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Abdel-Hakeem SS, Hassan FAM, Hifney AF, Salem SH. Combating the causative agent of amoebic keratitis, Acanthamoeba castellanii, using Padina pavonica alcoholic extract: toxicokinetic and molecular docking approaches. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13610. [PMID: 38871751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63691-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural products play a significant role in providing the current demand as antiparasitic agents, which offer an attractive approach for the discovery of novel drugs. The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro the potential impact of seaweed Padina pavonica (P. pavonica) extract in combating Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii). The phytochemical constituents of the extract were characterized by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Six concentrations of the algal extract were used to evaluate its antiprotozoal activity at various incubation periods. Our results showed that the extract has significant inhibition against trophozoites and cysts viability, with complete inhibition at the high concentrations. The IC50 of P. pavonica extract was 4.56 and 4.89 µg/mL for trophozoites and cysts, respectively, at 24 h. Morphological alterations of A. castellanii trophozoites/cysts treated with the extract were assessed using inverted and scanning electron microscopes and showed severe damage features upon treatment with the extract at different concentrations. Molecular Docking of extracted compounds against Acanthamoeba cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (AcCYP51) was performed using Autodock vina1.5.6. A pharmacokinetic study using SwissADME was also conducted to investigate the potentiality of the identified bioactive compounds from Padina extract to be orally active drug candidates. In conclusion, this study highlights the in vitro amoebicidal activity of P. pavonica extract against A. castellanii adults and cysts and suggests potential AcCYP51 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Abdel-Hakeem
- Parasitology Laboratory, Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Faten A M Hassan
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Awatief F Hifney
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Shimaa H Salem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
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Kwankaew P, Sangkanu S, Mitsuwan W, Boonhok R, Lao-On U, Tabo HL, Mahboob T, de Lourdes Pereira M, Tangpong J, Sundar SS, Wiart C, Nissapatorn V. Inhibitory and anti-adherent effects of Piper betle L. leaf extract against Acanthamoeba triangularis in co-infection with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A sustainable one-health approach. Vet World 2024; 17:848-862. [PMID: 38798284 PMCID: PMC11111711 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.848-862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Keratitis is a serious ocular infection often caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba spp. Among other harmful microbes, Acanthamoeba keratitis presents a particular challenge due to its resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents. Piper betle Linn., commonly known as betel leaf, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. This study aimed to assess the potential of the leaf ethanol extract of P. betle Linn. in the treatment of Acanthamoeba triangularis in monoculture and co-culture with two prevalent pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, associated with keratitis. Materials and Methods Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of A. triangularis, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa extracts in monoculture and coinfected conditions were examined. In addition, this study explored the potential of the extract in preventing Acanthamoeba adherence in both monoculture and co-culture environments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the impact of the extract on Acanthamoeba cell membranes, including acanthopodia. Furthermore, a time-kill kinetic assay was used to validate the amoebicidal activity of the extract against A. triangularis and the tested bacteria. Results MICs for trophozoites, cysts, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus in the monoculture were 0.25, 0.25, 0.51, and 0.128 mg/mL, respectively, whereas the MICs for Acanthamoeba coinfected with bacteria were higher than those in the monoculture. This extract inhibited the growth of A. triangularis trophozoites and cysts for up to 72 h. Moreover, P. betle extract effectively prevented the adherence of Acanthamoeba to contact lenses under monoculture conditions. SEM analysis confirmed that P. betle extract affects the cell membrane of Acanthamoeba, including Acanthopodia. In addition, the time-kill kinetic assay confirmed that the extract contained amoebicidal activity against A. triangularis, including the tested bacteria. Notably, S. aureus was more susceptible than A. triangularis and P. aeruginosa to P. betle extract treatment. Unexpectedly, our study revealed that S. aureus negatively affected A. triangularis in the co-culture after 3 days of incubation, whereas P. aeruginosa facilitated the growth of A. triangularis in the presence of the extract. Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence of the anti-adhesive and anti-Acanthamoeba properties of P. betle leaf extract against A. triangularis under monoculture and co-culture conditions. The observed impact on Acanthamoeba cell membranes, coupled with the time-kill kinetic assay results, underscores the potential of P. betle leaf extract as a promising agent for combating Acanthamoeba-related infections in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattamaporn Kwankaew
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team), World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College and Research Center of Excellence in Innovation of Essential Oil, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Udom Lao-On
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Hazel L. Tabo
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Computer Studies, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines
| | - Tooba Mahboob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jitbanjong Tangpong
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Shanmuga S. Sundar
- Department of Biotechnology, Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation Chennai Campus, Paiyanoor, Chennai, India
| | - Christophe Wiart
- Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team), World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Cicio A, Sut S, Dall'Acqua S, Bruno M, Luparello C, Serio R, Zizzo MG. Chemical Characterization and Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of the Ethanol Extract from the Bulbs of Pancratium maritimun Collected in Sicily. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28103986. [PMID: 37241726 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28103986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
P. maritimum L., belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, is a species that grows on beaches and coastal sand dunes mainly on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea, the Middle East, and up to the Caucasus region. It has been largely investigated due to its several interesting biological properties. With the aim of providing new insights into the phytochemistry and pharmacology of this species, the ethanolic extract of the bulbs from a local accession, not previously studied, growing in Sicily (Italy), was investigated. This chemical analysis, performed by mono- and bi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, as well as LC-DAD-MSn, allowed to identify several alkaloids, three of which were never detected in the genus Pancratium. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the preparation was assessed in differentiated human Caco-2 intestinal cells by trypan blue exclusion assay, and its antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DCFH-DA radical scavenging method. The results obtained demonstrate that P. maritimum bulbs' extract exerts no cytotoxic effect and is able to remove free radicals at all the concentrations tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Cicio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruno
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Luparello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Serio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Zizzo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Nikam PB, Salunkhe JD, Marathe KR, Alghuthaymi MA, Abd-Elsalam KA, Patil SV. Rhizobium pusense-Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles-Antibiotics Combinations against Acanthamoeba sp. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122502. [PMID: 36557755 PMCID: PMC9785558 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe ocular infections by Acanthamoeba sp. lead to keratitis, resulting in irreversible vision loss in immune-compromised individuals. When a protozoal infection spreads to neural tissues, it causes granulomatous encephalitis, which can be fatal. Treatment often takes longer due to the transition of amoeba from trophozoites to cyst stages, cyst being the dormant form of Acanthamoeba. A prolonged use of therapeutic agents, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), results in severe side effects; thus, it is critical to improve the therapeutic efficacy of these widely used antibiotics, possibly by limiting the drug-sensitive protozoal-phase transition to cyst formation. Owing to the biomedical potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), we evaluated the synergistic effects of ciprofloxacin and Rhizobium pusense-biogenic SeNPs combination. SeNPs synthesized using Rhizobium pusense isolated from root nodules were characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FT-IR, SEM with EDX, particle size analysis, and Zeta potential. The combination was observed to reduce the sub-lethal dose of Cipro, which may help reduce its side effects. The selenium and ciprofloxacin (SeNPs-Cipro) combination reduced the LC50 by 33.43%. The anti-protozoal efficacy of SeNPs-Cipro was found to transduce through decreased protozoal-cyst formations and the inhibition of the galactosidase and protease enzymes of trophozoites. Furthermore, high leakage of sugar, proteins, and amino acids during the SeNPs-Cipro treatment was one primary reason for killing the trophozoites. These experimental results may be helpful in the further pre-clinical evaluation of SeNPs-Cipro to combat protozoal infections. Future studies for combinations of SeNPs with other antibiotics need to be conducted to know the potential of SeNPs against antibiotic resistance in Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradnya B. Nikam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon 425001, India
| | - Jitendra D. Salunkhe
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon 425001, India
| | - Kiran R. Marathe
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon 425001, India
| | - Mousa A. Alghuthaymi
- Biology Department, Science and Humanities College, Shaqra University, Alquwayiyah 11971, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
- Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt
- Correspondence: (K.A.A.-E.); or (S.V.P.); Tel.: +91-0257-2257421–25 (S.V.P.)
