1
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Shtaiwi A. Thiadiazine-thiones as inhibitors of leishmania pteridine reductase (PTR1) target: investigations and in silico approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:8588-8597. [PMID: 37578348 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2246589] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease and is one of the major public health concerns in developing countries. Many drugs have been identified for leishmania as targets, but the potential toxicity and long-term treatment remain the most significant problems in terms of further development. The present study employed physicochemical investigations, structure-based virtual screening, ADMET analysis, molecular dynamics simulation, and MM-PBSA, to identify potential compounds for Leishmania. We evaluated 30,926 natural products from the NPASS database, and four potentials passed the pharmacokinetic ADMET studies and were verified using the molecular docking approach. Molecular docking results showed good binding interaction of the compounds with the active site of leishmania pteridine reductase enzyme PTR1, with compound TTC1 showing FRED and Autodock binding energies of -10.33 and -10.94, respectively, which were comparable with the antileishmania drugs of Allopurinol, Miltefosine and the original ligand, methotrexate. TTC1 compound was found to be favorable for hydrophobic interaction with PTR1. In addition, the physicochemical properties of the compounds were studied using the SwissADME web server. All compounds followed Lipinski's rule of five and can be considered as good oral candidates. The analysis of the 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation results based on the best-docked TTC1 with PTR1 receptor demonstrates stable interactions, and the complex undergoes low conformational fluctuations. The average of the calculated binding free energy of the TTC1-1e7w complex is (-68.67 kJ/mol), and the result demonstrated that the TTC1 promoted stability to the Leishmania-PTR1 complex. The potential compounds can be further explored for their antileishmanial activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amneh Shtaiwi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
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2
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Sharma K, Shah J, Singh S, Sengupta S. Development of Amphotericin B Decorated Gold Nanoparticles as a Promising Antileishmanial Nanoconjugate. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:6239-6248. [PMID: 39155492 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00835] [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] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, attributed to the protozoan parasite Leishmania, manifests in diverse clinical forms, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniasis; VL constitutes a significant global health menace. Prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, this affliction disproportionately impacts individuals below the poverty threshold, transmitted through the bite of female sandflies. Existing treatments, such as pentavalent antimony, miltefosine, and Amphotericin B, exhibit limitations. Despite the emergence of liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome) as a promising antileishmanial agent, its utility is impeded by adverse effects, elevated production expenses, and cytotoxicity. To address these challenges, our investigation introduces a potential remedy─a citrate-coated gold Amphotericin B nanoparticle formulation. Characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, this pioneering formulation exhibited efficacy against L. donovani Ag83 promastigotes as demonstrated by MTT cell viability testing. Evaluating internal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and dual staining with acridine orange and ethidium bromide unveiled its consequential impact on cell death. Significantly, our study discloses this novel nanoformulation's unprecedented inhibition of the trypanothione reductase enzyme. The findings posit the citrate-coated gold Amphotericin B nanoformulation as a promising and targeted antileishmanial agent, representing potential advancements in leishmaniasis therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kikku Sharma
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Juhi Shah
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Opposite Journalist Colony, Near Gowlidoddy, Extended Q-City Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad - 500032, Telangana, India
| | - Souvik Sengupta
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
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3
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Sundar S, Singh VK, Agrawal N, Singh OP, Kumar R. Investigational new drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39225742 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2400139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the past 20 years, significant progress has been made in anti-leishmanial therapy. Three new drugs/formulations are available for the treatment of various forms of leishmaniasis, namely oral miltefosine, paromomycin and liposomal amphotericin B. However, these advances in drug development have added considerable complexity for clinicians including toxicity, emergence of resistance and decreased sensitivity of available drugs. The development of newer drugs with less toxicity and more efficacy is urgently needed. AREAS COVERED This review comprehensively examines the latest developments and current status of antileishmanial drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis across the world. Several new investigational drugs that showed anti-leishmanial activity under in vitro or in vivo conditions and either underwent the phase-I/II clinical trials or are on the verge of entering the trials were reviewed. We also delve into the challenges of drug resistance and discuss the emergence of new and effective antileishmanial compounds. EXPERT OPINION The available treatments for leishmaniasis are limited in number, toxic, expensive, and demand extensive healthcare resources. Every available antileishmanial drug is associated with several disadvantages, such as drug resistance and toxicity or high cost. Miltefosine is potentially teratogenic. New antileishmanial drugs/treatment modalities are sorely needed for expanding future treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Vishal Kumar Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Neha Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Om Prakash Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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4
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Tamanna, Fu C, Qadir M, Shah MIA, Shtaiwi A, Khan R, Khan SU, Htar TT, Zada A, Lodhi MA, Ateeq M, Ali A, Naeem M, Ibrahim M, Khan SW. Thiadiazine thione derivatives as anti-leishmanial agents: synthesis, biological evaluation, structure activity relationship, ADMET, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7758-7772. [PMID: 37551015 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2245480] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
During last decades, 3,5-disubstituted-tetrahydro-2H-thiadiazine-2-thione scaffold remains the center of interest due to their ease of preparation, diverse range substituents at N-3 and N-5 positions, and profound biological activities. In the current study, a series of 3,5-disubstituted-tetrahydro-2H-thiadiazine-2-thiones were synthesized in good to excellent yield, and the structure of the compounds were confirmed by various spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and Mass spectrometry, and finally evaluated against Leishmania major. Whereas, all the evaluated compounds (1-33), demonstrate potential leishmanicidal activities with IC50 values in the range of (1.30- 149.98 uM). Among the evaluated compounds such as 3, 4, 6, and 10 exhibited excellent leishmanicidal activities with IC50 values of (2.17 μM), (2.39 μM), (2.00 μM), and (1.39 μM), respectively even better than the standard amphotericin B (IC50 = 0.50) and pentamidine (IC50 = 7.52). In order to investigate binding interaction of the most active compounds, molecular docking study was conducted with Leishmania major. Further molecular dynamic simulation study was also carried out to assess the stability and correct binding of the most active compound 10, within active site of the Leishamania major. Likewise, the physiochemical properties, drug likeness, and ADMET of the most active compounds were investigated, it was found that none of the compounds violate Lipiniski's rule of five, which show that this class of compounds had enough potential to be used as drug candidate in near future.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamanna
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Chaoping Fu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Meshil Qadir
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | | | - Amneh Shtaiwi
