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de Souza Aguiar LM, de Moraes Alves MM, Sobrinho Júnior EPC, Paiva PMG, de Amorim Carvalho FA, de Albuquerque LP, de Siqueira Patriota LL, Napoleão TH. Microgramma vacciniifolia Frond Lectin: In Vitro Anti-leishmanial Activity and Immunomodulatory Effects Against Internalized Amastigote Forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:869-879. [PMID: 37874484 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00717-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The treatment of leishmaniasis, an anthropozoonosis caused by Leishmania protozoa, is limited by factors, such as adverse effects, toxicity, and excessive cost, which has highlighted the importance of novel drugs. In this context, natural products have been considered as sources of antileishmanial agents. This study investigated the leishmanicidal activity of Microgramma vacciniifolia frond lectin (MvFL) on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. METHODS The effects of MvFL on promastigote proliferation and macrophage infection by amastigotes were evaluated and mean inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were calculated. As a safety assessment, the hemolytic capacity of MvFL (6.25-200 µg/mL) against mouse and human erythrocytes was determined. Additionally, the ability of MvFL (6.25-100 µg/mL) to modulate lysosomal and phagocytic activities and the nitric oxide (NO) production by murine peritoneal macrophages was also investigated. RESULTS After 24 h, MvFL inhibited the proliferation of L. amazonensis promastigotes, with an IC50 of 88 µg/mL; however, hemolytic activity was not observed. MvFL also reduced macrophage infection by amastigotes with an IC50 of 52 µg/mL. Furthermore, treatment with MvFL reduced the number of amastigotes internalized by infected murine peritoneal macrophages by up to 68.9% within 48 h. At a concentration of 25 µg/mL, MvFL stimulated lysosomal activity of macrophages within 72 h, but did not alter phagocytic activity or induce NO production at any of the tested concentrations. CONCLUSION MvFL exerts antileishmanial activity and further studies are needed to assess its therapeutic potential in in vivo experimental models of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michel Muálem de Moraes Alves
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Plantas Medicinais-NPPM, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfofisiologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | - Patrícia Maria Guedes Paiva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fernando Aécio de Amorim Carvalho
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Plantas Medicinais-NPPM, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thiago Henrique Napoleão
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Evaluation of calpain T-cell epitopes as vaccine candidates against experimental Leishmania major infection: a pilot study. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3275-3285. [PMID: 36102970 PMCID: PMC9471026 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Antibacterial, Antiparasitic, and Cytotoxic Activities of Chemical Characterized Essential Oil of Chrysopogon zizanioides Roots. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080967. [PMID: 36015115 PMCID: PMC9415812 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition as well as the antibacterial, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic potentialities of the Brazilian Chrysopogon zizanioides root essential oil (CZ-EO) In addition, CZ-EO cytotoxicity to LLCMK2 adherent epithelial cells was assessed. The major compounds identified in CZ-EO were khusimol (30.0 ± 0.3%), β-eudesmol (10.8 ± 0.3%), α-muurolene (6.0 ± 0.1%), and patchouli alcohol (5.6 ± 0.2%). CZ-EO displayed optimal antibacterial activity against Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values between 22 and 62.5 µg/mL and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values between 22 and 400 µg/mL. CZ-EO was highly active against the L. amazonensis promastigote and amastigote forms (IC50 = 7.20 and 16.21 µg/mL, respectively) and the T. cruzi trypomastigote form (IC50 = 11.2 µg/mL). Moreover, CZ-EO showed moderate cytotoxicity to LLCMK2 cells, with CC50 = 565.4 µg/mL. These results revealed an interesting in vitro selectivity of CZ-EO toward the L. amazonensis promastigote and amastigote forms (Selectivity Index, SI = 78.5 and 34.8, respectively) and the T. cruzi trypomastigote form (SI = 50.5) compared to LLCMK2 cells. These results showed the promising potential of CZ-EO for developing new antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and antitrypanosomal drugs.
