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Wulansari D, Jeelani G, Yazaki E, Nozaki T. Identification and characterization of archaeal-type FAD synthase as a novel tractable drug target from the parasitic protozoa Entamoeba histolytica. mSphere 2024; 9:e0034724. [PMID: 39189775 PMCID: PMC11423594 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00347-24] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) is an essential cofactor for numerous flavoenzymes present in all living organisms. The biosynthesis of FAD from riboflavin involves two sequential reactions catalyzed by riboflavin kinase and flavin adenine dinucleotide synthase (FADS). Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite responsible for amebiasis, apparently lacks a gene encoding FADS that share similarity with bacterial and eukaryotic canonical FADS, yet it can synthesize FAD. In this study, we have identified the gene responsible for FADS and thoroughly characterized physiological and biochemical properties of FADS from E. histolytica. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the gene was likely laterally transferred from archaea. The kinetic properties of recombinant EhFADS were consistent with the notion that EhFADS is of archaeal origin, exhibiting KM and kcat values similar to those of the arachaeal enzyme while significantly differing from the human counterpart. Repression of gene expression of EhFADS by epigenetic gene silencing caused substantial reduction in FAD levels and parasite growth, underscoring the importance of EhFADS for the parasite. Furthermore, we demonstrated that EhFADS gene silencing reduced thioredoxin reductase activity, which requires FAD as a cofactor and makes the ameba more susceptible to metronidazole. In summary, this study unveils unique evolutionary and biochemical features of EhFADS and underscores its significance as a promising drug target in combating human amebiasis.IMPORTANCEFAD is important for all forms of life, yet its role and metabolism are still poorly studied in E. histolytica, the protozoan parasite causing human amebiasis. Our study uncovers the evolutionary unique key enzyme, archaeal-type FADS for FAD biosynthesis from E. histolytica for the first time. Additionally, we showed the essentiality of this enzyme for parasite survival, highlighting its potential as target for drug development against E. histolytica infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewi Wulansari
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Euki Yazaki
- Research Center for Advanced Analysis, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Levaro-Loquio D, Serrano-Luna J, Velásquez-Torres M, Higuera-Martínez G, Arciniega-Martínez IM, Reséndiz-Albor AA, Pérez-Vielma NM, Pacheco-Yépez J. In Vitro Evaluation of the Antiamoebic Activity of Kaempferol against Trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica and in the Interactions of Amoebae with Hamster Neutrophils. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11216. [PMID: 37446394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is a parasite in humans that provokes amoebiasis. The most employed drug is metronidazole (MTZ); however, some studies have reported that this drug induces genotoxic effects. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new compounds without toxicity that can eliminate E. histolytica. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that have demonstrated inhibition of growth and dysregulation of amoebic proteins. Despite the knowledge acquired to date, action mechanisms are not completely understood. The present work evaluates the effect of kaempferol against E. histolytica trophozoites and in the interactions with neutrophils from hamster, which is a susceptibility model. Our study demonstrated a significant reduction in the amoebic viability of trophozoites incubated with kaempferol at 150 μM for 90 min. The gene expression analysis showed a significant downregulation of Pr (peroxiredoxin), Rr (rubrerythrin), and TrxR (thioredoxin reductase). In interactions with amoebae and neutrophils for short times, we observed a reduction in ROS (reactive oxygen species), NO (nitric oxide), and MPO (myeloperoxidase) neutrophil activities. In conclusion, we confirmed that kaempferol is an effective drug against E. histolytica through the decrease in E. histolytica antioxidant enzyme expression and a regulator of several neutrophil mechanisms, such as MPO activity and the regulation of ROS and NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Levaro-Loquio
- Sección de Estudios de Postgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Jesús Serrano-Luna
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV), Av. IPN No. 2508 Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Maritza Velásquez-Torres
- Sección de Estudios de Postgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Germán Higuera-Martínez
- Sección de Estudios de Postgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | | | - Aldo Arturo Reséndiz-Albor
- Sección de Estudios de Postgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Nadia Mabel Pérez-Vielma
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias de la Salud, CICS, San Tomás, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Judith Pacheco-Yépez
- Sección de Estudios de Postgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
