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Anwar FS, Abdel-Malek AR, Salem SH, Farouk M, Ali MF, Abdelrady YA, Sayed AM. In vitro and In silico assessment of antischistosomal activities of ethanolic extract of Cornulacamonacantha. Exp Parasitol 2023; 254:108631. [PMID: 37820894 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108631] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most prevailing parasitic disease worldwide. Although praziquantel is considered an effective drug in the treatment against schistosomiasis to some extent, there is an emerging drug resistance that widely recorded. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective and safe anti-schistosomal drugs. In this study, Cornulaca monacantha (C. monacantha), a sub-saharan plant, was extracted using aqueous ethanol and characterized by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Major constituents of the extract are belonging to flavonoids, tannins and phenolic glycosides. Worms' viability and surface morphology of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) adult worms treated with the extract were assessed using in vitro viability assay, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and histological examination. The extract (80-350 μg/ml) reduced viability percentage of worms by 40-60% and caused degeneration of both oral and ventral suckers, tegumental, sub-tegumental and muscular damage. Molecular docking approach was utilized to assess the binding affinities of the extracted compounds with S. mansoni alpha-carbonic anhydrase (SmCA), an essential tegument protein. Pharmacokinetic analysis using SwissADME showed that 7 compounds have high drug similarity. This study confirms the in vitro schistomicidal activity of C. monacantha extract against S. mansoni adult worms and suggests potential SmCA inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- FatmaA S Anwar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt
| | | | - Shimaa H Salem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farouk
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, New Valley University, 72511, Egypt
| | - Marwa F Ali
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Yousef A Abdelrady
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt; University of Hamburg, Institute of Pharmacy, 20146, Germany
| | - Ahmed M Sayed
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt.
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Hamdan BZK, Soliman MI, Taha HA, Khalil MMH, Nigm AH. Antischistosomal effects of green and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles: in vitro and in vivo murine model. Acta Trop 2023:106952. [PMID: 37236335 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106952] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases in Africa, caused by blood fluke, Schistosoma sp. The use of nanotechnology in the treatment of this type of disease is urgently important to avoid the unwanted side effects of chemotherapy. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of green silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), fabricated by (Calotropis procera), comparing with both chemically prepared silver ones (C-AgNPs) and Praziquantel (PZQ) treatments. The study included in vitro and in vivo evaluations. In in vitro study, 4 groups of schistosome worms were exposed to treatments as follows: the first one with a dose of PZQ (0.2 µg/ml), the 2nd and 3rd groups with different concentrations of G-AgNPs and C-AgNPs, respectively and the last one act as a negative control group. In in vivo study, six groups of mice were infected and then treated as follows: the first one with a dose of PZQ, the second with G-AgNPs, the third with C-AgNPs, the fourth with G-AgNPs plus a half dose of PZQ, the fifth with C-AgNPs accompanied by a half dose of PZQ, and the last group acted as a positive control group. The parasitological (worm burden, egg count & oogram) and histopathological parameters (hepatic granuloma profile) were used to evaluate antischistosomal activities in experimental groups. Additionally, the subsequent ultrastructural alterations were observed in adult worms using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that G-AgNPs and C-AgNPs have 8-25 and 8-11 nm in diameter, respectively, besides, fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) revealed the presence of organic compounds (aromatic ring groups) which act as capping agents around the surfaces of biogenic silver nanoparticles. In in vitro experiment, adult worms incubated either with G-AgNPs or C-AgNPs at concentrations higher than 100 µg/ml or 80 µg/ml, respectively, showed full mortality of parasites after 24 h. In the infected treated groups (with G-AgNPs plus PZQ & C-AgNPs plus PZQ) showed the most significant reduction in the total worm burdens (92.17% & 90.52%, respectively). Combined treatment with C-AgNPs and PZQ showed the highest value of dead eggs (93,6%), followed by G-AgNPs plus PZQ-treated one (91%). This study showed that mice treated with G-AgNPs plus PZQ significantly has the highest percentage of reduction in granuloma size and count (64.59%, 70.14%, respectively). Both G-AgNPs plus PZQ-treated & C-AgNPs plus PZQ treated groups showed the highest similar values of reduction percentage of total ova count in tissues (98.90% & 98.62%, respectively). Concerning SEM, G-AgNPs-treated worms showed more variability in ultrastructural alterations than G-AgNPs plus PZQ-treated one, besides, worms treated with C-AgNPs plus PZQ exhibited the maximum level of contractions or (shrinkage) as a major impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- By Zeyad K Hamdan
- Department of Biology, College of Pure Science Education, Tikrit University, Iraq
| | | | - Hoda A Taha
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | - Mostafa M H Khalil
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Nigm
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Egypt.
