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Evolutionary Adaptations of Parasitic Flatworms to Different Oxygen Tensions. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061102. [PMID: 35739999 PMCID: PMC9220675 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061102] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During the evolution of the Earth, the increase in the atmospheric concentration of oxygen gave rise to the development of organisms with aerobic metabolism, which utilized this molecule as the ultimate electron acceptor, whereas other organisms maintained an anaerobic metabolism. Platyhelminthes exhibit both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism depending on the availability of oxygen in their environment and/or due to differential oxygen tensions during certain stages of their life cycle. As these organisms do not have a circulatory system, gas exchange occurs by the passive diffusion through their body wall. Consequently, the flatworms developed several adaptations related to the oxygen gradient that is established between the aerobic tegument and the cellular parenchyma that is mostly anaerobic. Because of the aerobic metabolism, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced in abundance. Catalase usually scavenges H2O2 in mammals; however, this enzyme is absent in parasitic platyhelminths. Thus, the architecture of the antioxidant systems is different, depending primarily on the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxiredoxin enzymes represented mainly in the tegument. Here, we discuss the adaptations that parasitic flatworms have developed to be able to transit from the different metabolic conditions to those they are exposed to during their life cycle.
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Ferreira de Lima N, de Andrade Picanço G, Costa TL, Vinaud MC. In vitro metabolic stress induced by nitazoxanide and flubendazole combination in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Exp Parasitol 2022; 238:108265. [PMID: 35525309 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108265] [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: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Taenia crassiceps is often used as experimental model for T. solium cysticercosis studies. Currently cysticercosis antiparasitic treatment is based on albendazole and praziquantel which may present side effects and parasitic resistance. The search for other antiparasitic drugs is necessary. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) and flubendazole (FLB) are broad spectrum antiparasitic drugs that present anti-cysticercosis effect. Metabolic analyses help to determine the impact of these drugs on parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the impact on the production and excretion of organic metabolites in T. crassiceps cysticerci after in vitro exposure to NTZ and FLB, isolated or in combination. T. crassiceps cysticerci were culture in RPMI medium and exposed to 10μg/mL of NTZ, 10μg/mL of FLB or 10μg/mL of NTZ +10μg/mL of FLB. 24h after exposure, the parasites were chromatographic analyzed to determine the impact of these drugs on glycolysis, homolactic fermentation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acids oxidation and proteins catabolism. It was possible to determine that the drugs combination induced greater metabolic impact on cysticerci in comparison to the isolated drugs exposure. The drugs combination induced gluconeogenesis, metabolic acidosis, increase in tricarboxylic acid cycle and in proteins catabolism. While the NTZ isolated exposure induced metabolic acidosis and protein catabolism and the FLB isolate exposure induced gluconeogenesis and protein catabolism. These results show that the combination of drugs with different modes of action increase the antiparasitic effect and may be indicated as alternative cysticercosis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Brazil
| | - Guaraciara de Andrade Picanço
- Laboratory of Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Luiza Costa
- Laboratory of Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Brazil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Laboratory of Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Brazil.
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de Andrade Picanço G, Ferreira de Lima N, Cristina Gomes T, de Sousa Mendes Moreira Alves D, Luísa da Costa T, Vinaud MC. Intraperitoneal and intracranial experimental cysticercosis present different metabolic preferences after treatment with isolated or combined albendazole and nitazoxanide. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106264. [PMID: 34919953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106264] [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: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cysticercosis is a zoonotic public health issue especially severe when the parasite is in the central nervous system although it may be found all over the human organism. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci inoculated in mice is the experimental model used to study cysticercosis. The most used cysticercosis treatment is with albendazole (ABZ). Nitazoxanide (NTZ) has been experimentally tested against this parasite. Metabolic analysis has been used to determine drugs impact on the parasite. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo metabolic impact of the ABZ-NTZ combination in T. crassiceps cysticerci inoculated in mice peritoneal and intracranial cavities. Mice were experimentally inoculated with T. crassiceps cysticerci in the intraperitoneal cavity or in the intracranial one. Thirty days after the infection they were treated with NaCl 0.9% (control group), 50 mg/kg of ABZ, 50 mg/kg of NTZ or 50 mg/kg of NTZ and ABZ (ABZ/NTZ combination). 24 h after treatment the animals were euthanized and the cysticerci analyzed through high performance chromatography and spectrophotometry in order to detect the glycolytic, mitochondrial and protein catabolism pathways. The intracranial parasites used more intensely the homolactic fermentation while the intraperitoneal ones presented a greater use of the mitochondrial pathways and protein catabolism. Regarding the glycolytic pathways, it was possible to observe a significant impact induced by the drugs used, both isolated or in combination. It was possible to detect an increase in the fumarate reductase pathway after the drugs exposure and no impact in the protein's catabolism. Therefore, the cysticerci showed different uses of metabolic pathways regarding the site of inoculation due to the availability of nutrients inherent of each environment. This study showed the parasite metabolic resilience and capability of use of different biochemical pathways in order to ensure survival in spite of a hostile environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guaraciara de Andrade Picanço
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Nayana Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Taynara Cristina Gomes
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Daniella de Sousa Mendes Moreira Alves
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Tatiane Luísa da Costa
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil.
