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Benchimol M, de Souza W. Endocytosis in anaerobic parasitic protists. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2024; 119:e240058. [PMID: 39082582 PMCID: PMC11285859 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760240058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The incorporation of different molecules by eukaryotic cells occurs through endocytosis, which is critical to the cell's survival and ability to reproduce. Although this process has been studied in greater detail in mammalian and yeast cells, several groups working with pathogenic protists have made relevant contributions. This review analysed the most relevant data on the endocytic process in anaerobic protists (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Tritrichomonas foetus). Many protozoa can exert endocytic activity across their entire surface and do so with great intensity, as with E. histolytica. The available data on the endocytic pathway and the participation of PI-3 kinase, Rab, and Rho molecular complexes is reviewed from a historical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Benchimol
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Nacional de Biologia
Estrutural e Bioimagens, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade da Grande Rio, Duque de Caxias, RJ, Brasil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Nacional de Biologia
Estrutural e Bioimagens, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica
Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Rio de
Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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2
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Carrero JC, Espinoza B, Huerta L, Silva-Miranda M, Guzmán-Gutierrez SL, Dorazco-González A, Reyes-Chilpa R, Espitia C, Sánchez S. Introducing the NUATEI Consortium: A Mexican Research Program for the Identification of Natural and Synthetic Antimicrobial Compounds for Prevalent Infectious Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:957. [PMID: 39065807 PMCID: PMC11280322 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070957] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The need for new drugs to treat human infections is a global health concern. Diseases like tuberculosis, trypanosomiasis, amoebiasis, and AIDS remain significant problems, especially in developing countries like Mexico. Despite existing treatments, issues such as resistance and adverse effects drive the search for new alternatives. Herein, we introduce the NUATEI research consortium, made up of experts from the Institute of Biomedical Research at UNAM, who identify and obtain natural and synthetic compounds and test their effects against human pathogens using in vitro and in vivo models. The consortium has evaluated hundreds of natural extracts and compounds against the pathogens causing tuberculosis, trypanosomiasis, amoebiasis, and AIDS, rendering promising results, including a patent with potential for preclinical studies. This paper presents the rationale behind the formation of this consortium, as well as its objectives and strategies, emphasizing the importance of natural and synthetic products as sources of antimicrobial compounds and the relevance of the diseases studied. Finally, we briefly describe the methods of the evaluation of the compounds in each biological model and the main achievements. The potential of the consortium to screen numerous compounds and identify new therapeutic agents is highlighted, demonstrating its significant contribution to addressing these infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio César Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (B.E.); (L.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Bertha Espinoza
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (B.E.); (L.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Leonor Huerta
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (B.E.); (L.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Mayra Silva-Miranda
- CONAHCyT-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (M.S.-M.); (S.-L.G.-G.)
| | - Silvia-Laura Guzmán-Gutierrez
- CONAHCyT-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (M.S.-M.); (S.-L.G.-G.)
| | - Alejandro Dorazco-González
- Departmento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Ricardo Reyes-Chilpa
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Clara Espitia
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (B.E.); (L.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
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Lalangui K, Cotera-Mantilla M, Sánchez-Murillo M, Carrera-Alvarez A, Duque-Cuasapaz M, Quentin E. Space-time distribution of intestinal infectious diseases and their association with socioeconomic variables in Ecuador. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1412362. [PMID: 39050603 PMCID: PMC11266005 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1412362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal infectious diseases are a global concern in terms of morbidity, and they are closely linked to socioeconomic variables such as quality of life, weather and access to healthcare services. Despite progress in spatial analysis tools and geographic information systems in epidemiology, studies in Ecuador that evaluate temporal trends, specific geographic groups, and their correlation with socioeconomic variables are lacking. The absence of such information makes it challenging to formulate public health policies. This study sought to identify the spatial and temporal patterns of these diseases in Ecuador, along with their correlation with socioeconomic variables. Methods In Ecuador, the study was carried out in a continental territory, focusing on data related to intestinal infectious diseases collected from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos) during the period from 2014 to 2019. This study involved spatial and temporal analyses using tools such as the global Moran's index and Local Indicators of Spatial Association to identify spatial clustering patterns and autocorrelation. Additionally, correlations between morbidity rates and socioeconomic variables were examined. Results During the investigated period, Ecuador registered 209,668 cases of these diseases. Notable variations in case numbers were identified, with a 9.2% increase in 2019 compared to the previous year. The most impacted group was children under 5 years old, and the highest rates were centered in the southern and southwestern regions of the country, with Limón Indanza and Chunchi being the cantons with the highest rates, notably showing a significant increase in Limón Indanza. Additionally, there were significant correlations between morbidity rates and socioeconomic variables, school dropout rates, low birth weight, and access to water services. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of considering socioeconomic variables when addressing these diseases in Ecuador. Understanding these correlations and geospatial trends can guide the development of health policies and specific intervention programs to reduce the incidence in identified high-risk areas. More specific research is needed to understand the underlying causes of variability in morbidity and develop effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Lalangui
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Facultad Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Max Cotera-Mantilla
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Marco Sánchez-Murillo
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alex Carrera-Alvarez
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mónica Duque-Cuasapaz
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Emmanuelle Quentin
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Facultad Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
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Wang Y, Zeng Y, Wu Y, Lu F, Hou X, Shao J, Zhang T, Shao C. Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Entamoeba spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis from captive wild animals in northwest China. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:309. [PMID: 38987757 PMCID: PMC11234763 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04172-y] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasites Entamoeba spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis are prevalent pathogens causing gastrointestinal illnesses in animals and humans. Consequently, researches on their occurrence, distribution and hosts are crucial for the well-being of both animals and humans. Due to the confined spaces and frequent interaction between animals and humans, animal sanctuaries have emerged as potential reservoirs for these parasites. In this study, the wildlife sanctuary near the Huang Gorge of the Qinling Mountains in northwest China is chosen as an ideal site for parasite distribution research, considering its expansive stocking area and high biodiversity. RESULTS We collected 191 fecal specimens from 37 distinct wildlife species and extracted genomic DNA. We identified these three parasites by amplifying specific gene regions and analyzed their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. All the parasites exhibited a high overall infection rate, reaching 90.05%. Among them, seven Entamoeba species were identified, accounting for a prevalence of 54.97%, with the highest infection observed in Entamoeba bovis. In total, 11 Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes were discovered, representing a prevalence of 35.08%, including three genotypes of human-pathogenic Group 1 and two novel genotypes (SXWZ and SXLG). Additionally, 13 Blastocystis subtypes were detected, showing a prevalence of 74.87% and encompassing eight zoonotic subtypes. All of the above suggests significant possibilities of parasite transmission between animals and humans. CONCLUSIONS This study investigated the occurrence and prevalence of three intestinal parasites, enhancing our understanding of their genetic diversity and host ranges in northwest China. Furthermore, the distribution of these parasites implies significant potential of zoonotic transmission, underscoring the imperative for ongoing surveillance and implementation of control measures. These efforts are essential to mitigate the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks originating from wildlife sanctuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Wang
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolution of Protozoa, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuechen Zeng
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolution of Protozoa, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaoli Wu
- Xi'an Dahanshanglinyuan Industrial Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Furui Lu
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolution of Protozoa, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaopeng Hou
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolution of Protozoa, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junfeng Shao
- Xi'an Dahanshanglinyuan Industrial Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tengteng Zhang
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolution of Protozoa, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Chen Shao
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolution of Protozoa, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Alonaizan R. Molecular regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation during parasitic infection. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231918. [PMID: 38623843 PMCID: PMC11096646 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231918] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are a serious global health concern, causing many common and severe infections, including Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis. The NLRP3 inflammasome belongs to the NLR (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich-repeat-containing proteins) family, which are cytosolic proteins playing key roles in the detection of pathogens. NLRP3 inflammasomes are activated in immune responses to Plasmodium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii, Entamoeba histolytica, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other parasites. The role of NLRP3 is not fully understood, but it is a crucial component of the innate immune response to parasitic infections and its functions as a sensor triggering the inflammatory response to the invasive parasites. However, while this response can limit the parasites' growth, it can also result in potentially catastrophic host pathology. This makes it essential to understand how NLRP3 interacts with parasites to initiate the inflammatory response. Plasmodium hemozoin, Leishmania glycoconjugate lipophosphoglycan (LPG) and E. histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin can stimulate NLRP3 activation, while the dense granule protein 9 (GRA9) of T. gondii has been shown to suppress it. Several other parasitic products also have diverse effects on NLRP3 activation. Understanding the mechanism of NLRP3 interaction with these products will help to develop advanced therapeutic approaches to treat parasitic diseases. This review summarizes current knowledge of the NLRP3 inflammasome's action on the immune response to parasitic infections and aims to determine the mechanisms through which parasitic molecules either activate or inhibit its action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Alonaizan
- Faculty of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Uribe-Querol E, Rosales C. Neutrophils versus Protozoan Parasites: Plasmodium, Trichomonas, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Entameoba. Microorganisms 2024; 12:827. [PMID: 38674770 PMCID: PMC11051968 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040827] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant polymorphonuclear granular leukocytes in human blood and are an essential part of the innate immune system. Neutrophils are efficient cells that eliminate pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but their role in dealing with protozoan parasitic infections remains controversial. At sites of protozoan parasite infections, a large number of infiltrating neutrophils is observed, suggesting that neutrophils are important cells for controlling the infection. Yet, in most cases, there is also a strong inflammatory response that can provoke tissue damage. Diseases like malaria, trichomoniasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and amoebiasis affect millions of people globally. In this review, we summarize these protozoan diseases and describe the novel view on how neutrophils are involved in protection from these parasites. Also, we present recent evidence that neutrophils play a double role in these infections participating both in control of the parasite and in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Uribe-Querol
