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In Vitro Cytopathogenic Activities of Acanthamoeba T3 and T4 Genotypes on HeLa Cell Monolayer. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121474. [PMID: 36558808 PMCID: PMC9782662 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebic keratitis and encephalitis are mainly caused by free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba, which consists of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic species. The global distribution, amphizoic properties and the severity of the disease caused by Acanthamoeba species have inspired the scientific community to put more effort into the isolation of Acanthamoeba, besides exploring the direct and indirect parameters that could signify a pathogenic potential. Therefore, this study was performed to characterize the pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba isolated from contact lens paraphernalia and water sources in Malaysia. Various methodologies were utilized to analyze the thermotolerance and osmotolerance, the secretion level of proteases and the cytopathic effect of trophozoites on the cell monolayer. In addition, the in vitro cytopathogenicity of these isolates was assessed using the LDH-release assay. A total of 14 Acanthamoeba isolates were classified as thermo- and osmotolerant and had presence of serine proteases with a molecular weight of 45-230 kDa. Four T4 genotypes isolated from contact lens paraphernalia recorded the presence of serine-type proteases of 107 kDa and 133 kDa. In contrast, all T3 genotypes isolated from environmental samples showed the presence of a 56 kDa proteolytic enzyme. Remarkably, eight T4 and a single T3 genotype isolates demonstrated a high adhesion percentage of greater than 90%. Moreover, the use of the HeLa cell monolayer showed that four T4 isolates and one T3 isolate achieved a cytopathic effect in the range of 44.9-59.4%, indicating an intermediate-to-high cytotoxicity level. Apart from that, the LDH-release assay revealed that three T4 isolates (CL5, CL54 and CL149) and one T3 isolate (SKA5-SK35) measured an exceptional toxicity level of higher than 40% compared to other isolates. In short, the presence of Acanthamoeba T3 and T4 genotypes with significant pathogenic potential in this study reiterates the essential need to reassess the functionality of other genotypes that were previously classified as nonpathogenic isolates in past research.
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Campolo A, Pifer R, Shannon P, Crary M. Microbial Adherence to Contact Lenses and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a Model Organism for Microbial Keratitis. Pathogens 2022; 11:1383. [PMID: 36422634 PMCID: PMC9695309 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial keratitis (MK), the infection of the cornea, is a devastating disease and the fifth leading cause of blindness and visual impairment around the world. The overwhelming majority of MK cases are linked to contact lens wear combined with factors which promote infection such as corneal abrasion, an immunocompromised state, improper contact lens use, or failing to routinely disinfect lenses after wear. Contact lens-related MK involves the adherence of microorganisms to the contact lens. Therefore, this review discusses the information currently available regarding the disease pathophysiology, the common types of microorganisms causing MK, physical and organic mechanisms of adhesion, material properties which are involved in adhesion, and current antimicrobial strategies. This review also concludes that Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model organism for the investigation of contact lens microbial adherence due to its prevalence in MK cases, its extremely robust adhesion, antimicrobial-resistant properties, and the severity of the disease it causes.
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103
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Free-Living Amoebas in Extreme Environments: The True Survival in our Planet. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2359883. [PMID: 36303587 PMCID: PMC9596261 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2359883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebas (FLAs) are microorganisms, unicellular protozoa widely distributed in nature and present in different environments, such as water or soil; they are maintained in ecosystems and play a fundamental role in the biological control of bacteria, other protozoa, and mushrooms. In particular circumstances, some can reach humans or animals, promoting several health complications. Notably, FLAs are characterized by a robust capacity to survive in extreme environments. However, currently, there is no updated information on the existence and distribution of this protozoan in inhospitable places. Undoubtedly, the cellular physiology of these protozoan microorganisms is very particular. They can resist and live in extreme environments due to their encysting capacity and tolerance to different osmolarities, temperatures, and other environmental factors, which give them excellent adaptative resistance. In this review, we summarized the most relevant evidence related to FLAs and the possible mechanism, which could explain their adaptative capacity to several extreme environments.
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Megha K, Sharma M, Sharma C, Gupta A, Sehgal R, Khurana S. Evaluation of in vitro activity of five antimicrobial agents on Acanthamoeba isolates and their toxicity on human corneal epithelium. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:1911-1917. [PMID: 34548636 PMCID: PMC9500015 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an important cause of ocular morbidity in both contact lens wearers and non wearers. Medical management comprises prolonged empiric treatment with multiple drugs, leading to adverse effects and suboptimal cure. The present study evaluated the efficiency and safety of common antimicrobial agents used in treatment of AK. METHODS Six Acanthamoeba isolates (four AK, two water samples) were axenized and subjected to in vitro susceptibility testing against chlorhexidine, pentamidine isethionate, polymyxin B, miltefosine, and fluconazole to check for trophocidal and cysticidal activity. The safety profile was analysed by observing the cytotoxicity of the highest cidal concentration toward human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) line. RESULTS Chlorhexidine had the lowest cidal concentration against both cysts and trophozoites (range 4.16-25 μg/ml) followed by pentamidine isethionate (range 25-166.7 μg/ml). Both agents were nontoxic to HCEC. Polymyxin B (range 25-200 μg/ml) and fluconazole (range 64-512 μg/ml) had relatively higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC); fluconazole was nontoxic even at 1024 μg/ml, but cytotoxicity was observed at 400 μg/ml with polymyxin B. Miltefosine was not effective against cysts at tested concentrations. A. castellanii were more susceptible to all agents (except pentamidine isethionate) than A. lenticulata. Clinical isolates were less susceptible to polymyxin B and fluconazole than environmental isolates, reverse was true for miltefosine. CONCLUSION Chlorhexidine and pentamidine isethionate were the most effective and safe agents against both trophozoites and cysts forms of our Acanthamoeba isolates. Fluconazole had higher MIC but was nontoxic. Polymyxin B was effective at high MIC but therapeutic dose was found toxic. Miltefosine, at tested concentrations, could not inhibit cysts of Acanthamoeba. Clinical isolates had higher MICs for polymyxin B and fluconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Megha
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Megha Sharma
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Chayan Sharma
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amit Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rakesh Sehgal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sumeeta Khurana
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
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Rayamajhee B, Sharma S, Willcox M, Henriquez FL, Rajagopal RN, Shrestha GS, Subedi D, Bagga B, Carnt N. Assessment of genotypes, endosymbionts and clinical characteristics of Acanthamoeba recovered from ocular infection. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:757. [PMID: 36175838 PMCID: PMC9520893 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07741-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acanthamoeba is an emerging pathogen, infamous for its resilience against antiprotozoal compounds, disinfectants and harsh environments. It is known to cause keratitis, a sight-threatening, painful and difficult to treat corneal infection which is often reported among contact lens wearers and patients with ocular trauma. Acanthamoeba comprises over 24 species and currently 23 genotypes (T1-T23) have been identified. Aims This retrospective study was designed to examine the Acanthamoeba species and genotypes recovered from patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), determine the presence of endosymbionts in ocular isolates of Acanthamoeba and review the clinical presentations. Methodology Thirteen culture-confirmed AK patients treated in a tertiary eye care facility in Hyderabad, India from February to October 2020 were included in this study. The clinical manifestations, medications and visual outcomes of all patients were obtained from medical records. The Acanthamoeba isolates were identified by sequencing the ribosomal nuclear subunit (rns) gene. Acanthamoeba isolates were assessed for the presence of bacterial or fungal endosymbionts using molecular assays, PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results The mean age of the patients was 33 years (SD ± 17.4; 95% CI 22.5 to 43.5 years). Six (46.2%) cases had AK associated risk factors; four patients had ocular trauma and two were contact lens wearers. A. culbertsoni (6/13, 46.2%) was the most common species, followed by A. polyphaga and A. triangularis. Most of the isolates (12/13) belonged to genotype T4 and one was a T12; three sub-clusters T4A, T4B, and T4F were identified within the T4 genotype. There was no significant association between Acanthamoeba types and clinical outcomes. Eight (61.5%) isolates harboured intracellular bacteria and one contained Malassezia restricta. The presence of intracellular microbes was associated with a higher proportion of stromal infiltrates (88.9%, 8/9), epithelial defect (55.6%, 5/9) and hypopyon (55.6%, 5/9) compared to 50% (2/4), 25% (1/4) and 25% (1/4) AK cases without intracellular microbes, respectively. Conclusions Genotype T4 was the predominant isolate in southern India. This is the second report of T12 genotype identified from AK patient in India, which is rarely reported worldwide. The majority of the Acanthamoeba clinical isolates in this study harboured intracellular microbes, which may impact clinical characteristics of AK. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07741-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Rayamajhee
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Savitri Sharma
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mark Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona L Henriquez
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Paisley, PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Gauri Shankar Shrestha
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dinesh Subedi
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Bhupesh Bagga
- The Cornea Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, India
| | - Nicole Carnt
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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106
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Sifaoui I, Díaz-Rodríguez P, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Reyes-Batlle M, Lopez-Arencibia A, Salazar Villatoro L, Castelan-Ramírez I, Omaña-Molina M, Oliva A, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Pitavastatin loaded nanoparticles: a suitable ophthalmic treatment for Acanthamoeba Keratitis inducing cell death and autophagy in Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 180:11-22. [PMID: 36162636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Statins are effective sterol lowering agents with high amoebicidal activity. Nevertheless, due to their poor aqueous solubility, they remain underused especially in eye drop formulation. The aim of the present study is to develop Pitavastatin loaded nanoparticles suitable for ophthalmic administration and designed for the management of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. These nanocarriers are aimed to solve both the ophthalmic route-associated problems and the limited aqueous drug solubility issues of Pitavastatin. Nanoparticles were obtained by a nanoprecipitation-solvent displacement method and their amoebicidal activity was evaluated against four strains of Acanthamoeba: A. castellanii Neff, A. polyphaga, A. griffini and A. quina. In Acanthamoeba polyphaga, the effect of the present nanoparticles was investigated with respect to the microtubule distribution and several programmed cell death features. Nanoparticles were able to eliminate all the tested strains and Acanthamoeba polyphaga was determined to be the most resistance strain. Nanoparticles induced chromatin condensation, autophagic vacuoles and mitochondria dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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)