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Velásquez-Torres M, Trujillo-Ferrara JG, Godínez-Victoria M, Jarillo-Luna RA, Tsutsumi V, Sánchez-Monroy V, Posadas-Mondragón A, Cuevas-Hernández RI, Santiago-Cruz JA, Pacheco-Yépez J. Riluzole, a Derivative of Benzothiazole as a Potential Anti-Amoebic Agent against Entamoeba histolytica. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:896. [PMID: 37375843 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amoebiasis is produced by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica; this disease affects millions of people throughout the world who may suffer from amoebic colitis or amoebic liver abscess. Metronidazole is used to treat this protozoan, but it causes important adverse effects that limit its use. Studies have shown that riluzole has demonstrated activity against some parasites. Thus, the present study aimed, for the first time, to demonstrate the in vitro and in silico anti-amoebic activity of riluzole. In vitro, the results of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites treated with IC50 (319.5 μM) of riluzole for 5 h showed (i) a decrease of 48.1% in amoeba viability, (ii) ultrastructural changes such as a loss of plasma membrane continuity and alterations in the nuclei followed by lysis, (iii) apoptosis-like cell death, (iv) the triggering of the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, and (v) the downregulation of amoebic antioxidant enzyme gene expression. Interestingly, docking studies have indicated that riluzole presented a higher affinity than metronidazole for the antioxidant enzymes thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, rubrerythrin, and peroxiredoxin of Entamoeba histolytica, which are considered as possible candidates of molecular targets. Our results suggest that riluzole could be an alternative treatment against Entamoeba histolytica. Future studies should be conducted to analyze the in vivo riluzole anti-amoebic effect on the resolution of amebic liver abscess in a susceptible model, as this will contribute to developing new therapeutic agents with anti-amoebic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritza Velásquez-Torres
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - José Guadalupe Trujillo-Ferrara
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bioquímica, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Marycarmen Godínez-Victoria
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Rosa Adriana Jarillo-Luna
- Coordinación de Ciencias Morfológicas, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Virginia Sánchez-Monroy
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Araceli Posadas-Mondragón
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Roberto Issac Cuevas-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bioquímica, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - José Angel Santiago-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11350, Mexico
| | - Judith Pacheco-Yépez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
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Carvalho-de-Araújo AD, Carvalho-Kelly LF, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Anaerobic energy metabolism in human microaerophile parasites. Exp Parasitol 2023; 247:108492. [PMID: 36841468 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108492] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated parasites, such as Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis, have significant clinical relevance. The pathologies associated with infection by these parasites are among those with the highest incidence of gastroenteritis (giardiasis and amoebiasis) and sexually transmitted infections (trichomoniasis). The treatment of these diseases is based on drugs that act on the anaerobic metabolism of these parasites, such as nitroimidazole and benzimidazole derivatives. One interesting feature of parasites is their ability to produce ATP under anaerobic conditions. Due to the absence of enzymes capable of producing ATP under anaerobic conditions in the vertebrate host, they have become interesting therapeutic targets. This review discusses anaerobic energy metabolism in mucosal-associated parasites, focusing on the anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate, the importance of these enzymes as therapeutic targets, and the importance of treating their infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayra Diandra Carvalho-de-Araújo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Carvalho-Kelly
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência a Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INCTBEB), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Avila-Bonilla RG, López-Sandoval Á, Soto-Sánchez J, Marchat LA, Rivera G, Medina-Contreras O, Ramírez-Moreno E. Proteomic and Functional Analysis of the Effects of Quinoxaline Derivatives on Entamoeba histolytica. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:887647. [PMID: 35832378 PMCID: PMC9271875 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.887647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinoxalines are heterocyclic compounds that contain a benzene ring and a pyrazine ring. The oxidation of both nitrogen of the pyrazine ring results in quinoxaline derivatives (QdNO), which exhibit a variety of biological properties, including antiparasitic activity. However, its activity against Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan that causes human amebiasis, is poorly understood. Recently, our group reported that various QdNOs produce morphological changes in E. histolytica trophozoites, increase reactive oxygen species, and inhibit thioredoxin reductase activity. Notably, T-001 and T-017 derivatives were among the QdNOs with the best activity. In order to contribute to the characterization of the antiamebic effect of QdNOs, in this work we analyzed the proteomic profile of E. histolytica trophozoites treated with the QdNOs T-001 and T-017, and the results were correlated with functional assays. A total number of 163 deregulated proteins were found in trophozoites treated with T-001, and 131 in those treated with T-017. A set of 21 overexpressed and 24 under-expressed proteins was identified, which were mainly related to cytoskeleton and intracellular traffic, nucleic acid transcription, translation and binding, and redox homeostasis. Furthermore, T-001 and T-017 modified the virulence of trophozoites, since they altered their erythrophagocytosis, migration, adhesion and cytolytic capacity. Our results show that in addition to alter reactive oxygen species, and thioredoxin reductase activity, T-001 and T-017 affect essential functions related to the actin cytoskeleton, which eventually affects E. histolytica virulence and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular 2, México City, Mexico
| | - Ángel López-Sandoval
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular 2, México City, Mexico
| | - Jacqueline Soto-Sánchez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular 2, México City, Mexico
| | - Laurence A. Marchat
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular 2, México City, Mexico
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Reynosa, Mexico
| | - Oscar Medina-Contreras
- Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica en Endocrinología y Nutrición (UIEEN), México City, Mexico
| | - Esther Ramírez-Moreno
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular 2, México City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Esther Ramírez-Moreno, ;
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6
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Huang PJ, Huang CY, Li YX, Liu YC, Chu LJ, Yeh YM, Cheng WH, Chen RM, Lee CC, Chen LC, Lin HC, Chiu SF, Lin WN, Lyu PC, Tang P, Huang KY. Dissecting the Transcriptomes of Multiple Metronidazole-Resistant and Sensitive Trichomonas vaginalis Strains Identified Distinct Genes and Pathways Associated with Drug Resistance and Cell Death. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121817. [PMID: 34944632 PMCID: PMC8698965 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Metronidazole (MTZ) is the mainstay of anti-trichomonal chemotherapy; however, drug resistance has become an increasingly worrying issue. Additionally, the molecular events of MTZ-induced cell death in T. vaginalis remain elusive. To gain insight into the differential expression of genes related to MTZ resistance and cell death, we conducted RNA-sequencing of three paired MTZ-resistant (MTZ-R) and MTZ-sensitive (MTZ-S) T. vaginalis strains treated with or without MTZ. Comparative transcriptomes analysis identified that several putative drug-resistant genes were exclusively upregulated in different MTZ-R strains, such as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and multidrug resistance pumps. Additionally, several shared upregulated genes among all the MTZ-R transcriptomes were not previously identified in T. vaginalis, such as 5′-nucleotidase surE and Na+-driven multidrug efflux pump, which are a potential stress response protein and a multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE)-like protein, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that purine and pyrimidine metabolisms were suppressed in MTZ-S parasites upon drug treatment, whereas the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway, proteasome, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis were strikingly activated, highlighting the novel pathways responsible for drug-induced stress. Our work presents the most detailed analysis of the transcriptional changes and the regulatory networks associated with MTZ resistance and MTZ-induced signaling, providing insights into MTZ resistance and cell death mechanisms in trichomonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Jung Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan;
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.Y.); (C.-C.L.)
| | - Ching-Yun Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (S.-F.C.)
- Host-Parasite Interactions Laboratory, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Xuan Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan; (Y.-X.L.); (L.-J.C.); (P.T.)
| | - Yi-Chung Liu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (P.-C.L.)
| | - Lichieh-Julie Chu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan; (Y.-X.L.); (L.-J.C.); (P.T.)
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ming Yeh
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.Y.); (C.-C.L.)
| | - Wei-Hung Cheng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 824, Taiwan;
| | - Ruei-Ming Chen
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; (R.-M.C.); (H.-C.L.)
| | - Chi-Ching Lee
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.Y.); (C.-C.L.)
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Chyang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan;
| | - Hsin-Chung Lin
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; (R.-M.C.); (H.-C.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fang Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (S.-F.C.)