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Elhadad H, Mohamed MA, Mohamed MM, Abdo S. Evaluation of faecal lactoferrin as a morbidity biomarker in Schistosoma mansoni infection. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:1053-1058. [PMID: 36264644 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lactoferrin is an 80 KDa iron-binding glycoprotein that plays a significant role in the innate immune system and is considered to be an important microbicide molecule. This study aimed to assess the concentration of lactoferrin in Schistosoma mansoni-infected cases before and after praziquantel treatment. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out on 250 individuals aged from 5 to 30 years. Stool samples were examined for the presence of parasitic infections using Kato-Katz and formalin ethyl acetate techniques. All S. mansoni-positive cases were treated with praziquantel and stool samples were recollected 21 days later. Faecal lactoferrin level was determined before and after treatment. RESULTS The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 14.4%. Among 36 participants infected with S. mansoni, the cure rate was 91.7%. A statistically significant difference in the mean lactoferrin level before and after treatment was detected (1648.95 pg/ml ± 656.5 vs. 1162.8 pg/ml ± 356.8). This difference was statistically significant in the middle and older age groups, in males and in the absence of coinfection with other parasites. CONCLUSION Lactoferrin could be a promising biomarker associated with S. mansoni infection, however, it could not be used to assess the severity of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Elhadad
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mostafa A Mohamed
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Sarah Abdo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafr El-Shiekh University, Kafr El-Shiekh, Egypt
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Ghazy RM, Ellakany WI, Badr MM, Taktak NEM, Elhadad H, Abdo SM, Hagag A, Hussein AR, Tahoun MM. Determinants of Schistosoma mansoni transmission in hotspots at the late stage of elimination in Egypt. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:102. [PMID: 36138424 PMCID: PMC9503191 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In certain settings, the prevalence and severity of schistosoma infection do not lessen despite repeated rounds of preventative chemotherapy; these areas are known as hotspots. This study aimed to investigate the role of human practices, besides environmental and malacological factors, in the maintenance of the Schistosoma mansoni infection transmission chain in hotspot areas in Egypt. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2019 in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. A pre-designed structured interviewing questionnaire was used to collect humanitarian data. Stool samples were collected from children aged 6-15 years on three successive days and examined using the Kato-Katz technique. Simultaneously, water and snail samples were taken from watercourses surrounding houses. Snails were identified based on their shell morphology and structure and tested for cercaria shedding. Water samples were analyzed for their physicochemical and biological characteristics. RESULTS A total of 2259 fecal samples (1113 in summer and 1146 in fall) were collected from 861 children. About 46.9% of the participants were males, and 31.8% were aged 6-10 years. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was higher during the summer than during the fall (19.1% vs 7.2%, respectively, P < 0.01). The intensity of infection (light, moderate, and heavy) during summer versus fall was (93.55 vs 89.38%, 6.45 vs 8.85%, and 0.00% vs 1.77%), respectively (P < 0.05). A higher prevalence of human infection was observed among males than females [OR = 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.10-2.40, P = 0.015], children aged 11-15 years than among their counterparts aged 6-10 years (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.72-5.06, P < 0.001), and mothers with a low level of education (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.70-6.52, P < 0.001). The main identified risk factors were contacting the main body of water-canal for washing clothes (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.12-2.49, P = 0.015), land irrigation (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.32-4.96, P = 0.004), water collection (OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.82-4.73, P < 0.001), bathing (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.21-4.31, P = 0.009), and garbage disposal (OR = 2.38, 95% CI:1.38-4.12, P < 0.001). The count of Biomphalaria alexandrina was distinct between seasons (P < 0.01) in consistent with statistically significant differences in water temperature, salinity, turbidity, the total concentration of coliforms, depth, velocity, and water level (P < 0.01). The presence of grasses and duckweeds was significantly associated with snail infection (P = 0.00 l). Significant effects of water depth, pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids on snail count were also observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The persistence of the infection is due to adoption of risky behaviors and environmental factors that enhance snail survival and infection. Schistosomiasis elimination in hotspots requires an integrated control approach that combines preventive chemotherapy with other complementary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Walid Ismail Ellakany
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mai M. Badr
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Environmental Health, High Institute of Public Health Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nehad E. M. Taktak
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Environmental Health, High Institute of Public Health Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Elhadad
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria university, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah M. Abdo
- grid.411978.20000 0004 0578 3577Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 35516 Egypt
| | - Ayat Hagag
- grid.411978.20000 0004 0578 3577Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 35516 Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed Mostafa Tahoun
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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In Vitro Cercaricidal and Schistosomicidal Activities of the Raffia Wine and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Pedilanthus tithymaloides Linn (Poit). Stem Barks. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2672150. [PMID: 36159554 PMCID: PMC9507742 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2672150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis control remains a public health concern, and there is a need to evaluate new strategies for targeting larval and adult stages of the parasite. As Pedilanthus tithymaloides is empirically used to treat schistosomiasis, it becomes essential to know its effective action scientifically. This study assessed the cercaricidal and schistosomicidal activity of P. tithymaloides stem barks raffia wine extract (RwPt) and hydroethanolic extract (HePt). Different concentrations of these extracts were tested against cercariae (31.25–1000 μg/mL) and adult worms (62.5–2000 μg/mL) of Schistosoma mansoni. Niclosamide-olamine 5% (1 μg/mL) and praziquantel (10 μg/mL) were used as pharmacological controls. Cercariae viability was determined every 30 min for 180 min, and adult worms’ motor activity and viability after 24 and 48 h incubation. In addition, cytotoxicity and phytochemical analysis were performed. HePt was lethal to cercariae and adult worms with LC50 of 73.91 μg/mL after 60 min of incubation and 731.17 μg/mL after 48 h of incubation, respectively. Furthermore, a significant reduction of 94.44% in motor activity was observed in surviving worms at the concentration of 2000 μg/mL. RwPt was less effective on S. mansoni cercariae with an LC50 of 617.86 μg/mL after 180 min and on adult worms with a mortality rate of 9.83% at 2000 μg/mL for 48 h incubation. Both extracts showed a weak cytotoxicity profile with an IC50 of 983.50 μg/mL for HePt and more than 1000 μg/mL for RwPt. The LC-MS analysis of HePt allowed the detection of two annotated diterpenoids. Based on the selectivity index, the hydroethanolic extract of P. tithymaloides stem barks disclosed an intense cercaricidal activity and a moderate schistosomicidal effect with low cytotoxicity. These findings may support the potential use of Pedilanthus tithymaloides as a natural product or a source of natural-derived compounds for interrupting schistosomiasis transmission.