| | - Patricia Díaz-Rodríguez
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, 38320 La Laguna, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - 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)
| | - 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)
| | - Atteneri Lopez-Arencibia
- 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)
| | - Lizbeth Salazar Villatoro
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ismael Castelan-Ramírez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Medicina, UNAM, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, México
| | - Maritza Omaña-Molina
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alexis Oliva
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206 La Laguna, 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); 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); CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
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107
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Rased NM, Johari SATT, Zakeri HA, Ma NL, Razali SA, Hashim F. Combinatorial treatment with β-glucanase enzyme and chlorhexidine induces cysticidal effects in Acanthamoeba cyst. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3105-3119. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07650-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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108
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López-Barona P, Verdú-Expósito C, Martín-Pérez T, Gómez-Casanova N, Lozano-Cruz T, Ortega P, Gómez R, Pérez-Serrano J, Heredero-Bermejo I. Amoebicidal activity of cationic carbosilane dendrons derived with 4-phenylbutyric acid against Acanthamoeba griffini and Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites and cysts. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14926. [PMID: 36056060 PMCID: PMC9440212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19200-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba are important pathogens responsible for severe illnesses in humans such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. In the last few decades, AK diagnoses have steadily increased. Most patients suffering from AK were contact lens users and the infection was related to poor hygiene. However, therapy is not yet well established, and treatments may last for several months due to resistance. Moreover, these treatments have been described to generate cytotoxicity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies against AK. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of different generation cationic carbosilane dendrons derived with 4-phenylbutyric acid was demonstrated against Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Acanthamoeba griffini trophozoites and cysts. In addition, the combination of chlorhexidine digluconate and the most effective dendron (ArCO2G2(SNMe3I)4) showed an in vitro effect against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, reducing the minimal trophozoite amoebicidal concentration as well as concentrations with cysticidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P López-Barona
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - C Verdú-Expósito
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - T Martín-Pérez
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - N Gómez-Casanova
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - T Lozano-Cruz
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Andrés M. del Río Chemistry Research Institute (IQAR), Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Research Center (CIBER-BBN), University of Alcalá, 28871, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Ortega
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Andrés M. del Río Chemistry Research Institute (IQAR), Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Research Center (CIBER-BBN), University of Alcalá, 28871, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Gómez
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Andrés M. del Río Chemistry Research Institute (IQAR), Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Research Center (CIBER-BBN), University of Alcalá, 28871, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Pérez-Serrano
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - I Heredero-Bermejo
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
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de Obeso Fernández Del Valle A, Gómez-Montalvo J, Maciver SK. Acanthamoeba castellanii exhibits intron retention during encystment. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2615-2622. [PMID: 35776211 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07578-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Intron retention (IR) refers to the mechanism of alternative splicing in which an intron is not excised from the mature transcript. IR in the cosmopolitan free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii has not been studied. We performed an analysis of RNA sequencing data during encystment to identify genes that presented differentially retained introns during this process. We show that IR increases during cyst formation, indicating a potential mechanism of gene regulation that could help downregulate metabolism. We identify 69 introns from 67 genes that are differentially retained comparing the trophozoite stage and encystment after 24 and 48 h. These genes include several hypothetical proteins. We show different patterns of IR during encystment taking as examples a lipase, a peroxin-3 protein, an Fbox domain containing protein, a proteasome subunit, a polynucleotide adenylyltransferase, and a tetratricopeptide domain containing protein. A better understanding of IR in Acanthamoeba, and even other protists, could help elucidate changes in life cycle and combat disease such as Acanthamoeba keratitis in which the cyst is key for its persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro de Obeso Fernández Del Valle
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, 64849, Monterrey, Mexico.
| | - Jesús Gómez-Montalvo
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, 64849, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK
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Antiamoebic Activity of Imidazothiazole Derivatives against Opportunistic Pathogen Acanthamoeba castellanii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091183. [PMID: 36139962 PMCID: PMC9494960 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the antiamoebic effect of several imidazothiazole derivatives on Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype. Trypan blue exclusion assays and haemocytometer counting were used to determine the reduction in A. castellanii trophozoite proliferation, in response to treatment with these compounds. To determine the effects of these compounds on host cells, lactate dehydrogenase assay was performed using HeLa cell lines. Amoebicidal assays revealed that the tested compounds at concentrations of 50 µM significantly inhibited amoebae trophozoites compared to controls. Compounds 1m and 1zb showed the highest amoebicidal effects eradicating 70% and 67% of A. castellanii, respectively. The compounds blocked both the encystation and excystation process in A. castellanii. Compounds 1m and 1zb blocked 61% and 55%, respectively, of amoeba binding to human cells. Moreover, the compounds showed minimal cytotoxic effects against host cells and considerably reduced amoeba-mediated host cell death. Overall, our study revealed that compounds 1m and 1zb have excellent antiamoebic potential, and should be considered in the development of curative antiamoebic medications in future studies. Further work is critical to determine the translational value of these findings.
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111
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Akbar N, Kaman WE, Sarink M, Nazmi K, Bikker FJ, Khan NA, Siddiqui R. Novel Antiamoebic Tyrocidine-Derived Peptide against Brain-Eating Amoebae. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:28797-28805. [PMID: 36033708 PMCID: PMC9404165 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii) can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, a sight-threatening infection, as well as a fatal brain infection termed granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, mostly in immunocompromised individuals. In contrast, Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes a deadly infection involving the central nervous system, recognized as primary amoebic encephalitis, mainly in individuals partaking in recreational water activities or those with nasal exposure to contaminated water. Worryingly, mortality rates due to these infections are more than 90%, suggesting the need to find alternative therapies. In this study, antiamoebic activity of a peptide based on the structure of the antibiotic tyrocidine was evaluated against A. castellanii and N. fowleri. The tyrocidine-derived peptide displayed significant amoebicidal efficacy against A. castellanii and N. fowleri. At 250 μg/mL, the peptide drastically reduced amoebae viability up to 13% and 21% after 2 h of incubation against N. fowleri and A. castellanii., whereas, after 24 h of incubation, the peptide showed 86% and 94% amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii and N. fowleri. Furthermore, amoebae pretreated with 100 μg/mL peptide inhibited 35% and 53% A. castellanii and N. fowleri, while, at 250 μg/mL, 84% and 94% A. castellanii and N. fowleri failed to adhere to human cells. Amoeba-mediated cell cytopathogenicity assays revealed 31% and 42% inhibition at 100 μg/mL, while at 250 μg/mL 75% and 86% A. castellanii and N. fowleri were inhibited. Assays revealed inhibition of encystation in both A. castellanii (58% and 93%) and N. fowleri (73% and 97%) at concentrations of 100 and 250 μg/mL respectively. Importantly, tyrocidine-derived peptide depicted minimal cytotoxicity to human cells and, thus, may be a potential candidate in the rational development of a treatment regimen against free-living amoebae infections. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the in vivo effects of tyrocidine-derived peptide against these and other pathogenic amoebae of importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Akbar
- College
of Arts and Sciences, American University
of Sharjah, University
City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wendy E. Kaman
- Department
of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Sarink
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center
Rotterdam, Department
of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Wytemaweg 80, 3015
CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kamran Nazmi
- Department
of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Floris J. Bikker
- Department
of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department
of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University
City, Sharjah 27272, Unites Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College
of Arts and Sciences, American University
of Sharjah, University
City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
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112
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Saberi R, Nakhaei M, Fakhar M, Zarrinfar H, Sharifpour A, Hezarjaribi HZ. Molecular identification and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp., in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from immunocompetent patients with chronic respiratory disorders (CRD). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3013-3017. [PMID: 35930044 PMCID: PMC9362591 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07609-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the presence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp., in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of immunocompetent patients with chronic respiratory disorders (CRD). In this study, 211 BALF samples were collected from patients with CRD during the COVID-19 pandemic who were candidates for fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran and investigated for Acanthamoeba spp., by PCR. A total of 211 FBAL samples were examined; 5 (5/211; 2.36%) were positive by using the PCR test for Acanthamoeba spp. According to sequence analysis, three strains belonged to the T4 genotype and one strain to the T2 genotype. Our data demonstrate that the presence of Acanthamoeba (T4 and T2) in BALF specimens of patients with respiratory infections. However, it is important to note that these findings may be merely accidental. Our findings suggest further investigation to fully understand the role of Acanthamoeba spp. in the pathogenesis of lung infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Saberi
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Nakhaei
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fakhar
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran.
