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Gomaa MM, Nabil El Achy S, Hezema NN. Could metformin modulate the outcome of chronic murine toxoplasmosis? Acta Trop 2024; 258:107339. [PMID: 39084481 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a pervasive parasitic infection possessing a chief impact on both public health and veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, the commercially-available anti-Toxoplasma agents have either serious side effects or diminished efficiency, specifically on the Toxoplasma tissue cysts. In the present study, metformin (The first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus) was investigated for the first time against chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis in mice model experimentally-infected with ME49 strain versus spiramycin. Two metformin regimens were applied; starting one week before the infection and four weeks PI. Parasitological, ultrastructural, histopathological, immunohistochemical, immunological, and biochemical assessments were performed. The anti-parasitic effect of metformin was granted by the statistically-significant reduction in tissue-cyst burden in both treatment regimens. This was accompanied by markedly-mutilated ultrastructure and profound amelioration of the cerebral histopathology with remarkable decline in the brain CD4+ and CD8+ T cell count. Besides, diminution of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and brain GSH levels was evident. Ultimately, the present findings highlighted the powerful promising therapeutic role of metformin in the management of chronic toxoplasmosis on a basis of anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant possessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Mohamed Gomaa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samar Nabil El Achy
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nehal Nassef Hezema
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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2
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Hassan ZR, El-Sayed S, Zekry KM, Ahmed SG, Hassan Abd Elhamid A, Salama DEA, Taha AK, Mahmoud NA, Mohammed SF, Amin MM, Mohamed RE, Eraque AMS, Mohamed SA, Abdelgalil RM, Atta SA, Fahmy NT, Badr MS. Evaluation of muscular apoptotic changes and myogenin gene expression in experimental trichinosis after stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin treatment. Exp Parasitol 2024; 265:108823. [PMID: 39187057 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108823] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Trichinosis is a common parasitic disease that affects the striated skeletal muscles, causing apoptotic and degenerative changes associated with myogenin expression in the affected myocytes. Hence, this study aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin on the infected myocytes during the muscular phase of murine trichinosis. 120 laboratory Swiss albino male mice were divided into 10 groups, and each group was subdivided into intestinal and muscular phases (each n = 6); uninfected control; untreated infected control; infected received ivermectin monotherapy; infected received atorvastatin monotherapy; infected received stem cells monotherapy; infected received ivermectin and atorvastatin dual therapy; infected received ivermectin and stem cells dual therapy; infected received atorvastatin and stem cells dual therapy; infected received ivermectin 0.2, atorvastatin 40, and stem cells triple therapy; and infected received ivermectin 0.1, atorvastatin 20, and stem cells triple therapy. Intestinal phase mice were sacrificed on the 5th day post-infection, while those of the muscular phase were sacrificed on the 35th day post-infection. Parasitological, histopathological, ultrastructural, histochemical, biochemical, and myogenin gene expression assessments were performed. The results revealed that mice that received ivermectin, atorvastatin, and stem cell triple therapies showed the maximum reduction in the adult worm and larvae burden, marked improvement in the underlying muscular degenerative changes (as was noticed by histopathological, ultrastructural, and histochemical Feulgen stain assessment), lower biochemical levels of serum NK-κB and tissue NO, and lower myogenin expression. Accordingly, the combination of stem cells, atorvastatin, and ivermectin affords a potential synergistic activity against trichinosis with considerable healing of the underlying degenerative sequel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab R Hassan
- Departments of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Departments of Parasitology, Benha National University (BNU), Qalyubia, Egypt.
| | - Samar El-Sayed
- Departments of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Kareman M Zekry
- Departments of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samah G Ahmed
- Histology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Doaa E A Salama
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza Kamal Taha
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nihal A Mahmoud
- Physiology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mona M Amin
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Ayat M S Eraque
- Biochemestry, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A Mohamed
- Biochemestry, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ranya M Abdelgalil
- Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Nermeen Talaat Fahmy
- Molecular Biology and Genomics, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Badr
- Molecular Biology and Genetic-Bioinformatics Nano-Robot Diagnostics, Medical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Hamdy DA, Abu-Sarea EY, Elaskary HM, Abd Elmaogod EA, Abd-Allah GAE, Abdel-Tawab H. The potential prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of progesterone and mifepristone on experimental trichinellosis with ultra-structural studies. Exp Parasitol 2024; 263-264:108805. [PMID: 39032913 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108805] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Right up to now, there has not been an effective or safe therapy for trichinellosis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic regimens of progesterone and mifepristone on the intestinal and muscular phases of experimental Trichinella spiralis infection compared to albendazole. Seven distinct groups of mice were divided as follows: negative, positive, and drug control groups, as well as prophylactic and treatment groups using mifepristone and progesterone. Mice were sacrificed on the 7th and 37th days after infection. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using parasitological techniques, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical staining, and ultrastructural morphological analysis of adult worms by scanning electron microscopy. The mice groups received progesterone (300 ng/ml) and mifepristone (100 ng/ml). They demonstrated a significant improvement in intestinal and muscular inflammation and a statistically significant decline in the adult worm burden and encysted larvae (P < 0.001). Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of vascular endothelial growth factor and mucosal mast cell analyses were coincided with the obtained parasitological results. There was notable destruction and degeneration of the adult worm tegument by using both drugs. The current study pointed out that progesterone and mifepristone may provide new insights regarding the development of vaccines and drug protocols to treat trichinellosis through their combined action in reducing the inflammation, affecting the intestinal immune cell, and decreasing the adult worm burden, and larval capsule development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | - Enas Y Abu-Sarea
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt; Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef National University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | - Hala M Elaskary
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
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4
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Alghabban AJM, Bakr L, Elbatawy AA, El Atrash A, Tousson E. Impact of Saussurea lappa against foodborne parasite Trichinella spiralis experimental infections induced variation in DNA damage, oxidative stress and PCNA expression in rat skeletal muscles. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae047. [PMID: 38529200 PMCID: PMC10960925 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae047] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a parasite zoonosis that is spread through ingesting raw or undercooked meat that contains the Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infective larvae. It has three clinical phases: intestinal, migratory, and muscular. Kuth root, also known as Costus (Saussurea lappa) roots, is used in many traditional medical systems all over the world to treat a variety of illnesses, such as dyspepsia, diarrhoea, vomiting, and inflammation. Current study assessed the therapeutic Potential of costus roots extract (CRE) treatment on experimental trichinellosis induce changes in DNA damage, oxidative stress and Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in muscle fibers in male rats. A total of 60 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups (Gps) [Gp1, Negative control; Gp2, Costus (CRE); Gp3, Positive control or Infected rats with T. spiralis, Gp4; Pre-treated infection with CRE; Gp5 & Gp6, Post treated infection with CRE for one and two weeks respectively]. Current results revealed that; Trichinella spiralis experimentally infection induced significant elevation in tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA damage, PCNA expression and significant depletion in tissue glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat) activities. Pre or/and post CRE treated infected rats with T. spiralis (Gp4-Gp6) induced improvements and depletion in DNA damage, PCNA expression, MDA and elevation in GSH, SOD, catalase as compared to infected rats with T. spiralis (Gp3) with best results for the pretreatments (Gp4). Trichinella spiralis experimental infection induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in rat skeletal muscles and treatments with costus roots extract modulates these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lamiaa Bakr
