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Ibrahim SM, Al-Ghandour AMF, Mohamed SMA, Foaad HHM, El-Bahaie ES. Comparative evaluation of silver nanoparticles and human platelet rich-plasma versus traditional therapy in the treatment of murine chronic toxoplasmosis. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:217-228. [PMID: 38840885 PMCID: PMC11147984 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01642-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic disease infecting about one-third of the human population. At present, licensed medications are incapable of curing human chronic infection. The present work aimed to evaluate for the first time the combination between (spiramycin and human platelet rich plasma), in addition to (spiramycin and silver-nanoparticles) in treating murine experimental toxoplasmosis using parasitological, biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Seventy-seven Swiss albino male mice divided into seven groups according to the treatment used as follows: (GI): control negative; (GII): control infected; (GIII): spiramycin; (GIV): Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs); (GV): Human platelet-rich plasma (HPRP); (GVI): combined spiramycin and AgNPs; (GVII): combined spiramycin and HPRP. Obtained results demonstrated that (spiramycin and AgNPs) treated group showed significant reduction of T. gondii tissue cysts number, the lowest level of serum malondialdehyde, remarkable improvement in pathological changes in different tissues of mice e.g. brain and liver and weak expression of EGFR in brain tissues of mice compared to control infected group. Moreover, AgNPs administered alone produced minimal anti-Toxoplasma results, whereas their combination with spiramycin exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, combination therapy of spiramycin and AgNPs may represent a unique possible adjuvant therapy for reducing the pathogenic, toxic, and inflammatory consequences of toxoplasmosis on the brain and liver tissues in immunocompetent mice, and the expression of EGFR in brain tissues of mice is a good tool for evaluating the therapeutic improvement of murine toxoplasmosis.
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Tawfeek GM, Abou-El-Naga IF, Hassan EME, Sabry D, Meselhey RA, Younis SS. Protective efficacy of Toxoplasma gondii infected cells-derived exosomes against chronic murine toxoplasmosis. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107041. [PMID: 37858877 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes were isolated from T. gondii infected human hepatoblastoma cells using the exosome isolation kit and characterized by electron microscopy and Western blotting. Exosomes adsorbed to alum adjuvant were evaluated as a potential immunizing agent against murine chronic toxoplasmosis compared to excretory secretory antigens (ESA)-alum. Mice were immunized at days 1, 15 and 29. The levels of IgG, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were determined using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sandwich ELISA) at days 14, 28 and 56 of the experiment. Then mice were infected orally with 10 cysts of T. gondii. The protective efficacy of the antigens were evaluated by counting the brain cysts and measuring the aforementioned humoral and cellular parameters 60 days post infection. The results showed that alum increased the protective efficacy of the exosomes. Immunization with exosome-alum induced both humoral and mixed Th1/Th2 cellular immune responses. Exosome-alum gave higher levels of the humoral and cellular parameters, compared to ESA-alum. After challenge infection, exosome-alum significantly reduced the brain cyst burden by 75 % while ESA-alum gave 42 % reduction and evoked higher humoral and cellular immune responses. Therefore, the possibility of using T. gondii infected cells-derived exosome-alum as a vaccine is a new perspective in toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihan M Tawfeek
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman F Abou-El-Naga
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | | | - Dina Sabry
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Egypt; Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | - Salwa Sami Younis
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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3
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Arafa FM, Mogahed NMFH, Eltarahony MM, Diab RG. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles: trace element with promising anti-toxoplasma effect. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:639-654. [PMID: 36871204 PMCID: PMC10498805 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2186079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the coccidian Toxoplasma gondii which represents a food and water contaminant. The available chemotherapeutic agents for toxoplasmosis are limited and the choice is difficult when considering the side effects. Selenium is an essential trace element. It is naturally found in dietary sources, especially seafood, and cereals. Selenium and selenocompounds showed anti-parasitic effects through antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The present study evaluated the potential efficacy of environmentally benign selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against acute toxoplasmosis in a mouse model. SeNPs were fabricated by nanobiofactory Streptomyces fulvissimus and characterized by different analytical techniques including, UV-spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, EDX, and XRD. Swiss albino mice were infected with Toxoplasma RH strain in a dose of 3500 tachyzoites in 100 μl saline to induce acute toxoplasmosis. Mice were divided into five groups. Group I: non-infected, non-treated, group II: infected, non-treated, group III: non-infected, treated with SeNPs, group IV: infected, treated with co-trimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) and group V: infected, treated with SeNPs. There was a significant increase in survival time in the SeNPs-treated group and minimum parasite count was observed compared to untreated mice in hepatic and splenic impression smears. Scanning electron microscopy showed tachyzoites deformity with multiple depressions and protrusions, while transmission electron microscopy showed excessive vacuolization and lysis of the cytoplasm, especially in the area around the nucleus and the apical complex, together with irregular cell boundary and poorly demarcated cell organelles. The present study demonstrated that the biologically synthesized SeNPs can be a potential natural anti-Toxoplasma agent in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadwa M. Arafa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nermine M. F. H. Mogahed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marwa M. Eltarahony
- Environmental Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Universities and Research centers District, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Radwa G. Diab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Mogahed NMFH, El-Temsahy MM, Abou-El-Naga IF, Makled S, Sheta E, Ibrahim EI. Loading praziquantel within solid lipid nanoparticles improved its schistosomicidal efficacy against the juvenile stage. Exp Parasitol 2023; 251:108552. [PMID: 37285898 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shimaa Makled
- Pharmaceutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Eman Sheta
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Eman Ibrahim Ibrahim
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