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de Lange A, Prodjinotho UF, Tomes H, Hagen J, Jacobs BA, Smith K, Horsnell W, Sikasunge C, Hockman D, Selkirk ME, Prazeres da Costa C, Raimondo JV. Taenia larvae possess distinct acetylcholinesterase profiles with implications for host cholinergic signalling. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008966. [PMID: 33347447 PMCID: PMC7785214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Larvae of the cestodes Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps infect the central nervous system of humans. Taenia solium larvae in the brain cause neurocysticercosis, the leading cause of adult-acquired epilepsy worldwide. Relatively little is understood about how cestode-derived products modulate host neural and immune signalling. Acetylcholinesterases, a class of enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, are produced by a host of parasitic worms to aid their survival in the host. Acetylcholine is an important signalling molecule in both the human nervous and immune systems, with powerful modulatory effects on the excitability of cortical networks. Therefore, it is important to establish whether cestode derived acetylcholinesterases may alter host neuronal cholinergic signalling. Here we make use of multiple techniques to profile acetylcholinesterase activity in different extracts of both Taenia crassiceps and Taenia solium larvae. We find that the larvae of both species contain substantial acetylcholinesterase activity. However, acetylcholinesterase activity is lower in Taenia solium as compared to Taenia crassiceps larvae. Further, whilst we observed acetylcholinesterase activity in all fractions of Taenia crassiceps larvae, including on the membrane surface and in the excreted/secreted extracts, we could not identify acetylcholinesterases on the membrane surface or in the excreted/secreted extracts of Taenia solium larvae. Bioinformatic analysis revealed conservation of the functional protein domains in the Taenia solium acetylcholinesterases, when compared to the homologous human sequence. Finally, using whole-cell patch clamp recordings in rat hippocampal brain slice cultures, we demonstrate that Taenia larval derived acetylcholinesterases can break down acetylcholine at a concentration which induces changes in neuronal signalling. Together, these findings highlight the possibility that Taenia larval acetylcholinesterases can interfere with cholinergic signalling in the host, potentially contributing to pathogenesis in neurocysticercosis. Infection of the human nervous system with larvae of the parasite Taenia solium is a significant cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. Despite this, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis in neurocysticercosis remain unclear. Acetylcholinesterases are a family of enzymes widely produced by helminthic parasites. These enzymes facilitate the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is also a major neurotransmitter in the human nervous system. If T. solium larvae produce acetylcholinesterases, this could potentially disrupt host cholinergic signalling, which may in turn contribute to seizures and epilepsy. We therefore set out to investigate the presence and activity of acetylcholinesterases in T. solium larvae, as well as in Taenia crassiceps larvae, a species commonly used as a model parasite in neurocysticercosis research. We found that both T. crassiceps and T. solium larvae produce acetylcholinesterases with substantial activity and that the functional protein domains in the Taenia solium acetylcholinesterases have great similarity to those of human acetylcholinesterases. We further demonstrate that the acetylcholinesterase activity in the products of these parasites is sufficient to break down acetylcholine at a concentration which induces changes in neuronal signalling in an ex vivo brain slice model. This study provides evidence that Taenia larvae produce acetylcholinesterases and that these can potentially interfere with cholinergic signalling in the host and contribute to pathogenesis in neurocysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja de Lange
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ulrich Fabien Prodjinotho
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Centre for Global Health, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Hayley Tomes
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jana Hagen
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brittany-Amber Jacobs
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Smith
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - William Horsnell
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR 7355 CNRS-University of Orleans, Orleans, France
| | - Chummy Sikasunge
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Paraclinicals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Dorit Hockman
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Murray E. Selkirk
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Centre for Global Health, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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Metabolic effects of anthelminthic drugs in the larval stage of the cestode Taenia crassiceps, cysticercosis experimental model - A review. Acta Trop 2020; 206:105448. [PMID: 32194066 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Taenia crassiceps is an experimental model used for cysticercosis studies and has suffered metabolic analyzes regarding the effect of anthelminthic drugs. The metabolic analyses are useful tools to determine the drugs mode of action and the parasite`s survival mechanisms. The energetic pathways are good candidates for this kind of approach as they are essential for the parasite`s survival and adaptation to the environment. In this review we discuss the anthelminthic drugs mode of action and its metabolic impact on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci.
