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Valashani HT, Ahmadpour M, Naddaf SR, Mohebali M, Hajjaran H, Latifi A, Salimi M, Farahmand M, Naeimi S, Raissi V, Kazemirad E. Insights into the trypanothione system in antimony-resistant and sensitive Leishmania tropica clinical isolates. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107190. [PMID: 38508372 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107190] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Pentavalent antimonials are the mainstay treatment against different clinical forms of leishmaniasis. The emergence of resistant isolates in endemic areas has led to treatment failure. Unraveling the underlying resistance mechanism would assist in improving the treatment strategies against resistant isolates. This study aimed to investigate the RNA expression level of glutathione synthetase (GS), Spermidine synthetase (SpS), trypanothione synthetase (TryS) genes involved in trypanothione synthesis, and thiol-dependent reductase (TDR) implicated in drug reduction, in antimony-sensitive and -resistant Leishmania tropica isolates. We investigated 11 antimony-resistant and 11 antimony-sensitive L. tropica clinical isolates from ACL patients. Drug sensitivity of amastigotes was determined in mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1. The RNA expression level in the promastigote forms was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results revealed a significant increase in the average expression of GS, SpS, and TrpS genes by 2.19, 1.56, and 2.33-fold in resistant isolates compared to sensitive ones. The average expression of TDR was 1.24-fold higher in resistant isolates, which was insignificant. The highest correlation coefficient between inhibitory concentration (IC50) values and gene expression belonged to the TryS, GS, SpS, and TDR genes. Moreover, the intracellular thiol content was increased 2.17-fold in resistant isolates compared to sensitive ones and positively correlated with IC50 values. Our findings suggest that overexpression of trypanothione biosynthesis genes and increased thiol content might play a key role in the antimony resistance of L. tropica clinical isolates. In addition, the diversity of gene expression in the trypanothione system and thiol content among L. tropica clinical isolates highlighted the phenotypic heterogeneity of antimony resistance among the parasite population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakimeh Torkian Valashani
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ahmadpour
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Latifi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Salimi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahin Farahmand
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sabah Naeimi
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Raissi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Kazemirad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Ampol R, Somwang P, Khositharattanakool P, Promrangsee C, Pataradool T, Tepboonreung P, Siriyasatien P, Preativatanyou K. Nanopore-Based Surveillance of Leishmania Parasites in Culicoides Latrielle (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Caught from the Affected Community and Tham Phra Cave in Chiang Rai Province, the Endemic Area of Leishmaniasis in Northern Thailand. INSECTS 2024; 15:327. [PMID: 38786883 PMCID: PMC11122411 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In this research, we elucidated the species composition of Culicoides biting midges, infection prevalence, and genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites circulating in the affected community in Chiang Rai Province, being the most endemic area in Northern Thailand. A total of 146 parous and gravid females, belonging to at least twelve Culicoides species in five subgenera and one species group, were trapped from three collection sites with an overall Leishmania prevalence of 26.7% (39/146). Leishmania was detected, using ITS1-PCR, in C. mahasarakamense (15), C. guttifer (11), C. (Trithecoides) spp. (8), C. jacobsoni (2), C. oxystoma (2), and C. orientalis (1). The evidence of Leishmania infection in these last five species represents new records in Northern Thailand. Given a high infection rate in cavernicolous specimens, this indicates an increased risk of parasite exposure when visiting the cave. Using the nanopore amplicon sequencing, L. martiniquensis was ubiquitously identified in all positives, and more than half of these were also co-infected with L. orientalis. The genetic diversity analysis revealed 13 and 17 unique haplotypes for L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis, respectively. Higher haplotype diversity and relatively low nucleotide diversity were observed in both parasite populations, suggesting recent population divergence. Neutrality tests (Tajima's D and Fu and Li's D) showed to be significantly negative, indicating rapid population growth or a selective sweep. Moreover, dominant haplotypes of both Leishmania species were 100% identical to those in all leishmaniasis patients previously reported from Northern Thailand, strongly supporting the imperative role of Culicoides spp. in disease transmission. Essentially, this research provides the first entomological surveillance data representing the sympatric existence, transmission dynamics, and genetic complexity of two autochthonous Leishmania (Mundinia) parasites in several Culicoides species in the endemic area of Northern Thailand. This would contribute to a more complete understanding of the epidemiology of vector infection and facilitate the development of vector control programs to effectively reduce the transmission of this neglected tropical disease in endemic areas of Northern Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinnara Ampol
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Puckavadee Somwang
- Biomedical Technology Research Group for Vulnerable Populations, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; (P.S.); (P.K.)
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Pathamet Khositharattanakool
- Biomedical Technology Research Group for Vulnerable Populations, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; (P.S.); (P.K.)