- School of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rasool Khan
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Shafi Ullah Khan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Thet Thet Htar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amir Zada
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Ateeq
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Arif Ali
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Naeem
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sher Wali Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal Upper Dir, Pakistan
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5
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de Oliveira BCD, Shiburah ME, Assis LHC, Fontes VS, Bisetegn H, Passos ADO, de Oliveira LS, Alves CDS, Ernst E, Martienssen R, Gallo-Francisco PH, Giorgio S, Batista MM, Soeiro MDNC, Menna-Barreto RFS, Aoki JI, Coelho AC, Cano MIN. Leishmania major telomerase RNA knockout: From altered cell proliferation to decreased parasite infectivity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135150. [PMID: 39218181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135150] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This study focuses on the biological impacts of deleting the telomerase RNA from Leishmania major (LeishTER), a parasite responsible for causing leishmaniases, for which no effective treatment or prevention is available. TER is a critical player in the telomerase ribonucleoprotein complex, containing the template sequence copied by the reverse transcriptase component during telomere elongation. The success of knocking out both LeishTER alleles was confirmed, and no off-targets were detected. LmTER-/- cells share similar characteristics with other TER-depleted eukaryotes, such as altered growth patterns and partial G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in early passages, telomere shortening, and elevated TERRA expression. They also exhibit increased γH2A phosphorylation, suggesting that the loss of LeishTER induces DNA damage signaling. Moreover, pro-survival autophagic signals and mitochondrion alterations were shown without any detectable plasma membrane modifications. LmTER-/- retained the ability to transform into metacyclics, but their infectivity capacity was compromised. Furthermore, the overexpression of LeishTER was also deleterious, inducing a dominant negative effect that led to telomere shortening and growth impairments. These findings highlight TER's vital role in parasite homeostasis, opening discussions about its potential as a drug target candidate against Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cristina Dias de Oliveira
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mark Ewusi Shiburah
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Animal Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-ARI), Accra, Ghana
| | - Luiz Henrique Castro Assis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Veronica Silva Fontes
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Habtye Bisetegn
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Arthur de Oliveira Passos
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leilane S de Oliveira
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Evan Ernst
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute/Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Rob Martienssen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute/Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | | - Selma Giorgio
- Department of Animal Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Cellular Biology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juliana Ide Aoki
- Department of Animal Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano Cappellazzo Coelho
- Department of Animal Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Nogueira Cano
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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6
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Kumar J, Jyotisha, Qureshi R, Jagruthi P, Arifuddin M, Qureshi IA. Discovery of 8-hydroxy-2-quinoline carbaldehyde derivatives as inhibitors for M1 aminopeptidase of Leishmania donovani. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135105. [PMID: 39197615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
M1 aminopeptidase is a metallopeptidase that plays a vital role in protein catabolism and has been identified as a validated drug target in various parasites; however, our understanding of this enzyme is restricted for leishmanial parasite. The present investigation involved the purification of Leishmania donovani M1 aminopeptidase (LdM1AP) to homogeneity by affinity chromatography. Purified LdM1AP was observed to be enzymatically active and displayed maximal activity in the presence of cobalt ions, whereas secondary structure analysis confirmed the dominance of α-helices. Intrinsic fluorescence and quenching studies of LdM1AP has revealed that tryptophan residues were predominantly concealed within the hydrophobic areas. The synthesized 8-hydroxy-2-quinoline carbaldehyde derivatives were screened, wherein HQ2 and HQ12 were found as potent inhibitors for LdM1AP that compete with the substrate and exhibit pharmacokinetic properties as well as no toxicity for macrophages. Moreover, structural insights of protein and ligand complexes demonstrated that lead compounds mostly interact via hydrophobic contacts into the substrate binding pocket of LdM1AP. Furthermore, lead compounds exhibited a greater affinity for LdM1AP compared to the substrate during in vitro and in silico studies. This report establishes the possibility of quinoline derivatives to target the LdM1AP activity and provide a platform to design the specific antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janish Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Jyotisha
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Rahila Qureshi
- Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500039, India
| | - Peddapaka Jagruthi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Mohammed Arifuddin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Insaf Ahmed Qureshi
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad 500046, India.
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7
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Alpizar-Sosa E, Zimbres FM, Mantilla BS, Dickie EA, Wei W, Burle-Caldas GA, Filipe LNS, Van Bocxlaer K, Price HP, Ibarra-Meneses AV, Beaudry F, Fernandez-Prada C, Whitfield PD, Barrett MP, Denny PW. Evaluation of the Leishmania Inositol Phosphorylceramide Synthase as a Drug Target Using a Chemical and Genetic Approach. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2913-2928. [PMID: 39023360 PMCID: PMC11320567 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00284] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The lack of effective vaccines and the development of resistance to the current treatments highlight the urgent need for new anti-leishmanials. Sphingolipid metabolism has been proposed as a promising source of Leishmania-specific targets as these lipids are key structural components of the eukaryotic plasma membrane and are involved in distinct cellular events. Inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) is the primary sphingolipid in the Leishmania species and is the product of a reaction mediated by IPC synthase (IPCS). The antihistamine clemastine fumarate has been identified as an inhibitor of IPCS in L. major and a potent anti-leishmanial in vivo. Here we sought to further examine the target of this compound in the more tractable species L. mexicana, using an approach combining genomic, proteomic, metabolomic and lipidomic technologies, with molecular and biochemical studies. While the data demonstrated that the response to clemastine fumarate was largely conserved, unexpected disturbances beyond sphingolipid metabolism were identified. Furthermore, while deletion of the gene encoding LmxIPCS had little impact in vitro, it did influence clemastine fumarate efficacy and, importantly, in vivo pathogenicity. Together, these data demonstrate that clemastine does inhibit LmxIPCS and cause associated metabolic disturbances, but its primary target may lie elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia M. Zimbres
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Brian S. Mantilla
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Emily A. Dickie
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Gabriela A. Burle-Caldas
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
- Departamento
de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade
Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 486 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laura N. S. Filipe
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Katrien Van Bocxlaer
- York
Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5NG, U.K.
| | - Helen P. Price
- School
of Life Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, U.K.