- Host-Parasite Interactions Laboratory, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- Department of Inspection, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ning Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
| | - Ping-Chiang Lyu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (P.-C.L.)
| | - Petrus Tang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan; (Y.-X.L.); (L.-J.C.); (P.T.)
| | - Kuo-Yang Huang
- Host-Parasite Interactions Laboratory, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-87923100 (ext. 18564)
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Villegas-Gómez I, Silva-Olivares A, Robles-Zepeda RE, Gálvez-Ruiz JC, Shibayama M, Valenzuela O. The Dichloromethane Fraction of Croton sonorae, A Plant Used in Sonoran Traditional Medicine, Affect Entamoeba histolytica Erythrophagocytosis and Gene Expression. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:693449. [PMID: 34368014 PMCID: PMC8343225 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.693449] [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: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasites are a global problem, mainly in developing countries. Obtaining information about plants and compounds that can combat gastrointestinal disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms is a fundamental first step in designing new treatment strategies. In this study, we analyzed the antiamoebic activity of the aerial part of Croton sonorae. The dichloromethane fraction of C. sonorae (CsDCMfx) contained flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, and glycosides. The ultrastructural morphology of the amoebae treated for 72 h with CsDCMfx was completely abnormal. CsDCMfx reduced erythrophagocytosis of trophozoites and the expression of genes involved in erythrocyte adhesion (gal/galnac lectin) and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in the phagocytosis pathway (rho1 gtpase and formin1). Interestingly, CsDCMfx decreased the expression of genes involved in Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite pathogenesis, such as cysteine proteases (cp1, cp4, and cp5), sod, pfor, and enolase. These results showed that C. sonorae is a potential source of antiamoebic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Villegas-Gómez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo, México
| | - Angélica Silva-Olivares
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, México
| | | | | | - Mineko Shibayama
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Olivia Valenzuela
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo, México
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8
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Martínez-Pérez Y, Nequiz-Avendaño M, García-Torres I, Gudiño-Zayas ME, López-Velázquez G, Enríquez-Flores S, Mendoza E, Saavedra E, Pérez-Tamayo R, León-Avila G, Olivos-García A. Rabeprazole inhibits several functions of Entamoeba histolytica related with its virulence. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3491-3502. [PMID: 32886229 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06868-0] [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: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Amoebiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica. The parasite can invade the large intestine and other organs such as liver; resistance to the host tissue oxygen is a condition for parasite invasion and survival. Thioredoxin reductase of E. histolytica (EhTrxR) is a critical enzyme mainly involved in maintaining reduced the redox system and detoxifying the intracellular oxygen; therefore, it is necessary for E. histolytica survival under both aerobic in vitro and in vivo conditions. In the present work, it is reported that rabeprazole (Rb), a drug widely used to treat heartburn, was able to inhibit the EhTrxR recombinant enzyme. Moreover, Rb affected amoebic proliferation and several functions required for parasite virulence such as cytotoxicity, oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide, erythrophagocytosis, proteolysis, and oxygen and complement resistances. In addition, amoebic pre-incubation with sublethal Rb concentration (600 μM) promoted amoebic death during early liver infection in hamsters. Despite the high Rb concentration used to inhibit amoebic virulence, the wide E. histolytica pathogenic-related functions affected by Rb strongly suggest that its molecular structure can be used as scaffold to design new antiamoebic compounds with lower IC50 values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoalli Martínez-Pérez
- Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N. Col. Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México. .,Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México.
| | - Mario Nequiz-Avendaño
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Itzhel García-Torres
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas y Salud Infantil, Laboratorio de EIMyT, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, México
| | - Marco E Gudiño-Zayas
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Gabriel López-Velázquez
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas y Salud Infantil, Laboratorio de EIMyT, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, México
| | - Sergio Enríquez-Flores
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas y Salud Infantil, Laboratorio de EIMyT, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, México
| | - Edith Mendoza
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Emma Saavedra
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, 14080, México
| | - Ruy Pérez-Tamayo
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Gloria León-Avila
- Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N. Col. Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
| | - Alfonso Olivos-García
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
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Nagaraja S, Ankri S. Utilization of Different Omic Approaches to Unravel Stress Response Mechanisms in the Parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:19. [PMID: 29473019 PMCID: PMC5809450 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During its life cycle, the unicellular parasite Entamoeba histolytica is challenged by a wide variety of environmental stresses, such as fluctuation in glucose concentration, changes in gut microbiota composition, and the release of oxidative and nitrosative species from neutrophils and macrophages. The best mode of survival for this parasite is to continuously adapt itself to the dynamic environment of the host. Our ability to study the stress-induced responses and adaptive mechanisms of this parasite has been transformed through the development of genomics, proteomics or metabolomics (omics sciences). These studies provide insights into different facets of the parasite's behavior in the host. However, there is a dire need for multi-omics data integration to better understand its pathogenic nature, ultimately paving the way to identify new chemotherapeutic targets against amebiasis. This review provides an integration of the most relevant omics information on the mechanisms that are used by E. histolytica to resist environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Nagaraja
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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Iyer LR, Banyal N, Naik S, Paul J. Antioxidant enzyme profile of two clinical isolates of Entamoeba histolytica varying in sensitivity to antiamoebic drugs. World J Clin Infect Dis 2017; 7:21-31. [DOI: 10.5495/wjcid.v7.i2.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To study the sensitivity and antioxidant enzyme response in two clinical isolates of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) during treatment with antiamoebic drugs, auranofin and metronidazole.