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Kasbaum FE, de Carvalho DM, de Jesus Rodrigues L, Cardoso G, Pinho LAG, Martins FT, Cunha-Filho M, Taveira SF, Marreto RN. Development of Lipid Polymer Hybrid Drug Delivery Systems Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion. AAPS PharmSciTech 2023; 24:156. [PMID: 37468721 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02610-y] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study sought to develop polymer-lipid hybrid solid dispersions containing the poorly soluble drug lopinavir (LPV) by hot-melt extrusion (HME). Hence, the lipid and polymeric adjuvants were selected based on miscibility and compatibility studies. Film casting was used to assess the miscibility, whereas thermal, spectroscopic, and chromatographic analyses were employed to evaluate drug-excipient compatibility. Extrudates were obtained and characterized by physicochemical tests, including in vitro LPV dissolution. Preformulation studies led to select the most appropriate materials, i.e., the polymers PVPVA and Soluplus®, the plasticizers polyethylene glycol 400 and Kolliphor® HS15, phosphatidylcholine, and sodium taurodeoxycholate. HME processing did not result in LPV degradation and significantly increased entrapment efficiency (93.8% ± 2.8 for Soluplus® extrudate against 19.8% ± 0.5 of the respective physical mixture). LPV dissolution was also increased from the extrudates compared to the corresponding physical mixtures (p < 0.05). The dissolution improvement was considerably greater for the Soluplus®-based formulation (24.3 and 2.8-fold higher than pure LPV and PVPVA-based extrudate after 120 min, respectively), which can be attributed to the more pronounced effects of HME processing on the average size and LPV solid-state properties in the Soluplus® extrudates. Transmission electron microscopy and chemical microanalysis suggested that the polymer-lipid interactions in Soluplus®-based formulation depended on thermal processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Eduardo Kasbaum
- Laboratory of Nanosystems and Drug Delivery Devices (NanoSYS), School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rua 240, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Danilo Monteiro de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Nanosystems and Drug Delivery Devices (NanoSYS), School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rua 240, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Laís de Jesus Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Nanosystems and Drug Delivery Devices (NanoSYS), School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rua 240, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Gleidson Cardoso
- Laboratory of Nanosystems and Drug Delivery Devices (NanoSYS), School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rua 240, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Ludmila Alvim Gomes Pinho
- Laboratory of Food, Drug and Cosmetics (LTMAC), School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Marcilio Cunha-Filho
- Laboratory of Food, Drug and Cosmetics (LTMAC), School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Stephânia Fleury Taveira
- Laboratory of Nanosystems and Drug Delivery Devices (NanoSYS), School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rua 240, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Neves Marreto
- Laboratory of Nanosystems and Drug Delivery Devices (NanoSYS), School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rua 240, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil.
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El-kady AM, S. Hassan A, Mohamed K, Alfaifi MS, Elshazly H, Alamri ZZ, Wakid MH, Gattan HS, Altwaim SA, Al-Megrin WAI, Younis S. Zinc oxide nanoparticles produced by Zingiber officinale ameliorates acute toxoplasmosis-induced pathological and biochemical alterations and reduced parasite burden in mice model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011447. [PMID: 37410712 PMCID: PMC10325114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although, approximately 30% of the world's population is estimated to be infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) with serious manifestations in immunocompromised patients and pregnant females, the available treatment options for toxoplasmosis are limited with serious side effects. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify novel potent, well tolerated candidates for treatment of toxoplasmosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using Zingiber officinale against acute toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected mice. METHODS The ethanolic extract of ginger was used to prepare ZnO NPs. The produced ZnO NPs were characterized in terms of structure and morphology using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV- spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared formula was used in treatment of T. gondii RH virulent strain. Forty animals were divided into four groups, with ten mice per group. The first group was the uninfected, control group. The second group was infected but untreated. The third and the fourth groups received ZnO NPs and Spiramycin orally in a dose of 10 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg/day respectively. The effect of the used formulas on the animals survival rate, parasite burden, liver enzymes -including Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)-, nitric oxide (NO) and Catalase antioxidant enzyme (CAT) activity was measured. Moreover, the effect of treatment on histopathological alterations associated with toxoplasmosis was examined. RESULTS Mice treated with ZnO NPs showed the longest survival time with significant reduction in the parasite load in the livers and peritoneal fluids of the same group. Moreover, ZnO NPs treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the level of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and NO and a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of CAT enzyme. SEM examination of tachyzoites from the peritoneal fluid showed marked distortion of T. gondii tachyzoites isolated from mice treated with ZnO NPs in comparison to untreated group. T. gondii induced histopathological alterations in the liver and brain were reversed by ZnO NPs treatment with restoration of normal tissue morphology. CONCLUSION The produced formula showed a good therapeutic potential in treatment of murine toxoplasmosis as demonstrated by prolonged survival rate, reduced parasite burden, improved T. gondii associated liver injury and histopathological alterations. Thus, we assume that the protective effect observed in the current research is attributed to the antioxidant capability of NPs. Based on the results obtained from the current work, we suggest greenly produced ZnO NPs as a chemotherapeutic agent with good therapeutic potential and high levels of safety in the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M. El-kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Abeer S. Hassan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Khalil Mohamed
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael S. Alfaifi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences-Scientific Departments, Qassim University, Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Zaenah Zuhair Alamri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed H. Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan S. Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah A. Altwaim
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa Abdullah I. Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa Younis
