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Müller J, Boubaker G, Müller N, Uldry AC, Braga-Lagache S, Heller M, Hemphill A. Investigating Antiprotozoal Chemotherapies with Novel Proteomic Tools-Chances and Limitations: A Critical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6903. [PMID: 39000012 PMCID: PMC11241152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136903] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification of drug targets and biochemical investigations on mechanisms of action are major issues in modern drug development. The present article is a critical review of the classical "one drug"-"one target" paradigm. In fact, novel methods for target deconvolution and for investigation of resistant strains based on protein mass spectrometry have shown that multiple gene products and adaptation mechanisms are involved in the responses of pathogens to xenobiotics rather than one single gene or gene product. Resistance to drugs may be linked to differential expression of other proteins than those interacting with the drug in protein binding studies and result in complex cell physiological adaptation. Consequently, the unraveling of mechanisms of action needs approaches beyond proteomics. This review is focused on protozoan pathogens. The conclusions can, however, be extended to chemotherapies against other pathogens or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Braga-Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Guo H, Zhao Q, Wang H, Zhu S, Dong H, Xie X, Wang L, Chen L, Han H. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of Eimeria tenella ankyrin repeat-containing protein. Eur J Protistol 2024; 94:126089. [PMID: 38749182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126089] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Chicken coccidiosis causes disastrous losses to the poultry industry all over the world. Eimeria tenella is the most prevalent of these disease-causing species. Our former RNA-seq indicated that E. tenella ankyrin repeat-containing protein (EtANK) was expressed differently between drug-sensitive (DS) and drug-resistant strains. In this study, we cloned EtANK and analyzed its translational and transcriptional levels using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting. The data showed that EtANK was significantly upregulated in diclazuril-resistant (DZR) strain and maduramicin-resistant (MRR) strain compared with the drug-sensitive (DS) strain. In addition, the transcription levels in the DZR strains isolated from the field were higher than in the DS strain. The translation levels of EtANK were higher in unsporulated oocysts (UO) than in sporozoites (SZ), sporulated oocysts (SO), or second-generation merozoites (SM), and the protein levels in SM were significantly higher than in UO, SO, and SZ. The results of the indirect immunofluorescence localization showed that the protein was distributed mainly at the anterior region of SZ and on the surface and in the cytoplasm of SM. The fluorescence intensity increased further with its development in vitro. An anti-rEtANK polyclonal antibody inhibited the invasive ability of E. tenella in DF-1 cells. These results showed that EtANK may be related to host cell invasion, required for the parasite's growth in the host, and may be involved in the development of E. tenella resistance to some drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Guo
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Qiping Zhao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Shunhai Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Hui Dong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Xinrui Xie
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Lang Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Hongyu Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China.
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Mohammad Rahimi H, Hesari Z, Mirsamadi ES, Nemati S, Mirjalali H. Anti- Toxoplasma gondii activity of rose hip oil-solid lipid nanoparticles. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:3725-3734. [PMID: 38726453 PMCID: PMC11077205 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent pathogen, reported from almost all geographical regions of the world. Current anti-T. gondii drugs are not effective enough in immunocompromised patients, encephalitis, chorioretinitis, and congenital toxoplasmosis. Therefore, the prescription of these drugs has been limited. Rose hip oil (RhO) is a natural plant compound, which shows antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current study, the anti-T. gondii and cell toxicity effects of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded by RhO (RhO-SLNs) were evaluated. Emulsification sonicated-homogenization method was used to prepare SLNs. RhO-SLNs were characterized, and their anti-T. gondii and cell toxicity effects were evaluated using in vitro analyses. The particle size and the zeta potential of the nanoparticles were 152.09 nm and -15.3 mV nm, respectively. The entrapment efficiency percentage was 79.1%. In the present study, the inhibitory concentration (IC)50 against T. gondii was >1 μg/mL (p-value <.0001). The cell toxicity assay showed cytotoxicity concentration (CC)50 >10 mg/mL (p-value = .017). In addition, at least 75% of T. gondii-infected Vero cells remained alive at concentrations >10 mg/mL. The concentration of 1 mg/mL showed highest anti-Toxoplasma activity and lowest cell toxicity against the Vero cell. Our findings suggest that carrying natural plant compounds with SLNs could be considered an effective option for treatment strategies against T. gondii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research CenterResearch Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zahra Hesari
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Elnaz Sadat Mirsamadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of MedicineTehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research CenterResearch Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research CenterResearch Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Deng B, Vanagas L, Alonso AM, Angel SO. Proteomics Applications in Toxoplasma gondii: Unveiling the Host-Parasite Interactions and Therapeutic Target Discovery. Pathogens 2023; 13:33. [PMID: 38251340 PMCID: PMC10821451 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010033] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite with the ability to infect various warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans, is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This infection poses significant risks, leading to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and potentially affecting the fetus through congenital transmission. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular interactions between T. gondii and its host is pivotal for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This review emphasizes the crucial role of proteomics in T. gondii research, with a specific focus on host-parasite interactions, post-translational modifications (PTMs), PTM crosstalk, and ongoing efforts in drug discovery. Additionally, we provide an overview of recent advancements in proteomics techniques, encompassing interactome sample preparation methods such as BioID (BirA*-mediated proximity-dependent biotin identification), APEX (ascorbate peroxidase-mediated proximity labeling), and Y2H (yeast two hybrid), as well as various proteomics approaches, including single-cell analysis, DIA (data-independent acquisition), targeted, top-down, and plasma proteomics. Furthermore, we discuss bioinformatics and the integration of proteomics with other omics technologies, highlighting its potential in unraveling the intricate mechanisms of T. gondii pathogenesis and identifying novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Deng
- Department of Biology and VBRN Proteomics Facility, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Laura Vanagas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andres M. Alonso