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Isac E, Picanço GA, Costa TL, Lima NF, Alves DSMM, Fraga CM, Lino Junior RS, Vinaud MC. In vitro nitazoxanide exposure affects energetic metabolism of Taenia crassiceps. Exp Parasitol 2019; 208:107792. [PMID: 31707003 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a broad-spectrum drug used in intestinal infections, but still poorly explored in the treatment of parasitic tissular infections. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro responses of the energetic metabolism of T. crassiceps cysticerci induced by NTZ. The organic acids of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, products derived from fatty acids oxidation and protein catabolism were analyzed. These acids were quantified after 24 h of in vitro exposure to different NTZ concentrations. A positive control group was performed with albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO). The significant alterations in citrate, fumarate and malate concentrations showed the NTZ influence in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The non-detection of acetate confirmed that the main mode of action of NTZ is effective against T. crassiceps cysticerci. The statistical differences in fumarate, urea and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations showed the NTZ effect on protein catabolism and fatty acid oxidation. Therefore, the main energetic pathways such as the TCA cycle, protein catabolism and fatty acids oxidation were altered after in vitro NTZ exposure. In conclusion, NTZ induced a significant metabolic stress in the parasite indicating that it may be used as an alternative therapeutic choice for cysticercosis treatment. The use of metabolic approaches to establish comparisons between anti parasitic drugs mode of actions is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Isac
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiás, Rua 235, S/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Guaraciara A Picanço
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiás, Rua 235, S/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Tatiane L Costa
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiás, Rua 235, S/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Nayana F Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiás, Rua 235, S/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Daniellade S M M Alves
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiás, Rua 235, S/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Carolina M Fraga
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiás, Rua 235, S/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Ruyde S Lino Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiás, Rua 235, S/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Marina C Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiás, Rua 235, S/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP 74605-050, Brazil.
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Partial inhibition of the main energetic pathways and its metabolic consequences after in vivo treatment with benzimidazole derivatives in experimental neurocysticercosis. Parasitology 2019; 146:1578-1582. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBenzimidazole derivatives such as albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole are important molecules used in helminthic treatment. Neurocysticercosis is the main cause of acquired epilepsy throughout the world and is currently treated with ABZ. New molecules have been studied in order to aid in the treatment of this neglected tropical disease, among them RCB15 and RCB20. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic impact of RCB15 and RCB20 on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated in Balb/c mice. Thirty days after the inoculation the mice were treated with 50 mg kg−1 of RCB15, RCB20, ABZ or NaCl 0.9%. The euthanasia and cysticerci removal were performed 24 h after the treatment. The cysticerci were analysed through high performance liquid chromatography. After the treatments, there was an impairment in the main energetic pathways such as glycolytic pathway, homolactic fermentation or in mitochondrion energy production detected through the decrease in pyruvate, lactate, oxaloacetate, malate and fumarate concentrations. This induced the parasite to resort to alternative energetic pathways such as proteins catabolism, propionate fermentation and fatty acids oxidation. Therefore, benzimidazole derivatives are a promising alternative to ABZ use as they also reach the brain tissue and induce a metabolic stress in the cysticerci.