| | - Ana V. Ibarra-Meneses
- Département
de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine
Vétérinaire, Université
de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Francis Beaudry
- Département
de Biomédecine, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département
de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine
Vétérinaire, Université
de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Philip D. Whitfield
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
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8
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Singh A, Beg MA, Jamal S, Khan A, Rahman A, Selvapandiyan A, Shafi S, Hoda N. Robust leishmanicidal upshot of some new diphenyl triazine-based molecules. RSC Adv 2024; 14:22587-22597. [PMID: 39021460 PMCID: PMC11253633 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01904k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Amongst the neglected tropical diseases, leishmaniasis alone causes 30 000 deaths annually due to the protozoan parasite genus Leishmania. Existing therapies have serious drawbacks in safety, drug resistance, field-adapted application and cost. Therefore, new safer and shorter treatments are an urgent need of the time. Herein, we report the synthesis of fifteen novel diphenyl triazine and diphenyl triazine pyrimidine derivatives and their antileishmanial properties against Leishmania donovani, that causes fatal visceral leishmaniasis. Most of the synthesized analogues exhibited more than 90% inhibition against the promastigote stage of the parasite. Moreover, compounds T4 and T7 showed potent activity against extracellular promastigote (IC50 = 1.074 μM and IC50 = 1.158 μM) as compared to miltefosine (IC50 = 1.477 μM) and is nontoxic towards the host THP-1 macrophage cell line. Interestingly, compound T4 exhibited significant activity against amastigotes (7.186 μM) and induced the macrophages to prevent the survival of the parasite. Our results indicate that T4 represents a new structural lead for this serious and neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Drug Design and Synthesis Lab., Jamia Millia Islamia Jamia Nagar New Delhi 110025 India +0091-11-26985507 +0091-9910200655
| | - Mirza Adil Beg
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India
| | - Samra Jamal
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India
| | - Arif Khan
- Department of Chemistry, SCLS, Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India
| | - Abdur Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Drug Design and Synthesis Lab., Jamia Millia Islamia Jamia Nagar New Delhi 110025 India +0091-11-26985507 +0091-9910200655
| | | | - Syed Shafi
- Department of Chemistry, SCLS, Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India
| | - Nasimul Hoda
- Department of Chemistry, Drug Design and Synthesis Lab., Jamia Millia Islamia Jamia Nagar New Delhi 110025 India +0091-11-26985507 +0091-9910200655
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9
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Wudu H, Alemu C. Survival analysis of adult visceral leishmaniasis patients admitted to Metema Hospital, Metema, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trae034. [PMID: 38842679 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae034] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that mostly affects the working class and impoverished segments of society, having a significant negative effect on the economic development of the affected nation. While anti-leishmanial medications lower mortality among VL patients, patients may still die or require more time to recover while receiving treatment. In this regard, there are limited studies in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the time to recovery and its associated predictors among adult VL patients at Metema Hospital, Metema, Ethiopia. METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed and the data were collected from patient's charts from September 2017 to September 2021. Data were entered and analysed using EpiData version 3.1, Stata version 14.2 and R version 3.4.0 statistical software. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and logrank tests were used to compare the survival time. The Cox proportional hazards model assumption and model fitness were checked and used to identify statistical association predictors in VL patients. RESULTS The Cox proportional hazards model was fitted. The overall medium recovery time was 7 d (minimum 4, maximum 14). The variables of nasal bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.44 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.19 to 0.89]), no comorbidity (aHR 2.29 [95% CI 1.27 to 4.11]), relapse of VL (aHR 0.33 [95% CI 0.15 to 0.75]), low parasite load (aHR 2.58 [95% CI 1.48 to 4.51]) and ambulatory (aHR 3.26 [95% CI 2.45 to 6.53]) were significantly associated with time to recovery in VL patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with comorbidities, nasal bleeding, relapse of VL, bedridden and high parasite load should be treated and monitored carefully to recover quickly from their illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habitamu Wudu
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Gambella University, Gambella, Ethiopia
| | - Chekol Alemu
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Gambella University, Gambella, Ethiopia
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10
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Prajapat VM, Aalhate M, Sriram A, Mahajan S, Maji I, Gupta U, Kumari D, Singh K, Kalia NP, Dua K, Singh SK, Singh PK. Amphotericin B loaded nanoemulsion: Optimization, characterization and in-vitro activity against L. donovani promastigotes. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102848. [PMID: 38159836 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102848] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The present work aimed to develop and evaluate AmB-loaded nano-emulsion (AmB-NE) which will augment the solubility of AmB and lead to enhanced anti-leishmanial activity. The composition of AmB-NE was optimized by systematic screening followed by DoE-extreme vertices mixture design. The optimized NE revealed mean droplet size and PDI of 44.19 ± 5.5 nm, 0.265 ± 0.0723, respectively. The NE could efficiently encapsulate AmB with drug content and efficiency 83.509 ± 0.369% and 81.659 ± 0.013%, respectively. The presence of cholesterol and stearyl amine retarded the release (P < 0.0001) of AmB significantly compared to AmB suspension. The AmB-NE and pure AmB suspension demonstrated the IC50 of 0.06309 μg/mL and 0.3309 μg/mL against L.donovani promastigotes after 48 h incubation. The formulation was robust at all exaggerated stability conditions such as freeze-thaw and centrifugation. These findings indicate that AmB-NE is an attractive approach to treat visceral leishmaniasis with improved activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Mohanlal Prajapat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Mayur Aalhate
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Anitha Sriram
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Srushti Mahajan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Indrani Maji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Ujala Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Diksha Kumari
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Nitin Pal Kalia
- Department of Biological Science, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India.