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Carlos Rosales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Portunato F, Bartalucci C, Vena A, Giacobbe DR, Porcile E, Montanelli P, Piol N, Centanaro M, Andorno E, Bassetti M. Amoebic Liver Abscess: Potential Application of New Diagnostic Techniques for an Old Pathogen. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:625-632. [PMID: 38459236 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00934-1] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Amoebic liver abscess is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection requiring prompt diagnosis and early targeted treatment. Diagnosis is challenging because conventional diagnostic methods such as light microscopy and serology are often unreliable. Molecular techniques have emerged as an additional diagnostic tool, suddenly becoming the new diagnostic reference standard. More recently, commercial multiplex PCR panels, including FilmArray, have been introduced, which permit the simultaneous detection of several enteric pathogens including Entamoeba histolytica in stool samples. We report a case of an amoebic liver abscess promptly diagnosed by FilmArray gastrointestinal panel performed on liver drainage fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Portunato
- Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Claudia Bartalucci
- Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, GE, Italy.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Antonio Vena
- Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, GE, Italy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, GE, Italy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Porcile
- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IST National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Montanelli
- Department of Hepatobiliarypancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nataniele Piol
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Centanaro
- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IST National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enzo Andorno
- Department of Hepatobiliarypancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, GE, Italy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Abdullah SJ, Ali SA. Molecular Detection of a Pathogenic Entamoeba among Symptomatic Children in Eastern Kurdistan of Iraq. Pol J Microbiol 2024; 73:99-105. [PMID: 38437467 PMCID: PMC10911696 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2024-010] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica infects the large intestine of humans, causing a spectrum of clinical appearances ranging from asymptomatic colonization to severe intestinal and extra-intestinal disease. The parasite is identical microscopically to commensal nonpathogenic amoeba. To detect the pathogenic Entamoeba and estimate the precise prevalence of the parasite among the symptomatic pediatric population using molecular techniques. 323 fecal samples were collected from symptomatic children admitted to Sulaimani Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Sulaimaniyah Province, Iraq, from June to October 2021. A structured, validated questionnaire was prepared and used to report participants' gender, residency, and drinking water source. Then, stool samples were microscopically examined, and the positive samples were submitted to molecular analysis by amplifying the 18s rRNA gene using nested PCR to differentiate E. histolytica from other nonpathogenic Entamoeba. Finally, gene sequences were done to confirm the species. Microscopically, 58 positive samples represented Entamoeba species infection rate of 18% among symptomatic patients. However, only 18 samples were positive for E. histolytica based on molecular methods, which accounts for 31% of the positive by microscopy and 5.6% among the 323 symptomatic populations. NCBI, available in their database, gives the gene sequence and accession number. Patients' sociodemographic data and water sources were directly related to the infection rate. Classical microscopic examination provides a misleading profile about the prevalence of E. histolytica in an endemic region that might lead to unnecessary treatments and a lack of appropriate management for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sham Jamil Abdullah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
| | - Shahnaz Abdulkader Ali
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
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Chang CH, See Too WC, Lim BH, Few LL. Identification and Characterization of Entamoeba histolytica Choline Kinase. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:426-438. [PMID: 38172465 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00763-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Entamoeba histolytica is one of the death-causing parasites in the world. Study on its lipid composition revealed that it is predominated by phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Further study revealed that its phosphorylated metabolites might be produced by the Kennedy pathway. Here, we would like to report on the characterizations of enzymes from this pathway that would provide information for the design of novel inhibitors against these enzymes in future. METHODOLOGY E. histolytica HM-1:IMSS genomic DNA was isolated and two putative choline/ethanolamine kinase genes (EhCK1 and EhCK2) were cloned and expressed from Escherichia coli BL21 strain. Enzymatic characterizations were further carried out on the purified enzymes. RESULTS EhCK1 and EhCK2 were identified from E. histolytica genome. The deduced amino acid sequences were more identical to its homologues in human (35-48%) than other organisms. The proteins were clustered as ethanolamine kinase in the constructed phylogeny tree. Sequence analysis showed that they possessed all the conserved motifs in choline kinase family: ATP-binding loop, Brenner's phosphotransferase motif, and choline kinase motif. Here, the open reading frames were cloned, expressed, and purified to apparent homogeneity. EhCK1 showed activity with choline but not ethanolamine. The biochemical characterization showed that it had a Vmax of 1.9 ± 0.1 µmol/min/mg. Its Km for choline and ATP was 203 ± 26 µM and 3.1 ± 0.4 mM, respectively. In contrast, EhCK2 enzymatic activity was only detected when Mn2+ was used as the co-factor instead of Mg2+ like other choline/ethanolamine kinases. Highly sensitive and specific antibody against EhCK1 was developed and used to confirm the endogenous EhCK1 expression using immunoblotting. CONCLUSIONS With the understanding of EhC/EK importance in phospholipid metabolism and their unique characteristic, EhC/EK could be a potential target for future anti-amoebiasis study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiat Han Chang
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wei Cun See Too
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Boon Huat Lim
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ling Ling Few
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Shao Y, Lv H, Zhou W, Zhou B, Jiang Q, Qian J. A case report of refractory amebic colitis and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37195. [PMID: 38335414 PMCID: PMC10860968 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Amebic colitis has been less prevalent in recent times in China, and the similarity of its symptoms to those of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results in the difficulty of early identification and diagnosis. PATIENT CONCERNS A 31-year-old male who exhibited intermittent diarrhea and hematochezia was highly suspected as IBD initially. Despite the partial relief of symptoms following the administration of mesalamine, the endoscopic ulcers remained largely unchanged. DIAGNOSES Two years after the onset of mesalamine therapy, amebic cysts were detected in stool microscopy and trophozoites were found on the surface of cecal ulcers. The patient was then diagnosed with amebic colitis. INTERVENTIONS After 2 rounds of standardized metronidazole treatment, amebic colitis remained refractory until diloxanide was administered. OUTCOMES The patient remained asymptomatic, and the mucosa of colon was normal during the annual follow-up. LESSONS Individuals newly diagnosed with IBD should undergo essential screening for amebiasis. And the use of steroids should be taken with caution, especially in cases where the effect of mesalamine is limited. For symptomatic intestinal amebiasis, even after the administration of tissue amebicides, the continued use of luminal amebicides is necessary to prevent recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology
| | | | - Baotong Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Hagemann CL, Macedo AJ, Tasca T. Therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides against pathogenic protozoa. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:122. [PMID: 38311672 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08133-0] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Protozoal infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The use of several antiprotozoal drugs is associated with serious adverse effects and resistance development, and drugs that are more effective are urgently needed. Microorganisms, mammalian cells and fluids, insects, and reptiles are sources of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that act against pathogenic microorganisms; these AMPs have been widely studied as a promising alternative therapeutic option to conventional antibiotics, aiming to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. One advantage of AMP molecules is their adaptability, as they can be easily fine-tuned for broad-spectrum or targeted activity by changing the amino acid residues in their sequence. Consequently, these variations in structural and physicochemical properties can alter the antimicrobial activities of AMPs and decrease resistance development. This article presents an overview of peptide activities against amebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. AMPs and their analogs demonstrate great potential as therapeutics, with potent and selective activity, when compared with commercially available drugs, and hold the potential to act as new scaffolds for the development of novel anti-protozoal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Lobato Hagemann
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José Macedo
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil.
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Nevin WD, Jones J, Tupper D, Dunbar JAT, Wilson D, Ross D, Woolley S, Dodd J, Biswas J, Lamb L, Beeching NJ, O’Shea MK, Fletcher TE. Gastrointestinal parasite infections in Nepalese Gurkha recruits arriving in the United Kingdom from 2012-2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011931. [PMID: 38277403 PMCID: PMC10849272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections are a major cause of global morbidity, infecting hundreds of millions of people each year and potentially leading to lifelong infection and serious complications. Few data exist on screening for GIP infections in migrants entering the UK or on the current performance of different traditional diagnostic approaches. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of GIP infections in Nepalese Gurkha recruits screened on arrival in the UK. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We present a retrospective analysis of data from screening male adults (18-21 years) who arrived in the UK from Nepal between 2012 and 2020. Three separate faecal samples were obtained from participants at weekly intervals and processed for formalin-ethyl acetate (FEA) concentration/light microscopy and charcoal culture. Serum samples were analysed for IgG antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis by ELISA. Results were available from 2,263 participants, of whom 463 (20.5%, 95% CI 18.8%-22.2%) had a positive diagnostic test for at least one GIP infection. A total of 525 potential infections were identified. Giardia duodenalis was most common (231/2263, 10.2%), followed by S. stercoralis (102/2263, 4.5%), and hookworm species (86/2263, 3.8%). Analysis (microscopy and culture) of the initial stool sample diagnosed only 244/427 (57.1%) faecally identified pathogens, including 41/86 (47.7%) hookworm infections. The proportion of participants infected with any GIP showed a downward trend over the study period. Log-binomial regression showed risk of infection decreasing by 6.1% year-on-year (95% CI 3.2% - 9.0%). This was driven predominantly by a fall in hookworm, S. stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura prevalence. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The level of potentially pathogenic GIP infection in young Nepalese men migrating to the UK is high (20.5%) and requires a combined diagnostic approach including serology and analysis of multiple stool samples incorporating specialised parasitological methods. Advances in molecular approaches may optimise and simplify the intensive screening strategy required.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D. Nevin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Jones
- Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Donna Tupper
- Medical Centre, Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, United Kingdom
| | - James A. T. Dunbar
- Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, United Kingdom
- 212 Field Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps, Defence Medical Services, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan Wilson
- Headquarters Defence Medical Services Group, Defence Medical Directorate, ICT Building, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - David Ross
- Defence Public Health Unit, Defence Medical Services, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Woolley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - James Dodd
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Biswas
- Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Lamb
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Beeching
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew K. O’Shea
- Centre of Defence Pathology, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E. Fletcher
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The amoeba parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of human amebiasis, an enteropathic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. This ancient protozoan is an elementary example of how parasites evolve with humans, e.g. taking advantage of multiple mechanisms to evade immune responses, interacting with microbiota for nutritional and protective needs, utilizing host resources for growth, division, and encystation. These skills of E. histolytica perpetuate the species and incidence of infection. However, in 10% of infected cases, the parasite turns into a pathogen; the host-parasite equilibrium is then disorganized, and the simple lifecycle based on two cell forms, trophozoites and cysts, becomes unbalanced. Trophozoites acquire a virulent phenotype which, when non-controlled, leads to intestinal invasion with the onset of amoebiasis symptoms. Virulent E. histolytica must cross mucus, epithelium, connective tissue and possibly blood. This highly mobile parasite faces various stresses and a powerful host immune response, with oxidative stress being a challenge for its survival. New emerging research avenues and omics technologies target gene regulation to determine human or parasitic factors activated upon infection, their role in virulence activation, and in pathogenesis; this research bears in mind that E. histolytica is a resident of the complex intestinal ecosystem. The goal is to eradicate amoebiasis from the planet, but the parasitic life of E. histolytica is ancient and complex and will likely continue to evolve with humans. Advances in these topics are summarized here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Guillén