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio O. Angel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yang D, Liu X, Li J, Xie J, Jiang L. Animal venoms: a novel source of anti- Toxoplasma gondii drug candidates. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1178070. [PMID: 37205912 PMCID: PMC10188992 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1178070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a nucleated intracellular parasitic protozoan with a broad host selectivity. It causes toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised or immunodeficient patients. The currently available treatments for toxoplasmosis have significant side effects as well as certain limitations, and the development of vaccines remains to be explored. Animal venoms are considered to be an important source of novel antimicrobial agents. Some peptides from animal venoms have amphipathic alpha-helix structures. They inhibit the growth of pathogens by targeting membranes to produce lethal pores and cause membrane rupture. Venom molecules generally possess immunomodulatory properties and play key roles in the suppression of pathogenic organisms. Here, we summarized literatures of the last 15 years on the interaction of animal venom peptides with T. gondii and attempt to explore the mechanisms of their interaction with parasites that involve membrane and organelle damage, immune response regulation and ion homeostasis. Finally, we analyzed some limitations of venom peptides for drug therapy and some insights into their development in future studies. It is hoped that more research will be stimulated to turn attention to the medical value of animal venoms in toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqian Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Jiang,
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Cheng P, Wang C, Zhang L, Fei C, Liu Y, Wang M, Zhang K, Wang X, Gu F, Xue F. Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of ethanamizuril-resistant versus -sensitive strains of Eimeria tenella. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:319. [PMID: 36076292 PMCID: PMC9454127 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian coccidiosis is an important parasitic disease that has serious adverse effects on the global poultry industry. The extensive use of anticoccidial drugs has resulted in an increase in drug resistance. Ethanamizuril (EZL) is a novel triazine with high anticoccidial activity. Methods We compared oocyst production and sporulation between EZL-sensitive (S) and EZL-resistant Eimeria tenella strains (R10 and R200) and used label-free quantitative proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between these strains. Results We generated two EZL-resistant E. tenella strains: strain R10, which was induced using a constant dose of 10 mg EZL/kg poultry feed, and strain R200, which was generated by gradually increasing the EZL dosage to 200 mg EZL/kg poultry feed. With an increase in resistance, the total oocyst output decreased, but the percentage of sporulation did not change significantly. We identified a total of 7511 peptides and 1282 proteins, and found 152 DEPs in the R10 strain versus the S strain, 426 DEPs in the R200 strain versus the S strain and 494 DEPs in the R200 strain versus the R10 strain. When compared with the S strain, 86 DEPs were found to have consistent trends in both resistant strains. The DEPs were primarily involved in ATP and GTP binding, invasion, and membrane components. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the DEPs suggested that they are involved in transcription and translation processes. Protein–protein interaction network analysis of the 86 DEPs showed that 10 proteins were hubs in the functional interaction network (≥ 8 edges) and five of them were ribosomal proteins. Conclusions The results of the present study indicate that the resistance mechanisms of E. tenella against EZL might be related to the transcriptional and translational processes, especially in the factors that inhibit the growth of parasites. The DEPs found in this study provide new insights into the resistance mechanisms of E. tenella against EZL. Further research on these potential targets holds promise for new chemotherapeutic approaches for controlling E. tenella infections. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05412-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chenzhong Fei
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yingchun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Mi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Keyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Feng Gu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Feiqun Xue
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Mining the Proteome of Toxoplasma Parasites Seeking Vaccine and Diagnostic Candidates. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091098. [PMID: 35565525 PMCID: PMC9099775 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The One Health concept to toxoplasmosis highlights that the health of humans is closely related to the health of animals and our common environment. Toxoplasmosis outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. Consequently, the development of effective vaccine and diagnostic strategies is urgent for the elimination of this disease. Proteomics analysis has allowed the identification of key proteins that can be utilized in the development of novel disease diagnostics and vaccines. This work presents relevant proteins found in the proteome of the life cycle-specific stages of Toxoplasma parasites. In fact, it brings together the main functionality key proteins from Toxoplasma parasites coming from proteomic approaches that are most likely to be useful in improving the disease management, and critically proposes innovative directions to finally develop promising vaccines and diagnostics tools. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogenic protozoan parasite that infects the nucleated cells of warm-blooded hosts leading to an infectious zoonotic disease known as toxoplasmosis. The infection outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. The One Health approach to toxoplasmosis highlights that the health of humans is closely related to the health of animals and our common environment. The presence of drug resistance and side effects, the further improvement of sensitivity and specificity of serodiagnostic tools and the potentiality of vaccine candidates to induce the host immune response are considered as justifiable reasons for the identification of novel targets for the better management of toxoplasmosis. Thus, the identification of new critical proteins in the proteome of Toxoplasma parasites can also be helpful in designing and test more effective drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. Accordingly, in this study we present important proteins found in the proteome of the life cycle-specific stages of Toxoplasma parasites that are potential diagnostic or vaccine candidates. The current study might help to understand the complexity of these parasites and provide a possible source of strategies and biomolecules that can be further evaluated in the pathobiology of Toxoplasma parasites and for diagnostics and vaccine trials against this disease.
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Molecular characterization of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Eimeria tenella. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1749-1760. [PMID: 35366097 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07508-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chicken coccidiosis is an extremely common and lethally epidemic disease caused by Eimeria spp. The control measures of coccidiosis depend mainly on drugs. However, the ensuing drug resistance problem has brought considerable economic loss to the poultry industry. In our previous study, comparative transcriptome analyses of a drug-sensitive (DS) strain and two drug-resistant strains (diclazuril-resistant (DZR) and maduramicin-resistant (MRR) strains) of Eimeria tenella were carried out by transcriptome sequencing. The expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase of E. tenella (EtGAPDH) was upregulated in the two resistant strains. In this study, we cloned and characterized EtGAPDH. Indirect immunofluorescence localization was used to observe the distribution of EtGAPDH in E. tenella. The results showed that the protein was distributed mainly on the surface of sporozoites and merozoites, and in the cytoplasm of merozoites. qPCR was performed to detect the transcription level of EtGAPDH in the different developmental stages of the E. tenella DS strain. The transcription level of EtGAPDH was significantly higher in second-generation merozoites than in the other three stages. The transcription level of EtGAPDH in the different drug-resistant strains and DS strain of E. tenella was also analyzed by qPCR. The results showed that the transcription level was significantly higher in the two drug-resistant strains (MRR and DZR) than in the DS strain. As the concentration of diclazuril and maduramicin increased, the transcription levels also increased. Western blot results showed that EtGAPDH protein was upregulated in the DZR and MRR strains. Enzyme activity showed that the enzyme activity of EtGAPDH was higher in the two resistant strains than in the DS strain. These results showed that EtGAPDH possess several roles that separate and distinct from its glycolytic function and maybe involved in the development of E. tenella resistance to anticoccidial drugs.
