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Amani S, Alinejad S, Asadi N, Yousefi E, Khademvatan S, Howarth GS. Anti-Leishmania major activity of Calotropis procera extract by increasing ROS production and upregulating TNF-α, IFN-γ and iNOS mRNA expression under in vitro conditions. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:16. [PMID: 38303082 PMCID: PMC10832188 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00578-4] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, is a neglected tropical disease with 700,000 to 1,000,000 global new cases annually. Adverse effects associated with expense, long-term treatment and drug resistance have made conventional therapies unfavorable, encouraging the search for alternative drugs based on plant products. In this study, the effect of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) extract against viability of promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major was evaluated in vitro. METHODS The extract from the leaves of C. procera seedlings was prepared using a methanol maceration method. The colorimetric cell viability 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the growth-inhibitory effect of the extract on promastigotes. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in promastigote cultures was determined after treatment with the extract using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method and compared with untreated cultures (control). After exposure to the extract the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes were determined and compared to control in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected with L. major. RESULTS Based on the MTT assay, the C. procera extract significantly reduced the proliferation of L. major promastigotes with IC50 values of 377.28 and 222.44 μg/mL for 24 and 72 h, respectively (p < 0.01). After treatment with 222.44 and 377.28 μg/mL of C. procera extract, ROS production in L. major promastigote cultures increased 1.2- to 1.65-fold and 2- to 4-fold compared to the control, respectively (p < 0.05). C. procera extract induced significant increases in gene expression of TNF-α (2.76-14.83 fold), IFN-γ (25.63-threefold) and iNOS (16.32-3.97 fold) in infected PBMCs compared to control (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS On the basis of its anti-leishmanial activity, C. procera can be considered as a promising new plant source for the potential treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Amani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Soheila Alinejad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Negar Asadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Elham Yousefi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shahram Khademvatan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Gordon Stanley Howarth
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
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Nasiri Y, Asadi M, Zahedi SM, Venditti A. Selenium nanoparticles improved biochemical and physiological properties and antioxidant systems of savoury under drought stress. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38258441 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2299303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the effectiveness of selenium (Se) and Se nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in improving biochemical and physiological characteristics of savoury in drought stress conditions, a factorial experiment based on the completely randomised design with three replications was used. Results demonstrate that Se-NPs considerably enhanced several biochemical parameters, such as relative water content (RWC), antioxidant enzymes activity, and total soluble protein in drought and normal conditions. At the stress level from 100 to 40% of field capacity, a gradual decrease in chlorophyll and CARs contents was observed and under stress and normal conditions, the application of Se-NPs (10 mg L-1) led to an increase in the content of pigments. Total soluble protein, total phenolic and flavonoid contents showed significant increases in plants treated with Se-NPs under drought stress. Generally, the use of Se-NPs in drought stress conditions can be effective in improving the growth, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of savoury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Nasiri
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Mohammad Asadi
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Seyed Morteza Zahedi
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
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Rutin ameliorates malaria pathogenesis by modulating inflammatory mechanism: an in vitro and in vivo study. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:159-171. [DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00920-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Bioflavonoid-Induced Apoptosis and DNA Damage in Amastigotes and Promastigotes of Leishmania donovani: Deciphering the Mode of Action. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195843. [PMID: 34641387 PMCID: PMC8512304 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products from plants contain many interesting biomolecules. Among them, quercetin (Q), gallic acid (GA), and rutin (R) all have well-reported antileishmanial activity; however, their exact mechanisms of action are still not known. The current study is a step forward towards unveil the possible modes of action of these compounds against Leishmania donovani (the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis). The selected compounds were checked for their mechanisms of action against L. donovani using different biological assays including apoptosis and necrosis evaluation, effects on genetic material (DNA), quantitative testing of nitric oxide production, ultrastructural modification via transmission electron microscopy, and real-time PCR analysis. The results confirmed that these compounds are active against L. donovani, with IC50 values of 84.65 µg/mL, 86 µg/mL, and 98 µg/mL for Q, GA, and R, respectively. These compounds increased nitric oxide production and caused apoptosis and DNA damage, which led to changes in the treated cells’ ultrastructural behavior and finally to the death of L. donovani. These compounds also suppressed essential enzymes like trypanothione reductase and trypanothione synthetase, which are critical for leishmanial survival. The selected compounds have high antileishmanial potentials, and thus in-vivo testing and further screening are highly recommended.