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Lima NF, Picanço GA, Alves DDSMM, Silva LD, Isac E, Costa TL, Lino Junior RDS, Vinaud MC. Oral nitazoxanide treatment of experimental neurocysticercosis induces gluconeogenesis in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Acta Trop 2019; 190:361-364. [PMID: 30553893 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent helminthiasis of the central nervous system and is caused by the presence of Taenia solium cysticerci. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is an antifolate containing the pyrrolopyrimidine-based nucleus that exerts its antiprotozoal activity due to interference with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme which is essential to anaerobic energy metabolism. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of NTZ on the energetic metabolism of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated BALB /c mice. The infected animals were treated with a single oral dose of NTZ 30 days after the inoculation. Analysis of the organic acids was performed through high performance liquid chromatography. Glucose was detected only in the treated groups, alongside with a significant decrease in lactate, pyruvate and oxaloacetate concentrations which indicate an increase in gluconeogenesis. The non-detection of alpha-ketoglutarate indicated the use of the fumarate reductase pathway in all groups. It was possible to confirm the drugs mode of action due to the non-detection of acetate in the treated groups. There was an increase in the fatty acids oxidation. Therefore it was possible to observe that NTZ induces gluconeogenesis as well as the increase of alternative energetic pathways such as fatty acids oxidation in T. crassiceps cysticerci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana F Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Guaraciara A Picanço
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Daniella de S M M Alves
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Luciana D Silva
- State University of Goias, Br 153, Km 99, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Eliana Isac
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Tatiane L Costa
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Ruy de S Lino Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Marina C Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
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In vivo treatment of experimental neurocysticercosis with praziquantel nanosuspensions-a metabolic approach. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2018; 8:1265-1273. [PMID: 30117119 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0576-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the nervous system and currently represents a serious public health issue in many regions of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. To date, praziquantel is one of the chosen drugs for the treatment of neurocysticercosis. Its mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of different biochemical pathways within the parasite which contribute to its death. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze, for the first time, whether the nanoformulations of praziquantel would modify the energetic pathway of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci, after an intracranial inoculation in BALB/c mice. Praziquantel nanosuspensions were formulated with polyvinyl alcohol, poloxamer 188, and poloxamer 407, as stabilizers. These formulations exhibited particle size in a range of 74-285 nm and zeta potential values in a range of - 8.1/- 13.2 depending on the type of stabilizer. Physical stability study at both 4 ± 2 and 25 ± 2 °C indicated that praziquantel (PZQ) nanoparticles were stable in terms of solubility and particle size after 120-day storage. In vivo studies demonstrated that those nanosystems were able to produce significant modifications on the concentrations of oxaloacetate, citrate, pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate, malate, succinate, lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, fumarate, and propionate involved in the metabolism of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Therefore, these nanoformulations may be considered as a promising tool to deliver praziquantel to the brain for the effective management of neurocysticercosis.
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Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) occurs following brain infection by larvae of the cestode Taenia solium. It is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy worldwide and therefore constitutes a critical health challenge with significant global relevance. Despite this, much is still unknown about many key pathogenic aspects of the disease, including how cerebral infection with T. solium results in the development of seizures. Over the past century, valuable mechanistic insights have been generated using both clinical studies and animal models. In this review, we critically assess model systems for investigating disease processes in NCC. We explore the respective strengths and weaknesses of each model and summarize how they have contributed to current knowledge of the disease. We call for the continued development of animal models of NCC, with a focus on novel strategies for understanding this debilitating but often neglected disorder.
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de Andrade Picanço G, de Lima NF, Fraga CM, da Costa TL, Isac E, Ambrosio J, Castillo R, Vinaud MC. A benzimidazole derivative (RCB15) in vitro induces the alternative energetic metabolism and glycolysis in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Acta Trop 2017; 176:288-292. [PMID: 28865900 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.022] [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: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to albendazole has encouraged the search for effective alternatives for cysticercosis and other parasitosis treatment. RCB15 is a benzimidazole derivative that may be used against such diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro effect of RCB15 on the alternative energetic pathways of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. The cysticerci were in vitro exposed to albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) or RCB15 at different concentrations during 24h. The cysticerci extract and the culture medium were analyzed through spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography as to detect glucose, urea, creatinine and organic acids of the energetic metabolism. The drugs did not influence the protein catabolism. Fatty acids oxidation was enhanced through significantly higher acetate concentrations in the groups treated with RCB15 and ABZSO. Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were decreased which indicates the use of fatty acids towards acetyl-CoA synthesis. There was a decrease in glucose uptake and pyruvate concentrations. The absence of lactate indicates the use of pyruvate in gluconeogenesis. Therefore it is possible to conclude that RCB15 enhanced the alternative energetic pathways of cysticerci in vitro exposed to different concentration, with emphasis on the fatty acids catabolism.
