García-Tellado F, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one derivatives: Amoebicidal activity and program cell death in Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113062. [PMID: 35658232 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Acanthamoeba is characterized by being a group of ubiquitous and free-living amoebae that inhabit a variety of environments. Generally, human infections by this parasite are associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis, especially in contact lens wearers, and with chronic but fatal granulomatous amoebic meningoencephalitis. Current treatments used for eradication of amoeba from infection sites represent a challenge for pharmacotherapy, due to the lack of effective treatment and the amoebae highly resistant to anti-amoebic drugs. In this study, we describe the results of the assessment of the IC50 of 10 isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one derivatives (QOET) against four Acanthamoeba strains. The compounds QOET-3 and QOET-9 were the selected derivatives with the lowest IC50 in A. castellanii Neff trophozoites (73.71 ± 0.25 and 69.99 ± 15.32 µM, respectively). Interestingly, analysis of the compound effects on the cell apoptosis-like features showed that both active molecules triggered programmed cell death (PCD) in A. castellanii Neff. The results obtained in this study highlights that isobenzofuranone derivatives could represent an interesting source for developing novel antiamoebic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén L Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - David Tejedor
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.
| | - Fernando García-Tellado
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shing B, Balen M, McKerrow JH, Debnath A. Acanthamoeba Keratitis: an update on amebicidal and cysticidal drug screening methodologies and potential treatment with azole drugs. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1427-1441. [PMID: 33929276 PMCID: PMC8551003 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1924673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Acanthamoeba encompasses several species of free-living ameba encountered commonly throughout the environment. Unfortunately, these species of ameba can cause opportunistic infections that result in Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amebic encephalitis, and occasionally systemic infection.Areas covered: This review discusses relevant literature found through PubMed and Google scholar published as of January 2021. The review summarizes current common Acanthamoeba keratitis treatments, drug discovery methodologies available for screening potential anti-Acanthamoeba compounds, and the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of various azole antifungal agents.Expert opinion: While several biguanide and diamidine antimicrobial agents are available to clinicians to effectively treat Acanthamoeba keratitis, no singular treatment can effectively treat every Acanthamoeba keratitis case.Efforts to identify new anti-Acanthamoeba agents include trophozoite cell viability assays, which are amenable to high-throughput screening. Cysticidal assays remain largely manual and would benefit from further automation development. Additionally, the existing literature on the effectiveness of various azole antifungal agents for treating Acanthamoeba keratitis is incomplete or contradictory, suggesting the need for a systematic review of all azoles against different pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Shing
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Division, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0685, La Jolla, CA 92093-0756, USA
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0756, La Jolla, CA 92093-0756, USA
| | - Mina Balen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0756, La Jolla, CA 92093-0756, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0346, La Jolla, CA 92093-0756, USA
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0756, La Jolla, CA 92093-0756, USA
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0756, La Jolla, CA 92093-0756, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martín-Escolano R, Molero Romero S, Díaz JG, Marín C, Sánchez-Moreno M, Rosales MJ. In vitro anti- Acanthamoeba activity of flavonoid glycosides isolated from Delphinium gracile, D. staphisagria, Consolida oliveriana and Aconitum napellus. Parasitology 2021; 148:1392-1400. [PMID: 34162452 PMCID: PMC11010224 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are widely distributed in the environment and cause serious infections in humans. Treatment of Acanthamoeba infections is very challenging and not always effective which requires the development of more efficient drugs against Acanthamoeba spp. The purpose of the present study was to test medicinal plants that may be useful in the treatment of Acanthamoeba spp. Here we evaluated the trophozoital and cysticidal activity of 13 flavonoid glycosides isolated from Delphinium gracile, D. staphisagria, Consolida oliveriana and from Aconitum napellus subsp. Lusitanicum against the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. AlamarBlue Assay Reagent® was used to determine the activity against trophozoites of A. castellanii, and cytotoxic using Vero cells. Cysticidal activity was assessed on treated cysts by light microscopy using a Neubauer chamber to quantify cysts and trophozoites. Flavonoids 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed higher trophozoital activity and selectivity indexes than the reference drug chlorhexidine digluconate. In addition, flavonoid 2 showed 100% cysticidal activity at a concentration of 50 μm, lower than those of the reference drug and flavonoid 3 (100 μm). These results suggest that flavonoids 2 and 3 might be used for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against Acanthamoeba infections after satisfactory in vivo evaluations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Sonia Molero Romero
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Jesus G. Díaz
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Instituto de Bio-Orgánica ‘Antonio González’, Universidad de La Laguna, Ctra. a la Esperanza 2, 38206-La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Mª José Rosales
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Reyes-Batlle M, Rodríguez-Talavera I, Sifaoui I, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Rocha-Cabrera P, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. In vitro amoebicidal effects of arabinogalactan-based ophthalmic solution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 16:9-16. [PMID: 33895610 PMCID: PMC8099451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The main corneal infections reported worldwide are caused by bacteria and viruses but, recently, the number of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) cases has increased. Acanthamoeba genus is an opportunistic free living protozoa widely distributed in environmental and clinical sources, with two life-cycle stages: the trophozoite and the cyst. AK presents as primary symptoms eye redness, epithelial defects, photophobia and intense pain. An early diagnosis and an effective treatment are crucial to avoid blindness or eye removal but, so far, there is no established treatment to this corneal infection. Diverse research studies have reported the efficacy of commercialized eye drops and ophthalmic solutions against the two life cycle stages of Acanthamoeba strains, that usually present preservatives such as Propylene Glycol of Benzalkonium chloride (BAK). These compounds present toxic effects in corneal cells, favouring the inflammatory response in the so sensitive eye tissue. In the present work we have evaluated the efficacy of nine proprietary ophthalmic solutions with and without preservatives (ASDA Dry Eyes Eyedrops, Miren®, ODM5®, Ectodol®, Systane® Complete, Ocudox®, Matrix Ocular®, Alins® and Coqun®) against the two life cycle stages of three Acanthamoeba strains. Our work has demonstrated the high anti-Acanthamoeba activity of Matrix Ocular®, which induces the programmed cell death mechanisms in Acanthamoeba spp. trophozoites. The high efficacy and the absence of ocular toxic effects of Matrix Ocular®, evidences the use of the Arabinogalactan derivatives as a new source of anti-AK compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain.
| | - I Rodríguez-Talavera
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Área de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - I Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
| | - R L Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
| | - P Rocha-Cabrera
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Área de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - J E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain.
