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Quelemes PV, Perfeito MLG, Guimarães MA, dos Santos RC, Lima DF, Nascimento C, Silva MPN, Soares MJDS, Ropke CD, Eaton P, de Moraes J, Leite JRSA. Effect of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf extract on resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and Schistosoma mansoni worms. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 175:287-294. [PMID: 26408045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE There are ethnopharmacological reports supporting the use of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf against bacterial and worm infections. However there is a lack of studies about its effect on bacterial biofilm formation and Schistosoma mansoni worms. This study reports the in vitro effects of neem leaf ethanolic extract (Neem EE) on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm and planktonic aggregation formation, and against S. mansoni worms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantification of the Azadirachtin (AZA), thought to be one of their main compounds related to biological effects, was performed. The effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of Neem EE on biofilm formation and planktonic aggregates of S. aureus was tested using the crystal violet dye method and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis, respectively. Changes in S. mansoni motor activity and death of worms were analyzed in vitro after exposition to the extract. Treated schistosomes were also examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS It was observed the presence of AZA in the extract (0.14 ± 0.02 mg/L). Testing Neem EE sub-inhibitory concentrations, a significant biofilm adherence inhibition from 62.5 µg/mL for a sensitive S. aureus and 125 µg/mL for two MRSA strains was observed. AFM images revealed that as the Neem EE concentration increases (from 250 to 1000 µg/mL) decreased ability of a chosen MRSA strain to form large aggregates. In relation of anti-schistosoma assay, the extract caused 100% mortality of female worms at a concentration of 50 µg/mL at 72 h of incubation, while 300 µg/mL at 24h of incubation was required to achieve 100% mortality of male worms. The extract also caused significant motor activity reduction in S. mansoni. For instance, at 96 h of incubation with 100 µg/mL, 80% of the worms presented significant motor activity reduction. By the confocal microscopy analysis, the dorsal surface of the tegument of worms exposed to 300 µg/mL (male) and 100 µg/mL (female) of the extract showed severe morphological changes after 24h of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Neem leaf ethanolic extract presented inhibitory effect on MRSA biofilm and planktonic aggregation formation, and anthelmintic activity against S. mansoni worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick V Quelemes
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, Biotec, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, 64202020 Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Márcia L G Perfeito
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, Biotec, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, 64202020 Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Maria A Guimarães
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, Biotec, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, 64202020 Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Raimunda C dos Santos
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, Biotec, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, 64202020 Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - David F Lima
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, Biotec, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, 64202020 Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, UNIVASF, Paulo Afonso, BA, Brazil
| | - Carlos Nascimento
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos P N Silva
- Center for Research on Neglected Diseases, University of Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria José dos S Soares
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI 64049550, Brazil
| | - Cristina D Ropke
- Phytobios, Pesquisa, Desenvolvimento e Inovação, Barueri, SP, Brazil
| | - Peter Eaton
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, Biotec, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, 64202020 Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Center for Research on Neglected Diseases, University of Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, Biotec, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, 64202020 Parnaíba, PI, Brazil.
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Driguez P, McManus DP, Gobert GN. Clinical implications of recent findings in schistosome proteomics. Expert Rev Proteomics 2015; 13:19-33. [PMID: 26558506 DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2016.1116390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of clinical significance that, despite years of research, still requires an effective vaccine and improved diagnostics for surveillance, control and potential elimination. Furthermore, the causes of host pathology during schistosomiasis are still not completely understood. The recent sequencing of the genomes of the three key schistosome species has enabled the discovery of many new possible vaccine and drug targets, as well as diagnostic biomarkers, using high-throughput and sensitive proteomics methods. This review focuses on the literature of the last 5 years that has reported on the use of proteomics to both better understand the biology of the schistosome parasites and the disease they cause in definitive mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Driguez
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
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153
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Trainor-Moss S, Mutapi F. Schistosomiasis therapeutics: whats in the pipeline? Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2015; 9:157-60. [DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2015.1102051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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154
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Pinto-Almeida A, Mendes T, Armada A, Belo S, Carrilho E, Viveiros M, Afonso A. The Role of Efflux Pumps in Schistosoma mansoni Praziquantel Resistant Phenotype. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140147. [PMID: 26445012 PMCID: PMC4596880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease caused by a trematode of the genus Schistosoma that is second only to malaria in public health significance in Africa, South America, and Asia. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice to treat this disease due to its high cure rates and no significant side effects. However, in the last years increasingly cases of tolerance to PZQ have been reported, which has caused growing concerns regarding the emergency of resistance to this drug. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here we describe the selection of a parasitic strain that has a stable resistance phenotype to PZQ. It has been reported that drug resistance in helminths might involve efflux pumps such as members of ATP-binding cassette transport proteins, including P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein families. Here we evaluate the role of efflux pumps in Schistosoma mansoni resistance to PZQ, by comparing the efflux pumps activity in susceptible and resistant strains. The evaluation of the efflux activity was performed by an ethidium bromide accumulation assay in presence and absence of Verapamil. The role of efflux pumps in resistance to PZQ was further investigated comparing the response of susceptible and resistant parasites in the absence and presence of different doses of Verapamil, in an ex vivo assay, and these results were further reinforced through the comparison of the expression levels of SmMDR2 RNA by RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This work strongly suggests the involvement of Pgp-like transporters SMDR2 in Praziquantel drug resistance in S. mansoni. Low doses of Verapamil successfully reverted drug resistance. Our results might give an indication that a combination therapy with PZQ and natural or synthetic Pgp modulators can be an effective strategy for the treatment of confirmed cases of resistance to PZQ in S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Pinto-Almeida
- Graduate Program in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago Mendes
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute of Biology, Universidade de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Armada
- Medical Microbiology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Silvana Belo
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Emanuel Carrilho
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Miguel Viveiros
- Medical Microbiology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Afonso
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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155
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Almeida GT, Lage RCG, Anderson L, Venancio TM, Nakaya HI, Miyasato PA, Rofatto HK, Zerlotini A, Nakano E, Oliveira G, Verjovski-Almeida S. Synergy of Omeprazole and Praziquantel In Vitro Treatment against Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004086. [PMID: 26402251 PMCID: PMC4581627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment and morbidity control of schistosomiasis relies on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ), and the selection of resistant worms under repeated treatment is a concern. Therefore, there is a pressing need to understand the molecular effects of PZQ on schistosomes and to investigate alternative or synergistic drugs against schistosomiasis. Methodology We used a custom-designed Schistosoma mansoni expression microarray to explore the effects of sublethal doses of PZQ on large-scale gene expression of adult paired males and females and unpaired mature females. We also assessed the efficacy of PZQ, omeprazole (OMP) or their combination against S. mansoni adult worms with a survival in vitro assay. Principal Findings We identified sets of genes that were affected by PZQ in paired and unpaired mature females, however with opposite gene expression patterns (up-regulated in paired and down-regulated in unpaired mature females), indicating that PZQ effects are heavily influenced by the mating status. We also identified genes that were similarly affected by PZQ in males and females. Functional analyses of gene interaction networks were performed with parasite genes that were differentially expressed upon PZQ treatment, searching for proteins encoded by these genes whose human homologs are targets of different drugs used for other diseases. Based on these results, OMP, a widely prescribed proton pump inhibitor known to target the ATP1A2 gene product, was chosen and tested. Sublethal doses of PZQ combined with OMP significantly increased worm mortality in vitro when compared with PZQ or OMP alone, thus evidencing a synergistic effect. Conclusions Functional analysis of gene interaction networks is an important approach that can point to possible novel synergistic drug candidates. We demonstrated the potential of this strategy by showing that PZQ in combination with OMP displayed increased efficiency against S. mansoni adult worms in vitro when compared with either drug alone. Schistosomiasis causes severe health problems in endemic areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment of at-risk populations; however, evolution of resistant worms under repeated treatment is of great concern. Combining praziquantel with another drug could not only increase efficacy of praziquantel, but also eventually hamper development of drug resistance. Our study reports the global praziquantel-induced transcriptional changes of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms in vitro, in the context of the mature female mating status (paired or unpaired). We identified sets of genes that were differentially affected in paired or unpaired mature females; we also identified genes that were similarly affected in males and females. Aiming to find possible new candidates to be tested as synergistic drugs, we used functional analysis of gene interaction networks to identify parasite genes whose expression was affected by praziquantel, and encode proteins whose human homologs are targets of different drugs already used to treat other diseases. This analysis suggested omeprazole, a widely prescribed drug, as a potential partner for praziquantel in a combination treatment. Finally, we demonstrated that this praziquantel-omeprazole combination resulted in increased worm lethality in vitro when compared with praziquantel or omeprazole alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulliana T. Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina C. G. Lage