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Keshav P, Goyal DK, Kaur S. Antileishmanial potential of immunomodulator gallic acid against experimental murine visceral leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12875. [PMID: 34347892 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The menace of the enfeebling disease leishmaniasis prevails due to the inaccessibility of effective vaccine and chemotherapy. Hence in the pursuit of finding novel alternative options with reasonable efficacy, immunomodulation, leishmanicidal activity and fewer side effects, screening of compounds from natural sources is needed. This study was focused on in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial screening of gallic acid (GA) against Leishmania donovani infection in BALB/c mice. GA showed in vitro parasiticidal activity and IC50 value of 19.59 ± 0.74 µg/ml and is able to arrest cell cycle at the sub-G0/G1 phase. The therapeutic potential of gallic acid was assessed in the L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice. GA reported a reduction in parasite burden and augmentation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Also, the polarization of mouse immune status to protective Th1 response was evidenced by increased delayed-type hypersensitivity response and levels of IgG2a, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. GA was reported to be safe and non-toxic to human cell line THP-1 and also to the liver and kidney of mice. Hence, the findings of the present study indicate the possible role of GA in the strengthening of host immune system and thus facilitating the clearance of leishmanial infection and conferring protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Keshav
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Goyal
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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Rama JLR, Mallo N, Biddau M, Fernandes F, de Miguel T, Sheiner L, Choupina A, Lores M. Exploring the powerful phytoarsenal of white grape marc against bacteria and parasites causing significant diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:24270-24278. [PMID: 31939019 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07472-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural extracts containing high polyphenolic concentration possess antibacterial, anti-parasitic and fungicidal activities. The present research characterises two extracts based on white grape marc, a winemaking by-product, describing their physicochemical features and antimicrobial capacities. The main components of these extracts are phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols and their gallates and flavonols and their glycosides. As a result of this complex composition, the extracts showed pronounced bioactivities with potential uses in agricultural, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Polyphenol compounds were extracted by using hydro-organic solvent mixtures from the by-product of Albariño white wines (Galicia, NW Spain) production. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of these extracts was evaluated on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Apicomplexan and Oomycota parasites. Microbial species investigated are causing agents of several human and animal diseases, such as foodborne illnesses (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Toxoplasma gondii), skin infections and/or mastitis (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus uberis), malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) and plant infections as "chestnut ink" or "root rot" (Phytophthora cinnamomi). Both extracts showed activity against all the tested species, being nontoxic for the host. So, they could be used for the development of biocides to control a wide range of pathogenic agents and contribute to the enhancement of winemaking industry by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Luis Rodríguez Rama
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Natalia Mallo
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology. Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflamation., University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marco Biddau
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology. Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflamation., University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, UK
| | - Francisco Fernandes
- Department of Socioeconomical systems, I. Politécnico Bragança, 5300-253, Terras Trás-os-Montes, Portugal
| | - Trinidad de Miguel
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Lilach Sheiner
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology. Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflamation., University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, UK
| | - Altino Choupina
- Department of Socioeconomical systems, I. Politécnico Bragança, 5300-253, Terras Trás-os-Montes, Portugal
| | - Marta Lores
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Laboratory of Research and Development of Analytical Solutions (LIDSA), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, A Coruña, Spain
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Keshav P, Goyal DK, Kaur S. Promastigotes of Leishmania donovani exhibited sensitivity towards the high altitudinal plant Cicer microphyllum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 1:100040. [PMID: 35284854 PMCID: PMC8906067 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we explored Cicer microphyllum (CM), a Trans-Himalayan plant for its chemical components by GC-MS, phytochemical quantitation, and anti-leishmanial efficacy against sensitive strain (SS) and resistant strain (RS) promastigotes of L. donovani in vitro. The hydroethanolic extract of aerial parts of CM was screened for the presence of chemical compounds and phytochemical estimation. The antileishmanial activity of CM was assessed against the promastigotes of L. donovani. The cell volume and cell viability were analyzed by flow cytometry. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid bodies was determined after treatment with reference and test drug. The extract of CM is complemented with major plant secondary metabolites and the quantitative assessment for phytoconstituents showed the highest concentration of phenols followed by flavonoids and terpenoids. Different biologically active chemical compounds were identified by the GC-MS analysis. The 50% inhibitory concentrations against L. donovani sensitive strain were 14.40 μg/ml and 23.03 μg/ml whereas for resistant promastigotes these were 49.84 μg/ml and 26.77 μg/ml after SAG (sodium stibogluconate) and CM exposure, respectively. CM treatment reduced cell viability induced by loss in plasma membrane integrity. Drug treatment resulted in higher ROS generation and production of lipid bodies. GC-MS screening of the extract revealed the richness of active chemical components in CM. The presence of diverse phytochemicals, no cytotoxicity to human macrophages, and the antileishmanial action of CM depicted its potential as an alternative future drug. First report of in vitro leishmanial activity of Cicer microphyllum (CM) against SAG-resistant and SAG-sensitive strain. Chemical characterization of CM by GC-MS revealed biologically active components. CM augmented ROS production and lipid bodiesʼ formation in Leishmania parasites. Parasitic cells exhibited loss of membrane integrity upon drug treatment. No significant toxicity on THP-1 cell line was observed.