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Aya A Elbatawy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Afaf El Atrash
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ehab Tousson
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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5
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Taha NM, Youssef FS, Auda HM, El-Bahy MM, Ramadan RM. Efficacy of silver nanoparticles against Trichinella spiralis in mice and the role of multivitamin in alleviating its toxicity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5843. [PMID: 38462650 PMCID: PMC10925591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56337-2] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. The majority of currently available anti-trichinellosis medications exhibit inadequate efficacy. The efficacy of a natively prepared new formulation of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) was evaluated in the treatment of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection in mice alone and combined with multivitamin-mineral (MM). After investigating the product's biological and pharmacological characteristics, its therapeutic dose was estimated to be Ag-NPs at 21.5 mg/kg B.W. This dose was orally inoculated to experimentally infected mice at 3-5 days post-inoculation (dpi) against the mature worms, at 8-10 dpi against the newborn larvae, and at 33-35th dpi against the encapsulated larvae. Each treatment's efficacy was assessed by scarifying control and treated mice 3 days post-treatment. The drug alone or in supplement form has a high trichinocidal effect exceeding that of the reference drug. Early treatment (3-5 dpi) by Ag-NPs or Ag-NPs + MM and albendazole revealed high efficacy against the intestinal stage, reaching 93.3%, 94.7%, and 90.6% for the three treatments, respectively. The materials causing a significant (P-value < 0.001) decrease in the mean encapsulated larvae reached 86.61%, 89.07%, and 88.84%/gm of muscles using the three treatments, respectively. Moreover, all larvae extracted from Ag-NPs-treated groups failed to induce infection post-inoculation in new mice. Additionally, combining the material with MM proved to overcome the reversible adverse effects of silver material on the estimated redox parameters and liver and kidney biomarkers, denoting its ability to alleviate Ag-NP toxicity. In conclusion, the high trichinocidal effect of Ag-NPs against the adult and encapsulated larvae during a short inoculation period introduced Ag-NPs as an alternative to other nematicidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Madbouly Taha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fady Sayed Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend M Auda
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M El-Bahy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem M Ramadan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Ibrahim AF, Selim SM, Shafey DA, Sweed DM, Farag SA, Gouda MA. Appraisal of Chitosan-Coated Lipid Nano-Combination with Miltefosine and Albendazole in the Treatment of Murine Trichinellosis: Experimental Study with Evaluation of Immunological and Immunohistochemical Parameters. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:929-950. [PMID: 38489009 PMCID: PMC11001732 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00799-x] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Resistance and adverse consequences of albendazole (ABZ) in treating trichinellosis urged demand for secure and effective new drugs. The current study aimed to assess the effect of chitosan-coated lipid nano-combination with albendazole and miltefosine (MFS) in treating experimental murine trichinellosis and evaluating pathological and immunological changes of trichinellosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred twenty Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups. Each group was subdivided into a and b subgroups based on the scarification time, which was 7- and 40-days post-infection (PI), respectively. The treatment efficacy was evaluated using parasitological, histopathological, serological (interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 serum levels), immunohistochemical (GATA3, glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) and caspase-3), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. RESULTS The most effective drug was nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with ABZ (G5), which showed the most significant reduction in adults and larval count (100% and 92.39%, respectively). The greatest amelioration in histopathological changes was reported in G4 treated with MFS. GATA3 and caspase-3 were significantly reduced in all treated groups. GPX1 was significantly increased in G6 treated with MFS + NLCs. The highest degenerative effects on adults and larvae by SEM were documented in G6. CONCLUSION Loading ABZ or MFS on chitosan-coated NLCs enhanced their efficacy against trichinellosis. Although ABZ was better than MFS, their combination should be considered as MFS caused a significant reduction in the intensity of infection. Furthermore, MFS showed anti-inflammatory (↓GATA3) and antiapoptotic effects (↓caspase-3), especially in the muscular phase. Also, when loaded with NLCS, it showed an antioxidant effect (↑GPX1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa F Ibrahim
- Clinical and Molecular Parasitology Department, National Liver Institute, Medical Campus, Menoufia University, Melig Road, Shebin El-Kom, 32511, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Sahar M Selim
- Clinical and Molecular Parasitology Department, National Liver Institute, Medical Campus, Menoufia University, Melig Road, Shebin El-Kom, 32511, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Dalia A Shafey
- Clinical and Molecular Parasitology Department, National Liver Institute, Medical Campus, Menoufia University, Melig Road, Shebin El-Kom, 32511, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Dina M Sweed
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Medical Campus, Menoufia University, Melig Road, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa A Farag
- Clinical and Molecular Parasitology Department, National Liver Institute, Medical Campus, Menoufia University, Melig Road, Shebin El-Kom, 32511, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Marwa A Gouda
- Clinical and Molecular Parasitology Department, National Liver Institute, Medical Campus, Menoufia University, Melig Road, Shebin El-Kom, 32511, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
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7
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Khedr SI, Gomaa MM, Mogahed NMFH, Gamea GA, Khodear GAM, Sheta E, Soliman NAH, El Saadany AA, Salama AM. Trichinella spiralis: A new parasitic target for curcumin nanoformulas in mice models. Parasitol Int 2024; 98:102810. [PMID: 37730195 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Trichinosis spiralis is a global disease with significant economic impact. Albendazole is the current-treatment. Yet, the world-widely emerging antimicrobial resistance necessitates search for therapeutic substitutes. Curcumin is a natural compound with abundant therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of crude-curcumin, chitosan and for the first time curcumin-nano-emulsion and curcumin-loaded-chitosan-nanoparticles against Trichinella spiralis adults and larvae in acute and chronic trichinosis models. Trichinosis spiralis was induced in 96 Swiss-albino mice. Infected mice were divided into 2 groups. Group I constituted the acute model, where treatment started 2 h after infection for 5 successive days. Group II constituted the chronic model, where treatment started at the 30th day-post-infection and continued for 10 successive days (Refer to graphical abstract). Each group contained 8 subgroups that were designated Ia-Ih and IIa-IIh and included; a; Untreated-control, b; Albendazole-treated (Alb-treated), c; Crude-curcumin-treated (Cur-treated), d; Curcumin-nanoemulsion-treated (Cur-NE-treated), e; Albendazole and crude-curcumin-treated (Alb-Cur-treated), f; Albendazole and curcumin-nanoemulsion-treated (Alb-Cur-NE-treated), g; Chitosan-nanoparticles-treated (CS-NPs-treated) and h; Curcumin-loaded-chitosan-nanoparticles-treated (Cur-CS-NPs-treated). Additionally, six mice constituted control-uninfected group III. The effects of the used compounds on the parasite tegument, in-vivo parasitic load-worm burden, local pathology and MDA concentration in small intestines of acutely-infected and skeletal muscle of chronically-infected mice were studied. Results showed that albendazole was effective, yet, its combination with Cur-NE showed significant potentiation against adult worms and muscle larvae and alleviated the pathology in both models. Cur-CS-NPs exhibited promising results in both models. Crude-curcumin showed encouraging results especially against muscle larvae on long-term use. Treatments effectively reduced parasite load, local MDA level and CD31 expression with anti-inflammatory effect in intestine and muscle sections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safaa Ibrahim Khedr
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Maha Mohamed Gomaa
