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Panzner U, Excler JL, Kim JH, Marks F, Carter D, Siddiqui AA. Recent Advances and Methodological Considerations on Vaccine Candidates for Human Schistosomiasis. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021; 2:719369. [PMID: 39280170 PMCID: PMC11392908 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.719369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a neglected tropical disease of major public health concern with high levels of morbidity in various parts of the world. Although considerable efforts in implementing mass drug administration programs utilizing praziquantel have been deployed, schistosomiasis is still not contained. A vaccine may therefore be an essential part of multifaceted prevention control efforts. In the 1990s, a joint United Nations committee promoting parasite vaccines shortlisted promising candidates including for schistosomiasis discussed below. After examining the complexity of immune responses in human hosts infected with schistosomes, we review and discuss the antigen design and preclinical and clinical development of the four leading vaccine candidates: Sm-TSP-2 in Phase 1b/2b, Sm14 in Phase 2a/2b, Sm-p80 in Phase 1 preparation, and Sh28GST in Phase 3. Our assessment of currently leading vaccine candidates revealed some methodological issues that preclude a fair comparison between candidates and the rationale to advance in clinical development. These include (1) variability in animal models - in particular non-human primate studies - and predictive values of each for protection in humans; (2) lack of consensus on the assessment of parasitological and immunological parameters; (3) absence of reliable surrogate markers of protection; (4) lack of well-designed parasitological and immunological natural history studies in the context of mass drug administration with praziquantel. The controlled human infection model - while promising and unique - requires validation against efficacy outcomes in endemic settings. Further research is also needed on the impact of advanced adjuvants targeting specific parts of the innate immune system that may induce potent, protective and durable immune responses with the ultimate goal of achieving meaningful worm reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Panzner
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jerome H Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Florian Marks
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Afzal A Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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Soto-Sánchez J, Ospina-Villa JD. Current status of quinoxaline and quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxides derivatives as potential antiparasitic agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:683-699. [PMID: 34289242 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are a public health problem, especially in developing countries where millions of people are affected every year. Current treatments have several drawbacks: emerging resistance to the existing drugs, lack of efficacy, and toxic side effects. Therefore, new antiparasitic drugs are urgently needed to treat and control diseases that affect human health, such as malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, amebiasis, giardiasis schistosomiasis, and filariasis, among others. Quinoxaline is a compound containing a benzene ring and a pyrazine ring. The oxidation of both pyrazine ring nitrogens allows the obtention of quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxides (QdNOs) derivatives. By modifying the chemical structure of these compounds, it is possible to obtain a wide variety of biological properties. This review investigated the activity of quinoxaline derivatives and QdNOs against different protozoan parasites and helminths. We also cover the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and summarize the main findings related to their mechanisms of action from published works in recent years. However, further studies are needed to determine specific molecular targets. This review aims to highlight the new development of antiparasitic drugs with better pharmacological profiles than current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Soto-Sánchez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
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Porto R, Mengarda AC, Cajas RA, Salvadori MC, Teixeira FS, Arcanjo DDR, Siyadatpanah A, Pereira MDL, Wilairatana P, de Moraes J. Antiparasitic Properties of Cardiovascular Agents against Human Intravascular Parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070686. [PMID: 34358112 PMCID: PMC8308662 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The intravascular parasitic worm Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of schistosomiasis, a disease of great global public health significance. Praziquantel is the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis and there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Adopting a phenotypic drug screening strategy, here, we evaluated the antiparasitic properties of 46 commercially available cardiovascular drugs against S. mansoni. From these screenings, we found that amiodarone, telmisartan, propafenone, methyldopa, and doxazosin affected the viability of schistosomes in vitro, with effective concentrations of 50% (EC50) and 90% (EC90) values ranging from 8 to 50 µM. These results were further supported by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Subsequently, the most effective drug (amiodarone) was further tested in a murine model of schistosomiasis for both early and chronic S. mansoni infections using a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg daily for five consecutive days. Amiodarone had a low efficacy in chronic infection, with the worm and egg burden reduction ranging from 10 to 30%. In contrast, amiodarone caused a significant reduction in worm and egg burden in early infection (>50%). Comparatively, treatment with amiodarone is more effective in early infection than praziquantel, demonstrating the potential role of this cardiovascular drug as an antischistosomal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Porto
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, São Paulo 07023-070, SP, Brazil; (R.P.); (A.C.M.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Ana C. Mengarda
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, São Paulo 07023-070, SP, Brazil; (R.P.); (A.C.M.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Rayssa A. Cajas
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, São Paulo 07023-070, SP, Brazil; (R.P.); (A.C.M.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria C. Salvadori
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-060, SP, Brazil; (M.C.S.); (F.S.T.)
| | - Fernanda S. Teixeira
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-060, SP, Brazil; (M.C.S.); (F.S.T.)
| | - Daniel D. R. Arcanjo
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piaui, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil;
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran;
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials & Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (P.W.); (J.d.M.)
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, São Paulo 07023-070, SP, Brazil; (R.P.); (A.C.M.); (R.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (P.W.); (J.d.M.)
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Fata F, Silvestri I, Ardini M, Ippoliti R, Di Leandro L, Demitri N, Polentarutti M, Di Matteo A, Lyu H, Thatcher GR, Petukhov PA, Williams DL, Angelucci F. Probing the Surface of a Parasite Drug Target Thioredoxin Glutathione Reductase Using Small Molecule Fragments. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1932-1944. [PMID: 33950676 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fragment screening is a powerful drug discovery approach particularly useful for enzymes difficult to inhibit selectively, such as the thiol/selenol-dependent thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs), which are essential and druggable in several infectious diseases. Several known inhibitors are reactive electrophiles targeting the selenocysteine-containing C-terminus and thus often suffering from off-target reactivity in vivo. The lack of structural information on the interaction modalities of the C-terminus-targeting inhibitors, due to the high mobility of this domain and the lack of alternative druggable sites, prevents the development of selective inhibitors for TrxRs. In this work, fragments selected from actives identified in a large screen carried out against Thioredoxin Glutathione Reductase from Schistosoma mansoni (SmTGR) were probed by X-ray crystallography. SmTGR is one of the most promising drug targets for schistosomiasis, a devastating, neglected disease. Utilizing a multicrystal method to analyze electron density maps, structural analysis, and functional studies, three binding sites were characterized in SmTGR: two sites are close to or partially superposable with the NADPH binding site, while the third one is found between two symmetry related SmTGR subunits of the crystal lattice. Surprisingly, one compound bound to this latter site stabilizes, through allosteric effects mediated by the so-called guiding bar residues, the crucial redox active C-terminus of SmTGR, making it finally visible at high resolution. These results further promote fragments as small molecule probes for investigating functional aspects of the target protein, exemplified by the allosteric effect on the C-terminus, and providing fundamental chemical information exploitable in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fata
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Ilaria Silvestri
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Matteo Ardini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Luana Di Leandro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Nicola Demitri
- Elettra − Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza − Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Polentarutti
- Elettra − Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza − Trieste, Italy
| | - Adele Di Matteo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, c/o Department of Biochemical Sciences “A Rossi Fanelli” - Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Haining Lyu
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Gregory R.J. Thatcher
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Pavel A. Petukhov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - David L. Williams
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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105
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Lombardo FC, Ravaynia PS, Modena MM, Hierlemann A, Keiser J. Evaluation of Human Liver Microtissues for Drug Screening on Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomula. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1894-1900. [PMID: 33105989 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease with more than 200 million infections annually. Despite only one drug, praziquantel, being available, the drug pipeline against schistosomiasis is empty, and drug screening tools have limitations. We evaluated the potential of human liver microtissues (hLiMTs) in antischistosomal drug discovery. Because hLiMTs express all human P450 enzymes, they are an excellent tool to evaluate compounds' bioinactivation, bioactivation, and toxicity. To validate the metabolic conversion capacity of hLiMTs, we first quantified (R)- and (S)-praziquantel and the main metabolite trans-OH-praziquantel following incubation with 0.032-50 μM (0.01-15.62 μg/mL) praziquantel for up to 72 h by a validated LC-MS/MS method. We cocultured hLiMTs with newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) and evaluated the antischistosomal activity and cytotoxicity of three prodrugs terfenadine, tamoxifen citrate, and flutamide. HLiMTs converted 300-350 ng (R)-praziquantel within 24 h into trans-OH-praziquantel. We observed changes in the IC50 values for terfenadine, flutamide, and tamoxifen citrate in comparison to the standard NTS assay in vitro. Cytotoxicity was observed at high concentrations of flutamide and tamoxifen citrate. An in vitro platform containing hLiMTs could serve as an advanced drug screening tool for Schistosoma mansoni, providing information on reduced or increased activity and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio C. Lombardo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Universität Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo S. Ravaynia
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mario M. Modena
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Universität Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
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Panzner U, Boissier J. Natural Intra- and Interclade Human Hybrid Schistosomes in Africa with Considerations on Prevention through Vaccination. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071465. [PMID: 34361901 PMCID: PMC8305539 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Causal agents of schistosomiasis are dioecious, digenean schistosomes affecting mankind in 76 countries. Preventive measures are manifold but need to be complemented by vaccination for long-term protection; vaccine candidates in advanced pre-clinical/clinical stages include Sm14, Sm-TSP-2/Sm-TSP-2Al®, Smp80/SchistoShield®, and Sh28GST/Bilhvax®. Natural and anthropogenic changes impact on breaking species isolation barriers favoring introgressive hybridization, i.e., allelic exchange among gene pools of sympatric, interbreeding species leading to instant large genetic diversity. Phylogenetic distance matters, thus the less species differ phylogenetically the more likely they hybridize. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for publications limited to hybridale confirmation by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and/or nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Human schistosomal hybrids are predominantly reported from West Africa with clustering in the Senegal River Basin, and scattering to Europe, Central and Eastern Africa. Noteworthy is the dominance of Schistosoma haematobium interbreeding with human and veterinary species leading due to hybrid vigor to extinction and homogenization as seen for S. guineensis in Cameroon and S. haematobium in Niger, respectively. Heterosis seems to advantage S. haematobium/S. bovis interbreeds with dominant S. haematobium-ITS/S. bovis-COX1 profile to spread from West to East Africa and reoccur in France. S. haematobium/S. mansoni interactions seen among Senegalese and Côte d’Ivoirian children are unexpected due to their high phylogenetic distance. Detecting pure S. bovis and S. bovis/S. curassoni crosses capable of infecting humans observed in Corsica and Côte d’Ivoire, and Niger, respectively, is worrisome. Taken together, species hybridization urges control and preventive measures targeting human and veterinary sectors in line with the One-Health concept to be complemented by vaccination protecting against transmission, infection, and disease recurrence. Functional and structural diversity of naturally occurring human schistosomal hybrids may impact current vaccine candidates requiring further research including natural history studies in endemic areas targeted for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Panzner
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-176-6657-2910
| | - Jerome Boissier
- IHPE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, University of Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan, France;