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Zheng ZW, Li J, Chen H, He JL, Chen QW, Zhang JH, Zhou Q, Chen DL, Chen JP. Evaluation of in vitro antileishmanial efficacy of cyclosporin A and its non-immunosuppressive derivative, dihydrocyclosporin A. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:94. [PMID: 32085719 PMCID: PMC7035640 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3958-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background New therapeutic drugs are urgently needed against visceral leishmaniasis because current drugs, such as pentavalent antimonials and miltefosine, produce severe side effects and development of resistance. Whether cyclosporine A (CsA) and its derivatives can be used as therapeutic drugs for visceral leishmaniasis has been controversial for many years. Methods In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of CsA and its derivative, dihydrocyclosporin A (DHCsA-d), against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania donovani. Sodium stibogluconate (SSG) was used as a positive control. Results Our results showed that DHCsA-d was able to inhibit the proliferation of L. donovani promastigotes (IC50: 21.24 μM and 12.14 μM at 24 h and 48 h, respectively) and intracellular amastigotes (IC50: 5.23 μM and 4.84 μM at 24 and 48 h, respectively) in vitro, but CsA treatment increased the number of amastigotes in host cells. Both DHCsA-d and CsA caused several alterations in the morphology and ultrastructure of L. donovani, especially in the mitochondria. However, DHCsA-d showed high cytotoxicity towards cells of the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7, with CC50 values of 7.98 μM (24 h) and 6.65 μM (48 h). Moreover, DHCsA-d could increase IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ production and decrease the levels of IL-10, IL-4, NO and H2O2 in infected macrophages. On the contrary, CsA decreased IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ production and increased the levels of IL-10, IL-4, NO and H2O2 in infected macrophages. The expression of L. donovani cyclophilin A (LdCyPA) in promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes and the expression of cyclophilin A (CyPA) in RAW 264.7 cells were found to be significantly downregulated in the CsA-treated group compared to those in the untreated group. However, no significant changes in LdCyPA and CyPA levels were found after DHCsA-d or SSG treatment. Conclusions Our findings initially resolved the dispute regarding the efficacy of CsA and DHCsA-d for visceral leishmaniasis treatment. CsA showed no significant inhibitory effect on intracellular amastigotes. DHCsA-d significantly inhibited promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, but it was highly cytotoxic. Therefore, CsA and DHCsA-d are not recommended as antileishmanial drugs.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Wan Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin-Lei He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi-Wei Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian-Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Da-Li Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. .,Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
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da Silva ER, Brogi S, Lucon-Júnior JF, Campiani G, Gemma S, Maquiaveli CDC. Dietary polyphenols rutin, taxifolin and quercetin related compounds target Leishmania amazonensis arginase. Food Funct 2019; 10:3172-3180. [DOI: 10.1039/c9fo00265k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Taxifolin, quercetin glucuronide and quercetin glucosides inhibit arginase from Leishmania amazonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Roberto da Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos
- Universidade de São Paulo
- 13635-900 Pirassununga
- Brazil
| | - Simone Brogi
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs) and Department of Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- and Pharmacy
- DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022
- Università degli Studi di Siena via Aldo Moro 2
| | - João Francisco Lucon-Júnior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociência Animal
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos
- Universidade de São Paulo
- 13635-900 Pirassununga
- Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs) and Department of Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- and Pharmacy
- DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022
- Università degli Studi di Siena via Aldo Moro 2
| | - Sandra Gemma
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs) and Department of Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- and Pharmacy
- DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022
- Università degli Studi di Siena via Aldo Moro 2
| | - Claudia do Carmo Maquiaveli
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos
- Universidade de São Paulo
- 13635-900 Pirassununga
- Brazil
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