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leticia Anderson
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. Venancio
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helder I. Nakaya
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adhemar Zerlotini
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Vale Technology Institute, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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156
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Pereira AC, Silva MLAE, Souza JM, Laurentiz RSD, Rodrigues V, Januário AH, Pauletti PM, Tavares DC, Filho AADS, Cunha WR, Bastos JK, Magalhães LG. In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity of (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin against schistosomula and juvenile and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2015; 149:195-201. [PMID: 26071648 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The chemotherapy of schistosomiasis relies on the use of praziquantel. However, concerns over drug resistance have encouraged the search for new drug leads. This paper is the first report on the in vitro and in vivo activity of (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin (DNK) against Schistosoma mansoni. In vitro, the lethal concentrations for 50% of parasites (LC50) of DNK against adult worms were 103.9±3.6 and 102.5±4.8μM at 24 and 72h, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images showed extensive tegumental alterations such as peeling and smaller numbers of tubercles in the spine of adult worms. DNK also elicited high mortality of schistosomula, with LC50 values of 57.4±2.3, 32.5±0.9, and 20.4±1.2μM at 24, 48, and 72h, respectively. DNK displayed moderate activity against the juvenile liver parasite, with an LC50 value of 179.5±2.3 μM at 72h. This compound reduced the total number of eggs by over 83%, and it affected the development of eggs produced by adult worms. The selectivity index showed that at 24h, DNK was 8.5 and 15.4 times more toxic to the adult worms and schistosomula than to Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells, respectively. Treatment of infected mice with DNK moderately decreased worm burden (33.8-52.3%), egg production (40.7-60.0%), and spleen and liver weights. Together, our results indicated that DNK presents moderate in vitro and in vivo activities against S. mansoni, and it might therefore be interesting to explore the structure-activity relationship of the antischistosomal activity of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Pereira
- Universidade de Franca, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, CEP 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo(,) Faculdade de Farmácia de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, CEP 14030-000, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcio L A E Silva
- Universidade de Franca, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, CEP 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Medeiros Souza
- Universidade de Franca, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, CEP 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosangela S de Laurentiz
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Física e Química, CEP 15385-000, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana H Januário
- Universidade de Franca, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, CEP 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia M Pauletti
- Universidade de Franca, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, CEP 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise C Tavares
- Universidade de Franca, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, CEP 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Ademar A Da Silva Filho
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Farmácia de Juiz de Fora, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Wilson R Cunha
- Universidade de Franca, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, CEP 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Jairo K Bastos
- Universidade de São Paulo(,) Faculdade de Farmácia de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, CEP 14030-000, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Universidade de Franca, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, CEP 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil.
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Gállego L, Gracenea M. Praziquantel efficacy against Brachylaima sp. metacercariae (Trematoda: Brachylaimidae) parasitizing the edible landsnail Cornu aspersum and its HPLC-MS/MS residue determination. Exp Parasitol 2015; 157:92-102. [PMID: 26140831 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cornu aspersum is a terrestrial edible snail, often parasitized by Brachylaima (Trematoda) metacercariae. Ingestion of undercooked snails by humans allows metacercariae to develop to adult in the intestine causing brachylaimiasis (expected mortality rate 5-10%). The cosmopolitan character of the trematode and of its vector, enhanced in a future climate change scenario, and the absence of adequate sanitary controls of the snails in marketplaces clearly increase the risk of human brachylaimiasis. The treatment of farmed snails with praziquatel (PZQ) would be a tool to control this food-borne disease. The objectives of this study were: to report the prevalence of Brachylaima metacercariae parasitizing C. aspersum in marketplaces, to assess the efficacy and tolerance of PZQ in C. aspersum and to develop an HPLC-MS/MS analytical method to quantify PZQ residue in the edible snail (the acceptable daily intake of PZQ is 0.17 mg/kg bw in humans). Prevalence of parasitization of C. aspersum by Brachylaima metacercariae in public marketplaces reached the 80%. PZQ was orally administered to snails, mixed with the usual snail food. In dose determination assays three doses were individually tested (10 days): 1.2 mg PZQ/snail, 1.8 mg PZQ/snail (efficacy 97.3%, p < 0.001) and 2.4 mg PZQ/snail (efficacy 98.7%, p < 0.001). In dose confirmation tests (n = 200) the 2.4 mg PZQ/snail dose was group tested (10 snails/box, 7 days): 2 g of PZQ supplemented snail food were disposed daily in the treatment group boxes and 2 g of snail food (placebo) in the control boxes (efficacy 94.6%, p < 0.001; prevalence dropped from 68.7% in control group to 10.1% in treatment group, p < 0.001). Received dose was 220.2 mg PZQ/kg snail with shell. In the analytical method, linearity, lower limit of quantification (0.05 μg/ml), selectivity, carry over, accuracy, precision, dilution integrity, matrix effect and stability were tested. Sixty snails were treated (11 mg PZQ/g snail food) and analyzed. PZQ was detected and quantified (0.093 mg PZQ/g snail). PZQ treatment of C. aspersum is effective, well tolerated by the snail, affordable and easy to reproduce in snail farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gállego
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Health Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gracenea
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Health Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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158
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Garcinielliptone FC: Antiparasitic activity without cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:681-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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159
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Ferreira MS, de Oliveira RN, de Oliveira DN, Esteves CZ, Allegretti SM, Catharino RR. Revealing praziquantel molecular targets using mass spectrometry imaging: an expeditious approach applied to Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:385-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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160
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What is the mechanism of action of praziquantel and how might resistance strike? Future Med Chem 2015; 7:701-5. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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161
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Pakharukova MY, Shilov AG, Pirozhkova DS, Katokhin AV, Mordvinov VA. The first comprehensive study of praziquantel effects in vivo and in vitro on European liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus (Trematoda). Int J Antimicrob Agents 2015; 46:94-100. [PMID: 25862308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The European liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus (Rivolta, 1884) is an epidemiologically important parasite infecting mammals, including humans. Opisthorchis felineus is widespread in Russia, Kazakhstan and Eastern European countries. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of opisthorchiasis, but the effects of this drug on O. felineus are poorly studied. The aims of this work were (i) to perform a study of PZQ effects in vitro, (ii) to identify morphological markers of PZQ action on O. felineus, (iii) to analyse damage to the worm surface and (iv) to assess the efficacy of PZQ in vivo in a hamster model. Light microscopy, optical sectioning and fluorescence microscopy were used to study morphological changes. In vivo, PZQ at a dose of 400mg/kg reduced the rate of infection in experimental acute and chronic opisthorchiasis in hamsters by 70% and 79%, respectively. In vitro, the drug caused destruction and vacuolisation of the tegument of O. felineus, contractions of the worm musculature, paralysis, and irreversible changes in morphology (IC50=0.14μg/mL). Differences in susceptibility to the drug between adult and newly excysted metacercariae were also observed. Qualitative effects of PZQ in vivo and in vitro were similar to the drug's effects on other trematodes, including epidemiologically important liver flukes. Nevertheless, high heterogeneity of O. felineus specimens in terms of susceptibility to the drug was observed. In addition, we describe for the first time the high rate of recovery of O. felineus following the destructive action of PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Y Pakharukova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogov Street, Novosibirsk 630060, Russia.