| | - J Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda, Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Taravaud A, Fechtali-Moute Z, Loiseau PM, Pomel S. Drugs used for the treatment of cerebral and disseminated infections caused by free-living amoebae. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:791-805. [PMID: 33650319 PMCID: PMC8212752 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Free‐living amoebae (FLAs) are protozoa developing autonomously in diverse natural or artificial environments. The FLAs Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Naegleria fowleri represent a risk for human health as they can become pathogenic and cause severe cerebral infections, named granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE), and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), respectively. Additionally, Acanthamoeba sp. can also rarely disseminate to diverse organs, such as the skin, sinuses, or bones, and cause extracerebral disseminated acanthamebiasis (EDA). No consensus treatment has been established for cerebral FLA infections or EDA. The therapy of cerebral and disseminated FLA infections often empirically associates a large diversity of drugs, all exhibiting a high toxicity. Nevertheless, these pathologies lead to a high mortality, above 90% of the cases, even in the presence of a treatment. In the present work, a total of 474 clinical cases of FLA infections gathered from the literature allowed to determine the frequency of usage, as well as the efficacy of the main drugs and drug combinations used in the treatment of these pathologies. The efficacy of drug usage was determined based on the survival rate after drug administration. The most efficient drugs, drug combinations, and their mechanism of action were discussed in regard to the present recommendations for the treatment of GAE, EDA, BAE, and PAM. At the end, this review aims to provide a useful tool for physicians in their choice to optimize the treatment of FLA infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Taravaud
- BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Zineb Fechtali-Moute
- BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Philippe M Loiseau
- BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sébastien Pomel
- BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Crary MJ, Walters R, Shannon P, Gabriel MM. Variables Affecting the Recovery of Acanthamoeba Trophozoites. Pathogens 2021; 10:221. [PMID: 33670669 PMCID: PMC7922685 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While the results of Acanthamoeba testing have been extensively published, laboratories conducting such testing are left to develop their own methods in the absence of a standardized methodology. The wide disparity of methods has resulted in equally inconsistent reported results for contact lens care (CLC) products. This study's objective was to determine the source of these discrepancies by evaluating basic Acanthamoeba biology and their impact on antimicrobial efficacy testing, including the ability of a recovery method to stimulate a single trophozoite to proliferate. Antimicrobial efficacy testing was conducted using well-published Acanthamoeba strains, storage conditions, and growth-based recovery methods. To identify variables that influence results, test solutions with low Acanthamoeba disinfection rates were utilized to prevent differences from being masked by high log reductions. In addition, single-cell proliferation assays were executed to understand the growth requirements to stimulate trophozoite propagation in two recovery methods. These studies indicated that both nutrient density (>106 CFU) and the length of plate incubation (at least 14 days) could significantly influence the accurate recovery of trophozoites. Together, this study emphasizes the need to understand how Acanthamoeba trophozoites biology can impact test methods to create divergent results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica J. Crary
- R&D Microbiology, Alcon Research, LLC, Fort Worth, TX 76134, USA; (R.W.); (P.S.); (M.M.G.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Evaluating Alternate Methods of Determining the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Contact Lens Care Products against Acanthamoeba Trophozoites. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020126. [PMID: 33513702 PMCID: PMC7911817 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a serious ocular infection caused by a ubiquitous free-living amoeba, Acanthamoeba. This infection often results in extensive corneal damage and blindness, and is notoriously difficult to cure. While Acanthamoeba is an abundant organism, AK is most associated with contact lens hygiene noncompliance and inadequate contact lens care (CLC) disinfection regimens. Thus, accurate and timely antimicrobial efficacy testing of CLC solutions is paramount. Published methods for antimicrobial efficacy testing of Acanthamoeba trophozoites requires 14 days for results. Presently, alternate and/or rapid methods for evaluating CLC products rarely demonstrate equivalent results compared to commonly-reported methods. Propidium iodide is a cellular stain that can only bind to cells with damaged outer membranes. We evaluated propidium iodide staining as an alternative method for determining the relative antimicrobial efficacy of 11 different CLC products against Acanthamoeba trophozoites. Following exposure to a CLC product, the fluorescence intensity of propidium iodide in an Acanthamoeba population demonstrated a strong correlation to the log reduction determined by established, growth-based Acanthamoeba testing used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of CLC products. Thus, propidium iodide was found to be an effective rapid tool for determining cell death in Acanthamoeba trophozoites following exposure to CLC solutions.
Collapse
|
16
|
Antiamoebic effects of sesquiterpene lactones isolated from the zoanthid Palythoa aff. clavata. Bioorg Chem 2021; 108:104682. [PMID: 33556696 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Opportunistic parasitic protozoa of genus Acanthamoeba are responsible to cause severe infections in humans such as Acanthamoeba Keratitis or Amoebic Granulomatous Encephalitis. Current treatments are usually toxic and inefficient and there is a need to access new therapeutic agents. The antiamoebic effects of nephthediol (1) and fourteen germacranolide and eudesmanolide sesquiterpene lactones (2-5, 7-12) isolated from the indigenous zoanthid Palythoa aff. clavata collected at the coast of Lanzarote, Canary Islands were studied against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff, and the clinical strains A. polyphaga and A. griffini. 4-epi-arbusculin A (11) presented the lowest IC50 value (26,47 ± 1,69 µM) against A. castellanii Neff and low cytotoxicity against murine macrophages, followed by isobadgerin (2), which also showed to be active against A. castellanii Neff cysts. The studies on the mode of action of compounds 2 and 11 revealed these sesquiterpene lactones induce mechanisms of PDC on A. castellanii Neff.
Collapse
|
17
|
Comparative Study of Curcumin and Its Hydrogenated Metabolites, Tetrahydrocurcumin, Hexahydrocurcumin, and Octahydrocurcumin, on Melanogenesis in B16F10 and MNT-1 Cells. COSMETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin, a bioactive from Curcuma longa, has been shown to possess anti-melanogenic activity previously; however, the effects of its hydrogenated metabolites (HMs)—Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), Hexahydrocurcumin (HHC), and Octahydrocurcumin (OHC)—on melanogenesis have not been sufficiently explored. We have studied and compared three HMs (THC, HHC, and OHC) with the parent compound, curcumin (PC), on melanin synthesis in B16F10 mouse and MNT-1 human melanoma cells. Our results demonstrated that all the HMs were nontoxic over the concentration range 5–40 µM, while PC was nontoxic at 5 µM but induced toxicity at 20 and 40 µM in B16F10 cells. All three HMs enhanced melanin synthesis, while PC (5 µM) inhibited it. THC (40 µM) significantly stimulated melanin synthesis to a greater degree than HHC and OHC in both B16F10 and MNT-1 cells; the order of melanogenesis stimulation was THC = OHC > HHC in B16F10 mouse cells, while it was THC > HHC > OHC in MNT-1 cells. HMs stimulated melanogenesis by pathways not involving tyrosinase, as neither the intracellular tyrosinase activity nor the protein levels of tyrosinase were affected. In addition, mushroom tyrosinase activity, using L-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) as the substrate, showed no direct effects of HMs. In summary, our results demonstrate that the HMs enhanced melanogenesis, which establishes that the hydrogenation of the heptadiene moiety of curcumin leads to a loss of its anti-melanogenic activity and instead results in the stimulation of melanogenesis. This stimulation is not further enhanced upon hydrogenation of the β-diketone, which was noted in MNT-1 cells, although the correlation to the number of keto groups differed in B16F10 cells where HHC was the weakest stimulator of melanogenesis. Collectively, THC with both keto groups intact is the best stimulator. Moreover, our results also validate that the electrophilicity of curcumin is necessary for its anti-melanogenic activity, as the non-electrophilic HMs did not inhibit melanogenesis. Furthermore, our results suggest that THC might hold promise as a stimulator of melanogenesis for treatment of hypopigmentation disorders and anti-graying therapies. Future studies to probe the molecular signaling mechanisms and test whether the pro-melanogenic activity of HMs is retained in primary human melanocytes are warranted.