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Hajj RE, Tawk L, Itani S, Hamie M, Ezzeddine J, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Toxoplasmosis: Current and Emerging Parasite Druggable Targets. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122531. [PMID: 34946133 PMCID: PMC8707595 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent disease affecting a wide range of hosts including approximately one-third of the human population. It is caused by the sporozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which instigates a range of symptoms, manifesting as acute and chronic forms and varying from ocular to deleterious congenital or neuro-toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may cause serious health problems in fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised patients. Recently, associations between toxoplasmosis and various neuropathies and different types of cancer were documented. In the veterinary sector, toxoplasmosis results in recurring abortions, leading to significant economic losses. Treatment of toxoplasmosis remains intricate and encompasses general antiparasitic and antibacterial drugs. The efficacy of these drugs is hindered by intolerance, side effects, and emergence of parasite resistance. Furthermore, all currently used drugs in the clinic target acute toxoplasmosis, with no or little effect on the chronic form. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview on the currently used and emergent drugs and their respective parasitic targets to combat toxoplasmosis. We will also abridge the repurposing of certain drugs, their targets, and highlight future druggable targets to enhance the therapeutic efficacy against toxoplasmosis, hence lessening its burden and potentially alleviating the complications of its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Jana Ezzeddine
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
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Sina S, Mohammad JM, Reza S, Anita M, Soudabeh E, Hadi M. Determination of parasitic burden in the brain tissue of infected mice in acute toxoplasmosis after treatment by fluconazole combined with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. Eur J Med Res 2021; 26:65. [PMID: 34193287 PMCID: PMC8243906 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-021-00537-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS One of the opportunistic pathogens which cause serious problems in the human immune system is Toxoplasma gondii, with toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) seen in patients affected by it. The treatment of these patients is limited, and if not treated on time, death will be possible. METHODS In this study, the effects of the treatment with different doses of fluconazole (FLZ) in combination with the current treatment of acute toxoplasmosis on reducing the mortality rate and the parasitic load in the murine model in vivo were studied. The mice were treated with different doses of fluconazole alone, sulfadiazine, and pyrimethamine plus fluconazole. A day after the end of the treatment and 1 day before death, the mice's brains were collected, and after DNA extraction and molecular tests, the parasite burden was detected. RESULTS This study showed that a 10-day treatment with 20 mg/kg of fluconazole combined with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine 1.40 mg/kg per day affected acute toxoplasmosis and reduced the parasitic load significantly in brain tissues and also increased the survival rate of all mice in this group until the last day of the study, in contrast to other treatment groups. These results also indicate the positive effects of combined therapy on Toxoplasma gondii and the prevention of relapse. CONCLUSIONS Reducing the parasitic burden and increasing the survival rate were more effective against acute toxoplasmosis in the combined treatment of different doses of fluconazole with current treatments than current treatments without fluconazole. In other words, combination therapy with fluconazole plus pyrimethamine reduced the parasitic burden in the brain significantly, so it could be a replacement therapy in patients with intolerance sulfadiazine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sekandarpour Sina
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistance Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Jafari Modrek Mohammad
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistance Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Shafiei Reza
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammadiha Anita
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Etemadi Soudabeh
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistance Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mirahmadi Hadi
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistance Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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11
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Abdullahi SA, Unyah NZ, Nordin N, Basir R, Nasir WM, Alapid AA, Hassan Y, Mustapha T, Majid RA. Phytochemicals and Potential Therapeutic Targets on Toxoplasma gondii Parasite. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 20:739-753. [PMID: 31660810 DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666191029105736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Identification of drug target in protozoan T. gondii is an important step in the development of chemotherapeutic agents. Likewise, exploring phytochemical compounds effective against the parasite can lead to the development of new drug agent that can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of toxoplasmosis. In this review, we searched for the relevant literature on the herbs that were tested against T. gondii either in vitro or in vivo, as well as different phytochemicals and their potential activities on T. gondii. Potential activities of major phytochemicals, such as alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoids and tannins on various target sites on T. gondii as well as other related parasites was discussed. It is believed that the phytochemicals from natural sources are potential drug candidates for the treatment of toxoplasmosis with little or no toxicity to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Alhassan Abdullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Ngah Zasmy Unyah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noshariza Nordin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rusliza Basir
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wana Mohammed Nasir
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Ashraf Ahmad Alapid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science-Alassaba, University of Gharyan, Gharyan, Libya
| | - Yahaya Hassan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
| | - Tijjani Mustapha
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yobe State University, Damaturi, Nigeria
| | - Roslaini Abd Majid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
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12
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Wang Q, Zhu S, Zhao Q, Huang B, Yu S, Yu Y, Liang S, Wang H, Zhao H, Han H, Dong H. Identification and Characterization of a Novel Apical Membrane Antigen 3 in Eimeria tenella. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2021; 68:e12836. [PMID: 33289220 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is an obligate intracellular parasite in the phylum Apicomplexa. As described for other members of Apicomplexa, apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) has been shown to be critical for sporozoite invasion of host cells by E. tenella. Recently, an E. tenella paralogue of AMA1 (EtAMA1), dubbed sporoAMA1 (EtAMA3), was identified in proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of E. tenella, but not further characterized. Here, we show that EtAMA3 is a type I integral membrane protein that has 24% -38% identity with other EtAMAs. EtAMA3 has the same pattern of Cys residues in domains I and II of AMA1 orthologs from apicomplexan parasites, but high variance in domain III, with all six invariant Cys residues absent. EtAMA3 expression was developmentally regulated at the mRNA and protein levels. EtAMA3 protein was detected in sporulated oocysts and sporozoites, but not in the unsporulated oocysts or second-generation merozoites. EtAMA3 is secreted by micronemes and is primarily localized to the apical end of sporozoites during host-cell invasion. Additionally, pretreatment of sporozoites with rEtAMA3-specific antibodies substantially impeded their invasion into host cells. These results suggest EtAMA3 is a sporozoite-specific protein that is involved in host-cell sporozoite invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shunhai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Qiping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shuilan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Huanzhi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Hongyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Shanghai, 200241, China
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13
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Determination of lumefantrine as an effective drug against Toxoplasma gondii infection - in vitro and in vivo study. Parasitology 2020; 148:122-128. [PMID: 33087183 PMCID: PMC7808861 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020002036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, which can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, leading to toxoplasmosis. Currently, the effective treatment for human toxoplasmosis is the combination of sulphadiazine and pyrimethamine. However, both drugs have serious side-effects and toxicity in the host. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the discovery of new anti-T. gondii drugs with high potency and less or no side-effects. Our findings suggest that lumefantrine exerts activity against T. gondii by inhibiting its proliferation in Vero cells in vitro without being toxic to Vero cells (P ≤ 0.01). Lumefantrine prolonged mice infected with T. gondii from death for 3 days at the concentration of 50 μg L−1 than negative control (phosphate-buffered saline treated only), and reduced the parasite burden in mouse tissues in vivo (P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.05). In addition, a significant increase in interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production was observed in high-dose lumefantrine-treated mice (P ≤ 0.01), whereas interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-4 levels increased in low-dose lumefantrine-treated mice (P ≤ 0.01). The results demonstrated that lumefantrine may be a promising agent to treat toxoplasmosis, and more experiments on the protective mechanism of lumefantrine should be undertaken in further studies.