| | - Satish V. Patil
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon 425001, India
- Correspondence: (K.A.A.-E.); or (S.V.P.); Tel.: +91-0257-2257421–25 (S.V.P.)
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Martín-Escolano R, Pérez-Cordón G, Arán VJ, Marín C, Sánchez-Moreno M, Rosales MJ. 5-Nitroindazole derivatives as potential therapeutic alternatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106538. [PMID: 35618027 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amoebas of the genus Acanthamoeba are distributed worldwide, including species with a high pathogenic capacity for humans. In a similar way to what occurs with other parasitic protozoa, the available treatments show variable effectiveness in addition to high toxicity, which demands the development of new treatments. Positive results of 5-nitroindazole derivatives against several protozoa parasites suggest that these compounds may be a promising tool for the development of efficient antiparasitic drugs. In the present work we have evaluated the in vitro activity of ten 5-nitroindazole derivatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts. To that end, AlamarBlue Assay Reagent® was used to determine the activity against trophozoites compared to the reference drug chlorhexidine digluconate. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated using Vero cells. The activity on cysts was evaluated by light microscopy and using a Neubauer chamber to quantifying cysts and presence of trophozoites, as an indication of cyst. Our results showed the effectiveness of the 5-nitroindazole derivatives tested against both trophozoites and cysts of A. castellani highlighting 5-nitroindazole derivative 8 which showed a 80% activity on cysts, which is higher than that of the reference drug. Moreover, 5-nitroindazole derivatives 8, 9 and 10 were more effective on trophozoites than the reference drug showing IC50 values lower than 5 µM. Taking together these results, these 5-nitroindazole derivatives specially compound 8, might be a promising alternative for the development of more efficient treatments against A. castellani infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT27NJ, UK.
| | - Gregorio Pérez-Cordón
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente J Arán
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Calle Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Rosales
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain.
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6
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Eldeek HE, Farrag HMM, Tolba MEM, El-Deek HE, Ali MO, Ibraheim ZZ, Bayoumi SA, Hassanin ESA, Alkhalil SS, Huseein EAEHM. Amoebicidal effect of Allium cepa against Allovahlkampfia spelaea: A keratitis model. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1120-1136. [PMID: 36164578 PMCID: PMC9508644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Allovahlkampfia spelaea (A. spelaea) is a free-living amoeba, proved to cause Acanthamoeba-like keratitis with quite difficult treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the amoebicidal effect of Allium cepa (A. cepa) on A. spelaea trophozoites and cysts both in vitro and in vivo using Chinchilla rabbits as an experimental model of this type of keratitis. Chemical constituents of the aqueous extract of A. cepa were identified using Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). In vitro, A. cepa showed a significant inhibitory effect on trophozoites and cysts compared to the reference drug, chlorhexidine (CHX) as well as the non-treated control (P < 0.05) with statistically different effectiveness in terms of treatment durations and concentrations. No cytotoxic effect of A. cepa on corneal cell line was found even at high concentrations (32 mg/ml) using agar diffusion method. The in vivo results confirmed the efficacy of A. cepa where the extract enhanced keratitis healing with complete resolution of corneal ulcers in 80% of the infected animals by day 14 (post infection)pi compared to 70% recovery with CHX after 20 treatment days. The therapeutic effect was also approved at histological, immune-histochemical, and parasitological levels. Our findings support the potential use of A. cepa as an effective agent against A. spelaea keratitis.
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Shah M, Murad W, Mubin S, Ullah O, Rehman NU, Rahman MH. Multiple health benefits of curcumin and its therapeutic potential. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:43732-43744. [PMID: 35441996 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20137-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa as it is formally named, is a multifunctional plant with numerous names. It was dubbed "the golden spice" and "Indian saffron" not only for its magnificent yellow color, but also for its culinary use. Turmeric has been utilized in traditional medicine since the dawn of mankind. Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which are all curcuminoids, make up turmeric. Although there have been significant advancements in cancer treatment, cancer death and incidence rates remain high. As a result, there is an increasing interest in discovering more effective and less hazardous cancer treatments. Curcumin is being researched for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-metabolic syndrome, neuroprotective, and antibacterial properties. Turmeric has long been used as a home remedy for coughs, sore throats, and other respiratory problems. As a result, turmeric and its compounds have the potential to be used in modern medicine to cure a variety of diseases. In this current review, we highlighted therapeutic potential of curcumin and its multiple health benefits on various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muddaser Shah
- Department of Botany, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mauz, P.O. Box 33, Nizwa, 616, Oman
| | - Waheed Murad
- Department of Botany, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Mubin
- Department of Botany, Hazara University Mansehra, Mansehra, 21310, Pakistan
| | - Obaid Ullah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Chakdara, 18800, Pakistan
| | - Najeeb Ur Rehman
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mauz, P.O. Box 33, Nizwa, 616, Oman.