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Antileishmanial Efficacy of the Calpain Inhibitor MDL28170 in Combination with Amphotericin B. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7020029. [PMID: 35202224 PMCID: PMC8878347 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7020029] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The necessity of drug combinations to treat leishmaniasis came to the surface mainly because of the toxicity of current treatments and the emergence of resistant strains. The calpain inhibitor MDL28170 has previously shown anti-Leishmania activity, therefore its use in association with standard drugs could provide a new alternative for the treatment strategy against leishmaniasis. In this study, we analyzed the potential of the combination of MDL28170 and the antileishmanial drug amphotericin B against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi. The compounds were tested in the combination of the ½ × IC50 value of MDL28170 plus the ¼ × IC50 value of amphotericin B, which led to an increment in the anti-promastigote activity when compared to the single drug treatments. This drug association revealed several and severe morphophysiological changes on parasite cells, such as loss of plasma membrane integrity, reduced size of flagellum, and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential besides increased reactive oxygen species production. In addition, the combination of both drugs had a deleterious effect on the Leishmania–macrophage interaction, reflecting in a significant anti-amastigote action, which achieved a reduction of 50% in the association index. These results indicate that the combination treatment proposed here may represent a new alternative for leishmaniasis chemotherapy.
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Ennes-Vidal V, dos Santos ALS, Branquinha MH, d’Avila-Levy CM. Proteolytic inhibitors as alternative medicines to treat trypanosomatid-caused diseases: experience with calpain inhibitors. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220017. [PMID: 35352772 PMCID: PMC8958894 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment for tropical neglected diseases, such as Chagas disease (CD) and leishmaniasis, is extremely limited to a handful of drugs that suffer from unacceptable toxicity, tough administration routes, like parenteral, and increasing treatment failures due to the parasite resistance. Consequently, there is urgency for the development of new therapeutic options to treat such diseases. Since peptidases from these parasites are responsible for crucial functions in their biology, these molecules have been explored as alternative targets. In this context, a myriad of proteolytic inhibitors has been developed against calcium-dependent cysteine-type peptidases, collectively called calpains, which are implicated in several human pathophysiological diseases. These molecules are highly expanded in the genome of trypanosomatids and they have been reported participating in several parasite biological processes. In the present perspective, we discuss our almost two decades of experience employing the calpain inhibitors as an interesting shortcut to a possible repurpose strategy to treat CD and leishmaniasis.
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Cohen A, Azas N. Challenges and Tools for In Vitro Leishmania Exploratory Screening in the Drug Development Process: An Updated Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:1608. [PMID: 34959563 PMCID: PMC8703296 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are a group of vector-borne diseases caused by infection with the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. Some of them, such as Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis, are zoonotic diseases transmitted from vertebrate to vertebrate by a hematophagous insect, the sand fly. As there is an endemic in more than 90 countries worldwide, this complex and major health problem has different clinical forms depending on the parasite species involved, with the visceral form being the most worrying since it is fatal when left untreated. Nevertheless, currently available antileishmanial therapies are significantly limited (low efficacy, toxicity, adverse side effects, drug-resistance, length of treatment, and cost), so there is an urgent need to discover new compounds with antileishmanial activity, which are ideally inexpensive and orally administrable with few side effects and a novel mechanism of action. Therefore, various powerful approaches were recently applied in many interesting antileishmanial drug development programs. The objective of this review is to focus on the very first step in developing a potential drug and to identify the exploratory methods currently used to screen in vitro hit compounds and the challenges involved, particularly in terms of harmonizing the results of work carried out by different research teams. This review also aims to identify innovative screening tools and methods for more extensive use in the drug development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Cohen
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille University, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), AP-HM (Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Marseille), SSA (Service de Santé des Armées), VITROME (Vecteurs—Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes), 13005 Marseille, France;