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Król G, Fortunka K, Majchrzak M, Piktel E, Paprocka P, Mańkowska A, Lesiak A, Karasiński M, Strzelecka A, Durnaś B, Bucki R. Metallic Nanoparticles and Core-Shell Nanosystems in the Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Parasitic Diseases. Pathogens 2023; 12:838. [PMID: 37375528 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The usage of nanotechnology in the fight against parasitic diseases is in the early stages of development, but it brings hopes that this new field will provide a solution to target the early stages of parasitosis, compensate for the lack of vaccines for most parasitic diseases, and also provide new treatment options for diseases in which parasites show increased resistance to current drugs. The huge physicochemical diversity of nanomaterials developed so far, mainly for antibacterial and anti-cancer therapies, requires additional studies to determine their antiparasitic potential. When designing metallic nanoparticles (MeNPs) and specific nanosystems, such as complexes of MeNPs, with the shell of attached drugs, several physicochemical properties need to be considered. The most important are: size, shape, surface charge, type of surfactants that control their dispersion, and shell molecules that should assure specific molecular interaction with targeted molecules of parasites' cells. Therefore, it can be expected that the development of antiparasitic drugs using strategies provided by nanotechnology and the use of nanomaterials for diagnostic purposes will soon provide new and effective methods of antiparasitic therapy and effective diagnostic tools that will improve the prevention and reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Król
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Kamila Fortunka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Michał Majchrzak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2B, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Paulina Paprocka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Angelika Mańkowska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Agata Lesiak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Maciej Karasiński
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Strzelecka
- Department of Public Health , Institute of Health Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Bonita Durnaś
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
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Abou-El-Naga I, Younis S, Radwan K. Molluscicidal effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/2221-1691.367688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Aanish Ali M, Rehman N, Park TJ, Basit MA. Antiviral role of nanomaterials: a material scientist's perspective. RSC Adv 2022; 13:47-79. [PMID: 36605642 PMCID: PMC9769549 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06410c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present world continues to face unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaboration between researchers of multiple disciplines is the need of the hour. There is a need to develop antiviral agents capable of inhibiting viruses and tailoring existing antiviral drugs for efficient delivery to prevent a surge in deaths caused by viruses globally. Biocompatible systems have been designed using nanotechnological principles which showed appreciable results against a wide range of viruses. Many nanoparticles can act as antiviral therapeutic agents if synthesized by the correct approach. Moreover, nanoparticles can act as carriers of antiviral drugs while overcoming their inherent drawbacks such as low solubility, poor bioavailability, uncontrolled release, and side effects. This review highlights the potential of nanomaterials in antiviral applications by discussing various studies and their results regarding antiviral potential of nanoparticles while also suggesting future directions to researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aanish Ali
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Space Technology Islamabad 44000 Pakistan
| | - Nagina Rehman
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Allama Iqbal Road Faisalabad 38000 Pakistan
| | - Tae Joo Park
- Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University Ansan 15588 Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Abdul Basit
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Space Technology Islamabad 44000 Pakistan
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Cheng A, Zhang H, Chen B, Zheng S, Wang H, Shi Y, You S, Li M, Jiang L. Modulation of autophagy as a therapeutic strategy for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:902428. [PMID: 36093185 PMCID: PMC9448867 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.902428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection is a severe health threat that endangers billions of people worldwide. T. gondii utilizes the host cell membrane to form a parasitophorous vacuole (PV), thereby fully isolating itself from the host cell cytoplasm and making intracellular clearance difficult. PV can be targeted and destroyed by autophagy. Autophagic targeting results in T. gondii killing via the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes. However, T. gondii has developed many strategies to suppress autophagic targeting. Accordingly, the interplay between host cell autophagy and T. gondii is an emerging area with important practical implications. By promoting the canonical autophagy pathway or attenuating the suppression of autophagic targeting, autophagy can be effectively utilized in the development of novel therapeutic strategies against T gondii. Here, we have illustrated the complex interplay between host cell mediated autophagy and T. gondii. Different strategies to promote autophagy in order to target the parasite have been elucidated. Besides, we have analyzed some potential new drug molecules from the DrugBank database using bioinformatics tools, which can modulate autophagy. Various challenges and opportunities focusing autophagy mediated T. gondii clearance have been discussed, which will provide new insights for the development of novel drugs against the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huanan Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Baike Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shengyao Zheng
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongyi Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yijia Shi
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siyao You
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Jiang, ; Ming Li,
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Jiang, ; Ming Li,
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Gamea GA, Elmehy DA, Salama AM, Soliman NA, Afifi OK, Elkaliny HH, Abo El gheit RE, El-Ebiary AA, Tahoon DM, Elkholy RA, Shoeib SM, Eleryan MA, Younis SS. Direct and indirect antiparasitic effects of chloroquine against the virulent RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii: An experimental study. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106508. [PMID: 35568067 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106508] [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: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a deleterious parasitic disease with harmful impact on both humans and animals. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antiparasitic effect of chloroquine (CQ), spiramycin (SP), and combination of both against the highly virulent RH HXGPRT (-) strain of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and to explore the mechanisms underlying such effect. METHODS We counted the tachyzoites in the peritoneal fluid and liver smears of mice and performed scanning and transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining of tachyzoites. Moreover, relative caspase 3 gene expression was measured by real time polymerase chain reaction of liver tissues and immunoassay of anti-apoptotic markers [B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and X-chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)] and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) was done in liver tissues by ELISA. In addition, we estimated serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and performed histopathological examination of liver sections for scoring of inflammation. RESULTS We found that both CQ and CQ/SP combination significantly reduced parasitic load in the peritoneal fluid and liver smears, induced apical disruption of tachyzoites, triggered host cell apoptosis through elevation of relative caspase 3 gene expression and suppression of both Bcl-2 and XIAP. Also, they upregulated IFN-γ level, reduced serum AST and ALT, and ameliorated liver inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Either of CQ and CQ/SP combination was more effective than SP alone against T. gondii with the CQ/SP combination being more efficient. Therefore, adding CQ to other anti-Toxoplasma therapeutic regimens may be considered in future research.