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | | | - Ghada A Gamea
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Gehan A M Khodear
- Medical technology center, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Eman Sheta
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Nada A H Soliman
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | | | - Amina M Salama
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
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8
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Hassan ZR, El-Sayed S, Zekry KM, Ahmed SG, Abd-Elhamid AH, Salama DEA, Taha AK, Mahmoud NA, Mohammed SF, Amin MM, Mohamed RE, Eraque AMS, Mohamed SA, Abdelgalil RM, Atta SA, Fahmy NT, Badr MS. Impact of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin on murine trichinellosis. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:57. [PMID: 38105357 PMCID: PMC10725854 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Trichinellosis is one of the global food-borne parasitic diseases that can cause severe tissue damage. The traditionally used drugs for the treatment of trichinellosis have limited efficacy against the encysted larvae in the muscular phase of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin against different phases of Trichinella in experimentally infected mice. A total of 120 male Swiss albino mice were divided into two major groups (n = 60 of each), intestinal and muscular phases. Then, each group was subdivided into 10 subgroups (n = 6); non-infected control, infected non-treated control, infected ivermectin treated, infected atorvastatin treated, infected mesenchymal stem cells treated, infected combined ivermectin and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and ivermectin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and a full dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated, and infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and half dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated. Mice were sacrificed at days 5 and 35 post-infection for the intestinal and muscular phases, respectively. The assessment was performed through many parameters, including counting the adult intestinal worms and muscular encysted larvae, besides histopathological examination of the underlying tissues. Moreover, a biochemical assay for the inflammatory and oxidative stress marker levels was conducted. In addition, levels of immunohistochemical CD31 and VEGF gene expression as markers of angiogenesis during the muscular phase were investigated. The combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin showed the highest significant reduction in adult worms and encysted larvae counts, the most noticeable improvement of the histopathological changes, the most potent anti-inflammatory (lowest level of IL-17) and anti-angiogenic (lowest expression of CD31 and VEGF) activities, and also revealed the highly effective one to relieve the oxidative stress (lowest level of SOD, GSH, and lipid peroxidase enzymes). These observed outcomes indicate that adding mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin to ivermectin synergistically potentiates its therapeutic efficacy and provides a promising candidate against trichinellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab R Hassan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt.
| | - Samar El-Sayed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Kareman M Zekry
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Samah Gouda Ahmed
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Hassan Abd-Elhamid
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa E A Salama
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Entertainment Area, Badr City, Cairo, 11829, Egypt
| | - Azza Kamal Taha
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Nihal A Mahmoud
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Shaymaa Fathy Mohammed
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Mona M Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha Elsayed Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Ayat M S Eraque
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Ranya M Abdelgalil
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Yosief Abbas Street, Cairo, Kairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Attia Atta
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, 36VF+MJ2, Warraq Al Arab, El Warraq, Giza Governorate, 3863130, Egypt
| | - Nermeen Talaat Fahmy
- Genomics, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), 3 Emtedad Ramses, Al Abbaseyah Al Gharbeyah, El Weili, Cairo Governorate, 4435102, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Badr
- Molecular Biology and Genetic-Bioinformatics Nano-Robot Diagnostics, Medical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, El-Khalyfa El-Mamoun Street Abbasya, Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Salama AM, Elmahy RA, Ibrahim HA, Amer AIM, Eltantawy AF, Elgendy DI. Effects of metformin on parasitological, pathological changes in the brain and liver and immunological aspects during visceral toxocariasis in mice. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3213-3231. [PMID: 37874393 PMCID: PMC10667394 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
There are currently insufficient anthelmintic medications available for the treatment of toxocariasis. For instance, Albendazole (ABZ) is the preferred medication, but its effectiveness against tissue-dwelling parasites is limited. In addition, Metformin (MTF) is a widely used oral antidiabetic medication that is considered to be safe for treatment. This study aimed to investigate any potential effects of MTF, alone or in combination with ABZ, on mice infections caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed in the acute and chronic phases of the infection by larval recovery and histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The results showed that combined therapy significantly reduced larval counts in the liver, brain, and muscles and ameliorated hepatic and brain pathology. It reduced oxidative stress and TGF-β mRNA expression and increased FGF21 levels in the liver. It decreased TNF-α levels and MMP-9 expression in the brain. In addition, it increased serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ and decreased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10. In the acute and chronic phases of the infection, the combined treatment was more effective than ABZ alone. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential role of MTF as an adjuvant in the treatment of experimental T. canis infection when administered with ABZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina M Salama
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Rasha A Elmahy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Hoda A Ibrahim
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Asmaa Fawzy Eltantawy
- Medical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Dina I Elgendy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
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10
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Liu C, Zhang S, Xue J, Zhang H, Yin J. Evaluation of PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis as an antiparasitic target for metformin based on phylogeny analysis and molecular docking. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2023; 255:111580. [PMID: 37473813 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin (Met), the first-line drug used in the treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, is effective against a variety of parasites. However, the molecular target of Met at clinical dose against various parasites remains unclear. Recently, low-dose Met (clinical dose) has been reported to directly bind PEN2 (presenilin enhancer protein 2) and initiate the lysosomal glucose-sensing pathway for AMPK activation via ATP6AP1 (V-type proton ATPase subunit S1), rather than perturbing AMP/ATP levels. METHODS To explore the possibility of PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis as a drug target of Met for the treatment of parasitic diseases, we identified and characterized orthologs of PEN2 and ATP6AP1 genes in parasites, by constructing phylogenetic trees, analyzing protein sequences and predicting interactions between Met and parasite PEN2. RESULTS The results showed that PEN2 and ATP6AP1 genes are only found together in a few of parasite species in the cestoda and nematoda groups. Indicated by molecular simulation, Met might function by interacting with PEN2 on V37/W38/E5 (Trichinella spiralis) with similar binding energy, and on F35/S39 (Caenorhabditis elegans) with higher binding energy, comparing to human PEN2. Hence, these results indicated that only the T. spiralis PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis has the potential to be the direct target of low-concentration Met. Together with contribution of host cells including immune cells in vivo, T. spiralis PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis might play roles in reducing parasite load at low-concentration Met. However, the mechanisms of low-concentration Met on other parasitic infections might be mainly achieved by regulating host cells, rather than directly targeting PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed the potential mechanisms by which Met treats various parasitic diseases, and shed new light on the development of antiparasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shangrui Zhang
- Henan Medical College, No. 8 Shuanghu Avenue, Longhu Town, Xinzheng, Zhengzhou City 451191, Henan Province, China
| | - Jian Xue
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haobing Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jianhai Yin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China.
