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Wang XY, Li Q, Li YL, Guo SY, Li SZ, Zhou XN, Guo JG, Bergquist R, Juma S, Zhang JF, Yang K, Xu J. Prevalence and correlations of schistosomiasis mansoni and schistosomiasis haematobium among humans and intermediate snail hosts: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:63. [PMID: 39218903 PMCID: PMC11367875 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The control of schistosomiasis is particularly difficult in sub-Saharan Africa, which currently harbours 95% of this disease. The target population for preventive chemotherapy (PC) is expanded to all age group at risk of infection, thus increasing the demands of praziquantel (PZQ) tablets according to the new released guideline by World Health Organization. Due to the gap between available PZQ for PC and requirements, alternative approaches to assess endemicity of schistosomiasis in a community, are urgently needed for more quick and precise methods. We aimed to find out to which degree the infection status of snails can be used to guide chemotherapy against schistosomiasis. METHODS We searched literature published from January 1991 to December 2022, that reported on the prevalence rates of Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium in the intermediate snails Biomphalaria spp. and Bulinus spp., respectively, and in humans. A random effect model for meta-analyses was used to calculate the pooled prevalence estimate (PPE), with heterogeneity assessed using I-squared statistic (I2), with correlation and regression analysis for the exploration of the relationship between human S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections and that in their specific intermediate hosts. RESULTS Forty-seven publications comprising 59 field investigations were included. The pooled PPE of schistosomiasis, schistosomiasis mansoni and schistosomiasis haematobium in humans were 27.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 24.0-31.1%], 25.6% (95% CI: 19.9-31.3%), and 28.8% (95% CI: 23.4-34.3%), respectively. The snails showed an overall infection rate of 8.6% (95% CI: 7.7-9.4%), with 12.1% (95% CI: 9.9-14.2%) in the Biomphalaria spp. snails and 6.9% (95% CI: 5.7-8.1%) in the Bulinus spp. snails. The correlation coefficient was 0.3 (95% CI: 0.01-0.5%, P < 0.05) indicating that the two variables, i.e. all intermediate host snails on the one hand and the human host on the other, were positively correlated. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence rate of S. mansoni and S. haematobium is still high in endemic areas. Given the significant, positive correlation between the prevalence of schistosomes in humans and the intermediate snail hosts, more attention should be paid to programme integration of snail surveillance in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yao Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, No. 207 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory on Technology for Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on the Molecular Biology of Parasites, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qin Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, No. 207 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yin-Long Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, No. 207 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Su-Ying Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, No. 207 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, No. 207 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, No. 207 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jia-Gang Guo
- WHO Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert Bergquist
- Geospatial Health, Ingerod, formerly UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), Brastad, Sweden
| | - Saleh Juma
- Ministry of Health of Zanzibar, P.O. Box 236, Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Jian-Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory on Technology for Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on the Molecular Biology of Parasites, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory on Technology for Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on the Molecular Biology of Parasites, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, No. 207 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Giroud M, Kuhn B, Haap W. Drug Discovery Efforts to Identify Novel Treatments for Neglected Tropical Diseases - Cysteine Protease Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2170-2194. [PMID: 37916489 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673249097231017051733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases are a severe burden for mankind, affecting an increasing number of people around the globe. Many of those diseases are caused by protozoan parasites in which cysteine proteases play a key role in the parasite's pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE In this review article, we summarize the drug discovery efforts of the research community from 2017 - 2022 with a special focus on the optimization of small molecule cysteine protease inhibitors in terms of selectivity profiles or drug-like properties as well as in vivo studies. The cysteine proteases evaluated by this methodology include Cathepsin B1 from Schistosoma mansoni, papain, cruzain, falcipain, and rhodesain. METHODS Exhaustive literature searches were performed using the keywords "Cysteine Proteases" and "Neglected Tropical Diseases" including the years 2017 - 2022. Overall, approximately 3'000 scientific papers were retrieved, which were filtered using specific keywords enabling the focus on drug discovery efforts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Potent and selective cysteine protease inhibitors to treat neglected tropical diseases were identified, which progressed to pharmacokinetic and in vivo efficacy studies. As far as the authors are aware of, none of those inhibitors reached the stage of active clinical development. Either the inhibitor's potency or pharmacokinetic properties or safety profile or a combination thereof prevented further development of the compounds. More efforts with particular emphasis on optimizing pharmacokinetic and safety properties are needed, potentially by collaborations of academic and industrial research groups with complementary expertise. Furthermore, new warheads reacting with the catalytic cysteine should be exploited to advance the research field in order to make a meaningful impact on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Giroud
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Haap
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
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3
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Dos Santos VHB, de Azevedo Ximenes ECP, de Souza RAF, da Silva RPC, da Conceição Silva M, de Andrade LVM, de Souza Oliveira VM, de Melo-Júnior MR, Costa VMA, de Barros Lorena VM, de Araújo HDA, de Lima Aires A, de Azevedo Albuquerque MCP. Effects of the probiotic Bacillus cereus GM on experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:72. [PMID: 38148420 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08090-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Probiotics contribute to the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and preventing dysbiosis caused by opportunistic pathogens, such as intestinal helminths. Bacillus cereus GM obtained from Biovicerin® was cultured to obtain spores for in vivo evaluation on experimental schistosomiasis. The assay was performed for 90 days, where all animals were infected with 50 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni on the 15th day. Three experimental groups were formed, as follows: G1-saline solution from the 1st until the 90th day; G2-B. cereus GM (105 spores in 300 μL of sterile saline) from the 1st until the 90th day; and G3-B. cereus GM 35th day (onset of oviposition) until the 90th day. G2 showed a significant reduction of 43.4% of total worms, 48.8% of female worms and 42.5% of eggs in the liver tissue. In G3, the reduction was 25.2%, 29.1%, and 44% of the total number of worms, female worms, and eggs in the liver tissue, respectively. G2 and G3 showed a 25% (p < 0.001) and 22% (p < 0.001) reduction in AST levels, respectively, but ALT levels did not change. ALP levels were reduced by 23% (p < 0.001) in the G2 group, but not in the G3. The average volume of granulomas reduced (p < 0.0001) 65.2% and 46.3% in the liver tissue and 83.0% and 53.2% in the intestine, respectively, in groups G2 and G3. Th1 profile cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) and IL-17 were significantly increased (p < 0.001) stimulated with B. cereus GM in groups G2 and G3. IL-4 showed significant values when the stimulus was mediated by ConA. By modulating the immune response, B. cereus GM reduced the burden of worms, improved some markers of liver function, and reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reaction in mice infected with S. mansoni, especially when administered before infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Barbosa Dos Santos
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Eulália Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo Ximenes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Renan Andrade Fernandes de Souza
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Valdenia Maria de Souza Oliveira
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Vlaudia Maria Assis Costa
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Hallysson Douglas Andrade de Araújo
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Fármacos e Laboratório de Tecnologia de Biomateriais - Centro Acadêmico de Vitória de Santo Antão, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - André de Lima Aires
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Médicas, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo Albuquerque
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Centro de Ciências Médicas, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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El-Shorbagy AA, Shafaa MW, Salah Elbeltagy R, El-Hennamy RE, Nady S. Liposomal IL-22 ameliorates liver fibrosis through miR-let7a/STAT3 signaling in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:111015. [PMID: 37827055 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 versus non-liposomal IL-22 on liver fibrosis was investigated. IL-22 (5 µg/ml) was incorporated into negative charged liposomes. Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were treated with liposomal IL-22 for either 7 or 14 days before decapitation. Liver and spleen were removed and splenocytes were isolated for in vitro investigations. TNF-α, IL-17, IL-22 and IgE levels were assessed. Hepatic granulomas were counted, granuloma index and its developmental stages were calculated. Hepatic expressions of STAT3, β-catenin and let-7a miRNA were evaluated. Liposomal IL-22 size was clustered around 425.9 ± 58.0 nm with negative zeta potential (-18.8 ± 1.3 mV). After 14 days, 65.5% of IL-22 was released from liposomal IL-22 as was gradually observed in vitro. Liposomal IL-22 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased IL-17 level (-33.1%) of healthy splenocytes compared to non-liposomal IL-22. In vivo therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in hepatic granuloma index (-22.1%) and levels of TNF-α (-49.2%) and IL-17 (-57.3%), but a marked increase in IL-22 (64.2%) and IgE (196.1%) levels comparing to non-liposomal IL-22. Three developmental stages of hepatic granuloma (NE, EP, and P) were observed in liposomal and non-liposomal IL-22 groups (79.6 ± 1.7 and 81.8 ± 8.7, respectively, P < 0.05), with higher relative frequency of EP stage. Additionally, liposomal IL-22 treatment increased hepatic expression of STAT3 (21.7 fold change) and let-7a (3.6 fold change) and reduced β-catenin expression (0.6 fold change) compared to healthy mice. Conclusively, liposomal IL-22 seems more effective in the treatment of liver fibrosis resulting from S. mansoni infection than non-liposomal IL-22.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Medhat W Shafaa
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha Salah Elbeltagy
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehab E El-Hennamy
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soad Nady
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Azevedo CM, Meira CS, da Silva JW, Moura DMN, de Oliveira SA, da Costa CJ, Santos EDS, Soares MBP. Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Schistosomiasis. Molecules 2023; 28:6807. [PMID: 37836650 PMCID: PMC10574020 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that 250 million people worldwide are affected by schistosomiasis. Disease transmission is related to the poor sanitation and hygiene habits that affect residents of impoverished regions in tropical and subtropical countries. The main species responsible for causing disease in humans are Schistosoma Mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium, each with different geographic distributions. Praziquantel is the drug predominantly used to treat this disease, which offers low effectiveness against immature and juvenile parasite forms. In addition, reports of drug resistance prompt the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Natural products represent an important source of new compounds, especially those obtained from plant sources. This review compiles data from several in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating various compounds and essential oils derived from plants with cercaricidal and molluscicidal activities against both juvenile and adult forms of the parasite. Finally, this review provides an important discussion on recent advances in molecular and computational tools deemed fundamental for more rapid and effective screening of new compounds, allowing for the optimization of time and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Machado Azevedo
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil; (C.M.A.); (C.S.M.)
| | - Cássio Santana Meira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil; (C.M.A.); (C.S.M.)