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do Carmo Neto JR, Guerra RO, Machado JR, Silva ACA, da Silva MV. Antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2127-2141. [PMID: 34254904 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210709105850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nanomaterials represent a wide alternative for the treatment of several diseases that affect both human and animal health. The use of these materials mainly involves trying to solve the problem of resistance that pathogenic organisms acquire to conventional drugs. A well-studied example that represents a potential component for biomedical applications is the use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). Its antimicrobial function is related, especially the ability to generate/induce ROS that affects the homeostasis of the pathogen in question. Protozoa and helminths that harm human health and the economic performance of animals have already been exposed to this type of nanoparticle. Thus, through this review, our goal is to discuss the state-of-the-art effect of ZnO NPs on these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, 74605-450 Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Rhanoica Oliveira Guerra
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Reis Machado
- Department of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anielle Christine Almeida Silva
- Laboratório de Novos Materiais Nanoestruturados e Funcionais (LNMIS), Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Roucher C, Brosius I, Mbow M, Faye BT, De Hondt A, Smekens B, Arango D, Burm C, Tsoumanis A, Paredis L, van Herrewege Y, Potters I, Cisse B, Mboup S, Polman K, Bottieau E. Evaluation of Artesunate-mefloquine as a Novel Alternative Treatment for Schistosomiasis in African Children (SchistoSAM): protocol of a proof-of-concept, open-label, two-arm, individually-randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047147. [PMID: 34168029 PMCID: PMC8231067 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alternative drugs and diagnostics are needed for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis. The exclusive use of praziquantel (PZQ) in mass drug administration programmes may result in the emergence of drug resistance. PZQ has little activity against Schistosoma larvae, thus reinfection remains a problem in high-risk communities. Furthermore, the insufficient sensitivity of conventional microscopy hinders therapeutic response assessment. Evaluation of artesunate-mefloquine (AM) as a Novel Alternative Treatment for Schistosomiasis in African Children (SchistoSAM) aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the antimalarial combination artesunate-mefloquine, re-purposed for the treatment of schistosomiasis, and to assess the performance of highly sensitive novel antigen-based and DNA-based assays as tools for monitoring treatment response. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The SchistoSAM study is an open-label, two-arm, individually randomised controlled non-inferiority trial, with a follow-up of 48 weeks. Primary school-aged children from the Richard Toll district in northern Senegal, an area endemic for Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium, are allocated to the AM intervention arm (3-day courses at 6-week intervals) or the PZQ control arm (single dose of 40 mg/kg). The trial's primary endpoints are the efficacy (cure rate (CR), assessed by microscopy) and safety (frequency and pattern of drug-related adverse events) of one AM course versus PZQ at 4 weeks after treatment. Secondary endpoints include (1) cumulative CR, egg reduction rate and safety after each additional course of AM, and at weeks 24 and 48, (2) prevalence and severity of schistosomiasis-related morbidity and (3) malaria prevalence, incidence and morbidity, both after 24 and 48 weeks. CRs and intensity reduction rates are also assessed by antigen-based and DNA-based diagnostic assays, for which performance for treatment monitoring is evaluated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was obtained both in Belgium and Senegal. Oral assent from the children and signed informed consent from their legal representatives was obtained, prior to enrolment. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03893097; pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Roucher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isabel Brosius
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Moustapha Mbow
- Department of Immunology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Annelies De Hondt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Bart Smekens
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Diana Arango
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Christophe Burm
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Achilleas Tsoumanis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Linda Paredis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yven van Herrewege
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Idzi Potters
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Badara Cisse
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Katja Polman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
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Antifibrotic and anthelminthic effect of casticin on Schistosoma mansoni-infected BALB/c mice. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2021; 55:314-322. [PMID: 34167886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Schistosomiasis is an important tropical disease caused by Schistosoma. Although the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been intensively studied, the choice of effective treatment is still inadequate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of using Casticin to treat Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. METHODS BALB/c mice were divided into three groups - control, infection, and treatment group. The infection and treatment group were percutaneously infected with 100-120 cercariae. Mice from the treatment group were treated with 20 mg/kg/day Casticin for 14 consecutive days to investigate the potential protective effects of Casticin. Mice were sacrificed and were used for histological, RNA, protein, and parasite burden analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that hepatic fibrosis was significantly attenuated, as indicated by histology and reduction of fibrotic markers such as collagen AI, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, Casticin treatment significantly reduced worm burden. Anthelmintic effect of Casticin was also observed by scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSION Collectively, our study suggested that Casticin may be a beneficial candidate in treating S. mansoni infection.
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Review: Schistosoma mansoni phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 256:110632. [PMID: 34119651 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2021.110632] [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: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni worms are under a milieu of external and internal signaling pathways. The life-cycle stages are exposed to enormous stimuli within the mammalian and the snail hosts and as free-living stages in the fresh water. Furthermore, there is a unique interplay between the male and the female worms involving many stimuli from the male essential for full development of the female. PI3K/Akt/mTOR is an evolutionarily divergent signal transduction pathway universal to nearly every multicellular organism. This work reviews the Schistosoma mansoni PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathways and the involvement of the signal in the worms' physiology concerning the uptake of glucose, reproduction and survival. The inhibitors of the signal pathway used against Schistosoma mansoni were summarized. Given the importance of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway, its inhibition could be a promising control strategy against schistosomiasis.
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111
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LoVerde PT, Alwan SN, Taylor AB, Rhodes J, Chevalier FD, Anderson TJ, McHardy SF. Rational approach to drug discovery for human schistosomiasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 16:140-147. [PMID: 34111649 PMCID: PMC8193065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is a debilitating, life-threatening disease affecting more than 229 million people in as many as 78 countries. There is only one drug of choice effective against all three major species of Schistosoma, praziquantel (PZQ). However, as with many monotherapies, evidence for resistance is emerging in the field and can be selected for in the laboratory. Previously used therapies include oxamniquine (OXA), but shortcomings such as drug resistance and affordability resulted in discontinuation. Employing a genetic, biochemical and molecular approach, a sulfotransferase (SULT-OR) was identified as responsible for OXA drug resistance. By crystallizing SmSULT- OR with OXA, the mode of action of OXA was determined. This information allowed a rational approach to novel drug design. Our team approach with schistosome biologists, medicinal chemists, structural biologists and geneticists has enabled us to develop and test novel drug derivatives of OXA to treat this disease. Using an iterative process for drug development, we have successfully identified derivatives that are effective against all three species of the parasite. One derivative CIDD-0149830 kills 100% of all three human schistosome species within 5 days. The goal is to generate a second therapeutic with a different mode of action that can be used in conjunction with praziquantel to overcome the ever-growing threat of resistance and improve efficacy. The ability and need to design, screen, and develop future, affordable therapeutics to treat human schistosomiasis is critical for successful control program outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T LoVerde
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Sevan N Alwan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Alexander B Taylor
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jayce Rhodes
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Frédéric D Chevalier
- Program in Host-Pathogen Interactions, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Timothy Jc Anderson
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Stanton F McHardy
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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112
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Mahende MK, Huber E, Kourany-Lefoll E, Ali A, Hayward B, Bezuidenhout D, Bagchus W, Kabanywanyi AM. Comparative palatability of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of Praziquantel (L-PZQ and Rac-PZQ) versus current PZQ tablet in African children: A randomized, single-blind, crossover study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0007370. [PMID: 34106922 PMCID: PMC8216518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only recommended drug for infection and disease caused by the schistosome species that infects humans; however, the current tablet formulation is not suitable for pre-school age children mainly due to its bitterness and the large tablet size. We assessed the palatability of two new orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations of PZQ. METHODOLOGY This randomized, single-blind, crossover, swill-and-spit palatability study (NCT02315352) was carried out at a single school in Tanzania in children aged 6-11 years old, with or without schistosomiasis infection as this was not part of the assessment. Children were stratified according to age group (6-8 years or 9-11 years) and gender, then randomized to receive each formulation in a pre-specified sequence. Over 2 days, the children assessed the palatability of Levo-Praziquantel (L-PZQ) ODT 150 mg and Racemate Praziquantel (Rac-PZQ) ODT 150 mg disintegrated in the mouth without water on the first day, and L-PZQ and Rac-PZQ dispersed in water and the currently available PZQ 600 mg formulation (PZQ-Cesol) crushed and dispersed in water on the second day. The palatability of each formulation was rated using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) incorporating a 5-point hedonic scale, immediately after spitting out the test product (VASt = 0 primary outcome) and after 2-5 minutes (VASt = 2-5). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In total, 48 children took part in the assessment. Overall, there was no reported difference in the VASt = 0 between the two ODT formulations (p = 0.106) without water. Higher VASt = 0 and VASt = 2-5 scores were reported for L-PZQ ODT compared with Rac-PZQ ODT in older children (p = 0.046 and p = 0.026, respectively). The VASt = 0 and VASt = 2-5 were higher for both ODT formulations compared with the standard formulation (p<0.001 for both time points). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The new paediatric-friendly formulations dispersed in water were both found to be more palatable than the existing standard formulation of PZQ. There may be gender and age effects on the assessment of palatability. Further research is needed for assessing efficacy and tolerability of the newly ODTs Praziquantel drug in younger children. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02315352) and in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR201412000959159).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Huber
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elly Kourany-Lefoll
- Ares Trading S.A., Eysins, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ali Ali
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Brooke Hayward
- EMD Serono, Inc. Rockland, Massachusetts, United States, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Deon Bezuidenhout
- Merck (Pty) Ltd, Modderfontein, South Africa an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Wilhelmina Bagchus
- Merck Institute of Pharmacometrics, Lausanne, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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Avgustinovich D, Lvova M, Vishnivetskaya G, Tsyganov M, Orlovskaya I, Toporkova L, Goiman E, Dushkin A, Lyakhov N, Mordvinov V. Effects of Three-time Administration of a Supramolecular Complex of Praziquantel with Disodium Glycyrrhizinate on Trematode Opisthorchis felineus in Hamsters. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:623-630. [PMID: 33420597 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00329-5] [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: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Praziquantel (PZQ) is the most commonly used anthelmintic drug for treating trematodiases. It was shown here that PZQ in complex with disodium glycyrrhizinate (PZQ-Na2GA, in the 1:10 ratio) has higher bioavailability than PZQ alone. Our aim was to determine the effects of three-time administration of PZQ-Na2GA in an experimental opisthorchiasis felinea model. METHODS The PZQ-Na2GA complex (1:10) at a 400 mg/kg dose (meaning 36.4 mg/kg PZQ) was administered to Opisthorchis felineus-infected hamsters three times under a "9:00 am-6:00 pm-9:00 am" regimen (PZQ-Na2GA × 3). Effects of treatment were assessed as a reduction of helminth load in the hamsters and as changes in physiological, hematological, and blood biochemical parameters. The helminths extracted from the liver of the hamsters that received PZQ-Na2GA thrice were assayed for sensitivity to PZQ in vitro. RESULTS PZQ-Na2GA × 3 reduced the number of O. felineus helminths in the liver by 87%, which is 30% better than a previously reported effect of one-time administration of the complex. Meanwhile, relative weights of the liver and thymus diminished, and some hematological parameters improved. The helminths extracted from the hamsters 1 month after the PZQ-Na2GA × 3 treatment showed elevated sensitivity to PZQ, as determined in vitro. CONCLUSION Compared with previously published data on the effectiveness of various drugs in experimental opisthorchiasis felinea, PZQ-Na2GA × 3 exerts the most potent anthelmintic effect. In addition, PZQ-Na2GA × 3 improves physiological status of O. felineus-infected hamsters and sensitizes the surviving parasites to subsequent PZQ treatment.