- Cell Biology and Infection Department, Institut Pasteur and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS-ERM9195, Paris, France
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14
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Meena S, Meena JK, Kumar D, Mathur P. Spectrum and Trends of Intestinal Parasitic Infections at a Tertiary Care Hospital during Pandemic Times: A Laboratory-Based Retrospective Study. J Lab Physicians 2023; 15:503-509. [PMID: 37780876 PMCID: PMC10539063 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768169] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intestinal parasitic infections continue to loom in developing countries with low sanitation and socioeconomic conditions. Pandemic times are especially important to study the prevalence of these pathogens since the focus of all healthcare services was coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and time-trend of intestinal parasitic infections in the capital region of India during the pandemic times. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a retrospective review based on data from the past 2 years in the post-COVID-19 pandemic was used. Descriptive and time-trend analyses were applied to the data. Time series analysis was analyzed using the best fit autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to look for seasonality in trends and forecasting. Results A total of 7267 patients' stool samples over a 2-year pandemic period were included in the study. Intestinal parasites were detected in 11.18% (813/7276) patients. Giardia lamblia (2.28%) and Blastocystis hominis (3.78%) were the predominant ones. Time-trend analysis from 2020 to 2021 using ARIMA model predicted an increasing trend with waning of pandemic. The most prevalent infection was found in the monsoon and autumn months. Conclusion Rates of infection with Giardia lamblia and Blastocystis hominis have increased in comparison to other protozoan infections like Entamoeba histolytica when compared with prepandemic hospital-based studies. With fading of the pandemic, further increasing trends are predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneeta Meena
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar Meena
- Department of Preventive Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, Haryana, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Purva Mathur
- Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
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15
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Chauhan R, Tiwari M, Chaudhary A, Sharan Thakur R, Pande V, Das J. Chemokines: A key driver for inflammation in protozoan infection. Int Rev Immunol 2023; 43:211-228. [PMID: 37980574 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2023.2281566] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines belong to the group of small proteins within the cytokine family having strong chemo-attractant properties. In most cases, the strong immuno-modulatory role of chemokines is crucial for generating the immune response against pathogens in various protozoan diseases. In this review, we have given a brief update on the classification, characterization, homeostasis, transcellular migration, and immuno-modulatory role of chemokines. Here we will evaluate the potential role of chemokines and their regulation in various protozoan diseases. There is a significant direct relationship between parasitic infection and the recruitment of effector cells of the immune response. Chemokines play an indispensable role in mediating several defense mechanisms against infection, such as leukocyte recruitment and the generation of innate and cell-mediated immunity that aids in controlling/eliminating the pathogen. This process is controlled by the chemotactic movement of chemokines induced as a primary host immune response. We have also addressed that chemokine expressions during infection are time-dependent and orchestrated in a systematic pattern that ultimately assists in generating a protective immune response. Taken together, this review provides a systematic understanding of the complexity of chemokines profiles during protozoan disease conditions and the rationale of targeting chemokines for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubika Chauhan
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Mrinalini Tiwari
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Amrendra Chaudhary
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Reva Sharan Thakur
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Biotechnology Department, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Jyoti Das
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
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16
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Fernandez‐Becerra C, Xander P, Alfandari D, Dong G, Aparici‐Herraiz I, Rosenhek‐Goldian I, Shokouhy M, Gualdron‐Lopez M, Lozano N, Cortes‐Serra N, Karam PA, Meneghetti P, Madeira RP, Porat Z, Soares RP, Costa AO, Rafati S, da Silva A, Santarém N, Fernandez‐Prada C, Ramirez MI, Bernal D, Marcilla A, Pereira‐Chioccola VL, Alves LR, Portillo HD, Regev‐Rudzki N, de Almeida IC, Schenkman S, Olivier M, Torrecilhas AC. Guidelines for the purification and characterization of extracellular vesicles of parasites. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 2:e117. [PMID: 38939734 PMCID: PMC11080789 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Parasites are responsible for the most neglected tropical diseases, affecting over a billion people worldwide (WHO, 2015) and accounting for billions of cases a year and responsible for several millions of deaths. Research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has increased in recent years and demonstrated that EVs shed by pathogenic parasites interact with host cells playing an important role in the parasite's survival, such as facilitation of infection, immunomodulation, parasite adaptation to the host environment and the transfer of drug resistance factors. Thus, EVs released by parasites mediate parasite-parasite and parasite-host intercellular communication. In addition, they are being explored as biomarkers of asymptomatic infections and disease prognosis after drug treatment. However, most current protocols used for the isolation, size determination, quantification and characterization of molecular cargo of EVs lack greater rigor, standardization, and adequate quality controls to certify the enrichment or purity of the ensuing bioproducts. We are now initiating major guidelines based on the evolution of collective knowledge in recent years. The main points covered in this position paper are methods for the isolation and molecular characterization of EVs obtained from parasite-infected cell cultures, experimental animals, and patients. The guideline also includes a discussion of suggested protocols and functional assays in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Fernandez‐Becerra
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- IGTP Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i PujolBadalona (Barcelona)Spain
- CIBERINFECISCIII‐CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Patrícia Xander
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Daniel Alfandari
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - George Dong
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Iris Aparici‐Herraiz
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Mehrdad Shokouhy
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Melisa Gualdron‐Lopez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Nicholy Lozano
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Nuria Cortes‐Serra
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Paula Abou Karam
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - Paula Meneghetti
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Rafael Pedro Madeira
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry UnitLife Sciences Core Facilities, WISRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Adriana Oliveira Costa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e ToxicológicasFaculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)Belo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrasil
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Anabela‐Cordeiro da Silva
- Host‐Parasite Interactions GroupInstitute of Research and Innovation in HealthUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Nuno Santarém
- Host‐Parasite Interactions GroupInstitute of Research and Innovation in HealthUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | | | - Marcel I. Ramirez
- EVAHPI ‐ Extracellular Vesicles and Host‐Parasite Interactions Research Group Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de TripanossomatideosInstituto Carlos Chagas‐FiocruzCuritibaParanáBrasil
| | - Dolores Bernal
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Ciències BiològiquesUniversitat de ValènciaBurjassotValenciaSpain
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i ParasitologiaUniversitat de ValènciaBurjassotValenciaSpain
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira‐Chioccola
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Fungos, Centro de Parasitologia e MicologiaInstituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL)São PauloBrasil
| | - Lysangela Ronalte Alves
- Laboratório de Regulação da Expressão GênicaInstituto Carlos ChagasFiocruz ParanáCuritibaBrazil
- Research Center in Infectious DiseasesDivision of Infectious Disease and Immunity CHU de Quebec Research CenterDepartment of MicrobiologyInfectious Disease and ImmunologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity LavalQuebec CityQuebecCanada
| | - Hernando Del Portillo
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- IGTP Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i PujolBadalona (Barcelona)Spain
- ICREA Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avanc¸ats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Neta Regev‐Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - Igor Correia de Almeida
- Department of Biological SciencesBorder Biomedical Research CenterThe University of Texas at El PasoEl PasoTexasUSA
| | - Sergio Schenkman
- Departamento de MicrobiologiaImunologia e Parasitologia, UNIFESPSão PauloBrazil
| | - Martin Olivier
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
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Jeelani G, Balogun EO, Husain A, Nozaki T. Glycerol biosynthetic pathway plays an essential role in proliferation and antioxidative defense in the human enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14596. [PMID: 37669981 PMCID: PMC10480196 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40670-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amebiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Treatment options other than metronidazole and its derivatives are few, and their low efficacy against asymptomatic cyst carriers, and experimental evidence of resistance in vitro justify the discovery/repurposing campaign for new drugs against amebiasis. Global metabolic responses to oxidative stress and cysteine deprivation by E. histolytica revealed glycerol metabolism may represent a rational target for drug development. In this study using 14C-labelled glucose, only 11% of the total glucose taken up by E. histolytica trophozoites is incorporated to lipids. To better understand the role of glycerol metabolism in this parasite, we focused on characterizing two important enzymes, glycerol kinase (GK) and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH). Recombinant GK was biochemically characterized in detail, while G3PDH was not due to failure of protein expression and purification. GK revealed novel characteristics and unprecedented kinetic properties in reverse reaction. Gene silencing revealed that GK is essential for optimum growth, whereas G3PDH is not. Gene silencing of G3PDH caused upregulated GK expression, while that of GK resulted in upregulation of antioxidant enzymes as shown by RNA-seq analysis. Although the precise molecular link between GK and the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes was not demonstrated, the observed increase in antioxidant enzyme expression upon GK gene silencing suggests a potential connection between GK and the cellular response to oxidative stress. Together, these results provide the first direct evidence of the biological importance and coordinated regulation of the glycerol metabolic pathways for proliferation and antioxidative defense in E. histolytica, justifying the exploitation of these enzymes as future drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Afzal Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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Zarenezhad E, Marzi M, Abdulabbas HT, Jasim SA, Kouhpayeh SA, Barbaresi S, Ahmadi S, Ghasemian A. Bilosomes as Nanocarriers for the Drug and Vaccine Delivery against Gastrointestinal Infections: Opportunities and Challenges. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:453. [PMID: 37754867 PMCID: PMC10531812 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14090453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) environment has an intricate and complex nature, limiting drugs' stability, oral bioavailability, and adsorption. Additionally, due to the drugs' toxicity and side effects, renders are continuously seeking novel delivery systems. Lipid-based drug delivery vesicles have shown various loading capacities and high stability levels within the GIT. Indeed, most vesicular platforms fail to efficiently deliver drugs toward this route. Notably, the stability of vesicular constructs is different based on the different ingredients added. A low GIT stability of liposomes and niosomes and a low loading capacity of exosomes in drug delivery have been described in the literature. Bilosomes are nonionic, amphiphilic, flexible surfactant vehicles that contain bile salts for the improvement of drug and vaccine delivery. The bilosomes' stability and plasticity in the GIT facilitate the efficient carriage of drugs (such as antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antifungal drugs), vaccines, and bioactive compounds to treat infectious agents. Considering the intricate and harsh nature of the GIT, bilosomal formulations of oral substances have a remarkably enhanced delivery efficiency, overcoming these conditions. This review aimed to evaluate the potential of bilosomes as drug delivery platforms for antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic GIT-associated drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Zarenezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa P.O. Box 7461686688, Iran; (E.Z.); (M.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Mahrokh Marzi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa P.O. Box 7461686688, Iran; (E.Z.); (M.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Hussein T. Abdulabbas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical College, Al Muthanna University, Al Muthanna P.O. Box 07835544777, Iraq;
| | | | - Seyed Amin Kouhpayeh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa P.O. Box 7461686688, Iran;
| | - Silvia Barbaresi
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Shiva Ahmadi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa P.O. Box 7461686688, Iran; (E.Z.); (M.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa P.O. Box 7461686688, Iran; (E.Z.); (M.M.); (S.A.)