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (J.W.d.S.); (E.d.S.S.)
| | - Jaqueline Wang da Silva
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (J.W.d.S.); (E.d.S.S.)
| | - Danielle Maria Nascimento Moura
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ/PE), Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (D.M.N.M.); (S.A.d.O.); (C.J.d.C.)
| | - Sheilla Andrade de Oliveira
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ/PE), Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (D.M.N.M.); (S.A.d.O.); (C.J.d.C.)
| | - Cícero Jádson da Costa
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ/PE), Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (D.M.N.M.); (S.A.d.O.); (C.J.d.C.)
| | - Emanuelle de Souza Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (J.W.d.S.); (E.d.S.S.)
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil; (C.M.A.); (C.S.M.)
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (J.W.d.S.); (E.d.S.S.)
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Osei-Mensah B, Boakye YD, Anyan WK, Agana TA, Aboagye EA, Bentil I, Lomotey ES, Adu F, Agyare C. In Vitro Cercaricidal Activity, Acute Toxicity, and GC/MS Analysis of Some Selected Ghanaian Medicinal Plants. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:4589424. [PMID: 37745984 PMCID: PMC10516696 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4589424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by the Schistosoma species and is recognised in public health as second to malaria in terms of its socioeconomic impact on humans. Four local plants native to many tribes in Ghana and known for their medicinal properties against some diseases were assessed for their cercaricidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. The plants, namely, Newbouldia laevis stem bark (NLSB), Spathodea campanulata stem bark (SCSB), Momordica charantia leaves (MCL), and Ocimum viride leaves (OVL), were extracted for their active metabolites using methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out on all plant extracts and powdered samples. The crude extracts were tested against S. mansoni cercariae in vitro using Balanites aegyptiaca as the positive control. The percentage of mortalities for each extract was recorded. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was conducted on all the plant extracts. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins in almost all the extracts. GC/MS analysis showed the presence of medicinally important active volatile compounds in each extract such as thymol, n-hexadecanoic acid, phytol, and maltol. All four plants showed relatively different levels of activity against S. mansoni cercariae at different times and concentrations. The LC50 values of the plant extracts were determined at the end of the assay. At 240 min, NLSB, SCSB, MCL, and OVL extracts had LC50 values of 487.564, 429.898, 197.696, and 0.129 μg/mL, respectively. Hence, this study revealed the potency of Ocimum viride leaves, Momordica charantia leaves, Spathodea campanulata stem bark, and Newbouldia laevis stem bark against S. mansoni. These plants could therefore be exploited as possible candidates for curbing schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright Osei-Mensah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Duah Boakye
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - William Kofi Anyan
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Theresa Appiah Agana
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Ivy Bentil
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Elvis Suatey Lomotey
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Francis Adu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Christian Agyare
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Aguado ME, Izquierdo M, González-Matos M, Varela AC, Méndez Y, Del Rivero MA, Rivera DG, González-Bacerio J. Parasite Metalo-aminopeptidases as Targets in Human Infectious Diseases. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:416-461. [PMID: 36825701 DOI: 10.2174/1389450124666230224140724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic human infectious diseases are a worldwide health problem due to the increased resistance to conventional drugs. For this reason, the identification of novel molecular targets and the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents are urgently required. Metalo- aminopeptidases are promising targets in parasitic infections. They participate in crucial processes for parasite growth and pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE In this review, we describe the structural, functional and kinetic properties, and inhibitors, of several parasite metalo-aminopeptidases, for their use as targets in parasitic diseases. CONCLUSION Plasmodium falciparum M1 and M17 aminopeptidases are essential enzymes for parasite development, and M18 aminopeptidase could be involved in hemoglobin digestion and erythrocyte invasion and egression. Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei and Leishmania major acidic M17 aminopeptidases can play a nutritional role. T. brucei basic M17 aminopeptidase down-regulation delays the cytokinesis. The inhibition of Leishmania basic M17 aminopeptidase could affect parasite viability. L. donovani methionyl aminopeptidase inhibition prevents apoptosis but not the parasite death. Decrease in Acanthamoeba castellanii M17 aminopeptidase activity produces cell wall structural modifications and encystation inhibition. Inhibition of Babesia bovis growth is probably related to the inhibition of the parasite M17 aminopeptidase, probably involved in host hemoglobin degradation. Schistosoma mansoni M17 aminopeptidases inhibition may affect parasite development, since they could participate in hemoglobin degradation, surface membrane remodeling and eggs hatching. Toxoplasma gondii M17 aminopeptidase inhibition could attenuate parasite virulence, since it is apparently involved in the hydrolysis of cathepsin Cs- or proteasome-produced dipeptides and/or cell attachment/invasion processes. These data are relevant to validate these enzymes as targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirtha E Aguado
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Maikel Izquierdo
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Maikel González-Matos
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Ana C Varela
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Yanira Méndez
- Center for Natural Products Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata y G, 10400, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Maday A Del Rivero
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Daniel G Rivera
- Center for Natural Products Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata y G, 10400, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Jorge González-Bacerio
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, calle 25 #455 entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
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8
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Rennar GA, Gallinger TL, Mäder P, Lange-Grünweller K, Haeberlein S, Grünweller A, Grevelding CG, Schlitzer M. Disulfiram and dithiocarbamate analogues demonstrate promising antischistosomal effects. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 242:114641. [PMID: 36027862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with more than 200 million new infections per year. It is caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma and can lead to death if left untreated. Currently, only two drugs are available to combat schistosomiasis: praziquantel and, to a limited extent, oxamniquine. However, the intensive use of these two drugs leads to an increased probability of the emergence of resistance. Thus, the search for new active substances and their targeted development are mandatory. In this study the substance class of "dithiocarbamates" and their potential as antischistosomal agents is highlighted. These compounds are derived from the basic structure of the human aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor disulfiram (tetraethylthiuram disulfide, DSF) and its metabolites. Our compounds revealed promising activity (in vitro) against adults of Schistosoma mansoni, such as the reduction of egg production, pairing stability, vitality, and motility. Moreover, tegument damage as well as gut dilatations or even the death of the parasite were observed. We performed detailed structure-activity relationship studies on both sides of the dithiocarbamate core leading to a library of approximately 300 derivatives (116 derivatives shown here). Starting with 100 μm we improved antischistosomal activity down to 25 μm by substitution of the single bonded sulfur atom for example with different benzyl moieties and integration of the two residues on the nitrogen atom into a cyclic structure like piperazine. Its derivatization at the 4-nitrogen with a sulfonyl group or an acyl group led to the most active derivatives of this study which were active at 10 μm. In light of this SAR study, we identified 17 derivatives that significantly reduced motility and induced several other phenotypes at 25 μm, and importantly five of them have antischistosomal activity also at 10 μm. These derivatives were found to be non-cytotoxic in two human cell lines at 100 μm. Therefore, dithiocarbamates seem to be interesting new candidates for further antischistosomal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg A Rennar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tom L Gallinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Mäder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Lange-Grünweller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - Arnold Grünweller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Gießen, Germany.
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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9
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Analysis of rhodopsin G protein-coupled receptor orthologs reveals semiochemical peptides for parasite (Schistosoma mansoni) and host (Biomphalaria glabrata) interplay. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8243. [PMID: 35581232 PMCID: PMC9114394 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11996-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a medically significant disease caused by helminth parasites of the genus Schistosoma. The schistosome life cycle requires chemically mediated interactions with an intermediate (aquatic snail) and definitive (human) host. Blocking parasite development within the snail stage requires improved understanding of the interactions between the snail host and the Schistosoma water-borne free-living form (miracidium). Innovations in snail genomics and aquatic chemical communication provide an ideal opportunity to explore snail-parasite coevolution at the molecular level. Rhodopsin G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are of particular interest in studying how trematode parasites navigate towards their snail hosts. The potential role of GPCRs in parasites makes them candidate targets for new antihelminthics that disrupt the intermediate host life-cycle stages, thus preventing subsequent human infections. A genomic-bioinformatic approach was used to identify GPCR orthologs between the snail Biomphalaria glabrata and miracidia of its obligate parasite Schistosoma mansoni. We show that 8 S. mansoni rhodopsin GPCRs expressed within the miracidial stage share overall amino acid similarity with 8 different B. glabrata rhodopsin GPCRs, particularly within transmembrane domains, suggesting conserved structural features. These GPCRs include an orphan peptide receptor as well as several with strong sequence homologies with rhabdomeric opsin receptors, a serotonin receptor, a sulfakinin (SK) receptor, an allatostatin-A (buccalin) receptor and an FMRFamide receptor. Buccalin and FMRFa peptides were identified in water conditioned by B. glabrata, and we show synthetic buccalin and FMRFa can stimulate significant rates of change of direction and turn-back responses in S. mansoni miracidia. Ortholog GPCRs were identified in S. mansoni miracidia and B. glabrata. These GPCRs may detect similar ligands, including snail-derived odorants that could facilitate miracidial host finding. These results lay the foundation for future research elucidating the mechanisms by which GPCRs mediate host finding which can lead to the potential development of novel anti-schistosome interventions.
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10
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Pathological and immunological evaluation of different regimens of praziquantel treatment in a mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010382. [PMID: 35446855 PMCID: PMC9064093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
One of the considerable challenges of schistosomiasis chemotherapy is the inefficacy of praziquantel (PZQ) at the initial phase of the infection. Immature schistosomes are not susceptible to PZQ at the curative dose. Here, we investigated the efficacy of different PZQ regimens administered during the initial stage of Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice.
Methodology/Principal findings
Two months-old mice were individually infected with 80 S. mansoni cercariae and divided into one infected-untreated control group (IC) and four PZQ-treated groups: PZQ at 100 mg/kg/day for five consecutive days (group PZQ1), PZQ at 100 mg/kg/day for 28 days (group PZQ2), PZQ at 18 mg/kg/day for 28 days (group PZQ3) and a single dose of PZQ at 500 mg/kg (group PZQ4). The treatment started on day one post-infection (p.i), and each group of mice was divided into two subgroups euthanized on day 36 or 56 p.i, respectively. We determined the mortality rate, the parasitological burden, the hepatic and intestinal granulomas, the serum levels of Th-1, Th-2, and Th-17 cytokines, and gene expression. The treatment led to a significant (p < 0.001) reduction of worm burden and egg counts in the intestine and liver in groups PZQ2 and PZQ3. On 56th day p.i, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.001) of the number and volume of the hepatic granulomas in groups PZQ2 and PZQ3 compared to group PZQ1 or PZQ4. Moreover, in group PZQ3, the serum levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-13, and IL-17 and their liver mRNA expressions were significantly reduced while IL-10 and TGF-β gene expression significantly increased. The highest mortality rate (81.25%) was recorded in group PZQ2.