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14
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Yu Y, Zhao Q, Zhu S, Dong H, Huang B, Liang S, Wang Q, Wang H, Yu S, Han H. Molecular characterization of serine/threonine protein phosphatase of Eimeria tenella. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2020; 67:510-520. [PMID: 32358794 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Avian coccidiosis is a widespread and economically significant poultry disease caused by several Eimeria species, including Eimeria tenella. Previously, E. tenella serine/threonine protein phosphatase (EtSTP) was found to be differentially expressed in drug-sensitive (DS) and drug-resistant strains using RNA-seq. In the present study, we found that transcription and translation levels of EtSTP were higher in diclazuril-resistant (DZR) strains and maduramicin-resistant (MRR) strains than in DS strains using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. Enzyme activity results indicated that the catalytic activity of EtSTP was higher in the two drug-resistant strains than in DS strains. Western blot and qPCR analysis also showed that expression levels of EtSTP were higher in unsporulated oocysts (UO) and second-generation merozoites (SM). Indirect immunofluorescence localization showed that EtSTP was located in most areas of the parasite with the exception of refractile bodies, and fluorescence intensity was enhanced during development. In vitro inhibition experiments showed that the ability of sporozoites (SZ) to invade cells was significantly decreased after treatment with anti-rEtSTP antibody. These results indicated that EtSTP acted mainly during the developmental and reproductive stages of the parasite and may be related to the resistance of coccidia to external drug pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China.,College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Qiping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shunhai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China.,College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Qingjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shuilan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Hongyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
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15
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Xie Y, Huang B, Xu L, Zhao Q, Zhu S, Zhao H, Dong H, Han H. Comparative Transcriptome Analyses of Drug-sensitive and Drug-resistant Strains of Eimeria tenella by RNA-sequencing. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2020; 67:406-416. [PMID: 32027445 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Avian coccidiosis is a widespread and economically significant disease in poultry. At present, treatment of coccidiosis mainly relies on drugs. Anticoccidial drugs can be divided into two categories: ionophorous compounds and synthetic drugs. However, the emergence of drug-resistant strains has become a challenge for coccidiosis control with anticoccidial drugs. To gain insights into the molecular mechanism governing the drug resistance of Eimeria tenella, two drug-resistant strains of E. tenella, one maduramicin-resistant (MRR) strain and one diclazuril-resistant (DZR) strain, were generated. We carried out comparative transcriptome analyses of a drug-sensitive strain (DS) and two drug-resistant MRR and DZR strains of E. tenella using RNA-sequencing. A total of 1,070 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 672 upregulated and 398 downregulated, were identified in MRR vs. DS, and 379 DEGs, 330 upregulated and 49 downregulated, were detected in DZR vs. DS. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed to better understand the functions of these DEGs. In the comparison of DZR vs. DS, some DEGs were involved in peroxisome, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and fatty acid metabolism. In the comparison of MRR vs. DS, some DEGs were involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and DNA replication. In addition, some DEGs coded for surface antigens that were downregulated in two drug-resistant strains involved invasion, pathogenesis, and host-parasite interactions. These results provided suggestions for further research toward unraveling the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in Eimeria species and contribute to developing rapid molecular methods to detect resistance to these drugs in Eimeria species in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Lingyang Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Bovine Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shunhai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Huanzhi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Hongyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
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16
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Anas M, Kumari V, Gupta N, Dube A, Kumar N. Protein quality control machinery in intracellular protozoan parasites: hopes and challenges for therapeutic targeting. Cell Stress Chaperones 2019; 24:891-904. [PMID: 31228085 PMCID: PMC6717229 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-019-01016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular protozoan parasites have evolved an efficient protein quality control (PQC) network comprising protein folding and degradation machineries that protect the parasite's proteome from environmental perturbations and threats posed by host immune surveillance. Interestingly, the components of PQC machinery in parasites have acquired sequence insertions which may provide additional interaction interfaces and diversify the repertoire of their biological roles. However, the auxiliary functions of PQC machinery remain poorly explored in parasite. A comprehensive understanding of this critical machinery may help to identify robust biological targets for new drugs against acute or latent and drug-resistant infections. Here, we review the dynamic roles of PQC machinery in creating a safe haven for parasite survival in hostile environments, serving as a metabolic sensor to trigger transformation into phenotypically distinct stages, acting as a lynchpin for trafficking of parasite cargo across host membrane for immune evasion and serving as an evolutionary capacitor to buffer mutations and drug-induced proteotoxicity. Versatile roles of PQC machinery open avenues for exploration of new drug targets for anti-parasitic intervention and design of strategies for identification of potential biomarkers for point-of-care diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Anas
- Department of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Varsha Kumari
- Department of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Niharika Gupta
- Department of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Anuradha Dube
- Department of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Niti Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Delhi, India.