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19
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Toledano-Magaña Y, Néquiz M, Valenzuela-Salas LM, Sánchez-García JJ, Galindo-Murillo R, García-Ramos JC, Klimova EI. The Amoebicidal Activity of Diferrocenyl Derivatives: A Significant Dependence on the Electronic Environment. Molecules 2023; 28:6008. [PMID: 37630260 PMCID: PMC10458203 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166008] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amoebiasis is the second leading cause of death worldwide associated with parasitic disease and is becoming a critical health problem in low-income countries, urging new treatment alternatives. One of the most promising strategies is enhancing the redox imbalance within these susceptible parasites related to their limited antioxidant defense system. Metal-based drugs represent a perfect option due to their extraordinary capacity to stabilize different oxidation states and adopt diverse geometries, allowing their interaction with several molecular targets. This work describes the amoebicidal activity of five 2-(Z-2,3-diferrocenylvinyl)-4X-4,5-dihydrooxazole derivatives (X = H (3a), Me (3b), iPr (3c), Ph (3d), and benzyl (3e)) on Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and the physicochemical, experimental, and theoretical properties that can be used to describe the antiproliferative activity. The growth inhibition capacity of these organometallic compounds is strongly related to a fine balance between the compounds' redox potential and hydrophilic character. The antiproliferative activity of diferrocenyl derivatives studied herein could be described either with the redox potential, the energy of electronic transitions, logP, or the calculated HOMO-LUMO values. Compound 3d presents the highest antiproliferative activity of the series with an IC50 of 23 µM. However, the results of this work provide a pipeline to improve the amoebicidal activity of these compounds through the directed modification of their electronic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanis Toledano-Magaña
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada 22860, Mexico
| | - Mario Néquiz
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06726, Mexico;
| | | | - Jessica J. Sánchez-García
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.J.S.-G.); (E.I.K.)
| | - Rodrigo Galindo-Murillo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Juan Carlos García-Ramos
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada 22860, Mexico
| | - Elena I. Klimova
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.J.S.-G.); (E.I.K.)
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20
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Morán P, Serrano-Vázquez A, Rojas-Velázquez L, González E, Pérez-Juárez H, Hernández EG, Padilla MDLA, Zaragoza ME, Portillo-Bobadilla T, Ramiro M, Ximénez C. Amoebiasis: Advances in Diagnosis, Treatment, Immunology Features and the Interaction with the Intestinal Ecosystem. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11755. [PMID: 37511519 PMCID: PMC10380210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review of human amoebiasis is based on the most current knowledge of pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and Entamoeba/microbiota interactions. The most relevant findings during this last decade about the Entamoeba parasite and the disease are related to the possibility of culturing trophozoites of different isolates from infected individuals that allowed the characterization of the multiple pathogenic mechanisms of the parasite and the understanding of the host-parasite relationship in the human. Second, the considerable advances in molecular biology and genetics help us to analyze the genome of Entamoeba, their genetic diversity, and the association of specific genotypes with the different amoebic forms of human amoebiasis. Based on this knowledge, culture and/or molecular diagnostic strategies are now available to determine the Entamoeba species and genotype responsible for invasive intestinal or extraintestinal amoebiasis cases. Likewise, the extensive knowledge of the immune response in amoebiasis with the appearance of new technologies made it possible to design diagnostic tools now available worldwide. Finally, the understanding of the interaction between the Entamoeba species and the intestinal microbiota aids the understanding of the ecology of this parasite in the human environment. These relevant findings will be discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Morán
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
| | - Angélica Serrano-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
| | - Liliana Rojas-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
| | - Enrique González
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
| | - Horacio Pérez-Juárez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
| | - Eric G Hernández
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
| | - Maria de Los Angeles Padilla
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
| | - Martha E Zaragoza
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
| | - Tobías Portillo-Bobadilla
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Bioestadística y Biología Computacional, Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)-Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Manuel Ramiro
- División de Estudios de Posgrado, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Ximénez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México 06726, Mexico
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21
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Richardson D, Pakianathan M, Ewens M, Mitchell H, Mohammed H, Wiseman E, Tweed M, Nichols K, Rawdah W, Cooper R, Macrowan R, Irish M, Evans A, Godbole G. British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) United Kingdom national guideline for the management of sexually transmitted enteric infections 2023. Int J STD AIDS 2023:9564624231168217. [PMID: 37247427 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231168217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This is the first British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) national guideline for the management of sexually transmitted enteric infections (STEI). This guideline is primarily aimed for level 3 sexual health clinics; however, it may also be applicable to other settings such as primary care or other hospital departments where individuals with STEI may present. This guideline makes recommendations on testing, management, partner notification and public health control of STEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Richardson
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Waseem Rawdah
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Richard Cooper
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | | | - Amy Evans
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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22
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Yanagawa Y, Singh U. Diversity and Plasticity of Virulent Characteristics of Entamoeba histolytica. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050255. [PMID: 37235303 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050255] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of clinical syndromes of amebiasis, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, stems from the intricate interplay between the host immune system, the virulence of the invading parasite, and the surrounding environment. Although there is still a relative paucity of information about the precise relationship between virulence factors and the pathogenesis of Entamoeba histolytica, by accumulating data from clinical and basic research, researchers have identified essential pathogenic factors that play a critical role in the pathogenesis of amebiasis, providing important insights into disease development through animal models. Moreover, the parasite's genetic variability has been associated with differences in virulence and disease outcomes, making it important to fully understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of amebiasis. Deciphering the true mechanism of disease progression in humans caused by this parasite is made more difficult through its ability to demonstrate both genomic and pathological plasticity. The objective of this article is to underscore the heterogeneous nature of disease states and the malleable virulence characteristics in experimental models, while also identifying persistent scientific issues that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuaki Yanagawa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Upinder Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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23
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Gaona-López C, Vazquez-Jimenez LK, Gonzalez-Gonzalez A, Delgado-Maldonado T, Ortiz-Pérez E, Nogueda-Torres B, Moreno-Rodríguez A, Vázquez K, Saavedra E, Rivera G. Advances in Protozoan Epigenetic Targets and Their Inhibitors for the Development of New Potential Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040543. [PMID: 37111300 PMCID: PMC10143871 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040543] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasite diseases cause significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Factors such as climate change, extreme poverty, migration, and a lack of life opportunities lead to the propagation of diseases classified as tropical or non-endemic. Although there are several drugs to combat parasitic diseases, strains resistant to routinely used drugs have been reported. In addition, many first-line drugs have adverse effects ranging from mild to severe, including potential carcinogenic effects. Therefore, new lead compounds are needed to combat these parasites. Although little has been studied regarding the epigenetic mechanisms in lower eukaryotes, it is believed that epigenetics plays an essential role in vital aspects of the organism, from controlling the life cycle to the expression of genes involved in pathogenicity. Therefore, using epigenetic targets to combat these parasites is foreseen as an area with great potential for development. This review summarizes the main known epigenetic mechanisms and their potential as therapeutics for a group of medically important protozoal parasites. Different epigenetic mechanisms are discussed, highlighting those that can be used for drug repositioning, such as histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs). Exclusive parasite targets are also emphasized, including the base J and DNA 6 mA. These two categories have the greatest potential for developing drugs to treat or eradicate these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gaona-López
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Lenci K Vazquez-Jimenez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Alonzo Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Timoteo Delgado-Maldonado
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Eyrá Ortiz-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Nogueda-Torres
- Departamento de Parasitología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Adriana Moreno-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Estudios Epidemiológicos, Clínicos, Diseños Experimentales e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca, Avenida Universidad S/N, Ex Hacienda Cinco Señores, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico
| | - Karina Vázquez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Francisco Villa 20, General Escobedo 66054, Mexico
| | - Emma Saavedra
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
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24
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Change in the incidence of intestinal diseases caused by parasitic protozoa in the Mexican population during the period (2015-2019) and its association with environmental and socioeconomic risk factors. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:903-914. [PMID: 36820929 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07798-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Diarrheal diseases are one of the main health problems worldwide, especially in developing countries with poor health systems, high rates of poverty, and poor nutrition. The main causative agents of diarrheal disease are bacteria, viruses, and parasites; among the latter, the intestinal protozoa Giardia and Entamoeba stand out. In the present work, a observational analysis of the national surveillance data of amebiasis, giardiasis, and other protozoan intestinal infections was carried out. The data issued by the Directorate General of Epidemiology was analyzed to establish its relationship with geography, socioeconomic, and environmental conditions in Mexico during the 2015-2019 period. New cases of amebiasis decreased by 25.03% between 2015 and 2019, while giardiasis and other protozoan intestinal infections remained constant; in all cases, incidence was higher in females than in males, and children under 5 years of age were the most affected. The contribution of environmental conditions (seasonality, temperature, and humidity) and socioeconomic factors in the number of protozoan intestinal infection cases was assessed by a multivariable regression model using a backward selection procedure. Peaks in cases were observed in spring and summer, which are characterized by warm and humid climates. Additionally, states with high humidity and annual average temperature contribute to a notably higher incidence of these parasites, especially annual average temperature, as demonstrated through multivariable linear regression models. Moreover, the majority of these states have the largest population living in poverty with inadequate measures for the distribution, dispensing, and sanitation of water. These data are essential to incidence rate monitoring and focus efforts on eliminating risk factors and improving health programs in Mexico.