| | - Md Habibur Rahman
- Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26426, Korea
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Chu KB, Lee HA, Pflieger M, Fischer F, Asfaha Y, Alves Avelar LA, Skerhut A, Kassack MU, Hansen FK, Schöler A, Kurz T, Kim MJ, Moon EK, Quan FS. Antiproliferation and Antiencystation Effect of Class II Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors on Acanthamoeba castellanii. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:271-279. [PMID: 34994538 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous and free-living protozoan pathogen responsible for causing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a severe corneal infection inflicting immense pain that can result in permanent blindness. A drug-based treatment of AK has remained arduous because Acanthamoeba trophozoites undergo encystment to become highly drug-resistant cysts upon exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as amoebicidal agents (e.g., polyhexanide, chloroquine, and chlorohexidine). As such, drugs that block the Acanthamoeba encystation process could result in a successful AK treatment. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have recently emerged as novel therapeutic options for treating various protozoan and parasitic diseases. Here, we investigated whether novel HDACi suppress the proliferation and encystation of Acanthamoeba. Synthetic class II HDACi FFK29 (IIa selective) and MPK576 (IIb selective) dose-dependently decreased the viability of Acanthamoeba trophozoites. While these HDACi demonstrated a negligible effect on the viability of mature cysts, Acanthamoeba encystation was significantly inhibited by these HDACi. Apoptosis was slightly increased in trophozoites after a treatment with these HDACi, whereas cysts were unaffected by the HDACi exposure. The viability of human corneal cells was not affected by HDACi concentrations up to 10 μmol/L. In conclusion, these synthetic HDACi demonstrated potent amoebicidal effects and inhibited the growth and encystation of Acanthamoeba, thus highlighting their enormous potential for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 02447 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hae-Ahm Lee
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 02447 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Marc Pflieger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabian Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Yodita Asfaha
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Leandro A. Alves Avelar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Skerhut
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias U. Kassack
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Finn K Hansen
- Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Schöler
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Min-Jeong Kim
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 02447 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University, School of Medicine, 02447 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 02447 Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University, School of Medicine, 02447 Seoul, South Korea
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9
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Rosa MD, Andrade JPD, Costa AO, Conti R, Bastida J, Borges WDS, Furst C. Anti-Acanthamoeba castellanii activity of alkaloid-enriched extracts and lycorine from the Amaryllidaceae species. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902022e20459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
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10
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Martín-Escolano R, Molero Romero S, Díaz JG, Marín C, Sánchez-Moreno M, Rosales MJ. In vitro anti- Acanthamoeba activity of flavonoid glycosides isolated from Delphinium gracile, D. staphisagria, Consolida oliveriana and Aconitum napellus. Parasitology 2021; 148:1392-1400. [PMID: 34162452 PMCID: PMC11010224 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are widely distributed in the environment and cause serious infections in humans. Treatment of Acanthamoeba infections is very challenging and not always effective which requires the development of more efficient drugs against Acanthamoeba spp. The purpose of the present study was to test medicinal plants that may be useful in the treatment of Acanthamoeba spp. Here we evaluated the trophozoital and cysticidal activity of 13 flavonoid glycosides isolated from Delphinium gracile, D. staphisagria, Consolida oliveriana and from Aconitum napellus subsp. Lusitanicum against the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. AlamarBlue Assay Reagent® was used to determine the activity against trophozoites of A. castellanii, and cytotoxic using Vero cells. Cysticidal activity was assessed on treated cysts by light microscopy using a Neubauer chamber to quantify cysts and trophozoites. Flavonoids 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed higher trophozoital activity and selectivity indexes than the reference drug chlorhexidine digluconate. In addition, flavonoid 2 showed 100% cysticidal activity at a concentration of 50 μm, lower than those of the reference drug and flavonoid 3 (100 μm). These results suggest that flavonoids 2 and 3 might be used for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against Acanthamoeba infections after satisfactory in vivo evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Sonia Molero Romero
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Jesus G. Díaz
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Instituto de Bio-Orgánica ‘Antonio González’, Universidad de La Laguna, Ctra. a la Esperanza 2, 38206-La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Mª José Rosales
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
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In vitro amoebicidal effect of Aloe vera ethanol extract and honey against Acanthamoeba spp. cysts. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:159-168. [PMID: 33746401 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01292-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated in vitro effect of different concentrations of Aloe vera (A. vera) ethanol extract and honey against Acanthamoeba spp. cysts in comparison with chlorhexidine (the drug of choice for treatment of Acanthamoeba infection) at different incubation periods. Four different concentrations of the tested agents were used, 100, 200, 400, and 600 μg/ml for A. vera ethanol extract and 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml for honey. Isolated Acanthamoeba spp. cysts from keratitis patients were incubated with different concentrations of the tested agents as well as chlorhexidine 0.02% (drug control) for different incubation periods (24, 48, 72 h). After each incubation period, the effect of A. vera extract and honey against Acanthamoeba cysts was assessed by counting the number of viable cysts, determining the inhibitory percentage and detecting the morphological alternations of treated cysts compared to non-treated and drug controls. Both A. vera ethanol extract and honey showed a concentration and time-dependent effect on the viability of Acanthamoeba cysts. In comparison with chlorhexidine (the drug control), A. vera ethanol extract possessed a potent cysticidal activity at all tested concentrations throughout different incubation periods, except for concentration 100 μg/ml which recorded the lower inhibitory effect. With increasing the dose of A. vera ethanol extract to 200, 400, 600 µg/ml, the recorded inhibitory percentages of Acanthamoeba cysts viability were 82.3%, 92.9% and 97.9% respectively, after 72 h compared to 76.3% of chlorhexidine. Similarly, honey at concentrations of 50-100 µg/ml gave higher inhibitory effect of 59% and 76.7%, respectively compared to chlorhexidine which showed an inhibitory percentage of 55.7% after 24 h. Meanwhile, the lowest tested concentration of honey (25 µg/ml) gave an inhibitory effect by 47.7-67% which was less than that of chlorhexidine throughout different incubation periods. With increasing the dose of honey to 200 µg/ml, the inhibitory effect was 98.9% after 72 h higher than that of chlorhexidine (76.9%). Using a scanning electron microscope, Acanthamoeba cysts treated by A. vera ethanol extract showed alternations in their shapes with flattening, collapsing, and laceration of their walls. Also, treated cysts by honey were highly distorted and difficult to identify because most of them were shrinkage and collapsed to a tiny size. On the other hand, chlorhexidine showed less structural and morphological changes of Acanthamoeba cysts. A. vera ethanol extract and honey had considerable cysticidal effects on Acanthamoeba cysts. They may give promising results for treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Walvekar S, Anwar A, Anwar A, Sridewi N, Khalid M, Yow YY, Khan NA. Anti-amoebic potential of azole scaffolds and nanoparticles against pathogenic Acanthamoeba. Acta Trop 2020; 211:105618. [PMID: 32628912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are free living amoeba (FLA) which are widely distributed in nature. They are opportunistic parasites and can cause severe infections to the eye, skin and central nervous system. The advances in drug discovery and modifications in the chemotherapeutic agents have shown little improvement in morbidity and mortality rates associated with Acanthamoeba infections. The mechanism-based process of drug discovery depends on the molecular drug targets present in the signaling pathways in the genome. Synthetic libraries provide a platform for broad spectrum of activities due to their desired structural modifications. Azoles, originally a class of synthetic anti-fungal drugs, disrupt the fungal cell membrane by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol through the inhibition of cytochrome P450 dependent 14α-lanosterol, a key step of the sterol pathway. Acanthamoeba and fungi share the presence of similar sterol intermediate, as ergosterol is also the major end-product in the sterol biosynthesis in Acanthamoeba. Sterols present in the eukaryotic cell membrane are one of the most essential lipids and exhibit important structural and signaling functions. Therefore, in this review we highlight the importance of specific targeting of ergosterol present in Acanthamoebic membrane by azole compounds for amoebicidal activity. Previously, azoles have also been repurposed to report antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antibacterial properties. Moreover, by loading the azoles into nanoparticles through advanced techniques in nanotechnology, such as physical encapsulation, adsorption, or chemical conjugation, the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic index of the drugs can be significantly improved. The current review proposes an important strategy to target Acanthamoeba using synthetic libraries of azoles and their conjugated nanoparticles for the first time.