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Chulaluk Promrangsee
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Thanapat Pataradool
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Medical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Piyapat Tepboonreung
- Medical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kanok Preativatanyou
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Ruang-Areerate T, Ruang-Areerate P, Manomat J, Naaglor T, Piyaraj P, Mungthin M, Leelayoova S, Siripattanapipong S. Genetic variation and geographic distribution of Leishmania orientalis and Leishmania martiniquensis among Leishmania/HIV co-infection in Thailand. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23094. [PMID: 38155252 PMCID: PMC10754904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50604-4] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1999, the number of asymptomatic leishmaniasis cases has increased continuously in Thailand, particularly among patients with HIV who are prone to develop symptoms of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis further. The asymptomatic infection could play a key role in Leishmania transmission and distribution. Understanding population structure and phylogeographic patterns could be crucially needed to develop effective diagnoses and appropriate guidelines for therapy. In this study, genetic variation and geographic distribution of the Leishmania/HIV co-infected population were investigated in endemic northern and southern Thailand. Interestingly, Leishmania orientalis was common and predominant in these two regions with common regional haplotype distribution but not for the others. Recent population expansion was estimated, probably due to the movement and migration of asymptomatic individuals; therefore, the transmission and prevalence of Leishmania infection could be underestimated. These findings of imbalanced population structure and phylogeographic distribution patterns provide valuable, insightful population structure and geographic distribution of Leishmania/HIV co-infection to empower prevention and control of transmission and expansion of asymptomatic leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toon Ruang-Areerate
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Panthita Ruang-Areerate
- BIOTEC, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Jipada Manomat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Tawee Naaglor
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Phunlerd Piyaraj
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Mathirut Mungthin
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Saovanee Leelayoova
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Abstract
In this work we reviewed historical and recent data on Leishmania spp. infection combining data collected in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, China and Mongolia. We specifically focused on a complex of co-existing species (Leishmania major, Leishmania turanica and Leishmania gerbilli) sharing the same animal reservoirs and vectors. In addition, we analysed the presence of dsRNA viruses in these species and discussed future research directions to identify species-specific traits, which may determine susceptibility of different Leishmania spp. to viral infection.
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Spotin A, Rouhani S, Haghighi A, Parvizi P. Low genetic heterogeneity of Leishmania major in different geographical regions of Iran. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285520. [PMID: 37155684 PMCID: PMC10166485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine the genetic diversity of Leishmania major, 100 Giemsa-stained positive slides were collected from endemic foci of Iran (Northeast, Central, and Southwest provinces) over two consecutive years during 2019-2021. The Leishmania ITS-rDNA gene was amplified and Leishmania sp. was recognized by PCR-RFLP and sequencing. In addition, 178 registered ITS-rDNA sequences from other geographical regions of Iran were retrieved from GenBank, including different host species (human, sandfly and rodent). A total of 40 new haplotypes were discovered using the ITS-rDNA sequence analysis. IR29 (20.6%) and IR34 (61%) were the two most common haplotypes, represented by a star-like feature in the overall population. Analysis of the molecular variance test revealed low genetic diversity of L. major in human cases (Haplotype diversity; 0.341), rodent (Hd; 0.387) and sandfly (Hd; 0.390) sequences. The lowest genetic diversity of L. major was observed in Southwest/Southeast Iran (Hd: 0.104-0.286). The statistically Fst value indicated that L. major is not genetically differentiated between geographic regions of Iran, except for the Northeast-Southwest (Fst: 0.29055) and Central-Southwest (Fst: 0.30294) population pairs. The current study as the first investigation discloses new perspectives for further evaluation in the identification local transmission paradigms and initiating effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheila Rouhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Haghighi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Parvizi
- Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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The efficacy of AuNP-probe conjugate nanobiosensor in non-amplification and amplification forms for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:847. [PMID: 36371168 PMCID: PMC9652843 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07835-z] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanobiosensor platforms have emerged as convenient and promising approaches with remarkable efficacy for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely used due to numerous advantageous properties such as optical, electrical, physicochemical and great biomolecules binding capabilities. This study aimed to apply AuNP-Probe Conjugate for the detection of Leishmania spp., using colorimetric and amplification methods targeting parasitic ITS2 fragment. The first method was carried out by hybridization of 10µL of DNA with 4 µL of probe and addition of 5 µL of 0.2 N HCl (non-amplification method). Second method was followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using thiolated primer, 5 µL of AuNP and 5 µL of 0.2 N HCl. The appearance of red and purple colors indicated positive and negative results, respectively. The minimum of detection for non-amplification and amplification methods for three strains of Leishmania namely L. major, L. tropica and L. infantum were determined to be 32 fg/µL and 16 fg/µL, respectively. Sensitivity for detection of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) for non-amplification and amplification methods included 96% and 100%, respectively and for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) included 98% and 100%, respectively. The results of this investigation revealed that sensitivity of amplification method was the same as RT-qPCR, while that of non-amplification method was lower. However, this method was promising because of no need for any equipment, high specificity, enough sensitivity, low cost and rapidity (less than 30 min) to complete after genomic DNA extraction.