METHODS E. histolytica were isolated from stool samples and maintained in Robinson’s biphasic culture medium. Clinial isolates were maintained in xenic culture medium, and harvested for determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations to the two antiamoebic drugs, Metronidazole and Auranofin using microtiter plate tests. The percent survival of the two isolates were determined using the trypan blue cell count. Isolate 980 was treated with 70 μmol/L and 2 μmol/L while isolate 989 was treated with 20 μmol/L and 0.5 μmol/L of metronidazole and auranofin respectively for 24 h. Fifty thousand cells of each isolate were harvested after 24 h of treatment for analysis of the mRNA expressions of the antioxidant enzymes, thioredoxin reductase, peroxiredoxin and FeSOD using the specific primers. Cell lysate was used for determination of enzyme activity of thioredoxin reductase by measuring DTNB reduction spectrophotometrically at 412 nm.
RESULTS Minimum inhibitory concentration of the clinical isolates 980 and 989 for auranofin was 3 μmol/L and 1 μmol/L respectively while that for metronidazole was 80 μmol/L and 30 μmol/L respectively. Thioredoxin reductase, peroxiredoxin and FeSOD expression levels were significantly reduced in the isolate 980 when treated with Auranofin. Metronidazole treatment showed a down regulation of thioredoxin reductase. Though not significant both at the mRNA and the enzyme activity levels. Peroxiredoxin and FeSOD however remained unchanged. Auranofin treatment of isolate 989, showed an upregulation in expression of thioredoxin reductase while Peroxiredoxin and FeSOD did not show any change in expression. Upon treatment with metronidazole, isolate 989 showed an increase in thioredoxin reductase expression. Peroxiredoxin and FeSOD expressions however remain unchanged both at mRNA and enzyme activity level.
CONCLUSION Clinical isolates from New Delhi NCR region show different sensitivities to antiamoebic drugs. Auranofin is effective against isolate showing higher tolerance to metronidazole as shown by its inhibition in thioredoxin reductase activity.
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11
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Divergent Transcriptional Responses to Physiological and Xenobiotic Stress in Giardia duodenalis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:6034-45. [PMID: 27458219 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00977-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how parasites respond to stress can help to identify essential biological processes. Giardia duodenalis is a parasitic protist that infects the human gastrointestinal tract and causes 200 to 300 million cases of diarrhea annually. Metronidazole, a major antigiardial drug, is thought to cause oxidative damage within the infective trophozoite form. However, treatment efficacy is suboptimal, due partly to metronidazole-resistant infections. To elucidate conserved and stress-specific responses, we calibrated sublethal metronidazole, hydrogen peroxide, and thermal stresses to exert approximately equal pressure on trophozoite growth and compared transcriptional responses after 24 h of exposure. We identified 252 genes that were differentially transcribed in response to all three stressors, including glycolytic and DNA repair enzymes, a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, high-cysteine membrane proteins, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) synthetase, and histone modification enzymes. Transcriptional responses appeared to diverge according to physiological or xenobiotic stress. Downregulation of the antioxidant system and α-giardins was observed only under metronidazole-induced stress, whereas upregulation of GARP-like transcription factors and their subordinate genes was observed in response to hydrogen peroxide and thermal stressors. Limited evidence was found in support of stress-specific response elements upstream of differentially transcribed genes; however, antisense derepression and differential regulation of RNA interference machinery suggest multiple epigenetic mechanisms of transcriptional control.