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Evaluation of cellular safety and the chemical composition of the peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) ethanolic extracts. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05119. [PMID: 33083604 PMCID: PMC7550920 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05119] [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: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Arachis hypogaea L. (Leguminosae) is distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Peanut has high nutritional and commercial value. Scientific research showed that peanut has biological properties such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiinflammatory. However, it is necessary to know if consumption of peanut, either as food or as a phytopharmaceutical implies a health risk. The aim was to evaluate cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of ethanolic extracts from A. hypogaea. Also, chemical characterization of these extracts was performed. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) assays on Vero cells. Genotoxicity was studied by Micronuclei and comet assays on Balb/C mice. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of extracts were performed. Results showed that extracts have low cytotoxicity. Tegument ethanolic extract (TEE) and Seed ethanolic extract (SEE) were not genotoxic. The treatments with TEE at 250 mg/kg and SEE at 2000 mg/kg revealed (highest concentrations evaluated) some toxicity on blood marrow cells of mice. Chemical characterization indicated that TEE had 74.33 ± 1.10 mg GAE/g of dried extract and SEE had 15.05 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g of dried extract of total phenolic content. Also, proanthocyanidins (O.D. at 550 nm 1.39 ± 0.15) and caffeic acid (2.46%) were identified in TEE. While, linoleic acid (58.84%) oleic acid (11.31%) and palmitic acid (8.37%) were major compounds of SEE. In conclusion, peanut consumption is safe at concentrations recommended for healthy uses, such as nutrition, and phytomedicine.
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Sharma G, Kalra SK, Tejan N, Ghoshal U. Nanoparticles based therapeutic efficacy against Acanthamoeba: Updates and future prospect. Exp Parasitol 2020; 218:108008. [PMID: 32979343 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba sp. is a free living amoeba that causes severe, painful and fatal infections, viz. Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis among humans. Antimicrobial chemotherapy used against Acanthamoeba is toxic to human cells and show side effects as well. Infections due to Acanthamoeba also pose challenges towards currently used antimicrobial treatment including resistance and transformation of trophozoites to resistant cyst forms that can lead to recurrence of infection. Therapeutic agents targeting central nervous system infections caused by Acanthamoeba should be able to cross blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles based drug delivery put forth an effective therapeutic method to overcome the limitations of currently used antimicrobial chemotherapy. In recent years, various researchers investigated the effectiveness of nanoparticles conjugated drug and/or naturally occurring plant compounds against both trophozoites and cyst form of Acanthamoeba. In the current review, a reasonable effort has been made to provide a comprehensive overview of various nanoparticles tested for their efficacy against Acanthamoeba. This review summarizes the noteworthy details of research performed to elucidate the effect of nanoparticles conjugated drugs against Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetansh Sharma
- Faculty of Applied Sciences & Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Bajhol, District Solan, H.P, 173229, India
| | - Sonali K Kalra
- Faculty of Applied Sciences & Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Bajhol, District Solan, H.P, 173229, India.
| | - Nidhi Tejan
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareili Road, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
| | - Ujjala Ghoshal
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareili Road, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
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Mungroo M, Anwar A, Khan NA, Siddiqui R. Gold-Conjugated Curcumin as a Novel Therapeutic Agent against Brain-Eating Amoebae. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:12467-12475. [PMID: 32548431 PMCID: PMC7271413 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri are free-living amoebae that cause infection of the central nervous system, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), respectively. The fact that mortality rates for cases of GAE and PAM are more than 95% indicates the need for new therapeutic agents against those amoebae. Considering that curcumin exhibits a wide range of biological properties and has shown efficacy against Acanthamoeba castellanii, we evaluated the amoebicidal properties of curcumin against N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris. Curcumin showed significant amoebicidal activities with an AC50 of 172 and 74 μM against B. mandrillaris and N. fowleri, respectively. Moreover, these compounds were also conjugated with gold nanoparticles to further increase their amoebicidal activities. After conjugation with gold nanoparticles, amoebicidal activities of the drugs were increased by up to 56 and 37% against B. mandrillaris and N. fowleri, respectively. These findings are remarkable and suggest that clinically available curcumin and our gold-conjugated curcumin nanoparticles hold promise in the improved treatment of fatal infections caused by brain-eating amoebae and should serve as a model in the rationale development of therapeutic interventions against other infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department
of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts
and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department
of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts
and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
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Biochemistry, Safety, Pharmacological Activities, and Clinical Applications of Turmeric: A Mechanistic Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7656919. [PMID: 32454872 PMCID: PMC7238329 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7656919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a popular natural drug, traditionally used for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Its root, as its most popular part used for medicinal purposes, contains different types of phytochemicals and minerals. This review summarizes what is currently known on biochemistry, safety, pharmacological activities (mechanistically), and clinical applications of turmeric. In short, curcumin is considered as the fundamental constituent in ground turmeric rhizome. Turmeric possesses several biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, antiobesity, hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. These reported pharmacologic activities make turmeric an important option for further clinical research. Also, there is a discussion on its safety and toxicity.