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A single oral dose of celecoxib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for treatment of different developmental stages of experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Acta Trop 2022; 229:106342. [PMID: 35157841 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is associated with severe pathology, mortality and economic loss. The treatment and control of schistosomiasis depends mainly on a single dose of praziquantel (PZQ). Drug repurposing and nanomedicine attract great attention to improve anti-schistosomal therapy. Previously, we reported that celecoxib (CELE), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, showed potent anti-schistosomal efficacy in an oral dose of 20 mg/kg/day for five days against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infection in mice. The aim of the current study was to shorten the duration of CELE treatment to reach an effective single oral dose against different developmental stages of S. mansoni infection using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as nano-carriers. The latter enhance the solubility, bioavailability and drug delivery and hence can decrease the frequency of administration which is of great clinical value. CELE-loaded SLNs showed good colloidal properties, high entrapment efficiency and drug loading, sustained biphasic release pattern with excellent storage stability. The used regimen was efficient against different developmental stages of S. mansoni infection with the most pronounced effect against the juvenile stage where the worm load, the hepatic egg count and the intestinal egg count were reduced by 86.39%, 91.45% and 90.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, when targeting the invasive and the adult stages, it induced reduction in the worm load by 73.55% and 78.22%, the hepatic egg count by 69.99% and 75.39% and the intestinal egg count by 77.57% and 79.89%, respectively. Additionally, CELE-loaded SLNs caused extensive tegumental damage of adult worms and marked improvement in the liver pathology.
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Lunardi CN, Subrinho FL, Freitas Barros MPD, Lima RC, de Queiroz Melo ACM, Barbosa DDM, Negreiros LGD, Rodrigues BS, Neiva MS, Linhares JVR, Dalla Costa GF, Gomes ADJ. BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS: NANOTECHNOLOGY AND COVID-19. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:629-638. [PMID: 35255795 DOI: 10.2174/1568026622666220307125446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic information is critical in order to study it further, but the virus has still not been confined. In addition, even if there is no longer any threat, more knowledge may be gathered from these resources. METHODS The data used in this study was gathered from several scientific areas and the links between them. Due to the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has not been fully contained and additional information can be gleaned from these references, bibliometric analysis of it is important. RESULTS In total 155 publications on the topic of "COVID-19" and the keyword "nanotechnology" were identified in the Scopus database between 2020 and 2021 in a network visualization map. CONCLUSION As a result, our analysis was conducted at the appropriate time to provide a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 and nanotechnology and prospective research directions for medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claure Nain Lunardi
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Lima Subrinho
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Mirella Paula de Freitas Barros
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Raiane Cavalcante Lima
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Magalhaes de Queiroz Melo
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Melo Barbosa
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Luana Gouveia De Negreiros
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Brenda Soares Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Mateus Sousa Neiva
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Joao Victor Ribeiro Linhares
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Farrapeira Dalla Costa
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Anderson de Jesus Gomes
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Centro Metropolitano 1 Conjunto, Brasília, 72220-900, DF, Brazil
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Praziquantel-encapsulated niosomes against Schistosoma mansoni with reduced sensitivity to praziquantel. BIOMÉDICA 2022; 42:67-84. [PMID: 35471171 PMCID: PMC9059922 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only commercially available drug for schistosomiasis. The current shortage of alternative effective drugs and the lack of successful preventive measures enhance its value. The increase in the prevalence of PZQ resistance under sustained drug pressure is, therefore, an upcoming issue. Objective: To overcome the tolerance to PZQ using nanotechnology after laboratory induction of a Schistosoma mansoni isolate with reduced sensitivity to the drug during the intramolluscan phase. Materials and methods: Shedding snails were treated with PZQ doses of 200 mg/kg twice/ week followed by an interval of one week and then repeated twice in the same manner. The success of inducing reduced sensitivity was confirmed in vitro via the reduction of cercarial response to PZQ regarding their swimming activity and death percentage at different examination times. Results: Oral treatment with a single PZQ dose of 500 mg/kg in mice infected with cercariae with reduced sensitivity to PZQ revealed a non-significant reduction (35.1%) of total worm burden compared to non-treated control mice. Orally inoculated PZQ- encapsulated niosomes against S. mansoni with reduced sensitivity to PZQ successfully regained the pathogen’s sensitivity to PZQ as evidenced by measuring different parameters in comparison to the non-treated infected animals with parasites with reduced sensitivity to PZQ. The mean total worm load was 1.33 ± 0.52 with a statistically significant reduction of 94.09% and complete eradication of male worms. We obtained a remarkable increase in the percentage reduction of tissue egg counts in the liver and intestine (97.68% and 98.56%, respectively) associated with a massive increase in dead eggs and the complete absence of immature stages. Conclusion: PZQ-encapsulated niosomes restored the drug sensitivity against laboratory- induced S. mansoni adult worms with reduced sensitivity to PZQ.