| | - Alexander G Shilov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Darya S Pirozhkova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Alexey V Katokhin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Viatcheslav A Mordvinov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAMS), Tymakova 2, Novosibirsk 630060, Russia
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Attia SS, Abou-Shady OM, Mohammed SS, Yusuf HAS, Helmy DO. In vitro Effect of Mefloquine on Adult Schistosoma mansoni. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.3923/jp.2015.111.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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163
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Mossallam SF, Amer EI, El-Faham MH. Efficacy of Synriam™, a new antimalarial combination of OZ277 and piperaquine, against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2015; 143:36-46. [PMID: 25530543 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Control of schistosomiasis relies on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Given the rising concerns about the potential emergence of PZQ-resistant strains, it has now become necessary to search for novel therapeutics. However, the current pace for anti-schistosomal drug discovery is slow; hence, repositioning of existing approved drugs can offer a safe, rapid and cost-effective solution. The anti-malarial synthetic artemisinin-derivatives trioxolanes demonstrated anti-schistosomal efficacies against the three major species infecting humans and, unlike PZQ, showed activities against both juvenile and adult worm stages. The 1,2,4-trioxolane/OZ277 (arterolane maleate) in combination with a partner drug: piperaquine phosphate was recently developed as an anti-malarial drug and manufactured by Ranbaxy (India) as Synriam™ (SYN). Herein, the in vivo activities of SYN were investigated in a mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), compared to PZQ. We show that a single fixed dose of 240mg/kg SYN (40mg/kg arterolane and 200mg/kg piperaqine) induced significant protective effects in mice, in terms of reduction in worm and tissue egg burdens, which were evident against all schistosome developmental stages. Extensive alterations in the tegument and subtegumental tissues of SYN-exposed worms were revealed by both scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Progressive decrease in worm activity and occurrence of death were noticed in vitro upon exposure to the drug - more pronounced in the presence of haemin. This report provides the first evidence of the efficacy of a combination of 1,2,4-trioxolane and piperaquine against S. mansoni in mice. Being effective against young stages, SYN could be used to prevent early Schistosoma infection.
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Vimieiro ACS, Araújo N, Katz N, Kusel JR, Coelho PMZ. Schistogram changes after administration of antischistosomal drugs in mice at the early phase of Schistosoma mansoni infection. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 108:881-6. [PMID: 24271044 PMCID: PMC3970651 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276130135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni were treated with oxamniquine, praziquantel, artesunate at the pre-patent phase, aiming at observing schistogram alterations. Half of the animals were perfused five days post-treatment for counting and classification of immature worms, based on pre-established morphological criteria (schistogram); the remaining animals were evaluated 42 or 100 days after infection and perfusion of the portal-system was performed for collection and counting of adult worms and oogram. It was observed that oxamniquine and artesunate treatment administered at the pre-postural phase causes significant reduction in the number of immature and adult worms. However, there was little reduction with praziquantel when used at the dose of 400 mg/kg for treatments administered 14, 15, 21 or 23 days post-infection. Artesunate was responsible for significant alterations in development of young worms, as well as for a higher number of worms presenting intestinal damages. Immature adult worms were detected in mice treated with artesunate or oxamniquine at the pre-patent phase of infection and recovered by perfusion 100 days after infection. Schistogram proved to be a very useful tool for experimental evaluation of the activity of antischistosomal drugs and a good model to identify the most sensitive stages to drugs.
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Lalli C, Guidi A, Gennari N, Altamura S, Bresciani A, Ruberti G. Development and validation of a luminescence-based, medium-throughput assay for drug screening in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003484. [PMID: 25635836 PMCID: PMC4312041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis, one of the world’s greatest neglected tropical diseases, is responsible for over 280,000 human deaths per annum. Praziquantel, developed in the 1970s, has high efficacy, excellent tolerability, few and transient side effects, simple administration procedures and competitive cost and it is currently the only recommended drug for treatment of human schistosomiasis. The use of a single drug to treat a population of over 200 million infected people appears particularly alarming when considering the threat of drug resistance. Quantitative, objective and validated methods for the screening of compound collections are needed for the discovery of novel anti-schistosomal drugs. Methodology/Principal Findings The present work describes the development and validation of a luminescence-based, medium-throughput assay for the detection of schistosomula viability through quantitation of ATP, a good indicator of metabolically active cells in culture. This validated method is demonstrated to be fast, highly reliable, sensitive and automation-friendly. The optimized assay was used for the screening of a small compound library on S. mansoni schistosomula, showing that the proposed method is suitable for a medium-throughput semi-automated screening. Interestingly, the pilot screening identified hits previously reported to have some anti-parasitic activity, further supporting the validity of this assay for anthelminthic drug discovery. Conclusions The developed and validated schistosomula viability luminescence-based assay was shown to be successful and suitable for the identification of novel compounds potentially exploitable in future schistosomiasis therapies. Schistosomiasis, one of the world’s greatest human neglected tropical diseases, is caused by a parasitic flatworm trematode of the genus Schistosoma. Among human parasitic diseases, schistosomiasis ranks second behind malaria in terms of socio-economic and public health importance in tropical and subtropical areas. More than 200 million people are currently infected in 77 countries, 85% of whom live in sub-Saharian Africa. To date no vaccine is available against schistosomiasis. As chemotherapy relies on a single drug, praziquantel, many initiatives have been promoted aiming to search for novel anti-schistosomal drugs that can represent a valid alternative to the current treatment or could be used in case of emerging resistance. Quantitative, objective and validated methods for compound collections screening are needed for the discovery of novel anti-schistosomal drugs. Here, we report the development and validation of a medium-throughput, luminescence-based assay for assessing viability at the schistosomulum stage of the human parasite S. mansoni. Our methodology enables a simple, reproducible, highly sensitive and objective quantitation of parasite viability. It is also automation compatible and enables the screening of compound collections thus hopefully contributing to the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Lalli
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Gennari
- Department of Biology, IRBM Science Park xSpA, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Altamura
- Department of Biology, IRBM Science Park xSpA, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Biology, IRBM Science Park xSpA, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (AB); (GR)
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (AB); (GR)
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166
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Martínez-González JJ, Guevara-Flores A, Rendón JL, Sosa-Peinado A, Del Arenal Mena IP. Purification and characterization of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci thioredoxin: insight into thioredoxin-glutathione-reductase (TGR) substrate recognition. Parasitol Int 2014; 64:194-201. [PMID: 25523293 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin (Trx) is an oxidoreductase central to redox homeostasis in cells and is involved in the regulation of protein activity through thiol/disulfide exchanges. Based on these facts, our goal was to purify and characterize cytosolic thioredoxin from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci, as well as to study its behavior as a substrate of thioredoxin-glutathione reductase (TGR). The enzyme was purified >133-fold with a total yield of 9.7%. A molecular mass of 11.7kDa and a pI of 4.84 were measured. Native electrophoresis was used to identify the oxidized and reduced forms of the monomer as well as the presence of a homodimer. In addition to the catalytic site cysteines, cysticerci thioredoxin contains Cys28 and Cys65 residues conserved in previously sequenced cestode thioredoxins. The following kinetic parameters were obtained for the substrate of TGR: a Km of 3.1μM, a kcat of 10s(-1) and a catalytic efficiency of 3.2×10(6)M(-1)s(-1). The negative patch around the α3-helix of Trx is involved in the interaction with TGR and suggests variable specificity and catalytic efficiency of the reductase toward thioredoxins of different origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Martínez-González
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510 México, D.F., México
| | - A Guevara-Flores
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510 México, D.F., México
| | - J L Rendón
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510 México, D.F., México
| | - A Sosa-Peinado
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510 México, D.F., México
| | - I P Del Arenal Mena
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510 México, D.F., México
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167
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Inhibition or knockdown of ABC transporters enhances susceptibility of adult and juvenile schistosomes to Praziquantel. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3265. [PMID: 25330312 PMCID: PMC4199547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma cause schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects hundreds of millions. Treatment of schistosomiasis depends almost entirely on the drug praziquantel (PZQ). Though essential to treating and controlling schistosomiasis, a major limitation of PZQ is that it is not active against immature mammalian-stage schistosomes. Furthermore, there are reports of field isolates with heritable reductions in PZQ susceptibility, and researchers have selected for PZQ-resistant schistosomes in the laboratory. P-glycoprotein (Pgp; ABCB1) and other ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters remove a wide variety of toxins and xenobiotics from cells, and have been implicated in multidrug resistance (MDR). Changes in ABC transporter structure or expression levels are also associated with reduced drug susceptibility in parasitic helminths, including schistosomes. Here, we show that the activity of PZQ against schistosome adults and juveniles ex vivo is potentiated by co-administration of either the highly potent Pgp inhibitor tariquidar or combinations of inhibitors targeting multiple ABC multidrug transporters. Adult worms exposed to sublethal PZQ concentrations remain active, but co-administration of ABC transporter inhibitors results in complete loss of motility and disruption of the tegument. Notably, juvenile schistosomes (3–4 weeks post infection), normally refractory to 2 µM PZQ, become paralyzed when transporter inhibitors are added in combination with the PZQ. Experiments using the fluorescent PZQ derivative (R)-PZQ-BODIPY are consistent with the transporter inhibitors increasing effective intraworm concentrations of PZQ. Adult worms in which expression of ABC transporters has been suppressed by RNA interference show increased responsiveness to PZQ and increased retention of (R)-PZQ-BODIPY consistent with an important role for these proteins in setting levels of PZQ susceptibility. These results indicate that parasite ABC multidrug transporters might serve as important targets for enhancing the action of PZQ. They also suggest a potentially novel and readily-available strategy for overcoming reduced PZQ susceptibility of schistosomes. Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms that cause schistosomiasis, a tropical disease affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the current drug of choice against schistosomiasis, and, indeed, is the only approved antischistosomal treatment available in most parts of the world. Though effective overall, PZQ has limitations, including its lack of activity against immature schistosomes. Furthermore, reported cure rates in the field are often below optimal levels, and there is increasing evidence that schistosomes can become resistant to the drug. ABC transporters such as P-glycoprotein are efflux transporters that mediate detoxification of cells via removal of toxins and xenobiotics, including drugs. They underlie multidrug resistance in mammalian cells, and are also associated with drug resistance in parasitic worms, including schistosomes. Here, we show that compounds that inhibit these efflux transporters potentiate the activity of PZQ against schistosomes, including normally PZQ-insensitive juvenile worms. Similarly, suppressing expression of these transporters also increases adult worm responsiveness to PZQ. Our experiments may provide insights into the role of these drug transporters in PZQ action, and could also translate into new therapeutic strategies for augmenting treatment of schistosome infections and overcoming drug resistance.