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Mitsuwan W, Bunsuwansakul C, Leonard TE, Laohaprapanon S, Hounkong K, Bunluepuech K, Kaewjai C, Mahboob T, Sumudi Raju C, Dhobi M, Pereira MDL, Nawaz M, Wiart C, Siyadatpanah A, Norouzi R, Nissapatorn V. Curcuma longa ethanol extract and Curcumin inhibit the growth of Acanthamoeba triangularis trophozoites and cysts isolated from water reservoirs at Walailak University, Thailand. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 114:194-204. [PMID: 32315247 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1755551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CURCUMA LONGA (C. longa) rhizome extract has been traditionally used to treat many infections. Curcumin, a pure compound isolated from the plant, has been documented to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Thai medicinal plant extracts including C. longa extract and Curcumin on Acanthamoeba triangularis, a causative agent of human Acanthamoeba keratitis. The parasite was isolated from the recreational reservoir at Walailak University, Thailand. The organism was identified as A. triangularis using morphology and 18S rDNA nucleotide sequences. The pathogen was tested for their susceptibility to ethanol extracts of Thai medicinal plants based on eye infection treatment. The ethanol C. longa extract showed the strongest anti-Acanthamoeba activity against both the trophozoites and cysts, followed by Coscinium fenestratum, Coccinia grandis, and Acmella oleracea extracts, respectively. After 24 h, 95% reduction of trophozoite viability was significantly decreased following the treatment with C. longa extract at 125 µg/mL, compared with the control (P < 0.05). The extract at 1,000 µg/mL inhibited 90% viability of Acanthamoeba cyst within 24 h, compared with the control. It was found that the cysts treated with C. longa extract at 500 µg/mL demonstrated abnormal shape after 24 h. The MIC values of C. longa extract and Curcumin against the trophozoites were 125 and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively. While the MICs of the extract and curcumin against the cysts were 500 and 1,000 µg/mL, respectively. The results suggested the potential medicinal benefits of C. longa extract and Curcumin as the alternative treatment of Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chooseel Bunsuwansakul
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Theodore Ebenezer Leonard
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences , Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Kruawan Hounkong
- Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University , Narathiwat, Thailand
| | - Kingkan Bunluepuech
- School of Allied Health Sciences and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chalermpon Kaewjai
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Rangsit University , Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Tooba Mahboob
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chandramathi Sumudi Raju
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mahaveer Dhobi
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University , Delhi, India
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- Department of Medical Sciences and CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro , Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Muhammad Nawaz
- Department of Nano-Medicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University , Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Norouzi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz , Tabriz, Iran
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Anwar A, Ting ELS, Anwar A, Ain NU, Faizi S, Shah MR, Khan NA, Siddiqui R. Antiamoebic activity of plant-based natural products and their conjugated silver nanoparticles against Acanthamoeba castellanii (ATCC 50492). AMB Express 2020; 10:24. [PMID: 32016777 PMCID: PMC6997323 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-020-0960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are the causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The current options to treat Acanthamoeba infections have limited success. Silver nanoparticles show antimicrobial effects and enhance the efficacy of their payload at the specific biological targets. Natural folk plants have been widely used for treating diseases as the phytochemicals from several plants have been shown to exhibit amoebicidal effects. Herein, we used natural products of plant or commercial sources including quercetin (QT), kolavenic acid (PGEA) isolated from plant extracts of Polyalthia longifolia var pendula and crude plant methanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (CPFLM) as antiacanthamoebic agents. Furthermore, these plant-based materials were conjugated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to determine the effects of the natural compounds and their nanoconjugates against a clinical isolate of A. castellanii from a keratitis patient (ATCC 50492) belonging to the T4 genotype. The compounds were conjugated with AgNPs and characterized by using ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. Quercetin coated silver nanoparticles (QT-AgNPs) showed characteristic surface plasmon resonance band at 443 nm and the average size distribution was found to be around 45 nm. The natural compounds alone and their nanoconjugates were tested for the viability of amoebae, encystation and excystation activity against A. castellanii. The natural compounds showed significant growth inhibition of A. castellanii while QT-AgNPs specifically exhibited enhanced antiamoebic effects as well as interrupted the encystation and excystation activity of the amoebae. Interestingly, these compounds and nanoconjugates did not exhibit in vitro cytotoxic effects against human cells. Plant-based compounds and extracts could be an interesting strategy in development of alternative therapeutics against Acanthamoeba infections.
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Amoebicidal and Amoebistatic Effects of Artemisia argyi Methanolic Extracts on Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites and Cysts. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:63-70. [PMID: 30689190 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-018-00009-5] [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: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE : The present study aimed to investigate the amoebicidal and amoebistatic efects of Artemisia argyi leaf methanolic extract by testing the effects on trophozoites and on cysts. We also determined cytotoxic effect, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, total phenolic, lavonoid and antioxidative contents of A. argyi. METHODS A. argyi was harvested from various geographic sites in Ordu province in Turkey. The fresh leaves were subjected to methanolic extraction. In 100 μl culture, different concentrations of A. argyi methanolic extract (in quantities from 1.2, 2.3, 4.7, 9.4, 18.7, 37.4, 74.8 mg/ml) and the same volume of trophozoite/cyst suspension were mixed for the determination of the amoebicidal activity of the plant extract. Human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with the same concentrations of Artemisia extracts to determine cytotoxic potential. RESULTS Total phenolic and lavonoid contents of the extract were calculated as 261 mg gallic acid/g dry extract and 29 mg quercetin/g dry extract, respectively. Total antioxidant activity was also calculated as 367 mg ascorbic acid/g dry extract. The growth of trophozoites stopped in A. argyi methanolic extract with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50)/8 h for 37.4 mg/ ml and 74.8 mg/ml extract solution and had stronger amoebicidal activity on the cysts with IC50/72 h. Artemisia showed stronger inhibitory effects on bronchial epithelial cells at the concentrations of 9.4, 18.7, 37.4 and 74.8 mg/ml. CONCLUSION The study indicated that A. argyi leaf extract has cytotoxic and anti-amoebic activities.
