Embilica officinalis L. inhibits the growth and proliferation of Leishmania donovani through the induction of ultrastructural changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptosis-like cell death

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.induces apoptotic-like programmed cell death in Leishmania donovani via over production of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP depletion

Background

Leishmaniasis is endemic in more than 60 countries with a large number of mortality cases. The current chemotherapy approaches employed for managing the leishmaniasis is associated with severe side effects. Therefore there is a need to develop effective, safe, and cost affordable antileishmanial drug candidates.

Purpose of the study

This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antileishmanial activity of a Prosopis juliflora leaves extract (PJLME) towards the Leishmania donovani parasites.

Material and methods

PJLME was evaluated for its cytotoxicity against the L. donovani parasites and the mouse macrophage cells. Further, various in vitro experiments like ROS assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, annexin v assay, cell cycle assay, and caspase 3/7 assay were performed to understand the mechanism of cell death. Phytochemical profiling of P. juliflorawas performed by utilizing HPTLC and GC-MS analysis.

Results

PJLME demonstrated antileishmanial activity at a remarkably lower concentration of IC50 6.5 μg/mL. Of note, interestingly PJLME IC50 concentration has not demonstrated cytotoxicity against the mouse macrophage cell line. Performed experiments confirmed ROS inducing potential of PJLME which adversely affected the mitochondrial membrane potential and caused loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and thereby ATP levels. PJLME also arrested the cell cycle and induced apoptotic-like cell death in PJLME treated L. donovani promastigotes.

Conclusion

The results clearly established the significance of Prosopis juliflora as an effective and safe natural resource for managing visceral leishmaniasis. The findings can be used as a baseline reference for developing novel leads/formulations for effective management of visceral leishmaniasis.

Antileishmanial activity of 2-amino-thiophene derivative SB-200

Leishmaniasis, presenting the highest number of cases worldwide is one of the most serious Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Clinical manifestations are intrinsically related to the host's immune response making immunomodulatory substances the target of numerous studies on antileishmanial activity. The currently available drugs used for treatment present various problems including high toxicity, low efficacy, and associated drug resistance. The search for therapeutic alternatives is urgent, and in this context, thiophene derivatives appear to be a promising therapeutic alternative (many have shown promising anti-leishmanial activity). The objective of this study was to investigate the antileishmanial activity of the 2-amino-thiophenic derivative SB-200. The thiophenic derivative was effective in inhibiting the growth of Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania major, and Leishmania infantum promastigotes, obtaining respective IC50 values of 4.25 μM, 4.65 μM, and 3.96 μM. For L. infantum, it was demonstrated that the antipromastigote effect of SB-200 is associated with cell membrane integrity losses, and with morphological changes observed during scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity was performed for J774.A1 macrophages and VERO cells, to obtain a CC50 of 42.52 μM and a SI of 10.74 for macrophages and a CC50 of 39.2 μM and an SI of 9.89 for VERO cells. The anti-amastigote activity of SB-200 revealed an IC50 of 2.85 μM and an SI of 14.97 against macrophages and SI of 13.8 for VERO cells. The anti-amastigote activity of SB-200 is associated with in vitro immunomodulation. For acute toxicity, SB-200 against Zophobas morio larvae permitted 100% survival. We conclude that the 2-amino-thiophenic derivative SB-200 is a promising candidate for in vivo anti-leishmania drug tests to evaluate its activity, efficacy, and safety.

The Emerging Role of EVA1A in Different Types of Cancers

Eva-1 homolog A (EVA1A), also known as transmembrane protein 166 (TMEM166) and regulator of programmed cell death, is an endoplasmic reticulum associated protein, which can play an important role in many diseases, including a variety of cancers, by regulating autophagy/apoptosis. However, the related mechanism, especially the role of EVA1A in cancers, has not been fully understood. In this review, we summarize the recent studies on the role of EVA1A in different types of cancers, including breast cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer, and analyze the relevant mechanisms to provide a theoretical basis for future related research.