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11
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Ashoush SE, Soliman EK. Antihelminthic and antiangiogenic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on intestinal and muscular phases of trichinellosis. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e56. [PMID: 37462419 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease affecting a wide range of mammals, including humans. It has intestinal and muscular phases. The current work was done to experimentally evaluate the efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and their combination with albendazole on intestinal and muscular stages of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection. We had five main groups of mice: Group 1, non-infected control; Group 2, infected control; Group 3, infected and treated with albendazole; Group 4, infected and treated with ZnO NPs; and Group 5, infected and treated with albendazole and ZnO NPs. Each group was divided into two subgroups (A for the intestinal phase and B for the muscular phase). Drug effects were evaluated by parasitological, histopathological, and biochemical studies, including oxidant/antioxidant analysis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in muscle tissue by quantitative real-time PCR. ZnO NPs resulted in a significant reduction of both intestinal and muscular phases of T. spiralis. Their combination with albendazole resulted in the complete eradication of adult worms and the maximum reduction of larval deposition in muscle tissue. Additionally, the treatment showed improvement in T. spiralis-induced pathological changes and oxidative stress status. Moreover, a significant decrease in VEGF gene expression was detected in the treated groups when compared with the infected control. In conclusion, ZnO NPs presented an antihelminthic effect against both adult and larval stages of T. spiralis. In addition, it enhanced antioxidant status and suppressed angiogenesis in muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Ashoush
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig44519, Egypt
| | - E K Soliman
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig44519, Egypt
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12
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Saad AE, Othman AA, Ghanem HB, Soliman S, Alshenawy HA, Ghafar MTA, Rayia DMA. Vitamin D3 supplementation could ameliorate the inflammatory and redox status in the muscular phase of trichinellosis. Parasitol Int 2023; 94:102737. [PMID: 36736658 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102737] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nutritional supplements, particularly vitamin D, have been widely used worldwide in the treatment of various infections, including parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on the muscular phase of trichinellosis in experimental animals. Mice were divided as follows: (group I): infected untreated, (group IIa) infected and treated with vitamin D3 for 12 doses beginning 2 weeks before infection and continuing after infection, (group IIb) infected and treated with vitamin D3 for 8 doses beginning on the same day of infection, (group III) normal control, (group IVa) which received vitamin D3 for 12 doses and (group IVb) which received vitamin D3 for 8 doses. Mice were sacrificed 35 days after infection and total muscle larval count, and histopathological examination of muscle samples with immunohistochemical staining of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were performed. Muscle relative cathelicidin mRNA expression was assessed, as well as serum levels of muscle enzymes CK and LDH, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, IL-17 and interferon-gamma (INF-γ). Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly reduced muscle larval count, inflammatory cellular infiltration, COX2 and iNOS expression. Furthermore, it increased cathelicidin gene expression, decreased serum levels of CK and LDH and affected serum cytokine levels, increasing serum IL-4 and IL10 levels while decreasing serum INF γ and IL-17. In conclusion, vitamin D3 supplementation has favorable outcomes on the muscle phase of trichinellosis, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Ezzat Saad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.; Medical Parasitology Sub-Unit, Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Aly Othman
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Heba Bassiony Ghanem
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia; Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa Soliman
- Public Health, Biostatistics and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt
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13
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Abou Hussien N, Faheem M, Sweed E, Ibrahim A. Ultrastructural tegumental changes of Trichinella spiralis adult and larval stages after in vitro exposure to Allium sativum. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108314. [PMID: 35752343 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108314] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Albendazole (ALB) is the most used therapeutic drug for trichinellosis treatment, but it has many drawbacks. Hence, the search for alternative natural compounds is a goal for researchers. The present work aimed to test the in vitro anthelmintic effect of Tomex (Allium sativum) against adult and muscular larva of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis). We incubated adult forms and muscular larvae of T. spiralis with Tomex at concentrations 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL to evaluate the changes that happened on the cuticle using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although ALB was very effective, Tomex also affected motility and the tegumental structure of T. spiralis, which was in proportion to its concentration and incubation time, as Tomex started the mortality of muscular larvae and adult stages after 4 h at 50 μg/mL, and after 6 h at10 μg/mL. A 50% mortality rate of muscular larvae was recorded after 6 h at 100 μg/mL. However, a 50% mortality rate was recorded after 12 h at 10 μg/mL for the adult stage. Adult worms and muscular larvae of T. spiralis incubated with 100 μg/mL of Tomex displayed loss of normal annulations and creases of the cuticle, multiple vesicles, widening of longitudinal furrow space, and multiple minor loss blebs. Our results suggested that Tomex can be a therapeutic agent against adults and larvae stages of T. spiralis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Abou Hussien
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin el Kom, 32511, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Mona Faheem
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin el Kom, 32511, Menoufia, Egypt; Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt.
| | - Eman Sweed
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin el Kom, 32511, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa Ibrahim
- Clinical and Molecular Parasitology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt.