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11
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Alonaizan R. Molecular regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation during parasitic infection. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231918. [PMID: 38623843 PMCID: PMC11096646 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are a serious global health concern, causing many common and severe infections, including Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis. The NLRP3 inflammasome belongs to the NLR (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich-repeat-containing proteins) family, which are cytosolic proteins playing key roles in the detection of pathogens. NLRP3 inflammasomes are activated in immune responses to Plasmodium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii, Entamoeba histolytica, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other parasites. The role of NLRP3 is not fully understood, but it is a crucial component of the innate immune response to parasitic infections and its functions as a sensor triggering the inflammatory response to the invasive parasites. However, while this response can limit the parasites' growth, it can also result in potentially catastrophic host pathology. This makes it essential to understand how NLRP3 interacts with parasites to initiate the inflammatory response. Plasmodium hemozoin, Leishmania glycoconjugate lipophosphoglycan (LPG) and E. histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin can stimulate NLRP3 activation, while the dense granule protein 9 (GRA9) of T. gondii has been shown to suppress it. Several other parasitic products also have diverse effects on NLRP3 activation. Understanding the mechanism of NLRP3 interaction with these products will help to develop advanced therapeutic approaches to treat parasitic diseases. This review summarizes current knowledge of the NLRP3 inflammasome's action on the immune response to parasitic infections and aims to determine the mechanisms through which parasitic molecules either activate or inhibit its action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Alonaizan
- Faculty of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Sadeghi N, Mohebali M, Kakooei Z, Roustazadeh A, Mir H, Abdoli A, Solhjoo K, Shabani M, Shadmand E, Taghipour A. Seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis among pregnant women in Jahrom city in Fars province, southern Iran. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 25:e00349. [PMID: 38645673 PMCID: PMC11031800 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health issue in endemic countries with poor sanitation facilities. In this study, the seroprevalence rate and associated risk factors of VL were investigated during September 2020 to February 2021 in pregnant women referred to Ostad Mottahari and Peymanieh hospitals in Jahrom county, Fars province, southern Iran. Material and methods A total of 220 serum samples of pregnant women were assessed for the presence of Anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies by direct agglutination antigen (DAT). The associated risk factors were obtained using questionnaires. Results The overall seroprevalence of VL in pregnant women was 12.72% (28/220). Considering the antibody titer, titer 1:1600 was detected in 23 samples, titer 1:3200 in 4 samples, and titer 1:6400 in one sample. All 5 women with titer >3200 had mild fever. As such, there was a statistically significant difference regarding the age (≥39 years old with p-value: 0.01). Conclusions We recommend an appropriate health education program for pregnant women and serological screening of VL before pregnancy in endemic cities. Moreover, we believed a need for more epidemiological studies for better understand the status of VL in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Sadeghi
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Kakooei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abazar Roustazadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hamed Mir
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Manoochehr Shabani
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Enayatollah Shadmand
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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13
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Khairnar P, Saathoff JM, Cook DW, Hochstetler SR, Pandya U, Robinson SJ, Satam V, Donsbach KO, Gupton BF, Jin LM, Shanahan CS. Practical Synthesis of 6-Amino-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane: A Key Intermediate of DNDI-6148. Org Process Res Dev 2024; 28:1213-1223. [PMID: 38660377 PMCID: PMC11036395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.4c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a parasitic, poverty-linked, neglected disease, is endemic across multiple regions of the world and fatal if untreated. There is an urgent need for a better and more affordable treatment for VL. DNDI-6148 is a promising drug candidate being evaluated for the treatment of VL; however, the current process for producing the key intermediate of DNDI-6148, 6-amino-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane, is expensive and difficult to scale up. Herein, we describe two practical approaches to synthesizing 6-amino-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane from inexpensive and readily available raw materials. Starting with 4-tolunitrile, the first approach is a five-step sequence involving a Hofmann rearrangement, resulting in an overall yield of 40%. The second approach utilizes 2-methyl-5-nitroaniline as the starting material and features borylation of aniline and continuous flow hydrogenation as the key steps, with an overall yield of 46%. Both routes bypass the nitration of 1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane, which is challenging and expensive to scale. In particular, the second approach is more practical and scalable because of the mild operating conditions and facile isolation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj
V. Khairnar
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - John M. Saathoff
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Daniel W. Cook
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Samuel R. Hochstetler
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Urvish Pandya
- Drugs
for Neglected Diseases initiative, 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephen J. Robinson
- Drugs
for Neglected Diseases initiative, 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vijay Satam
- Drugs
for Neglected Diseases initiative, 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kai O. Donsbach
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - B. Frank Gupton
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Li-Mei Jin
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Charles S. Shanahan
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
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14
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Das N, Roy J, Patra B, Saunders E, Sarkar D, Goon S, Sinha BP, Roy S, Roy S, Sarif J, Bandopadhyay P, Barik S, Mukherjee S, McNamara N, Varghese S, Simpson K, Baell J, McConville M, Ganguly D, Talukdar A. Hit-to-lead optimization of 2-aminoquinazolines as anti-microbial agents against Leishmania donovani. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116256. [PMID: 38461679 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116256] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially fatal disease caused by infection by the intracellular protist pathogens Leishmania donovani or Leishmania infantum. Present therapies are ineffective because of high costs, variable efficacy against different species, the requirement for hospitalization, toxicity and drug resistance. Detailed analysis of previously published hit molecules suggested a crucial role of 'guanidine' linkage for their efficacy against L. donovani. Here we report the design of 2-aminoquinazoline heterocycle as a basic pharmacophore-bearing guanidine linkage. The introduction of various groups and functionality at different positions of the quinazoline scaffold results in enhanced antiparasitic potency with modest host cell cytotoxicity using a physiologically relevant THP-1 transformed macrophage infection model. In terms of the ADME profile, the C7 position of quinazoline was identified as a guiding tool for designing better molecules. The good ADME profile of the compounds suggests that they merit further consideration as lead compounds for treating visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal Das
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Jayasree Roy
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Binita Patra
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Eleanor Saunders
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology (Bio21), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dipika Sarkar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Sunny Goon
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Bishnu Prasad Sinha
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Shreya Roy
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Swarnali Roy
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Jafar Sarif
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Purbita Bandopadhyay
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasis Barik
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Suravi Mukherjee
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Nicole McNamara
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 2052, Australia
| | - Swapna Varghese
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 2052, Australia
| | - Kaylene Simpson
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 2052, Australia
| | - Malcolm McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology (Bio21), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dipyaman Ganguly
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal, India.
| | - Arindam Talukdar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.
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15
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Paul A, Roy PK, Babu NK, Singh S. Clotrimazole causes membrane depolarization and induces sub G 0 cell cycle arrest in Leishmania donovani. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107139. [PMID: 38307362 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107139] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Clotrimazole is an FDA approved drug and is widely used as an antifungal agent. An extensive body of research is available about its mechanism of action on various cell types but its mode of killing of Leishmania donovani parasites is unknown. L. donovani causes Visceral Leishmaniasis which is a public health problem with limited treatment options. Its present chemotherapy is expensive, has adverse effects and is plagued with drug resistance issues. In this study we have explored the possibility of repurposing clotrimazole as an antileishmanial drug. We have assessed its efficacy on the parasites and attempted to understand its mode of action. We found that it has a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 35.75 ± 1.06 μM, 12.75 ± 0.35 μM and 73 ± 1.41 μM in promastigotes, intracellular amastigotes and macrophages, respectively. Clotrimazole is 5.73 times more selective for the intracellular amastigotes as compared to the mammalian cell. Effect of clotrimazole was reduced by ergosterol supplementation. It leads to impaired parasite morphology. It alters plasma membrane permeability and disrupts plasma membrane potential. Mitochondrial function is compromised as is evident from increased ROS generation, depolarized mitochondrial membrane and decreased ATP levels. Cell cycle analysis of clotrimazole treated parasites shows arrest at sub-G0 phase suggesting apoptotic mode of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Pradyot Kumar Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Neerupudi Kishore Babu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India.