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Cridge H, Lupiano H, Nipper JD, Mackin AJ, Steiner JM. Efficacy of a low-dose praziquantel and fenbendazole protocol in the treatment of asymptomatic schistosomiasis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1368-1375. [PMID: 33955589 PMCID: PMC8163111 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Established treatment protocols for schistosomiasis (Heterobilharzia americana) in dogs are expensive. Anecdotal reports suggest that lower doses of praziquantel, combined with fenbendazole, may eliminate asymptomatic infections. Objectives Evaluate the efficacy of a low‐dose praziquantel and fenbendazole protocol to manage asymptomatic schistosomiasis in dogs and compare fecal saline sedimentation (FSS) and fecal PCR (FPCR) for therapeutic monitoring. Animals Twelve asymptomatic dogs with positive FPCR and FSS results for schistosomiasis. Methods Prospective observational study. On day 0, dogs received praziquantel at a median dose of 5 mg/kg PO q8h for 2 days, with fenbendazole at 24 mg/kg PO q24h for 7 days. Fecal PCR and FSS were repeated in all dogs on days 30, 60, and 90. Results By day 30, 10 of 12 dogs were negative by FSS, but only 3 of 12 were negative by FPCR. By day 60, all 12 dogs were negative by FSS, and 8 of 12 had become negative by FPCR. By day 90, all 12 dogs remained negative by FSS, but 5 of 12 were positive by FPCR (including 2 that were negative by FPCR on day 60). Three dogs that were positive by FPCR on day 60 were re‐treated and subsequently became both FPCR and FSS negative. One FPCR‐positive dog developed a mild increase in serum ALP activity, another developed mild hypercalcemia, and a third developed diarrhea. Conclusions and Clinical Importance A low‐dose praziquantel/fenbendazole protocol may be effective for asymptomatic schistosomiasis in some dogs, but monitoring to ensure treatment success is recommended. Fecal saline sedimentation and FPCR may demonstrate discrepant results, with FPCR being positive more frequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Cridge
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Henrique Lupiano
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Julia D Nipper
- Greenville Animal Clinic and Hospital, Greenville, Mississippi, USA
| | - Andrew J Mackin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Jörg M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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New evidence for tamoxifen as an antischistosomal agent: in vitro, in vivo and target fishing studies. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:945-957. [PMID: 33896196 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Praziquantel is the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis, and there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Methodology & results: We conducted in-depth in vitro and in vivo studies and report a target fishing investigation. In vitro, tamoxifen was active against adult and immature worms at low concentrations (<5 μM). Tamoxifen at a single dose (400 mg/kg) or once daily for five consecutive days (100 mg/kg/day) in mice harboring either adult (patent infection) or juvenile (prepatent infection) significantly reduced worm burden (30-70%) and egg production (70-90%). Target fishing studies revealed propionyl-CoA carboxylase as a potential target for tamoxifen in Schistosoma mansoni and glucose uptake by S. mansoni was also significantly reduced. Conclusion: Our results provide news evidence of antiparasitic effect of tamoxifen and reveal propionyl-CoA carboxylase as a potential target.
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116
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Meng R, Zhang X, Wang H, Zhang D, Zhao X. Different Inductive Effects of Praziquantel Racemate and its Enantiomers on the Enzyme CYP3A4 Mediated by Pregnane X Receptor and its Variants. Curr Drug Metab 2021; 22:232-239. [PMID: 33397228 DOI: 10.2174/1389200221999210104204057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Praziquantel (PZQ), which possesses an asymmetric center, is classified as a pyrazinoisoquinoline and has been the mainstay in the treatment of schistosomiasis since 1980. PZQ undergoes a pronounced first-pass metabolism in the liver through the CYP450 system which could be mediated by nuclear receptors. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible different induction effects of CYP3A4 by PZQ racemate and enantiomers via the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the effect of PXR polymorphism on the induction potency of PZQs. METHODS The dual-luciferase reporter gene systems constructed in HepG2 cells were used to measure the abilities of PZQs to induce CYP3A4 expression mediated by PXR. The mRNA and protein levels of CYP3A4 were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS In HepG2 cells transfected with PXRwt, PXR158, PXR163, PXR370 or PXR403 expression plasmids, PZQ racemate and its enantiomers up-regulated the luciferase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, while reaching saturation after transfected with PXR379 expression plasmids. The mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A4 was effectively activated in PXR-transfected HepG2 cells. The induction ability of CYP3A4 mediated by PXR activation by PZQ racemate and its enantiomers were statistically different between the same PXR group and different PXR groups. CONCLUSION The enantioselective induction effects of PZQs on CYP3A4 were related to the enantioselective activations of PXR by PZQs and were influenced by the PXR gene polymorphism. These findings provide a basis for further understanding the enantiomeric metabolism and the variable efficacy of PZQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Haina Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Danlu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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Jacquot V, Buellet P, Letendre L, Tong W, Li H, Tielemans E. Pharmacokinetics of a novel endectoparasiticide topical formulation for cats, combining esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel. Parasite 2021; 28:19. [PMID: 33812451 PMCID: PMC8019567 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Esafoxolaner, a purified enantiomer of afoxolaner with insecticidal and acaricidal properties, is combined with eprinomectin and praziquantel in NexGard® Combo, a novel topical endectoparasiticide formulation for cats. The parasiticide potencies of topical esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel, are based on transcutaneous absorption, systemic distribution, and exposure of respective target parasites. For each compound, the pharmacokinetic profile, non-interference, dose linearity/proportionality after one administration, and the accumulation and time to reach a steady state after repeated monthly administrations of the novel formulation, were investigated. After one topical application of NexGard® Combo at the minimum recommended dose, the mean plasma concentration of esafoxolaner immediately reached (and remained at) a level supporting rapid onset and sustained efficacy against ectoparasites for at least 1 month. The mean Cmax, Tmax, T1/2, and the topical bioavailability of esafoxolaner were 130 ng/mL, 7.1 days, 21.7 days and 47.2%, respectively, and the plasma profiles of eprinomectin and praziquantel supported their known endoparasiticide properties. No relevant interference between the three compounds was observed. Dose proportionality was demonstrated for the three compounds over a range of 0.5× to 2× the minimum recommended dose. Steady state after repeated monthly administrations was reached by the second dose for praziquantel and by the fifth dose for esafoxolaner and eprinomectin. Accumulation was limited and drug plasma concentrations were maintained within a safe level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Jacquot
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Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 29 avenue Tony Garnier 69007 Lyon France
| | - Prescillia Buellet
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Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 29 avenue Tony Garnier 69007 Lyon France
| | - Laura Letendre
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Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 631 Route 1 North Brunswick NJ 08902 USA
| | - Wei Tong
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Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 631 Route 1 North Brunswick NJ 08902 USA
| | - Henry Li
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Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 631 Route 1 North Brunswick NJ 08902 USA
| | - Eric Tielemans
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Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 29 avenue Tony Garnier 69007 Lyon France
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Thu MB, Htun NN, Soe KHH, Steinberg A, McKinley G, Varma M, Yoe J. Regression of Marginal Zone Lymphoma After Praziquantel Therapy in a Patient With Remote Schistosoma haematobium Infection. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2021; 21:e353-e355. [PMID: 33509726 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2020.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Myint B Thu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY
| | - Nyein N Htun
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY
| | - Khin H H Soe
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY
| | - Amir Steinberg
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY
| | - George McKinley
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY
| | - Mala Varma
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY
| | - Joseph Yoe
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY.