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14
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Egyptian propolis and selenium nanoparticles against murine trichinosis: a novel therapeutic insight. J Helminthol 2022; 96:e50. [PMID: 35856263 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x22000359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Trichinosis is a serious zoonotic disease that causes human morbidity and mortality. New effective natural remedies with minimal side effects that are well tolerated are needed to treat both enteral and parenteral trichinosis. This study evaluated the efficacy of selenium (Se), Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) and Egyptian propolis compared with albendazole as antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic agents for treating murine trichinosis. We used parasitological, histopathological and immunohistochemical assays, as well as scanning electron microscopy, to examine adult worms. Overall, 80 Swiss albino male mice were divided into eight groups, with ten mice in each group, as follows: negative control, positive control, albendazole, propolis, Se, combination of propolis and Se, SeNPs and combination of SeNPs and propolis. Mice were slaughtered seven and 35 days after infection to examine the intestinal and muscular phases, respectively. This study demonstrated the efficacy of the combination of SeNPs and propolis. As revealed by electron microscopy, this combination caused damage to the adult worm cuticle. Additionally, compared with albendazole, it resulted in a significant reduction in adult worm and total larval counts; moreover, it caused a decrease in the number of larvae deposited in muscles, with a highly significant decrease in the inflammatory cell infiltrate around the larvae and a considerable decrease in the expression of the angiogenic marker vascular endothelial growth factor in muscles. In conclusion, the combination of SeNPs and propolis had antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects on trichinosis. Consequently, this combination could be used as a natural alternative therapy to albendazole for treating trichinosis.
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15
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Rayia DA, Othman A, Harras S, Helal D, Dawood L, Soliman S. Bevacizumab: A new take on therapy of muscle phase of Trichinella spiralis infection. Acta Trop 2022; 230:106409. [PMID: 35300938 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a zoonosis that causes health and economic problems worldwide. The available therapy is far from perfect as the conventional drugs used against Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) are active against the intestinal adult parasites but much less active against encapsulated larvae in muscles. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of the anti-angiogenic agent, bevacizumab, on the muscle larvae of T. spiralis. For this aim, T. spiralis-infected mice were treated by two different doses of bevacizumab, thereafter larval counts as well as biochemical and pathological changes were evaluated in the muscles. The larval burden was reduced in the muscles of treated mice, denoting a detrimental effect of bevacizumab against encapsulated Trichinella larvae. Moreover, there was marked improvement of muscle inflammation with the treatment, evidenced by reduction of the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and regression of the inflammatory infiltrates in histological sections. Amelioration of oxidative stress in the muscle was also observed in treated animals with reduction of malondialdehyde and carbonic anhydrase III and increase in superoxide dismutase levels. Finally, the treatment induced downregulation of the expression of VEGF and CD31, denoting suppressed angiogenesis. All these beneficial effects were found to be dose dependent. In conclusion, bevacizumab exhibited anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic activities against Trichinella during the muscular phase of infection. Therefore, bevacizumab could be considered as a useful adjuvant treatment in the late stages of trichinellosis.
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16
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Loos JA, Coccimiglio M, Nicolao MC, Rodrigues CR, Cumino AC. Metformin improves the therapeutic efficacy of low-dose albendazole against experimental alveolar echinococcosis. Parasitology 2022; 149:138-144. [PMID: 35184788 PMCID: PMC11010535 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001633] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. Its chemotherapeutic treatment is based on benzimidazoles, which are rarely curative and cause several adverse effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative and safer chemotherapeutic strategies against AE. It has previously been shown that metformin (Met) exhibits considerable in vivo activity on an early-infection model of AE when administered at 50 mg kg−1 day−1 for 8 weeks. Here, the challenge is heightened by a 2-fold increase in parasite inoculum or by starting the treatment 6 weeks post-infection. In both cases, only the combination of Met (100 mg kg−1 day−1) together with a sub-optimal dose of albendazole (ABZ) (5 mg kg−1 day−1) led to a significant reduction in parasite weight compared to the untreated group. Coincidentally, drug combination showed the highest level of damage in E. multilocularis metacestodes. Likewise, Met alone or combined with ABZ led to a decrease in parasite glucose availability, which was evidenced as a lower intracystic glucose concentration. Therefore, the results demonstrate that combination therapy with Met and ABZ offers an alternative to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of the high-dose ABZ monotherapy currently employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Magalí Coccimiglio
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María Celeste Nicolao
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Christian Rodriguez Rodrigues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
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17
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Sundaresh B, Xu S, Noonan B, Mansour MK, Leong JM, van Opijnen T. Host-informed therapies for the treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:971-989. [PMID: 34376327 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, traditional antimicrobial strategies have lost efficacy due to a rapid rise in antibiotic resistance and limited success in developing new antibiotics. Rather than relying on therapeutics solely targeting the bacterial pathogen, therapies are emerging that simultaneously focus on host responses. Here, we describe the most promising 'host-informed therapies' (HITs) in two categories: those that aid patients with fully functional immune systems, and those that aid patients with perturbed immune processes. Using Streptococcus pneumoniae, the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, as a case study, we show HITs as an attractive option for supplementing infection management. However, to broaden their applicability and design new strategies, targeted research and clinical trials will be essential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuying Xu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian Noonan
- Stuart B. Levy Center for Integrated Management of Antimicrobial Resistance, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael K Mansour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John M Leong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Stuart B. Levy Center for Integrated Management of Antimicrobial Resistance, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Tim van Opijnen
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Stuart B. Levy Center for Integrated Management of Antimicrobial Resistance, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Therapeutic Efficacy of Albendazole and Mefloquine Alone or in Combination Against Early and Late Stages of Trichinella Spiralis Infection in Mice. Helminthologia 2021; 58:179-187. [PMID: 34248378 PMCID: PMC8256455 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2021-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mefl oquine alone or combined with albendazole in reduced doses against T. spiralis infection. One hundred and twenty albino mice were orally infected with 200 T. spiralis larvae/mouse. Drugs were administered during the enteral phase on days 1 to 3 and on the chronic phase on days 35 to 37 post-infection, and mice were sacrificed, respectively, at days 7 or 48 post-infection to count mature intestinal worms or encysted muscle larvae. The effect of the treatment on the histology of the target organs of each phase, intestine and diaphragm, was also evaluated. A signifi cant decrease in intestinal worms was found in all treated groups relative to the untreated control group at a peak of 93.7% in the combination albendazole-mefl oquine group. Results in all treated groups demonstrated a signifi cant decrease in muscle larvae relative to untreated control groups, achieving 86.2 % in the combined albendazole-mefl oquine group. There was a marked improvement in the intestinal and muscular architecture in all treated groups compared to the non-treated control group. Notably, the albendazole-mefl oquine group showed an almost complete recovery. The combined albendazole-mefl oquine low dose regimen had the highest effect on reducing parasite burden and restoring normal histological architecture.