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Kaya Y, Baldemir A, Karaman Ü, Ildız N, Arıcı YK, Kaçmaz G, Kolören Z, Konca Y. Amebicidal effects of fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum) against Acanthamoeba cysts. Food Sci Nutr 2019; 7:563-571. [PMID: 30847135 PMCID: PMC6392877 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (TF) is known to the public as a chest emollient, mucous expectorant, laxative and is used to prevent maturation of boils and diabetes since ancient times. In this study, we aimed to determine the amebicidal effects against Acanthamoeba cysts. Plant extracts were prepared at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 mg/ml and were placed in a hemocytometer with cell counts 22 × 106 cell/ml. The fatty acid profiles of TF seeds were determined. Standard Acanthamoeba cysts were added and incubated at 25°C. The viability of the parasite was checked and recorded at hours 3, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 102. The values of lethal concentration doses (LD50 and LD90) were calculated using probit analysis. This study revealed that T. foenum-graecum prevented proliferation of the parasite at certain times. However, further for in vivo and controlled experimental studies are needed in order to find out how to use this plant as medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Kaya
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment of Internal MedicineOrdu UniversityOrduTurkey
| | - Ayşe Baldemir
- Faculty of PharmacyDepartment of Pharmaceutical BotanyErciyes UniversityKayseriTurkey
| | - Ülkü Karaman
- Faculty of MedicineMedical Parasitology DepartmentOrdu UniversityOrduTurkey
| | - Nilay Ildız
- Faculty of PharmacyDepartment of Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyErciyes UniversityKayseriTurkey
| | - Yeliz Kasko Arıcı
- Faculty of MedicineBiostatistics DepartmentOrdu UniversityOrduTurkey
| | - Gamze Kaçmaz
- Faculty of MedicineMedical Microbiology DepartmentGiresun UniversityGiresunTurkey
| | - Zeynep Kolören
- Department of BiologyOrdu University Faculty of Arts and SciencesOrduTurkey
| | - Yusuf Konca
- Faculty of AgricultureDepartment of Feed and Animal FeedingErciyes UniversityKayseriTurkey
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Tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3519-3525. [PMID: 30112674 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6049-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae belonging to Acanthamoeba genus are widely distributed protozoans which are able to cause infection in humans and other animals such as keratitis and encephalitis. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a vision-threatening corneal infection with currently no available fully effective treatment. Moreover, the available therapeutic options are insufficient and are very toxic to the eye. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of more effective anti-amoebic agents. Nanotechnology approaches have been recently reported to be useful for the elucidation antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal activities and thus, they could be a good approach for the development of anti-Acanthamoeba agents. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the activity and cytotoxicity of tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles, pure silver nanoparticles and pure gold nanoparticles against clinical strains of Acanthamoeba spp. The obtained results showed a significant anti-amoebic effect of the tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles which also presented low cytotoxicity. Moreover, tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles were well absorbed by the trophozoites and did not induce encystation. On the other hand, pure silver nanoparticles were only slightly active against the trophozoite stage and pure gold nanoparticles did not show any activity. In conclusion and based on the observed results, silver nanoparticle conjugation with tannic acid may be considered as potential agent against Acanthamoeba spp.
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Rangel-Castañeda IA, Hernández-Hernández JM, Pérez-Rangel A, González-Pozos S, Carranza-Rosales P, Charles-Niño CL, Tapia-Pastrana G, Ramírez-Herrera MA, Castillo-Romero A. Amoebicidal activity of curcumin on Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. J Pharm Pharmacol 2018; 70:426-433. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
This study was undertaken to investigate the amoebicidal potential of curcumin on Entamoeba histolytica, as well as its synergistic effect with metronidazole.
Methods
Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites were exposed to 100, 200 and 300 μm of curcumin, for 6, 12 and 24 h. Consequently, the viability of cells was determined by trypan blue exclusion test. All specimens were further analysed by scanning electron microscopy. For drug combination experiment, the Chou-Talalay method was used.
Key findings
Curcumin affected the growth and cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The higher inhibitory effects were observed with 300 μm at 24 h; 65.5% of growth inhibition and only 28.8% of trophozoites were viable. Additionally, curcumin also altered adhesion and the morphology of the trophozoites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed treated trophozoites with damages on the membrane, size alterations and parasites with loss of cellular integrity. In addition, the combination of curcumin + metronidazole exhibited a synergistic effect; the activity of both drugs was improved.
Conclusions
This is the first report evaluating the effectiveness of curcumin against E. histolytica. Our results suggest that CUR could be considered for evaluation in future pharmacological studies as a promising amoebicidal agent or as complementary therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzia Azucena Rangel-Castañeda
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Hernández-Hernández
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Armando Pérez-Rangel
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Sirenia González-Pozos
- Unidad de Microscopía Electrónica LaNSE, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Pilar Carranza-Rosales
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Claudia Lisette Charles-Niño
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Tapia-Pastrana
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Oaxaca, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica, San Bartolo Coyotepec, Mexico
| | - Mario Alberto Ramírez-Herrera
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Araceli Castillo-Romero
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
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23
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Rosales MJ, Ximenis M, Costa A, Rotger C, Romero D, Olmo F, Delgado E, Clares MP, García-España E, Marín C, Sánchez M. <i>In Vitro</i> Activity of Squaramides and Acyclic Polyamine Derivatives against Trophozoites and Cysts of <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i>. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.4236/jbm.2018.68001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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24
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Mahboob T, Azlan AM, Shipton FN, Boonroumkaew P, Nor Azman NS, Sekaran SD, Ithoi I, Tan TC, Samudi C, Wiart C, Nissapatorn V. Acanthamoebicidal activity of periglaucine A and betulinic acid from Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr. in vitro. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:160-166. [PMID: 28916456 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are pathogenic protozoa which account for amoebic keratitis, conjunctivitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. These amoebae form cysts which resist drugs and more effective acanthamoebicidal agents are needed. Medicinal plants could be useful in improving the current treatment strategies for Acanthamoeba infections. In the present study, we examined the amoebicidal effects of Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr., a medicinal plant used for the treatment of conjunctivitis in Malaysia. Pathogenic Acanthamoeba triangularis were isolated from environmental water samples and treated with different concentrations of fractions obtained from Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr. as well as main constituents for 24-72 h. Chlorhexidine was used as a reference drug. Ethanol fraction of stem showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of trophozoites survival. Betulinic acid and periglaucine A from this plant at 100 μg/mL inhibited more than 70% survival of both cysts and trophozoites. The calculated therapeutic index for betulinic acid and periglaucine A was 170 and 1.5 for trophozoites stage and 3.75 and 8.5 for cysts stage. The observed amoebicidal efficacies indicate the beneficial aspects of this plant in the treatment of Acanthamoeba infection. Periglaucine A could also be of value for the treatment of Acanthamoeba infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Mahboob
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdul-Majid Azlan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fiona Natalia Shipton
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, 43500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Nadiah Syafiqah Nor Azman
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, 43500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shamala Devi Sekaran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tian-Chye Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chandramathi Samudi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Christophe Wiart
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, 43500 Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, 80161 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
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25