Collapse
|
18
|
Hendiger EB, Padzik M, Żochowska A, Baltaza W, Olędzka G, Zyskowska D, Bluszcz J, Jarzynka S, Chomicz L, Grodzik M, Hendiger J, Piñero JE, Grobelny J, Ranoszek-Soliwoda K, Lorenzo-Morales J. Tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles enhance the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of three multipurpose contact lens solutions without increasing their cytotoxicity. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:624. [PMID: 33353560 PMCID: PMC7754594 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04453-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are cosmopolitan, widely distributed protozoans that cause a severe, vision-threatening corneal infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). The majority of the increasing number of AK cases are associated with contact lens use. Appropriate eye hygiene and effective contact lens disinfection are crucial in the prevention of AK because of the lack of effective therapies against it. Currently available multipurpose contact lens disinfection systems are not fully effective against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. There is an urgent need to increase the disinfecting activity of these systems to prevent AK infections. Synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) have been recently studied and proposed as a new generation of anti-microbial agents. It is also known that some plant metabolites, including tannins, have anti-parasitic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-amoebic activity and cytotoxicity of tannic acid-modified silver NPs (AgTANPs) conjugated with selected multipurpose contact lens solutions. METHODS The anti-amoebic activities of pure contact lens care solutions, and NPs conjugated with contact lens care solutions, were examined in vitro by a colorimetric assay based on the oxido-reduction of alamarBlue. The cytotoxicity assays were performed using a fibroblast HS-5 (ATCC CRL-11882) cell line. The results were statistically analysed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test using P < 0.05 as the level of statistical significance. RESULTS We show that the NPs enhance the anti-Acanthamoeba activities of the tested contact lens solutions without increasing their cytotoxicity profiles. The activities are enhanced within the minimal disinfection time recommended by the manufacturers. CONCLUSIONS The conjugation of the selected contact lens solutions with AgTANPs might be a novel and promising approach for the prevention of AK infections among contact lens users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edyta B. Hendiger
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias and Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Marcin Padzik
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Żochowska
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wanda Baltaza
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gabriela Olędzka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Diana Zyskowska
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julita Bluszcz
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Jarzynka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Chomicz
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 14/16 Litewska Street, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Grodzik
- Department of Nanobiotechnology and Experimental Ecology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw, University of Life Sciences, 8 Ciszewskiego Street, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Hendiger
- Faculty of Building Services, Hydro and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 20 Nowowiejska Street, 00-653 Warsaw, Poland
| | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias and Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jarosław Grobelny
- Department of Materials Technology and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, 163 Pomorska Street, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ranoszek-Soliwoda
- Department of Materials Technology and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, 163 Pomorska Street, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias and Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rice CA, Colon BL, Chen E, Hull MV, Kyle DE. Discovery of repurposing drug candidates for the treatment of diseases caused by pathogenic free-living amoebae. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008353. [PMID: 32970675 PMCID: PMC7546510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by pathogenic free-living amoebae include primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (Naegleria fowleri), granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (Acanthamoeba spp.), Acanthamoeba keratitis, and Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (Balamuthia mandrillaris). Each of these are difficult to treat and have high morbidity and mortality rates due to lack of effective therapeutics. Since repurposing drugs is an ideal strategy for orphan diseases, we conducted a high throughput phenotypic screen of 12,000 compounds from the Calibr ReFRAME library. We discovered a total of 58 potent inhibitors (IC50 <1 μM) against N. fowleri (n = 19), A. castellanii (n = 12), and B. mandrillaris (n = 27) plus an additional 90 micromolar inhibitors. Of these, 113 inhibitors have never been reported to have activity against Naegleria, Acanthamoeba or Balamuthia. Rapid onset of action is important for new anti-amoeba drugs and we identified 19 compounds that inhibit N. fowleri in vitro within 24 hours (halofuginone, NVP-HSP990, fumagillin, bardoxolone, belaronib, and BPH-942, solithromycin, nitracrine, quisinostat, pabinostat, pracinostat, dacinostat, fimepinostat, sanguinarium, radicicol, acriflavine, REP3132, BC-3205 and PF-4287881). These compounds inhibit N. fowleri in vitro faster than any of the drugs currently used for chemotherapy. The results of these studies demonstrate the utility of phenotypic screens for discovery of new drugs for pathogenic free-living amoebae, including Acanthamoeba for the first time. Given that many of the repurposed drugs have known mechanisms of action, these compounds can be used to validate new targets for structure-based drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Rice
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CAR); (DEK)
| | - Beatrice L. Colon
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Emily Chen
- Calibr at Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Mitchell V. Hull
- Calibr at Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Dennis E. Kyle
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CAR); (DEK)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Velvet activated McrA plays a key role in cellular and metabolic development in Aspergillus nidulans. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15075. [PMID: 32934285 PMCID: PMC7493923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72224-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
McrA is a key transcription factor that functions as a global repressor of fungal secondary metabolism in Aspergillus species. Here, we report that mcrA is one of the VosA-VelB target genes and McrA governs the cellular and metabolic development in Aspergillus nidulans. The deletion of mcrA resulted in a reduced number of conidia and decreased mRNA levels of brlA, the key asexual developmental activator. In addition, the absence of mcrA led to a loss of long-term viability of asexual spores (conidia), which is likely associated with the lack of conidial trehalose and increased β-(1,3)-glucan levels in conidia. In supporting its repressive role, the mcrA deletion mutant conidia contain more amounts of sterigmatocystin and an unknown metabolite than the wild type conidia. While overexpression of mcrA caused the fluffy-autolytic phenotype coupled with accelerated cell death, deletion of mcrA did not fully suppress the developmental defects caused by the lack of the regulator of G-protein signaling protein FlbA. On the contrary to the cellular development, sterigmatocystin production was restored in the ΔflbA ΔmcrA double mutant, and overexpression of mcrA completely blocked the production of sterigmatocystin. Overall, McrA plays a multiple role in governing growth, development, spore viability, and secondary metabolism in A. nidulans.
Collapse
|
21
|
da Silva A, Nobre H, Sampaio L, Nascimento BD, da Silva C, de Andrade Neto JB, Manresa Á, Pinazo A, Cavalcanti B, de Moraes MO, Ruiz-Trillo I, Antó M, Morán C, Pérez L. Antifungal and antiprotozoal green amino acid-based rhamnolipids: Mode of action, antibiofilm efficiency and selective activity against resistant Candida spp. strains and Acanthamoeba castellanii. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 193:111148. [PMID: 32512371 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, infections caused by fungi and protists constitute a serious problem for public health services. The limited number of treatment options coupled with the increasing number of resistant microorganisms makes necessary the development of new non-toxic antifungal and antiprotozoal agents. Cationic amino acid-based rhamnolipids have been recently prepared by our group and exhibited good antibacterial activity. In this work, the antifungal, antibiofilm and antiprotozoal activity of these new rhamnolipids was investigated against a collection of fluconazole-resistant strains of different Candida species and Acanthamoeba castellanii, respectively. The arginine-RLs exhibited good antifungal activity against all fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. strains tested at MICs ranging from 6.5 to 20.7 mg/L. Their mechanism of action involves alterations in the permeability of the cell membranes that provoke death by apoptosis. The Arginine based-RLs also disperse Candida biofilms at low concentrations, similar to the MICs. All RLs tested (anionic and cationic) showed antiprotozoal activity, the arginine derivatives had the best activity killing the Acanthamoeba castellanii at concentrations of 4 mg/L. Interestingly, these surfactants have a wide range of action against yeast and A. castellanii in which they do not show toxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts. These results indicate that these new rhamnolipids have a sufficiently wide safety margin to be considered good candidates for several pharmaceutical applications such as combating fungal resistance and microbial biofilms and the formulation of antiprotozoal drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anderson da Silva
- Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Section Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hélio Nobre
- Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Leticia Sampaio
- Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Bruna do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cecilia da Silva
- Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Ángeles Manresa
- Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Section Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurora Pinazo
- Department of Surfactants and Nanobiotechnology, IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bruno Cavalcanti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC- Pompeu Fabra University), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Antó
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC- Pompeu Fabra University), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Morán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lourdes Pérez
- Department of Surfactants and Nanobiotechnology, IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Alkyl-carbon chain length of two distinct compounds and derivatives are key determinants of their anti-Acanthamoeba activities. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6420. [PMID: 32286337 PMCID: PMC7156471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62934-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen, Acanthamoeba castellanii is the causative agent for the sight threatening infection Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). It is commonly associated with contact lens wearers, and prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate due to an inadequate preventive strategy to protect the lens from this protist. This problem is compounded by the lack of an effective acanthamoebocide, particularly with cysticidal activity in the contact lens solutions. We have used cytotoxicity assays and a variety of biophysical approaches to show that two molecules with tails made of alkyl carbon, alkylphosphocholines (APCs) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) had significant chain-length dependent efficacy against A. castellanii trophozoites, the latter producing death via permeabilization, and DNA complexing. QACs were more effective than APCs and had activity against cysts. Conversely, the QAC with 12 alkyl carbon chain, was non toxic, its presence increased A. castellanii trophozoites biomass and delayed encystation by 96 h. Interestingly, it was unable to induce excystation and increased trophozoite sensitivity to APC16. These results present a mono- and multi-inhibitor management strategy effective against trophozoites and cysts that may be useful for formulating into contact lense cleaning solutions and reducing AK incidence.