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168
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Mwangi IN, Sanchez MC, Mkoji GM, Agola LE, Runo SM, Cupit PM, Cunningham C. Praziquantel sensitivity of Kenyan Schistosoma mansoni isolates and the generation of a laboratory strain with reduced susceptibility to the drug. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:296-300. [PMID: 25516840 PMCID: PMC4266778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We isolated S. mansoni miracidia from 72 Kenyan adults and children. We found no evidence of S. mansoni with reduced praziquantel sensitivity. An S. mansoni lab isolate with reduced praziquantel sensitivity was established. The potential for the emergence of praziquantel resistance remains.
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by blood-dwelling flukes of the genus Schistosoma. While the disease may affect as many as 249 million people, treatment largely relies on a single drug, praziquantel. The near exclusive use of this drug for such a prevalent disease has led to concerns regarding the potential for drug resistance to arise and the effect this would have on affected populations. In this study, we use an in vitro assay of drug sensitivity to test the effect of praziquantel on miracidia hatched from eggs obtained from fecal samples of Kenyan adult car washers and sand harvesters as well as school children. Whereas in a previous study we found the car washers and sand harvesters to harbor Schistosoma mansoni with reduced praziquantel sensitivity, we found no evidence for the presence of such strains in any of the groups tested here. Using miracidia derived from seven car washers to infect snails, we used the shed cercariae to establish a strain of S. mansoni with significantly reduced praziquantel sensitivity in mice. This was achieved within 5 generations by administering increasing doses of praziquantel to the infected mice until the parasites could withstand a normally lethal dose. This result indicates that while the threat of praziquantel resistance may have diminished in the Kenyan populations tested here, there is a strong likelihood it could return if sufficient praziquantel pressure is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim N Mwangi
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Melissa C Sanchez
- Dept. of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Gerald M Mkoji
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lelo E Agola
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Steven M Runo
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pauline M Cupit
- Dept. of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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169
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Greenberg RM. Schistosome ABC multidrug transporters: From pharmacology to physiology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:301-9. [PMID: 25516841 PMCID: PMC4266782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The genuine and hypothesized roles of schistosome ABC transporters are reviewed. Evidence suggesting a role for transporters in schistosome drug susceptibility is discussed. Potential roles of ABC transporters in normal schistosome biology are outlined.
Praziquantel (PZQ) is essentially the only drug currently available for treatment and control of schistosomiasis, a disease affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Though highly effective overall, PZQ has limitations, most notably its significant lack of activity against immature schistosomes. Furthermore, the availability of only a single drug for a disease of this magnitude makes reports of PZQ-resistant isolates particularly troubling. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) multidrug transporters such as P-glycoprotein (Pgp; ABCB1) are efflux transporters that underlie multidrug resistance (MDR); changes in their expression or structure are also associated with drug resistance in parasites, including helminths. This review will discuss the role these transporters might play in modulating schistosome susceptibility to PZQ, and the implications for developing new or repurposed treatments that enhance the efficacy of PZQ. However, in addition to influencing drug susceptibility, ABC transporters play important roles in several critical physiological functions such as excretion and maintenance of permeability barriers. They also transport signaling molecules with high affinity, and several lines of evidence implicate mammalian transporters in a diverse array of physiological functions, including regulation of immune responses. Like their mammalian counterparts, schistosome ABC transporters appear to be involved in functions critical to the parasite, including excretory activity and reproduction, and we hypothesize that they underlie at least some aspects of parasite–host interactions. Thus, in addition to their potential as targets for enhancers of PZQ susceptibility, these transporters might also serve as candidate targets for agents that disrupt the parasite life cycle and act as antischistosomals on their own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, PA 19104, USA
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170
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Ramamoorthi R, Graef KM, Dent J. WIPO Re:Search: Accelerating anthelmintic development through cross-sector partnerships. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:220-5. [PMID: 25516832 PMCID: PMC4266808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
WIPO Re:Search leverages pharmaceutical assets to advance anthelmintic research. BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) facilitates collaborations and capacity building. Novartis scientists trained a Cameroonian researcher on advanced biochemistry skills. Researchers from Canada and Cameroon partnered to discover onchocerciasis drugs. Natural products were screened against schistosomes and soil-transmitted helminths.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), malaria, and tuberculosis have a devastating effect on an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Re:Search consortium accelerates the development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for these diseases by connecting the assets and resources of pharmaceutical companies, such as compound libraries and expertise, to academic or nonprofit researchers with novel product discovery or development ideas. As the WIPO Re:Search Partnership Hub Administrator, BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) fields requests from researchers, identifies Member organizations able to fulfill these requests, and helps forge mutually beneficial collaborations. Since its inception in October 2011, WIPO Re:Search membership has expanded to more than 90 institutions, including leading pharmaceutical companies, universities, nonprofit research institutions, and product development partnerships from around the world. To date, WIPO Re:Search has facilitated over 70 research agreements between Consortium Members, including 11 collaborations focused on anthelmintic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopa Ramamoorthi
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 401 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Katy M Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 401 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Jennifer Dent
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 401 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
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171
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Lynagh T, Cromer BA, Dufour V, Laube B. Comparative pharmacology of flatworm and roundworm glutamate-gated chloride channels: Implications for potential anthelmintics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:244-55. [PMID: 25516835 PMCID: PMC4266781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Flatworm and roundworm glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) were compared. Several glutamate analogues activated both GluCls in the millimolar range. Quisqualate selectively activated the flatworm GluCl. Propofol and thymol inhibited both GluCls in the micromolar range.
Pharmacological targeting of glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) is a potent anthelmintic strategy, evidenced by macrocyclic lactones that eliminate numerous roundworm infections by activating roundworm GluCls. Given the recent identification of flatworm GluCls and the urgent need for drugs against schistosomiasis, flatworm GluCls should be evaluated as potential anthelmintic targets. This study sought to identify agonists or modulators of one such GluCl, SmGluCl-2 from the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. The effects of nine glutamate-like compounds and three monoterpenoid ion channel modulators were measured by electrophysiology at SmGluCl-2 recombinantly expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. For comparison with an established anthelmintic target, experiments were also performed on the AVR-14B GluCl from the parasitic roundworm Haemonchus contortus. l-Glutamate was the most potent agonist at both GluCls, but l-2-aminoadipate, d-glutamate and d-2-aminoadipate activated SmGluCl-2 (EC50 1.0 ± 0.1 mM, 2.4 ± 0.4 mM, 3.6 ± 0.7 mM, respectively) more potently than AVR-14B. Quisqualate activated only SmGluCl-2 whereas l-aspartate activated only AVR-14B GluCls. Regarding the monoterpenoids, both GluCls were inhibited by propofol, thymol and menthol, SmGluCl-2 most potently by thymol (IC50 484 ± 85 μM) and least potently by menthol (IC50 > 3 mM). Computational docking suggested that agonist and inhibitor potency is attributable to particular interactions with extracellular or membrane-spanning amino acid residues. These results reveal that flatworm GluCls are pharmacologically susceptible to numerous agonists and modulators and indicate that changes to the glutamate γ-carboxyl or to the propofol 6-isopropyl group can alter the differential pharmacology at flatworm and roundworm GluCls. This should inform the development of more potent compounds and in turn lead to novel anthelmintics.