Conclusion/Significance
This study revealed that the administration of PZQ at 18 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days was the optimal effective posology for treating S. mansoni infection at the initial stage in a murine model.
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11
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Oyibo P, Jujjavarapu S, Meulah B, Agbana T, Braakman I, van Diepen A, Bengtson M, van Lieshout L, Oyibo W, Vdovine G, Diehl JC. Schistoscope: An Automated Microscope with Artificial Intelligence for Detection of Schistosoma haematobium Eggs in Resource-Limited Settings. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13050643. [PMID: 35630110 PMCID: PMC9146062 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
For many parasitic diseases, the microscopic examination of clinical samples such as urine and stool still serves as the diagnostic reference standard, primarily because microscopes are accessible and cost-effective. However, conventional microscopy is laborious, requires highly skilled personnel, and is highly subjective. Requirements for skilled operators, coupled with the cost and maintenance needs of the microscopes, which is hardly done in endemic countries, presents grossly limited access to the diagnosis of parasitic diseases in resource-limited settings. The urgent requirement for the management of tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis, which is now focused on elimination, has underscored the critical need for the creation of access to easy-to-use diagnosis for case detection, community mapping, and surveillance. In this paper, we present a low-cost automated digital microscope—the Schistoscope—which is capable of automatic focusing and scanning regions of interest in prepared microscope slides, and automatic detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in captured images. The device was developed using widely accessible distributed manufacturing methods and off-the-shelf components to enable local manufacturability and ease of maintenance. For proof of principle, we created a Schistosoma haematobium egg dataset of over 5000 images captured from spiked and clinical urine samples from field settings and demonstrated the automatic detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs using a trained deep neural network model. The experiments and results presented in this paper collectively illustrate the robustness, stability, and optical performance of the device, making it suitable for use in the monitoring and evaluation of schistosomiasis control programs in endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prosper Oyibo
- Delft Center for Systems and Control, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands; (P.O.); (T.A.); (G.V.)
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Malaria Diagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos 101017, Nigeria;
| | - Satyajith Jujjavarapu
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands; (S.J.); (I.B.)
| | - Brice Meulah
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (B.M.); (A.v.D.); (M.B.); (L.v.L.)
- Centre de Recherches Medicales des Lambaréné, CERMEL, Lambarene BP 242, Gabon
| | - Tope Agbana
- Delft Center for Systems and Control, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands; (P.O.); (T.A.); (G.V.)
| | - Ingeborg Braakman
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands; (S.J.); (I.B.)
| | - Angela van Diepen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (B.M.); (A.v.D.); (M.B.); (L.v.L.)
| | - Michel Bengtson
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (B.M.); (A.v.D.); (M.B.); (L.v.L.)
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (B.M.); (A.v.D.); (M.B.); (L.v.L.)
| | - Wellington Oyibo
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Malaria Diagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos 101017, Nigeria;
| | - Gleb Vdovine
- Delft Center for Systems and Control, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands; (P.O.); (T.A.); (G.V.)
| | - Jan-Carel Diehl
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands; (S.J.); (I.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-614-015-469
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12
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Periferakis A, Caruntu A, Periferakis AT, Scheau AE, Badarau IA, Caruntu C, Scheau C. Availability, Toxicology and Medical Significance of Antimony. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084669. [PMID: 35457536 PMCID: PMC9030621 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Antimony has been known and used since ancient times, but its applications have increased significantly during the last two centuries. Aside from its few medical applications, it also has industrial applications, acting as a flame retardant and a catalyst. Geologically, native antimony is rare, and it is mostly found in sulfide ores. The main ore minerals of antimony are antimonite and jamesonite. The extensive mining and use of antimony have led to its introduction into the biosphere, where it can be hazardous, depending on its bioavailability and absorption. Detailed studies exist both from active and abandoned mining sites, and from urban settings, which document the environmental impact of antimony pollution and its impact on human physiology. Despite its evident and pronounced toxicity, it has also been used in some drugs, initially tartar emetics and subsequently antimonials. The latter are used to treat tropical diseases and their therapeutic potential for leishmaniasis means that they will not be soon phased out, despite the fact the antimonial resistance is beginning to be documented. The mechanisms by which antimony is introduced into human cells and subsequently excreted are still the subject of research; their elucidation will enable us to better understand antimony toxicity and, hopefully, to improve the nature and delivery method of antimonial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyrios Periferakis
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (A.-T.P.); (I.A.B.); (C.C.)
- Akadimia of Ancient Greek and Traditional Chinese Medicine, 16675 Athens, Greece
| | - Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Aristodemos-Theodoros Periferakis
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (A.-T.P.); (I.A.B.); (C.C.)
| | - Andreea-Elena Scheau
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ioana Anca Badarau
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (A.-T.P.); (I.A.B.); (C.C.)
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (A.-T.P.); (I.A.B.); (C.C.)
- Department of Dermatology, Prof. N.C. Paulescu National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (A.-T.P.); (I.A.B.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.S.)
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13
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Cantara A, Luo Y, Dobrovolná M, Bohalova N, Fojta M, Verga D, Guittat L, Cucchiarini A, Savrimoutou S, Häberli C, Guillon J, Keiser J, Brázda V, Mergny JL. G-quadruplexes in helminth parasites. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:2719-2735. [PMID: 35234933 PMCID: PMC8934627 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths infecting humans are highly prevalent infecting ∼2 billion people worldwide, causing inflammatory responses, malnutrition and anemia that are the primary cause of morbidity. In addition, helminth infections of cattle have a significant economic impact on livestock production, milk yield and fertility. The etiological agents of helminth infections are mainly Nematodes (roundworms) and Platyhelminths (flatworms). G-quadruplexes (G4) are unusual nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich sequences that can be recognized by specific G4 ligands. Here we used the G4Hunter Web Tool to identify and compare potential G4 sequences (PQS) in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of various helminths to identify G4 ligand targets. PQS are nonrandomly distributed in these genomes and often located in the proximity of genes. Unexpectedly, a Nematode, Ascaris lumbricoides, was found to be highly enriched in stable PQS. This species can tolerate high-stability G4 structures, which are not counter selected at all, in stark contrast to most other species. We experimentally confirmed G4 formation for sequences found in four different parasitic helminths. Small molecules able to selectively recognize G4 were found to bind to Schistosoma mansoni G4 motifs. Two of these ligands demonstrated potent activity both against larval and adult stages of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cantara
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Yu Luo
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France.,Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Michaela Dobrovolná
- Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Bohalova
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Fojta
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Lionel Guittat
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France.,Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Solène Savrimoutou
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean Guillon
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jean Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
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14
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Schistosoma mansoni α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (SmNAGAL) regulates coordinated parasite movement and egg production. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1009828. [PMID: 35025955 PMCID: PMC8791529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
α-galactosidase (α-GAL) and α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (α-NAGAL) are two glycosyl hydrolases responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating glycan substrates on proteins and lipids. Mutations in the human genes encoding either enzyme lead to neurological and neuromuscular impairments seen in both Fabry- and Schindler/Kanzaki- diseases. Here, we investigate whether the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, also contains functionally important α-GAL and α-NAGAL proteins. As infection, parasite maturation and host interactions are all governed by carefully-regulated glycosylation processes, inhibiting S. mansoni's α-GAL and α-NAGAL activities could lead to the development of novel chemotherapeutics. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of putative α-GAL/α-NAGAL protein types showed Smp_089290 to be the only S. mansoni protein to contain the functional amino acid residues necessary for α-GAL/α-NAGAL substrate cleavage. Both α-GAL and α-NAGAL enzymatic activities were higher in females compared to males (p<0.05; α-NAGAL > α-GAL), which was consistent with smp_089290's female biased expression. Spatial localisation of smp_089290 revealed accumulation in parenchymal cells, neuronal cells, and the vitellaria and mature vitellocytes of the adult schistosome. siRNA-mediated knockdown (>90%) of smp_089290 in adult worms significantly inhibited α-NAGAL activity when compared to control worms (siLuc treated males, p<0.01; siLuc treated females, p<0.05). No significant reductions in α-GAL activities were observed in the same extracts. Despite this, decreases in α-NAGAL activities correlated with a significant inhibition in adult worm motility as well as in egg production. Programmed CRISPR/Cas9 editing of smp_089290 in adult worms confirmed the egg reduction phenotype. Based on these results, Smp_089290 was determined to act predominantly as an α-NAGAL (hereafter termed SmNAGAL) in schistosome parasites where it participates in coordinating movement and oviposition processes. Further characterisation of SmNAGAL and other functionally important glycosyl hydrolases may lead to the development of a novel anthelmintic class of compounds.