Collapse
|
23
|
Cartuche L, Reyes-Batlle M, Sifaoui I, Arberas-Jiménez I, Piñero JE, Fernández JJ, Lorenzo-Morales J, Díaz-Marrero AR. Antiamoebic Activities of Indolocarbazole Metabolites Isolated from Streptomyces sanyensis Cultures. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17100588. [PMID: 31627366 PMCID: PMC6836125 DOI: 10.3390/md17100588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Indolocarbazoles are a family of natural alkaloids characterized by their potent protein kinase and topoisomerase I inhibitory activity. Among them, staurosporine (1) has exhibited promising inhibitory activity against parasites. Based on new insights on the activity and mechanism of action of STS in Acanthamoeba parasites, this work reports the isolation, identification, and the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of the minor metabolites 7-oxostaurosporine (2), 4′-demethylamino-4′-oxostaurosporine (3), and streptocarbazole B (4), isolated from cultures of the mangrove strain Streptomyces sanyensis. A clear correlation between the antiparasitic activities and the structural elements and conformations of the indolocarbazoles 1–4 was observed. Also, the study reveals that 7-oxostaurosporine (2) affects membrane permeability and causes mitochondrial damages on trophozoites of A. castellanii Neff.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Cartuche
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias (CIBICAN), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Departamento de Química y Ciencias Exactas, Sección Química Básica y Aplicada, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), San Cayetano alto s/n, A.P. 1101608 Loja, Ecuador.
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Iñigo Arberas-Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - José J Fernández
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias (CIBICAN), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez, 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Ana R Díaz-Marrero
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias (CIBICAN), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ursolic Acid Derivatives as Potential Agents Against Acanthamoeba Spp. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030130. [PMID: 31443577 PMCID: PMC6789456 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current chemotherapy of Acanthamoeba keratitis relies on few drugs with low potential and limited efficacy, for all this there is an urgent need to identify new classes of anti-Acanthamoeba agents. In this regard, natural products play an important role in overcoming the current need and medicinal chemistry of natural products represents an attractive approach for the discovery and development of new agents. Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, possesses a broad spectrum of activities including anti-Acanthamoeba. Herein, we report on the development by chemical transformation of an ursolic acid-based series of seven compounds (2-8), one of them reported for the first time. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of their anti-Acanthamoeba activity revealed that acylation/ether formation or oxidation enhances their biological profile, suggesting that the hydrophobic moiety contributes to activity, presumably by increasing the affinity and/or cell membrane permeability. These ursolic acid derivatives highlight the potential of this source as a good base for the development of novel therapeutic agents against Acanthamoeba infections.
Collapse
|
25
|
Rizo-Liendo A, Sifaoui I, Reyes-Batlle M, Chiboub O, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, San Nicolás-Hernández D, Hendiger EB, López-Arencibia A, Rocha-Cabrera P, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. In Vitro Activity of Statins against Naegleria fowleri. Pathogens 2019; 8:E122. [PMID: 31398829 PMCID: PMC6789626 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri causes a deadly disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Even though PAM is still considered a rare disease, the number of reported cases worldwide has been increasing each year. Among the factors to be considered for this, awareness about this disease, and also global warming, as these amoebae thrive in warm water bodies, seem to be the key factors. Until present, no fully effective drugs have been developed to treat PAM, and the current options are amphotericin B and miltefosine, which present side effects such as liver and kidney toxicity. Statins are able to inhibit the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is a key enzyme for the synthesis of ergosterol of the cell membrane of these amoebae. Therefore, the in vitro activity of a group of statins was tested in this study against two types of strains of Naegleria fowleri. The obtained results showed that fluvastatin was the most effective statin tested in this study and was able to eliminate these amoebae at concentrations of 0.179 ± 0.078 to 1.682 ± 0.775 µM depending on the tested strain of N. fowleri. Therefore, fluvastatin could be a potential novel therapeutic agent against this emerging pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Rizo-Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, La Marsa, University of Carthage, Carthage 1054, Tunisia
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Olfa Chiboub
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, La Marsa, University of Carthage, Carthage 1054, Tunisia
| | - Rubén L Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carlos J Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Desirée San Nicolás-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Edyta B Hendiger
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pedro Rocha-Cabrera
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
- Clínica Nivaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, 38203 Tenerife, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38203 Tenerife, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Graham LL, Feero SE. The Campylobacter fetus S layer provides resistance to photoactivated zinc oxide nanoparticles. Can J Microbiol 2019; 65:450-460. [PMID: 30865839 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2018-0451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial activity of metal-based compounds, including metal oxides, has resulted in numerous agricultural, industrial, and medical applications. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are toxic to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as to some fungi. In this study we assess the sensitivity of Campylobacter fetus, a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen of humans and animals, to ZnO nanoparticles and determine whether the S layer protects C. fetus from the antibacterial action of these nanoparticles. Broth and agar dilution assays revealed that ZnO nanoparticles at 100 μg/mL were bacteriocidal for C. fetus. Resazurin reduction assays confirmed the absence of metabolic activity, indicating that C. fetus cells had not entered into a viable but nonculturable state. Photoactivation of ZnO nanoparticles greatly enhanced their antibacterial activity, as evidenced by minimum bacteriocidal concentration (MBC) values decreasing to 16-62.5 μg/mL as a function of strain. MBC assays completed in the presence and absence of catalase revealed that H2O2, a product of ZnO nanoparticle photoactivation, contributed to C. fetus but not to C. jejuni cell death. S-layer-expressing C. fetus strains were more resistant to H2O2-mediated cell killing than were isogenic S-layer-deficient strains. These data indicate that C. fetus is sensitive to the antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles and that the C. fetus S layer imparts protection against photoactivated nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L L Graham
- Department of Biology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada.,Department of Biology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada
| | - S E Feero
- Department of Biology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada.,Department of Biology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hernández-Martínez D, Reyes-Batlle M, Castelan-Ramírez I, Hernández-Olmos P, Vanzzini-Zago V, Ramírez-Flores E, Sifaoui I, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J, Omaña-Molina M. Evaluation of the sensitivity to chlorhexidine, voriconazole and itraconazole of T4 genotype Acanthamoeba isolated from Mexico. Exp Parasitol 2019; 197:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
28
|
García-Davis S, Sifaoui I, Reyes-Batlle M, Viveros-Valdez E, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J, Fernández JJ, Díaz-Marrero AR. Anti- Acanthamoeba Activity of Brominated Sesquiterpenes from Laurencia johnstonii. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16110443. [PMID: 30423882 PMCID: PMC6266398 DOI: 10.3390/md16110443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Focused on our interest to develop novel antiparasistic agents, the present study was aimed to evaluate the biological activity of an extract of Laurencia johnstonii collected in Baja California Sur, Mexico, against an Acantamoeba castellanii Neff strain. Bioassay-guided fractionation allowed us to identify the amoebicidal diastereoisomers α-bromocuparane (4) and α-isobromocuparane (5). Furthermore, bromination of the inactive laurinterol (1) and isolaurinterol (2) yielded four halogenated derivatives, (6)⁻(9), which improved the activity of the natural sesquiterpenes. Among them, the most active compound was 3α-bromojohnstane (7), a sesquiterpene derivative which possesses a novel carbon skeleton johnstane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara García-Davis