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Key Words
- Anthelmintic
- Binding site
- ECD, extracellular domain
- GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid
- GABAAR, type A γ-aminobutyric acid receptor
- GluCl
- GluCl, glutamate-gated chloride channel
- GlyR, glycine receptor
- Propofol
- Schistosomiasis
- TMD, transmembrane domain
- Thymol
- cis-ACBD, cis-1-aminocyclobutane-1,3-dicarboxylate
- iGluR, (tetrameric) ionotropic glutamate receptor
- pLGIC, pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (or Cys-loop receptor)
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Lynagh
- Neurophysiology and Neurosensory Systems, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Brett A Cromer
- Health Innovations Research Institute and School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Vanessa Dufour
- Centre for Host-Parasite Interactions, Institute of Parasitology, McGill University - MacDonald Campus, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Bodo Laube
- Neurophysiology and Neurosensory Systems, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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172
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Ressurreição M, De Saram P, Kirk RS, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Page NM, Davies AJ, Walker AJ. Protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase regulate movement, attachment, pairing and egg release in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2924. [PMID: 24921927 PMCID: PMC4055629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases C (PKCs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are evolutionary conserved cell signalling enzymes that coordinate cell function. Here we have employed biochemical approaches using ‘smart’ antibodies and functional screening to unravel the importance of these enzymes to Schistosoma mansoni physiology. Various PKC and ERK isotypes were detected, and were differentially phosphorylated (activated) throughout the various S. mansoni life stages, suggesting isotype-specific roles and differences in signalling complexity during parasite development. Functional kinase mapping in adult worms revealed that activated PKC and ERK were particularly associated with the adult male tegument, musculature and oesophagus and occasionally with the oesophageal gland; other structures possessing detectable activated PKC and/or ERK included the Mehlis' gland, ootype, lumen of the vitellaria, seminal receptacle and excretory ducts. Pharmacological modulation of PKC and ERK activity in adult worms using GF109203X, U0126, or PMA, resulted in significant physiological disturbance commensurate with these proteins occupying a central position in signalling pathways associated with schistosome muscular activity, neuromuscular coordination, reproductive function, attachment and pairing. Increased activation of ERK and PKC was also detected in worms following praziquantel treatment, with increased signalling associated with the tegument and excretory system and activated ERK localizing to previously unseen structures, including the cephalic ganglia. These findings support roles for PKC and ERK in S. mansoni homeostasis, and identify these kinase groups as potential targets for chemotherapeutic treatments against human schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease of enormous public health significance. Parasitic blood flukes, also called schistosomes, cause human schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease and major public health problem in developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Sustainable control of schistosomiasis is difficult, mainly because the complex life cycle of the parasite involves a freshwater snail host, and the ability of the parasite to evade the immune response of the human host and to survive for many years. Little is yet known about the cellular mechanisms in schistosomes and how they regulate parasite homeostasis, development and behaviour. In this paper, the nature of intracellular signalling by protein kinases C (PKCs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in schistosomes is studied and these proteins are found to be vital for the coordination of processes fundamental to parasite survival, such as muscular activity and reproductive function. Our results contribute to an understanding of molecular events regulating schistosome function and identify PKCs and ERKs as possible targets for the development of new chemotherapeutic treatments against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paulu De Saram
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth S. Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M. Page
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Davies
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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173
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Taman A, Azab M. Present-day anthelmintics and perspectives on future new targets. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2425-33. [PMID: 24894082 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3969-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In absence of vaccines for the majority of helminths, chemotherapy is still the mainstay for controlling human helminthiases. However, a limited number of drugs are available in the market to combat parasitic helminths in human. Besides, the development and spread of drug resistance have declined the use of most currently available anthelmintics. Clearly, availability of new anthelmintic agents will be essential in the next few years. More research into the mechanisms of drug actions and their targets are eminent for the discovery and development of novel anthelmintic agents. Recent drug discovery techniques mostly rely on mechanism-based screening of compounds on heterologously expressed targets in bacterial, mammalian or yeast cells. Although this is usually a successful approach, it is money- and time-consuming; meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies prefer the tested target that is chosen based on basic research. The nervous system is the site of action of several chemotherapeutics including pesticides and antinematode drugs; accordingly, the nervous system continues to be a promising target. Recent advances in exploring helminths' nervous system, neurotransmitters and receptors have paved the way for the development of potential agents targeting the nervous system and its components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Taman
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt,
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174
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Cioli D, Pica-Mattoccia L, Basso A, Guidi A. Schistosomiasis control: praziquantel forever? Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 195:23-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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175
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Sharma LK, Cupit PM, Goronga T, Webb TR, Cunningham C. Design and synthesis of molecular probes for the determination of the target of the anthelmintic drug praziquantel. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:2469-72. [PMID: 24775301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent neglected tropical disease caused by blood-dwelling helminths of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug available widely for the treatment of this disease and is administered in racemic form, even though only the (R)-isomer has significant anthelmintic activity. Progress towards the development of a second generation of anthelmintics is hampered by a lack of understanding of the mechanism of action of PZQ. In this Letter, we report an efficient protocol for the small-scale separation of enantiomers of 2 (hydrolyzed PZQ) using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). The enantiopure 2 was then used to develop several molecular probes, which can potentially be used to help identify the protein target of PZQ and study its mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Kumar Sharma
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38205, USA
| | - Pauline M Cupit
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Tino Goronga
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38205, USA
| | - Thomas R Webb
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38205, USA
| | - Charles Cunningham
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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176
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Silva MPN, Oliveira GLS, de Carvalho RBF, de Sousa DP, Freitas RM, Pinto PLS, de Moraes J. Antischistosomal activity of the terpene nerolidol. Molecules 2014; 19:3793-803. [PMID: 24662089 PMCID: PMC6271124 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19033793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Since the treatment of this disease currently relies on a single drug, praziquantel, new and safe schistosomicidal agents are urgently required. Nerolidol, a sesquiterpene present in the essential oils of several plants, is found in many foods and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this study we analysed the in vitro antiparasitic effect of nerolidol on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Nerolidol at concentrations of 31.2 and 62.5 μM reduced the worm motor activity and caused the death of all male and female schistosomes, respectively. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed morphological alterations on the tegument of worms such as disintegration, sloughing and erosion of the surface, and a correlation between viability and tegumental damage was observed. In conclusion, nerolidol may be a promising lead compound for the development of antischistosomal natural agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos P N Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências de Guarulhos (FACIG/UNIESP), Av. Guarulhos, 1844, Guarulhos, SP 07025-000, Brazil.
| | - George L S Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, PI 64049-550, Brazil.
| | - Rusbene B F de Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, PI 64049-550, Brazil.
| | - Damião P de Sousa
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil.
| | - Rivelilson M Freitas
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, PI 64049-550, Brazil.
| | - Pedro L S Pinto
- Enteroparasitas, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP 01246-902, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Faculdade de Ciências de Guarulhos (FACIG/UNIESP), Av. Guarulhos, 1844, Guarulhos, SP 07025-000, Brazil.