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Two glutathione transferase isoforms isolated from juvenile cysts of Taenia crassiceps: identification, purification and characterization. J Helminthol 2017; 92:687-695. [PMID: 29032785 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x17000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We identified and characterized the first two glutathione transferases (GSTs) isolated from juvenile cysts of Taenia crassiceps (EC 2.5.1.18). The two glutathione transferases (TcGST1 and TcGST2) were purified in a single-step protocol using glutathione (GSH)-sepharose chromatography in combination with a GSH gradient. The specific activities of TcGST1 and TcGST2 were 26 U mg-1 and 19 U mg-1, respectively, both at 25°C and pH 6.5 with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and GSH as substrates. The Km(CDNB) and Kcat(CDNB) values for TcGST1 and TcGST2 (0.86 μm and 62 s-1; 1.03 μm and 1.97 s-1, respectively) and Km(GSH) and Kcat(GSH) values for TcGST1 and TcGST2 (0.55 μm and 11.61 s-1; 0.3 μm and 32.3 s-1, respectively) were similar to those reported for mammalian and helminth GSTs. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that eight peptides from each of the two parasite transferases were a match for gi|29825896 glutathione transferase (Taenia solium), confirming that both enzymes are GSTs. The relative molecular masses were 54,000 ± 0.9 for the native enzymes and 27,500 ± 0.5 for the enzyme subunits. Thus, TcGST1 and TcGST2 are dimeric proteins. Optimal TcGST1 and TcGST2 activities were observed at pH 8.5 in the range of 20-55°C and pH 7.5 at 35-40°C, respectively. TcGST1 and TcGST2 were inhibited by cibacron blue (CB), bromosulphophthalein (BST), rose bengal (RB), indomethacin and haematin (Hm) with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) in the μm range. TcGST1 was inhibited in a non-competitive manner by all tested inhibitors with the exception of indomethacin, which was uncompetitive. The discovery of these new GSTs facilitates the potential use of T. crassiceps as a model to investigate multifunctional GSTs.
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Silva LD, Arrúa EC, Pereira DA, Fraga CM, Costa TLD, Hemphill A, Salomon CJ, Vinaud MC. Elucidating the influence of praziquantel nanosuspensions on the in vivo metabolism of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Acta Trop 2016; 161:100-5. [PMID: 27269203 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to develop nanosuspensions of praziquantel (PZQ) and to evaluate their influence on the energetic metabolism of cysticerci inoculated in BALB/c mice. We analyzed metabolic alterations of glycolytic pathways and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the parasite. The nanosuspensions were prepared by precipitation and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poloxamer 188 (P188) and poloxamer 407 (P407) were used as stabilizers. Nanosuspension prepared with PVA had a particle size of 100nm, while P188- and P407-based nanosuspensions had particle sizes of 74nm and 285nm, respectively. The zeta potential was -8.1, -8.6, and -13.2 for the formulations stabilized with PVA, P188 and P407, respectively. Treatments of T. crassiceps cysticerci-infected mice resulted in an increase in glycolysis organic acids, and enhanced the partial reversion of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the urea cycle and the production of ketonic bodies in the parasites when compared to the groups treated with conventional PZQ. These data suggest that PZQ nanosuspensions greatly modified the energetic metabolism of cysticerci in vivo. Moreover, the remarkable metabolic alterations produced by the stabilizers indicate that further studies on nanoformulations are required to find potentially suitable nanomedicines.
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Vinaud MC, de Andrade LCM, Alves PFM, Fraga CM, Bezerra JCB, de Souza Lino Junior R. In vitro stressing factors altering the TCA cycle and morphology of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(15)60984-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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