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16
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Nawaz A, Priya B, Singh K, Ali V. Unveiling the role of serine o-acetyltransferase in drug resistance and oxidative stress tolerance in Leishmania donovani through the regulation of thiol-based redox metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 213:371-393. [PMID: 38272324 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the unique metabolic pathway of L. donovani is crucial for comprehending its biology under oxidative stress conditions. The de novo cysteine biosynthetic pathway of L. donovani is absent in humans and its product, cysteine regulates the downstream components of trypanothione-based thiol metabolism, important for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. The role of serine o-acetyl transferase (SAT), the first enzyme of this pathway remains unexplored. In order to investigate the role of SAT protein, we cloned SAT gene into pXG-GFP+ vector for episomal expression of SAT in Amphotericin B sensitive L. donovani promastigotes. The SAT overexpression was confirmed by SAT enzymatic assay, GFP fluorescence, immunoblotting and PCR. Our study unveiled an upregulated expression of both LdSAT and LdCS of cysteine biosynthetic pathway and other downstream thiol pathway proteins in LdSAT-OE promastigotes. Additionally, there was an increase in enzymatic activities of LdSAT and LdCS proteins in LdSAT-OE, which was found similar to the Amp B resistant parasites, indicating a potential role of SAT protein in modulating drug resistance. We observed that the overexpression of SAT in Amp B sensitive parasites increases tolerance to drug pressure and oxidative stress via trypanothione-dependent antioxidant mechanism. Moreover, the in vitro J774A.1 macrophage infectivity assessment showed that SAT overexpression augments parasite infectivity. In LdSAT-OE promastigotes, antioxidant enzyme activities like APx and SOD were upregulated, intracellular reactive oxygen species were reduced with a corresponding increase in thiol level, emphasizing SAT's role in stress tolerance and enhanced infectivity. Additionally, the ROS mediated upregulation in the expression of LdSAT, LdCS, LdTryS and LdcTXNPx proteins reveals an essential cross talk between SAT and proteins of thiol metabolism in combating oxidative stress and maintaining redox homeostasis. Taken together, our results provide the first insight into the role of SAT protein in parasite infectivity and survival under drug pressure and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afreen Nawaz
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India
| | - Bhawna Priya
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Vahab Ali
- ICMR - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, Bihar, 800007, India.
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17
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Heidari S, Hajjaran H, Mohebali M, Akhoundi B, Gharechahi J. Recognition of Immunoreactive Proteins in Leishmania infantum Amastigote-Like and Promastigote Using Sera of Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients: a Preliminary Study. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:533-540. [PMID: 38227109 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00764-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic and parasitic disease that is usually fatal if left untreated. VL is endemic in different parts of Iran and is caused mainly by Leishmania infantum. This study aimed to recognition immunoreactive proteins in amastigote-like and promastigote stages of L. infantum (Iranian strain) by antibodies present in the sera of VL patients. METHODS Total protein extract from amastigote-like and promastigote cells was separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). To detect the immunoreactive proteins, 2DE immunoblotting method was performed using different pools of VL patients' sera. RESULTS Approximately 390 and 430 protein spots could be separated in 2DE profiles of L. infantum amastigote-like and promastigote stages, respectively. In immunoblotting method, approximately 295 and 135 immunoreactive proteins of amastigotes-like reacted with high antibody titer serum pool and low antibody titer serum pool, respectively. Approximately 120 and 85 immunoreactive proteins of promastigote extract were recognized using the high antibody titer sera pool and low antibody titer sera, respectively. CONCLUSION The present study has recognized a number of antigenic diversity proteins based on the molecular weight and pH in amastigote-like and promastigote stages of L. infantum. These results provide us a new concept for further analysis development in the field of diagnosis biomarkers and vaccine targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudabeh Heidari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 1417613151, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Gharechahi
- Human Genetics Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Gonçalves G, de Campos MP, Gonçalves AS, Figueiredo FB. Therapeutic success and failure in using miltefosine to treat dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2024; 33:e015023. [PMID: 38359300 PMCID: PMC10878695 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612024012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In urban environments, domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are a major reservoir for the parasite Leishmania infantum. Miltefosine has been used as the standard treatment for canine visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. However, therapeutic failures have been reported. In the present study, two dogs (CG03 and CG06) with a diagnosis of infection by L. infantum underwent two cycles of treatment with miltefosine (Milteforan™ - Virbac®). Analyses showed increases in the parasite load of both CG03 and CG06, even after treatment. The clinical score of CG03 dropped from 1 to 0 (after one round of treatment), such that this dog became asymptomatic. CG06 showed clinical worsening, such that its score increased from 1 to 2. After the second therapeutic round, the parasite load in CG03 was found to have decreased, but it was still higher than before drug treatment even though this dog was physically asymptomatic. There was no decrease in the parasite load in CG06 and there was clinical worsening. The clinical response of these dogs to the treatment differed, but the parasite load remained high in both cases, which poses a risk to public health, making it essential take measures to prevent the sandfly vector from accessing the dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Fiocruz Paraná, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Monique Paiva de Campos
- Laboratório de Referência em Leishmaniase, Fiocruz Paraná, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Referência em Leishmaniase, Fiocruz Paraná, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
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19
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Berhe H, Kumar Cinthakunta Sridhar M, Zerihun M, Qvit N. The Potential Use of Peptides in the Fight against Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:227. [PMID: 38399281 PMCID: PMC10892537 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are both neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people around the world. Leishmaniasis is currently the second most widespread vector-borne parasitic disease after malaria. The World Health Organization records approximately 0.7-1 million newly diagnosed leishmaniasis cases each year, resulting in approximately 20,000-30,000 deaths. Also, 25 million people worldwide are at risk of Chagas disease and an estimated 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin, and pentamidine are currently used to treat leishmaniasis. Also, nifurtimox and benznidazole are two drugs currently used to treat Chagas disease. These drugs are associated with toxicity problems such as nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, in addition to resistance problems. As a result, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a top priority and a promising alternative. Overall, there is a need for new and effective treatments for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as the current drugs have significant limitations. Peptide-based drugs are attractive due to their high selectiveness, effectiveness, low toxicity, and ease of production. This paper reviews the potential use of peptides in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Several studies have demonstrated that peptides are effective against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, suggesting their use in drug therapy for these diseases. Overall, peptides have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, but more research is needed to fully investigate their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nir Qvit
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (H.B.); (M.K.C.S.); (M.Z.)