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15
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Minh Le T, Szakonyi Z. Enantiomeric Isopulegol as the Chiral Pool in the Total Synthesis of Bioactive Agents. CHEM REC 2021; 22:e202100194. [PMID: 34553822 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202100194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Isopulegol, a pool of abundant chiral terpene, has long served as the starting material for the total synthesis of isopulegol-based drugs. As an inexpensive and versatile starting material, this compound continues to serve modern synthetic chemistry. This review highlights the total syntheses of terpenoids in the period from 1980 to 2020 in which with isopulegol applied as a building block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam Minh Le
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Interdisciplinary Excellent Center, Eötvös utca 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary.,Stereochemistry Research Group of the Hungarian Academy Science, Eötvös utca 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szakonyi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Interdisciplinary Excellent Center, Eötvös utca 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary.,Interdisciplinary Centre of Natural Products, University of Szeged, Eötvös utca 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
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16
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Peter Ventura AM, Haeberlein S, Konopka L, Obermann W, Grünweller A, Grevelding CG, Schlitzer M. Synthesis and antischistosomal activity of linker- and thiophene-modified biaryl alkyl carboxylic acid derivatives. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2021; 354:e2100259. [PMID: 34523746 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma and causes severe morbidity in infected patients. In 2018, 290.8 million people required treatment, and 200,000 deaths are reported per year. Treatment of this disease depends on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). However, in the past few years, reduced sensitivity of the parasites toward PZQ has been reported. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new drugs against this disease. In the past few years, we have focused on a new substance class called biaryl alkyl carboxylic acid derivatives, which showed promising antischistosomal activity in vitro. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of the carboxylic acid moiety led to three promising carboxylic amides (morpholine, thiomorpholine, and methyl sulfonyl piperazine) with an antischistosomal activity down to 10 µM (morpholine derivative) and no cytotoxicity up to 100 µM. Here, we show our continued work on this substance class. We investigated, in extended SAR studies, whether modification of the linker and the thiophene ring could improve the antischistosomal activity. We found that the exchange of the alkyl linker by a pentadienyl or benzyl linker was tolerated and led to similar antischistosomal effects, whereas the exchange of the thiophene ring was not tolerated. Our data suggest that the thiophene ring is important for the antischistosomal activity of this compound class.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Leonie Konopka
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Obermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Arnold Grünweller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Schlitzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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17
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Zheng L, Deng L, Zhong Y, Wang Y, Guo W, Fan X. Molluscicides against the snail-intermediate host of Schistosoma: a review. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3355-3393. [PMID: 34486075 PMCID: PMC8418967 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07288-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is one of the most prevalent parasitoses in the World. Certain freshwater snail species are the intermediate host in the life cycle of schistosome species. Controlling snails employing molluscicides is an effective, quick, and convenient intervention strategy to prevent the spread of Schistosoma species in endemic regions. Advances have been made in developing both synthetic molluscicides and molluscicides derived from plants. However, at present, the development of molluscicides is not adapted to the actual demand for snails and schistosoma controlling. We undertake a systematic review of exploitation and application of synthetic molluscicides and molluscicides derived from plants to combat intermediate host snails. The detailed molluscicidal activity, structure–activity relationship, structural feature, and possible mechanism of some molluscicides are also highlighted, which may afford an important reference for the design of new, more effective molluscicides with low environmental impact and realize the aim of controlling schistosome at transmission stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Ling Deng
- Key Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yumei Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yatang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
| | - Xiaolin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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18
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Masamba P, Kappo AP. Immunological and Biochemical Interplay between Cytokines, Oxidative Stress and Schistosomiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137216. [PMID: 34281269 PMCID: PMC8268096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The host–parasite schistosome relationship relies heavily on the interplay between the strategies imposed by the schistosome worm and the defense mechanisms the host uses to counter the line of attack of the parasite. The ultimate goal of the schistosome parasite entails five important steps: evade elimination tactics, survive within the human host, develop into adult forms, propagate in large numbers, and transmit from one host to the next. The aim of the parasitized host on the other hand is either to cure or limit infection. Therefore, it is a battle between two conflicting aspirations. From the host’s standpoint, infection accompanies a plethora of immunological consequences; some are set in place to defend the host, while most end up promoting chronic disease, which ultimately crosses paths with oxidative stress and cancer. Understanding these networks provides attractive opportunities for anti-schistosome therapeutic development. Hence, this review discusses the mechanisms by which schistosomes modulate the human immune response with ultimate links to oxidative stress and genetic instability.
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19
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Tavares NC, Mourão MM. Parasitemia Evaluation in Mice Infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4017. [PMID: 34150924 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease. Its treatment relies on the use of a single drug, praziquantel. Due to treatment limitations, an alternative for schistosomiasis chemotherapy is required; thus, a better understanding of parasite biology and host-parasite interactions is valuable to aid the identification of new anti-Schistosoma drugs. The parasite has a complex life cycle, which results in challenges regarding the evaluation of Schistosoma mansoni development and mammalian infection establishment. Accordingly, this protocol describes methodologies to evaluate: (1) adult worm growth; (2) reproduction; and (3) granuloma formation; and consequently allows more comprehensive knowledge of S. mansoni development in a natural biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Clemente Tavares
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marina Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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20
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Probst A, Chisanga K, Dziwornu GA, Haeberli C, Keiser J, Chibale K. Expanding the Activity Profile of Pyrido[1,2- a]benzimidazoles: Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel N1-1-Phenylethanamine Derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1032-1043. [PMID: 32786285 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel is the only widely available drug to treat schistosomiasis. With very few candidates currently in the drug development pipeline, there is an urgent need to discover and develop novel antischistosomal drugs. In this regard, the pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole (PBI) scaffold has emerged as a promising chemotype in hit-to-lead efforts. Here, we report a novel series of antischistosomal PBIs with potent in vitro activity (IC50 values of 0.08-1.43 μM) against Schistosoma mansoni newly transformed schistosomula and adult worms. Moreover, the current PBIs demonstrated good hepatic microsomal stability (>70% of drug remaining after 30 min) and were nontoxic to the Chinese hamster ovarian and human liver HepG2 cells, though toxicity (selectivity index, SI < 10) against the rat L6 myoblast cell line was observed. The compounds showed a small therapeutic window but were efficacious in vivo, exhibiting moderate to high worm burden reductions of 35.8-89.6% in S. mansoni-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Probst
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, P.O. Box CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kelly Chisanga
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | | | - Cécile Haeberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, P.O. Box CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, P.O. Box CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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21
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Jílková A, Rubešová P, Fanfrlík J, Fajtová P, Řezáčová P, Brynda J, Lepšík M, Mertlíková-Kaiserová H, Emal CD, Renslo AR, Roush WR, Horn M, Caffrey CR, Mareš M. Druggable Hot Spots in the Schistosomiasis Cathepsin B1 Target Identified by Functional and Binding Mode Analysis of Potent Vinyl Sulfone Inhibitors. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1077-1088. [PMID: 33175511 PMCID: PMC8154419 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease
caused by blood flukes of
the genus Schistosoma, is a global health problem
with over 200 million people infected. Treatment relies on just one
drug, and new chemotherapies are needed. Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1) is a critical peptidase for the digestion of
host blood proteins and a validated drug target. We screened a library
of peptidomimetic vinyl sulfones against SmCB1 and identified the
most potent SmCB1 inhibitors reported to date that are active in the
subnanomolar range with second order rate constants (k2nd) of ∼2 × 105 M–1 s–1. High resolution crystal structures of the
two best inhibitors in complex with SmCB1 were determined. Quantum
chemical calculations of their respective binding modes identified
critical hot spot interactions in the S1′ and S2 subsites.
The most potent inhibitor targets the S1′ subsite with an N-hydroxysulfonic amide moiety and displays favorable functional
properties, including bioactivity against the pathogen, selectivity
for SmCB1 over human cathepsin B, and reasonable metabolic stability.
Our results provide structural insights for the rational design of
next-generation SmCB1 inhibitors as potential drugs to treat schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Jílková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Rubešová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Fanfrlík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Řezáčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Brynda
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Mertlíková-Kaiserová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cory D. Emal
- Eastern Michigan University, 541 Mark Jefferson, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Adam R. Renslo
- University of California San Francisco, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - William R. Roush
- The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague, Czech Republic
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22
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Transcriptional profiles of genes potentially involved in extracellular vesicle biogenesis in Schistosoma japonicum. Acta Trop 2021; 217:105851. [PMID: 33524382 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a severe chronic disease caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma. Recent studies indicate that schistosomes can secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), which play important regulatory roles in many biological processes. However, the mechanisms underlying EV biogenesis in schistosomes are poorly understood. In this study, we performed bioinformatic analyses and identified several genes putatively involved in EV biogenesis in Schistosoma japonicum, which were then confirmed by PCR. Quantitative transcriptional profiles of the selected genes indicated that they were differentially expressed in male and female worms as well as in the different developmental stages of S. japonicum. Thus, the highest expression of VAMP3 was detected in cercariae, whereas that of ARF6 was detected in eggs. RAB11A and the Syntenin-encoding gene SDCBP were highly expressed in 14-day schistosomula and VPS4A and RAB27A were highly expressed in 35-day-old adult schistosomes. The expression of RAB11A, CHMP4C, VPS4A, and SDCBP was higher in male worms, whereas that of ARF6, VAMP3, and RAB27A was higher in female worms. Our results are expected to provide important clues for understanding the role of EV biogenesis in S. japonicum development.