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Valéria Amorim L, de Lima Moreira D, Muálem de Moraes Alves M, Jessé Ramos Y, Pereira Costa Sobrinho E, Arcanjo DDR, Rodrigues de Araújo A, de Souza de Almeida Leite JR, das Chagas Pereira de Andrade F, Mendes AN, Aécio de Amorim Carvalho F. Anti-Leishmania activity of extracts from Piper cabralanum C.DC. (Piperaceae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 76:229-241. [PMID: 33660490 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2020-0284] [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: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Species of Piperaceae are known by biological properties, including antiparasitic such as leishmanicidal, antimalarial and in the treatment of schistosomiasis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antileishmania activity, cytotoxic effect, and macrophage activation patterns of the methanol (MeOH), hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract fractions from the leaves of Piper cabralanum C.DC. The MeOH, HEX and DCM fractions inhibited Leishmanina amazonensis promastigote-like forms growth with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 144.54, 59.92, and 64.87 μg/mL, respectively. The EtOAc fraction did not show any relevant activity. The half maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) for macrophages were determined as 370.70, 83.99, 113.68 and 607 μg/mL for the MeOH, HEX and DCM fractions, respectively. The macrophage infectivity was concentration-dependent, especially for HEX and DCM. MeOH, HEX and DCM fractions showed activity against L. amazonensis with low cytotoxicity to murine macrophages and lowering infectivity by the parasite. Our results provide support for in vivo studies related to a potential application of P. cabralanum extract and fractions as a promising natural resource in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layane Valéria Amorim
- Antileishmania Activity Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Davyson de Lima Moreira
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Pharmaceutical Tecnologies, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Ygor Jessé Ramos
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Pharmaceutical Tecnologies, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Laboratory of Funcional and Molecular Studies in Physiopharmacology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Alyne Rodrigues de Araújo
- Research Center on Biodiversity and Biotechnology, BIOTEC, Federal University of Delta of Parnaíba, UFDPar, Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anderson Nogueira Mendes
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Laboratory of Innovation on Science and Technology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
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Ennes-Vidal V, Branquinha MH, dos Santos ALS, d’Avila-Levy CM. The Diverse Calpain Family in Trypanosomatidae: Functional Proteins Devoid of Proteolytic Activity? Cells 2021; 10:cells10020299. [PMID: 33535641 PMCID: PMC7912814 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Calpains are calcium-dependent cysteine peptidases that were originally described in mammals and, thereafter, their homologues were identified in almost all known living organisms. The deregulated activity of these peptidases is associated with several pathologies and, consequently, huge efforts have been made to identify selective inhibitors. Trypanosomatids, responsible for life-threatening human diseases, possess a large and diverse family of calpain sequences in their genomes. Considering that the current therapy to treat trypanosomatid diseases is limited to a handful of drugs that suffer from unacceptable toxicity, tough administration routes, like parenteral, and increasing treatment failures, a repurposed approach with calpain inhibitors could be a shortcut to successful chemotherapy. However, there is a general lack of knowledge about calpain functions in these parasites and, currently, the proteolytic activity of these proteins is still an open question. Here, we highlight the current research and perspectives on trypanosomatid calpains, overview calpain description in these organisms, and explore the potential of targeting the calpain system as a therapeutic strategy. This review gathers the current knowledge about this fascinating family of peptidases as well as insights into the puzzle: are we unable to measure calpain activity in trypanosomatids, or are the functions of these proteins devoid of proteolytic activity in these parasites?
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Ennes-Vidal
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-2562-1014
| | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-901 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (M.H.B.); (A.L.S.d.S.)
| | - André Luis Souza dos Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-901 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (M.H.B.); (A.L.S.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia Masini d’Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
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9
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Chen Y, Su Z, Liu F. Effects of functionally diverse calpain system on immune cells. Immunol Res 2021; 69:8-17. [PMID: 33483937 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09177-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Calpains are a family of nonlysosomal cysteine proteases, which play important roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Locations of them dictates the functions so that they are classified as ubiquitously expressed calpains and tissue-specific calpains. Recent studies are mainly focused on conventional calpains (calpain-1,2) in development and diseases, and increasing people pay attention to other subtypes of calpains but may not been summarized appropriately. Growing evidence suggests that calpains are also involved in immune regulation. However, seldom articles review the regulation of calpains on immune cells. The aim of this article is to review the research progress of each calpain isozyme and the effect of calpains on immune cells, especially the promotion effect of calpains on the immune response of macrophage, neutrophils, dendritic cells, mast cells, natural killed cells, and lymphocytes. These effects would hold great promise for the clinical application of calpains as a practicable therapeutic option in the treatment of immune related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqi Chen
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Immunology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Zhaoliang Su
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Immunology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Fang Liu
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.