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119
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Lopez AA, Dwilow R, Bullard J, Mujawar Q. A Case of Refractory Diphyllobothriasis in a Young Pediatric Patient. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2021; 10:210-212. [PMID: 31972005 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Dwilow
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jared Bullard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Quais Mujawar
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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120
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Abou El-Nour MF, Kenawy SH, El-Bassyouni GT, Hamzawy EMA. A Novel Treatment of Schistosomiasis: Nano-Calcium Silicate Incorporating 5% Copper Oxide. Adv Pharm Bull 2021; 11:68-76. [PMID: 33747853 PMCID: PMC7961221 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2021.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Praziquantel (PZQ) is a well-known drug accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of schistosomiasis. It shows poor efficiency in patients during the earliest infection phases. Therefore, the search for new alternative drugs was the intention of many researchers. Methods: In the current study, the effect of different concentrations (ranging from 0.07-10 μg∕mL) of calcium silicate (CS) containing 5% copper oxide [CS-5%CuO] on golden hamster infected by Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium (Egyptian strains) was evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this is a novel study in investigating the efficiency of CS-5%CuO against both strains of schistosomes. The worms of S. mansoni and S. haematobium were tested in RPMI-1640 medium in vitro. Results: The results declare that CS-5% CuO exhibited excellent anti-schistosomal activities on both in vitro and in vivo experiments for both Egyptians Schistosoma strains. The most potential effect of the CS-5% CuO was exhibited after 6 h by 10 μg∕mL with significant activity of (P value = 0.001). Conclusion: Therefore, CS-5%CuO may become an innovative treatment for the schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sayed Hamed Kenawy
- Refractories, Ceramics and Building Materials Department, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.,Imam Mohamed Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Collage of Science, Chemistry Dept. Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gehan T El-Bassyouni
- Refractories, Ceramics and Building Materials Department, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
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Mokosch AS, Gerbig S, Grevelding CG, Haeberlein S, Spengler B. High-resolution AP-SMALDI MSI as a tool for drug imaging in Schistosoma mansoni. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:2755-2766. [PMID: 33723627 PMCID: PMC8007518 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03230-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic flatworm causing schistosomiasis, an infectious disease affecting several hundred million people worldwide. Schistosomes live dioeciously, and upon pairing with the male, the female starts massive egg production, which causes pathology. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug used, but it has an inherent risk of resistance development. Therefore, alternatives are needed. In the context of drug repurposing, the cancer drug imatinib was tested, showing high efficacy against S. mansoni in vitro. Besides the gonads, imatinib mainly affected the integrity of the intestine in males and females. In this study, we investigated the potential uptake and distribution of imatinib in adult schistosomes including its distribution kinetics. To this end, we applied for the first time atmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AP-SMALDI MSI) for drug imaging in paired S. mansoni. Our results indicate that imatinib was present in the esophagus and intestine of the male as early as 20 min after in vitro exposure, suggesting an oral uptake route. After one hour, the drug was also found inside the paired female. The detection of the main metabolite, N-desmethyl imatinib, indicated metabolization of the drug. Additionally, a marker signal for the female ovary was successfully applied to facilitate further conclusions regarding organ tropism of imatinib. Our results demonstrate that AP-SMALDI MSI is a useful method to study the uptake, tissue distribution, and metabolization of imatinib in S. mansoni. The results suggest using AP-SMALDI MSI also for investigating other antiparasitic compounds and their metabolites in schistosomes and other parasites. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika S Mokosch
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gerbig
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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Folliero V, Zannella C, Chianese A, Stelitano D, Ambrosino A, De Filippis A, Galdiero M, Franci G, Galdiero M. Application of Dendrimers for Treating Parasitic Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:343. [PMID: 33808016 PMCID: PMC7998910 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in medical knowledge, parasitic diseases remain a significant global health burden and their pharmacological treatment is often hampered by drug toxicity. Therefore, drug delivery systems may provide useful advantages when used in combination with conventional therapeutic compounds. Dendrimers are three-dimensional polymeric structures, characterized by a central core, branches and terminal functional groups. These nanostructures are known for their defined structure, great water solubility, biocompatibility and high encapsulation ability against a wide range of molecules. Furthermore, the high ratio between terminal groups and molecular volume render them a hopeful vector for drug delivery. These nanostructures offer several advantages compared to conventional drugs for the treatment of parasitic infection. Dendrimers deliver drugs to target sites with reduced dosage, solving side effects that occur with accepted marketed drugs. In recent years, extensive progress has been made towards the use of dendrimers for therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic purposes for the management of parasitic infections. The present review highlights the potential of several dendrimers in the management of parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Folliero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (C.Z.); (A.C.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (C.Z.); (A.C.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (C.Z.); (A.C.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Debora Stelitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (C.Z.); (A.C.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Annalisa Ambrosino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (C.Z.); (A.C.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (C.Z.); (A.C.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (C.Z.); (A.C.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (M.G.)
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Sanches RCO, Tiwari S, Ferreira LCG, Oliveira FM, Lopes MD, Passos MJF, Maia EHB, Taranto AG, Kato R, Azevedo VAC, Lopes DO. Immunoinformatics Design of Multi-Epitope Peptide-Based Vaccine Against Schistosoma mansoni Using Transmembrane Proteins as a Target. Front Immunol 2021; 12:621706. [PMID: 33737928 PMCID: PMC7961083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.621706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a serious health issue nowadays for an estimated one billion people in 79 countries around the world. Great efforts have been made to identify good vaccine candidates during the last decades, but only three molecules reached clinical trials so far. The reverse vaccinology approach has become an attractive option for vaccine design, especially regarding parasites like Schistosoma spp. that present limitations for culture maintenance. This strategy also has prompted the construction of multi-epitope based vaccines, with great immunological foreseen properties as well as being less prone to contamination, autoimmunity, and allergenic responses. Therefore, in this study we applied a robust immunoinformatics approach, targeting S. mansoni transmembrane proteins, in order to construct a chimeric antigen. Initially, the search for all hypothetical transmembrane proteins in GeneDB provided a total of 584 sequences. Using the PSORT II and CCTOP servers we reduced this to 37 plasma membrane proteins, from which extracellular domains were used for epitope prediction. Nineteen common MHC-I and MHC-II binding epitopes, from eight proteins, comprised the final multi-epitope construct, along with suitable adjuvants. The final chimeric multi-epitope vaccine was predicted as prone to induce B-cell and IFN-γ based immunity, as well as presented itself as stable and non-allergenic molecule. Finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics foresee stable interactions between the putative antigen and the immune receptor TLR 4. Our results indicate that the multi-epitope vaccine might stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses and could be a potential vaccine candidate against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo C. O. Sanches
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Sandeep Tiwari
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Laís C. G. Ferreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Flávio M. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Marcelo D. Lopes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Maria J. F. Passos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Eduardo H. B. Maia
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica Medicinal, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
- Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG), Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Alex G. Taranto
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica Medicinal, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Kato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vasco A. C. Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Debora O. Lopes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
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Ghazy RM, Tahoun MM, Abdo SM, El-Badry AA, Hamdy NA. Evaluation of Praziquantel Effectivenss After Decades of Prolonged Use in an Endemic Area in Egypt. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:81-90. [PMID: 32729003 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Praziquantel (PZQ) is the preferred drug for schistomiasis treatment because of its safety. As PZQ is used for mass drug administration (MDA) in schistosomiasis endemic areas, the effectiveness of the drug, used solely for decades, should be continuously monitored to detect drug resistance. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of PZQ to cure Schistosoma mansoni infection and to reduce the intensity of infection in an endemic area by estimating the cure rate (CR), egg reduction rate (ERR), and comparing these estimates to the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). METHODS A total of 342 children aged 5-15 years living in Kafr-El-Sheikh were screened for S. mansoni infection. Stool samples were examined microscopically using Kato-Katz (KK) technique. Among the screened children, 106 children had S. mansoni ova in stool, 100 of them received the first dose of PZQ (40 mg/kg). Four weeks later, 96 of 100 children received the second dose of PZQ. Stool samples, collected 4 weeks after each dose of PZQ, were examined using KK. The effectiveness of PZQ was assessed based on ERR and CR. RESULTS CR after the first dose of PZQ was 66.7%, increased to 79.12% after second dose (X2 = 3.05, P = 0.08). Median egg count before treatment was 30.00 (6.00-744), that significantly decreased after two doses of PZQ to 0.00 (0.00-221.33) (Z = 8.29, P = 0.001). Children aged 10-15 years showed higher CR (91.3%) than those aged 5-9 years (OR = 5.25, CI 1.58-17.40). CONCLUSIONS PZQ is still an effective agent against S. mansoni in endemic areas, achieving a high CR and ERR with predominantly low intensity of infection. Age is a main predictor of response to PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mostafa Tahoun
- Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah Mohamed Abdo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ayman A El-Badry
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noha Alaa Hamdy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Huson KM, Morphew RM, Winters A, Cookson A, Hauck B, Brophy PM. In vitro screening as an anthelmintic discovery pipeline for Calicophoron daubneyi: nutritive media and rumen environment-based approaches. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1351-1362. [PMID: 33547506 PMCID: PMC7940163 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07066-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Paramphistomosis can lead to morbidity and mortality of ruminant livestock within tropical and sub-tropical climates. In recent decades, rumen fluke has become an emerging infection in temperate climates across Western Europe, with Calicophoron daubneyi, the primary species present. Clinical outbreaks with C. daubneyi larvae are reported and adults might be responsible for production losses. There is not currently a widely licensed anthelmintic product available to control C. daubneyi. In this study, three existing flukicide anthelmintics were tested for efficacy against mature C. daubneyi, comparing a standard in vitro culturing assay and a new more relevant rumen fluid based in vitro compound screening protocol. The new rumen based screen confirmed that oxyclozanide was active against adult C. daubneyi and identified activity with praziquantel. The study highlighted the downstream value of incorporating relevant in vitro screening for anthelmintic discovery pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Huson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK.,Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Large Park, Hillsborough, BT26 6DR, UK
| | - R M Morphew
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - A Winters
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - A Cookson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - B Hauck
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - P M Brophy
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK.