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17
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Molecular characterization of surface antigen 10 of Eimeria tenella. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2989-2999. [PMID: 31473858 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Chicken coccidiosis is caused by the apicomplexan parasite Eimeria spp. At present, drug resistance of Eimeria is common because of the indiscriminate use of anticoccidial drugs. The gene encoding surface antigen 10 of Eimeria tenella (EtSAG10) is differentially expressed between drug-resistant and drug-sensitive strains. RNA-seq analysis indicated that this gene was downregulated in strains resistant to maduramicin and diclazuril compared to susceptible strains. EtSAG10 DNA sequence alignment revealed that they contained one and ten mutations in MRR and DZR, compared with DS, respectively. A full-length EtSAG10 cDNA was successfully cloned and expressed, and the polyclonal antibody was prepared. The transcription and translation levels of EtSAG10 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. The localization of EtSAG10 in Spz, Mrz, and parasites in the first asexual stage was determined by indirect immunofluorescence. The potential association of EtSAG10 with sporozoite invasion of host cells was assessed by invasion inhibition assays. The results showed that EtSAG10 had a predicted transmembrane domain at the C-terminal end and a predicted signal peptide at the N-terminal end. EtSAG10 was downregulated in drug-resistant strains, which is consistent with the RNA-seq results. The EtSAG10 protein was localized to the parasite surface and parasitophorous vacuole membrane. This protein was shown to play a role in the infection of chicken intestine by sporozoites.
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18
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Konstantinovic N, Guegan H, Stäjner T, Belaz S, Robert-Gangneux F. Treatment of toxoplasmosis: Current options and future perspectives. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00036. [PMID: 32095610 PMCID: PMC7033996 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic disease infecting about one third of humans, with possible severe outcomes in neonates and immunocompromised patients. Despite continuous and successful efforts to improve diagnosis, therapeutic schemes have barely evolved since many years. This article aims at reviewing the main clinical trials and current treatment practices, and at addressing future perspectives in the light of ongoing researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Konstantinovic
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Hélène Guegan
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Tijana Stäjner
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sorya Belaz
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
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19
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Anti-parasitic effect on Toxoplasma gondii induced by a spider peptide lycosin-I. Exp Parasitol 2019; 198:17-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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20
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Montazeri M, Mehrzadi S, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Tanzifi A, Aghayan SA, Daryani A. Drug Resistance in Toxoplasma gondii. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2587. [PMID: 30420849 PMCID: PMC6215853 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a global protozoan parasite infecting up to one-third of the world population. Pyrimethamine (PYR) and sulfadiazine (SDZ) are the most widely used drugs for treatment of toxoplasmosis; however, several failure cases have been recorded as well; suggesting the existence of drug resistant strains. This review aims to give a systematic and comprehensive understanding of drug resistance in T. gondii including mechanisms of resistance and sites of drug action in parasite. Analogous amino acid substitutions in the Toxoplasma enzyme were identified to confer PYR resistance. Moreover, resistance to clindamycin, spiramycin, and azithromycin is encoded in the rRNA genes of T. gondii. However, T. gondii SDZ resistance mechanism has not been proved yet. Recently there has been a slight increase in SDZ resistance. That is why the majority of studies were carried out using SDZ. Six strains resistant to SDZ were found in clinical cases between 2013 and 2017 which among Brazilian T. gondii isolates, TgCTBr11, Ck3, and Pg1 were identified in human toxoplasmosis, as well as in livestock intended for human consumption. In conclusion, recent experimental studies in clinical cases have clearly shown that drug resistance in Toxoplasma is ongoing. Thus, establishing a more effective therapeutic scheme in the treatment of toxoplasmosis is critically needed. The emergence of T. gondii strains resistant to current drugs, reviewed here, represents a concern not only for treatment failure but also for increased clinical severity in immunocompromised patients. To improve the therapeutic outcome in patients, a greater understanding of the exact mechanisms of drug resistance in T. gondii should be developed. Thus, monitoring the presence of resistant parasites, in food products, would seem a prudent public health program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asal Tanzifi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sargis A Aghayan
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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21
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Choi WH, Lee IA. Evaluation of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Effect of Ursolic Acid as a Novel Toxoplasmosis Inhibitor. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:E43. [PMID: 29747388 PMCID: PMC6026977 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-parasitic effect of ursolic acid against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) that induces toxoplasmosis, particularly in humans. The anti-parasitic effects of ursolic acid against T. gondii-infected cells and T. gondii were evaluated through different specific assays, including immunofluorescence staining and animal testing. Ursolic acid effectively inhibited the proliferation of T. gondii when compared with sulfadiazine, and consistently induced anti-T. gondii activity/effect. In particular, the formation of parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) in host cells was markedly decreased after treating ursolic acid, which was effectively suppressed. Moreover, the survival rate of T. gondii was strongly inhibited in T. gondii group treated with ursolic acid, and then 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) against T. gondii was measured as 94.62 μg/mL. The T. gondii-infected mice treated with ursolic acid indicated the same survival rates and activity as the normal group. These results demonstrate that ursolic acid causes anti-T. gondii action and effect by strongly blocking the proliferation of T. gondii through the direct and the selective T. gondii-inhibitory ability as well as increases the survival of T. gondii-infected mice. This study shows that ursolic acid has the potential to be used as a promising anti-T. gondii candidate substance for developing effective anti-parasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Hyung Choi
- Marine Bio Research & Education Center, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehak-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do 54150, Korea.
| | - In Ah Lee
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehak-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do 54150, Korea.