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Valerino-Díaz AB, Zanatta AC, Gamiotea-Turro D, Candido ACBB, Magalhães LG, Vilegas W, Santos LCD. An enquiry into antileishmanial activity and quantitative analysis of polyhydroxylated steroidal saponins from Solanum paniculatum L. leaves. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 191:113635. [PMID: 32998105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Solanum paniculatum L. is species whose fruits are widely consumed in Brazil as a tonic beverage with higher content of steroidal saponins. In this work, we developed an analytical method for the quantification of the eight saponins present in the 70 % ethanol extract from the leaves using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Besides, the eight spirostanic saponins were screened for in vitro antileishmanial activity against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Substances 1, 2 and 3 were found to be the most active compounds, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 8.51 ± 4.38, 10.75 ± 6.85 and 10.45 ± 4.21 μM, respectively, against promastigote forms and effective concentration (EC50) values of >25, 17.73 ± 0.99 and 19.57 ± 0.84 μM, respectively, against amastigote forms. The cytotoxic test with compounds 1-3 evidenced low toxicity in murine macrophage cells, with values above 50 μM at concentration lower than 25 μM. These findings show that saponins 1-3 should be evaluated in further studies for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B Valerino-Díaz
- UNESP, São Paulo State University, Institute of Chemistry, Rua Prof. Francisco Degni, 55, 14800-060, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ana C Zanatta
- UNESP, São Paulo State University, Institute of Chemistry, Rua Prof. Francisco Degni, 55, 14800-060, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Daylin Gamiotea-Turro
- UNESP, São Paulo State University, Institute of Chemistry, Rua Prof. Francisco Degni, 55, 14800-060, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ana Carolina Bolela Bovo Candido
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira, 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lizandra Guidi Magalhães
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira, 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Vilegas
- UNESP, São Paulo State University, Institute of Biosciences. Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, 11330-900, São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lourdes Campaner Dos Santos
- UNESP, São Paulo State University, Institute of Chemistry, Rua Prof. Francisco Degni, 55, 14800-060, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Ennes-Vidal V, Pitaluga AN, Britto CFDPDC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALSD, Menna-Barreto RFS, d'Avila-Levy CM. Expression and cellular localisation of Trypanosoma cruzi calpains. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200142. [PMID: 33053076 PMCID: PMC7552305 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calpains are present in almost all organisms and comprise a family of calcium-dependent cysteine peptidases implicated in crucial cellular functions. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, presents an expansion on this gene family with unexplored biological properties. OBJECTIVES Here, we searched for calpains in the T. cruzi genome, evaluated the mRNA levels, calpain activity and the protein expression and determined the cellular localisation in all three parasite life cycle forms. METHODS/FINDINGS Sixty-three calpain sequences were identified in T. cruzi CL Brener genome, with fourteen domain arrangements. The comparison of calpain mRNA abundance by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed seven up-regulated sequences in amastigotes and/or bloodstream trypomastigotes and five in epimastigotes. Western Blotting analysis revealed seven different molecules in the three parasite forms, and one amastigote-specific, while no proteolytic activity could be detected. Flow cytometry assays revealed a higher amount of intracellular calpains in amastigotes and/or trypomastigotes in comparison to epimastigotes. Finally, ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of calpains in the cytoplasm, vesicular and plasma membranes of the three parasite forms, and in the paraflagellar rod in trypomastigotes. CONCLUSION Calpains are differentially expressed and localised in the T. cruzi life cycle forms. This study adds data on the calpain occurrence and expression pattern in T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Ennes-Vidal
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - André Nóbrega Pitaluga
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Claudia Masini d'Avila-Levy