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Silva MP, Silva TM, Mengarda AC, Salvadori MC, Teixeira FS, Alencar SM, Luz Filho GC, Bueno-Silva B, de Moraes J. Brazilian red propolis exhibits antiparasitic properties in vitro and reduces worm burden and egg production in an mouse model harboring either early or chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 264:113387. [PMID: 32918996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Propolis has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years and, in the past few decades, it has attracted renewed interest. Although propolis has been traditionally used in many communities worldwide against parasitic diseases, its effect against Schistosoma mansoni infection remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To demonstrate the effects of Brazilian red propolis on Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in an animal model of schistosomiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro, we monitored phenotypic and tegumental changes as well as the effects of the crude extract of propolis on pairing and egg production. In a mouse infected with either immature (early infection) or adult (chronic infection) worms, propolis was administered by oral gavage and we studied the influence of this natural product on worm burden and egg production. RESULTS Propolis 25 μg/mL reduced motility and caused 100% mortality of adult parasites ex vivo. Further analysis revealed a pronounced reduction in oviposition after exposure to propolis at sub-lethal concentrations. In addition, scanning electron microscopy showed morphological alterations in the tegument of schistosomes. In the animal model, propolis markedly reduced worm burden and egg production in both early and chronic S. mansoni infection when compared to untreated control animals. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of Brazilian red propolis in both in vitro and in vivo studies suggests its potential anthelmintic properties against S. mansoni infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos P Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa Em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Thiago M Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa Em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana C Mengarda
- Núcleo de Pesquisa Em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maria C Salvadori
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Severino M Alencar
- Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Bruno Bueno-Silva
- Departamento de Odontologia, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa Em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
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Santos LL, Santos J, Gouveia MJ, Bernardo C, Lopes C, Rinaldi G, Brindley PJ, da Costa JMC. Urogenital Schistosomiasis-History, Pathogenesis, and Bladder Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020205. [PMID: 33429985 PMCID: PMC7826813 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the most important helminthiasis worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality. Most of the infections occurs in Africa, which about two thirds are caused by Schistosoma haematobium. The infection with S. haematobium is considered carcinogenic leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Additionally, it is responsible for female genital schistosomiasis leading to infertility and higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Remarkably, a recent outbreak in Corsica (France) drew attention to its potential re-mergence in Southern Europe. Thus far, little is known related to host-parasite interactions that trigger carcinogenesis. However, recent studies have opened new avenues to understand mechanisms on how the parasite infection can lead cancer and other associated pathologies. Here, we present a historical perspective of schistosomiasis, and review the infection-associated pathologies and studies on host-parasite interactions that unveil tentative mechanisms underlying schistosomiasis-associated carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcio Lara Santos
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics, Research Centre, Portuguese Oncology Institute—Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (L.L.S.); (C.L.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute—Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Urology Department, Hospital Américo Boavida, Luanda 00200, Angola;
| | - Júlio Santos
- Urology Department, Hospital Américo Boavida, Luanda 00200, Angola;
| | - Maria João Gouveia
- Center for the Study in Animal Science (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Rua de D. Manuel II, Apt 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carina Bernardo
- Hormones and Cancer Lab, Institute of Biomedicine, iBiMED, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Carlos Lopes
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics, Research Centre, Portuguese Oncology Institute—Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (L.L.S.); (C.L.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute—Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK;
| | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA;
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - José M. Correia da Costa
- Center for the Study in Animal Science (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Rua de D. Manuel II, Apt 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Opio CK, Kazibwe F, Kabatereine NB, Rejani L, Ocama P. Praziquantel and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Hepatic Schistosomiasis: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2020; 8:153-162. [PMID: 33367992 PMCID: PMC8128957 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-020-00222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a general consensus that widespread use of praziquantel in populations where schistosomiasis is endemic prevents development of hepatic schistosomiasis and its complications. However, a few studies have reported discordant findings linking praziquantel to the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in some patients with hepatic schistosomiasis and varices. Objective We explored if there was any causal association between recent praziquantel use (rPZQ) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding in hepatic schistosomiasis in rural Africa. Patients and Methods A quasi-experimental, retrospective case-controlled study was performed. It involved adult patients with past or acute UGIB, varices, periportal fibrosis, and/or cirrhosis. Cases had acute variceal bleeding while controls did not. The outcome was the frequency of lifetime episodes of UGIB and exposure was rPZQ (received praziquantel in the last 11 months from the date of enrollment). The data analysis included 2 × 2 tables, logistic regression, and propensity-score matching. Odds ratios (ORs), average treatment effects (ATEs), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for inference. Results Over 6 weeks, we enrolled 19 cases with 92 lifetime episodes of UGIB, and 66 controls with 192 lifetime episodes of UGIB. Cases were more likely to experience UGIB than controls following rPZQ (92% vs. 62%; OR 7.6; 95% CI 3.4–17). Factors predictive of more lifetime episodes of UGIB at multivariable analysis included rPZQ (adjusted OR 13; 95% CI 2.9–53), relative leukocytosis (adjusted OR 26; 95% CI 7.6–89), large varices (adjusted OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.7–15), a family member with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (adjusted OR 19; 95% CI 7.4–51), advanced periportal fibrosis (adjusted OR 8.0; 95% CI 2.6–22), ascites (adjusted OR 14; 95% CI 4.3–47), and jaundice (adjusted OR 32; 95% CI 7.8–128). While the ATE following rPZQ among the treated was 0.40 (95% CI 0.33–0.48). Conclusions Our findings suggest the presence of a plausible causal association between recent praziquantel use and increased frequency of UGIB in our study population. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40801-020-00222-7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francis Kazibwe
- Public Health Department, Bishop Stuart University, P. O. Box 9, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Lalitha Rejani
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ponsiano Ocama
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Long non-coding RNA levels can be modulated by 5-azacytidine in Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21565. [PMID: 33299037 PMCID: PMC7725772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is a flatworm that causes schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. There is only one drug indicated for treatment, praziquantel, which may lead to parasite resistance emergence. The ribonucleoside analogue 5-azacytidine (5-AzaC) is an epigenetic drug that inhibits S. mansoni oviposition and ovarian development through interference with parasite transcription, translation and stem cell activities. Therefore, studying the downstream pathways affected by 5-AzaC in S. mansoni may contribute to the discovery of new drug targets. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein coding potential that have been involved in reproduction, stem cell maintenance and drug resistance. We have recently published a catalog of lncRNAs expressed in S. mansoni life-cycle stages, tissues and single cells. However, it remains largely unknown if lncRNAs are responsive to epigenetic drugs in parasites. Here, we show by RNA-Seq re-analyses that hundreds of lncRNAs are differentially expressed after in vitro 5-AzaC treatment of S. mansoni females, including intergenic, antisense and sense lncRNAs. Many of these lncRNAs belong to co-expression network modules related to male metabolism and are also differentially expressed in unpaired compared with paired females and ovaries. Half of these lncRNAs possess histone marks at their genomic loci, indicating regulation by histone modification. Among a selected set of 8 lncRNAs, half of them were validated by RT-qPCR as differentially expressed in females, and some of them also in males. Interestingly, these lncRNAs are also expressed in other life-cycle stages. This study demonstrates that many lncRNAs potentially involved with S. mansoni reproductive biology are modulated by 5-AzaC and sheds light on the relevance of exploring lncRNAs in response to drug treatments in parasites.
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Ntajal J, Evers M, Kistemann T, Falkenberg T. Influence of human-surface water interactions on the transmission of urinary schistosomiasis in the Lower Densu River basin, Ghana. Soc Sci Med 2020; 288:113546. [PMID: 33277069 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Ntajal
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Germany; Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Germany.
| | - Mariele Evers
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Kistemann
- GeoHealth Centre, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Falkenberg
- Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Germany; GeoHealth Centre, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Germany
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Joardar N, Guevara-Flores A, Martínez-González JDJ, Sinha Babu SP. Thiol antioxidant thioredoxin reductase: A prospective biochemical crossroads between anticancer and antiparasitic treatments of the modern era. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 165:249-267. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Matarneh AS, Abdullah W, Khan AA, Sadiq A, Farooqui K. A Case of Neuroschistosomiasis Presenting as Transverse Myelitis: The Importance of History Taking. Cureus 2020; 12:e11445. [PMID: 33324527 PMCID: PMC7732780 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroschistosomiasis is a rare manifestation of Schistosoma infection and can either manifest as cerebritis or with spinal cord involvement. We present a case of low back pain and lower limb weakness, which was initially managed as idiopathic transverse myelitis and later on found to have neuroschistosomiasis. A 23-year-old Sudanese gentleman presented with a one-week history of low back pain, lower limb weakness, and urinary retention. An urgent MRI of the spine with contrast showed features suggestive of transverse myelitis. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone for five days, which showed significant improvement in his symptoms. One week later, the patient developed the same symptoms again. An urgent MRI spine showed an interval progression of MRI findings. Repeat history taking revealed a history of swimming many times in the river Nile. Serology was sent for Schistosoma and came positive with titer 1:1280. He was treated as neuroschistosomiasis with intravenous steroids for three days, followed by praziquantel for five days along with the steroids, after which he showed significant improvement in his lower limb weakness. Spinal neuroschistosomiasis is one of the very rare complications of Schistosoma infection that should be kept in mind when dealing with unexplained myelopathy with a history of travel or origin from an endemic area. If not treated promptly, it can result in severe irreversible complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wafa Abdullah
- Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Adeel A Khan
- Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Amna Sadiq
- Radiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
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In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cnicin from blessed thistle (Centaurea benedicta) and its inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins against Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Res 2020; 120:1321-1333. [PMID: 33164156 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by a blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, afflicts over 230 million people worldwide. Treatment of the disease relies on just one drug, praziquantel. Cnicin (Cn) is the sesquiterpene lactone found in blessed thistle (Centaurea benedicta) that showed antiparasitic activities but has not been evaluated against Schistosoma. However, cnicin has poor water solubility, which may limit its antiparasitic activities. To overcome these restrictions, inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins may be used. In this work, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal activities of cnicin and its complexes with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) against Schistosoma mansoni. Cnicin were isolated from C. benedicta by chromatographic fractionation. Complexes formed by cnicin and βCD (Cn/βCD), as well as by cnicin and HPβCD (Cn/HPβCD), were prepared by coprecipitation and characterized. In vitro schistosomicidal assays were used to evaluate the effects of cnicin and its complexes on adult schistosomes, while the in vivo antischistosomal assays were evaluated by oral and intraperitoneal routes. Results showed that cnicin caused mortality and tegumental alterations in adult schistosomes in vitro, also showing in vivo efficacy after intraperitoneal administration. The oral treatment with cnicin or Cn/βCD showed no significant worm reductions in a mouse model of schistosomiasis. In contrast, Cn/HPβCD complex, when orally or intraperitoneally administered to S. mansoni-infected mice, decreased the total worm load, and markedly reduced the number of eggs, showing high in vivo antischistosomal effectiveness. Permeability studies, using Nile red, indicated that HPβCD complex may reach the tegument of adult schistosomes in vivo. These results demonstrated the antischistosomal potential of cnicin in preparations with HPβCD.