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Mohamed N, Hamad MA, Ghaleb AH, Esmat G, Elsabahy M. Applications of nanoengineered therapeutics and vaccines: special emphasis on COVID-19. IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF NANOMATERIALS 2022. [PMCID: PMC9212255 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-90604-3.00003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nanomedicine provides innovative strategies that had significantly improved drug and gene delivery and allowed control over the engineering of therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines, and other medical devices, for a diversity of medical applications. This review focuses on the current attempts to develop potent nanoengineered vaccines and therapeutics against coronaviruses, and the recent fabrication strategies and design principles to control acute infections from the escalating SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Nanomedical approaches provide versatile platforms that can be utilized to enhance the overall potency, safety, and stability of vaccines, thus augmenting the desired immune response. Their modulable conformational features of size, shape, surface charge, antigen display, and composition allow for precise tuning and optimization of the nanoconstructs for the management of a variety of diseases and pathological conditions. The ability to control the release of their encapsulated cargoes and the possibility of surface decoration with various moieties support the construction of multifunctional nanomaterials that ultimately boost and prolong the immune response elicited and/or therapeutic effects, selectively at the diseased tissues and target sites.
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Repurposing auranofin for treatment of Experimental Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:827-836. [PMID: 33555553 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00337-z] [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: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES Evaluate the effect of auranofin on the early and late stages of chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii avirulent ME49 strain. METHODS Swiss albino mice were orally inoculated with 10 cysts of Toxoplasma gondii, and orally treated with auranofin or septazole in daily doses of 20 mg/kg or 100 mg /kg, respectively, for 30 days. Treatment began either on the same day of infection and mice were sacrificed at the 60th day postinfection or the treatment started after 60 days of infection and mice were sacrificed at the 90th day postinfection. RESULTS Auranofin significantly reduced the brain cyst burden and inflammatory reaction at both stages of infection compared to the infected non-treated control. More remarkably, auranofin significant reduced the brain cyst burden in the late stage, while septazole failed. Hydrogen peroxide level was significantly increased in the brain homogenate of mice treated with auranofin only at the early stage of infection. Ultrastructral studies revealed that the anti-Toxoplasma effect of auranofin is achieved by changing the membrane permeability and inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Thus, auranofin could be an alternative for the standard treatment regimen of toxoplasmosis and these results are considered another achievement for the drug against parasitic infection. Being a FDA-approved drug, it can be rapidly evaluated in clinical trials.