| | - Hossein Zarrinfar
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Sharifpour
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran.,Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis (INRCL), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran
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113
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Martín-Escolano R, Pérez-Cordón G, Arán VJ, Marín C, Sánchez-Moreno M, Rosales MJ. 5-Nitroindazole derivatives as potential therapeutic alternatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106538. [PMID: 35618027 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106538] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amoebas of the genus Acanthamoeba are distributed worldwide, including species with a high pathogenic capacity for humans. In a similar way to what occurs with other parasitic protozoa, the available treatments show variable effectiveness in addition to high toxicity, which demands the development of new treatments. Positive results of 5-nitroindazole derivatives against several protozoa parasites suggest that these compounds may be a promising tool for the development of efficient antiparasitic drugs. In the present work we have evaluated the in vitro activity of ten 5-nitroindazole derivatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts. To that end, AlamarBlue Assay Reagent® was used to determine the activity against trophozoites compared to the reference drug chlorhexidine digluconate. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated using Vero cells. The activity on cysts was evaluated by light microscopy and using a Neubauer chamber to quantifying cysts and presence of trophozoites, as an indication of cyst. Our results showed the effectiveness of the 5-nitroindazole derivatives tested against both trophozoites and cysts of A. castellani highlighting 5-nitroindazole derivative 8 which showed a 80% activity on cysts, which is higher than that of the reference drug. Moreover, 5-nitroindazole derivatives 8, 9 and 10 were more effective on trophozoites than the reference drug showing IC50 values lower than 5 µM. Taking together these results, these 5-nitroindazole derivatives specially compound 8, might be a promising alternative for the development of more efficient treatments against A. castellani infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT27NJ, UK.
| | - Gregorio Pérez-Cordón
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente J Arán
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Calle Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Rosales
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain.
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Carvalho-Kelly LF, Dick CF, Rocco-Machado N, Gomes-Vieira AL, Paes-Vieira L, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Anaerobic ATP synthesis pathways and inorganic phosphate transport and their possible roles in encystment in Acanthamoeba castellanii. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1288-1298. [PMID: 35673988 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is the etiological agent of amoebic keratitis and is present in the environment in trophozoite or cyst forms. Both forms can infect the vertebrate host and colonize different tissues. The high resistance of cysts to standard drugs used in clinics contributes to the lack of effective treatments. Therefore, in this context, studies have emerged to understand cyst physiology and metabolism. Phosphate transporters are proteins responsible for the uptake of extracellular inorganic phosphate and transport to the cytosol. This work aims to verify the relationship between Pi transport and energetic metabolism in cysts of A. castellanii. The phosphate uptake ratio was higher in cysts compared with trophozoites. Recently, three sequences related to phosphate transporters have been identified in the A. castellanii genome (AcPHS1, AcPHS2, and AcPHS3); the messenger RNA expression levels of which differ depending on the amoeba life form. Pi uptake in cysts displayed peak activity at alkaline pH, whereas Pi transport in trophozoites was not affected in the same pH ranges. Cysts harbor a low-affinity Pi transport system (K0,5 and Vmax values of 1.76 ± 0.26 mM and 104.6 ± 6.3 nmol Pi × h-1 × 106 cells) compared to the trophozoite phosphate transport system. Pi transport seems important for anaerobic adenosine triphosphate synthesis in cysts, which initially occurs through the glycolytic pathway and subsequently through the pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase pathway. Altogether, these results suggest that contrary to that previously postulated, cysts are active metabolic forms, and, as noted in trophozoites, phosphate uptake is important for energetic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Fernanda Dick
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Nathalia Rocco-Machado
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - André Luiz Gomes-Vieira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Lisvane Paes-Vieira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Institute of National Science and Technology of Structural Biology and Bioimage (INCTBEB), CCS, Bloco H, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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115
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Dirim Erdogan D, Aykur M, Selvi Gunel N, Palamar M, Barut Selver O, Ozel B, Yagci A, Gunduz C, Dagci H. The Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: First Time Detection of Acanthamoeba T5 Genotype from Keratitis Patients in Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1384-1392. [PMID: 35864410 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00596-4] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary aim of this study is to investigate Acanthamoeba in clinical samples of keratitis cases (n = 60), in contact lens (CL) and lens care solutions of asymptomatic CL users (n = 41), and to identify the genotypes in positive samples. The secondary aim is to assess the risk factors and clinical features of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients. METHODS All samples from patients and asymptomatic CL users were examined by microscopy and inoculated in non-nutrient agar plates. PCR was performed using the DNA isolated from corneal scrapings, CL and lens care solution samples. Positive DNA samples were sequenced to determine the genotype of Acanthamoeba. RESULTS In none of the samples, Acanthamoeba was identified by microscopy, while Acanthamoeba was detected in a patient with keratitis by culture method. However, Acanthamoeba was detected in 11.66% (7/60) of the keratitis patients by PCR. The genotypes of these isolates detected by sequencing were T4 (4), and T5 (3). Acanthamoeba was detected in none of the samples of asymptomatic CL users by any of the three methods. CONCLUSION To best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect T5 genotype in AK patients from Turkey. In addition, the CL use was found to be an important risk factor for AK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Dirim Erdogan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Nur Selvi Gunel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Melis Palamar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Barut Selver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Buket Ozel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Yagci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Gunduz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
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Bellini NK, Thiemann OH, Reyes-Batlle M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Costa AO. A history of over 40 years of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba studies in Brazil - a systematic review. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210373. [PMID: 35792751 PMCID: PMC9252135 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA) group includes the potentially pathogenic genera Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, Sappinia, and Vermamoeba, causative agents of human infections (encephalitis, keratitis, and disseminated diseases). In Brazil, the first report on pathogenic FLA was published in the 70s and showed meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria spp. FLA studies are emerging, but no literature review is available to investigate this trend in Brazil critically. Thus, the present work aims to integrate and discuss these data. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched, retrieving studies from 1974 to 2020. The screening process resulted in 178 papers, which were clustered into core and auxiliary classes and sorted into five categories: wet-bench studies, dry-bench studies, clinical reports, environmental identifications, and literature reviews. The papers dating from the last ten years account for 75% (134/178) of the total publications, indicating the FLA topic has gained Brazilian interest. Moreover, 81% (144/178) address Acanthamoeba-related matter, revealing this genus as the most prevalent in all categories. Brazil’s Southeast, South, and Midwest geographic regions accounted for 96% (171/178) of the publications studied in the present work. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the pioneer in summarising the FLA research history in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Karla Bellini
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Otavio Henrique Thiemann
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red MP de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adriana Oliveira Costa
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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117
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Alonso L, Rocha OB, de Carvalho Junior MAB, Soares CMDA, Pereira M, Alonso A. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis plasma membrane characterization by EPR spectroscopy and interactions with amphotericin B, miltefosine and nerolidol. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35787240 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2093274] [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: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin labels was used to characterize the interactions of amphotericin B (AmB), miltefosine (MIL) and nerolidol (NER) with the plasma membrane of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Spin-labeled analogs of stearic acid and steroid androstane distributed into the plasma membrane of the fungus treated with AmB, showed strong interactions with putative AmB/sterol complexes. The observed increase in the EPR parameter 2A// caused by AmB can be interpreted as a remarkable reduction in the spin label mobility and/or an increase in the local polarity. The 2A// parameter reduced gradually as the concentration of MIL and NER increased. The membrane-water partition coefficient (KM/W) of the three compounds under study was estimated based on the minimum concentration of the compounds that causes a change in EPR spectrum. The KM/W values indicated that the affinity of the compounds for the P. brasiliensis membrane follows the order: AmB > MIL > NER. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were lower than the respective minimum concentrations of the compounds to cause a change in the EPR spectrum, being ∼3.5-fold lower for AmB, 3.9-fold for MIL and ∼1.4-fold for NER. Taken together, the EPR spectroscopy results suggest that the anti-proliferative effects of the three compounds studied are associated with alterations in cell membranes. One of the most likely consequences of these changes would be electrolyte leakage.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Alonso
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Olivia Basso Rocha
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maristela Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
| | - Antonio Alonso
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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118
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Boonhok R, Sangkanu S, Phumjan S, Jongboonjua R, Sangnopparat N, Kwankaew P, Tedasen A, Lim CL, Pereira MDL, Rahmatullah M, Wilairatana P, Wiart C, Dolma KG, Paul AK, Gupta M, Nissapatorn V. Curcumin effect on Acanthamoeba triangularis encystation under nutrient starvation. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13657. [PMID: 35811814 PMCID: PMC9261923 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Curcumin is an active compound derived from turmeric, Curcuma longa, and is known for its benefits to human health. The amoebicidal activity of curcumin against Acanthamoeba triangularis was recently discovered. However, a physiological change of intracellular pathways related to A. triangularis encystation mechanism, including autophagy in the surviving amoeba after curcumin treatment, has never been reported. This study aims to investigate the effect of curcumin on the survival of A. triangularis under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition, as well as to evaluate the A. triangularis encystation and a physiological change of Acanthamoeba autophagy at the mRNA level. Methods In this study, A. triangularis amoebas were treated with a sublethal dose of curcumin under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition and the surviving amoebas was investigated. Cysts formation and vacuolization were examined by microscopy and transcriptional expression of autophagy-related genes and other encystation-related genes were evaluated by real-time PCR. Results A. triangularis cysts were formed under nutrient starvation. However, in the presence of the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the percentage of cysts was significantly reduced. Interestingly, in the presence of curcumin, most of the parasites remained in the trophozoite stage in both the starvation and nutrient-rich condition. In vacuolization analysis, the percentage of amoebas with enlarged vacuole was increased upon starvation. However, the percentage was significantly declined in the presence of curcumin and 3-MA. Molecular analysis of A. triangularis autophagy-related (ATG) genes showed that the mRNA expression of the ATG genes, ATG3, ATG8b, ATG12, ATG16, under the starvation with curcumin was at a basal level along the treatment. The results were similar to those of the curcumin-treated amoebas under a nutrient-rich condition, except AcATG16 which increased later. On the other hand, mRNA expression of encystation-related genes, cellulose synthase and serine proteinase, remained unchanged during the first 18 h, but significantly increased at 24 h post treatment. Conclusion Curcumin inhibits cyst formation in surviving trophozoites, which may result from its effect on mRNA expression of key Acanthamoeba ATG-related genes. However, further investigation into the mechanism of curcumin in A. triangularis trophozoites arrest and its association with autophagy or other encystation-related pathways is needed to support the future use of curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suganya Phumjan