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Saidin S, Othman N, Noordin R. In Vitro Testing of Potential Entamoeba histolytica Pyruvate Phosphate Dikinase Inhibitors. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1204-1213. [PMID: 28820699 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse effects and resistance to metronidazole have motivated the search for new antiamoebic agents against Entamoeba histolytica. Control of amoeba growth may be achieved by inhibiting the function of the glycolytic enzyme and pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK). In this study, we screened 10 compounds using an in vitro PPDK enzyme assay. These compounds were selected from a virtual screening of compounds in the National Cancer Institute database. The antiamoebic activity of the selected compounds was also evaluated by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and IC50 values using the nitro-blue tetrazolium reduction assay. Seven of the 10 compounds showed inhibitory activities against the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/inorganic phosphate binding site of the ATP-grasp domain. Two compounds, NSC349156 (pancratistatin) and NSC228137 (7-ethoxy-4-[4-methylphenyl] sulfonyl-3-oxido-2, 1, 3-benzoxadiazol-3-ium), exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of E. histolytica trophozoites with MIC values of 25 and 50 μM, and IC50 values of 14 and 20.7 μM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syazwan Saidin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nurulhasanah Othman
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Penang, Malaysia
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26
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El-Sayed NM. Efficacy of Zingiber officinale ethanol extract on the viability, embryogenesis and infectivity of Toxocara canis eggs. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:1020-1027. [PMID: 29114136 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0928-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale) ethanol extract on the viability, embryogenesis and infectivity Toxocara canis (T. canis) eggs. It was carried out both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro experiment, unembryonated T. canis eggs were incubated with 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL Z. officinale extract at 25 °C for 6, 12, and 24 h to assess the effect of Z. officinale on their viability and for two weeks to assess the effect of Z. officinale on their embryogenesis. In vivo experiment was performed to assess the effect of Z. officinale on infectivity of T. canis eggs. Treated embryonated eggs by Z. officinale extract at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL for 24 h were inoculated into mice and their livers were examined for the presence of T. canis larvae on the 7th day after infection and for histopathological evaluation at 14th day post-infection. Z. officinale showed a significant ovicidal activity on T. canis eggs. The best effect was observed with 100 mg/mL concentration after 24 h with an efficacy of 98.2%. However, the treated eggs by 25, 50 mg/mL of Z. officinale extract after 24 h showed ovicidal activity by 59.22 and 82.5% respectively. Moreover, this extract effectively inhibited T. canis eggs embryogenesis by 99.64% and caused their degeneration at the concentration of 100 mg/mL after 2 weeks of treatment. However, the lower concentrations, 25 and 50 mg/mL inhibited embryogenesis by 51.19 and 78.57% respectively. The effect of Z. officinale on the infectivity T. canis eggs was proven by the reduction of larvae recovery in the livers by 35.9, 62.8 and 89.5% in mice groups inoculated by Z. officinale treated eggs at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL respectively. Histopathologically, the liver tissues of mice infected with Z. officinale treated eggs at the concentration of 100 mg/mL appeared healthy with slight degenerative changes of hepatocytes, opposite to that recorded in the infected mice with treated eggs by the lower concentrations. In conclusion; Z. officinale extract possessed dose-dependent anti-T. canis activity on the viability, embryogenesis and infectivity of T. canis eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa Mostafa El-Sayed
- Medical Parasitology Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Ministry of Scientific Research and Technology, Giza, Egypt
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27
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Derda M, Hadaś E, Cholewiński M, Skrzypczak Ł, Grzondziel A, Wojtkowiak-Giera A. Artemisia annua L. as a plant with potential use in the treatment of acanthamoebiasis. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:1635-9. [PMID: 26782959 PMCID: PMC4799240 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4902-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of acanthamoebiasis is a great problem. Most cerebral invasions end with death, and the treatment of ocular invasions is usually long-lasting and not very effective. Numerous plant extracts and substances isolated from plants, which are effective against trophozoites or cysts, have been studied in the treatment of acanthamoebiasis. However, no agents that are simultaneously effective against both developing forms of amoebae have been discovered yet. It seems that such a plant which fulfils both tasks is Artemisia annua L. Our studies showed that water, alcohol and chloroform extracts from the herb A. annua L. can be applied in general and local treatment or in combined therapy with antibiotics in the treatment of acanthamoebiasis. Extracts from this plant show not only in vitro but also in vivo effects. Studies carried out on experimental animals infected with amoebae show that the application of these extracts significantly prolongs the survival of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Derda
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 10 Fredry Street, 61-701, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Edward Hadaś
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 10 Fredry Street, 61-701, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Cholewiński
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 10 Fredry Street, 61-701, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Skrzypczak
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 10 Fredry Street, 61-701, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Grzondziel
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 10 Fredry Street, 61-701, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wojtkowiak-Giera
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 10 Fredry Street, 61-701, Poznan, Poland
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28
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In Vitro Activity of Curcumin and Silver Nanoparticles Against Blastocystis hominis. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2015. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000000242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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29
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Several staining techniques to enhance the visibility of Acanthamoeba cysts. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:823-30. [PMID: 25346196 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4190-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is one of the most common free-living amoebae. It is widespread in the environment and can infect humans causing keratitis. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis leads to extensive corneal inflammation and profound visual loss. Therefore, accurate and rapid diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis is essential for successful treatment and good prognosis. This study was designed to use different staining techniques to facilitate the identification of Acanthamoeba cysts. Acanthamoeba cysts were isolated by cultivation of either corneal scraping specimens or tap water samples onto non-nutrient agar plates seeded with Escherichia coli. Subcultures were done from positive cultures until unique cysts were isolated. Acanthamoeba cysts were stained temporarily using iodine, eosin, methylene blue, and calcofluor white (CFW) stains and as permanent slides after processing for mounting using modified trichrome, Gimenez and Giemsa staining. These stains were compared on the basis of staining quality including clarity of morphological details, differentiation between cytoplasm and nuclei, color and contrast, and also other characteristics of the staining techniques, including ease of handling, time taken for the procedure, and cost effectiveness. The cysts of Acanthamoeba were recognized in the form of double-walled cysts: the outer wall (ectocyst) that was being differentiated from the variably stained surrounding background and the inner wall (endocyst) that was sometimes stellated, polygonal, round, or oval and visualized as separate from the spherical, sometimes irregular, outline of the ectocyst. Regarding the temporary stains, it was found that they were efficient for visualizing the morphological details of Acanthamoeba cysts. In CFW staining, Acanthamoeba cysts appeared as bluish-white or turquoise oval halos although the internal detail was not evident. On the other hand, the results of permanent-stained slides showed the most consistent stain for identification of Acanthamoeba cysts was modified trichrome followed by Gimenez stain and lastly Giemsa stain that gave poor visibility of Acanthamoeba cysts due to the intense staining background and monochrome staining of parasite. In the present study, multi-attribute ranking of the used staining techniques showed the highest rank for iodine stain (92 %) followed by eosin stain (84 %), Gimenez stain (76 %), methylene blue (72 %), CFW (64 %), modified trichrome (56 %), and the least was Giemsa stain (44 %). In conclusion, the staining techniques enhance the overall visibility of Acanthamoeba cysts.