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Oyeyemi OT, Ogundahunsi O, Schunk M, Fatem RG, Shollenberger LM. Neglected tropical disease (NTD) diagnostics: current development and operations to advance control. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:1-24. [PMID: 37872790 PMCID: PMC10769148 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2272095] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have become important public health threats that require multi-faceted control interventions. As late treatment and management of NTDs contribute significantly to the associated burdens, early diagnosis becomes an important component for surveillance and planning effective interventions. This review identifies common NTDs and highlights the progress in the development of diagnostics for these NTDs. Leveraging existing technologies to improve NTD diagnosis and improving current operational approaches for deployment of developed diagnostics are crucial to achieving the 2030 NTD elimination target. Point-of-care NTD (POC-NTD) diagnostic tools are recommended preferred diagnostic options in resource-constrained areas for mapping risk zones and monitoring treatment efficacy. However, few are currently available commercially. Technical training of remote health care workers on the use of POC-NTD diagnostics, and training of health workers on the psychosocial consequences of these diagnostics are critical in harnessing POC-NTD diagnostic potential. While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the possibility of achieving NTD elimination in 2030 due to the disruption of healthcare services and dwindling financial support for NTDs, the possible contribution of NTDs in exacerbating COVID-19 pandemic should motivate NTD health system strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyetunde T. Oyeyemi
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA
| | - Olumide Ogundahunsi
- The Central Office for Research and Development (CORD), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Mirjam Schunk
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU) institution, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramzy G. Fatem
- Schistosome Biological Supply Center, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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21
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Chakhunashvili DG, Chakhunashvili K, Kvirkvelia E. Visceral leishmaniasis misdiagnosed as an upper respiratory infection and iron-deficiency anemia in a 20-month-old male patient: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2024; 18:37. [PMID: 38291520 PMCID: PMC10829240 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral Leishmaniasis should be suspected in every patient with a history of splenomegaly, fever, and pancytopenia. It is one of the most dangerous forms of infection and prompt recognition is the key to positive outcome. CASE PRESENTATION A 20-month-old Caucasian male patient was brought to our hospital as an outpatient with the complaint of persistent fever, which did not improve with empiric antibiotic treatment (> 96 hour after the initial dose). The antibiotic treatment had been prescribed by primary care physician at polyclinic, who also referred the patient to hematologist due to anemia, who prescribed iron supplement. Despite multiple subspecialist visits, bicytopenia was, unfortunately, left unidentified. Upon physical examination no specific signs were detected, however, spleen seemed slightly enlarged. Patient was admitted to the hospital for further work-up, management and evaluation. Abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count and c-reactive protein had been ordered. Hematologist and infectionist were involved, both advised to run serology for Epstein-Barr Virus and Visceral Leishmaniasis. The latter was positive; therefore, patient was transferred to the specialized clinic for specific management. CONCLUSION Both in endemic and non-endemic areas the awareness about VL should be increased among the medical professionals. We also recommend that our colleagues take the same approach when dealing with bicytopenia and fever, just as with pancytopenia and fever. The medical community should make sure that none of the cases of fever and pancytopenia are overlooked, especially if we have hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davit G Chakhunashvili
- Department of Pediatrics, Alte University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Children's Clinic After I. Tsitsishvili, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Konstantine Chakhunashvili
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia.
- Children's Clinic After I. Tsitsishvili, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Eka Kvirkvelia
- Department of Gynecology, Caucasus University, Tbilisi, Georgia
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22
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Devender M, Sebastian P, Maurya VK, Kumar K, Anand A, Namdeo M, Maurya R. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of tuzin protein as a vaccine candidate in Leishmania donovani-infected BALB/c mice. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1294397. [PMID: 38274802 PMCID: PMC10808571 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1294397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is referred to as the most severe and fatal type of leishmaniasis basically caused by Leishmania donovani and L. infantum. The most effective method for preventing the spread of the disease is vaccination. Till today, there is no promising licensed vaccination for human VL. Hence, investigation for vaccines is necessary to enrich the therapeutic repertoire against leishmaniasis. Tuzin is a rare trans-membrane protein that has been reported in Trypanosoma cruzi with unknown function. However, tuzin is not characterized in Leishmania parasites. In this study, we for the first time demonstrated that tuzin protein was expressed in both stages (promastigote and amastigote) of L. donovani parasites. In-silico studies revealed that tuzin has potent antigenic properties. Therefore, we analyzed the immunogenicity of tuzin protein and immune response in BALB/c mice challenged with the L. donovani parasite. We observed that tuzin-vaccinated mice have significantly reduced parasite burden in the spleen and liver compared with the control. The number of granulomas in the liver was also significantly decreased compared with the control groups. We further measured the IgG2a antibody level, a marker of Th1 immune response in VL, which was significantly higher in the serum of immunized mice when compared with the control. Splenocytes stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) displayed a significant increase in NO and ROS levels compared with the control groups. Tuzin-immunized and parasite-challenged mice exhibit a notable rise in the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio by significantly suppressing IL-10 expression level, an immunosuppressive cytokine that inhibits leishmanicidal immune function and encourages disease progression. In conclusion, tuzin immunizations substantially increase the protective immune response in L. donovani-challenged mice groups compared with control.
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23
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Hagos DG, Kiros YK, Abdulkader M, Schallig HDFH, Wolday D. Comparison of the Diagnostic Performances of Five Different Tests in Diagnosing Visceral Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Region of Ethiopia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:163. [PMID: 38248040 PMCID: PMC10813839 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The lack of accurate and feasible diagnostic tests poses a significant challenge to visceral leishmaniasis (VL) healthcare services in endemic areas. To date, various VL diagnostic tests have been or are being developed, and their diagnostic performances need to be assessed. In the present study, the diagnostic performances of rk39 RDT, the direct agglutination test (DAT), microscopy, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and miniature direct-on-blood polymerase chain reaction-nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (mini-dbPCR-NALFIA) were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as the reference test in an endemic region of Ethiopia. In this study, 235 suspected VL cases and 104 non-endemic healthy controls (NEHCs) were recruited. Among the suspected VL cases, 144 (61.28%) tested positive with qPCR. The sensitivities for rk39 RDT, DAT, microscopy, LAMP assay, and mini-dbPCR-NALFIA were 88.11%, 96.50%, 76.58%, 94.33%, and 95.80%, respectively. The specificities were 83.33%, 97.96%, 100%, 97.38%, and 98.92% for rk39 RDT, DAT, microscopy, LAMP assay, and mini-dbPCR-NALFIA, respectively. In conclusion, rk39 RDT and microscopy exhibited lower sensitivities, while DAT demonstrated excellent performance. LAMP and mini-dbPCR-NALFIA showed excellent performances with feasibility for implementation in remote endemic areas, although the latter requires further evaluation in such regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Gebreegziabiher Hagos
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Mekelle University, Mekelle 1871, Ethiopia; (D.G.H.); (D.W.)
- Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Infectious Diseases Programme, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yazezew Kebede Kiros
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Mekelle University, Mekelle 1871, Ethiopia;
| | - Mahmud Abdulkader
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Mekelle University, Mekelle 1871, Ethiopia; (D.G.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Henk D. F. H. Schallig
- Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Infectious Diseases Programme, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dawit Wolday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Mekelle University, Mekelle 1871, Ethiopia; (D.G.H.); (D.W.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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24
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Baert L, Rudy S, Pellisson M, Doll T, Rocchetti R, Kaiser M, Mäser P, Müller M. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human macrophages as an infection model for Leishmania donovani. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011559. [PMID: 38166146 PMCID: PMC10786377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The parasite Leishmania donovani is one of the species causing visceral leishmaniasis in humans, a deadly infection claiming up to 40,000 lives each year. The current drugs for leishmaniasis treatment have severe drawbacks and there is an urgent need to find new anti-leishmanial compounds. However, the search for drug candidates is complicated by the intracellular lifestyle of Leishmania. Here, we investigate the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS)-derived macrophages (iMACs) as host cells for L. donovani. iMACs obtained through embryoid body differentiation were infected with L. donovani promastigotes, and high-content imaging techniques were used to optimize the iMACs seeding density and multiplicity of infection, allowing us to reach infection rates up to 70% five days after infection. IC50 values obtained for miltefosine and amphotericin B using the infected iMACs or mouse peritoneal macrophages as host cells were comparable and in agreement with the literature, showing the potential of iMACs as an infection model for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lore Baert
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (SwissTPH), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serena Rudy
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Pellisson
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Doll
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Romina Rocchetti
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (SwissTPH), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (SwissTPH), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (SwissTPH), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Müller
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
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25
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Narsimulu B, Jakkula P, Qureshi R, Nasim F, Qureshi IA. Inhibition and structural insights of leishmanial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase for designing potent therapeutics. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127756. [PMID: 37907177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127756] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), essential components of the protein synthesizing machinery, have been often chosen for devising therapeutics against parasitic diseases. Due to their relevance in drug development, the current study was designed to explore functional and structural aspects of Leishmania donovani glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (LdGluRS). Hence, LdGluRS was cloned into an expression vector and purified to homogeneity using chromatographic techniques. Purified protein showed maximum enzymatic activity at physiological pH, with more binding capacity towards its cofactor (Adenosine triphosphate, 0.06 ± 0.01 mM) than the cognate substrate (L-glutamate, 9.5 ± 0.5 mM). Remarkably, salicylate inhibited LdGluRS competitively with respect to L-glutamate and exhibited druglikeness with negligible effect on human macrophages. The protein possessed more α-helices (43 %) than β-sheets (12 %), whereas reductions in thermal stability and cofactor-binding affinity, along with variation in mode of inhibition after mutation signified the role of histidine (H60) as a catalytic residue. LdGluRS could also generate a pro-inflammatory milieu in human macrophages by upregulating cytokines. The docking study demonstrated the placement of salicylate into LdGluRS substrate-binding site, and the complex was found to be stable during molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Altogether, our study highlights the understanding of molecular inhibition and structural features of glutamyl-tRNA synthetase from kinetoplastid parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandigi Narsimulu
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Pranay Jakkula
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Rahila Qureshi
- Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500039, India
| | - Fouzia Nasim
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Insaf Ahmed Qureshi
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad 500046, India.
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26
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Kumar P, Kumar P, Shrivastava A, Dar MA, Lokhande KB, Singh N, Singh A, Velayutham R, Mandal D. Immunoinformatics-based multi-epitope containing fused polypeptide vaccine design against visceral leishmaniasis with high immunogenicity and TLR binding. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127567. [PMID: 37866569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127567] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most lethal among all leishmaniasis diseases and remains categorized as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). This study aimed to develop a peptide-based multi-epitope vaccine construct against VL using immunoinformatics methodologies. To achieve this, four distinct proteins were screened to identify peptides consisting of 9-15 amino acids with high binding affinity to toll-like receptors (TLRs), strong antigenicity, low allergenicity, and minimal toxicity. The resulting multi-epitope vaccine construct was fused in a tandem arrangement with appropriate linker peptides and exhibited superior properties related to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), helper T lymphocytes (HTLs), and B-cell epitopes. Subsequently, a three-dimensional (3D) model of the vaccine construct was generated, refined, and validated for structural stability and immune response capabilities. Molecular docking and simulations confirmed the vaccine construct's stability and binding affinities with TLRs, with TLR4 displaying the highest binding affinity, followed by TLR2 and TLR3. Additionally, simulations predicted robust cellular and humoral antibody-mediated immune responses elicited by the designed vaccine construct. Notably, this vaccine construct includes proteins from various pathways of Leishmania donovani (LD), which have not been previously utilized in VL vaccine design. Thus, this study opens new avenues for the development of vaccines against diverse protozoan diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Hajipur-Vaishali, Bihar 844102, India
| | - Prakash Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Hajipur-Vaishali, Bihar 844102, India
| | - Ashish Shrivastava
- Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics Research Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, India
| | - Mukhtar Ahmad Dar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Hajipur-Vaishali, Bihar 844102, India
| | - Kiran Bharat Lokhande
- Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics Research Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, India
| | - Nidhi Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad, India
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics Research Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, India
| | - Ravichandiran Velayutham
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Hajipur-Vaishali, Bihar 844102, India; National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Kolkata, India
| | - Debabrata Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Hajipur-Vaishali, Bihar 844102, India.