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Elmehy DA, Hasby Saad MA, El Maghraby GM, Arafa MF, Soliman NA, Elkaliny HH, Elgendy DI. Niosomal versus nano-crystalline ivermectin against different stages of Trichinella spiralis infection in mice. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2641-2658. [PMID: 33945012 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07172-1] [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: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ivermectin (IVM) is one of the competitive treatments used for trichinellosis. However, several studies linked its efficacy with early diagnosis and administration to tackle the intestinal phase with limited activity being recorded against encysted larvae. The aim of this study was to employ niosomes for enhancing effectiveness of oral IVM against different stages of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection with reference to nano-crystalline IVM. Mice were randomized into four groups: group Ι, 15 uninfected controls; group ΙΙ, 30 infected untreated controls; group ΙΙΙ, 30 infected nano-crystalline IVM treated, and group ΙV, 30 infected niosomal IVM treated. All groups were equally subdivided into 3 subgroups; (a) treated on the 1st day post infection (dpi), (b) treated on the 10th dpi, and (c) treated on the 30th dpi. Assessment was done by counting adult worms and larvae plus histopathological examination of jejunum and diaphragm. Biochemical assessment of oxidant/antioxidant status, angiogenic, and inflammatory biomarkers in intestinal and muscle tissues was also performed. Both niosomes and nano-crystals resulted in significant reduction in adult and larval counts compared to the infected untreated control with superior activity of niosomal IVM. The superiority of niosomes was expressed further by reduction of inflammation in both jejunal and muscle homogenates. Biochemical parameters showed highly significant differences in all treated mice compared to infected untreated control at different stages with highly significant effect of niosomal IVM. In conclusion, niosomal IVM efficacy exceeded the nano-crystalline IVM in treatment of different phases of trichinellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia A Elmehy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Marwa A Hasby Saad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Gamal M El Maghraby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mona F Arafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Nema A Soliman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Heba H Elkaliny
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Dina I Elgendy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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20
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Tian M, Huang Y, Wang X, Cao M, Zhao Z, Chen T, Yuan C, Wang N, Zhang B, Li C, Zhou X. Vaccaria segetalis: A Review of Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Findings. Front Chem 2021; 9:666280. [PMID: 33996757 PMCID: PMC8117358 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.666280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccaria segetalis is a dry mature seed of Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert, which belongs to the genus V. segetalis (Neck.) Garcke. There are multiple medicinal parts of V. segetalis, according to the records, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds, which should be used together. Currently, V. segetalis is most frequently used in the treatment of menstruation, dysmenorrhea, breast milk stoppages, and chylorrhea. Numerous studies present historical evidence of the use of V. segetalis to treat several diseases and describe its beneficial effects including prolactin- (PRL-) like, estrogen-like, antitumor, antiangiogenesis, and antioxidant activity. We summarized the period from January 1980 to December 2019 regarding V. segetalis. This review paper indicates that V. segetalis has promising clinical applications. The main active ingredients of the plant have been elucidated in recent years. We summarized the previously and newly discovered pharmacological effects of V. segetalis in addition to its active ingredients, ethnopharmacological uses, and toxicological properties, and provided a focus for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Tian
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuwen Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Maosheng Cao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zijiao Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tong Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenfeng Yuan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Boqi Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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21
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Mbara KC, Mofo Mato PE, Driver C, Nzuza S, Mkhombo NT, Gcwensa SK, Mcobothi EN, Owira PM. Metformin turns 62 in pharmacotherapy: Emergence of non-glycaemic effects and potential novel therapeutic applications. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 898:173934. [PMID: 33609563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is the most commonly prescribed oral antidiabetic medication. Direct/indirect activation of Adenosine Monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and non-AMPK pathways, amongst others, are deemed to explain the molecular mechanisms of action of metformin. Metformin is an established insulin receptor sensitising antihyperglycemic agent, is highly affordable, and has superior safety and efficacy profiles. Emerging experimental and clinical evidence suggests that metformin has pleiotropic non-glycemic effects. Metformin appears to have weight stabilising, renoprotective, neuroprotective, cardio-vascular protective, and antineoplastic effects and mitigates polycystic ovarian syndrome. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of metformin seem to qualify it as an adjunct therapy in treating infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and the current novel Covid-19 infections. So far, metformin is the only prescription medicine relevant to the emerging field of senotherapeutics. Non-glycemic effects of metformin favourable to its repurposing in therapeutic use are hereby discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley C Mbara
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, P.O. Box X5401, Durban, South Africa
| | - Pascale E Mofo Mato
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, P.O. Box X5401, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christine Driver
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, P.O. Box X5401, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sanelisiwe Nzuza
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, P.O. Box X5401, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ntokozo T Mkhombo
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, P.O. Box X5401, Durban, South Africa
| | - Senamile Kp Gcwensa
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, P.O. Box X5401, Durban, South Africa
| | - Esethu N Mcobothi
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, P.O. Box X5401, Durban, South Africa
| | - Peter Mo Owira
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, P.O. Box X5401, Durban, South Africa.
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22
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Xiao Y, Liu F, Li S, Jiang N, Yu C, Zhu X, Qin Y, Hui J, Meng L, Song C, Li XF, Liu Y. Metformin promotes innate immunity through a conserved PMK-1/p38 MAPK pathway. Virulence 2021; 11:39-48. [PMID: 31851866 PMCID: PMC6961722 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1706305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, as the first-line oral drug for type 2 diabetes, has proven benefits against aging, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. But the influence of metformin to the immune response and its molecular mechanisms remain obscure. Metformin increases resistance to not only the Gram-negative pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica but also the Gram-positive pathogens Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Meanwhile, metformin protects the animals from the infection by enhancing the tolerance to the pathogen infection rather than by reducing the bacterial burden. Through the screening of classical immune pathways in C. elegans, we find metformin enhances innate immunity through p38 MAPK pathway. Furthermore, activated p38/PMK-1 by metformin acts on the intestine for innate immune response. In addition, metformin-treated mice have increased resistance to P. aeruginosa PA14 infection and significantly increased the levels of active PMK-1. Therefore, promoted p38/PMK-1-mediated innate immunity by metformin is conserved from worms to mammals. Our work provides a conserved mechanism by which metformin enhances immune response and boosts its therapeutic application in the treatment of pathogen infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiao
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Fang Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Sanhua Li
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Nian Jiang
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Changyan Yu
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xinting Zhu
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Qin
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Hui
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Lingjie Meng
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Changwei Song
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Li
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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23
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Elmehy DA, Ismail HI, Soliman NA, Amer BS, Elkaliny HH, El-Ebiary AA, Gamea GA. Oxidative stress mediated apoptotic potential of mefloquine on experimental trichinellosis. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105760. [PMID: 33221280 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105760] [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: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Conventional anthelmintics such as albendazole could not achieve complete cure of trichinellosis till now. The antimalarial mefloquine mediates oxidative stress and disrupts lysosomal functions leading to cell death. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of mefloquine on experimental acute and chronic trichinellosis and to clarify the possible mechanisms of such effects. Mice were divided into four groups; Group I: Uninfected untreated control (20 mice); Group II: Infected untreated control (40 mice); Group III: infected and treated with albendazole (400 mg/kg) (40 mice); Group IV: infected and treated with mefloquine (300 mg/kg) (40 mice). All infected treated groups were equally subdivided into 2 subgroups; (a) treated on the 2nd day post infection (dpi) for 3 days, (b) treated on the 35th dpi for 5 days. Parasitological adults and larvae counting besides immunohistopathological examination of intestines and muscles were done. Biochemical assay of oxidant/antioxidant status, apoptotic, cytoprotective and inflammatory biomarkers in intestinal and muscle homogenates were achieved. Results showed that both albendazole and mefloquine significantly reduced adults and larvae counts with higher efficacy of albendazole in the intestinal phase and superiority of mefloquine in the muscle phase. The superiority of mefloquine was indicated by increased inflammatory immune infiltration and decreased anti-apoptotic immunohistochemical markers expression in both jejunal and muscle tissues. Biochemically, mefloquine treatment showed highly significant oxidative, apoptotic and inflammatory effects. So, our results suggest that mefloquine might be a superior treatment for chronic trichinellosis.