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23
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Li G, Guo Q, Feng C, Chen H, Zhao W, Li S, Hong Y, Sun D. Synthesis of oxadiazole-2-oxide derivatives as potential drug candidates for schistosomiasis targeting SjTGR. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:225. [PMID: 33902686 PMCID: PMC8074465 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04634-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease that affects millions of people's health worldwide. Because of the increasing drug resistance to praziquantel (PZQ), which is the primary drug for schistosomiasis, developing new drugs to treat schistosomiasis is crucial. Oxadiazole-2-oxides have been identified as potential anti-schistosomiasis reagents targeting thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR). METHODS In this work, one of the oxadiazole-2-oxides derivatives furoxan was used as the lead compound to exploit a series of novel furoxan derivatives for studying inhibitory activity against both recombinant Schistosoma japonicum TGR containing selenium (rSjTGR-Sec) and soluble worm antigen protein (SWAP) containing wild-type Schistosoma japonicum TGR (wtSjTGR), in order to develop a new leading compound for schistosomiasis. Thirty-nine novel derivatives were prepared to test their activity toward both enzymes. The docking method was used to detect the binding site between the active molecule and SjTGR. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of these novel furoxan derivatives was preliminarily analyzed. RESULTS It was found that several new derivatives, including compounds 6a-6d, 9ab, 9bd and 9be, demonstrated greater activity toward rSjTGR-Sec or SWAP containing wtSjTGR than did furoxan. Interestingly, all intermediates bearing hydroxy (6a-6d) showed excellent inhibitory activity against both enzymes. In particular, compound 6d with trifluoromethyl on a pyridine ring was found to have much higher inhibition toward both rSjTGR-Sec (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50,7.5nM) and SWAP containing wtSjTGR (IC50 55.8nM) than furoxan. Additionally, the docking method identified the possible matching sites between 6d and Schistosoma japonicum TGR (SjTGR), which theoretically lends support to the inhibitory activity of 6d. CONCLUSION The data obtained herein showed that 6d with trifluoromethyl on a pyridine ring could be a valuable leading compound for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongming Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010 China
- Marine College, Shandong University (Weihai), Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Qingqing Guo
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
- Marine College, Shandong University (Weihai), Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Chao Feng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010 China
- Marine College, Shandong University (Weihai), Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Huan Chen
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010 China
| | - Wenjiao Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010 China
- Marine College, Shandong University (Weihai), Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Shu Li
- Marine College, Shandong University (Weihai), Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Yang Hong
- National Reference Laboratory of Animal Schistosomiasis, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Dequn Sun
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010 China
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24
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Harvey MR, Chiodo F, Noest W, Hokke CH, van der Marel GA, Codée JD. Synthesis and Antibody Binding Studies of Schistosome-Derived Oligo-α-(1-2)-l-Fucosides. Molecules 2021; 26:2246. [PMID: 33924587 PMCID: PMC8068878 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by blood-dwelling parasitic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma and is classified by the WHO as the second most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease, second only to malaria. Schistosoma expresses a complex array of glycans as part of glycoproteins and glycolipids that can be targeted by both the adaptive and the innate part of the immune system. Some of these glycans can be used for diagnostic purposes. A subgroup of schistosome glycans is decorated with unique α-(1-2)-fucosides and it has been shown that these often multi-fucosylated fragments are prime targets for antibodies generated during infection. Since these α-(1-2)-fucosides cannot be obtained in sufficient purity from biological sources, we set out to develop an effective route of synthesis towards α-(1-2)-oligofucosides of varying length. Here we describe the exploration of two different approaches, starting from either end of the fucose chains. The oligosaccharides have been attached to gold nanoparticles and used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA and a microarray format to probe antibody binding. We show that binding to the oligofucosides of antibodies in sera of infected people depends on the length of the oligofucose chains, with the largest glycans showing most binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Harvey
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.R.H.); (F.C.); (W.N.); (G.A.v.d.M.)
| | - Fabrizio Chiodo
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.R.H.); (F.C.); (W.N.); (G.A.v.d.M.)
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Wouter Noest
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.R.H.); (F.C.); (W.N.); (G.A.v.d.M.)
| | - Cornelis H. Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Gijsbert A. van der Marel
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.R.H.); (F.C.); (W.N.); (G.A.v.d.M.)
| | - Jeroen D.C. Codée
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.R.H.); (F.C.); (W.N.); (G.A.v.d.M.)
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25
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Cardoso IA, de Souza AKL, Burgess AMG, Chalmers IW, Hoffmann KF, Nonato MC. Characterization of class II fumarase from Schistosoma mansoni provides the molecular basis for selective inhibition. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 175:406-421. [PMID: 33549669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 250 million people worldwide. The only drug available for its treatment undergoes first-pass hepatic metabolism and is not capable of preventing reinfection, which makes the search of new therapies urgently needed. Due to the essential role of fumarases in metabolism, these enzymes represent potential targets for developing novel schistosomiasis treatments. Here, we evaluate the expression profiles for class I and class II fumarases from Schistosoma mansoni (SmFHI and SmFHII, respectively), and report the complete characterization of SmFHII. The first SmFHII structure in complex with L-malate was determined at 1.85 Å resolution. The significant thermoshift observed for SmFHII in the presence of identified ligands makes the differential scanning fluorimetry an adequate technique for ligand screening. A complete kinetic characterization of SmFHII was performed, and comparison with the human fumarase (HsFH) revealed differences regarding the turnover number (kcat). Structural characterization allowed us to identify differences between SmFHII and HsFH that could be explored to design new selective inhibitors. This work represents the very first step towards validate the fumarases as drug targets to treat schistosomiasis. Our results provide the structural basis to rational search for selective ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara Aimê Cardoso
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Kusumota Luiz de Souza
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Adam Muslem George Burgess
- The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Wyllie Chalmers
- The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Francis Hoffmann
- The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Cristina Nonato
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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26
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Rey O, Webster BL, Huyse T, Rollinson D, Van den Broeck F, Kincaid-Smith J, Onyekwere A, Boissier J. Population genetics of African Schistosoma species. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 89:104727. [PMID: 33486128 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Blood flukes within the genus Schistosoma (schistosomes) are responsible for the major disease, schistosomiasis, in tropical and sub-tropical areas. This disease is predominantly present on the African continent with more than 85% of the human cases. Schistosomes are also parasites of veterinary importance infecting livestock and wildlife. Schistosoma population genetic structure and diversity are important characteristics that may reflect variations in selection pressures such as those induced by host (mammalian and snail) environments, habitat change, migration and also treatment/control interventions, all of which also shape speciation and evolution of the whole Schistosoma genus. Investigations into schistosome population genetic structure, diversity and evolution has been an area of important debate and research. Supported by advances in molecular techniques with capabilities for multi-locus genetic analyses for single larvae schistosome genetic investigations have greatly progressed in the last decade. This paper aims to review the genetic studies of both animal and human infecting schistosome. Population genetic structures are reviewed at different spatial scales: local, regional or continental (i.e. phylogeography). Within species genetic diversities are discussed compared and the compounding factors discussed, including the effect of mass drug administration. Finally, the ability for intra-species hybridisation questions species integrities and poses many questions in relation to the natural epidemiology of co-endemic species. Here we review molecularly confirmed hybridisation events (in relation to human disease) and discuss the possible impact for ongoing and future control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Rey
- Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, IHPE, F-66000 Perpignan, France
| | - B L Webster
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - T Huyse
- Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium; Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - F Van den Broeck
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J Kincaid-Smith
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences (PPS), Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Campus, Herts AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - A Onyekwere
- Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, IHPE, F-66000 Perpignan, France
| | - J Boissier
- Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, IHPE, F-66000 Perpignan, France.
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27
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Jílková A, Horn M, Fanfrlík J, Küppers J, Pachl P, Řezáčová P, Lepšík M, Fajtová P, Rubešová P, Chanová M, Caffrey CR, Gütschow M, Mareš M. Azanitrile Inhibitors of the SmCB1 Protease Target Are Lethal to Schistosoma mansoni: Structural and Mechanistic Insights into Chemotype Reactivity. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:189-201. [PMID: 33301315 PMCID: PMC7802074 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Azapeptide
nitriles are postulated to reversibly covalently react
with the active-site cysteine residue of cysteine proteases and form
isothiosemicarbazide adducts. We investigated the interaction of azadipeptide
nitriles with the cathepsin B1 drug target (SmCB1) from Schistosoma
mansoni, a pathogen that causes the global neglected disease
schistosomiasis. Azadipeptide nitriles were superior inhibitors of
SmCB1 over their parent carba analogs. We determined the crystal structure
of SmCB1 in complex with an azadipeptide nitrile and analyzed the
reaction mechanism using quantum chemical calculations. The data demonstrate
that azadipeptide nitriles, in contrast to their carba counterparts,
undergo a change from E- to Z-configuration
upon binding, which gives rise to a highly favorable energy profile
of noncovalent and covalent complex formation. Finally, azadipeptide
nitriles were considerably more lethal than their carba analogs against
the schistosome pathogen in culture, supporting the further development
of this chemotype as a treatment for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Jílková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Fanfrlík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jim Küppers
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Petr Pachl
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Řezáčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Rubešová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Chanová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2028/7, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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Almugadam BS, Ibrahim MK, Liu Y, Chen SM, Wang CH, Shao CY, Ren BW, Tang L. Association of urogenital and intestinal parasitic infections with type 2 diabetes individuals: a comparative study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:20. [PMID: 33413119 PMCID: PMC7789604 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05629-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, urogenital and intestinal parasitosis remain significant health challenges. They are associated with rising morbidity, death, and many harmful outcomes. A little is known concerning parasitosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our study planned to investigate the urogenital and intestinal parasitic infections among type 2 diabetes patients compare to non-diabetic (Control) individuals and examine the intensity of helminthiasis in both groups. METHODS At Kosti Teaching Hospital (Sudan), 300 Urine and 300 stool samples have collected from 150 type 2 diabetes and 150 control individuals, along with the socio-demographic data using a structured questionnaire. The parasitic infections were examined by direct sedimentation technique for urine specimens. Whereas, for fecal samples, simple-direct saline, formal-ether concentration, Kato-Katz, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques were used. RESULTS Out of 150 type 2 diabetes patients studied, 31 (20.6%) and 14 (9.3%) had intestinal parasitosis and urogenital schistosomiasis, respectively. Whereas, 16 (10.6%) and 8 (5.3%) of the control group were infected, respectively. Compared to the control group, the odds of testing positive for either urogenital schistosomiasis (AOR: 2.548, 95% CI: 0.836-7.761, P = 0.100) or intestinal parasitic diseases (AOR: 2.099, 95% CI: 0.973-4.531, P = 0.059) were greater in diabetic individuals. Likewise, the intensities of helminthiasis were much higher in the diabetic patients and positively correlated with the duration of illness. The rate of urogenital schistosomiasis was also significantly different among the disease duration subcategories. CONCLUSIONS Our study has highlighted the relationship of type 2 diabetes with urogenital and intestinal parasitic infections and enhanced our knowledge about the frequency of particular urogenital and intestinal parasites as well as the intensity of helminths infection in type 2 diabetes compared to non-diabetic individuals, which are important for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babiker Saad Almugadam
- Department of Microecology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning China
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, White Nile State Sudan
| | | | - Yinhui Liu
- Department of Microecology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning China