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Daoui O, Bennaid H, Kbaich MA, Mhaidi I, Aderdour N, Rhinane H, Bouhout S, Akarid K, Lemrani M. Environmental, Climatic, and Parasite Molecular Factors Impacting the Incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Due to Leishmania tropica in Three Moroccan Foci. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091712. [PMID: 36144314 PMCID: PMC9506065 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) occurring due to Leishmania tropica is a public health problem in Morocco. The distribution and incidence of this form of leishmaniasis have increased in an unusual way in the last decade, and the control measures put in place are struggling to slow down the epidemic. This study was designed to assess the impact of climatic and environmental factors on CL in L. tropica foci. The data collected included CL incidence and climatic and environmental factors across three Moroccan foci (Foum Jemaa, Imintanout, and Ouazzane) from 2000 to 2019. Statistical analyses were performed using the linear regression model. An association was found between the occurrence of CL in Imintanout and temperature and humidity (r2 = 0.6076, df = (1.18), p-value = 3.09 × 10−5; r2 = 0.6306, df = (1.18), p-value = 1.77 × 10−5). As a second objective of our study, we investigated the population structure of L.tropica in these three foci, using the nuclear marker internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). Our results showed a low-to-medium level of geographic differentiation among the L.tropica populations using pairwise differentiation. Molecular diversity indices showed a high genetic diversity in Foum Jemaa and Imintanout; indeed, 29 polymorphic sites were identified, leading to the definition of 13 haplotypes. Tajima’s D and Fu’s F test statistics in all populations were not statistically significant, and consistent with a population at drift–mutation equilibrium. Further analysis, including additional DNA markers and a larger sample size, could provide a more complete perspective of L. tropica’s population structure in these three regions. In addition, further research is needed to better understand the impact of climatic conditions on the transmission cycle of Leishmania, allowing both for the development of effective control measures, and for the development of a predictive model for this parasitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othmane Daoui
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
- Molecular Genetics and Immunophysiopathology Research Team, Health and Environment Laboratory, Aïn Chock Faculty of Sciences, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Hamza Bennaid
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
- Information Retrieval and Data Analytics Laboratory, National School of Computer Science and System Analysis (Ensias), Rabat 10112, Morocco
| | - Mouad Ait Kbaich
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
| | - Idris Mhaidi
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
| | - Nacer Aderdour
- Geosciences Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Hassan Rhinane
- Geosciences Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Souad Bouhout
- Directorate of Epidemiology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Service of Parasitic Diseases, Ministry of Health of Morocco, Rabat 10020, Morocco
| | - Khadija Akarid
- Molecular Genetics and Immunophysiopathology Research Team, Health and Environment Laboratory, Aïn Chock Faculty of Sciences, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Meryem Lemrani
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
- Correspondence:
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Ferreira TR, Sacks DL. Experimental Hybridization in Leishmania: Tools for the Study of Genetic Exchange. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050580. [PMID: 35631101 PMCID: PMC9144296 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite major advances over the last decade in our understanding of Leishmania reproductive strategies, the sexual cycle in Leishmania has defied direct observation and remains poorly investigated due to experimental constraints. Here, we summarize the findings and conclusions drawn from genetic analysis of experimental hybrids generated in sand flies and highlight the recent advances in generating hybrids in vitro. The ability to hybridize between culture forms of different species and strains of Leishmania should invite more intensive investigation of the mechanisms underlying genetic exchange and provide a rich source of recombinant parasites for future genetic analyses.
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The Natural Compound Hydrophobic Usnic Acid and Hydrophilic Potassium Usnate Derivative: Applications and Comparisons. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195995. [PMID: 34641539 PMCID: PMC8512202 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195995] [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: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnic acid is the best-studied lichen metabolite, presenting several biological activities, such as antibacterial, immunostimulating, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic agents; despite these relevant properties, it is a hydrophobic and toxic molecule. In this context, scientific research has driven the development of innovative alternatives, considering usnic acid as a source of raw material in obtaining new molecules, allowing structural modifications (syntheses) from it. The purpose is to optimize biological activities and toxicity, with less concentration and/or response time. This work presents a literature review with an analogy of the hydrophobic molecule of usnic acid with its hydrophilic derivative of potassium usnate, emphasizing the elucidation and structural characteristics, biological activities, and toxicological aspects of both molecules, and the advantages of using the promising derivative hydrophilic in different in vitro and in vivo assays when compared to usnic acid.
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