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Therapeutic Effect of Diminazene Aceturate on Parasitic Blood Fluke Schistosoma mansoni Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01372-20. [PMID: 32816737 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01372-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel is currently the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis, a disease of enormous public health significance caused by a blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma Diminazene, a drug approved by the FDA, has been successfully used to treat diseases caused by blood protozoan parasites. In this study, we evaluated the antiparasitic properties of diminazene against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in mice harboring either chronic or early S. mansoni infections. In vitro, we monitored phenotypic and tegumental changes as well as the effects of the drug on pairing and egg production. In mice infected with either adult (chronic infection) or immature (early infection) worms, diminazene was administered intraperitoneally (10 to 100 mg/kg of body weight) or by oral gavage (100 to 400 mg/kg), and we studied the influence of the drug on worm burden and egg production. Liver and spleen pathologies and serum aminotransferase levels were also analyzed. In vitro, 50% effective concentrations (EC50) and EC90 revealed that diminazene is able to kill both immature and adult parasites, and its effect was time and concentration dependent. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed morphological alterations in the teguments of schistosomes. In an animal model, the influence of the drug on worm burden, egg production, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly depended on the dosing regimen applied and the route of administration. Diminazene also caused a significant reduction in aminotransferase levels. Comparatively, diminazene treatment was more effective in chronic infection than in early infection. In tandem, our study revealed that diminazene possesses anthelmintic properties and inhibits liver injury caused by Schistosoma eggs.
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Whiteland H, Crusco A, Bloemberg LW, Tibble-Howlings J, Forde-Thomas J, Coghlan A, Murphy PJ, Hoffmann KF. Quorum sensing N-Acyl homoserine lactones are a new class of anti-schistosomal. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008630. [PMID: 33075069 PMCID: PMC7595621 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a prevalent neglected tropical disease that affects approximately 300 million people worldwide. Its treatment is through a single class chemotherapy, praziquantel. Concerns surrounding the emergence of praziquantel insensitivity have led to a need for developing novel anthelmintics. Methodology/Principle findings Through evaluating and screening fourteen compounds (initially developed for anti-cancer and anti-viral projects) against Schistosoma mansoni, one of three species responsible for most cases of human schistosomiasis, a racemic N-acyl homoserine (1) demonstrated good efficacy against all intra mammalian lifecycle stages including schistosomula (EC50 = 4.7 μM), juvenile worms (EC50 = 4.3 μM) and adult worms (EC50 = 8.3 μM). To begin exploring structural activity relationships, a further 8 analogues of this compound were generated, including individual (R)- and (S)- enantiomers. Upon anti-schistosomal screening of these analogues, the (R)- enantiomer retained activity, whereas the (S)- lost activity. Furthermore, modification of the lactone ring to a thiolactone ring (3) improved potency against schistosomula (EC50 = 2.1 μM), juvenile worms (EC50 = 0.5 μM) and adult worms (EC50 = 4.8 μM). As the effective racemic parent compound is structurally similar to quorum sensing signaling peptides used by bacteria, further evaluation of its effect (along with its stereoisomers and the thiolactone analogues) against Gram+ (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram- (Escherichia coli) species was conducted. While some activity was observed against both Gram+ and Gram- bacteria species for the racemic compound 1 (MIC 125 mg/L), the (R) stereoisomer had better activity (125 mg/L) than the (S) (>125mg/L). However, the greatest antimicrobial activity (MIC 31.25 mg/L against S. aureus) was observed for the thiolactone containing analogue (3). Conclusion/Significance To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that N-Acyl homoserines exhibit anthelmintic activities. Furthermore, their additional action on Gram+ bacteria opens a new avenue for exploring these molecules more broadly as part of future anti-infective initiatives. Schistosomiasis, caused by infection with blood fluke schistosomes, is a neglected tropical disease that negatively impacts the lives of approximately 300 million people worldwide. In the absence of a vaccine, it is currently controlled by a single drug, Praziquantel (PZQ). Although incredibly valuable in controlling disease burden, PZQ-mediated chemotherapy is ineffective against juvenile worms and may not be sustainable should resistance develop. The need to identify an alternative or combinatorial drug is, therefore, a priority in contributing to the control of this parasitic disease into the 21st century. In this study, we have identified a new class of anthelmintic, N-acyl homoserine lactones, which are normally used by bacteria for quorum sensing and population density control. The tested N-acyl homoserine lactones were active against all intra-human schistosome lifecycle stages, in particular, when a thiolactone modification to the core N-acyl homoserine ring was made. Interestingly, these N-acyl homoserine lactones also displayed antimicrobial activities against Gram+Staphylococcus aureus. By demonstrating broad activities against schistosomes and bacteria exemplars, this study identified a potential route for the further development of a new anti-infective class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Crusco
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa W. Bloemberg
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom
| | | | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Avril Coghlan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick J. Murphy
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Assessment of the In Vitro Antischistosomal Activities of the Extracts and Compounds from Solidago Microglossa DC (Asteraceae) and Aristolochia Cymbifera Mart. & Zucc. (Aristolochiaceae). EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1726365. [PMID: 33062001 PMCID: PMC7545429 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1726365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by helminth flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, is a neglected tropical disease that afflicts over 230 million people worldwide. Currently, treatment is achieved with only one drug, praziquantel (PZQ). In this regard, the roots of Solidago microglossa (Asteraceae) and Aristolochia cymbifera (Aristolochiaceae) are popularly used as anthelmintic. Despite their medicinal use against helminthiasis, such as schistosomiasis, A. cymbifera, and S. microglossa have not been evaluated against S. mansoni. Then, in this work, the in vitro antischistosomal activity of the crude extracts of A. cymbifera (Ac) and S. microglossa (Sm) and their isolated compounds were investigated against S. mansoni adult worms. Sm (200 μg/mL) and Ac (100–200 μg/mL) were lethal to all male and female worms at the 24 h incubation. In addition, Sm (10–50 μg/mL) and Ac (10 μg/mL) caused significant reduction in the parasite's movements, showing no significant cytotoxicity to Vero cells at the same range of schistosomicidal concentrations. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that Sm and Ac caused tegumental damages and reduced the numbers of tubercles of male schistosomes. Chromatographic fractionation of Sm leads to isolation of bauerenol, α-amirin, and spinasterol, while populifolic acid, cubebin, 2-oxopopulifolic acid methyl ester, and 2-oxopopulifolic acid were isolated from Ac. At concentrations of 25–100 μM, bauerenol, α-amirin, spinasterol, populifolic acid, and cubebin showed significant impact on motor activity of S. mansoni. 2-oxopopulifolic acid methyl ester and 2-oxopopulifolic acid caused 100% mortality and decreased the motor activity of adult schistosomes at 100 μM. This study has reported, for the first time, the in vitro antischistosomal effects of S. microglossa and A. cymbifera extracts, also showing promising compounds against adult schistosomes.
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In vivo assessment of the antischistosomal activity of curcumin loaded nanoparticles versus praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15742. [PMID: 32978497 PMCID: PMC7519097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a serious parasitic infection affecting millions worldwide. This study aimed to explore the anti-schistosomal activity of curcumin and curcumin loaded gold-nanoparticles (Cur-GNPs) with or without praziquantel (PZQ). We used six groups of the C57BL/6 mice in which five groups were infected with Schistosoma Mansoni (S. mansoni) cercariae and exhibited, separately, to different treatment regimens of curcumin, curcumin loaded nanoparticle, and PZQ, in addition to one untreated group which acts as a control. Mice were sacrificed at the 8th week where both worms and eggs were counted in the hepatic and porto-mesenteric vessels in the liver and intestine, respectively, in addition to a histopathological examination of the liver granuloma. Curcumin caused a significant reduction in the worms and egg count (45.45%) at the 3rd week. A significant schistosomicidal effect of PZQ was found in all groups. Cur-GNPs combined with PZQ 97.4% reduction of worm burden in the 3rd week and the highest reduction in the intestinal and hepatic egg content, as well, besides 70.1% reduction of the granuloma size. The results suggested the curcumin in combination with PZQ as a strong schistosomicidal regimen against S. mansoni as it alters the hematological, biochemical, and immunological changes induced.