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Abd Elraheem BA, Bayoumy AS, El-Faramawy MS, Aly NEM, El-Badry AA. Schistosoma haematobium DNA and eggs in urine of patients from Sohag, Egypt. THE JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED ZOOLOGY 2021; 82:51. [DOI: 10.1186/s41936-021-00248-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Diagnosis of schistosomiasis depends mainly on stool or urine microscopy for Schistosoma egg detection as well as immunoassays. The low sensitivity of these conventional tests makes molecular detection the diagnostic method of choice. The study aimed to detect the molecular prevalence of urine schistosomiasis and evaluate microscopic examination vs. PCR technique for detection of Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) in urine of patients with suggestive symptoms or previous history of urine schistosomiasis coming from endemic regions.
Results
This cross-sectional study was performed on eighty patients attending the urology clinic of Sohag University Teaching Hospital from August 2016 to July 2018. Socio-demographic data and clinical data were collected. Urine samples from all study individuals were collected and examined microscopically for S. haematobium eggs as well as detection of S. haematobium DNA of using PCR assay. Microscopic examination and PCR were positive among (68.8%) and (87.5%) of cases, respectively. There was 60% agreement between microscopy and molecular assay. Microscopy was a good test to rule in cases of urine schistosomiasis, with 100% specificity and 100% PPV, but was of limited sensitivity (NPV = 40%) and missed 12.5% of positive cases. Among studied patient variables, only hematuria showed association with urine schistosomiasis with statistical significance.
Conclusion
Urine schistosomiasis was highly prevalent in studied population. Considering the high sensitivity and specificity of PCR, it should be implemented as the test of choice, especially in chronic urinary schistosomiasis with low infection setting. In our study population, patients presenting hematuria were likely to have S. haematobium.
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Abd El Wahab WM, El-Badry AA, Mahmoud SS, El-Badry YA, El-Badry MA, Hamdy DA. Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)-derived nanoparticles in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice: Hepatoprotective and enhancer of etiological treatment. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009423. [PMID: 34014936 PMCID: PMC8171924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanotechnology has been manufactured from medicinal plants to develop safe, and effective antischistosmal alternatives to replace today's therapies. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prophylactic effect of ginger-derived nanoparticles (GNPs), and the therapeutic effect of ginger aqueous extract, and GNPs on Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infected mice compared to praziquantel (PZQ), and mefloquine (MFQ). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Eighty four mice, divided into nine different groups, were sacrificed at 6th, 8th, and 10th week post-infection (PI), with assessment of parasitological, histopathological, and oxidative stress parameters, and scanning the worms by electron microscope. As a prophylactic drug, GNPs showed slight reduction in worm burden, egg density, and granuloma size and number. As a therapeutic drug, GNPs significantly reduced worm burden (59.9%), tissue egg load (64.9%), granuloma size, and number at 10th week PI, and altered adult worm tegumental architecture, added to antioxidant effect. Interestingly, combination of GNPs with PZQ or MFQ gave almost similar or sometimes better curative effects as obtained with each drug separately. The highest therapeutic effect was obtained when ½ dose GNPs combined with ½ dose MFQ which achieved 100% reduction in both the total worm burden, and ova tissue density as early as the 6th week PI, with absence of detected eggs or tissue granuloma, and preservation of liver architecture. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE GNPs have a schistosomicidal, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective role. GNPs have a strong synergistic effect when combined with etiological treatments (PZQ or MFQ), and significantly reduced therapeutic doses by 50%, which may mitigate side effects and resistance to etiological drugs, a hypothesis requiring further research. We recommend extending this study to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wegdan M. Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Soheir S. Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Yaser A. El-Badry
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Khurma, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- Organic Chemistry Lab., Faculty of Specific Education, Ain Shams University, Abbasseya, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. El-Badry
- Research Institute of Medical Entomology, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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