| | - Shen-min Chen
- Department of Microecology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning China
| | - Chun-hao Wang
- Department of Microecology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning China
| | - Chen-yi Shao
- Department of Microecology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning China
| | - Bao-wei Ren
- Department of Microecology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Microecology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning China
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Ephraim RKD, Brenyah RC, Adoba P, Agbodjakey H, Allotey LE, Korang P, Duah E, Bogoch I, Abaka-Yawson A, Hotorvi C, Kwadzokpui PK. Renal function in children infected with Schistosoma haematobium: a case-control study of an endemic Ghanaian community. J Parasit Dis 2020; 45:406-411. [PMID: 34295040 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01313-6] [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: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis has been associated with kidney diseases leading to serious health problems especially in advanced cases. Most studies have used renal biopsy, and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renal damage among urogenital schistosomiasis affected individuals. This study assessed serum urea, creatinine, and eGFR as biochemical markers of renal abnormalities in children with urogenital schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium) at a resource limited setting in Sorodofo-Abaasa in the Central Region of Ghana. A case-control study was conducted among 116 basic school children aged 9 to 17 years from January 2015 to May 2015 at Sorodofo-Abaasa in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District of the Central Region of Ghana. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain information on age, sex, guardian's occupation, water contact activities, history of gross haematuria and history of medication. Participants weight and height were measured using a bathroom scale (Zhongshan Camry Electronic Co. Ltd, Guangdong-China) and a wall-mounted ruler to the nearest 0.1 kg and 0.1 cm respectively. Approximately 4 ml of venous blood sample was collected from the median cubital vein of the study participants and used for the estimation of serum urea and creatinine levels. eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) was calculated using the Schwartz equation. The average ages of the cases and the controls recruited in this study were 12.7 ± 1.0 and 12. ± 2.6 years respectively. The median (minimum-maximum) did not differ between cases and controls with regards to eGFR [115.92(62.40-164.98) vs 112.50(51.82-170.36; p = 0.806], serum creatinine [57.20(28.91-84.67) vs 58.19(25.17-90.21); p = 0.876], and urea [9.82(5.80-13.74) vs 10.21(7.29-13.03); p = 0.586]. Hyperfiltration though statistically similar (p = 0.787), was observed among a higher proportion of the controls (20.5%) than observed among the cases (18.4%). This study documented no significant differences between children with light (less than 50 ova per 10 ml urine) and heavy (more than 50 ova per 10 ml urine) infection. This study documented no significant variation in the biochemical markers of renal function between the cases and controls. S. haematobium Infection intensity did not significantly alter the renal physiology of the school children studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K D Ephraim
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ruth C Brenyah
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Prince Adoba
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Hope Agbodjakey
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Larissa E Allotey
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Patrick Korang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Evans Duah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Isaac Bogoch
- University Health Network, University of Ontario, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Albert Abaka-Yawson
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Christian Hotorvi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Edosomwan EU, Evbuomwan IO, Agbalalah C, Dahunsi SO, Abhulimhen-Iyoha BI. Malaria coinfection with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in children at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Benin City, Nigeria. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04604. [PMID: 32793830 PMCID: PMC7408312 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are highly endemic in poorer countries of the world. The research investigated the prevalence of parasitic infections among children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Benin City. Faecal, urine and blood specimen were collected from 184 children (100 males and 84 females) aged 6–15. Blood samples were prepared using thick film method and analyzed microscopically. Direct smear technique was employed for faecal sample and sedimentation method to concentrate ova from the urine sample. Ten species of parasites were identified in this study. The predominant species were Plasmodium falciparum (67.93%), Entamoeba histolytica (67.93%) and Giardia duodenalis (59.78%). Plasmodium falciparum and E. histolytica were most prevalent in both sexes, with P. falciparum infecting 68% males and 67.86% females while E. histolytica infected 66% males and 70.24% females (P = 0.24). Mixed infections with blood and intestinal parasites were recorded in 41.18% in age group 5–10 and 47.90% in age group 11–15 (P < 0.5). Also, mixed infections with blood and intestinal parasites were detected in 45% males and 50% females (P = 0.51). Urinary schistosomiasis was recorded in 28.80% of the participants. Parasitic infections especially P. falciparum malaria and amoebiasis were predominant among the children. Therefore, our findings call for specific intervention programmes to reduce parasite intensity and morbidity in the children. Environmental and personal hygiene should be implemented in order to curb parasitosis in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn U Edosomwan
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Ikponmwosa O Evbuomwan
- Applied Biology and Biotechnology Programme, Department of Microbiology, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Cynthia Agbalalah
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Samuel O Dahunsi
- Department of Microbiology, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
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Tavares NC, Gava SG, Torres GP, de Paiva CÊS, Moreira BP, Lunkes FMN, Montresor LC, Caldeira RL, Mourão MM. Schistosoma mansoni FES Tyrosine Kinase Involvement in the Mammalian Schistosomiasis Outcome and Miracidia Infection Capability in Biomphalaria glabrata. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:963. [PMID: 32595609 PMCID: PMC7300192 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by helminthes from the Schistosoma genus. This NTD can cause systemic symptoms induced by the deposition of parasite eggs in the host liver, promoting severe complications. Functional studies to increase knowledge about parasite biology are required for the identification of new drug targets, because the treatment is solely based on praziquantel administration, a drug in which the mechanism of action is still unknown. Protein kinases are important for cellular adaptation and maintenance of many organisms homeostasis and, thus, are considered good drug targets for many pathologies. Accordingly, those proteins are also important for Schistosoma mansoni, as the parasite relies on specific environmental signals to develop into its different stages. However, the specific roles of protein kinases in S. mansoni biology are not well understood. This work aims at investigating the tyrosine-protein kinase FES (Feline Sarcoma) functions in the maintenance of S. mansoni life cycle, especially in the establishment of mammalian and invertebrate hosts' infection. In this regard, the verification of Smfes expression among S. mansoni stages showed that Smfes is more expressed in infective free-living stages: miracidia and cercariae. Schistosomula exposed to SmFES-dsRNA in vitro presented a reduction in movement and size and increased mortality. Mice infected with Smfes-knocked-down schistosomula exhibited a striking reduction in the area of liver granuloma and an increased rate of immature eggs in the intestine. Female adult worms recovered from mice presented a reduced size and changes in the ovary and vitellarium; and males exhibited damage in the gynecophoral canal. Subsequently, miracidia hatched from eggs exposed to SmFES-dsRNA presented changes in its capability to infect and to sense the snail mucus. In addition, the SmFES RNAi effect was stable from miracidia to cercariae. The establishment of infection with those cercariae reproduced the same alterations observed for the knocked-down schistosomula infection. Our findings show that SmFES tyrosine kinase (1) is important in schistosomula development and survival; (2) has a role in adult worms pairing and, consequently, female maturation; (3) might be essential for egg antigen expression, thus responsible for inducing granuloma formation and immunomodulation; and (4) is essential for miracidia infection capability. In addition, this is the first time that a gene is kept knocked down during three different S. mansoni life stages and that a tyrosine kinase is implicated in the parasite reproduction and infection establishment in the mammalian host. Accordingly, SmFES should be explored as an alternative to support schistosomiasis treatment and morbidity control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Clemente Tavares
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sandra Grossi Gava
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Parreiras Torres
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Clara Ênia Soares de Paiva
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Pereira Moreira
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Felipe Miguel Nery Lunkes
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Langia Colli Montresor
- Moluscário Lobato Paraense, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Roberta Lima Caldeira
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marina Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Acheampong DO, Owusu-Adzorah N, Armah FA, Aninagyei E, Asiamah EA, Thomford AK, Anyan WK. Ethnopharmacological evaluation of schistosomicidal and cercaricidal activities of some selected medicinal plants from Ghana. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:19. [PMID: 32308530 PMCID: PMC7147056 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00205-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The adulticidal and cercaricidal activities of five Ghanaian medicinal plants, namely, Phyllanthus amarus, Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica, Morinda lucida and Nauclea latifolia against S. mansoni were evaluated in this study. Six weeks old ICR mice (n = 25) were percutaneously infected with S. mansoni cercariae. Nine weeks later, infected mice (n = 5) were anaesthetised and perfused for adult S. mansoni. Cercariae were treated with different concentrations (1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25 μg/mL) of methanolic extracts of the experimenting plants in triplicates. Adult S. mansoni incopula were also treated with same concentrations of each extract or 20 μg/mL praziquantel. The cercariae and adult worms were observed at time intervals for 180 min and 120 h to assess mortality and viability respectively. Additionally, 9-week cercariae-infected mice (4 groups of 5 mice) were treated with either 500 mg/kg po A. indica or V. amygdalina, 400 mg/kg po praziquantel or distilled water for 14 days. The mice were euthanized after adult worms were recovered from them. The liver was processed and histologically examined for granuloma formations. Results All the plants exhibited varying cercaricidal and adulticidal activities against S. mansoni in a time and concentration-dependent manner. A. indica (3 h IC50 = 27.62 μg/mL) and V. amygdalina (3 h IC50 = 35.84 μg/mL) exerted the highest cercaricidal activity. Worm recovery after treatment with V. amygdalina, A. indica and praziquantel in vivo was 48.8%, 85.1 % and 59.9 % respectively (p < 0.05). A. indica and V. amydalina-treated mice recorded lesser mean liver and spleen weights compared to untreated groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion A. indica demonstrated the highest cercaricidal and alduticidal activities in vitro, whereas V. amygdalina exhibited the most potent aldulticidal activity in vivo. This study could provide baseline information which can be used to develop plant-based alternative commercial drugs against S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Omane Acheampong
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ninette Owusu-Adzorah
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Francis Ackah Armah
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Enoch Aninagyei
- 2Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Ernest Amponsah Asiamah
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ama Kyeraa Thomford
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - William Kofi Anyan
- 3Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Dziwornu GA, Attram HD, Gachuhi S, Chibale K. Chemotherapy for human schistosomiasis: how far have we come? What's new? Where do we go from here? RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:455-490. [PMID: 33479649 PMCID: PMC7593896 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00062k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, schistosomiasis threatens more than 700 million lives, mostly children, in poor localities of tropical and sub-tropical areas with morbidity due to acute and chronic pathological manifestations of the disease. After a century since the first antimonial-based drugs were introduced to treat the disease, anti-schistosomiasis drug development is again at a bottleneck with only one drug, praziquantel, available for treatment purposes. This review focuses on promising chemotypes as potential starting points in a drug discovery effort to meet the urgent need for new schistosomicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Akpeko Dziwornu
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cape Town , Rondebosch 7701 , South Africa . ; Tel: +27 21 6502553
| | - Henrietta Dede Attram
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cape Town , Rondebosch 7701 , South Africa . ; Tel: +27 21 6502553
| | - Samuel Gachuhi
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cape Town , Rondebosch 7701 , South Africa . ; Tel: +27 21 6502553
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cape Town , Rondebosch 7701 , South Africa . ; Tel: +27 21 6502553
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D) , University of Cape Town , Rondebosch 7701 , South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine , University of Cape Town , Rondebosch 7701 , South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit , University of Cape Town , Rondebosch 7701 , South Africa
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34