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Abou-El-Naga IF, Gomaa MM, ElAchy SN. Effect of HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors on experimental infection with a cystogenic Me49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 116:107-118. [PMID: 34420500 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1967628] [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: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease of major significant perspectives in public health and veterinary medicine. So far, the available drugs control only the active infection, once the parasite encysts in the tissues, they lose their efficacy. Cytokines; IFN-γ and IL-10, play a critical role in the modulation of toxoplasmic encephalitis and neuro-inflammation in chronic toxoplasmosis. Antiretroviral protease inhibitors applied in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, revealed activity against multiple parasites. Aluvia (lopinavir/ritonavir) (L/R); an aspartyl protease inhibitor, had efficiently treated T. gondii RH strain infection. We investigated the potential activity of L/R against experimental T. gondii infection with a cystogenic Me49 strain in mice, considering the role of IFN-γ and IL-10 in the neuropathology versus pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine combination therapy. Three aluvia regimens were applied; starting on the day of infection (acute phase), 2-week PI (early chronic phase) and eight weeks PI (late chronic phase). L/R reduced the brain-tissue cyst burden significantly in all treatment regimens. It impaired the parasite infectivity markedly in the late chronic phase. Ultrastructural changes were detected in Toxoplasma cyst membrane and wall, bradyzoite membrane and nuclear envelope. The signs of bradyzoite paraptosis and cytoplasmic lipid droplets were observed. L/R had significantly reduced the brain-homogenate levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in its three regimens however, they could not reach the normal level in chronic phases. Cerebral hypercellularity, perivascular inflammatory response, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and glial cellular reaction were ameliorated by L/R treatment. Herein, L/R was proved to possess promising preventive and therapeutic perspectives in chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Fathy Abou-El-Naga
- Department Of Medical Parasitology, Faculty Of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Maha Mohamed Gomaa
- Department Of Medical Parasitology, Faculty Of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samar Nabil ElAchy
- Department Of Pathology, Faculty Of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Tavakol S, Zahmatkeshan M, Mohammadinejad R, Mehrzadi S, Joghataei MT, Alavijeh MS, Seifalian A. The role of nanotechnology in current COVID-19 outbreak. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06841. [PMID: 33880422 PMCID: PMC8049405 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06841] [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: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has recently become one of the most challenging pandemics of the last century with deadly outcomes and a high rate of reproduction number. It emphasizes the critical need for the designing of efficient vaccines to prevent virus infection, early and fast diagnosis by the high sensitivity and selectivity diagnostic kits, and effective antiviral and protective therapeutics to decline and eliminate the viral load and side effects derived from tissue damages. Therefore, non-toxic antiviral nanoparticles (NPs) have been under development for clinical application to prevent and treat COVID-19. NPs showed great promise to provide nano vaccines against viral infections. Here, we discuss the potentials of NPs that may be applied as a drug itself or as a platform for the aim of drug and vaccine repurposing and development. Meanwhile, the advanced strategies based on NPs to detect viruses will be described with the goal of encouraging scientists to design effective and cost-benefit nanoplatforms for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Services Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - Masoumeh Zahmatkeshan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad T. Joghataei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mo S. Alavijeh
- Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Services Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Seifalian
- Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine Commercialization Centre (NanoRegMed Ltd, UK), London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, NW1 0NH, United Kingdom
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A Concept Evaluation Study of a New Combination Bictegravir plus Tenofovir Alafenamide Nanoformulation with Prolonged Sustained-Drug-Release Potency for HIV-1 Preexposure Prophylaxis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.02320-20. [PMID: 33526487 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02320-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiretroviral treatment (ART) approach is the best-prescribed approach to date for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals. However, the daily combination antiretroviral (cARV) regimen has become cumbersome for healthy individuals, leading to nonadherence. Recent surveys showed high acceptance of parenteral sustained-release ART enhancing PrEP adherence. Our approach is to design a parenteral nanoparticle (NP)-based cARV sustained-release (cARV-SR) system as long-acting HIV PrEP. Here, we report a new combination of two potent ARVs (tenofovir alafenamide fumarate [TAF] and bictegravir [BIC]) loaded as a nanoformulation intended as a cARV-SR for PrEP. The BIC+TAF NPs were fabricated by using a standardized in-house methodology. In vitro intracellular kinetics, cytotoxicity, and HIV-1 protection studies demonstrated that BIC+TAF encapsulation prolonged drug retention, reduced drug-associated cytotoxicity, and enhanced HIV protection. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, nanoformulated BIC+TAF demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) improvement in the drug's selectivity index by 472 times compared to the BIC+TAF in solution. In vivo pharmacokinetic study of BIC, TAF, and respective drug metabolites in female BALB/c mice after single subcutaneous doses of BIC+TAF NPs demonstrated plasma drug concentrations of BIC and tenofovir above the intracellular 50% inhibitory concentration during the entire 30-day study period and prolonged persistence of both active drugs in the HIV target organs, including the vagina, colon, spleen, and lymph nodes. This report demonstrates that the encapsulation of BIC+TAF in a nanoformulation improved its therapeutic selectivity and the in vivo pharmacokinetics of free drugs. Based on these preliminary studies, we hypothesize that cARV-SR has potential as an innovative once-monthly delivery treatment for PrEP.