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Marques CSF, Barreto NS, de Oliveira SSC, Santos ALS, Branquinha MH, de Sousa DP, Castro M, Andrade LN, Pereira MM, da Silva CF, Chaud MV, Jain S, Fricks AT, Souto EB, Severino P. β-Cyclodextrin/Isopentyl Caffeate Inclusion Complex: Synthesis, Characterization and Antileishmanial Activity. Molecules 2020; 25:E4181. [PMID: 32932660 PMCID: PMC7570699 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Isopentyl caffeate (ICaf) is a bioactive ester widely distributed in nature. Our patented work has shown promising results of this molecule against Leishmania. However, ICaf shows poor solubility, which limits its usage in clinical settings. In this work, we have proposed the development of an inclusion complex of ICaf in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), with the aim to improve the drug solubility, and thus, its bioavailability. The inclusion complex (ICaf:β-CD) was developed applying three distinct methods, i.e., physical mixture (PM), kneading (KN) or co-evaporation (CO) in different molar proportions (0.25:1, 1:1 and 2:1). Characterization of the complexes was carried out by thermal analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular docking. The ICaf:β-CD complex in a molar ratio of 1:1 obtained by CO showed the best complexation and, therefore, was selected for further analysis. Solubility assay showed a marked improvement in the ICaf:β-CD (CO, 1:1) solubility profile when compared to the pure ICaf compound. Cell proliferation assay using ICaf:β-CD complex showed an IC50 of 3.8 and 2.7 µg/mL against L. amazonesis and L. chagasi promastigotes, respectively. These results demonstrate the great potential of the inclusion complex to improve the treatment options for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine S. F. Marques
- Postgraduation in Biotechnology Program, Industrial and Institute of Technology and Research (ITP), Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, 49010-390 Aracaju, Brazil; (C.S.F.M.); (N.S.B.); (S.J.); (A.T.F.)
| | - Nathalia S. Barreto
- Postgraduation in Biotechnology Program, Industrial and Institute of Technology and Research (ITP), Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, 49010-390 Aracaju, Brazil; (C.S.F.M.); (N.S.B.); (S.J.); (A.T.F.)
| | - Simone S. C. de Oliveira
- Departament of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University l Rio de Janeiro, 21941-918 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; (S.S.C.d.O.); (A.L.S.S.); (M.H.B.)
| | - André L. S. Santos
- Departament of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University l Rio de Janeiro, 21941-918 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; (S.S.C.d.O.); (A.L.S.S.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Marta H. Branquinha
- Departament of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University l Rio de Janeiro, 21941-918 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; (S.S.C.d.O.); (A.L.S.S.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Damião P. de Sousa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900 Paraíba, Brazil; (D.P.d.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Mayara Castro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900 Paraíba, Brazil; (D.P.d.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Luciana N. Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, CEP 49400-000 Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil;
| | - Matheus M. Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Departamento f Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Classius F. da Silva
- Department of Exact Sciences and Earth, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), 09972-270 Diadema CEP, Brazil;
| | - Marco V. Chaud
- Department of Technological and Environmental Processes, Sorocaba University (UNISO), Rod. Raposo Tavares, Km 92.5, 18023-000 Sorocaba, Brazil;
| | - Sona Jain
- Postgraduation in Biotechnology Program, Industrial and Institute of Technology and Research (ITP), Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, 49010-390 Aracaju, Brazil; (C.S.F.M.); (N.S.B.); (S.J.); (A.T.F.)
| | - Alini T. Fricks
- Postgraduation in Biotechnology Program, Industrial and Institute of Technology and Research (ITP), Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, 49010-390 Aracaju, Brazil; (C.S.F.M.); (N.S.B.); (S.J.); (A.T.F.)
| | - Eliana B. Souto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciênciasda Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Patricia Severino
- Postgraduation in Biotechnology Program, Industrial and Institute of Technology and Research (ITP), Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, 49010-390 Aracaju, Brazil; (C.S.F.M.); (N.S.B.); (S.J.); (A.T.F.)