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Wu J, Wang X, Chiu FCK, Häberli C, Shackleford DM, Ryan E, Kamaraj S, Bulbule VJ, Wallick AI, Dong Y, White KL, Davis PH, Charman SA, Keiser J, Vennerstrom JL. Structure-Activity Relationship of Antischistosomal Ozonide Carboxylic Acids. J Med Chem 2020; 63:3723-3736. [PMID: 32134263 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Semisynthetic artemisinins and other bioactive peroxides are best known for their powerful antimalarial activities, and they also show substantial activity against schistosomes-another hemoglobin-degrading pathogen. Building on this discovery, we now describe the initial structure-activity relationship (SAR) of antischistosomal ozonide carboxylic acids OZ418 (2) and OZ165 (3). Irrespective of lipophilicity, these ozonide weak acids have relatively low aqueous solubilities and high protein binding values. Ozonides with para-substituted carboxymethoxy and N-benzylglycine substituents had high antischistosomal efficacies. It was possible to increase solubility, decrease protein binding, and maintain the high antischistosomal activity in mice infected with juvenile and adult Schistosoma mansoni by incorporating a weak base functional group in these compounds. In some cases, adding polar functional groups and heteroatoms to the spiroadamantane substructure increased the solubility and metabolic stability, but in all cases decreased the antischistosomal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Wu
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States
| | - Francis C K Chiu
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - David M Shackleford
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Eileen Ryan
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Sriraghavan Kamaraj
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States
| | - Vivek J Bulbule
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States
| | - Alexander I Wallick
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, United States
| | - Yuxiang Dong
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States
| | - Karen L White
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Paul H Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, United States
| | - Susan A Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan L Vennerstrom
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States
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Sebastian-Perez V, García-Rubia A, Seif El-Din SH, Sabra ANA, El-Lakkany NM, William S, Blundell TL, Maes L, Martinez A, Campillo NE, Botros SS, Gil C. Deciphering the enzymatic target of a new family of antischistosomal agents bearing a quinazoline scaffold using complementary computational tools. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:511-523. [PMID: 31939312 PMCID: PMC7717570 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1712595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous phenotypic screening campaign led to the identification of a quinazoline derivative with promising in vitro activity against Schistosoma mansoni. Follow-up studies of the antischistosomal potential of this candidate are presented here. The in vivo studies in a S. mansoni mouse model show a significant reduction of total worms and a complete disappearance of immature eggs when administered concomitantly with praziquantel in comparison with the administration of praziquantel alone. This fact is of utmost importance because eggs are responsible for the pathology and transmission of the disease. Subsequently, the chemical optimisation of the structure in order to improve the metabolic stability of the parent compound was carried out leading to derivatives with improved drug-like properties. Additionally, the putative target of this new class of antischistosomal compounds was envisaged by using computational tools and the binding mode to the target enzyme, aldose reductase, was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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36
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Adekiya TA, Kondiah PPD, Choonara YE, Kumar P, Pillay V. A Review of Nanotechnology for Targeted Anti-schistosomal Therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:32. [PMID: 32083071 PMCID: PMC7005470 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the major parasitic diseases and second most prevalent among the group of neglected diseases. The prevalence of schistosomiasis may be due to environmental and socio-economic factors, as well as the unavailability of vaccines for schistosomiasis. To date, current treatment; mainly the drug praziquantel (PZQ), has not been effective in treating the early forms of schistosome species. The development of drug resistance has been documented in several regions globally, due to the overuse of PZQ, rate of parasitic mutation, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with different strains of schistosomes and the overall parasite load. Hence, exploring the schistosome tegument may be a potential focus for the design and development of targeted anti-schistosomal therapy, with higher bioavailability as molecular targets using nanotechnology. This review aims to provide a concise incursion on the use of various advance approaches to achieve targeted anti-schistosomal therapy, mainly through the use of nano-enabled drug delivery systems. It also assimilates the molecular structure and function of the schistosome tegument and highlights the potential molecular targets found on the tegument, for effective specific interaction with receptors for more efficacious anti-schistosomal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Viness Pillay
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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37
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Dong L, Pu Y, Chen X, Qi X, Zhang L, Xu L, Li W, Ma Y, Zhou S, Zhu J, Li Y, Wang X, Su C. hUCMSC-extracellular vesicles downregulated hepatic stellate cell activation and reduced liver injury in S. japonicum-infected mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:21. [PMID: 31918749 PMCID: PMC6953150 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence shows that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential as a cellular therapy avenue for schistosome-induced liver injury. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles released by almost all cell types, and EVs produced by MSCs (MSC-EVs) exert therapeutic effects in several disease models. However, the potential of MSC-EVs in schistosomiasis treatment remains unclear. Methods Using survival analysis, HE and Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemical, western blot analysis, real-time PCR, and EdU proliferation, we investigated the effects of human umbilical cord MSC-derived EVs (hUCMSC-EVs) on the survival and liver injury in the S. japonicum-infected mice and explored the underlying mechanism. Results Here, we found that like hUCMSCs, hUCMSC-EVs significantly ameliorated liver injury and improved the survival of schistosome-infected mice. Indeed, the hUCMSC-EV-mediated alleviation of liver injury is associated with decreased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1, and collagen 3. More importantly, we showed that hUCMSC-EVs directly suppressed the proliferation of LX2 (human hepatic stellate cell) in vitro. In addition, hUCMSC-EVs significantly downregulated the activation of LX2 after transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) treatment. Conclusion Our results provided the first evidence that hUCMSC-EVs reduced liver injury in S. japonicum-infected mice, potentially creating new avenues for the treatment of liver damage in schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Dong
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Pu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Qi
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Xu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongbin Ma
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Zhou
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jifeng Zhu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalin Li
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Su
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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38
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Santos DBD, Moreira-Filho JT, Melo ADO, Lemes JA, Damacena Silva L, Rocha TL, Andrade CH, Neves BJ, Bezerra JCB. In silico-driven identification of novel molluscicides effective against Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818). NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj03314f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis control in endemic areas depends on several factors, including mass drug delivery programs and interrupting the transmission of disease by controlling the intermediate host snails in the freshwater ecosystem using molluscicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Braz dos Santos
- Laboratory for Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | - José Teófilo Moreira-Filho
- Laboratory for Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | | | - Josiel Araújo Lemes
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics
- Centro Universitário de Anápolis – UniEVANGÉLICA
- Anápolis
- Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
| | - José Clecildo Barreto Bezerra
- Laboratory for Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública
- Universidade Federal de Goiás
- Goiânia
- Brazil
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39
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Abstract
Praziquantel is a remarkably effective drug for the treatment of schistosomiasis. It has few side effects, some of which have been attributed to its inactive enantiomer. Few, if any, verified cases of drug resistance have been reported in a clinical setting. The preponderance of scientific evidence suggests that the drug works by dysregulating calcium homeostasis in the worm. Voltage-gated calcium channels have been proposed as the main pharmacological target of praziquantel, although no direct evidence of interaction with this protein is available. Here, the biochemical pharmacology of praziquantel is briefly reviewed and a hypothesis for its mechanism proposed. This hypothesis suggests that the drug works, in part, by disrupting an interaction between a voltage-gated calcium channel (SmCav1B) and an accessory protein, SmTAL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Timson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
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40
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Paiva TF, Alves JB, Melo PA, Pinto JC. Development of Smart Polymer Microparticles through Suspension Polymerization for Treatment of Schistosomiasis. MACROMOL REACT ENG 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/mren.201900028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thamiris Franckini Paiva
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP 68502 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
| | - Jéssica Bentes Alves
- Programa de Engenharia da Nanotecnologia/COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP 68501 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
| | - Príamo Albuquerque Melo
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP 68502 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
| | - José Carlos Pinto
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP 68502 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
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Peter Ventura AM, Haeberlein S, Lange‐Grünweller K, Grünweller A, Hartmann RK, Grevelding CG, Schlitzer M. Development of Biarylalkyl Carboxylic Acid Amides with Improved Anti-schistosomal Activity. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1856-1862. [PMID: 31454168 PMCID: PMC7687077 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic disease schistosomiasis is the cause of more than 200 000 human deaths per year. Although the disease is treatable, there is one major shortcoming: praziquantel has been the only drug used to combat these parasites since 1977. The risk of the emergence of resistant schistosomes is known to be increasing, as a reduced sensitivity of these parasites toward praziquantel has been observed. We developed a new class of substances, which are derived from inhibitors of human aldose reductase, and which showed promising activity against Schistosoma mansoni couples in vitro. Further optimisation of the compounds led to an increase in anti-schistosomal activity with observed phenotypes such as reduced egg production, vitality, and motility as well as tegumental damage and gut dilatation. Here, we performed structure-activity relationship studies on the carboxylic acid moiety of biarylalkyl carboxylic acids. Out of 82 carboxylic acid amides, we identified 10 compounds that are active against S. mansoni at 25 μm. The best five compounds showed an anti-schistosomal activity up to 10 μm and induced severe phenotypes. Cytotoxicity tests in human cell lines showed that two derivatives had no cytotoxicity at 50 or 100 μm. These compounds are promising candidates for further optimisation toward the new anti-schistosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- BFS, Institute of ParasitologyJustus-Liebig-Universität GießenSchubertstrasse 8135392GießenGermany
| | - Kerstin Lange‐Grünweller
- Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps Universität MarburgMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Arnold Grünweller
- Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps Universität MarburgMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Roland K. Hartmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps Universität MarburgMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Christoph G. Grevelding
- BFS, Institute of ParasitologyJustus-Liebig-Universität GießenSchubertstrasse 8135392GießenGermany
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps Universität MarburgMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
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Khubchandani IT, Bub DS. Parasitic Infections. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2019; 32:364-371. [PMID: 31507346 PMCID: PMC6731117 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1687832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract are a cause of morbidity to millions of individuals worldwide. These parasites are endemic in underdeveloped countries with poor sanitation allowing for spread through contaminated water supplies. While much is known about these parasites, the cutaneous manifestations caused by infection are infrequently reported in the literature. The deposition of the parasites into the perianal region often leads to significant skin irritation. Cutaneous findings vary from a mild pruritus ani to a macular rash to even severe perianal ulceration. This article discusses the perianal cutaneous findings caused by the parasitic illnesses, amebiasis, schistosomiasis, Enterobius vermicularis , strongyloidiasis, and cutaneous larva migrans, as well as their respective management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David S. Bub
- Temple University School of Medicine, Temple, Florida
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43
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Discovery of novel Schistosoma mansoni PDE4A inhibitors as potential agents against schistosomiasis. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:1703-1720. [PMID: 31370708 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Due to the urgent need for effective drugs to treat schistosomiasis that act through a known molecular mechanism of action, we focused on a target-based approach with the aim to discover inhibitors of a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from Schistosoma mansoni (SmPDE4A). Materials & methods: To discover new inhibitors of SmPDE4A homology models of the enzyme structure were constructed based on known human and protozoan homologs. The best two models were selected for subsequent virtual screening of our in-house chemical library. Results & conclusion: A total of 25 library compounds were selected for experimental confirmation as SmPDE4A inhibitors and after dose-response experiments, three top hits were identified. The results presented validate the virtual screening approach to identify new inhibitors for clinically relevant phosphodiesterases.