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22
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Oliveira CB, Meurer YS, Andrade JM, Costa ME, Andrade MM, Silva LA, Lanza DC, Vítor RW, Andrade-Neto VF. Pathogenicity and phenotypic sulfadiazine resistance of Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from livestock in northeastern Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2017; 111:391-8. [PMID: 27276184 PMCID: PMC4909038 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative protozoan agent of toxoplasmosis,
which is a common infection that is widely distributed worldwide. Studies revealed
stronger clonal strains in North America and Europe and genetic diversity in South
American strains. Our study aimed to differentiate the pathogenicity and sulfadiazine
resistance of three T. gondiiisolates obtained from livestock
intended for human consumption. The cytopathic effects of the T.
gondii isolates were evaluated. The pathogenicity was determined by
polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using a
CS3 marker and in a rodent model in vivo. Phenotypic sulfadiazine resistance was
measured using a kinetic curve of drug activity in Swiss mice. IgM and IgG were
measured by ELISA, and the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene sequence was
analysed. The cytopathic effects and the PCR-RFLP profiles from chickens indicated a
different infection source. The Ck3 isolate displayed more cytopathic effects in
vitro than the Ck2 and ME49 strains. Additionally, the Ck2 isolate induced a
differential humoral immune response compared to ME49. The Ck3 and Pg1 isolates, but
not the Ck2 isolate, showed sulfadiazine resistance in the sensitivity assay. We did
not find any DHPS gene polymorphisms in the mouse samples. These atypical
pathogenicity and sulfadiazine resistance profiles were not previously reported and
served as a warning to local health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bs Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Ywlliane Sr Meurer
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Estudos da Memória, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Estudos da Memória, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Joelma Ma Andrade
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Maria Esm Costa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Aplicada, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Milena Mc Andrade
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte MG , Brasil, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Letícia A Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte MG , Brasil, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Daniel Cf Lanza
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Aplicada, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Wa Vítor
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte MG , Brasil, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Valter F Andrade-Neto
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil
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Alday PH, Doggett JS. Drugs in development for toxoplasmosis: advances, challenges, and current status. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:273-293. [PMID: 28182168 PMCID: PMC5279849 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s60973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes fatal and debilitating brain and eye diseases. Medicines that are currently used to treat toxoplasmosis commonly have toxic side effects and require prolonged courses that range from weeks to more than a year. The need for long treatment durations and the risk of relapsing disease are in part due to the lack of efficacy against T. gondii tissue cysts. The challenges for developing a more effective treatment for toxoplasmosis include decreasing toxicity, achieving therapeutic concentrations in the brain and eye, shortening duration, eliminating tissue cysts from the host, safety in pregnancy, and creating a formulation that is inexpensive and practical for use in resource-poor areas of the world. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made in identifying and developing new compounds for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Unlike clinically used medicines that were repurposed for toxoplasmosis, these compounds have been optimized for efficacy against toxoplasmosis during preclinical development. Medicines with enhanced efficacy as well as features that address the unique aspects of toxoplasmosis have the potential to greatly improve toxoplasmosis therapy. This review discusses the facets of toxoplasmosis that are pertinent to drug design and the advances, challenges, and current status of preclinical drug research for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Holland Alday
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Joseph Stone Doggett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
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24
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Silva LA, Reis-Cunha JL, Bartholomeu DC, Vítor RWA. Genetic Polymorphisms and Phenotypic Profiles of Sulfadiazine-Resistant and Sensitive Toxoplasma gondii Isolates Obtained from Newborns with Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Minas Gerais, Brazil. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170689. [PMID: 28118394 PMCID: PMC5261777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous Toxoplasma gondii studies revealed that mutations in the dhps (dihydropteroate synthase) gene are associated with resistance to sulfonamides. Although Brazilian strains are genotypically different, very limited data are available regarding the susceptibility of strains obtained from human to sulfonamides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sulfadiazine (SDZ) against Brazilian isolates of T. gondii and verify whether isolates present polymorphisms in the dhps gene. We also investigated whether the virulence-phenotype and/or genotype were associated with the profile of susceptibility to SDZ. Methods Five T. gondii isolates obtained from newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis were used to verify susceptibility. Mice were infected with 104 tachyzoites and orally treated with different doses of SDZ. The mortality curve was evaluated by the Log-rank test. The presence of polymorphisms in the dhps gene was verified using sequencing. A descriptive analysis for 11 Brazilian isolates was used to assess the association between susceptibility, genotype, and virulence-phenotype. Results Statistical analysis showed that TgCTBr03, 07, 08, and 16 isolates were susceptible to SDZ, whereas TgCTBr11 isolate presented a profile of resistance to SDZ. Nineteen polymorphisms were identified in dhps exons. Seven polymorphisms corresponded to non-synonymous mutations, with four being new mutations, described for the first time in this study. No association was found between the profile of susceptibility and the virulence-phenotype or genotype of the parasite. Conclusions There is a high variability in the susceptibilities of Brazilian T. gondii strains to SDZ, with evidence of drug resistance. Despite the large number of polymorphisms identified, the profile of susceptibility to SDZ was not associated with any of the dhps variants identified in this study. Other genetic factors, not yet determined, may be associated with the resistance to SDZ; thus, further studies are needed as a basis for a more adequate toxoplasmosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Azevedo Silva
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - João Luís Reis-Cunha
- Laboratório de Genômica de Parasitos, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Daniella Castanheira Bartholomeu
- Laboratório de Genômica de Parasitos, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Wagner Almeida Vítor
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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25
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Qiu J, Wang L, Zhang R, Ge K, Guo H, Liu X, Liu J, Kong D, Wang Y. Identification of a TNF-α inducer MIC3 originating from the microneme of non-cystogenic, virulent Toxoplasma gondii. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39407. [PMID: 28000706 PMCID: PMC5175157 DOI: 10.1038/srep39407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasite with avirulent cystogenic and highly virulent non-cystogenic isolates. Although non-cystogenic strains are considered the most virulent, there are also marked genetic and virulence differences among these strains. Excretory-secretory antigens (ESAs) of T. gondii are critical for the invasion process and the immune response of the host. To better understand the differences in virulence between non-cystogenic T. gondii isolates, we studied ESAs of the RH strain (Type I), and the very prevalent in China, but less virulent TgCtwh3 strain (Chinese 1). ESAs of RH and TgCtwh3 triggered different levels of TNF-α production and macrophage M1 polarization. Using iTRAQ analysis, 27 differentially expressed proteins originating from secretory organelles and surface were quantified. Of these proteins, 11 microneme-associated proteins (MICs), 6 rhoptry proteins, 2 dense granule proteins and 5 surface proteins were more abundant in RH than in TgCtwh3. The protein-protein correlation network was employed to identify the important functional node protein MIC3, which was upregulated 5-fold in RH compared with TgCtwh3. MIC3 was experimentally confirmed to evoke a TNF-α secretory response, and it also induced macrophage M1 polarization. This result suggests that MIC3 is a potentially useful immunomodulator that induces TNF-α secretion and macrophage M1 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfan Qiu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ke Ge