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30
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Badria FA, Hetta MH, Sarhan RM, Ezz El-Din MH. Lethal effects of Helianthemum lippii (L.) on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts in vitro. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 52:243-9. [PMID: 25031463 PMCID: PMC4096634 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.3.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. commonly cause Acanthamoeba keratitis which is typically associated with the wear of contact lenses. Therefore, finding an economic, efficient, and safe therapy of natural origin is of outmost importance. This study examined the in vitro lethal potential of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Helianthemum lippii (L.) (sun roses) against Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts isolated from patients with amoebic keratitis. Both extracts proved to be potent as regard to their lethal effects on A. castellanii cysts with comparable results to chlorhexidine. The ethyl acetate was more promising with cumulative lethality. It showed a highly significant lethal percentage along the duration of treatment. The analysis of the more potent ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of 2.96 mg/100 g of total phenolics, 0.289 mg/100 ml of total flavonoids and 37 mg/100 mg of total tannins which highlighted their phytomedicinal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Badria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M H Hetta
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni Suef University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania M Sarhan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M H Ezz El-Din
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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31
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Acanthamoeba DNA can be directly amplified from corneal scrapings. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3267-72. [PMID: 24951167 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3989-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the performance of direct amplification of Acanthamoeba-DNA bypassing DNA extraction in the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in clinically suspected cases in comparison to direct microscopic examination and in vitro culture. Corneal scrapings were collected from 110 patients who were clinically suspected to have Acanthamoeba keratitis, 63 contact lens wearers (CLW), and 47 non-contact lens wearers (NCLW). Taken samples were subjected to direct microscopic examination, cultivation onto the non-nutrient agar plate surface seeded with Escherichia coli, and PCR amplification. The diagnostic performance of these methods was statistically compared. The results showed that Acanthamoeba infection was detected in 21 (19.1%) of clinically suspected cases (110); 17 (81%) of them were CLW and the remaining 4 (19%) positive cases were NCLW. Regarding the used diagnostic methods, it was found that direct amplification of Acanthamoeba DNA bypassing nucleic acid extraction was superior to microscopy and culture in which 21 cases (19.1%) were positive for Acanthamoeba by PCR compared to 19 positive cases by culture (17.3%) and one case (0.9%) by direct smear. The difference in detection rates between culture and direct smear was highly statistically significant (P = 0.001). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in detection rates between culture and PCR (P = 0.86). On using culture as the gold standard, PCR showed three false-positive samples that were negative by culture and one false-negative sample that was positive by culture. At the same time, direct smear showed 18 false-negative samples. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of PCR were 94.7, 96.7, 85.7, 98.9, and 96.4, respectively, while those of direct smear were 5.3, 100, 100, 83.5, and 83.6, respectively. In conclusion, direct amplification of Acanthamoeba-DNA bypassing DNA extraction is a reliable, specific, sensitive method in the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in clinically suspected cases. It should set up in ophthalmological centers as an easy diagnostic tool.
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32
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Abstract
The paper presents an overview of the use of natural therapeutic agents in combating parasitic diseases. Nowadays there is increasing demand for proven plant therapies, which often are found to be more effective than synthetic pharmaceuticals in chronic diseases. In many cases herbal preparations perfectly supplement the conventional treatment and at the same time do not cause side effects. On the pharmaceutical market there are many drugs of plant origin which have been applied in the treatment of parasitic diseases. However, researchers are still looking for new plants, or specific substances isolated from them, which can be used in therapy. In this paper, drugs of plant origin used in the treatment of amoebiasis, giardiasis, malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis and acanthamoebiasis are described.
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33
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Cabello-Vílchez AM, Martín-Navarro CM, López-Arencibia A, Reyes-Batlle M, Sifaoui I, Valladares B, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Voriconazole as a first-line treatment against potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains from Peru. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:755-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3705-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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34
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Borase HP, Patil CD, Sauter IP, Rott MB, Patil SV. Amoebicidal activity of phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles and theirin vitrocytotoxicity to human cells. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2013; 345:127-31. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hemant P. Borase
- School of Life Sciences; North Maharashtra University; Jalgaon; Maharashtra; India
| | | | - Ismael P. Sauter
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente; Porto Alegre; Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil
| | - Marilise B. Rott
- Departamento de Microbiologia; Imunologia Parasitologia; Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde; Porto Alegre; Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil
| | - Satish V. Patil
- School of Life Sciences; North Maharashtra University; Jalgaon; Maharashtra; India
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35
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Shoaib HM, Muazzam AG, Mir A, Jung SY, Matin A. Evaluation of inhibitory potential of some selective methanolic plants extracts on biological characteristics of Acanthamoeba castellanii using human corneal epithelial cells in vitro. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:1179-88. [PMID: 23306385 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3249-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoan pathogen and known to be one of the most ubiquitous organisms, play a vital role in ecosystem, and recognized to cause blinding keratitis and rare but fatal granulomatous encephalitis involving the central nervous system with a very poor prognosis. This is due to limited availability of effective anti-Acanthamoeba drugs. The objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy of methanolic plants crude extracts on the viability and biological properties of Acanthamoeba castellanii (T4 genotype) and its cytotoxic effects on human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC). Using HCEC, it was observed that Acanthamoeba exhibited binding (>90 %) and cytotoxicity (>80 %) to host cells. However, plant crude extracts remarkably inhibited more than 70 and 60 % of Acanthamoeba binding and cytotoxicity to HCEC, respectively. It was further established that crude extracts (ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 mg/ml) exhibited amoebicidal effects, i.e., >50 % of trophozoites were killed/reduced at maximum dose (1.5 mg/ml) within 1 h incubation. However, the residual subpopulation remained static over longer incubations. Furthermore, growth assay demonstrated crude extracts inhibited >50 % Acanthamoeba numbers up to 7 days. Our results confirmed that plant crude extracts has inhibitory effects on Acanthamoeba growth and viability. Overall, these findings revealed that tested plant extracts is inhibitory to Acanthamoeba properties associated with pathogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, our findings demonstrated for the first time that selected methanol plant crude extracts exhibits inhibitory effects on biological properties of Acanthamoeba without any toxic effects on HCEC cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Muhammad Shoaib
- Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
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Chemical composition and amoebicidal activity of Croton pallidulus, Croton ericoides, and Croton isabelli(Euphorbiaceae) essential oils. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:961-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2918-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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