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177
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de Oliveira RN, Rehder VLG, Oliveira ASS, Jeraldo VDLS, Linhares AX, Allegretti SM. Anthelmintic activity in vitro and in vivo of Baccharis trimera (Less) DC against immature and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Exp Parasitol 2014; 139:63-72. [PMID: 24602876 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Although its efficiency against all Schistosoma species, praziquantel (PZQ) shows low efficacy against schistosomula and juvenile stages. The potential for development of resistance to PZQ has justified the search for new alternative chemotherapies. In this scenario, studies to new formulations, more comprehensive and without adverse effects, are being conducted. One viable and promising treatment is the study of medicinal plants as a new approach to the experimental treatment for Schistosomiasis. Amongst all the variety of the medicinal species studied, we can highlight Baccharis trimera (Less) DC, known as "Carqueja-amarga". This paper not only describes the effect of crude dichloromethane extract (DE) and aqueous fraction (AF) obtained from B. trimera, in vitro but also is the first one that investigates the in vivo efficacy of B. trimera against schistosomula, juvenile and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni BH strain. In the experiment, mice were treated with DE, AF and PZQ (40 and 200mg/kg) over the period of larval development (3 and 30 post-infection; pi), and adult worms (60days post-infection; pi). The in vitro results show that the DE and AF effects are dose-dependents, being the 130μg/mL the most effective one in a shorter period of incubation. The exposure of the in vitro samples over adult parasites were able to inhibit 100% of the oviposition in females. Likewise caused the mortality of the parasites with morphological alterations on the tegument, on the suckers, oral and acetabulum, in both males and females after 6-72h of exposure. Additionally, the in vivo treatments against juvenile and adult infection were more effective compared to the control group untreated. Administrations of AF and DE in day 30pi (juvenile worms) show female worm total burden reductions of 75% and 68% respectively. At the same period of infection reductions of respectively 98% and 97% egg/g in the faeces were seen. In relation to the different egg developmental stages (oogram), the results showed significant reductions, due to the reduction in the number of worms, especially the females. In conclusion, B. trimera exhibits major schistosomicidal effects in vivo against immature and adult worms of S. mansoni, opening up perspectives for future researches on substance or compound isolation and the elucidation of its mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera Lúcia Garcia Rehder
- Centro Pluridisciplinar de Pesquisas Químicas, Biológicas e Agrícolas, CPQBA, Unicamp, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Arício Xavier Linhares
- Instituto de Biologia, Depto. de Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Unicamp, SP, Brazil
| | - Silmara Marques Allegretti
- Instituto de Biologia, Depto. de Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Unicamp, SP, Brazil.
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178
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Anthelmintic activity of crude extract and essential oil of Tanacetum vulgare (Asteraceae) against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:460342. [PMID: 24672320 PMCID: PMC3929489 DOI: 10.1155/2014/460342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, affects more than 200 million people worldwide, and its control is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel. Tanacetum vulgare (Asteraceae) is used in folk medicine as a vermifuge. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the crude extract (TV) and the essential oil (TV-EO) from the aerial parts of T. vulgare. TV-EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS, which allowed the identification of β-thujone (84.13%) as the major constituent. TV and TV-EO, at 200 μg/mL, decreased motor activity and caused 100% mortality of all adult worms. At 100 and 50 μg/mL, only TV caused death of all adult worms, while TV-EO was inactive. TV (200 μg/mL) was also able to reduce viability and decrease production of developed eggs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed morphological alterations in the tegument of the S. mansoni surface after incubation with TV (50 and 100 μg/mL). Quantitative analysis on the schistosomes tegument showed that TV caused changes in the numbers of tubercles of S. mansoni male worms in a dose-dependent manner. The findings suggest that T. vulgare is a potential source of schistosomicidal compounds.
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179
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Apoptosis in schistosomes: toward novel targets for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:75-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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180
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Orally active antischistosomal early leads identified from the open access malaria box. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2610. [PMID: 24416463 PMCID: PMC3886923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Worldwide hundreds of millions of schistosomiasis patients rely on treatment with a single drug, praziquantel. Therapeutic limitations and the threat of praziquantel resistance underline the need to discover and develop next generation drugs. Methodology We studied the antischistosomal properties of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) malaria box containing 200 diverse drug-like and 200 probe-like compounds with confirmed in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Compounds were tested against schistosomula and adult Schistosoma mansoni in vitro. Based on in vitro performance, available pharmacokinetic profiles and toxicity data, selected compounds were investigated in vivo. Principal Findings Promising antischistosomal activity (IC50: 1.4–9.5 µM) was observed for 34 compounds against schistosomula. Three compounds presented IC50 values between 0.8 and 1.3 µM against adult S. mansoni. Two promising early leads were identified, namely a N,N′-diarylurea and a 2,3-dianilinoquinoxaline. Treatment of S. mansoni infected mice with a single oral 400 mg/kg dose of these drugs resulted in significant worm burden reductions of 52.5% and 40.8%, respectively. Conclusions/Significance The two candidates identified by investigating the MMV malaria box are characterized by good pharmacokinetic profiles, low cytotoxic potential and easy chemistry and therefore offer an excellent starting point for antischistosomal drug discovery and development. To date, praziquantel is the only available drug for the treatment of the tropical neglected disease schistosomiasis and is widely used in morbidity control programs. To discover new chemical scaffolds for the treatment of schistosomiasis, we investigated the Medicines for Malaria Venture malaria box containing 200 diverse drug-like and 200 probe-like compounds with known antimalarial activity against Schistosoma mansoni. Compounds were first investigated on the larval stage of S. mansoni, followed by testing against adult worms in vitro and by in vivo studies of lead candidates. We identified two entirely new chemical scaffolds: the N,N′-diarylurea and 2,3-dianilinoquinoxaline derivatives with antischistosomal in vitro activity in the sub micromolar range and significant activity in the mouse model. Since both compounds offer a good pharmacokinetic profile, low cytotoxic potential and easy chemistry, structure-activity relationship studies should be launched.
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181
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Phytol, a diterpene alcohol from chlorophyll, as a drug against neglected tropical disease Schistosomiasis mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2617. [PMID: 24392173 PMCID: PMC3879229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a major endemic disease that affects hundreds of millions worldwide. Since the treatment and control of this parasitic disease rely on a single drug, praziquantel, it is imperative that new effective drugs are developed. Here, we report that phytol, a diterpene alcohol from chlorophyll widely used as a food additive and in medicinal fields, possesses promising antischistosomal properties in vitro and in a mouse model of schistosomiasis mansoni. METHODS AND FINDINGS In vitro, phytol reduced the motor activity of worms, caused their death and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed extensive tegumental alterations in a concentration-dependent manner (50 to 100 µg/mL). Additionally, phytol at sublethal doses (25 µg/mL) reduced the number of Schistosoma mansoni eggs. In vivo, a single dose of phytol (40 mg/kg) administered orally to mice infected with adult S. mansoni resulted in total and female worm burden reductions of 51.2% and 70.3%, respectively. Moreover, phytol reduced the number of eggs in faeces (76.6%) and the frequency of immature eggs (oogram pattern) was significantly reduced. The oogram also showed increases in the proportion of dead eggs. Confocal microcopy studies revealed tegumental damage in adult S. mansoni recovered from mice, especially in female worms. CONCLUSIONS The significant reduction in parasite burden by this chlorophyll molecule validates phytol as a promising drug and offers the potential of a new direction for chemotherapy of human schistosomiasis. Phytol is a common food additive and nonmutagenic, with satisfactory safety. Thus, phytol has potential as a safe and cost-effective addition to antischistosomal therapy.
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182
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Fouad M, Fakahany A, Younis M, El Hamshary A, Hassan M, Ali H. Effect of mefloquine on worm burden and tegumental changes in experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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183
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Intestinal Lymphatic Delivery of Praziquantel by Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Formulation Design,In VitroandIn VivoStudies. JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/351693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to design and develop Praziquantal (PZQ) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (PZQ-SLN) to improve the oral bioavailability by targeting intestinal lymphatic system. PZQ is practically insoluble in water and exhibits extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism. PZQ SLN were composed of triglycerides, lecithin and various aqueous surfactants; were optimized using hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication method. The optimized SLN had particle size of123±3.41 nm, EE of86.6±5.72%. The drug release of PZQ-SLN showed initial burst release followed by the sustained release. Inspite of zeta potential being around −10 mV, the optimized SLN were stable at storage conditions (5±3°C and25±2°C/60±5% RH) for six months. TEM study confirmed the almost spherical shape similar to the control formulations. Solid state characterization using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis confirmed the homogeneous distribution of PZQ within the lipid matrix. The 5.81-fold increase inAUC0→∞, after intraduodenal administration of PZQ-SLN in rats treated with saline in comparison to rats treated with cycloheximide (a blocker of intestinal lymphatic pathway), confirmed its intestinal lymphatic delivery. The experimental results indicate that SLN may offer a promising strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy and reducing the dose.