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Hongfei Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xinjian Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jinfeng Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Delong Kong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
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Ramos ELP, Santana SS, Silva MV, Santiago FM, Mineo TWP, Mineo JR. Lectins from Synadenium carinatum (ScLL) and Artocarpus heterophyllus (ArtinM) Are Able to Induce Beneficial Immunomodulatory Effects in a Murine Model for Treatment of Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:164. [PMID: 27933277 PMCID: PMC5122570 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection by Toxoplasma gondii affects around one-third of world population and the treatment for patients presenting toxoplasmosis clinically manifested disease is mainly based by a combination of sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid. However, this therapeutic protocol is significantly toxic, causing relevant dose-related bone marrow damage. Thus, it is necessary to improve new approaches to investigate the usefulness of more effective and non-toxic agents for treatment of patients with toxoplasmosis. It has been described that lectins from plants can control parasite infections, when used as immunological adjuvants in vaccination procedures. This type of lectins, such as ArtinM and ScLL is able to induce immunostimulatory activities, including efficient immune response against parasites. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential immunostimulatory effect of ScLL and ArtinM for treatment of T. gondii infection during acute phase, considering that there is no study in the literature accomplishing this issue. For this purpose, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with different concentrations from each lectin to determine the maximum concentration without or with lowest cytotoxic effect. After, it was also measured the cytokine levels produced by these cells when stimulated by the selected concentrations of lectins. We found that ScLL showed high capacity to induce of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, while ArtinM was able to induce especially an anti-inflammatory cytokines production. Furthermore, both lectins were able to increase NO levels. Next, we evaluated the treatment effect of ScLL and ArtinM in C57BL/6 mice infected by ME49 strain from T. gondii. The animals were infected and treated with ScLL, ArtinM, ArtinM plus ScLL, or sulfadiazine, and the following parameters analyzed: Cytokines production, brain parasite burden and survival rates. Our results demonstrated that the ScLL or ScLL plus ArtinM treatment induced production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, showing differential but complementary profiles. Moreover, when compared with non-treated mice, the parasite burden was significantly lower and survival rates higher in mice treated with ScLL or ScLL plus ArtinM, similarly with sulfadiazine treatment. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the suitable potential immunotherapeutic effect of ScLL and ArtinM lectins to control acute toxoplasmosis in this experimental murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eliézer L P Ramos
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas-Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Silas S Santana
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas-Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Murilo V Silva
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas-Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Santiago
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas-Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Tiago W P Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas-Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - José R Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas-Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Uberlândia, Brazil
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27
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Artemisinin and its derivatives in treating protozoan infections beyond malaria. Pharmacol Res 2016; 117:192-217. [PMID: 27867026 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic protozoan diseases continue to rank among the world's greatest global health problems, which are also common among poor populations. Currently available drugs for treatment present drawbacks, urging the need for more effective, safer, and cheaper drugs. Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives are some of the most important classes of antimalarial agents originally derived from Artemisia annua L. However, besides the outstanding antimalarial and antischistosomal activities, ART and its derivatives also possess activities against other parasitic protozoa. In this paper we review the activities of ART and its derivatives against protozoan parasites in vitro and in vivo, including Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Eimeria tenella, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Naegleria fowleri, Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, and Babesia spp. We conclude that ART and its derivatives may be good alternatives for treating other non-malarial protozoan infections in developing countries, although more studies are necessary before they can be applied clinically.
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28
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Eraky MA, El-Fakahany AF, El-Sayed NM, Abou-Ouf EAR, Yaseen DI. Effects of Thymus vulgaris ethanolic extract on chronic toxoplasmosis in a mouse model. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2863-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Broadbent JA, Broszczak DA, Tennakoon IUK, Huygens F. Pan-proteomics, a concept for unifying quantitative proteome measurements when comparing closely-related bacterial strains. Expert Rev Proteomics 2016; 13:355-65. [PMID: 26889693 DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2016.1155986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The comparison of proteomes between genetically heterogeneous bacterial strains may offer valuable insights into physiological diversity and function, particularly where such variation aids in the survival and virulence of clinically-relevant strains. However, reports of such comparisons frequently fail to account for underlying genetic variance. As a consequence, the current knowledge regarding bacterial physiological diversity at the protein level may be incomplete or inaccurate. To address this, greater consideration must be given to the impact of genetic heterogeneity on proteome comparisons. This may be possible through the use of pan-proteomics, an analytical concept that permits the ability to qualitatively and quantitatively compare the proteomes of genetically heterogeneous organisms. Limited examples of this emerging technology highlight currently unmet analytical challenges. In this article we define pan-proteomics, where its value lies in microbiology, and discuss the technical considerations critical to its successful execution and potential future application.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Broadbent
- a Tissue Repair and Regeneration Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia.,b Molecular Microbiological Pathogenesis Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Daniel A Broszczak
- a Tissue Repair and Regeneration Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Imalka U K Tennakoon
- b Molecular Microbiological Pathogenesis Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Flavia Huygens
- b Molecular Microbiological Pathogenesis Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
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30
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El-Ashram S, Yin Q, Barta JR, Khan J, Liu X, Suo X. Immunoproteomic technology offers an extraordinary diagnostic approach for Toxoplasma gondii infection. J Microbiol Methods 2015; 119:18-30. [PMID: 26415530 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunoproteomic technology offers an exceptional tool to fill the blanks that still exist in diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection despite its annotated sequence. The pitfalls of serological assays and current immunoproteomic approaches are accentuated, and new approaches are presented to improve the signal and to eliminate the noise produced by blocking-specific background. This review also highlights examples where immunoproteomic studies have contributed to broaden our understanding of toxoplasmosis diagnosis. Further promising solutions, which immunoproteomic technology can grant for toxoplasmosis diagnosis are part of an intense discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed El-Ashram