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20
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Smith NC, Goulart C, Hayward JA, Kupz A, Miller CM, van Dooren GG. Control of human toxoplasmosis. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:95-121. [PMID: 33347832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite that is able to infect any nucleated cell in any warm-blooded animal. Toxoplasma gondii infects around 2 billion people and, whilst only a small percentage of infected people will suffer serious disease, the prevalence of the parasite makes it one of the most damaging zoonotic diseases in the world. Toxoplasmosis is a disease with multiple manifestations: it can cause a fatal encephalitis in immunosuppressed people; if first contracted during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage or congenital defects in the neonate; and it can cause serious ocular disease, even in immunocompetent people. The disease has a complex epidemiology, being transmitted by ingestion of oocysts that are shed in the faeces of definitive feline hosts and contaminate water, soil and crops, or by consumption of intracellular cysts in undercooked meat from intermediate hosts. In this review we examine current and future approaches to control toxoplasmosis, which encompass a variety of measures that target different components of the life cycle of T. gondii. These include: education programs about the parasite and avoidance of contact with infectious stages; biosecurity and sanitation to ensure food and water safety; chemo- and immunotherapeutics to control active infections and disease; prophylactic options to prevent acquisition of infection by livestock and cyst formation in meat; and vaccines to prevent shedding of oocysts by definitive feline hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
| | - Cibelly Goulart
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Jenni A Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Andreas Kupz
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Catherine M Miller
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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21
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Elkerdany ED, Elnassery SM, Arafa FM, Zaki SAF, Mady RF. In vitro effect of a novel protease inhibitor cocktail on Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Exp Parasitol 2020; 219:108010. [PMID: 33007297 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease and a global food and water-borne infection. The disease is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is a highly successful and remarkable pathogen because of its ability to infect almost any nucleated cell in warm-blooded animals. The present study was done to demonstrate the effect of protease inhibitors cocktail (PIC), which inhibit both cysteine and serine proteases, on in vitro cultured T. gondii tachyzoites on HepG2 cell line. This was achieved by assessing its effect on the invasion of the host cells and the intracellular development of T.gondii tachyzoites through measuring their number and viability after their incubation with PIC. Based on the results of the study, it was evident that the inhibitory action of the PIC was effective when applied to tachyzoites before their cultivation on HepG2 cells. Pre-treatment of T.gondii tachyzoites with PIC resulted in failure of the invasion of most of the tachyzoites and decreased the intracellular multiplication and viability of the tachyzoites that succeeded in the initial invasion process. Ultrastructural studies showed morphological alteration in tachyzoites and disruption in their organelles. This effect was irreversible till the complete lysis of cell monolayer in cultures. It can be concluded that PIC, at in vitro levels, could prevent invasion and intracellular multiplication of Toxoplasma tachyzoites. In addition, it is cost effective compared to individual protease inhibitors. It also had the benefit of combined therapy as it lowered the concentration of each protease inhibitor used in the cocktail. Other in vivo experiments are required to validate the cocktail efficacy against toxoplasmosis. Further studies may be needed to establish the exact mechanism by which the PIC exerts its effect on Toxoplasma tachyzoites behavior and its secretory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman D Elkerdany
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Suzanne M Elnassery
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Fadwa M Arafa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Sahar Abdel-Fattah Zaki
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Biotechnology Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Egypt.
| | - Rasha F Mady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
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Katata-Seru L, Ojo BM, Okubanjo O, Soremekun R, Aremu OS. Nanoformulated Eudragit lopinavir and preliminary release of its loaded suppositories. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03890. [PMID: 32420478 PMCID: PMC7218025 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of novel paediatrics formulations is critical towards achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. According to the latest UNAIDS reports, the availability of antiretrovirals (ARVs) for children has increased significantly, from 49% in 2015 to 53% in 2017. However, this percentage is considerably lower than the 80% for pregnant women that are currently on treatment. Therefore, there is still an urgent need for an alternative child-friendly delivery system. Lopinavir (LPV) is a protease inhibitor first-line HIV treatment drugs but suffers from low aqueous solubility, bitter state, short half-life leading to a limited dissolution and variable bioavailability upon oral administration. This work focused on the fabrication and characterization of a delivery system entailing Eudragit RSPO-LPV nanoparticles loaded suppositories in two different bases to improve the bioavailability and overcome the problem encountered through oral administration emanating from poor solubility. The prepared nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation method were characterized and compounded into suppositories in fattibase and polyethylene glycol (PEG) bases using a melt fusion method. The suppositories were stored at 5 and 25 °C, and were sampled at 0, 4, 8, 12 weeks. The samples were assessed by particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE), zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) variations. The preliminary in vitro release studies were analysed by HPLC. The nanoparticles have an average particle size of 191 nm with spherical morphology, entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index and zeta potential of 79.0 ± 0.5%, 0.224, and 25.87 ± 0.41 mV respectively. The surface analysis of the nanoparticles with FTIR, SEM, PXRD and TGA indicated that the drug was truly encapsulated without any interaction. The in vitro release studies showed that a better release was observed in suppositories formulated with PEG than the fattibase by having higher drug concentration released. Hence, this rectal formulation might serve as an alternative for paediatric HIV treatment upon further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebogang Katata-Seru
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa
| | - Babatunde Moses Ojo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa
| | - Omotunde Okubanjo
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Rebeccah Soremekun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oluwole Samuel Aremu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa
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Rial MS, Arrúa EC, Natale MA, Bua J, Esteva MI, Prado NG, Laucella SA, Salomon CJ, Fichera LE. Efficacy of continuous versus intermittent administration of nanoformulated benznidazole during the chronic phase of Trypanosoma cruzi Nicaragua infection in mice. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 75:1906-1916. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Benznidazole and nifurtimox are effective drugs used to treat Chagas’ disease; however, their administration in patients in the chronic phase of the disease is still limited, mainly due to their limited efficacy in the later chronic stage of the disease and to the adverse effects related to these drugs.
Objectives
To evaluate the effect of low doses of nanoformulated benznidazole using a chronic model of Trypanosoma cruzi Nicaragua infection in C57BL/6J mice.
Methods
Nanoformulations were administered in two different schemes: one daily dose for 30 days or one dose every 7 days, 13 times.