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25
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Cruz Camacho A, Alfandari D, Kozela E, Regev-Rudzki N. Biogenesis of extracellular vesicles in protozoan parasites: The ESCRT complex in the trafficking fast lane? PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011140. [PMID: 36821560 PMCID: PMC9949670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) provide a central mechanism of cell-cell communication. While EVs are found in most organisms, their pathogenesis-promoting roles in parasites are of particular interest given the potential for medical insight and consequential therapeutic intervention. Yet, a key feature of EVs in human parasitic protozoa remains elusive: their mechanisms of biogenesis. Here, we survey the current knowledge on the biogenesis pathways of EVs secreted by the four main clades of human parasitic protozoa: apicomplexans, trypanosomatids, flagellates, and amoebae. In particular, we shine a light on findings pertaining to the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery, as in mammals it plays important roles in EV biogenesis. This review highlights the diversity in EV biogenesis in protozoa, as well as the related involvement of the ESCRT system in these unique organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Cruz Camacho
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel Alfandari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ewa Kozela
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
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26
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Carrero JC, Curay-Herrera V, Chacón-Niño L, Krengel F, Guzmán-Gutiérrez SL, Silva-Miranda M, González-Ramírez LC, Bobes RJ, Espitia C, Reyes-Chilpa R, Laclette JP. Potent Anti-amoebic Effects of Ibogaine, Voacangine and the Root Bark Alkaloid Fraction of Tabernaemontana arborea. PLANTA MEDICA 2023; 89:148-157. [PMID: 35338475 DOI: 10.1055/a-1809-1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plants of Tabernaemontana species have several pharmacological activities including antimicrobial effects. Amoebiasis continues to be a public health problem, with increasing evidence of resistance to metronidazole. In this study, we assessed the effect of the alkaloid fraction of T. arborea root bark and the alkaloids ibogaine and voacangine on the viability and infectivity of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. Cultures were exposed to 0.1 - 10 µg/mL for 24, 48 and 72 h, and viability was then determined using a tetrazolium dye reduction assay and type of cellular death analyzed by flow cytometry. Results showed that the alkaloid fraction, but mainly ibogaine and voacangine alkaloids, exhibited potent dose-dependent anti-amoebic activity at 24 h post-exposure (IC50 4.5 and 8.1 µM, respectively), comparable to metronidazole (IC50 6.8 µM). However, the effect decreased after 48 and 72 h of exposure to concentrations below 10 µg/mL, suggesting that the alkaloids probably were catabolized to less active derivatives by the trophozoites. The treatment of trophozoites with the IC50 s for 24 h induced significant morphological changes in the trophozoites, slight increase in granularity, and death by apoptonecrosis. The capacity of T. arborea alkaloids to inhibit the development of amoebic liver abscesses in hamsters was evaluated. Results showed that even when the treatments reduced the number of amoebic trophozoites in tissue sections of livers, they were unable to limit the formation of abscesses, suggesting their rapid processing to inactive metabolites. This work leaves open the possibility of using Tabernaemontana alkaloids as a new alternative for amoebiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio César Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Violeta Curay-Herrera
- Escuela Profesional de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Piura, Piura, Perú
| | - Lysette Chacón-Niño
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Felix Krengel
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Mayra Silva-Miranda
- CONACyT-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luisa-Carolina González-Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigación "Análisis de Muestras Biológicas y Forenses", Carrera Laboratorio Clínico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador
| | - Raúl J Bobes
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Clara Espitia
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ricardo Reyes-Chilpa
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Juan-Pedro Laclette
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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27
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Sauvey C, Meewan I, Ehrenkaufer G, Blevitt J, Jackson P, Abagyan R. High-throughput phenotypic screen identifies a new family of potent anti-amoebic compounds. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280232. [PMID: 37159460 PMCID: PMC10168566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a disease-causing parasitic amoeba which affects an estimated 50 million people worldwide, particularly in socioeconomically vulnerable populations experiencing water sanitation issues. Infection with E. histolytica is referred to as amoebiasis, and can cause symptoms such as colitis, dysentery, and even death in extreme cases. Drugs exist that are capable of killing this parasite, but they are hampered by downsides such as significant adverse effects at therapeutic concentrations, issues with patient compliance, the need for additional drugs to kill the transmissible cyst stage, and potential development of resistance. Past screens of small and medium sized chemical libraries have yielded anti-amoebic candidates, thus rendering high-throughput screening a promising direction for new drug discovery in this area. In this study, we screened a curated 81,664 compound library from Janssen pharmaceuticals against E. histolytica trophozoites in vitro, and from it identified a highly potent new inhibitor compound. The best compound in this series, JNJ001, showed excellent inhibition activity against E. histolytica trophozoites with EC50 values at 0.29 μM, which is better than the current approved treatment, metronidazole. Further experimentation confirmed the activity of this compound, as well as that of several structurally related compounds, originating from both the Janssen Jump-stARter library, and from chemical vendors, thus highlighting a new structure-activity relationship (SAR). In addition, we confirmed that the compound inhibited E. histolytica survival as rapidly as the current standard of care and inhibited transmissible cysts of the related model organism Entamoeba invadens. Together these results constitute the discovery of a novel class of chemicals with favorable in vitro pharmacological properties. The discovery may lead to an improved therapy against this parasite and in all of its life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conall Sauvey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ittipat Meewan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Gretchen Ehrenkaufer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Blevitt
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Ja Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Paul Jackson
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Ja Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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28
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Ferreira B, Lourenço Á, Sousa MDC. Protozoa-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Intercellular Communication with Special Emphasis on Giardia lamblia. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122422. [PMID: 36557675 PMCID: PMC9788250 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are an important worldwide problem threatening human health and affect millions of people. Acute diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, malabsorption of nutrients and nutritional deficiency are some of the issues related to intestinal parasitic infections. Parasites are experts in subvert the host immune system through different kinds of mechanisms. There are evidences that extracellular vesicles (EVs) have an important role in dissemination of the disease and in modulating the host immune system. Released by almost all types of cells, these nanovesicles are a natural secretory product containing multiple components of interest. The EVs are classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, exosomes, ectosomes, and microparticles, according to their physical characteristics, biochemical composition and cell of origin. Interestingly, EVs play an important role in intercellular communication between parasites as well as with the host cells. Concerning Giardia lamblia, it is known that this parasite release EVs during it life cycle that modulate the parasite growth and adherence as well the immune system of the host. Here we review the recently updates on protozoa EVs, with particular emphasis on the role of EVs released by the flagellate protozoa G. lamblia in cellular communication and its potential for future applications as vaccine, therapeutic agent, drug delivery system and as diagnostic or prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIVG-Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG-Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ágata Lourenço
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria do Céu Sousa
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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29
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Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Treatment and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Sao Tome and Principe: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:7492020. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/7492020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a public health problem in developing countries such as Sao Tome and Principe (STP) although the pregnancy burden of IPIs is unknown in this endemic country. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs, prescribed anthelmintics, and associated factors among pregnant women admitted to Hospital Dr. Ayres de Menezes (HAM). Methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women admitted to the HAM who had undergone antenatal copro-parasitological screening. Data were abstracted from antenatal care (ANC) cards regarding parasitological results and anthelmintic prescriptions. A structured questionnaire face-to-face interview was also applied. Pregnant women with an IPI (210) were compared to noninfected women (151). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with IPIs were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. A
value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 361 participants (210 IPI and 151 no-IPI) with a mean age of 26.96 (SD: 7.00) were included. The overall prevalence of IPI was 58.2% (95% CI 52.9 to 63.3), mainly due to helminthiasis, with a 55.9% (95% CI 50.7–61.2%) rate. Ascaris lumbricoides (90.9%) was the most predominant parasite species identified followed by Trichuris trichiura (13.8%). Polyparasitism was observed in 25 cases (11.9%). Anthelmintics were prescribed to 23% of pregnant women. S intercalatum (11) and E histolytica (7) infections were not adequately treated. IPI was significantly associated with primary education (AOR 1.73 (95% CI: 1.10–2.71)), unemployment (AOR 1.94 (95% CI: 1.20–3.13)), and parity of five or above (AOR 3.82 (95% CI: 1.32–11.08)). Conclusion. This study highlights the IPI burden, associated factors, and missing treatment opportunities among pregnant women with STP. This study is a useful tool for policymakers in STP to enhance the health of women and their unborn babies.
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30
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Herrera-Martínez M, Hernández-Ramírez VI, Montaño S, Chávez-Munguía B, Hernández-Carlos B, Talamás-Rohana P. Alpha-terthienyl increases filamentous actin of Entamoeba histolytica. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 252:111512. [PMID: 36084901 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111512] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to know if alpha terthienyl (α-T) affects E. histolytica viability and to analyze its effect on the actin cytoskeleton. Trophozoites of E. histolytica HM1-IMSS were treated with α-T, then, cell viability and morphology were evaluated using tetrazolium salts and scanning electron microscopy, respectively; while actin filaments (F-actin) were stained with rhodamine-phalloidin, observed by confocal microscopy and quantified by fluorometry. Data showed that α-T inhibited cell viability of trophozoites (IC50, 19.43 µg / mL), affected the cell morphology, and increased the F-actin in a dose-dependent manner. Production of reactive oxygen species and RhoA-GTP levels remained normal in α-T-treated amebas. Two inhibitors that affect the organization of the trophozoites cytoskeleton, one that interacts directly with actin, Cytochalasin D (CD), and one that affects the Rho signaling pathway by inhibiting the downstream effector Rock, Y27632, were tested. Y27632 did not affect the increase of polymerized actin observed with α-T, this compound partially ameliorates the potent disrupting effects of CD on actin filaments. Docking results suggest that α-T could be an antagonist of CD for the same interaction zone in actin, however, more studies are needed to define the action mechanism of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Herrera-Martínez
- Instituto de Farmacobiología, Universidad de la Cañada, Carretera Teotitlán - San Antonio Nanahuatipán Km 1.7 s/n., Paraje Titlacuatitla, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca 68540, Mexico.
| | - Verónica Ivonne Hernández-Ramírez
- Departmento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico.
| | - Sarita Montaño
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Calzada de las Américas, Norte 2771, Ciudad Universitaria, Burócrata, Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa 80030, Mexico.
| | - Bibiana Chávez-Munguía
- Departmento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico.
| | - Beatriz Hernández-Carlos
- Laboratorio de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Agroindustrias, Universidad Tecnológica de la Mixteca, Carretera a Acatlima Km. 2.5, Acatlima, Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca 69000, Mexico.
| | - Patricia Talamás-Rohana
- Departmento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico.