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Ramita Jongboonjua
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Nawarat Sangnopparat
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Pattamaporn Kwankaew
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Aman Tedasen
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chooi Ling Lim
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Rachathewee, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Christophe Wiart
- The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Karma G. Dolma
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim, India
| | - Alok K. Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Tanış E. New optoelectronic material based on biguanide for orange and yellow organic light emitting diode: A combined experimental and theoretical study. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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120
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Fani M, Fuerst PA, Mosayebi M, Javadi A, Harandi MF, Saraei M, Badri M, Hajialilo E. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of free-living amoeba in the water resources of Arak, Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1051-1063. [PMID: 35902987 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to detect free-living amoeba (FLA) in the water resources of Arak, Iran using molecular tools. A total of 154 samples were collected from different water supplies. Molecular analyses, sequencing, and phylogenetic study were conducted to confirm the species and genotypes of FLA. Fisher exact test was used to determine the significance. Of 154 water samples, 19 (12.3%) samples were tested positive for FLA. Three genotypes of Acanthamoeba including T4, subtype D, and T5 were identified among the isolates. The pathogenicity assay showed that the isolate of Acanthamoeba in drinking water was highly pathogenic. Three species of Naegleria, including N. australiensis, N. pagei, and N. gruberi were found among the samples. Six isolates of Vermamoeba were identified as V. vermiformis. Meanwhile, three other species including Vannella sp., Vahlkampfia avara, and Stenamoeba polymorpha were also recovered from the water samples. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the various water resources contaminated with FLA. This is the first study to reveal the presence of S. polymorpha in water sources in Iran. According to the findings of the present study, health officials should be beware of potential public health impacts of FLA in water resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Fani
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Paul A Fuerst
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mahdi Mosayebi
- Department of Parasitology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Amir Javadi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Saraei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran E-mail:
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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121
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Cabrera‐Aguas M, Khoo P, Watson SL. Infectious keratitis: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:543-562. [PMID: 35610943 PMCID: PMC9542356 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Globally, infectious keratitis is the fifth leading cause of blindness. The main predisposing factors include contact lens wear, ocular injury and ocular surface disease. Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Fusarium species, Candida species and Acanthamoeba species are the most common causal organisms. Culture of corneal scrapes is the preferred initial test to identify the culprit organism. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and in vivo confocal microscopy can complement the diagnosis. Empiric therapy is typically commenced with fluoroquinolones, or fortified antibiotics for bacterial keratitis; topical natamycin for fungal keratitis; and polyhexamethylene biguanide or chlorhexidine for acanthamoeba keratitis. Herpes simplex keratitis is mainly diagnosed clinically; however, PCR can also be used to confirm the initial diagnosis and in atypical cases. Antivirals and topical corticosteroids are indicated depending on the corneal layer infected. Vision impairment, blindness and even loss of the eye can occur with a delay in diagnosis and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cabrera‐Aguas
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Corneal Unit Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Pauline Khoo
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Corneal Unit Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Stephanie L. Watson
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Corneal Unit Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
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122
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Chuang YH, Wang YC, Yen CY, Lin CC, Chen CC. Case Series: Unusual Presentation of Acanthamoeba Coinfection in the Cornea. Optom Vis Sci 2022; 99:605-611. [PMID: 35413026 PMCID: PMC9296050 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The cases illustrate Acanthamoeba coinfection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or microsporidia in the cornea. PURPOSE This case series aimed to alert clinicians toward considering Acanthamoeba coinfection in the cornea when unusual presentation such as perineuritis or epitheliitis was observed in clinical images. Increased suspicion of Acanthamoeba coinfection may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt management, eventually leading to good vision outcomes. CASE SERIES An 11-year-old boy wearing orthokeratology lens for myopia control complained of pain in the right eye for 1 week. A paracentral corneal ulcer with perineuritis was observed. Culture from corneal tissue revealed P. aeruginosa , and an in vivo confocal microscopic examination showed highly reflective and oval-shaped structures indicating Acanthamoeba coinfection. Corneal lesions gradually improved under 0.02% polyhexamethylene biguanidine, 0.1% propamidine isethionate, and 0.3% ciprofloxacin. At 1 year, the final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 with residual paracentral corneal opacity. Another 20-year-old man complained of pain in the right eye for 2 weeks. Multiple raised corneal lesions associated with epitheliitis were found. Moreover, 1% acid-fast staining showed oval-shaped spores, and microsporidia infection was inferred. In addition, polymerase chain reaction results obtained after subjecting the patient to corneal debridement revealed positivity for Acanthamoeba . Polyhexamethylene biguanidine (0.02%) and 0.5% moxifloxacin were prescribed, and the lesions subsided. At a 2-year follow-up, the final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25. CONCLUSIONS Perineuritis in orthokeratology lens wearers and epitheliitis without any predisposing factor are unusual presentations of Acanthamoeba coinfection in the cornea. These corneal findings should arouse the suspicion of coinfection and enable the clinicians to conduct the appropriate workup and initiate adequate treatment. This case series demonstrated that early diagnosis and prompt treatment can improve visual prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsun Chuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ching Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Yu Yen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chung Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Shing B, Balen M, Fenical W, Debnath A. Development of a Machine Learning-Based Cysticidal Assay and Identification of an Amebicidal and Cysticidal Marine Microbial Metabolite against Acanthamoeba. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0007722. [PMID: 35467370 PMCID: PMC9241814 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00077-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional cysticidal assays for Acanthamoeba species revolve around treating cysts with compounds and manually observing the culture for evidence of excystation. This method is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and low throughput. We adapted and trained a YOLOv3 machine learning, object detection neural network to recognize Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts in microscopy images to develop an automated cysticidal assay. This trained neural network was used to count trophozoites in wells treated with compounds of interest to determine if a compound treatment was cysticidal. We validated this new assay with known cysticidal and noncysticidal compounds. In addition, we undertook a large-scale bioluminescence-based screen of 9,286 structurally unique marine microbial metabolite fractions against the trophozoites of A. castellanii and identified 29 trophocidal hits. These hits were then subjected to this machine learning-based automated cysticidal assay. One marine microbial metabolite fraction was identified as both trophocidal and cysticidal. IMPORTANCE The free-living Acanthamoeba can exist as a trophozoite or cyst and both stages can cause painful blinding keratitis. Infection recurrence occurs in approximately 10% of cases due to the lack of efficient drugs that can kill both trophozoites and cysts. Therefore, the discovery of therapeutics that are effective against both stages is a critical unmet need to avert blindness. Current efforts to identify new anti-Acanthamoeba compounds rely primarily upon assays that target the trophozoite stage of the parasite. We adapted and trained a machine learning, object detection neural network to recognize Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts in microscopy images. Our machine learning-based cysticidal assay improved throughput, demonstrated high specificity, and had an exquisite ability to identify noncysticidal compounds. We combined this cysticidal assay with our bioluminescence-based trophocidal assay to screen about 9,000 structurally unique marine microbial metabolites against A. castellanii. Our screen identified a marine metabolite that was both trophocidal and cysticidal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Shing
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mina Balen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - William Fenical
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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124
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Hong ZB, Huang JM, Tsai CM, Lin WC. Potential role of Acanthamoeba Rab7. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108312. [PMID: 35738459 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108312] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living protozoan that causes several severe human parasitic diseases such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous encephalitis. A. castellanii feeds on bacteria, yeasts, and other organic particles as food sources, but the mechanisms of digestion in acanthamoebal cells are unclear. Rab GTPases participate in endosomal delivery in eukaryotes after phagocytosis. This study aimed to determine the potential functions of A. castellanii Rab7 (AcRab7), which is involved in phagocytosis, and the relationship between AcRab7 and further cellular physiological phenomena. In this study, the inhibitor CID1067700 (CID) was used to specifically inhibit the binding of nucleotides to confirm the potential functions of AcRab7. Cellular proliferation and ATP assays were also used to detect underlying cellular physiological functions after blocking the phagocytosis pathway. We found that AcRab7 expression increased as the co-culture time with Escherichia coli increased. Immunofluorescence staining showed that AcRab7 colocalized with lysosomes in its GTP-activating form. In addition, AcRab7 inhibition resulted in a reduction in cell proliferation and ATP levels. Our results suggest that AcRab7 participates in endosomal delivery and dominates energy production and cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zih-Bin Hong
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Jian-Ming Huang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Ming Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chen Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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125
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Sousa-Ramos D, Reyes-Batlle M, Bellini NK, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Martín-Real C, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Pathogenic free-living amoebae from water sources in Cape Verde. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2399-2404. [PMID: 35660958 PMCID: PMC9279231 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07563-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa which have been reported in different countries worldwide from diverse sources (water, soil, dust, air), contributing to the environmental microbiological contamination. Most of the FLA species present a life cycle with two different phases: an active vegetative and physiologically form named trophozoite, and an extremely resistant phase called cyst. Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, Sapinia pedata, Vahlkampfia spp., Paravahlkampfia spp. and Vermamoeba vermiformis have been reported not only as causal agents of several opportunistic diseases including fatal encephalitis or epithelial disorders, but also as capable to favour the intracellular survival of common pathogenic bacteria, which could avoid the typical water disinfection systems, non-effective against FLAs cysts. Even though Santiago Island possesses high levels of humidity compared to the rest of the archipelago of Cape Verde, the water resources are scarce. Therefore, it is important to carry out proper microbiological quality controls, which currently do not contemplate the FLA presence in most of the countries. In the present work, we have reported the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. (69.2%); Vannella spp. (15.4%); Vermamoeba vermiformis (7.7%) and the recently discovered Stenamoeba dejonckheerei (7.7%) in different water sources of Santiago Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djeniffer Sousa-Ramos
- 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
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - María 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
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Karla Bellini
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 369, São Carlos, SP, 13560-590, Brazil
| | - Rubén 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
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Martín-Real
- 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
| | - José 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.