Results
Both treatment schemes showed promising outcomes, such as the elimination of parasitaemia, a reduction in the levels of T. cruzi-specific antibodies and a reduction in T. cruzi-specific IFN-γ-producing cells, as well as an improvement in electrocardiographic alterations and a reduction in inflammation and fibrosis in the heart compared with untreated T. cruzi-infected animals. These results were also compared with those from our previous work on benznidazole administration, which was shown to be effective in the same chronic model.
Conclusions
In this experimental model, intermittently administered benznidazole nanoformulations were as effective as those administered continuously; however, the total dose administered in the intermittent scheme was lower, indicating a promising therapeutic approach to Chagas’ disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Rial
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E C Arrúa
- Area Técnica Farmacéutica, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - M A Natale
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Bua
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M I Esteva
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N G Prado
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S A Laucella
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C J Salomon
- Area Técnica Farmacéutica, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L E Fichera
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Biological evaluation of newly synthesized quinoline–based compound PPQ-8 in acute and chronic toxoplasmosis: An experimental study. Exp Parasitol 2019; 206:107756. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Successful treatment of acute experimental toxoplasmosis by spiramycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. Exp Parasitol 2019; 204:107717. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Zi P, Zhang C, Ju C, Su Z, Bao Y, Gao J, Sun J, Lu J, Zhang C. Solubility and bioavailability enhancement study of lopinavir solid dispersion matrixed with a polymeric surfactant - Soluplus. Eur J Pharm Sci 2019; 134:233-245. [PMID: 31028820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
As a biopharmaceutical classification system Class IV drug, lopinavir (LPV) shows relatively poor water solubility and permeation in vivo. In the study, we developed novel solid dispersions (SD) of LPV to improve its bioavailability and to describe their overall behaviors. By employing solvent evaporation for a preliminary formulation screening, the SDs of LPV-polymer-sorbitan monolaurate (SBM, as the wetting agent) at 1:4:0.4 (w/w) dramatically enhanced the LPV dissolution in a non-sink medium, and then hot-melt extrusion (HME) was applied to improve the dissolution further. A hydrophilic polymer - Kollidon VA 64 (VA64) and a polymeric surfactant Soluplus were employed as matrix respectively in the optimized formulations. The dissolution profiles of extrudates were significantly higher than those of SDs prepared with solvent-evaporation method. It was attributed to the stronger intermolecular interactions between LPV and the polymers in the HME process, which was also supported by the stability analysis after 6 months storage under 25 °C/60% RH. The differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and equilibrium studies showed VA64 only created hydrogen bonding (H-bond) with LPV, but Soluplus generated both H-bond and micelle thanks to its amphiphilic structure. In addition, the bioavailability of LPV in Soluplus matrixed extrudate was 1.70-fold of VA64 matrixed extrudate and 3.70-fold of LPV crystal. In situ permeability and Caco-2 cell transport studies revealed that Soluplus significantly enhanced the permeability of LPV through rat intestine and Caco-2 cell monolayers by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition. Herein, Soluplus matrixed extrudate improved the LPV bioavailability through three mechanisms: H-bond with LPV, micelle formation in water and P-gp inhibition in vivo. These unique advantages of Soluplus suggested it is a promising carrier for poorly water soluble drugs, especially the substrates of P-gp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Caoyun Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhigui Su
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yusheng Bao
- Nanjing Heron Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Co. Ltd., No.18 Zhilan Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Jie Gao
- BASF (China) Co., Ltd., 300 Jiang Xin Sha Road, Pudong District, Shanghai 200137, China
| | - Juan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiannan Lu
- Evelo Bioscience, 620 Memorial Drive, Suite 500, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Can Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Martins C, Sousa F, Araújo F, Sarmento B. Functionalizing PLGA and PLGA Derivatives for Drug Delivery and Tissue Regeneration Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29171928 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) is one of the most versatile biomedical polymers, already approved by regulatory authorities to be used in human research and clinics. Due to its valuable characteristics, PLGA can be tailored to acquire desirable features for control bioactive payload or scaffold matrix. Moreover, its chemical modification with other polymers or bioconjugation with molecules may render PLGA with functional properties that make it the Holy Grail among the synthetic polymers to be applied in the biomedical field. In this review, the physical-chemical properties of PLGA, its synthesis, degradation, and conjugation with other polymers or molecules are revised in detail, as well as its applications in drug delivery and regeneration fields. A particular focus is given to successful examples of products already on the market or at the late stages of trials, reinforcing the potential of this polymer in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Martins
- I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde; Universidade do Porto; Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200-393 Porto Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica; Universidade do Porto; Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200-393 Porto Portugal
| | - Flávia Sousa
- I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde; Universidade do Porto; Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200-393 Porto Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica; Universidade do Porto; Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200-393 Porto Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar; Universidade do Porto; Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228 4050-313 Porto Portugal
| | - Francisca Araújo
- I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde; Universidade do Porto; Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200-393 Porto Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica; Universidade do Porto; Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200-393 Porto Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde; Universidade do Porto; Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200-393 Porto Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica; Universidade do Porto; Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200-393 Porto Portugal
- CESPU - Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde; Rua Central de Gandra 1317 4585-116 Gandra Portugal
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