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Eissa MM, El-Azzouni MZ, El-Khordagui LK, Abdel Bary A, El-Moslemany RM, Abdel Salam SA. Single oral fixed-dose praziquantel-miltefosine nanocombination for effective control of experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:474. [PMID: 32933556 PMCID: PMC7493353 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The control of schistosomiasis has been centered to date on a single drug, praziquantel, with shortcomings including treatment failure, reinfection, and emergence of drug resistance. Drug repurposing, combination therapy or nanotechnology were explored to improve antischistosomal treatment. The aim of the present study was to utilize a novel combination of the three strategies to improve the therapeutic profile of praziquantel. This was based on a fixed-dose nanocombination of praziquantel and miltefosine, an antischistosomal repurposing candidate, co-loaded at reduced doses into lipid nanocapsules, for single dose oral therapy. Methods Two nanocombinations were prepared to provide 250 mg praziquantel-20 mg miltefosine/kg (higher fixed-dose) or 125 mg praziquantel-10 mg miltefosine/kg (lower fixed-dose), respectively. Their antischistosomal efficacy in comparison with a non-treated control and their praziquantel or miltefosine singly loaded counterparts was assessed in murine schistosomiasis mansoni. A single oral dose of either formulation was administered on the initial day of infection, and on days 21 and 42 post-infection. Scanning electron microscopic, parasitological, and histopathological studies were used for assessment. Preclinical data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukeyʼs post-hoc test for pairwise comparisons. Results Lipid nanocapsules (~ 58 nm) showed high entrapment efficiency of both drugs (> 97%). Compared to singly loaded praziquantel-lipid nanocapsules, the higher nanocombination dose showed a significant increase in antischistosomal efficacy in terms of statistically significant decrease in mean worm burden, particularly against invasive and juvenile worms, and amelioration of hepatic granulomas (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, scanning electron microscopy examination showed extensive dorsal tegumental damage with noticeable deposition of nanostructures. Conclusions The therapeutic profile of praziquantel could be improved by a novel multiple approach integrating drug repurposing, combination therapy and nanotechnology. Multistage activity and amelioration of liver pathology could be achieved by a new praziquantel-miltefosine fixed-dose nanocombination providing 250 mg praziquantel-20 mg miltefosine/kg. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a fixed-dose nano-based combinatorial therapy for schistosomiasis mansoni. Further studies are needed to document the nanocombination safety and explore its prophylactic activity and potential to hinder the onset of resistance to the drug components.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mervat Z El-Azzouni
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Labiba K El-Khordagui
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Amany Abdel Bary
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Riham M El-Moslemany
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sara A Abdel Salam
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Power C, Nowak BF, Cribb TH, Bott NJ. Bloody flukes: a review of aporocotylids as parasites of cultured marine fishes. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:743-753. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Zdesenko G, Mutapi F. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics of praziquantel: A review of variable drug exposure during schistosomiasis treatment in human hosts and experimental models. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008649. [PMID: 32976496 PMCID: PMC7518612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis control is heavily reliant on the drug praziquantel (PZQ), which is used as preventive chemotherapy as part of national helminth control strategies. Given the heavy reliance on PZQ for mass drug administration, there has been considerable research on the potential of parasites developing resistance to the drug, resulting in decreased drug efficacy. However, there have been comparatively fewer studies of other factors that can potentially alter PZQ efficacy. Here, we investigate whether host PZQ metabolism contributes towards variable cure rates. We evaluate factors that can influence the metabolism of PZQ and the resultant effect on the efficacy of PZQ treatment to determine factors that potentially influence an individual's response to the drug. The literature search was directed at published studies from three online databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE. The search terms for the review comprised of ([praziquantel OR PZQ] AND [schistosom* OR bilharzia] AND [pharmaco*]) and included studies evaluating PZQ metabolism. Publications were categorised into pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions, pharmacogenetics, and metabolite analysis. Forty publications describing human and experimental studies fitted the inclusion criteria and were subjected to data extraction and analysis. The analyses showed that variable exposure to PZQ was associated with alterations in the liver's capacity to metabolise PZQ and observed drug-drug interactions. Other factors influencing the efficacy of PZQ were brand, formulation, and co-administered food. Although some work has been performed on metabolite identification, there was minimal information on PZQ's metabolic pathway, and no pharmacogenetics studies were identified. The study indicated that in both human and experimental studies alterations in the liver's capacity to metabolise PZQ as well as drug-drug interactions affected systemic levels of PZQ that could result in variable cure rates. The study confirmed previous findings of higher antischistosomal activity of (R)-PZQ enantiomer when administered alone compared to the racemate at the same dose as well as improved efficacy when the drug is administered with food. The study also highlighted the need for more comprehensive studies of the PZQ metabolic pathway and PZQ pharmacogenetic studies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Zdesenko
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA), University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA), University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Li J, Wang T, Kirtane AR, Shi Y, Jones A, Moussa Z, Lopes A, Collins J, Tamang SM, Hess K, Shakur R, Karandikar P, Lee JS, Huang HW, Hayward A, Traverso G. Gastrointestinal synthetic epithelial linings. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:eabc0441. [PMID: 32848090 PMCID: PMC8221077 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abc0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial tissues line the organs of the body, providing an initial protective barrier as well as a surface for nutrient and drug absorption. Here, we identified enzymatic components present in the gastrointestinal epithelium that can serve as selective means for tissue-directed polymerization. We focused on the small intestine, given its role in drug and nutrient absorption and identified catalase as an essential enzyme with the potential to catalyze polymerization and growth of synthetic biomaterial layers. We demonstrated that the polymerization of dopamine by catalase yields strong tissue adhesion. We characterized the mechanism and specificity of the polymerization in segments of the gastrointestinal tracts of pigs and humans ex vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated proof of concept for application of these gastrointestinal synthetic epithelial linings for drug delivery, enzymatic immobilization for digestive supplementation, and nutritional modulation through transient barrier formation in pigs. This catalase-based approach to in situ biomaterial generation may have broad indications for gastrointestinal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Thomas Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ameya R Kirtane
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yunhua Shi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexis Jones
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Zaina Moussa
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Aaron Lopes
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joy Collins
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Siddartha M Tamang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Hess
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rameen Shakur
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Paramesh Karandikar
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jung Seung Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hen-Wei Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alison Hayward
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Giovanni Traverso
- Department of Chemical Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Guzman MA, Rugel AR, Tarpley RS, Alwan SN, Chevalier FD, Kovalskyy DP, Cao X, Holloway SP, Anderson TJC, Taylor AB, McHardy SF, LoVerde PT. An iterative process produces oxamniquine derivatives that kill the major species of schistosomes infecting humans. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008517. [PMID: 32810153 PMCID: PMC7454593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently there is only one method of treatment for human schistosomiasis, the drug praziquantel. Strong selective pressure has caused a serious concern for a rise in resistance to praziquantel leading to the necessity for additional pharmaceuticals, with a distinctly different mechanism of action, to be used in combination therapy with praziquantel. Previous treatment of Schistosoma mansoni included the use of oxamniquine (OXA), a prodrug that is enzymatically activated in S. mansoni but is ineffective against S. haematobium and S. japonicum. The oxamniquine activating enzyme was identified as a S. mansoni sulfotransferase (SmSULT-OR). Structural data have allowed for directed drug development in reengineering oxamniquine to be effective against S. haematobium and S. japonicum. Guided by data from X-ray crystallographic studies and Schistosoma worm killing assays on oxamniquine, our structure-based drug design approach produced a robust SAR program that tested over 300 derivatives and identified several new lead compounds with effective worm killing in vitro. Previous studies resulted in the discovery of compound CIDD-0066790, which demonstrated broad-species activity in killing of schistosome species. As these compounds are racemic mixtures, we tested and demonstrate that the R enantiomer CIDD-007229 kills S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum better than the parent drug (CIDD-0066790). The search for derivatives that kill better than CIDD-0066790 has resulted in a derivative (CIDD- 149830) that kills 100% of S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum adult worms within 7 days. We hypothesize that the difference in activation and thus killing by the derivatives is due to the ability of the derivative to fit in the binding pocket of each sulfotransferase (SmSULT-OR, ShSULT-OR, SjSULT-OR) and to be efficiently sulfated. The purpose of this research is to develop a second drug to be used in conjunction with praziquantel to treat the major human species of Schistosoma. Collectively, our findings show that CIDD-00149830 and CIDD-0072229 are promising novel drugs for the treatment of human schistosomiasis and strongly support further development and in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A. Guzman
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anastasia R. Rugel
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Reid S. Tarpley
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sevan N. Alwan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Frédéric D. Chevalier
- Program in Host-Pathogen Interactions, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dmytro P. Kovalskyy
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xiaohang Cao
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stephen P. Holloway
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. C. Anderson
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander B. Taylor
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- X-ray Crystallography Core Laboratory, Institutional Research Cores, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stanton F. McHardy
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SFM); (PTL)
| | - Philip T. LoVerde
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SFM); (PTL)
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Botanical Products in the Treatment and Control of Schistosomiasis: Recent Studies and Distribution of Active Plant Resources According to Affected Regions. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9080223. [PMID: 32823660 PMCID: PMC7464741 DOI: 10.3390/biology9080223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, is the second most prevalent parasitic disease in the world. It affects around 200 million people. Clinical treatment, prophylaxis, and prevention are performed in countries susceptible to schistosomiasis. In the pharmacological treatment for an acute form of schistosomiasis, the use of antiparasitics, mainly praziquantel, is more common. As an alternative way, prevention methods such as reducing the population of intermediate hosts (mollusks) with molluscicides are important in the control of this disease by interrupting the biological cycle of this etiological parasite. Despite the importance of pharmacological agents and molluscicides, they have side effects and environmental toxicity. In addition, they can lead to the development of resistance enhancing of parasites, and lead to the search for new and effective drugs, including resources of vegetal origin, which in turn, are abundant in the affected countries. Thus, the purpose of this review is to summarize recent studies on botanical products with potential for the control of schistosomiasis, including anti-Schistosoma and molluscicide activities. In addition, species and plant derivatives according to their origin or geographical importance indicating a possible utility of local resources for countries most affected by the disease are presented.