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women′s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Tiradentes Institute, 150 Mt Vernon St, Dorchester, MA 02125, USA
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13
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Yu Y, Zhao P, Cao L, Gong P, Yuan S, Yao X, Guo Y, Dong H, Jiang W. A Novel Anti-Microbial Peptide from Pseudomonas, REDLK Induced Growth Inhibition of Leishmania tarentolae Promastigote In Vitro. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:173-179. [PMID: 32418386 PMCID: PMC7231825 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.2.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a prevalent cause of death and animal morbidity in underdeveloped countries of endemic area. However, there is few vaccine and effective drugs. Antimicrobial peptides are involved in the innate immune response in many organisms and are being developed as novel drugs against parasitic infections. In the present study, we synthesized a 5-amino acid peptide REDLK, which mutated the C-terminus of Pseudomonas exotoxin, to identify its effect on the Leishmania tarentolae. Promastigotes were incubated with different concentration of REDLK peptide, and the viability of parasite was assessed using MTT and Trypan blue dye. Morphologic damage of Leishmania was analyzed by light and electron microscopy. Cellular apoptosis was observed using the annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit, mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit and flow cytometry. Our results showed that Leishmania tarentolae was susceptible to REDLK in a dose-dependent manner, disrupt the surface membrane integrity and caused parasite apoptosis. In our study, we demonstrated the leishmanicidal activity of an antimicrobial peptide REDLK from Pseudomonas aeruginosa against Leishmania tarentolae in vitro and present a foundation for further research of anti-leishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.,Clinical laboratory, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.,Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Shuxian Yuan
- Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xinhua Yao
- Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yanbing Guo
- Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Hang Dong
- Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Weina Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao 266071, China
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14
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Ennes-Vidal V, Vitório BDS, Menna-Barreto RFS, Pitaluga AN, Gonçalves-da-Silva SA, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, d'Avila-Levy CM. Calpains of Leishmania braziliensis: genome analysis, differential expression, and functional analysis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2019; 114:e190147. [PMID: 31553371 PMCID: PMC6759280 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760190147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calpains are proteins belonging to the multi-gene family of
calcium-dependent cysteine peptidases that undergo tight on/off regulation,
and uncontrolled proteolysis of calpains is associated with severe human
pathologies. Calpain orthologues are expanded and diversified in the
trypanosomatids genome. OBJECTIVES Here, we characterised calpains in Leishmania braziliensis,
the main causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil. METHODS/FINDINGS In total, 34 predicted calpain-like genes were identified. After domain
structure evaluation, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (RT-qPCR) during in vitro metacyclogenesis
revealed (i) five genes with enhanced expression in the procyclic stage,
(ii) one augmented gene in the metacyclic stage, and (iii) one
procyclic-exclusive transcript. Western blot analysis revealed that an
antibody against a consensus-conserved peptide reacted with multiple
calpain-like proteins, which is consistent with the multi-gene family
characteristic. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed the
presence of calpain-like molecules mainly in the cytoplasm, to a lesser
extent in the plasma membrane, and negligible levels in the nucleus, which
are all consistent with calpain localisation. Eventually, the calpain
inhibitor MDL28170 was used for functional studies revealing (i) a
leishmaniostatic effect, (ii) a reduction in the association index in mouse
macrophages, (iii) ultra-structural alterations conceivable with autophagy,
and (iv) an enhanced expression of the virulence factor GP63. CONCLUSION This report adds novel insights into the domain structure, expression, and
localisation of L. braziliensis calpain-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Ennes-Vidal
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Bianca da Silva Vitório
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - André Nóbrega Pitaluga
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - André Luis Souza Santos
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Claudia Masini d'Avila-Levy
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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