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain.
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jacob 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.
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain.
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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Caruso C, Eletto D, Tosco A, Pannetta M, Scarinci F, Troisi M, Porta A. Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Antiamoebic, and Antiviral Efficacy of Ophthalmic Formulations. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061156. [PMID: 35744674 PMCID: PMC9229167 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The extensive use of ophthalmic antibiotics is contributing to the appearance of resistant bacterial strains, which require prolonged and massive treatments with consequent detrimental outcomes and adverse effects. In addition to these issues, antibiotics are not effective against parasites and viruses. In this context, antiseptics could be valuable alternatives. They have nonselective mechanisms of action preventing bacterial resistance and a broad spectrum of action and are also effective against parasites and viruses. Here, we compare the in vitro antibacterial, antiameobic, and antiviral activities of six ophthalmic formulations containing antiseptics such as povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, and thymol against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, and two respiratory viruses, HAdV-2 and HCoV-OC43. The results suggest that, among all the tested formulations, Dropsept, consisting of Vitamin E TPGS-based (tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate) in combination with the antiseptic chlorhexidine, is the one with the highest range of activities, as it works efficiently against bacteria, amoeba, and viruses. On the other hand, the solution containing PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and thymol showed a promising inhibitory effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes severe keratitis. Given its high efficiency, Dropsept might represent a valuable alternative to the widely used antibiotics for the treatment of ocular infections. In addition to this commercial eye drop solution, thymol-based solutions might be enrolled for their natural antimicrobial and antiamoebic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Caruso
- Corneal Transplant Centre, Pellegrini Hospital, 80134 Naples, Italy;
| | - Daniela Eletto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (D.E.); (A.P.); Tel.: +39-089-969-421 (D.E.); +39-089-969-455 (A.P.)
| | - Alessandra Tosco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.)
| | - Martina Pannetta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.)
| | - Fabio Scarinci
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Fondazione, Bietti, Via Livenza, 3, 00198 Roma, Italy;
| | - Mario Troisi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Eye Clinic, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Amalia Porta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (D.E.); (A.P.); Tel.: +39-089-969-421 (D.E.); +39-089-969-455 (A.P.)
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127
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Eldeek HE, Farrag HMM, Tolba MEM, El-Deek HE, Ali MO, Ibraheim ZZ, Bayoumi SA, Hassanin ESA, Alkhalil SS, Huseein EAEHM. Amoebicidal effect of Allium cepa against Allovahlkampfia spelaea: A keratitis model. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1120-1136. [PMID: 36164578 PMCID: PMC9508644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Allovahlkampfia spelaea (A. spelaea) is a free-living amoeba, proved to cause Acanthamoeba-like keratitis with quite difficult treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the amoebicidal effect of Allium cepa (A. cepa) on A. spelaea trophozoites and cysts both in vitro and in vivo using Chinchilla rabbits as an experimental model of this type of keratitis. Chemical constituents of the aqueous extract of A. cepa were identified using Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). In vitro, A. cepa showed a significant inhibitory effect on trophozoites and cysts compared to the reference drug, chlorhexidine (CHX) as well as the non-treated control (P < 0.05) with statistically different effectiveness in terms of treatment durations and concentrations. No cytotoxic effect of A. cepa on corneal cell line was found even at high concentrations (32 mg/ml) using agar diffusion method. The in vivo results confirmed the efficacy of A. cepa where the extract enhanced keratitis healing with complete resolution of corneal ulcers in 80% of the infected animals by day 14 (post infection)pi compared to 70% recovery with CHX after 20 treatment days. The therapeutic effect was also approved at histological, immune-histochemical, and parasitological levels. Our findings support the potential use of A. cepa as an effective agent against A. spelaea keratitis.
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128
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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.
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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.
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129
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Krishnamoorthi S, Sharma C, Mewara A, Khurana S. Environmental water surveillance for free-living amoeba in North India. Indian J Med Microbiol 2022; 40:389-393. [PMID: 35660264 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2022.05.002] [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: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Free-living amoebae (FLA) exist in various environmental sources and are the causative agents of many serious human diseases. We surveyed various natural and artificial water bodies in areas of north India to detect the presence of FLA species. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surface water samples were collected from 29 water bodies and subjected to microscopy, non-nutrient agar (NNA) culture, and various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the detection of FLA. RESULTS FLA were found in 62.1% (18/29) of the natural and artificial water bodies by NNA culture. Based on PCR based detection, Acanthamoeba spp. was identified in 41.4% (12/29), Vannella spp./Vahlkampfia ovis in 17.2% (5/29) and Naegleria spp. in 20.7% (6/29) of the samples from different locations. PCR-sequencing of Naegleria positive samples identified them as Naegleria australiensis and Naegleria species. CONCLUSIONS The present study reports widespread occurrence of medically important FLA species in various natural and artificial water bodies, and highlights the need for regular molecular surveillance of FLA in the environment for better control and prevention of the diseases caused by FLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivanantham Krishnamoorthi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Chayan Sharma
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Abhishek Mewara
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Sumeeta Khurana
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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130
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Padzik M, Chomicz L, Bluszcz J, Maleszewska K, Grobelny J, Conn DB, Hendiger EB. Tannic Acid-Modified Silver Nanoparticles in Conjunction with Contact Lens Solutions Are Useful for Progress against the Adhesion of Acanthamoeba spp. to Contact Lenses. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061076. [PMID: 35744595 PMCID: PMC9230222 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are amphizoic amoebae that are widely distributed in the environment and capable of entering the human body. They can cause pathogenic effects in different tissues and organs, including Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), which may result in a loss of visual acuity and blindness. The diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of AK are still challenging. More than 90% of AK cases are related to the irresponsible wearing of contact lenses. However, even proper lens care does not sufficiently protect against this eye disease, as amoebae have been also found in contact lens solutions and contact lens storage containers. The adhesion of the amoebae to the contact lens surface is the first step in developing this eye infection. To limit the incidence of AK, it is important to enhance the anti-adhesive activity of the most popular contact lens solutions. Currently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used as modern antimicrobial agents. Their effectiveness against Acanthamoeba spp., especially with the addition of plant metabolites, such as tannic acid, has been confirmed. Here, we present the results of our further studies on the anti-adhesion potential of tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles (AgTANPs) in combination with selected contact lens solutions against Acanthamoeba spp. on four groups of contact lenses. The obtained results showed an increased anti-adhesion activity of contact lens solutions in conjunction with AgTANPs with a limited cytotoxicity effect compared to contact lens solutions acting alone. This may provide a benefit in improving the prevention of amoebae eye infections. However, there is still a need for further studies on different pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba in order to assess the adhesion of the cysts to the contact lens surface and to reveal a more comprehensive picture of the activity of AgTANPs and contact lens solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Padzik
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lidia Chomicz
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
| | - Julita Bluszcz
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
| | - Karolina Maleszewska
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
| | - Jaroslaw Grobelny
- Department of Materials Technology and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, 163 Pomorska Street, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - David Bruce Conn
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; or
- One Health Center, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA
| | - Edyta B. Hendiger
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
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131
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Reyes-Batlle M, Sifaoui I, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. New Insights in Acanthamoeba. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050609. [PMID: 35631129 PMCID: PMC9146694 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38206 Tenerife, Spain; (I.S.); (R.L.R.-E.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.)
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, 38203 Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38206 Tenerife, Spain; (I.S.); (R.L.R.-E.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.)
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, 38203 Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén L. Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38206 Tenerife, Spain; (I.S.); (R.L.R.-E.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.)
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, 38203 Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38206 Tenerife, Spain; (I.S.); (R.L.R.-E.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.)
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, 38203 Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28029 Madrid, 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), 38206 Tenerife, Spain; (I.S.); (R.L.R.-E.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.)