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Gouveia MJ, Brindley PJ, Gärtner F, Vale N. Activity of Combinations of Antioxidants and Anthelmintic Drugs against the Adult Stage of Schistosoma mansoni. J Parasitol Res 2020; 2020:8843808. [PMID: 32832132 PMCID: PMC7429017 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8843808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a major neglected tropical disease. The treatment and control of schistosomiasis rely on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Despite its efficacy, treatment with PZQ presents some major drawbacks including an inability of the chemotherapy to reverse disease-induced fibrosis and the prospect of the emergence of drug resistance. Here, we investigated a novel therapeutic approach with antioxidant biomolecules in combination with PZQ against the adult developmental stage of Schistosoma mansoni and oviposition in vitro, given that this therapeutic approach achieved synergistic/additive activity against larval schistosomes. The antioxidants curcumin and oxadiazole per se exhibited antischistosomal activity against adult worms leading to severe morphological alterations and death. Additionally, the antioxidant flavone combined with vandetanib or imatinib improved antischistosomal activity against adult forms. By contrast, however, these antioxidant-anthelmintic combinations were not as effective against adults in comparison to larval schistosomes. Nevertheless, the antioxidants alone or combined with drugs inhibited oviposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Gouveia
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study in Animal Science, University of Porto (CECA/ICETA), Rua de D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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145
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Rugel AR, Guzman MA, Taylor AB, Chevalier FD, Tarpley RS, McHardy SF, Cao X, Holloway SP, Anderson TJC, Hart PJ, LoVerde PT. Why does oxamniquine kill Schistosoma mansoni and not S. haematobium and S. japonicum? Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 13:8-15. [PMID: 32315953 PMCID: PMC7167500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is a disease which globally affects over 229 million people. Three major species affecting humans are Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum. Previous treatment of S. mansoni includes the use of oxamniquine (OXA), a prodrug that is enzymatically activated in S. mansoni but is ineffective against S. haematobium and S. japonicum. The OXA activating enzyme was identified and crystallized, as being a S. mansoni sulfotransferase (SmSULT). S. haematobium and S. japonicum possess homologs of SmSULT (ShSULT and SjSULT) begging the question; why does oxamniquine fail to kill S. haematobium and S. japonicum adult worms? Investigation of the molecular structures of the sulfotransferases indicates that structural differences, specifically in OXA contact residues, do not abrogate OXA binding in the active sites as previously hypothesized. Data presented argue that the ability of SULTs to sulfate and thus activate OXA and its derivatives is linked to the ability of OXA to fit in the binding pocket to allow the transfer of a sulfur group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia R Rugel
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Meghan A Guzman
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Alexander B Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; X-ray Crystallography Core Laboratory, Institutional Research Cores, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Frédéric D Chevalier
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78245, USA
| | - Reid S Tarpley
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Stanton F McHardy
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Xiaohang Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Stephen P Holloway
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Timothy J C Anderson
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78245, USA
| | - P John Hart
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; X-ray Crystallography Core Laboratory, Institutional Research Cores, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Philip T LoVerde
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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146
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Mekonnen GG, Tedla BA, Pickering D, Becker L, Wang L, Zhan B, Bottazzi ME, Loukas A, Sotillo J, Pearson MS. Schistosoma haematobium Extracellular Vesicle Proteins Confer Protection in a Heterologous Model of Schistosomiasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E416. [PMID: 32722279 PMCID: PMC7563238 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminth parasites release extracellular vesicles which interact with the surrounding host tissues, mediating host-parasite communication and other fundamental processes of parasitism. As such, vesicle proteins present attractive targets for the development of novel intervention strategies to control these parasites and the diseases they cause. Herein, we describe the first proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS of two types of extracellular vesicles (exosome-like, 120 k pellet vesicles and microvesicle-like, 15 k pellet vesicles) from adult Schistosoma haematobium worms. A total of 57 and 330 proteins were identified in the 120 k pellet vesicles and larger 15 k pellet vesicles, respectively, and some of the most abundant molecules included homologues of known helminth vaccine and diagnostic candidates such as Sm-TSP2, Sm23, glutathione S-transferase, saponins and aminopeptidases. Tetraspanins were highly represented in the analysis and found in both vesicle types. Vaccination of mice with recombinant versions of three of these tetraspanins induced protection in a heterologous challenge (S. mansoni) model of infection, resulting in significant reductions (averaged across two independent trials) in liver (47%, 38% and 41%) and intestinal (47%, 45% and 41%) egg burdens. These findings offer insight into the mechanisms by which anti-tetraspanin antibodies confer protection and highlight the potential that extracellular vesicle surface proteins offer as anti-helminth vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gebeyaw G. Mekonnen
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia; (G.G.M.); (B.A.T.); (D.P.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bemnet A. Tedla
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia; (G.G.M.); (B.A.T.); (D.P.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Darren Pickering
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia; (G.G.M.); (B.A.T.); (D.P.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia; (G.G.M.); (B.A.T.); (D.P.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics and National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.W.); (B.Z.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Bin Zhan
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics and National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.W.); (B.Z.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics and National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.W.); (B.Z.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia; (G.G.M.); (B.A.T.); (D.P.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia; (G.G.M.); (B.A.T.); (D.P.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark S. Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia; (G.G.M.); (B.A.T.); (D.P.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
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147
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Laudisi F, Marônek M, Di Grazia A, Monteleone G, Stolfi C. Repositioning of Anthelmintic Drugs for the Treatment of Cancers of the Digestive System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144957. [PMID: 32668817 PMCID: PMC7404055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors of the digestive system, when combined together, account for more new cases and deaths per year than tumors arising in any other system of the body and their incidence continues to increase. Despite major efforts aimed at discovering and validating novel and effective drugs against these malignancies, the process of developing such drugs remains lengthy and costly, with high attrition rates. Drug repositioning (also known as drug repurposing), that is, the process of finding new uses for approved drugs, has been gaining popularity in oncological drug development as it provides the opportunity to expedite promising anti-cancer agents into clinical trials. Among the drugs considered for repurposing in oncology, compounds belonging to some classes of anthelmintics—a group of agents acting against infections caused by parasitic worms (helminths) that colonize the mammalian intestine—have shown pronounced anti-tumor activities and attracted particular attention due to their ability to target key oncogenic signal transduction pathways. In this review, we summarize and discuss the available experimental and clinical evidence about the use of anthelmintic drugs for the treatment of cancers of the digestive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Laudisi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (A.D.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Martin Marônek
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Antonio Di Grazia
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (A.D.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanni Monteleone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (A.D.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Carmine Stolfi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (A.D.G.); (G.M.)
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-72596163
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148
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Munday JC, Kunz S, Kalejaiye TD, Siderius M, Schroeder S, Paape D, Alghamdi AH, Abbasi Z, Huang SX, Donachie AM, William S, Sabra AN, Sterk GJ, Botros SS, Brown DG, Hoffman CS, Leurs R, de Koning HP. Cloning and functional complementation of ten Schistosoma mansoni phosphodiesterases expressed in the mammalian host stages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008447. [PMID: 32730343 PMCID: PMC7430754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a single drug against schistosomiasis is currently available and new drug development is urgently required but very few drug targets have been validated and characterised. However, regulatory systems including cyclic nucleotide metabolism are emerging as primary candidates for drug discovery. Here, we report the cloning of ten cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) genes of S. mansoni, out of a total of 11 identified in its genome. We classify these PDEs by homology to human PDEs. Male worms displayed higher expression levels for all PDEs, in mature and juvenile worms, and schistosomula. Several functional complementation approaches were used to characterise these genes. We constructed a Trypanosoma brucei cell line in which expression of a cAMP-degrading PDE complements the deletion of TbrPDEB1/B2. Inhibitor screens of these cells expressing only either SmPDE4A, TbrPDEB1 or TbrPDEB2, identified highly potent inhibitors of the S. mansoni enzyme that elevated the cellular cAMP concentration. We further expressed most of the cloned SmPDEs in two pde1Δ/pde2Δ strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and some also in a specialised strain of Schizosacharomyces pombe. Five PDEs, SmPDE1, SmPDE4A, SmPDE8, SmPDE9A and SmPDE11 successfully complemented the S. cerevisiae strains, and SmPDE7var also complemented to a lesser degree, in liquid culture. SmPDE4A, SmPDE8 and SmPDE11 were further assessed in S. pombe for hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP; SmPDE11 displayed considerable preferrence for cGMP over cAMP. These results and tools enable the pursuit of a rigorous drug discovery program based on inhibitors of S. mansoni PDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C. Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Kunz
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Titilola D. Kalejaiye
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel Paape
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ali H. Alghamdi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Zainab Abbasi
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sheng Xiang Huang
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anne-Marie Donachie
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Samia William
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - Abdel Nasser Sabra
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanaa S. Botros
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - David G. Brown
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Charles S. Hoffman
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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149
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Nono JK, Fu K, Mpotje T, Varrone G, Aziz NA, Mosala P, Hlaka L, Kamdem SD, Xu D, Spangenberg T, Brombacher F. Investigating the antifibrotic effect of the antiparasitic drug Praziquantel in in vitro and in vivo preclinical models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10638. [PMID: 32606340 PMCID: PMC7327036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis underlies the majority of human mortality to date with close to half of all reported deaths having a fibrotic etiology. The progression of fibrosis is very complex and reputed irreversible once established. Although some preventive options are being reported, therapeutic options are still scarce and in very high demand, given the rise of diseases linked to fibroproliferative disorders. Our work explored four platforms, complementarily, in order to screen preventive and therapeutic potentials of the antiparasitic drug Praziquantel as a possible antifibrotic. We applied the mouse CCl4-driven liver fibrosis model, the mouse chronic schistosomiasis liver fibrosis model, as well as novel 2D and 3D human cell-based co-culture of human hepatocytes, KCs (Kupffer cells), LECs (Liver Endothelial Cells), HSCs (Hepatic Stellate Cells) and/or myofibroblasts to mimic in vivo fibrotic responses and dynamics. Praziquantel showed some effect on fibrosis marker when preventively administered before severe establishment of fibrosis. However, it failed to potently reverse already established fibrosis. Together, we provided a novel sophisticated multi-assay screening platform to test preventive and therapeutic antifibrotic candidates. We further demonstrated a direct preventive potential of Praziquantel against the onset of fibrosis and the confirmation of its lack of therapeutic potential in reversing already established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Komguep Nono
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Kai Fu
- Translational Innovation Platform Immunology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., 45A Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA.,The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Thabo Mpotje
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Georgianna Varrone
- Translational Innovation Platform Immunology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., 45A Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA.,The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Nada Abdel Aziz
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paballo Mosala
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Lerato Hlaka
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Severin Donald Kamdem
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Daigen Xu
- Translational Innovation Platform Immunology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., 45A Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA.,The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Thomas Spangenberg
- Global Health Institute of Merck, Ares Trading S.A. a subsidiary of Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany, Eysins, Switzerland.
| | - Frank Brombacher
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa. .,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
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150
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Abou-El-Naga IF. Schistosoma mansoni sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPases (SERCA): role in reduced sensitivity to praziquantel. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:397-408. [DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09843-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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