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias (CIBICAN), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez, 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, 66450 San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Ezequiel Viveros-Valdez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, 66450 San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Islas Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez s/n, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - José J Fernández
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias (CIBICAN), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez, 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez, 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Ana R Díaz-Marrero
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias (CIBICAN), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez, 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fears AC, Metzinger RC, Killeen SZ, Reimers RS, Roy CJ. Comparative in vitro effectiveness of a novel contact lens multipurpose solution on Acanthamoeba castellanii. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2018; 8:19. [PMID: 30357549 PMCID: PMC6200833 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-018-0161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A multipurpose contact lens cleaning solution (MPS) containing novel active ingredients under development was compared to two commercially available MPS solutions for effectiveness against Acanthamoeba isolates. METHODS The Acanthamoeba isolate A. castellanii was propagated for trophozoite or cyst-containing cultures for the purpose of assessment of effectiveness of each MPS. An alamar blue-based cellular respiration assay was used to assess effectiveness against trophozoites; Trypan blue hemocytometer-based microscopic counts measured cysticidal effects. To assess the general antimicrobial potency of each solution as controls for the anti-amoebic assays, comparative bactericidal effectiveness using Serratia marcenses was also performed. RESULTS Minimal effectiveness against either Acanthamoeba form was observed from either commercial MPS. In contrast, the novel MPS achieved complete kill within 1 h contact time for both Acanthamoeba trophozoite and cysts. Each commercial MPS required 6 h contact time to achieve a two to three log reduction in S. marcenses. In contrast, the experimental MPS achieved disinfection in 60 min contact time, and complete kill (< 1 CFU) at 90 min. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the inclusion of a novel ingredient combination within the MPS under development clearly is required and is ideal for rapid and effective killing of Acanthamoeba species in the context of contact lens disinfection systems. The representative commercially available MPS used in this testing provided minimal effectiveness against the protozoa regardless of contact time. In addition, comparative results with the bacterial agent in the control study show distinct differences in the speed to disinfection with the novel MPS. Future MPS development should consider inclusion of novel chemical entities that are effective against Acanthamoeba species to speed disinfection and further reduce the exposure potential of users of contact lenses and cleaning systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C Fears
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70102, USA
| | - Rebecca C Metzinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70102, USA
| | - Stephanie Z Killeen
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, 70433, USA
| | - Robert S Reimers
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70102, USA
| | - Chad J Roy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70102, USA. .,Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, 70433, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3519-3525. [PMID: 30112674 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6049-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae belonging to Acanthamoeba genus are widely distributed protozoans which are able to cause infection in humans and other animals such as keratitis and encephalitis. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a vision-threatening corneal infection with currently no available fully effective treatment. Moreover, the available therapeutic options are insufficient and are very toxic to the eye. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of more effective anti-amoebic agents. Nanotechnology approaches have been recently reported to be useful for the elucidation antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal activities and thus, they could be a good approach for the development of anti-Acanthamoeba agents. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the activity and cytotoxicity of tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles, pure silver nanoparticles and pure gold nanoparticles against clinical strains of Acanthamoeba spp. The obtained results showed a significant anti-amoebic effect of the tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles which also presented low cytotoxicity. Moreover, tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles were well absorbed by the trophozoites and did not induce encystation. On the other hand, pure silver nanoparticles were only slightly active against the trophozoite stage and pure gold nanoparticles did not show any activity. In conclusion and based on the observed results, silver nanoparticle conjugation with tannic acid may be considered as potential agent against Acanthamoeba spp.
Collapse
|
31
|
Structural and functional studies of histidine biosynthesis in Acanthamoeba spp. demonstrates a novel molecular arrangement and target for antimicrobials. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198827. [PMID: 29969448 PMCID: PMC6029752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is normally free-living, but sometimes facultative and occasionally opportunistic parasites. Current therapies are, by necessity, arduous and yet poorly effective due to their inabilities to kill cyst stages or in some cases to actually induce encystation. Acanthamoeba can therefore survive as cysts and cause disease recurrence. Herein, in pursuit of better therapies and to understand the biochemistry of this understudied organism, we characterize its histidine biosynthesis pathway and explore the potential of targeting this with antimicrobials. We demonstrate that Acanthamoeba is a histidine autotroph, but with the ability to scavenge preformed histidine. It is able to grow in defined media lacking this amino acid, but is inhibited by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3AT) that targets Imidazoleglycerol-Phosphate Dehydratase (IGPD) the rate limiting step of histidine biosynthesis. The structure of Acanthamoeba IGPD has also been determined in complex with 2-hydroxy-3-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) propylphosphonate [(R)-C348], a recently described novel inhibitor of Arabidopsis thaliana IGPD. This compound inhibited the growth of four Acanthamoeba species, having a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 250-526 nM. This effect could be ablated by the addition of 1 mM exogenous free histidine, but importantly not by physiological concentrations found in mammalian tissues. The ability of 3AT and (R)-C348 to restrict the growth of four strains of Acanthamoeba spp. including a recently isolated clinical strain, while not inducing encystment, demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of targeting the histidine biosynthesis pathway in Acanthamoeba.
Collapse
|
32
|
Toxic effects of selected proprietary dry eye drops on Acanthamoeba. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8520. [PMID: 29867132 PMCID: PMC5986802 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26914-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous protists that have been isolated from many sources such as soils, water and the air. They are responsible for infections including fatal encephalitis and a severe keratitis in humans. To date, there is no satisfactorily effective therapeutic agent against this pathogen and the infections it causes are exacerbated by the existence of a resistant cyst stage produced by this amoeba. As dry eye syndrome is a risk factor for Acanthamoeba keratitis, we aimed to evaluate the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of a variety of proprietary eye drops intended to treat dry eye syndrome. From the nine eye drop formulations tested, "Systane Ultra" was determined to be the most active against all tested Acanthamoeba strains. During our investigations into the mode of action of Systane Ultra, we discovered that it decreases mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, induces chromatin condensation, and increases the permeability of the plasma-membrane.