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184
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Coeli R, Baba EH, Araujo N, Coelho PMZ, Oliveira G. Praziquantel treatment decreases Schistosoma mansoni genetic diversity in experimental infections. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2596. [PMID: 24367712 PMCID: PMC3868512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis has a considerable impact on public health in many tropical and subtropical areas. In the new world, schistosomiasis is caused by the digenetic trematode Schistosoma mansoni. Chemotherapy is the main measure for controlling schistosomiasis, and the current drug of choice for treatment is praziquantel (PZQ). Although PZQ is efficient and safe, its repetitive large-scale use in endemic areas may lead to the selection of resistant strains. Isolates less susceptible to PZQ have been found in the field and selected for in the laboratory. The impact of selecting strains with a decreased susceptibility phenotype on disease dynamics and parasite population genetics is not fully understood. This study addresses the impact of PZQ pressure on the genetics of a laboratory population by analyzing frequency variations of polymorphic genetic markers. METHODOLOGY Infected mice were treated with increasing PZQ doses until the highest dose of 3 × 300 mg/Kg was reached. The effect of PZQ treatment on the parasite population was assessed using five polymorphic microsatellite markers. Parasitological and genetic data were compared with those of the untreated control. After six parasite generations submitted to treatment, it was possible to obtain a S. mansoni population with decreased susceptibility to PZQ. In our experiments we also observed that female worms were more susceptible to PZQ than male worms. CONCLUSIONS The selective pressure exerted by PZQ led to decreased genetic variability in S. mansoni and increased endogamy. The understanding of how S. mansoni populations respond to successive drug pressure has important implications on the appearance and maintenance of a PZQ resistance phenotype in endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Coeli
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elio H. Baba
- Laboratory of Schistosomiasis, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Neusa Araujo
- Laboratory of Schistosomiasis, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo M. Z. Coelho
- Laboratory of Schistosomiasis, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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185
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Ye Q, Dong HF, Grevelding CG, Hu M. In vitro cultivation of Schistosoma japonicum-parasites and cells. Biotechnol Adv 2013; 31:1722-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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186
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Bruyère F, Desoubeaux G, Malavaud S, Fourcade C, Chandenier J, Lachaud L, Guy L, Karsenty G, Bastide C, Lavigne JP, Sotto A. [Non-antibiotic anti-infectious treatments in urology]. Prog Urol 2013; 23:1342-56. [PMID: 24183092 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2013.09.003] [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: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define the terms of use of pesticides, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic treatments in urology. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE for all these treatments used in urology. The molecules were classified by family. Modes of action, indications in urology and adverse effects have been detailed. Authorisation files were consulted and then complemented by a literature analysis. RESULTS Although parasitic or viral diseases are uncommon in urology, their specific treatment deserves a thorough knowledge of pesticide and antiviral molecules. Antifungal treatments are regularly used in urology with special features to know to improve the efficacy/safety ratio. Antiseptics are used daily in urology and a better understanding of these molecules allows better use. CONCLUSION Beyond antibiotics, antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal deserve a thorough knowledge. Antiseptic although used daily have features little known.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bruyère
- Service d'urologie, CHRU Bretonneau, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours cedex, France; Université François-Rabelais de Tours, PRES Centre Val-de-Loire université, 37000 Tours, France.
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Praziquantel treatment of school children from single and mixed infection foci of intestinal and urogenital schistosomiasis along the Senegal River Basin: monitoring treatment success and re-infection patterns. Acta Trop 2013; 128:292-302. [PMID: 23022016 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Following major water development schemes in the 1980s, schistosomiasis has become a serious parasitic disease of children living in the Senegal River Basin. Both urogenital (Schistosoma haematobium) and intestinal (Schistosoma mansoni) schistosomiasis can be highly prevalent in school-aged children, with many individuals infected with both parasites. In order to investigate the transmission and re-infection dynamics of both parasite species, single and mixed infection foci at three villages (Nder and Temeye; S. mansoni and S. haematobium foci and Guia; S. haematobium focus) were studied. In each focus infected children were identified and selected for a 12-month study involving two treatments with praziquantel (40mg/kg) three weeks apart at the beginning of the study and again 6 months into the study. Urine and stool samples were examined for schistosome eggs before and at 6 weeks and 6 months after chemotherapy. Prevalence and intensity of infection were recorded for each child at each time point. Before treatment, in all three villages, the prevalence and intensity of infection was extremely high for both S. mansoni (79-100%) and S. haematobium (81-97%). With the first round of chemotherapy sufficient cure rates (CRs) of both species were achieved in all villages (38-96%) with high egg reduction rates (ERRs) (97-99%). The data show that high and rapid re-infection rates occur, especially for S. mansoni, within a six-month period following treatment. Re-infection must be highly linked to ecological and seasonal factors. The persistence of S. mansoni in Nder could raise concern as levels of infection intensity remain high (geometric mean intensity at baseline 653epg changed to 705epg at 12 months) after four rounds of chemotherapy. This phenomenon could be explained by extremely rapid re-infection dynamics or a sub-optimal efficacy of praziquantel against S. mansoni in this village. High intensities in mixed infections may influence disease epidemiology and control warranting further studies. The disease situation in the SRB must be monitored closely and new treatment regimes should be designed and implemented to control schistosomiasis in the school-age population.
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188
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Frezza TF, Gremião MPD, Zanotti-Magalhães EM, Magalhães LA, de Souza ALR, Allegretti SM. Liposomal-praziquantel: efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni in a preclinical assay. Acta Trop 2013; 128:70-5. [PMID: 23811113 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Currently, schistosomiasis mansoni is treated clinically with praziquantel (PZQ). Nevertheless, cases of tolerance and resistance to this drug have been reported, creating the need to develop new drugs or to improve existing drugs. Considering the small number of new drugs against Schistosoma mansoni, the design of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems is an important strategy in combating this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of PZQ containing liposome (lip.PZQ) on S. mansoni, BH strain. Mice were treated orally with different concentrations of PZQ and lip.PZQ 30 and 45 days following infection. The number of worms, recovered by perfusion of the hepatic portal system, and the number of eggs found in the intestine and liver were analysed. Parasite egg counts were also performed. The most active formulation for all parameters was 300mg/kg of lip.PZQ, since as it decreased the total number of worms by 68.8%, the number of eggs in the intestine by 79%, and the number of hepatic granulomas by 98.4% compared to untreated controls. In addition, this concentration decreased egg counts by 55.5%. The improved efficacy of the treatment with lip.PZQ, especially when administered 45 days following infection, compared with the positive-control group (untreated) and the groups that received free PZQ, can be explained by greater bioavailability in the host organism; the preferred target of lip.PZQ is the liver, and lip.PZQ is better absorbed by the tegument of S. mansoni, which has an affinity for phospholipids.
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189
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Anthelminthic activity of the cyclotides (kalata B1 and B2) against schistosome parasites. Biopolymers 2013; 100:461-70. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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190
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Fernandes FDS, Rezende Júnior CO, Fernandes TS, da Silveira LS, Rezende CAM, De Almeida MV, de Paula RG, Rodrigues V, Da Silva Filho AA, Couri MRC. Anthelmintic effects of alkylated diamines and amino alcohols against Schistosoma mansoni. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:783490. [PMID: 24024211 PMCID: PMC3762175 DOI: 10.1155/2013/783490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines are substances involved in many aspects of cell growth, division, and differentiation. Because of the metabolic differences between host cells and parasite cells, polyamine metabolism has been considered as a potential target for the chemotherapy of parasitic diseases. The aim of this work was to evaluate the schistosomicidal activity of different N-alkylated diamines (3a-3h), amino alcohols (4a-4d), and glycosylated amino alcohols (10a-10d). Compounds were prepared by synthetic methods and submitted to in vitro evaluation against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. At 100 μM, 3b, 3e, and 3h as well as 4a, 4b, 4d, 10a, 10b, and 10d resulted in 100% mortality of adult schistosomes. Compound 3d (12.5 to 100 μM) caused the death of 100% of both male and female adult schistosomes, while 3f (12.5 to 100 μM) resulted in 100% mortality of only male adult worms, whereas no mortality in female worms was observed. Compounds 3d and 3f were also able to reduce viability and decrease production of developed eggs in comparison with the negative control group. Diamines 3d and 3f may represent useful lead compounds for further optimization in order to develop new schistosomicidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio de Souza Fernandes
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Celso O. Rezende Júnior
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Tayrine Silva Fernandes
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Lígia Souza da Silveira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos A. M. Rezende
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauro V. De Almeida
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Renato G. de Paula
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ademar A. Da Silva Filho
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-900 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Mara R. C. Couri
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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191
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Use of cell-free circulating schistosome DNA in serum, urine, semen, and saliva to monitor a case of refractory imported schistosomiasis hematobia. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:3435-8. [PMID: 23884992 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01219-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This case of imported refractory schistosomiasis has highlighted the usefulness of cell-free parasite DNA as a diagnostic marker to assess active schistosome infection. In contrast to the rapid disappearance of ova in urine, parasite DNA remained persistent in several other specimen types even after the fourth treatment with praziquantel. This result was consistent with the presence of morphologically intact ova in bladder biopsy samples and with the corresponding symptoms.