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24
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Marcos-Carbajal P, Allca-Muñoz C, Urbano-Niño Á, Salazar-Granara A. Exploración de la actividad antibacteriana de Metformina frente a Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIONATURA 2020. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2020.05.04.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
El objetivo del estudio es determinar la actividad antibacteriana de Metformina frente a Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana mediante la técnica de Kirby Bauer. Se utilizó cepas de Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) y Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), las cuales se expusieron a Metformina en concentraciones de 250 mg y 500 mg, Ciprofloxacino (CIP) 5 µg, Imipenem (IPM) 10 µg, y Cefoxitin (FOX) 30 µg. Frente a Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa se presentó un halo de inhibición de 6 mm. para Metformina 250 mg, 6 mm. para Metformina 500 mg, y un halo de inhibición >25 mm. con el uso de Ciprofloxacino 5 µg, Cefoxitin 30 µg, e Imipenem 10 µg respectivamente. En conclusion, In vitro Metformina a dosis de 250 y 500 mg, no presentó efecto antibacteriano frente a Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pool Marcos-Carbajal
- 1. Universidad Peruana Unión, Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Laboratorio de Investigación en Biología Molecular 2. Universidad San Martin de Porres, Facultad de Medicina Humana, Centro de Investigación de Medicina Tradicional y Farmacología. Peru
| | - Christian Allca-Muñoz
- Universidad San Martin de Porres, Facultad de Medicina Humana, Centro de Investigación de Medicina Tradicional y Farmacología. Peru
| | - Ángel Urbano-Niño
- Universidad San Martin de Porres, Facultad de Medicina Humana, Centro de Investigación de Medicina Tradicional y Farmacología. Peru
| | - Alberto Salazar-Granara
- 2. Universidad San Martin de Porres, Facultad de Medicina Humana, Centro de Investigación de Medicina Tradicional y Farmacología 3. Sociedad Peruana de Farmacología y. Peru Terapéutica Experimental - SOPFARTEX
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25
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Anwar A, Soomaroo A, Anwar A, Siddiqui R, Khan NA. Metformin-coated silver nanoparticles exhibit anti-acanthamoebic activities against both trophozoite and cyst stages. Exp Parasitol 2020; 215:107915. [PMID: 32461112 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is an opportunistic protozoan responsible for serious human infections including Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and supportive care, infections due to Acanthamoeba are a major public concern. Current methods of treatment are not fully effective against both the trophozoite and cyst forms of A. castellanii and are often associated with severe adverse effects, host cell cytotoxicity and recurrence of infection. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches for the treatment and management of Acanthamoebic infections. Repurposing of clinically approved drugs is a viable avenue for exploration and is particularly useful for neglected and rare diseases where there is limited interest by pharmaceutical companies. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems offer promising approaches in the biomedical field, particularly in diagnosis and drug delivery. Herein, we conjugated an antihyperglycemic drug, metformin with silver nanoparticles and assessed its anti-acanthamoebic properties. Characterization by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy showed successful formation of metformin-coated silver nanoparticles. Amoebicidal and amoebistatic assays revealed that metformin-coated silver nanoparticles reduced the viability and inhibited the growth of A. castellanii significantly more than metformin and silver nanoparticles alone at both 5 and 10 μM after 24 h incubation. Metformin-coated silver nanoparticles also blocked encystation and inhibited the excystation in Acanthamoeba after 72 h incubation. Overall, the conjugation of metformin with silver nanoparticles was found to enhance its antiamoebic effects against A. castellanii. Furthermore, the pretreatment of A. castellanii with metformin and metformin-coated silver nanoparticles for 2 h also reduced the amoebae-mediated host cell cytotoxicity after 24 h incubation from 73% to 10% at 10 μM, indicating that the drug-conjugated silver nanoparticles confer protection to human cells. These findings suggest that metformin-coated silver nanoparticles hold promise in the improved treatment and management of Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Akshinee Soomaroo
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Areeba Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 26666, United Arab Emirates
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26
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Resveratrol reduces oxidative damage and inflammation in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis. J Helminthol 2020; 94:e140. [PMID: 32238206 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x20000206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a serious food-borne zoonotic infection of cosmopolitan distribution. Currently, treatment for trichinellosis is far from ideal. Given the important role of oxidative stress and immune-mediated inflammation in the pathogenesis of trichinellosis, this study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) during the intestinal and muscular phases of Trichinella spiralis infection in mice. The oral administration of RSV at a dose of 20 mg/kg once daily for two weeks resulted in significant reductions in both adult and larval counts; significant improvements in the redox status of the small intestine and muscles; a significant reduction in interleukin 4, pentraxin 3 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression; and the mitigation of intestinal and muscular inflammation. In conclusion, this study identifies RSV as a promising agent for the treatment of experimental trichinellosis, and more studies in experimental animals and humans are worth consideration.