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12
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Penuliar GM, Nakada-Tsukui K, Nozaki T. Phenotypic and transcriptional profiling in Entamoeba histolytica reveal costs to fitness and adaptive responses associated with metronidazole resistance. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:354. [PMID: 25999919 PMCID: PMC4419850 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial chemotherapy is critical in the fight against infectious diseases caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Among the drugs available for the treatment of amebiasis, metronidazole (MTZ) is considered the drug of choice. Recently, in vitro studies have described MTZ resistance and the potential mechanisms involved. Costs to fitness and adaptive responses associated with resistance, however, have not been investigated. In this study we generated an HM-1 derived strain resistant to 12 μM MTZ (MTZR). We examined its phenotypic and transcriptional profile to determine the consequences and mRNA level changes associated with MTZ resistance. Our results indicated increased cell size and granularity, and decreased rates in cell division, adhesion, phagocytosis, cytopathogenicity, and glucose consumption. Transcriptome analysis revealed 142 differentially expressed genes in MTZR. In contrast to other MTZ resistant parasites, MTZR did not down-regulate pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, but showed increased expression of genes for a hypothetical protein (HP1) and several iron-sulfur flavoproteins, and downregulation of genes for leucine-rich proteins. Fisher's exact test showed 24 significantly enriched GO terms in MTZR, and a 3-way comparison of modulated genes in MTZR against those of MTZR cultured without MTZ and HM-1 cultured with MTZ, showed that 88 genes were specific to MTZR. Overall, our findings suggested that MTZ resistance is associated with specific transcriptional changes and decreased parasite virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil M Penuliar
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Tokyo, Japan ; Department of Parasitology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Tokyo, Japan ; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba Tsukuba, Japan
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13
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El-Taweel HA. Understanding drug resistance in human intestinal protozoa. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1647-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4423-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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14
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Differential expression and immunolocalization of antioxidant enzymes in Entamoeba histolytica isolates during metronidazole stress. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:704937. [PMID: 25013795 PMCID: PMC4074981 DOI: 10.1155/2014/704937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica infections are endemic in the Indian subcontinent. Five to eight percent of urban population residing under poor sanitary conditions suffers from Entamoeba infections. Metronidazole is the most widely prescribed drug used for amoebiasis. In order to understand the impact of metronidazole stress on the parasite, we evaluated the expression of two antioxidant enzymes, peroxiredoxin and FeSOD, in Entamoeba histolytica isolates during metronidazole stress. The results reveal that, under metronidazole stress, the mRNA expression levels of these enzymes did not undergo any significant change. Interestingly, immunolocalization studies with antibodies targeting peroxiredoxin indicate differential localization of the protein in the cell during metronidazole stress. In normal conditions, all the Entamoeba isolates exhibit presence of peroxiredoxin in the nucleus as well as in the membrane; however with metronidazole stress the protein localized mostly to the membrane. The change in the localization pattern was more pronounced when the cells were subjected to short term metronidazole stress compared to cells adapted to metronidazole. The protein localization to the cell membrane could be the stress response mechanism in these isolates. Colocalization pattern of peroxiredoxin with CaBp1, a cytosolic protein, revealed that the membrane and nuclear localization was specific to peroxiredoxin during metronidazole stress.
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Entamoeba histolytica: identification of thioredoxin-targeted proteins and analysis of serine acetyltransferase-1 as a prototype example. Biochem J 2013; 451:277-88. [PMID: 23398389 DOI: 10.1042/bj20121798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebiasis, possesses the dithiol-containing redox proteins Trx (thioredoxin) and TrxR (Trx reductase). Both proteins were found to be covalently modified and inactivated by metronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole drug that is commonly used to treat infections with microaerophilic protozoan parasites in humans. Currently, very little is known about enzymes and other proteins participating in the Trx-dependent redox network of the parasite that could be indirectly affected by metronidazole treatment. On the basis of the disulfide/dithiol-exchange mechanism we constructed an active-site mutant of Trx, capable of binding interacting proteins as a stable mixed disulfide intermediate to screen the target proteome of Trx in E. histolytica. By applying Trx affinity chromatography, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MS, peroxiredoxin and 15 further potentially redox-regulated proteins were identified. Among them, EhSat1 (E. histolytica serine acetyltransferase-1), an enzyme involved in the L-cysteine biosynthetic pathway, was selected for detailed analysis. Binding of Trx to EhSat1 was verified by Far-Western blot analysis. Trx was able to restore the activity of the oxidatively damaged EhSat1 suggesting that the TrxR/Trx system protects sensitive proteins against oxidative stress in E. histolytica. Furthermore, the activity of peroxiredoxin, which is dependent on a functioning TrxR/Trx system, was strongly reduced in metronidazole-treated parasites.