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Díaz-Godínez C, Ríos-Valencia DG, García-Aguirre S, Martínez-Calvillo S, Carrero JC. Immunomodulatory effect of extracellular vesicles from Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites: Regulation of NETs and respiratory burst during confrontation with human neutrophils. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1018314. [PMID: 36389143 PMCID: PMC9650183 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1018314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites release extracellular vesicles (EVs) which, in some cases, modulate the host's immune response contributing to the establishment of the infection. In this work we have isolated and characterized the EVs released by trophozoites of the human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, the causal agent of amoebiasis, when alone or in coculture with human neutrophils, and determined their effect on neutrophil NETs and ROS production. Nanoparticle tracking analysis showed that amoebic EVs are variable in size, ranging from less than 50 nm to nearly 600 nm in diameter (average of 167 nm), whereas neutrophil EVs are more uniform in size, with an average of 136 nm. In cocultures amoeba:neutrophil (1:100) most EVs are 98 nm in size, which is the typical size of exosomes. EVs from amoebae and neutrophils showed almost equal levels of ROS, which were considerably increased in EVs from cocultures. Uptake of amoebic EVs by neutrophils was demonstrated by fluorescence and resulted in a significant reduction in the oxidative burst and NET release triggered by PMA, ionophore A23187, or the amoebae itself used as stimuli. Interestingly, uptake of EVs from cocultures did not affect ROS production, but instead caused a greater delay in the onset of NETs release and in their quantity. A comparative proteomic analysis between the EVs of amoebae and neutrophils separately vs the cocultures showed a similar distribution of protein categories in the GO analysis, but differences in the expression and abundance of proteins such as the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc) inhibitable surface lectin and calreticulin in amoeba EVs, and various antimicrobial molecules in neutrophil EVs, such as lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase. These results highlight the importance of EVs in the immunomodulatory effects exerted by amoeba on human neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Díaz-Godínez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Diana G. Ríos-Valencia
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Samuel García-Aguirre
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Santiago Martínez-Calvillo
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, EM, Mexico
| | - Julio César Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Nasrallah J, Akhoundi M, Haouchine D, Marteau A, Mantelet S, Wind P, Benamouzig R, Bouchaud O, Dhote R, Izri A. Updates on the worldwide burden of amoebiasis: A case series and literature review. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:1134-1141. [PMID: 36155852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.08.013] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amoebiasis is an intestinal and tissue parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Despite significant medical importance and worldwide dispersion, little is known about the epidemiology and distinct geographical distribution of various clinical forms of amoebiasis in the world. In this study, we present an amoebiasis case series referred to Avicenne Hospital (Bobigny, France) from 2010 to 2022 followed by an overview of the released literature to explore diverse clinico-pathology of amoebiasis and to update the actual epidemiological situation of this parasitosis worldwide. METHODS The referred patients underwent a combination of clinical and parasitological examinations and imaging. The study was followed by an overview of released literature performed based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline. RESULTS A total of 15 patients with amoebiasis were diagnosed with an average age of 48.5 years old at the occurrence time of infection. Men (78%) were the most affected patients. Most of the cases were reported following a trip to endemic regions, such as Mali, India, Nepal, Algeria, Cameroon or Congo. All of the processed patients exhibited a hepatic amoebiasis. Amoebic abscess was observed in all cases with an average size of 6.3 cm. Of these patients, seven cases (46.7%) benefited from drainage following a risk of rupture or superinfection of the abscess. A compilation of findings extracted from 390 scientific publications via seven major medical databases, allowed us to update the main epidemiological and clinical events that has led to the current worldwide expansion of amoebiasis. We presented a clinical and epidemiological overview of the amoebiasis accompanied with a worldwide illustrative map displaying the current distribution of known amoebiasis foci in each geographical ecozone of Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas, and Australia. CONCLUSIONS Although Metropolitan France is not known as an endemic region of amoebiasis, amoebic liver abscess was the most frequent clinical form observed among our 15 patients processed. Most of infected patients had a history of travel to or lived-in endemic areas before arriving in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Nasrallah
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Mohammad Akhoundi
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France.
| | - Djamel Haouchine
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Anthony Marteau
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Stéphane Mantelet
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Philippe Wind
- Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Robert Benamouzig
- Hepato-gastroenterology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Olivier Bouchaud
- Infectious diseases Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Robin Dhote
- Internal Medicine Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Arezki Izri
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France; Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
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Watermeyer G, Awuku Y, Fredericks E, Epstein D, Setshedi M, Devani S, Mudombi W, Kassianides C, Katsidzira L. Challenges in the management of inflammatory bowel disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:962-972. [PMID: 35779534 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(22)00048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is generally considered a disease of high-income countries and is regarded as rare in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this assumption is almost certainly an underestimate, and the high burden of communicable diseases makes IBD in sub-Saharan Africa difficult to detect. Furthermore, some gastrointestinal infections can closely mimic IBD, contributing to delays in diagnosis and complicating therapeutic decision making. Constraints in endoscopic capacity alongside a scarcity of qualified diagnostic pathologists add to the difficulties. Implementing evidence-based guidelines recommended by international societies is challenging, mostly due to high costs and unavailability of medication. However, cost-effective approaches can still be implemented to manage IBD in sub-Saharan Africa as the predominant disease phenotype is mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, which often responds to treatment with basic medication. In this Series paper, we summarise the current management of IBD in sub-Saharan Africa and propose how it can be tailored to suit the epidemiological and socioeconomic specificities of the region. We also discuss measures required to address existing challenges, such as educating health-care workers about the diagnosis and management of IBD or improving endoscopic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Watermeyer
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Yaw Awuku
- Department of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ernst Fredericks
- Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Mashiko Setshedi
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Smita Devani
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wisdom Mudombi
- Internal Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Leolin Katsidzira
- Internal Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Reyes-López M, Ramírez-Rico G, Serrano-Luna J, de la Garza M. Activity of Apo-Lactoferrin on Pathogenic Protozoa. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081702. [PMID: 36015327 PMCID: PMC9414845 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081702] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites and other eventually pathogenic organisms require the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions inside the host to assure survival. Some host proteins have evolved as defense constituents, such as lactoferrin (Lf), which is part of the innate immune system. Lf in its iron-free form (apo-Lf) and its peptides obtained by cleavage with pepsin are microbicides. Parasites confront Lf in mucosae and blood. In this work, the activity of Lf against pathogenic and opportunistic parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Plasmodium spp., Babesia spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas spp., and the free-living but opportunistic pathogens Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba castellani were reviewed. The major effects of Lf could be the inhibition produced by sequestering the iron needed for their survival and the production of oxygen-free radicals to more complicated mechanisms, such as the activation of macrophages to phagocytes with the posterior death of those parasites. Due to the great interest in Lf in the fight against pathogens, it is necessary to understand the exact mechanisms used by this protein to affect their virulence factors and to kill them.
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Wang X, Chen J, Zheng J. The state of the art of extracellular vesicle research in protozoan infection. Front Genet 2022; 13:941561. [PMID: 36035188 PMCID: PMC9417467 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.941561] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases seriously affect the health of human beings, livestock and poultry and lead to high economic and medical costs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures formed through biological processes that play important roles in immune regulation. Studies have shown that parasites transmit information to hosts through EVs to modulate host immune responses. The major roles played by EVs released from parasites involve facilitating parasitization of the host. In this review, we discuss relevant recently obtained data on EVs secreted by different kinds of protozoa, including their molecular mechanisms, and discuss the roles played by EVs in the occurrence and development of parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Jingtong Zheng,
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Serrano-Contreras JI, Meléndez-Camargo ME, Márquez-Flores YK, Soria-Serrano MP, Campos-Aldrete ME. Exploratory toxicology studies of 2,3-substituted imidazo[1,2- a]pyridines with antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:730-742. [DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Trichomoniasis and amoebiasis are neglected diseases and still remain as a global health burden not only for developing countries, from where are endemic, but also for the developed world. Previously, we tested the antiparasitic activity of a number of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives (IMPYs) on metronidazole-resistant strains of Entamoeba Hystolitica (HM1:IMSS), and Trichomonas Vaginalis (GT3). Their anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated.
Objective
The present work is a part of a project whose aim is to find new alternatives to standard treatments for these maladies, and to address the current concern of emerging resistant parasite strains. Here we report a non-clinical study focused on exploratory toxicology assays of seven IMPYs that showed the best antiparasitic and/or anti-inflammatory properties.
Methods
Acute, and subacute toxicity tests were carried out. After 14-day oral treatment, liver and kidney functionality assays in combination with chemometric methods were implemented to detect hepatic and/or kidney damage.
Results
Some compounds produced off-target effects. Vehicle effects were also detected. However, no signs of hepatic or renal toxicity were observed for any IMPY.