Collapse
|
33
|
Rosales MJ, Ximenis M, Costa A, Rotger C, Romero D, Olmo F, Delgado E, Clares MP, García-España E, Marín C, Sánchez M. <i>In Vitro</i> Activity of Squaramides and Acyclic Polyamine Derivatives against Trophozoites and Cysts of <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i>. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.4236/jbm.2018.68001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
34
|
Hajaji S, Jabri MA, Sifaoui I, López-Arencibia A, Reyes-Batlle M, B'chir F, Valladares B, Pinero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J, Akkari H. Amoebicidal, antimicrobial and in vitro ROS scavenging activities of Tunisian Rubus ulmifolius Schott, methanolic extract. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:224-230. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
35
|
Anti- Acanthamoeba activity of Tunisian Thymus capitatus essential oil and organic extracts. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:231-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
36
|
Souhaiel N, Sifaoui I, Ben Hassine D, Bleton J, Bonose M, Moussa F, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J, Abderrabba M. Ammoides pusilla (Apiaceae) essential oil: Activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:99-103. [PMID: 29102680 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba genus that causes several diseases namely, amoebic keratitis which is a painful sight threatening eyes disease. Its treatment is difficult and the exploration for new drugs is very important. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the Essential Oils (EO) obtained from leaves and flowers and aerial parts of Ammoides pusilla by an alternative method "Hydrodistillation''. Identification and quantification were realized by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). The main components of leaves and flowers and aerials parts were thymol (39.6% and 33.05%), γ-terpinene (28.97% and 28.19%), p-cymene (13.69% and 15.31%) and thymol methyl ether (7.33% and 8.91%), respectively. The antiparasitic activity of the EO was evaluated against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff by the Alamar Blue® assay. Results showed that Ammoides pusilla amoebicidal activity from leaves and flowers essential oil (IC50 = 65.32 ± 5.43 μg/mL) was more important than those of aerial parts EO (IC50 = 97.18 ± 1.43 μg/ml).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najet Souhaiel
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, B.P. 51, 2070 La Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunisia; Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Jarzouna, 7021 Bizerte, Tunisia.
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, B.P. 51, 2070 La Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunisia; University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Dorsaf Ben Hassine
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, B.P. 51, 2070 La Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunisia
| | - Jean Bleton
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Techniques et Instruments d'Analyse Moléculaire (LETIAM) EA4041, Plateau de Moulon 91400 Orsay France
| | - Myriam Bonose
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Techniques et Instruments d'Analyse Moléculaire (LETIAM) EA4041, Plateau de Moulon 91400 Orsay France
| | - Fathi Moussa
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Techniques et Instruments d'Analyse Moléculaire (LETIAM) EA4041, Plateau de Moulon 91400 Orsay France
| | - José E Piñero
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manef Abderrabba
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, B.P. 51, 2070 La Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mandal SM, Khan J, Mahata D, Saha S, Sengupta J, Silva ON, Das S, Mandal M, Franco OL. A self-assembled clavanin A-coated amniotic membrane scaffold for the prevention of biofilm formation by ocular surface fungal pathogens. BIOFOULING 2017; 33:881-891. [PMID: 29047302 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1383400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Amniotic membrane (AM) is frequently used in ophthalmologic surgery for rapid ocular surface reconstruction. Sometimes it may create a major problem with associated infections after biofilm formation over the membrane. To overcome this problem, AM was coated with the antimicrobial peptide clavanin A. The antifungal activity of clavanin A in the native and self-assembled form was determined against the common ocular surface pathogens Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. Biofilm formation over the coated surface was significantly reduced in comparison with the uncoated membrane. The coated membrane revealed effectiveness in terms of biocompatibility, cell attachment colonization when tested in non-cancerous 3T3 and human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cell lines. Clavanin A-coated AM also exhibited excellent physical, morphological and antifungal characteristics, indicating potential applicability for ocular surface infection control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santi M Mandal
- a Central Research Facility , Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur , Kharagpur , India
| | - Jahangir Khan
- a Central Research Facility , Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur , Kharagpur , India
| | - Denial Mahata
- b Rubber Technology Centre , Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur , Kharagpur , India
| | - Suman Saha
- c Priyamvada Birla Aravind Eye Hospital , Kolkata , India
| | | | - Osmar N Silva
- d S-Inova Biotech, Pos-Graduação em Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande , Brazil
| | - Subhayan Das
- e School of Medical Science and Technology , Indian Institute of Technology , Kharagpur , India
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- e School of Medical Science and Technology , Indian Institute of Technology , Kharagpur , India
| | - Octavio L Franco
- d S-Inova Biotech, Pos-Graduação em Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande , Brazil
- f Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Analises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas , Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hajaji S, Sifaoui I, López-Arencibia A, Reyes-Batlle M, Jiménez IA, Bazzocchi IL, Valladares B, Pinero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J, Akkari H. Correlation of radical-scavenging capacity and amoebicidal activity of Matricaria recutita L. (Asteraceae). Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:212-217. [PMID: 28919332 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Some Acanthamoeba strains are able to cause Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) worldwide because of their pathogenicity. The treatment of Acanthamoeba infections is complicated due to the existence of a highly resistant cyst stage in their life cycle. Therefore, the elucidation of novel sources of anti-Acanthamoeba agents is an urgent need. In the present study, an evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-Acanthamoeba activity of compounds in flower extracts of Tunisian chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) was carried out. Chamomile methanol extract was the most active showing an IC50 of 66.235 ± 0.390 μg/ml, low toxicity levels when checked in murine macrophage toxicity model and presented also antioxidant properties. Moreover, a bio-guided fractionation of this extract was developed and led to the identification of a mixture of coumarins as the most active fraction. These results suggest a novel source of anti-Acanthamoeba compounds for the development of novel therapeutic agents against Acanthamoeba infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Hajaji
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi thabet, 2020, Tunisia; Faculté des sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, 7021, Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, University of Carthage, La Marsa, Tunisia; University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ignacio A Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Department of Organic Chemistry, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Isabel L Bazzocchi
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Department of Organic Chemistry, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Basilio Valladares
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - José E Pinero
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Hafidh Akkari
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi thabet, 2020, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zouaghi G, Najar A, Chiboub O, Sifaoui I, Abderrabba M, Lorenzo Morales J. The effect of viroid infection of citrus trees on the amoebicidal activity of 'Maltese half-blood' (Citrus sinensis) against trophozoite stage of Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:182-186. [PMID: 28916460 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In order to promote a local Tunisian product, this study was designed to examine, for the first time, the anti-Acanthamoeba activity (Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff) of the essential oils of Tunisian Citrus sinensis peels (Maltese half-blood) and the effect of viroid plant infection on this activity. To do so, three samples of peels' essential oils were studied: from a healthy plant (Control), a plant inoculated with Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) and one inoculated with hot stunt cachexia viroid (HSVd). The samples were extracted by hydrodistillation from dried peels and characterized by GC-MS. Limonene was the major component with a percentage ranging from 90.76 to 93.34% for (CEVd) sample and (Control), respectively. Anti-Acanthamoeba activity of the tested oils was determined by the Alamar Blue® assay. Primary results showed a strong potential anti-Acanthamoeba activity with an IC50 ranging from 36.6 to 54.58 μg/ml for (HSVd) and (CEVd) samples, respectively. In terms of the effect of viroid infection, a strong positive correlation was observed between different chemical classes and anti-Acanthamoeba activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghaya Zouaghi
- Laboratory Materials, Molecules, Applications, IPEST (Preparatory Institute for Scientific and Technical Studies), University of Carthage, La Marsa 2070, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Asma Najar
- Laboratory of Plant Protection, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, Rue Hédi Karray, 1004 El 9 Menzah, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Chiboub
- Laboratory Materials, Molecules, Applications, IPEST (Preparatory Institute for Scientific and Technical Studies), University of Carthage, La Marsa 2070, Tunis, Tunisia; University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 La Laguna. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Laboratory Materials, Molecules, Applications, IPEST (Preparatory Institute for Scientific and Technical Studies), University of Carthage, La Marsa 2070, Tunis, Tunisia; University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 La Laguna. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manef Abderrabba
- Laboratory Materials, Molecules, Applications, IPEST (Preparatory Institute for Scientific and Technical Studies), University of Carthage, La Marsa 2070, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jacob Lorenzo Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 La Laguna. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
In vitro activity of 1H-phenalen-1-one derivatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff and their mechanisms of cell death. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:218-223. [PMID: 28916457 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen which is the causal agent of a sight-threatening ulceration of the cornea known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and, more rarely, an infection of the central nervous system called "granulomatous amoebic encephalitis" (GAE). The symptoms of AK are non-specific, and so it can be misdiagnosed as a viral, bacterial, or fungal keratitis. Furthermore, current therapeutic measures against AK are arduous, and show limited efficacy against the cyst stage of Acanthamoeba. 1H-Phenalen-1-one (PH) containing compounds have been isolated from plants and fungi, where they play a crucial role in the defense mechanism of plants. Natural as well as synthetic PHs exhibit a diverse range of biological activities against fungi, protozoan parasites or human cancer cells. New synthetic PHs have been tested in this study and they show a potential activity against this protozoa.