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, 38203 Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Köhsler M, Leitsch D, Loufouma Mbouaka A, Wekerle M, Walochnik J. Transcriptional changes of proteins of the thioredoxin and glutathione systems in Acanthamoeba spp. under oxidative stress - an RNA approach. Parasite 2022; 29:24. [PMID: 35532265 PMCID: PMC9083255 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The thioredoxin (Trx) and the glutathione (GSH) systems represent important antioxidant systems in cells and in particular thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) has been shown to constitute a promising drug target in parasites. For the facultative protozoal pathogen Acanthamoeba, it was demonstrated that a bacterial TrxR as well as a TrxR, characteristic of higher eukaryotes, mammals and humans is expressed on the protein level. However, only bacterial TrxR is strongly induced by oxidative stress in Acanthamoeba castellanii. In this study, the impact of oxidative stress on key enzymes involved in the thioredoxin and the glutathione system of A. castellanii under different culture conditions and of clinical Acanthamoeba isolates was evaluated on the RNA level employing RT-qPCR. Additionally, the effect of auranofin, a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, already established as a potential drug in other parasites, on target enzymes in A. castellanii was investigated. Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide led to significant stimulation of bacterial TrxR and thioredoxin, while diamide had a strong impact on all investigated enzymes. Different strains displayed distinct transcriptional responses, rather correlating to sensitivity against the respective stressor than to respective pathogenic potential. Culture conditions appear to have a major effect on transcriptional changes in A. castellanii. Treatment with auranofin led to transcriptional activation of the GSH system, indicating its role as a potential backup for the Trx system. Altogether, our data provide more profound insights into the complex redox system of Acanthamoeba, preparing the ground for further investigations on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Köhsler
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Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - David Leitsch
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Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Alvie Loufouma Mbouaka
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Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Maximilian Wekerle
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Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
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Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna 1090 Vienna Austria
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133
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Grechnikova M, Arbon D, Ženíšková K, Malych R, Mach J, Krejbichová L, Šimáčková A, Sutak R. Elucidation of iron homeostasis in Acanthamoeba castellanii. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:497-508. [PMID: 35533729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.03.007] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is a ubiquitously distributed amoeba that can be found in soil, dust, natural and tap water, air conditioners, hospitals, contact lenses and other environments. It is an amphizoic organism that can cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, an infrequent fatal disease of the central nervous system, and amoebic keratitis, a severe corneal infection that can lead to blindness. These diseases are extremely hard to treat; therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of this pathogen's metabolism is essential for revealing potential therapeutic targets. To propagate successfully in human tissues, the parasites must resist the iron depletion caused by nutritional immunity. The aim of our study is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying iron homeostasis in A. castellanii. Using a comparative whole-cell proteomic analysis of cells grown under different degrees of iron availability, we identified the primary proteins involved in Acanthamoeba iron acquisition. Our results suggest a two-step reductive mechanism of iron acquisition by a ferric reductase from the STEAP family and a divalent metal transporter from the NRAMP family. Both proteins are localized to the membranes of acidified digestive vacuoles where endocytosed medium and bacteria are trafficked. The expression levels of these proteins are significantly higher under iron-limited conditions, which allows Acanthamoeba to increase the efficiency of iron uptake despite the observed reduced pinocytosis rate. We propose that excessive iron gained while grown under iron-rich conditions is removed from the cytosol into the vacuoles by an iron transporter homologous to VIT/Ccc1 proteins. Additionally, we identified a novel protein that may participate in iron uptake regulation, the overexpression of which leads to increased iron acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grechnikova
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Dominik Arbon
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Ženíšková
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ronald Malych
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mach
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Krejbichová
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Aneta Šimáčková
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic.
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134
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Alonso L, Pimenta LKL, Kipnis A, Alonso A. Mycobacterium abscessus cell wall and plasma membrane characterization by EPR spectroscopy and effects of amphotericin B, miltefosine and nerolidol. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183872. [PMID: 35085568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.183872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Spin label electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the components of the Mycobacterium abscessus massiliense cell envelope and their interactions with amphotericin B (AmB), miltefosine (MIL), and nerolidol (NER). Spin labels analogous to stearic acid and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were distributed on an envelope layer with fluidity comparable to other biological membranes, probably the mycobacterial cell wall, because after treatment with AmB a highly rigid spectral component was evident in the EPR spectra. Methyl stearate analogue spin labels found a much more fluid membrane and did not detect the presence of AmB, except for at very high drug concentrations. Unlike other spin-labeled PCs, the TEMPO-PC spin probe, with the nitroxide moiety attached to the choline of the PC headgroup, also did not detect the presence of AmB. On the other hand, the steroid spin labels were not distributed across the membranes of M. abscessus and, instead, were concentrated in some other location of the cell envelope. Both MIL and NER compounds at 10 μM caused increased fluidity in the cell wall and plasma membrane. Furthermore, NER was shown to have a remarkable ability to extract lipids from the mycobacterial cell wall. The EPR results suggest that the resistance of mycobacteria to the action of AmB must be related to the fact that this drug does not reach the bacterial plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Alonso
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| | - Laryssa Ketelyn Lima Pimenta
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Publica, Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - André Kipnis
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Publica, Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Antonio Alonso
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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135
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A Comparative Genomic Approach to Determine the Virulence Factors and Horizontal Gene Transfer Events of Clinical Acanthamoeba Isolates. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0002522. [PMID: 35416714 PMCID: PMC9045148 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00025-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are among the most ubiquitous protists that are widespread in soil and water and act as both a replicative niche and vectors for dispersal. They are the most important human intracellular pathogens, causing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and severely damaging the human cornea. The sympatric lifestyle within the host and amoeba-resisting microorganisms (ARMs) promotes horizontal gene transfer (HGT). However, the genomic diversity of only A. castellanii and A. polyphaga has been widely studied, and the pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown. Thus, we examined 7 clinically pathogenic strains by comparative genomic, phylogenetic, and rhizome gene mosaicism analyses to explore amoeba-symbiont interactions that possibly contribute to pathogenesis. Genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis showed differences in functional characteristics between the "open" state of T3 and T4 isolates, which may contribute to the differences in virulence and pathogenicity. Through comparative genomic analysis, we identified potential genes related to virulence, such as metalloprotease, laminin-binding protein, and HSP, that were specific to the genus Acanthamoeba. Then, analysis of putative sequence trafficking between Acanthamoeba and Pandoraviruses or Acanthamoeba castellanii medusaviruses provided the best hits with viral genes; among bacteria, Pseudomonas had the most significant numbers. The most parsimonious evolutionary scenarios were between Acanthamoeba and endosymbionts; nevertheless, in most cases, the scenarios are more complex. In addition, the differences in exchanged genes were limited to the same family. In brief, this study provided extensive data to suggest the existence of HGT between Acanthamoeba and ARMs, explaining the occurrence of diseases and challenging Darwin's concept of eukaryotic evolution. IMPORTANCE Acanthamoeba has the ability to cause serious blinding keratitis. Although the prevalence of this phenomenon has increased in recent years, our knowledge of the underlying opportunistic pathogenic mechanism maybe remains incomplete. In this study, we highlighted the importance of Pseudomonas in the pathogenesis pathway using comprehensive a whole genomics approach of clinical isolates. The horizontal gene transfer events help to explain how endosymbionts contribute Acanthamoeba to act as an opportunistic pathogen. Our study opens up several potential avenues for future research on the differences in pathogenicity and interactions among clinical strains.
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136
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Concentrations of PGE2 and TXB2 in the Eyes of Mice with Disseminated Acanthamoebiasis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040438. [PMID: 35456113 PMCID: PMC9025194 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that Acanthamoeba spp. may invade the eyes by migrating along the optic nerve to the eyes from the brain. This study aimed to confirm the presence of inflammation in the eyes of mice with disseminated acanthamoebiasis by examining prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) concentrations in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice intranasally inoculated with Acanthamoeba spp. The PGE2 concentration was statistically significantly lower in the immunocompromised amoebae-infected mice on 8 dpi compared with the noninfected group of animals, and it was higher in the eyes of immunosuppressed amoebae-infected mice on 16 dpi than in the control group of animals. There was a statistically significant lower TXB2 concentration in the eyes of immunocompetent infected mice compared with the noninfected group on 8 dpi. However, on 24 dpi, we noted statistically significant higher TXB2 levels in the immunocompetent infected mice than in the control group. In immunocompromised mice, there was a lower TXB2 level on 8 dpi than in control mice. This study confirmed the existence of an inflammatory process in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. without damaged corneas.
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137
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Çelik S, Tanış E. Toxic potential of Poly-hexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB): A DFT, AIM and NCI analysis study with solvent effects. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2022.113709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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138
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Li G, Shekhawat N. Acanthamoeba epitheliopathy: Importance of early diagnosis. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 26:101499. [PMID: 35402748 PMCID: PMC8987312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe two cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed and treated at the epithelial stage of disease and to underscore the importance of early diagnosis on prognosis. Observations Case 1 is a 28-year-old male who developed Acanthamoeba keratitis after prolonged contact lens wear. Case 2 is a 43-year-old male with poor contact lens hygiene who was initially misdiagnosed and treated for herpetic keratitis. Both cases presented with epitheliopathy and were successfully treated with corneal epithelial debridement and topical anti-amoebic therapy, with complete avoidance of deeper extension of infection and associated complications. Conclusion and importance Epithelial stage Acanthamoeba keratitis represents a critical window of opportunity to achieve rapid cure. Acanthamoeba epitheliopathy may be mistaken for other conditions such as herpetic keratitis, contact lens overwear, or dry eye. Given worsening prognosis following delayed diagnosis, it is important for clinicians to be suspicious of Acanthamoeba keratitis in all contact lens wearers who develop elevated epitheliopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nakul Shekhawat
- Corresponding author. MPH Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St. Woods 376, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, USA.