Conclusion
These compounds can continue non-clinical evaluations, and if possible, clinical trials as new candidates to treat trichomoniasis and amoebiasis, and inflammatory diseases. Further studies are also needed to fully elucidate a proposed dual effect that may exert these molecules against trichomoniasis and amoebiasis, which may also signify a novel mechanism of action to treat these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Iván Serrano-Contreras
- Departamento de Química Orgánica , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomas, C.P. 11340, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
- Departamento de Farmacia , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu 399, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, C.P. 07738, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
| | - María Estela Meléndez-Camargo
- Departamento de Farmacia , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu 399, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, C.P. 07738, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
| | - Yazmín Karina Márquez-Flores
- Departamento de Farmacia , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu 399, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, C.P. 07738, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
| | - Martha Patricia Soria-Serrano
- Departamento de Farmacia , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu 399, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, C.P. 07738, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
| | - María Elena Campos-Aldrete
- Departamento de Química Orgánica , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomas, C.P. 11340, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, , Ciudad de México, México
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Sydor BG, Ramos-Milaré ÁCFH, Pereira MB, Brustolin AÁ, Montaholi DC, Lera-Nonose DSSL, Negri M, de Lima Scodro RB, Teixeira JJV, Lonardoni MVC. Plants of the Phytolaccaceae family with antimicrobial activity: A systematic review. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3505-3528. [PMID: 35858779 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7557] [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: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Phytolaccaceae is a plant family of the order Caryophyllales, which includes species used in traditional medicine to treat diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate Phytolaccaceae family plants with potential antimicrobial action, through a systematic review. The study was conducted following the criteria of PRISMA protocol. The search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS, in March 2021. The search strategy used free descriptors and terms, limiting articles to the English language, regardless of publication year. The risk of bias and the quality of publications were based on the CONSORT checklist, modified for in vitro studies and SYRCLE's RoB tool for in vivo study. Five independent judges performed quality assessments of publications and risk of bias analysis. Ninety-five publications were retrieved from the databases and, after screening and eligibility criteria, 22 articles remained, from 1998 to 2019. In the selected studies, the plants were obtained from eight countries. In vivo and in vitro studies of extracts from the Phytolaccaceae family plants, evaluating antibacterial (8 publications), antifungal (8), anti-Trypanosoma (2), anti-Leishmania (2), antiviral (1), and antiamoebic (1) activities, are included. The plant species identified belong to genera Petiveria, Phytolacca, Gallesia, Trichostigma, and Seguieria. The risk of bias in the 22 publications both in vitro and in vitro was suboptimal. The evidence obtained showed that the Phytolaccaceae family, a source of plants with antimicrobial action, can serve as a basis for the creation of new herbal medicines, expanding the possibility of treatment for infectious diseases and stimulating their preservation and biodiversity. However, more high-quality studies are needed to establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Gomes Sydor
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | | | - Aline Ávila Brustolin
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | | | - Melyssa Negri
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Valdrinez Campana Lonardoni
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Biosciences and Physiopathology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
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Gupta P, Singh KK, Balodhi A, Jain K, Deeba F, Salam N. Prevalence of Amoebiasis and Associated Complications in India: A Systematic Review. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:947-961. [PMID: 35404011 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00547-z] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intestinal protozoan parasites are responsible for diarrheal diseases causing significant morbidity and mortality. Entamoeba histolytica is the principle protozoan parasite associated with diarrheal infections. The infection is often associated with inaccessibility to clean drinking water and poor sanitary conditions in low- and middle-income countries including India. A comprehensive systematic review was performed to evaluate a reliable nationwide estimate for prevalence and geographic distribution of amoebiasis in India and the complications associated with it. METHODS We used the PRISMA guidelines to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published between the year 2001-2020. Two English language databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched to achieve relevant studies. RESULTS Initial searches resulted in 467 studies out of which 64 eligible articles involving data from 289,659 human subjects from 12 states and 4 union territories were included in the final analysis. Prevalence of amoebiasis ranged from 3-23% in asymptomatic population, 0.64-11% in symptomatic patients and 1-17.5% in HIV-infected patients. Highest prevalence was seen in Tamil Nadu, Andaman Nicobar Island and North East India. Extra intestinal invasion of Entamoeba histolytica leading to complications such as amoebic liver abscess, amoebic colitis, colonic perforation and ameboma were also reported. Such complications have the potential to increase healthcare burden and may prove to be fatal. CONCLUSION Amoebiasis remains a significant public health issue in India responsible for diarrheal diseases causing significant morbidity and mortality. Entamoeba histolytica is the principle protozoan parasite associated with amoebiasis. Public health efforts should be directed towards its control and better diagnostic methods should be employed for distinguishing between pathogenic and non-pathogenic species of Entamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Kiran Kumari Singh
- Department of Geography, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Ashutosh Balodhi
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Khushi Jain
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Farah Deeba
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Nasir Salam
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India.
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Endemic Thoracic Infections in Latin America and the Caribbean. Radiol Clin North Am 2022; 60:429-443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Fu B, Wang J, Fu X. A rare case of extraintestinal amebiasis. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:364. [PMID: 35410146 PMCID: PMC9004190 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07348-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amoebiasis is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, which is a rare infectious disease in developed countries. If the trophozoites enter the blood, it can spread through the body, such as brain, and lungs. Cases of simultaneous infection of multiple organs are extremely rare. Case presentation Here we report a case of simultaneous infection of amoeba in pulmonary pleura, urinary system and central nervous system. Although the patient received anti amoeba treatment, the prognosis of the patient was poor. Conclusions In this patient, multiple extraintestinal amebic infections in the absence of clinically confirmed intestinal amebiasis or amebic liver abscess are rare and pose diagnostic challenges. The disseminated amebiasis has significantly increased the mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may reduce the mortality of disseminated amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Fu
- Department of Critical care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Dalian Road 149, Zunyi City, 563003, Guizhou, China
| | - Jinjing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, 563003, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Fu
- Department of Critical care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Dalian Road 149, Zunyi City, 563003, Guizhou, China.
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Prevalence of Giardiasis and Entamoeba Species in Two of the Six Governorates of Kuwait. J Parasitol Res 2022; 2022:5972769. [PMID: 35280918 PMCID: PMC8916900 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5972769] [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: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections are a global concern owing to elevated rates of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. Increased rates of intestinal parasitic infections are observed in developing and low-income countries. In Kuwait, many expatriates and foreigners hail from endemic countries, thus increasing the rate and risk factor of infection. This retrospective study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba sp. in stool samples handled by two of Kuwait's general hospitals during the period from January 2018 to July 2019: Mubarak Al Kabeer (serving Hawalli governorate population) and Aladan hospitals (serving Mubarak Al Kabeer governorate population) serving 27% of total Kuwait population with Kuwaitis making up only 32%. A total of 9,653 samples were tested for consistency and the availability of any parasitic particles using visual, direct wet mount, and concentration method. Statistical analysis was implemented using SPSS statistical program, at p < 0.05. Of all the 9,653 tested stool samples, 74 were positive for G. lamblia or Entamoeba sp. This represented a mere 1% rate of infection and showed no significant correlation to the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in Kuwait. On the other hand, comparing the rate of infection in different seasons revealed an increased rate of infection during spring compared to other seasons (p = 0.03). Findings revealed low rates of intestinal parasitic infection within the two governorates of Kuwait representing no statistical significance to the distribution of the investigated parasites in Kuwait. This may be attributed to improved living conditions and healthcare. Elevated infection rates in spring in relation to other seasons raised the importance of increasing public awareness during camping season for maintaining proper personal hygiene and waste management to contain and decrease the rate on infection.
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Umarao P, Rath PP, Gourinath S. Cdc42/Rac Interactive Binding Containing Effector Proteins in Unicellular Protozoans With Reference to Human Host: Locks of the Rho Signaling. Front Genet 2022; 13:781885. [PMID: 35186026 PMCID: PMC8847673 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.781885] [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: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases are the key to actin cytoskeleton signaling, which opens the lock of effector proteins to forward the signal downstream in several cellular pathways. Actin cytoskeleton assembly is associated with cell polarity, adhesion, movement and other functions in eukaryotic cells. Rho proteins, specifically Cdc42 and Rac, are the primary regulators of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in higher and lower eukaryotes. Effector proteins, present in an inactive state gets activated after binding to the GTP bound Cdc42/Rac to relay a signal downstream. Cdc42/Rac interactive binding (CRIB) motif is an essential conserved sequence found in effector proteins to interact with Cdc42 or Rac. A diverse range of Cdc42/Rac and their effector proteins have evolved from lower to higher eukaryotes. The present study has identified and further classified CRIB containing effector proteins in lower eukaryotes, focusing on parasitic protozoans causing neglected tropical diseases and taking human proteins as a reference point to the highest evolved organism in the evolutionary trait. Lower eukaryotes’ CRIB containing proteins fall into conventional effector molecules, PAKs (p21 activated kinase), Wiskoit-Aldrich Syndrome proteins family, and some have unique domain combinations unlike any known proteins. We also highlight the correlation between the effector protein isoforms and their selective specificity for Cdc42 or Rac proteins during evolution. Here, we report CRIB containing effector proteins; ten in Dictyostelium and Entamoeba, fourteen in Acanthamoeba, one in Trypanosoma and Giardia. CRIB containing effector proteins that have been studied so far in humans are potential candidates for drug targets in cancer, neurological disorders, and others. Conventional CRIB containing proteins from protozoan parasites remain largely elusive and our data provides their identification and classification for further in-depth functional validations. The tropical diseases caused by protozoan parasites lack combinatorial drug targets as effective paradigms. Targeting signaling mechanisms operative in these pathogens can provide greater molecules in combatting their infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Umarao
- Structural Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Pragyan Parimita Rath
- Structural Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Samudrala Gourinath
- Structural Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Oxygen levels are key to understanding "Anaerobic" protozoan pathogens with micro-aerophilic lifestyles. Adv Microb Physiol 2021; 79:163-240. [PMID: 34836611 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Publications abound on the physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of "anaerobic" protozoal parasites as usually grown under "anaerobic" culture conditions. The media routinely used are poised at low redox potentials using techniques that remove O2 to "undetectable" levels in sealed containers. However there is growing understanding that these culture conditions do not faithfully resemble the O2 environments these organisms inhabit. Here we review for protists lacking oxidative energy metabolism, the oxygen cascade from atmospheric to intracellular concentrations and relevant methods of measurements of O2, some well-studied parasitic or symbiotic protozoan lifestyles, their homeodynamic metabolic and redox balances, organism-drug-oxygen interactions, and the present and future prospects for improved drugs and treatment regimes.