Collapse
|
41
|
Taravaud A, Loiseau PM, Pomel S. In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial agents on Acanthamoeba sp. and evidence of a natural resilience to amphotericin B. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2017; 7:328-336. [PMID: 28918001 PMCID: PMC5604952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The free-living amoeba (FLA) Acanthamoeba sp. is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause amoebic keratitis (AK) or granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). While current treatments of AK are long with some relapses, no consensus therapy has been developed for GAE remaining lethal in 90% of the cases. In this context, efficient antiacanthamoebal drugs have to be identified. In this work, 15 drugs used in the treatment of AK or GAE or in other parasitic diseases were evaluated for their in vitro activity on A. castellanii. Hexamidine, voriconazole and clotrimazole exhibited the highest activities with IC50 values at 0.05 μM, 0.40 μM and 0.80 μM, respectively, while rifampicin, metronidazole and cotrimoxazole were inactive. Among 15 drug associations evaluated, no synergistic effect was observed, and one antagonism was determined between hexamidine and chlorhexidine. Interestingly, amphotericin B was the only drug presenting an increase of IC50 as a function of treatment duration. The amoebae susceptibility to amphotericin B cultured in the presence of 250 μM of the drug was similar to the one of a naive control, revealing that no resistant strain could be selected. However, the amoebae susceptibility always returned to an initial level at each passage. This natural and non-acquired adaptation to amphotericin B, qualified as resilience, was observed in several strains of A. castellanii and A. polyphaga. Using a pharmacological approach with effectors of different cellular mechanisms or transports, and an ultrastructural analysis of amphotericin B-treated amoebae, the involvement of several mitochondria-dependent pathways as well as multidrug resistant transporters was determined in amphotericin B resilience. Based on the observations from this study, the relevance of using amphotericin B in GAE treatments may be reconsidered, while the use of some other drugs, such as rifampicin or cotrimoxazole, is not relative to intrinsic antiacanthamoebal activity. In vitro evaluation of 15 antimicrobial agents on Acanthamoeba castellanii. Best activity for hexamidine and inefficiency of rifampicin and cotrimoxazole. Antagonism of the combination chlorhexidine/hexamidine. Natural resilience of Acanthamoeba sp. for amphotericin B. Involvement of mitochondria-dependent pathways and MDR in amphotericin B resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Taravaud
- Chimiothérapie Antiparasitaire, UMR CNRS 8076, BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Philippe M Loiseau
- Chimiothérapie Antiparasitaire, UMR CNRS 8076, BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sébastien Pomel
- Chimiothérapie Antiparasitaire, UMR CNRS 8076, BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sifaoui I, López-Arencibia A, Martín-Navarro CM, Reyes-Batlle M, Wagner C, Chiboub O, Mejri M, Valladares B, Abderrabba M, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Programmed cell death in Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff induced by several molecules present in olive leaf extracts. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183795. [PMID: 28859105 PMCID: PMC5578599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy against Acanthamoeba infections such as Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) and Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), remains as an issue to be solved due to the existence of a cyst stage which is highly resistant to most chemical and physical agents. Recently, the activity of Olive Leaf Extracts (OLE) was demonstrated against Acanthamoeba species. However, the molecules involved in this activity were not identified and/or evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of the main molecules which are present in OLE and secondly to study their mechanism of action in Acanthamoeba. Among the tested molecules, the observed activities ranged from an IC50 of 6.59 in the case of apigenine to an IC50 > 100 μg/ml for other molecules. After that, elucidation of the mechanism of action of these molecules was evaluated by the detection of changes in the phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, the permeability of the plasma membrane, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the ATP levels in the treated cells. Vanillic, syringic and ursolic acids induced the higher permeabilization of the plasma membrane. Nevertheless, the mitochondrial membrane was altered by all tested molecules which were also able to decrease the ATP levels to less than 50% in IC90 treated cells after 24 h. Therefore, all the molecules tested in this study could be considered as a future therapeutic alternative against Acanthamoeba spp. Further studies are needed in order to establish the true potential of these molecules against these emerging opportunistic pathogenic protozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sifaoui
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques, La Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carmen Mª. Martín-Navarro
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carolina Wagner
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Cátedra de Parasitología, Escuela de Bioanálisis, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Olfa Chiboub
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques, La Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Mondher Mejri
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques, La Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Basilio Valladares
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manef Abderrabba
- Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques, La Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - José E. Piñero
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Characterisation of sterol biosynthesis and validation of 14α-demethylase as a drug target in Acanthamoeba. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8247. [PMID: 28811501 PMCID: PMC5557935 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The soil amoebae Acanthamoeba causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe sight-threatening infection of the eye and the almost universally fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. More effective treatments are required. Sterol biosynthesis has been effectively targeted in numerous fungi using azole compounds that inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme sterol 14α-demethylase. Herein, using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), we demonstrate that the major sterol of Acanthamoeba castellanii is ergosterol and identify novel putative precursors and intermediate sterols in its production. Unlike previously reported, we find no evidence of 7-dehydrostigmasterol or any other phytosterol in Acanthamoeba. Of five azoles tested, we demonstrate that tioconazole and voriconazole have the greatest overall inhibition for all isolates of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba polyphaga tested. While miconazole and sulconazole have intermediate activity econazole is least effective. Through GCMS, we demonstrate that voriconazole inhibits 14α-demethylase as treatment inhibits the production of ergosterol, but results in the accumulation of the lanosterol substrate. These data provide the most complete description of sterol metabolism in Acanthamoeba, provide a putative framework for their further study and validate 14α-demethylase as the target for azoles in Acanthamoeba.