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Gretes MC, Poole LB, Karplus PA. Peroxiredoxins in parasites. Antioxid Redox Signal 2012; 17:608-33. [PMID: 22098136 PMCID: PMC3373223 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2011.4404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Parasite survival and virulence relies on effective defenses against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by the host immune system. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitous enzymes now thought to be central to such defenses and, as such, have potential value as drug targets and vaccine antigens. RECENT ADVANCES Plasmodial and kinetoplastid Prx systems are the most extensively studied, yet remain inadequately understood. For many other parasites our knowledge is even less well developed. Through parasite genome sequencing efforts, however, the key players are being discovered and characterized. Here we describe what is known about the biochemistry, regulation, and cell biology of Prxs in parasitic protozoa, helminths, and fungi. At least one Prx is found in each parasite with a sequenced genome, and a notable theme is the common patterns of expression, localization, and functionality among sequence-similar Prxs in related species. CRITICAL ISSUES The nomenclature of Prxs from parasites is in a state of disarray, causing confusion and making comparative inferences difficult. Here we introduce a systematic Prx naming convention that is consistent between organisms and informative about structural and evolutionary relationships. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The new nomenclature should stimulate the crossfertilization of ideas among parasitologists and with the broader redox research community. The diverse parasite developmental stages and host environments present complex systems in which to explore the variety of roles played by Prxs, with a view toward parlaying what is learned into novel therapies and vaccines that are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Gretes
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Leslie B. Poole
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - P. Andrew Karplus
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
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Fouamno Kamga HL, Shey Nsagha D, Suh Atanga MB, Longdoh Njunda A, Nguedia Assob JC, Nde Fon P, Akwi Fomumbod S. The impact of health education on the prevalence of faecal-orally transmitted parasitic infections among school children in a rural community in Cameroon. Pan Afr Med J 2011; 8:38. [PMID: 22121446 PMCID: PMC3201601 DOI: 10.4314/pamj.v8i1.71153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background> Faecal-orally transmitted parasites are those parasites which are spread through faecal contamination of food and drinks. Infections with these parasites are among the most common in the world being responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, especially in children. This study was carried out to determine the impact of health education on the prevalence of faecal-orally transmitted parasitic infections among primary school children in a typical African rural community. Methods An intervention study was conducted in two villages in the South-West Region of Cameroon. A total of 370 volunteer pupils aged between 5-15 years were enrolled in the study out of which 208 were from Kake II (experimental arm) and 162 from Barombi-Kang (control arm). The research was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, stool samples were collected from all participants and analyzed using the formol-ether concentration technique and health education was given to the pupils in the experimental village but not in the control village. Phase 2 was conducted six months later during which only stool samples were collected and analyzed from both villages. Results Before health education intervention (phase1) faecal-orally transmitted parasites were present in 106 (50.9%) stool specimens collected in Kake II and in 84 (51.5%) of those collected in Barombi-kang. The difference in prevalence between these two villages was not significant (P>0.05). After health education intervention (phase2), 56 (26.9%) stool specimens were positive for faecal-oral parasite in Kake II and 92 (54.7%) in Barombi-kang, and the difference in prevalence between these two villages was statistically significant (P0.05). The change in the prevalence of infection was significant in Kake II (50.9% vs. 26.9%, P0.05). Hence, health education applied in the experimental village was responsible for the drop in the prevalence observed, especially among pupils infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (24.9% vs. 3.4%, P=0.004) Conclusion Health education through the framework of schools can be used as a strategy for the control of faecal-orally transmitted parasitic infections among children in African rural communities.
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Current and future perspectives on the chemotherapy of the parasitic protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica. Future Med Chem 2009; 1:619-43. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.09.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica are clinically important protozoa that affect humans. T. vaginalis produces sexually transmitted infections and E. histolytica is the causative agent of amebic dysentery. Metronidazole, a compound first used to treat T. vaginalis in 1959, is still the main drug used worldwide to treat these pathogens. It is essential to find new biochemical differences in these organisms that could be exploited to develop new antiprotozoal chemotherapeutics. Recent findings associated with T. vaginalis and E. histolytica biochemistry and host–pathogen interactions are surveyed. Knowledge concerning the biochemistry of these parasites is serving to form the foundation for the development of new approaches to control these important human pathogens.
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