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Faculty of Science, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Qing Yin
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | | | - Jamal Khan
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xun Suo
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
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31
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El-Sayed NM, Ismail KA, Badawy AF, Elhasanein KF. In vivo effect of anti-TNF agent (etanercept) in reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis. J Parasit Dis 2015; 40:1459-1465. [PMID: 27876967 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-015-0712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an intracellular parasite, establishes a chronic infection by forming cysts preferentially in the brain. TNF-α plays an important role in controlling the infection caused by this protozoan. Thus, the blockade of TNF-α could cause reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis infection as well as increase the risk of acute toxoplasmosis. This study evaluated the effect of etanercept, a TNF-α antagonist in reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis compared to the therapeutic effect of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine in combination on the progress of the disease. A total of 40 laboratory-bred Swiss albino mice were infected with Me49 strain of T. gondii and divided into four groups: infected control group; treated group with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine; treated group with etanercept and treated group with both etanercept and sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. The mean number and size of tissue cysts in brain smears of mice of each group were determined and also, serum levels of TNF-α were assessed in different study groups by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that the mean TNF-α level was significantly different in the treated groups compared to that in infected control group. The highest level of TNF-α was found in the infected controls. After treatment with etanercept alone or combined with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine, it was significantly decreased. In this study, reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis was observed by a significant increase in the mean number and sizes of Toxoplasma tissue cysts in brains of mice with established chronic toxoplasmosis after treatment with etanercept alone or combined with conventional treatment compared to both untreated chronically infected controls and infected mice treated with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. It was concluded that etanercept, a TNF-α antagonist may play a role in reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis. So, serological screening for toxoplasmosis might offer a valuable aid for patients treated with this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa Mostafa El-Sayed
- Medical Parasitology Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Ministry of Scientific Research and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Khadiga Ahmed Ismail
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abeer Fathy Badawy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled Fathy Elhasanein
- Rheumatology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Advances in Development of New Treatment for Leishmaniasis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:815023. [PMID: 26078965 PMCID: PMC4442256 DOI: 10.1155/2015/815023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected infectious disease caused by several different species of protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Current strategies to control this disease are mainly based on chemotherapy. Despite being available for the last 70 years, leishmanial chemotherapy has lack of efficiency, since its route of administration is difficult and it can cause serious side effects, which results in the emergence of resistant cases. The medical-scientific community is facing difficulties to overcome these problems with new suitable and efficient drugs, as well as the identification of new drug targets. The availability of the complete genome sequence of Leishmania has given the scientific community the possibility of large-scale analysis, which may lead to better understanding of parasite biology and consequent identification of novel drug targets. In this review we focus on how high-throughput analysis is helping us and other groups to identify novel targets for chemotherapeutic interventions. We further discuss recent data produced by our group regarding the use of the high-throughput techniques and how this helped us to identify and assess the potential of new identified targets.
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SHAMSEDDIN J, AKHLAGHI L, RAZMJOU E, SHOJAEE S, MONAVARI SHR, TAJIK N, EBRAHIMI SA, MEAMAR AR. Conjugated Linoleic Acid Stimulates Apoptosis in RH and Tehran Strains of Toxoplasma gondii, in Vitro. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 10:238-44. [PMID: 26246821 PMCID: PMC4522299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on apoptosis of tachyzoites of T. gondii, RH strain (type I) and the cyst-forming Tehran strain (type II) in vitro. METHODS Toxoplasma strains were injected into the peritoneal cavity of BALB/c mice. The Tehran strain forms cysts in the brain of mice. Bradyzoites within the cysts are reactivated to proliferative tachyzoites, by dexamethasone. Tachyzoites were aspirated from the peritoneum of infected mice, and the percentage of viable parasites was estimated with trypan blue staining. Tachyzoites were inoculated into HeLa cells cultivated in DMEM medium. Different concentrations of CLA were evaluated on T. gondii in HeLa cells by the tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Differentiation between apoptosis and cell death was determined by flow cytometry using Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) double staining. The statistical analysis performed by GraphPad Prism version 6.00. RESULTS CLA induces apoptosis in virulent (RH) and avirulent (Tehran) strains of T. gondii. The results of MTT indicated that CLA could decrease the proliferation of tachyzoites of both strains in HeLa cells. CONCLUSION Conjugated linoleic acid has anti-toxoplasmacidal activity on tachyzoites of T. gondii. Therefore, we recommended further studies on this component in order to achieve a new drug against the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jebreil SHAMSEDDIN
- Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Lame AKHLAGHI
- Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham RAZMJOU
- Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh SHOJAEE
- Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nader TAJIK
- Dept. of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soltan Ahmed EBRAHIMI
- Dept. of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza MEAMAR
- Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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El-Sayed NM, Aly EM. Toxoplasma gondii infection can induce retinal DNA damage: an experimental study. Int J Ophthalmol 2014; 7:431-6. [PMID: 24967186 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2014.03.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To detect whether Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection of mice can induce retinal DNA damage. METHODS A total of 20 laboratory-bred male Swiss albino mice were used and divided into four groups: control group (non-infected animals); T. gondii infected group; immunosuppressed infected group; and infected group treated with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. Mice eyes were collected 6wk post infection and retinas were obtained. Each retina was immediately processed for comet assay and the frequency of tailed nuclei (DNA damage) was calculated. In addition, retinal DNA damage was revealed by various comet assay parameters that were provided by the image analysis software including tail length, percentage of DNA in the tail, percentage of tailed cells and tail moment. RESULTS The obtained results showed that T. gondii infection induced a statistically significant increase in the frequency of tailed nuclei, tail length, percentage of DNA in the tail, and tail moment in mice retinal cells compared to the control group (which showed some degree of DNA damage). In immunosuppressed infected group, retinal DNA damage was severing and there was significant increase in various comet assay parameters compared to both control and infected groups. After treatment with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine, retinal DNA damage decreased and all comet assay parameters showed a statistical significant decrease compared to infected groups. CONCLUSION T. gondii infection can induce DNA damage in mice retinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa Mostafa El-Sayed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza 12556, Egypt
| | - Eman Mohamed Aly
- Department of Basic Science, Biophysics and Laser Science Unit, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza 12556, Egypt
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