Collapse
|
44
|
Sifaoui I, Reyes-Batlle M, López-Arencibia A, Wagner C, Chiboub O, De Agustino Rodríguez J, Rocha-Cabrera P, Valladares B, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Evaluation of the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of two commercial eye drops commonly used to lower eye pressure. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:117-123. [PMID: 28778743 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Efficient treatments against Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), remains until the moment, as an issue to be solved due to the existence of a cyst stage which is highly resistant to most chemical and physical agents. In this study, two antiglaucoma eye drops were tested for their activity against Acanthamoeba. Moreover, this study was based on previous data which gave us evidence of a possible link between the absences of Acanthamoeba at the ocular surface in patients treated with beta blockers for high eye pressure both containing timolol as active principle. The amoebicidal activity of the tested eye drops was evaluated against four strains of Acanthamoeba using Alamar blue method. For the most active drug the cysticidal activity against A. castellanii Neff cysts and further experiments studying changes in chromatin condensation levels, in the permeability of the plasmatic membrane, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the ATP levels in the treated amoebic strains were done. Even though both eye drops were active against the different tested strains of Acanthamoeba, statistical analysis revealed that one of them (Timolol Sandoz) was the most effective one against all the tested strains presenting IC50s ranging from 0.529% ± 0.206 for the CLC 16 strain to 3.962% ± 0.150 for the type strain Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff. Timolol Sandoz 0.50% seems to induce amoebic cell death by damaging the amoebae at the mitochondrial level. Considering its effect, Timolol Sandoz 0.50% could be used in the case of contact lens wearers and patients with glaucoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sifaoui
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, B.P 51 2070, LA Marsa, University of Carthage, Tunisia.
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carolina Wagner
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Catédra de Parasitologia, Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de Bioanalisis, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Olfa Chiboub
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Catédra de Parasitologia, Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de Bioanalisis, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Jacqueline De Agustino Rodríguez
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Pedro Rocha-Cabrera
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Basilio Valladares
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Avda Francisco Sanchez s/n, Campus de Anchieta, 38271 la Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hajaji S, Sifaoui I, López-Arencibia A, Reyes-Batlle M, Valladares B, Pinero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J, Akkari H. Amoebicidal activity of α-bisabolol, the main sesquiterpene in chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) essential oil against the trophozoite stage of Acanthamoeba castellani Neff. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:290-295. [PMID: 28426414 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba genus includes opportunistic pathogens which are distributed worldwide and are causative agents of a fatal encephalitis and severe keratitis in humans and other animals. Until present there are not fully effective therapeutic agents against this pathogen and thus the need to search for novel anti-amoebic compounds is urgent. Recently, essential oils of aromatic and medicinal plants have shown activity against Acanthamoeba strains. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the activity of main component of chamomile essential oil (a sesquiterpene) namely α-bisabolol against the Acanthamoeba castellani Neff strain. After evaluation of the activity and toxicity of this molecule, IC50 values of 20.839 ± 2.015 for treated amoebae as well as low citotoxicty levels in a murine macrophage cell line was observed. Moreover, in order to elucidate mechanism of action of this molecule, changes in chromatin condensation levels, permeability of the plasmatic membrane, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the ATP levels in the treated amoebic strains were checked. The obtained results revealed that α-bisabolol was able to induce apoptosis, increase the permeability of the plasmatic membrane and decrease both mitochondrial and ATP levels in the treated amoebae. Therefore, and given the obtained results, α-bisabolol could be used a future therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Hajaji
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi thabet, 2020
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands
| | - Basilio Valladares
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands
| | - José E Pinero
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands
| | - Hafidh Akkari
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi thabet, 2020
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Amoebicidal Activity of Caffeine and Maslinic Acid by the Induction of Programmed Cell Death in Acanthamoeba. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02660-16. [PMID: 28320723 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02660-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are the causal agents of a sight-threatening ulceration of the cornea called Acanthamoeba keratitis, as well as the rare but usually fatal disease granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Although there are many therapeutic options for the treatment of Acanthamoeba infections, they are generally lengthy and/or have limited efficacy. For the best clinical outcome, treatments should target both the trophozoite and the cyst stages, as cysts are known to confer resistance to treatment. In this study, we document the activities of caffeine and maslinic acid against both the trophozoite and the cyst stages of three clinical strains of Acanthamoeba These drugs were chosen because they are reported to inhibit glycogen phosphorylase, which is required for encystation. Maslinic acid is also reported to be an inhibitor of extracellular proteases, which may be relevant since the protease activities of Acanthamoeba species are correlated with their pathogenicity. We also provide evidence for the first time that both drugs exert their anti-amoebal effects through programmed cell death.
Collapse
|
47
|
Ortega-Rivas A, Padrón JM, Valladares B, Elsheikha HM. Acanthamoeba castellanii: A new high-throughput method for drug screening in vitro. Acta Trop 2016; 164:95-99. [PMID: 27609636 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant public health impact, there is no specific antiprotozoal therapy for prevention and treatment of Acanthamoeba castellanii infection. There is a need for new and efficient anti-Acanthamoeba drugs that are less toxic and can reduce treatment duration and frequency of administration. In this context a new, rapid and sensitive assay is required for high-throughput activity testing and screening of new therapeutic compounds. A colorimetric assay based on sulforhodamine B (SRB) staining has been developed for anti-Acanthamoeba drug susceptibility testing and adapted to a 96-well microtiter plate format. Under these conditions chlorhexidine was tested to validate the assay using two clinical strains of A. castellanii (Neff strain, T4 genotype [IC50 4.68±0.6μM] and T3 genotype [IC50 5.69±0.9μM]). These results were in good agreement with those obtained by the conventional Alamar Blue assay, OCR cytotoxicity assay and manual cell counting method. Our new assay offers an inexpensive and reliable method, which complements current assays by enhancing high-throughput anti-Acanthamoeba drug screening capabilities.
Collapse
|
48
|
Carrijo-Carvalho LC, Sant'ana VP, Foronda AS, de Freitas D, de Souza Carvalho FR. Therapeutic agents and biocides for ocular infections by free-living amoebae of Acanthamoeba genus. Surv Ophthalmol 2016; 62:203-218. [PMID: 27836717 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a sight-threatening infectious disease. Resistance of the cystic form of the protozoan to biocides and the potential toxicity of chemical compounds to corneal cells are the main concerns related to long-term treatment with the clinically available ophthalmic drugs. Currently, a limited number of recognized antimicrobial agents are available to treat ocular amoebic infections. Topical application of biguanide and diamidine antiseptic solutions is the first-line therapy. We consider the current challenges when treating Acanthamoeba keratitis and review the chemical properties, toxicities, and mechanisms of action of the available biocides. Antimicrobial therapy using anti-inflammatory drugs is controversial, and aspects related to this topic are discussed. Finally, we offer our perspective on potential improvement of the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic profiles, with the focus on the quality of life and the advancement of individualized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Christian Carrijo-Carvalho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Viviane Peracini Sant'ana
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Annette Silva Foronda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denise de Freitas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio Ramos de Souza Carvalho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lorenzo-Morales J, Reyes-Batlle M, Sifaoui I, Arnalich-Montiel F, López-Arencibia A, Wagner C, Rocha-Cabrera P, del Castillo-Remiro A, Martínez-Carretero E, Piñero JE, Valladares B. Therapeutic targets and investigated treatment strategies inAcanthamoebakeratitis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1230060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
50
|
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Parasites are an important cause of human disease worldwide. The clinical severity and outcome of parasitic disease is often dependent on the immune status of the host. Specific parasitic diseases discussed in this chapter are amebiasis, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, cyclosporiasis, cystoisosporiasis, microsporidosis, granulomatous amebic encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, malaria, babesiosis, strongyloidiasis, and scabies.
Collapse
|