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27
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Parihar SP, Guler R, Brombacher F. Statins: a viable candidate for host-directed therapy against infectious diseases. Nat Rev Immunol 2019; 19:104-117. [PMID: 30487528 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-018-0094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Statins were first identified over 40 years ago as lipid-lowering drugs and have been remarkably effective in treating cardiovascular diseases. As research advanced, the protective effects of statins were additionally attributed to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-thrombotic and immunomodulatory functions rather than lipid-lowering abilities alone. By promoting host defence mechanisms and inhibiting pathological inflammation, statins increase survival in human infectious diseases. At the cellular level, statins inhibit the intermediates of the host mevalonate pathway, thus compromising the immune evasion strategies of pathogens and their survival. Here, we discuss the potential use of statins as an inexpensive and practical alternative or adjunctive host-directed therapy for infectious diseases caused by intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, protozoa, fungi and bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj P Parihar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town-Component, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa) and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Reto Guler
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town-Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa) and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Brombacher
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town-Component, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa) and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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28
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Vaccaria n-Butanol Extract Lower the Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines and the Infection Risk of T. spiralis In Vivo. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:520-527. [PMID: 31087260 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trichinellosis is a severe zoonosis involving the activation of inflammatory cells, accompanied by the prominent expressions of proinflammatory cytokines in the host. Semen vaccariae, the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke. ex Asch. (Caryophyllaceae), is a famous traditional herb that is rich in vaccaria n-butanol extract (VNE). Vaccarin is one major active component of VNE, and it is reported in the treatment of stranguria disease. Hypaphorine is another main active component of VNE and has good anti-inflammatory effect, whereas the potential bioactivity of VNE in trichinellosis treatment is still unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was designed to evaluate the potential anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory activity of VNE toward T. spiralis infection. ICR mice were used to assess the effect of VNE on repression larvae and adult worms in vivo. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to evaluate the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. RESULTS Our results showed that VNE could effectively depress the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. The adult worms were decreased by 79.53%, while the muscle larvae were diminished by 77.70% as compared to the control. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that VNE may be a promising therapeutic agent against the inflammation and diseases caused by T. spiralis infection.
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29
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Evaluation of antioxidant and oxidant status of goats ( Capra aegagrus hircus) naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus. J Helminthol 2019; 94:e36. [PMID: 30761971 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the antioxidant and oxidant status of goats naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Based upon the parasite burden, infection in goats was categorized as heavy (> 500 worms), mild (100-500 worms) or low (< 100 worms). Abomasal tissues from non-infected and infected goats were used for the determination of catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases, acid (ACP) and alkaline (ALP) phosphatases, superoxide content (O2-), protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH). A significantly higher level of CAT, GST and GR activity and a lower level of GPx activity were recorded in infected compared to non-infected tissue. A significant increase in the level of AST, ALT, ALP and ACP was found in the abomasal tissue of the infected animals, which was related to the worm burden. The oxidative stress markers were also altered, with a significant decline in GSH levels, whereas MDA, PC and O2- concentrations showed a marked increase. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that haemonchosis in goats resulted in considerable oxidative stress, which was directly related to the worm burden.
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30
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Killing the muscular larvae of Trichinella spiralis and the anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Wortmannilatone F and recombinant G31P in a murine model of trichinellosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:934-940. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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31
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Malik F, Mehdi SF, Ali H, Patel P, Basharat A, Kumar A, Ashok F, Stein J, Brima W, Malhotra P, Roth J. Is metformin poised for a second career as an antimicrobial? Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2018; 34:e2975. [PMID: 29271563 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.2975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metformin, a widely used antihyperglycaemic, has a good safety profile, reasonably manageable side-effects, is inexpensive, and causes a desirable amount of weight loss. In 4 studies of patients with tuberculosis (1 prospective and 3 retrospective), metformin administration resulted in better outcomes. In mice with several models of endotoxemia, metformin diminished levels of proinflammatory cytokines and improved survival. Laboratory studies showed effectiveness of the drug on multiple pathogens, including Trichinella spiralis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. Metformin administration in humans and mice produced major changes in the composition of the gut microbiota. These recently discovered microbe-modulating properties of the drug have led investigators to predict wide therapeutic utility for metformin. The recent easing in United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regarding administration of metformin to patients with kidney disease, and reduced anxiety about patient safety in terms of lactic acidosis, increase the probability of broadening of metformin's usage as a treatment of infectious agents. In this text we review articles pertinent to metformin's effects on microorganisms, both pathogens and commensals. We highlight the possible role of metformin in a wide range of infectious diseases and a possible expansion of its therapeutic profile in this field. A systematic review was done of PubMed indexed articles that examined the effects of metformin on a wide range of pathogens. Metformin was found to have efficacy as an antimicrobial agent in patients with tuberculosis. Mice infected with Trypanosomiasis cruzi had higher survival when also treated with metformin. The drug in vitro was active against T. spiralis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and hepatitis B virus. In addition there is emerging literature on its role in sepsis. We conclude that metformin may have a potential role in the therapy for multiple infectious diseases. Metformin, in addition to its traditional effects on glucose metabolism, provides anti-microbial benefits in patients with tuberculosis and in a very wide range of other infections encounters in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Malik
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Syed Faizan Mehdi
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Haroon Ali
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Priya Patel
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Anam Basharat
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Amrat Kumar
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Fnu Ashok
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Joanna Stein
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Wunnie Brima
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Prashant Malhotra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Jesse Roth
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
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32
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Sanfelice RA, Machado LF, Bosqui LR, Miranda-Sapla MM, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, de Alcântara Dalevedo G, Ioris D, Reis GF, Panagio LA, Navarro IT, Bordignon J, Conchon-Costa I, Pavanelli WR, Almeida RS, Costa IN. Activity of rosuvastatin in tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain) in HeLa cells. Exp Parasitol 2017; 181:75-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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33
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Loos JA, Dávila VA, Rodrígues CR, Petrigh R, Zoppi JA, Crocenzi FA, Cumino AC. Metformin exhibits preventive and therapeutic efficacy against experimental cystic echinococcosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005370. [PMID: 28182659 PMCID: PMC5321462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin (Met) is an anti-hyperglycemic and potential anti-cancer agent which may exert its anti-proliferative effects via the induction of energetic stress. In this study we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Met against the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Metformin showed significant dose- and time-dependent killing effects on in vitro cultured protoscoleces and metacestodes. Notably, the combination of Met together with the minimum effective concentration of ABZSO had a synergistic effect after days 3 and 12 on metacestodes and protoscoleces, respectively. Oral administration of Met (50 mg/kg/day) in E. granulosus-infected mice was highly effective in reducing the weight and number of parasite cysts, yet its combination with the lowest recommended dose of ABZ (5 mg/kg/day) was even more effective. Coincidentally, intracystic Met accumulation was higher in animals treated with both drugs compared to those administered Met alone. Furthermore, the safe plant-derived drug Met exhibited remarkable chemopreventive properties against secondary hydatidosis in mice. In conclusion, based on our experimental data, Met emerges as a promising anti-echinococcal drug as it has proven to efficiently inhibit the development and growth of the E. granulosus larval stage and its combination with ABZ may improve the current anti-parasitic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria A. Dávila
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christian R. Rodrígues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Romina Petrigh
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge A. Zoppi
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital Privado de Comunidad (HPC), Córdoba 4545, Nivel 3, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Fernando A. Crocenzi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Suipacha 570, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- * E-mail: (ACC)
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