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Caffrey CR, El‐Sakkary N, Mäder P, Krieg R, Becker K, Schlitzer M, Drewry DH, Vennerstrom JL, Grevelding CG. Drug Discovery and Development for Schistosomiasis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527808656.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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45
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Wang X, Yu D, Li C, Zhan T, Zhang T, Ma H, Xu J, Xia C. In vitro and in vivo activities of DW-3-15, a commercial praziquantel derivative, against Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:199. [PMID: 31053083 PMCID: PMC6500042 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a debilitating neglected tropical disease that affects approximately 190 million people around the world. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug available for use against all Schistosoma species. Although PZQ has a high efficacy, recognized concerns have prompted the development of new, alternative drugs for repeated use in endemic areas where PZQ efficacy against strains of Schistosoma is reduced. A hybrid drug containing different pharmacophores within a single molecule is a promising strategy. Our earlier in vivo studies showed the significant antiparasitic activity of a praziquantel derivative, DW-3-15, against Schistosoma japonicum. In the present study, DW-3-15 was synthesized in large amounts by a pharmaceutical company and its schistosomicidal efficacy and stability were further confirmed. Parameters such as parasite viability, pairing and oviposition were evaluated in vitro. An in vivo study was conducted to assess the effect of commercial DW-3-15 on worm burden, egg production and diameter of granulomas. Additionally, to gain insight into the mechanism of action for DW-3-15, morphological changes in the tegument of S. japonicum were also examined. Results The in vitro study showed the antiparasitic activity of DW-3-15 against S. japonicum, with significant reductions in viability of adult and juvenile worms, worm pairings and egg output. Compared to PZQ, DW-3-15 induced similar ultrastructural changes and evident destruction of the tegument surface in male worms. In vivo, the oral administration of DW-3-15 at a dose of 400 mg/kg per day for five consecutive days in mice significantly reduced the total worm burden and number of eggs in the liver. Histological analysis of the livers showed a marked reduction in the average diameter of the egg granuloma. Conclusions Our findings suggest that DW-3-15, a PZQ derivative with the prospect of commercial production, can be developed as a potential promising schistosomicide. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3442-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.,Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Tingzheng Zhan
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.,Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Huihui Ma
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Chaoming Xia
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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Chen Z, Wang W, Yao J, Li S, Zhang X, Hu H, Liu X, Luo B, Liu Y, Xu H, Duan L. Toxicity of a molluscicide candidate PPU07 against Oncomelania hupensis (Gredler, 1881) and local fish in field evaluation. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 222:56-61. [PMID: 30690401 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.01.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection is recognized as a considerable economic and public health concern in Asia. Oncomelania hupensis is the sole intermediate host of S. japonicum. The only molluscicide recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) since 1960s is relative toxic to other aquatic species. In this article, we evaluated the novel molluscicide PPU07 in field trials on their efficiency against O. hupensis and toxicity for local fish. 25% PPU07 sulfate WP exhibited similar molluscicidal effect at 2.0 g/m2 and 2.0 g/m3 in the spraying and immersion trials with the WHO recommended molluscicide niclosamide (1 g/m2 and 1 g/m3). The mortality rates reached 95% and 96%, respectively. Moreover, little toxicity was observed for local fish and other aquatic organisms at the effective molluscicidal concentrations. In all, 25% PPU07 sulfate WP is a promising molluscicide for snail control, particularly in semi-commercial or commercial aquaculture ponds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Weisi Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Junmin Yao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shizhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Xia Zhang
- Jianglin Institute for Schistosomiasis Control, Hubei 434100, China
| | - Hehua Hu
- Jianglin Institute for Schistosomiasis Control, Hubei 434100, China
| | - Xiong Liu
- Jianglin Institute for Schistosomiasis Control, Hubei 434100, China
| | - Binrong Luo
- Dali Institute for Schistosomiasis Control, Yunnan 671000, China
| | - Yuhua Liu
- Dali Institute for Schistosomiasis Control, Yunnan 671000, China
| | - Huiyong Xu
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Liping Duan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China; Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu 210014, China; The Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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47
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Labib El Gendy AEM, Mohammed FA, Abdel-Rahman SA, Shalaby TIA, Fathy GM, Mohammad SM, El-Shafey MA, Mohammed NA. Effect of nanoparticles on the therapeutic efficacy of praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni infection in murine models. J Parasit Dis 2019; 43:416-425. [PMID: 31406407 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01106-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is the main treatment of Schistosomiasis mansoni. However, resistance to it was described. So, there is a necessity to develop novel drugs or to enhance the present drugs. This work aimed to assess the efficacy of PZQ alone and when loaded on liposomes in treatment of S. mansoni infection by parasitological and histopathological studies in experimental murine models. 112 male laboratories bred Swiss Albino mice were used in this work. They were divided into four groups: Group 1: control group; Group 2: infected then treated by PZQ (500 mg/kg) at 7, 30 and 45 days post infection; Group 3: infected then treated by liposome encapsulated PZQ (lip.PZQ) (500 mg/kg) at 7, 30 and 45 days post infection; Group 4: infected then treated by free liposomes at 7, 30 and 45 days post infection. The results showed that G3 caused the highest significant reduction of the total worm count, eggs/gram liver tissue and intestine (97.2%, 99.3%, 99.5%) respectively. Followed by G2 (85.1%, 97.6%, 89.8%) respectively. Regarding the histopathological studies, G3 showed the highest significant reduction in number and diameter of hepatic granuloma (97.6% and 98.1%), followed by G2 (77.2% and 75%) when compared to other groups. In conclusion, lip.PZQ is more effective than free PZQ from all aspects especially when administered 45 days PI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faten Alsayed Mohammed
- 1Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sara A Abdel-Rahman
- 1Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Ghada M Fathy
- 1Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud A El-Shafey
- 3Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nesma Atef Mohammed
- 1Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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48
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Nepal P, Ojili V, Songmen S, Batchala P, Kumar D, Nagar AM. Multisystem imaging review of human schistosomiasis: characteristic imaging findings. Clin Imaging 2019; 54:163-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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49
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Liu J, Giri BR, Chen Y, Cheng G. 14-3-3 protein and ubiquitin C acting as SjIAP interaction partners facilitate tegumental integrity in Schistosoma japonicum. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:355-364. [PMID: 30797771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, remains an important public health issue. Adult schistosomes can survive in the definitive host for several decades, although they are subject to the host immune response. Consequently, understanding the mechanism underlying worm survival in the definitive hosts could aid in developing novel strategies against schistosomiasis. We previously found that an inhibitor of apoptosis in Schistosoma japonicum (SjIAP) could negatively regulate apoptosis by inhibiting caspase activity, which plays a critical role in maintaining tegument integrity. The current study aimed to further analyze the mechanism related to SjIAP governing worm tegument integrity; therefore, we used a yeast two-hybrid screen and identified a series of putative interacting partners of SjIAP, including 14-3-3 (Sj14-3-3) and ubiquitin C (SjUBC). Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated that transcript profiles of Sj14-3-3 and SjUBC increased together with worm development in definitive hosts, which corresponds to those of SjIAP in S. japonicum. Immunohistochemical analysis showed Sj14-3-3 and SjUBC were located in the tegument of adult parasites while they were also ubiquitously distributed in the bodies of worms. Silencing of Sj14-3-3/SjUBC expression led to increased caspase activity and induced worm death. Inhibition of Sj14-3-3 or SjUBC resulted in significant morphological alterations in the schistosome tegument. Overall, our findings indicated that Sj14-3-3 and SjUBC interacting with SjIAP may belong to another strategy of S. japonicum to maintain the tegument integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, 200241, China
| | - Bikash Ranjan Giri
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, 200241, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, 200241, China
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, 200241, China.
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The ABL kinase inhibitor imatinib causes phenotypic changes and lethality in adult Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:881-890. [PMID: 30729300 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis caused by different species of schistosome parasites is one of the most debilitating helminthic diseases of humans worldwide. For decades, chemotherapy is the main method of controlling schistosomiasis. However, the fear of drug resistance has motivated the search for alternatives. It has been demonstrated that the ABL kinase inhibitor imatinib affected the development and survival of Schistosoma mansoni in vitro; however, there is still lack of information on whether imatinib also affects other schistosome species such as Schistosoma japonicum. In the present study, the anti-schistosomal potency of imatinib on adult S. japonicum was investigated in vitro, and the results showed that imatinib had a significant impact on various physiological processes of S. japonicum adult worms. Besides its negative effects on worm motility, pairing stability, and gonad development, imatinib caused pathological changes in the gastrodermis as well as the death of the parasite. Our findings suggest that imatinib is an intriguing candidate for further development as an option to fight S. japonicum.
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