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139
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Das S, D’Souza S, Gorimanipalli B, Shetty R, Ghosh A, Deshpande V. Ocular Surface Infection Mediated Molecular Stress Responses: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063111. [PMID: 35328532 PMCID: PMC8952005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection mediated ocular surface stress responses are activated as early defense mechanisms in response to host cell damage. Integrated stress responses initiate the host response to different types of infections and modulate the transcription of key genes and translation of proteins. The crosstalk between host and pathogen results in profound alterations in cellular and molecular homeostasis triggering specific stress responses in the infected tissues. The amplitude and variations of such responses are partly responsible for the disease severity and clinical sequelae. Understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of ocular infections is important for early diagnosis and effective treatment. This review considers the molecular status of infection mediated ocular surface stress responses which may shed light on the importance of the host stress-signaling pathways. In this review, we collated literature on the molecular studies of all ocular surface infections and summarize the results from such studies systematically. Identification of important mediators involved in the crosstalk between the stress response and activation of diverse signaling molecules in host ocular surface infection may provide novel molecular targets for maintaining the cellular homeostasis during infection. These targets can be then explored and validated for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samayitree Das
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560 099, India;
| | - Sharon D’Souza
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560 010, India; (S.D.); (B.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Bhavya Gorimanipalli
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560 010, India; (S.D.); (B.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560 010, India; (S.D.); (B.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560 099, India;
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (V.D.)
| | - Vrushali Deshpande
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560 099, India;
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (V.D.)
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Kim MJ, Chu KB, Lee HA, Quan FS, Kong HH, Moon EK. Detection of Acanthamoeba spp. using carboxylesterase antibody and its usage for diagnosing Acanthamoeba-keratitis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262223. [PMID: 34986189 PMCID: PMC8730387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Contact lens usage has contributed to increased incidence rates of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a serious corneal infection that can lead to blindness. Since symptoms associated with AK closely resemble those incurred by bacterial or fungal keratitis, developing a diagnostic method enabling rapid detection with a high degree of Acanthamoeba-specificity would be beneficial. Here, we produced a polyclonal antibody targeting the carboxylesterase (CE) superfamily protein secreted by the pathogenic Acanthamoeba and evaluated its diagnostic potential. Western blot analysis revealed that the CE antibody specifically interacts with the cell lysates and conditioned media of pathogenic Acanthamoeba, which were not observed from the cell lysates and conditioned media of human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells, Fusarium solani, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. High titers of A. castellanii-specific antibody production were confirmed sera of immunized mice via ELISA, and these antibodies were capable of detecting A. castellanii from the cell lysates and their conditioned media. The specificity of the CE antibody was further confirmed on A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts co-cultured with HCE cells, F. solani, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa using immunocytochemistry. Additionally, the CE antibody produced in this study successfully interacted with 7 different Acanthamoeba species. Our findings demonstrate that the polyclonal CE antibody specifically detects multiple species belong to the genus Acanthamoeba, thus highlighting its potential as AK diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Ahm Lee
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Kong
- Department of Parasitology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Diagnostic Considerations for Non-Acanthamoeba Amoebic Keratitis and Clinical Outcomes. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020219. [PMID: 35215164 PMCID: PMC8874664 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of amoebic keratitis involving species other than Acanthamoeba are hypothesised to be underdiagnosed and poorly understood. Amoebic keratitis is debilitating and associated with chronic visual impairment. Understanding associated symptoms of non-Acanthamoeba amoebic keratitis could facilitate new diagnostic procedures and enable prompt treatment, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Thus, a review of the literature was undertaken surrounding non-Acanthamoeba amoebic keratitis. Cases were geographically widespread and mostly confined to contact lens wearers ≤ 30 years old exposed to contaminated water sources and/or demonstrating poor lens hygiene. Vermamoeba vermiformis (previously Hartmanella vermiformis) was the most common causative agent, and a moderate number of mixed keratitis cases were also reported. A crucial disease indicator was early onset stromal deterioration/ulcerations, reported in 10 of the studies, usually only occurring in advanced Acanthamoeba keratitis. Mixed infections were the most difficult to treat, often requiring keratoplasty after unsuccessful combination treatment regimens. New diagnostic measures for non-Acanthamoeba amoebic keratitis should consider early onset stromal disease as a key disease indicator. Deep corneal scrapes are also necessary for accurate amoebic identification. Moreover, a combination approach to diagnosis is advised and should involve culture, microscopy and PCR techniques. In vitro drug sensitivity tests should also be conducted to help develop patient-specific treatment regimes.
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de Obeso Fernandez del Valle A, Scheckhuber CQ. Superoxide Dismutases in Eukaryotic Microorganisms: Four Case Studies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020188. [PMID: 35204070 PMCID: PMC8868140 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Various components in the cell are responsible for maintaining physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several different enzymes exist that can convert or degrade ROS; among them are the superoxide dismutases (SODs). If left unchecked, ROS can cause damage that leads to pathology, can contribute to aging, and may, ultimately, cause death. SODs are responsible for converting superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide by dismutation. Here we review the role of different SODs on the development and pathogenicity of various eukaryotic microorganisms relevant to human health. These include the fungal aging model, Podospora anserina; various members of the genus Aspergillus that can potentially cause aspergillosis; the agents of diseases such as Chagas and sleeping disease, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, respectively; and, finally, pathogenic amoebae, such as Acanthamoeba spp. In these organisms, SODs fulfill essential and often regulatory functions that come into play during processes such as the development, host infection, propagation, and control of gene expression. We explore the contribution of SODs and their related factors in these microorganisms, which have an established role in health and disease.
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143
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Kennedy SM, Deshpande P, Gallagher AG, Horsburgh MJ, Allison HE, Kaye SB, Wellings DA, Williams RL. Amoebicidal Activity of Poly-Epsilon-Lysine Functionalized Hydrogels. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:11. [PMID: 34994769 PMCID: PMC8742527 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the amoebicidal activity of functionalized poly-epsilon-lysine hydrogels (pɛK+) against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Methods A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts were grown in the presence of pɛK solution (0–2.17 mM), pɛK or pɛK+ hydrogels, or commercial hydrogel contact lens (CL) for 24 hours or 7 days in PBS or Peptone-Yeast-Glucose (PYG) media (nutrient-deplete or nutrient-replete cultures, respectively). Toxicity was determined using propidium iodide and imaged using fluorescence microscopy. Ex vivo porcine corneas were inoculated with A. castellanii trophozoites ± pɛK, pɛK+ hydrogels or commercial hydrogel CL for 7 days. Corneal infection was assessed by periodic acid–Schiff staining and histologic analysis. Regrowth of A. castellanii from hydrogel lenses and corneal discs at 7 days was assessed using microscopy and enumeration. Results The toxicity of pɛK+ hydrogels resulted in the death of 98.52% or 83.31% of the trophozoites at 24 hours or 7 days, respectively. The toxicity of pɛK+ hydrogels resulted in the death of 70.59% or 82.32% of the cysts in PBS at 24 hours or 7 days, respectively. Cysts exposed to pɛK+ hydrogels in PYG medium resulted in 75.37% and 87.14% death at 24 hours and 7 days. Ex vivo corneas infected with trophozoites and incubated with pɛK+ hydrogels showed the absence of A. castellanii in the stroma, with no regrowth from corneas or pɛK+ hydrogel, compared with infected-only corneas and those incubated in presence of commercial hydrogel CL. Conclusions pɛK+ hydrogels demonstrated pronounced amoebicidal and cysticidal activity against A. castellanii. pɛK+ hydrogels have the potential for use as CLs that could minimize the risk of CL-associated Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephnie M Kennedy
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Pallavi Deshpande
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew G Gallagher
- SpheriTech Ltd, The Heath Business and Technical Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm J Horsburgh
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Heather E Allison
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B Kaye
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Donald A Wellings
- SpheriTech Ltd, The Heath Business and Technical Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Rosa MD, Andrade JPD, Costa AO, Conti R, Bastida J, Borges WDS, Furst C. Anti-Acanthamoeba castellanii activity of alkaloid-enriched extracts and lycorine from the Amaryllidaceae species. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902022e20459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
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Motavallihaghi S, Khodadadi I, Goudarzi F, Afshar S, Shahbazi AE, Maghsood AH. The role of Acanthamoeba castellanii (T4 genotype) antioxidant enzymes in parasite survival under H 2O 2-induced oxidative stress. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102523. [PMID: 34929407 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii) is an important opportunistic parasite. Induction of oxidative stress by the host immune system is one of the most important defense strategies against parasites. Hence, parasites partly deal with oxidative stress by different mechanisms. Identifying resistance mechanisms of A. castellanii parasites against oxidative stress is important to achieve a new therapeutic approach. Thus, this study aimed to understand the resistance mechanisms of A. castellanii, against oxidative stress. Trophozoites of A. castellanii were treated with different concentrations of H2O2. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of H2O2 was determined using the MTT assay. The induction of oxidative stress was confirmed by flow cytometer. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were determined. The gene expression levels of CAT and SOD were measured by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, 3-amino-1:2:4-triazole (3-AT) and potassium cyanide (KCN) were used as specific inhibitors of CAT and SOD, respectively. Cell cycle assay and the apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometer. The activities of SOD, CAT, GR, and GPx, showed an increase in oxidative stress. The cell cycle analysis revealed that most of the cellular population was in G0 and G1 phases. The apoptosis increased in oxidative stress conditions. Moreover, the apoptosis significantly increased after the specific inhibition of CAT and SOD under oxidative stress. The gene expression levels of CAT and SOD significantly increased under oxidative stress. A. castellanii can resist the host immune system through various mechanisms, including evoking its antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, by reducing or inhibiting the activity of the parasite's antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT, it is possible to cope with A. castellanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedmousa Motavallihaghi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Iraj Khodadadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Farjam Goudarzi