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Siziba LP, Mank M, Stahl B, Kurz D, Gonsalves J, Blijenberg B, Rothenbacher D, Genuneit J. Associations of Human Milk Oligosaccharides With Otitis Media and Lower and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections up to 2 Years: The Ulm SPATZ Health Study. Front Nutr 2021; 8:761129. [PMID: 34760912 PMCID: PMC8572796 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.761129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) support and concurrently shape the neonatal immune system through various mechanisms. Thereby, they may contribute to lower incidence of infections in infants. However, there is limited evidence on the role of individual HMOs in the risk of otitis media (OM), as well as lower and upper respiratory tract infections (LRTI and URTI, respectively) in children up to 2 years. Objective: To investigate whether individual HMO concentrations measured at 6 weeks of lactation were associated with risk of OM, LRTI or URTI up to 2 years in breastfed infants. Associations with OM, LRTI and URTI were determined for the most prominent human milk oligosaccharides including 13 neutral, partly isomeric structures (trioses up to hexaoses), two acidic trioses, and lactose. Design: HMO measurements and physician reported data on infections were available from human milk samples collected at 6 weeks postpartum (n = 667). Associations of HMOs with infections were assessed in crude and adjusted models using modified Poisson regression. Results: Absolute concentrations (median [min, max], in g/L) of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) tended (p = 0.04) to be lower, while lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) was higher in the milk for infants with OM in the 1st year of life (p = 0.0046). In the milk of secretor mothers, LNT was significantly higher in the milk for infants with OM (RR [95% CI]: 0.98 [0.15, 2.60]) compared to infants without OM (RR [95% CI]: 0.76 [0.14, 2.90]) at 1 year (p = 0.0019). No statistically significant milk group differences and associations were observed for OM, LRTI, and URTI (p > 0.0031). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that neither prominent neutral individual HMOs (ranging from 2′-FL to LNDFHs) nor acidic human milk sialyllactoses or lactose are significantly associated with a reduced or increased risk of infections in infants up to 2 years of age. Further research is needed to determine whether specific HMOs could potentially reduce the incidence or alleviate the course of distinct infections in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P Siziba
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marko Mank
- Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bernd Stahl
- Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Deborah Kurz
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jon Genuneit
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Drug repositioning: antiprotozoal activity of terfenadine against Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:303-309. [PMID: 34741218 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07354-x] [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: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica is still a serious public health problem, especially in developing countries. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of terfenadine against Entamoeba histolytica. The trophozoites were exposed to 1, 2, 3, and 4 μM of terfenadine, for 24 and 48 h. Consequently, the viability of cells was determined by trypan blue exclusion test. The effect of terfenadine on adhesion of Entamoeba histolytica was evaluated in Caco-2 cells. In addition, the effect of terfenadine on the erythrophagocytic capacity of the parasite was investigated. The results show that terfenadine affects the growth and cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The higher inhibitory effects were observed with 4 µM at 48 h; 91.6% of growth inhibition and only 22.5% of trophozoites were viable. Additionally, we demonstrate that terfenadine is highly selective for the parasite and has low toxicity on Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, adhesion to Caco-2 cells and erythrophagocytic capacity were significantly inhibited. These findings demonstrate that terfenadine exerts significant effects on the virulence of Entamoeba histolytica. This is the first study demonstrating the amoebicidal activity of terfenadine and the results suggest it may be effective in the treatment of amoebiasis.
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Reddy R. Amoebic Liver Abscess: Rare Entity in Recent Times. Cureus 2021; 13:e17698. [PMID: 34650872 PMCID: PMC8489599 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17698] [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] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal amoebiasis and sequelae such as amoebic liver abscess are rarely reported in the era of modern medicine. Atypical presentation of amoebic liver abscess with high false-positive results on serology in endemic regions poses major diagnostic issues in the developing nations of the world. We report a case of amoebic liver abscess and describe the imaging appearances in a 59-year-old female. A detailed medical history was elicited to determine the etiology of amoebic liver abscess. Furthermore, the diagnosis was confirmed based on serological tests. Percutaneous aspiration of the amoebic liver abscess was performed, and treatment was initiated with intravenous metronidazole followed by diloxanide furoate. The patient has been on follow-up since three months with a negative stool examination and with no complaints of recurrence.
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Parasites Circulating in Wild Synanthropic Capybaras ( Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris): A One Health Approach. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091152. [PMID: 34578184 PMCID: PMC8467752 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are affected by a wide range of protozoan and metazoan-derived parasitic diseases. Among parasites of free-ranging capybaras are soil-, water-, food- and gastropod-borne parasitosis, today considered as opportunistic infections in semiaquatic ecosystems. The overlapping of the capybara’s natural ecological habitats with human and domestic animal activities has unfortunately increased in recent decades, thereby enhancing possible cross- or spillover events of zoonotic parasites. Due to this, three synanthropic wild capybara populations in the Orinoco Basin were studied for the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasite infections. A total of forty-six fecal samples were collected from free-ranging capybaras in close proximity to livestock farms. Macroscopical analyses, standard copromicroscopical techniques, coproELISA, PCR, and phylogenetic analysis revealed thirteen parasite taxa. In detail, the study indicates stages of five protozoans, four nematodes, one cestode, and three trematodes. Two zoonotic parasites were identified (i.e., Plagorchis muris, and Neobalantidium coli). The trematode P. muris represents the first report within South America. In addition, this report expands the geographical distribution range of echinocoelosis (Echinocoleus hydrochoeri). Overall, parasitological findings include two new host records (i.e., P. muris, and Entamoeba). The present findings collectively constitute baseline data for future monitoring of wildlife-derived anthropozoonotic parasites and call for future research on the health and the ecological impact of this largest semiaquatic rodent closely linked to humans, domestic and wild animals.
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Environmental Free-Living Amoebae Can Predate on Diverse Antibiotic-Resistant Human Pathogens. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0074721. [PMID: 34232736 PMCID: PMC8388808 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00747-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we sought to test the resistance of human pathogens to unaltered environmental free-living amoebae. Amoebae are ubiquitous eukaryotic microorganisms and important predators of bacteria. Environmental amoebae have also been proposed to serve as both potential reservoirs and training grounds for human pathogens. However, studies addressing their relationships with human pathogens often rely on a few domesticated amoebae that have been selected to feed on rich medium, thereby possibly overestimating the resistance of pathogens to these predatory phagocytes. From an open-air composting site, we recovered over 100 diverse amoebae that were able to feed on Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In a standardized and quantitative assay for predation, the isolated amoebae showed a broad predation spectrum, killing clinical isolates of A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Interestingly, A. baumannii, which was previously reported to resist predation by laboratory strains of Acanthamoeba, was efficiently consumed by closely related environmental amoebae. The isolated amoebae were capable of feeding on highly virulent carbapenem-resistant or methicillin-resistant clinical isolates. In conclusion, the natural environment is a rich source of amoebae with broad-spectrum bactericidal activities, including against antibiotic-resistant isolates. IMPORTANCE Free-living amoebae have been proposed to play an important role in hosting and disseminating various human pathogens. The resistance of human pathogens to predation by amoebae is often derived from in vitro experiments using model amoebae. Here, we sought to isolate environmental amoebae and to test their predation on diverse human pathogens, with results that challenge conclusions based on model amoebae. We found that the natural environment is a rich source of diverse amoebae with broad-spectrum predatory activities against human pathogens, including highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates.
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Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, causes amoebiasis in humans. Amoebiasis transmission is solely mediated by chitin-walled cysts, which are produced in the large intestine of humans from proliferative trophozoites by a cell differentiation process called encystation. Resistance to environmental stresses, an essential characteristic for transmission, is attributed to the cyst wall, which is constructed from chitin and several protein components, including chitinase. Chitinase may play a key role in cyst wall formation; however, this has not been confirmed. Here, to elucidate the physiological role of chitinase during Entamoeba encystation, we identified a new chitinase inhibitor, 2,6-dichloro-4-[2-(1-piperazinyl)-4-pyridinyl]-N-(1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, by recombinant-Entamoeba chitinase-based screening of 400 Pathogen Box chemicals. This compound dose dependently inhibited native chitinase associated with Entamoeba invadens encystation, a model for E. histolytica encystation, with an 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ∼0.6 μM, which is comparable to the IC50s (0.2 to 2.5 μM) for recombinant E. histolytica and E. invadens chitinases. Furthermore, the addition of this compound to E. invadens encystation-inducing cultures increased the generation of cyst walls with an abnormal shape, the most characteristic of which was a "pot-like structure." A similar structure also appeared in standard culture, but at a far lower frequency. These results indicate that chitinase inhibition increases the number of abnormal encysting cells, thereby significantly reducing the efficiency of cyst formation. Transmission electron microscopy showed that compound-treated encysting cells formed an abnormally loose cyst wall and an unusual gap between the cyst wall and cell membrane. Hence, Entamoeba chitinase is required for the formation of mature round cysts. IMPORTANCE Amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica infection and is transmitted by dormant Entamoeba cells or cysts. Cysts need to be tolerant to severe environmental stresses faced outside and inside a human host. To confer this resistance, Entamoeba parasites synthesize a wall structure around the cell during cyst formation. This cyst wall consists of chitin and several protein components, including chitinase. The physiological roles of these components are not fully understood. Here, to elucidate the role of chitinase during cyst formation, we identified a new chitinase inhibitor by screening a library of 400 compounds. Using this inhibitor, we showed that chitinase inhibition causes the formation of abnormal cyst walls, the most characteristic of which is a "pot-like structure." This results in decreased production of mature cysts. Chitinase is therefore required for Entamoeba to produce mature cysts for transmission to a new host.
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Muñoz-Muñoz PLA, Mares-Alejandre RE, Meléndez-López SG, Ramos-Ibarra MA. Bioinformatic Analysis of Two TOR (Target of Rapamycin)-Like Proteins Encoded by Entamoeba histolytica Revealed Structural Similarities with Functional Homologs. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081139. [PMID: 34440318 PMCID: PMC8391992 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The target of rapamycin (TOR), also known as FKBP-rapamycin associated protein (FRAP), is a protein kinase belonging to the PIKK (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-related kinases) family. TOR kinases are involved in several signaling pathways that control cell growth and proliferation. Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite that causes human amoebiasis, contains two genes encoding TOR-like proteins: EhFRAP and EhTOR2. To assess their potential as drug targets to control the cell proliferation of E. histolytica, we studied the structural features of EhFRAP and EhTOR2 using a biocomputational approach. The overall results confirmed that both TOR amoebic homologs share structural similarities with functional TOR kinases, and show inherent abilities to form TORC complexes and participate in protein-protein interaction networks. To our knowledge, this study represents the first in silico characterization of the structure-function relationships of EhFRAP and EhTOR2.
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