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192
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Thétiot-Laurent SAL, Boissier J, Robert A, Meunier B. Chemotherapie gegen Schistosomiasis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201208390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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193
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Thétiot-Laurent SAL, Boissier J, Robert A, Meunier B. Schistosomiasis chemotherapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013; 52:7936-56. [PMID: 23813602 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201208390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
After malaria, schistosomiasis (or bilharzia) is the second most prevalent disease in Africa, and is occurring in over 70 countries in tropical and subtropical regions. It is estimated that 600 million people are at risk of infection, 200 million people are infected, and at least 200,000 deaths per year are associated with the disease. All schistosome species are transmitted through contact with fresh water that is infested with free-swimming forms of the parasite, which is known as cercariae and produced by snails. When located in the blood vessels of the host, larval and adult schistosomes digest red cells to acquire amino acids for growth and development. Vaccine candidates have been unsuccessful up to now. Against such devastating parasitic disease, the antischistosomal arsenal is currently limited to a single drug, praziquantel, which has been used for more than 35 years. Because the question of the reduction of the activity of praziquantel was raised recently, it is thus urgent to create new and safe antischistosomal drugs that should be combined with praziquantel to develop efficient bitherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A-L Thétiot-Laurent
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, 205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099, 31077 Toulouse cedex 4, France
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194
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In vitro and in vivo effects of hesperidin treatment on adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. J Helminthol 2013; 88:362-70. [PMID: 23656891 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x13000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hesperidin has been reported to exert a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic activities. Herein, the schistosomicidal activity of this compound was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Using an in vitro assay, a concentration of 200 μg/ml of hesperidin resulted in the mortality of 100% adult worms of Schistosoma (S.) mansoni within 72 h and a partial tegumental alteration in 10% of worms. However, after 144 h incubation, 50 and 100 μg/ml concentrations showed 0% and 10% mortality in adult worms, respectively, without any changes to the tegument. Sublethal doses did not influence egg output nor the development of eggs deposited by pairs of adult worms. In an in vivo study, mice infected with S. mansoni and treated with 600 mg hesperidin/kg body weight showed a respective reduction of 50, 45.2, 50 and 47.5% of males, females, worm pairs and total worm burden. In addition, a respective reduction, based on the number of eggs/g tissue, of 41.5, 63.7 and 58.6% was observed in the liver, intestine and liver/intestinal tissue combined. Furthermore, S. mansoni-specific IgG level significantly increased with hesperidin treatment, whereas IgA and IgE levels were not significantly changed. IgM levels decreased in response to cercarial antigen preparation but were not altered in response to soluble worm or soluble egg antigen. As in hesperidin-treated mice, praziquantel-treated mice showed a similar pattern of specific antibody response to S. mansoni antigens. The present study represents the first report on the effects of the schistosomicidal activity of hesperidin.
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195
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Gonçalves JP, Oliveira-Menezes A, Maldonado Junior A, Carvalho TM, de Souza W. Evaluation of Praziquantel effects on Echinostoma paraensei ultrastructure. Vet Parasitol 2013; 194:16-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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196
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Abstract
Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms that cause schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects hundreds of millions worldwide. Treatment and control of schistosomiasis relies almost entirely on the single drug praziquantel (PZQ), making the prospect of emerging drug resistance particularly worrisome. This review will survey reports of PZQ (and other drug) resistance in schistosomes and other platyhelminths, and explore mechanisms by which drug resistance might develop. Newer genomic and post-genomic strategies that offer the promise of better understanding of how drug resistance might arise in these organisms will be discussed. These approaches could also lead to insights into the mode of action of these drugs and potentially provide markers for monitoring the emergence of resistance.
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197
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Transcriptional responses of in vivo praziquantel exposure in schistosomes identifies a functional role for calcium signalling pathway member CamKII. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003254. [PMID: 23555262 PMCID: PMC3610926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment for clinical schistosomiasis has relied centrally on the broad spectrum anthelmintic praziquantel; however, there is limited information on its mode of action or the molecular response of the parasite. This paper presents a transcriptional and functional approach to defining the molecular responses of schistosomes to praziquantel. Differential gene expression in Schistosoma japonicum was investigated by transcriptome-wide microarray analysis of adult worms perfused from infected mice after 0.5 to 24 hours after oral administration of sub-lethal doses of praziquantel. Genes up-regulated initially in male parasites were associated with "Tegument/Muscle Repair" and "Lipid/Ion Regulation" functions and were followed by "Drug Resistance" and "Ion Regulation" associated genes. Prominent responses induced in female worms included up-regulation of "Ca(2+) Regulation" and "Drug Resistance" genes and later by transcripts of "Detoxification" and "Pathogen Defense" mechanisms. A subset of highly over-expressed genes, with putative drug resistance/detoxification roles or Ca(2+)-dependant/modulatory functions, were validated by qPCR. The leading candidate among these was CamKII, a putative calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II delta chain. RNA interference was employed to knockdown CamKII in S. japonicum to determine the role of CamKII in the response to praziquantel. After partial-knockdown, schistosomes were analysed using IC50 concentrations (50% worm motility) and quantitative monitoring of parasite movement. When CamKII transcription was reduced by 50-69% in S. japonicum, the subsequent effect of an IC50 dosage of praziquantel was exacerbated, reducing motility from 47% to 27% in female worms and from 61% to 23% in males. These observations indicated that CamKII mitigates the effects of praziquantel, probably through stabilising Ca(2+) fluxes within parasite muscles and tegument. Together, these studies comprehensively charted transcriptional changes upon exposure to praziquantel and, notably, identified CamKII as potentially central to the, as yet undefined, mode of action of praziquantel.
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198
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Greenberg RM. ABC multidrug transporters in schistosomes and other parasitic flatworms. Parasitol Int 2013; 62:647-53. [PMID: 23474413 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting hundreds of millions, is caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Treatment and control of schistosomiasis relies almost exclusively on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ), a dangerous situation for a disease of this magnitude. Though PZQ is highly effective overall, it has drawbacks, and reports of worms showing PZQ resistance, either induced in the laboratory or isolated from the field, are disconcerting. Multidrug transporters underlie multidrug resistance (MDR), a phenomenon in which resistance to a single drug is accompanied by unexpected cross-resistance to several structurally unrelated compounds. Some of the best studied multidrug transporters are members of the ancient and very large ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of efflux transporters. ABC multidrug transporters such as P-glycoprotein (Pgp; ABCB1) are also associated with drug resistance in parasites, including helminths such as schistosomes. In addition to their association with drug resistance, however, ABC transporters also function in a wide variety of physiological processes in metazoans. In this review, we examine recent studies that help define the role of schistosome ABC transporters in regulating drug susceptibility, and in normal schistosome physiology, including reproduction and excretory activity. We postulate that schistosome ABC transporters could be useful targets for compounds that enhance the effectiveness of current therapeutics as well as for agents that act as antischistosomals on their own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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199
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Eweas AF, Allam G, Abuelsaad AS, ALGhamdi AH, Maghrabi IA. Design, synthesis, anti-schistosomal activity and molecular docking of novel 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sufonyl 1,4-diazepine derivatives. Bioorg Chem 2013; 46:17-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 10/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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200
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Xie Y, Li Y, Wu Y, Liu C, Li X, Li X, Fan X. Synthesis of fluorescent derivatives of praziquantel: cell-imaging and interaction with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae. Org Biomol Chem 2013; 11:5989-93. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ob41348a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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