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Saied Afshar
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Ehsan Shahbazi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Maghsood
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Shah YS, Stroh IG, Zafar S, Zhang N, Sriparna M, Shekhawat N, Ghos Z, Srikumaran D, Woreta FA. Delayed diagnoses of Acanthamoeba keratitis at a tertiary care medical centre. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:916-921. [PMID: 33583148 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the prevalence and reasons for delays in diagnosis in patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) presenting to Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland. METHODS This retrospective study analysed all patients with culture-positive AK seen between 2012 and 2019 at a tertiary referral centre. Patient demographic information, clinical history, risk factors, symptom duration, referral patterns, slit lamp examination findings, visual acuity and need for surgery were collected. RESULTS The study included 45 eyes of 43 patients. On average, patients were symptomatic for 52.6 days before culture collection. Thirty-one percent of patients were diagnosed within 28 days of symptom onset while 69% were diagnosed after 28 days. Before presentation to a tertiary care centre, 69% of patients were evaluated by an ophthalmologist outside of this institution and 27% were evaluated by a provider other than an ophthalmologist. AK was most commonly misdiagnosed as herpetic keratitis, occurring in 38% of patients. The strongest risk factor for AK was contact lens use. Only 11% of patients presented with the classic ring infiltrate and 82% had pain. Patients with an early versus late diagnosis had a mean Snellen visual acuity (VA) of 20/224 versus 20/296 at presentation (p = 0.33) and a mean Snellen VA of 20/91 versus 20/240 at final visit (p = 0.07). 11% of patients required a therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. CONCLUSION Delayed diagnosis of AK in our cohort occurred due to a misdiagnosis as herpetic keratitis, non-specific clinical signs including the lack of pain in a number of patients, and a delay in referral to a tertiary care centre. Any contact lens wearer with an atypical keratitis should be referred promptly for Acanthamoeba cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesha S Shah
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Inna G Stroh
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sidra Zafar
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nancy Zhang
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Manjari Sriparna
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nakul Shekhawat
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zara Ghos
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Divya Srikumaran
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fasika A Woreta
- Division of Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Büchele MLC, Filippin-Monteiro FB, de Lima B, Camargo CDJ, Restrepo JAS, Souza LC, Creczynski-Pasa TB, Caumo KS. Super aggregated amphotericin B with a thermoreversible in situ gelling ophthalmic system for amoebic keratitis treatment. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106144. [PMID: 34562424 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106144] [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: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are the causative agents of a sight-threatening infection of the cornea known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Amphotericin B - deoxycholate (AB) is used in the treatment of infectious keratitis, however, its topical administration has side effects as blepharitis, iritis, and painful instillation. In this context, the preheating of AB can decrease its toxicity by the formation of super aggregates (hAB). hAB associated with a thermoreversible in situ gelling ophthalmic system is a promising option due to the latter biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high residence time on the ocular surface. Our objective was to develop a topical ocular formulation of hAB for the treatment of AK. After heating at 70°C for 20 min, hAB was incorporated into a thermoreversible gelling system. The amebicidal activity of AB and hAB was evaluated against trophozoites and cysts of A. castellanii (ATCC 50492) and a regional clinical isolate (IC01). The results showed that the preheating of AB did not change the pharmacological action of the drug, with the amebicidal effect of AB and hAB under trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba spp. The thermoreversible system remained stable, allowing the increase of drug retention time. For assessment of cytotoxicity, HUVEC (ATCC® CRL-1730) cells were challenged with AB and hAB for 48h. Cell viability was assessed, and hAB did not show cytotoxicity for HUVEC cells. As far as we know this was the first study that showed the preheated AB associated with a thermoreversible in situ gelling ophthalmic system as a promising system for topical ocular topical administration of hAB for AK therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luiza Carneiro Büchele
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Estudos de Protozoários Emergentes e Oportunistas. CEP: 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Branco Filippin-Monteiro
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Imunobiologia do Tecido Adiposo. CEP: 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Barbara de Lima
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Imunobiologia do Tecido Adiposo. CEP: 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Carolina de Jesus Camargo
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Estudos de Protozoários Emergentes e Oportunistas. CEP: 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Jelver Alexander Sierra Restrepo
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Grupo de Estudos de Interações entre Micro e Macromoléculas, CEP: 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Liliete Canes Souza
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Imunobiologia do Tecido Adiposo. CEP: 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Tania Beatriz Creczynski-Pasa
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Grupo de Estudos de Interações entre Micro e Macromoléculas, CEP: 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Karin Silva Caumo
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Estudos de Protozoários Emergentes e Oportunistas. CEP: 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil..
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Karpinecz B, Edwards N, Zderic V. Therapeutic Ultrasound-Enhanced Transcorneal PHMB Delivery In Vitro. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2021; 40:2561-2570. [PMID: 33491798 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Delivery of therapeutic agents to the cornea is a difficult task in the treatment of parasitic keratitis. In this study, we looked at using different combinations of ultrasound parameters to enhance corneal permeability to polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), a clinically available ophthalmic antiparasitic formulation. METHODS Permeability of PHMB was investigated in vitro using a standard diffusion cell setup. Continuous or 25% duty-cycle ultrasound was used at frequencies of 400 or 600 kHz, intensities of 0.5 or 0.8 W/cm2 , and exposure times ranging from 1 to 5 minutes. Structural changes in the cornea were examined using light microscopy. RESULTS Ultrasound exposure produced increases in transcorneal delivery in every treatment parameter combination when compared to the sham treatment. The highest increase was 2.36 times for 5 minutes of continuous ultrasound at a frequency of 600 kHz and an intensity of 0.5 W/cm2 with statistical significance (p <.001). Histological analysis showed that ultrasound application only caused structural changes in the corneal epithelium, with most damage being at the surface layers. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the possibility of therapeutic ultrasound as a novel drug delivery technique for the treatment of parasitic keratitis. Further studies are needed to examine the thermal effects of these proposed ultrasound applications and the long-term viability of this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Karpinecz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Natalie Edwards
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Vesna Zderic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Rizo-Liendo A, Arberas-Jiménez I, Sifaoui I, Gkolfi D, Santana Y, Cotos L, Tejedor D, García-Tellado F, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. The therapeutic potential of novel isobenzofuranones against Naegleria fowleri. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 17:139-149. [PMID: 34627024 PMCID: PMC8501684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Free-Living Amoeba species, Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of a lethal encephalitis known as Primary Amoebic Encephalitis (PAM). Moreover, most of the reported cases are often related to swimming and/or diving in aquatic environments. In addition, the current therapeutic options against PAM are not fully effective and hence, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic agents against this disease. Previously isobenzofuranones compounds have been reported to present antiprotozoal and antifungal activity among others. However, to the best of our knowledge, these molecules have not been previously tested against N. fowleri. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of 14 novel isobenzofuranones against this pathogenic amoeba. The most active and less toxic molecules, were assayed in order to check induction of Programmed Cell Death (PCD) in the treated amoebae. The obtained results showed that these molecules were able to eliminate N. fowleri trophozoites and also induced PCD. Therefore, the tested isobenzofuranones could be potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Rizo-Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, 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 Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Iñigo Arberas-Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, 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 Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, 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 Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; Consorcio Centro De Investigacion Biomedica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitra Gkolfi
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, 38206, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Yiset Santana
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, 38206, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Leandro Cotos
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, 38206, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, 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, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, 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 Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; Consorcio Centro De Investigacion Biomedica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Inst. de Salud Carlos III, 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, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, 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 Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain; Consorcio Centro De Investigacion Biomedica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Various brain-eating amoebae: the protozoa, the pathogenesis, and the disease. Front Med 2021; 15:842-866. [PMID: 34825341 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0865-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Among various genera of free-living amoebae prevalent in nature, some members are identified as causative agents of human encephalitis, in which Naegleria fowleri followed by Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris have been successively discovered. As the three dominant genera responsible for infections, Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia work as opportunistic pathogens of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, whereas Naegleria induces primary amoebic meningoencephalitis mostly in healthy children and young adults as a more violent and deadly disease. Due to the lack of typical symptoms and laboratory findings, all these amoebic encephalitic diseases are difficult to diagnose. Considering that subsequent therapies are also affected, all these brain infections cause significant mortality worldwide, with more than 90% of the cases being fatal. Along with global warming and population explosion, expanding areas of human and amoebae activity in some regions lead to increased contact, resulting in more serious infections and drawing increased public attention. In this review, we summarize the present information of these pathogenic free-living amoebae, including their phylogeny, classification, biology, and ecology. The mechanisms of pathogenesis, immunology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, epidemiology, diagnosis, and therapies are also discussed.
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