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27
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Ghosh P, Chowdhury R, Faisal K, Khan MAA, Hossain F, Rahat MA, Chowdhury MAA, Mithila NT, Kamal M, Maruf S, Nath R, Kobialka RM, Ceruti A, Cameron M, Duthie MS, Wahed AAE, Mondal D. Evaluation of a Point-of-Need Molecular Diagnostic Tool Coupled with Rapid DNA Extraction Methods for Visceral Leishmaniasis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3639. [PMID: 38132223 PMCID: PMC10742398 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A rapid, cost-effective, and simple nucleic acid isolation technique coupled with a point-of-need DNA amplification assay is a desirable goal for programmatic use. For diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) rapid tests for the detection of Leishmania DNA are versatile and have operational advantages over qPCR. To facilitate the delivery of the RPA test at point-of-need for VL diagnosis, we compared two rapid DNA extraction methods, SwiftDx (SX) and an in-house Boil and Spin (BS) method, coupled with RPA amplification, versus more widely used methods for DNA extraction and amplification, namely Qiagen (Q) kits and qPCR, respectively. A total of 50 confirmed VL patients and 50 controls, matched for age and gender, were recruited from Mymensingh, Bangladesh, a region highly endemic for VL. Blood samples were collected from each participant and DNA was extracted using Q, SX and BS methods. Following DNA extraction, qPCR and RPA assays were performed to detect L. donovani in downstream analysis. No significant differences in sensitivity of the RPA assay were observed between DNA extraction methods, 94.00% (95% CI: 83.45-98.75%), 90% (95% CI: 78.19-96.67%), and 88% (95% CI: 75.69-95.47%) when using Q, SX, and BS, respectively. Similarly, using qPCR, no significant differences in sensitivity were obtained when using Q or SX for DNA extraction, 94.00% (95% CI: 83.45-98.75%) and 92.00% (80.77-97.78%), respectively. It is encouraging that RPA and qPCR showed excellent agreement (k: 0.919-0.980) when different extraction methods were used and that the DNA impurities using BS had no inhibitory effect on the RPA assay. Furthermore, significantly higher DNA yields were obtained using SX and BS versus Q; however, a significantly higher parasite load was detected using qPCR when DNA was extracted using Q versus SX. Considering the cost, execution time, feasibility, and performance of RPA assay, rapid extraction methods such as the Boil and Spin technique appear to have the potential for implementation in resource-limited endemic settings. Further clinical research is warranted prior to broader application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Ghosh
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Rajashree Chowdhury
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Khaledul Faisal
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Md. Anik Ashfaq Khan
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.A.A.K.); (R.M.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Faria Hossain
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Md. Abu Rahat
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Md. Arko Ayon Chowdhury
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Nishad Tasnim Mithila
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Mostafa Kamal
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Shomik Maruf
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Rupen Nath
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Rea Maja Kobialka
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.A.A.K.); (R.M.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Arianna Ceruti
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.A.A.K.); (R.M.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Mary Cameron
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
| | | | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.A.A.K.); (R.M.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (R.C.); (K.F.); (F.H.); (M.A.R.); (M.A.A.C.).; (N.T.M.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (R.N.); (D.M.)
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28
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Rasheed SB, Shah MZ, Jamal Q. Molecular identification of Leishmania tropica in mammals occurring in human-inhabited areas of a cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic focus in North-West Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:5. [PMID: 38052938 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08025-9] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is endemic in the tribal district of Khyber near the Pak-Afghan border and is caused by Leishmania tropica. In Pakistan, cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. tropica is considered anthroponotic and is thought to be maintained by a human-sand fly-human transmission cycle. Along with humans, other mammals may also be acting as reservoir hosts of leishmaniasis in the study area. To investigate the role of non-human mammals in the transmission of leishmaniasis, blood samples were collected from 245 animals from the CL endemic district of Khyber, Pakistan. Leishmania parasite in these samples was detected by amplifying the species-specific sequences in minicircle kinetoplast DNA, using PCR. L. tropica DNA was detected in 18 (7.35%) samples, comprising 11 cows (Bos taurus), 6 goats (Capra hircus), and 1 dog (Canus lupus familiaris). Only a single cow and dog had a leishmaniasis-like lesion, and the remaining positive samples were asymptomatic. None of the tested sheep (Ovis aries) and rat (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus) was positive. The present study reports the first instance of molecular detection of L. tropica in domestic animals. Our study indicates that along with humans' cows, goats and dogs may also be playing an important role in the transmission of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in district Khyber in particular and Pakistan in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Basit Rasheed
- Vector Biology and Entomology Section, Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Zahir Shah
- Vector Biology and Entomology Section, Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
- Government Degree College, Jamrud, Khyber, Pakistan
| | - Qaisar Jamal
- Parasitology and Tropical Disease Section, Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
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Ghosh D, Rashid MU, Sagar SK, Uddin MR, Maruf S, Ghosh P, Chowdhury R, Rahat MA, Islam MN, Aktaruzzaman MM, Sohel ANM, Banjara MR, Kroeger A, Aseffa A, Mondal D. Epidemiological, serological, and entomological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in suspected new VL foci in Bangladesh. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107021. [PMID: 37716668 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107021] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to explore epidemiological, serological, and entomological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in suspected new VL foci and assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community living in the alleged new VL foci. The study investigated new visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases reported between 2019 and 2020 in four sub-districts (Dharmapasha, Hakimpur, Islampur and Savar) where we tested 560 members using the rK39 rapid test and conducted vector collections in six neighbouring houses of the index cases to assess sandfly density and distribution, examined sandflies' infection, and determined the spatial relationship with VL infection. Furthermore, we highlighted the importance of early detection, and community awareness in controlling the spread of the disease. The study screened 1078 people from 231 households in the four sub-districts for fever, history of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and PKDL-like skin lesions. Among sub-districts, positivity rate for rK39 rapid test was highest (3.5 %) in Savar. Sandflies were present across all areas except in Dharmapasha, but all 21 collected female P. argentipes sandflies were negative for Leishmania parasite DNA. We found one person from Islampur with a history of VL, and one from Islampur and another one from Savar had PKDL. After the awareness intervention, more people became familiar with VL infection (91.2 %), and their knowledge concerning sandflies being the vector of the disease and the risk of having VL increased significantly (30.1 %). The study found no active case in the suspected new foci, but some asymptomatic individuals were present. As sandfly vectors exist in these areas, the National Kala-azar Elimination Programme (NKEP) should consider these areas as kala-azar endemic and initiate control activities as per national guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashis Ghosh
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Utba Rashid
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Soumik Kha Sagar
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rasel Uddin
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Shomik Maruf
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Prakash Ghosh
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Rajashree Chowdhury
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Rahat
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazmul Islam
- Communicable Disease Control (CDC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - M M Aktaruzzaman
- Communicable Disease Control (CDC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Nayeem Mohammad Sohel
- Communicable Disease Control (CDC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Megha Raj Banjara
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Axel Kroeger
- University of Freiburg, Centre for Medicine and Society, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Nutrition Research Division (NRD), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
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Seedorff N, Brown G, Scorza B, Petersen CA. Joint Bayesian longitudinal models for mixed outcome types and associated model selection techniques. Comput Stat 2023; 38:1735-1769. [PMID: 38292019 PMCID: PMC10825672 DOI: 10.1007/s00180-022-01280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Motivated by data measuring progression of leishmaniosis in a cohort of US dogs, we develop a Bayesian longitudinal model with autoregressive errors to jointly analyze ordinal and continuous outcomes. Multivariate methods can borrow strength across responses and may produce improved longitudinal forecasts of disease progression over univariate methods. We explore the performance of our proposed model under simulation, and demonstrate that it has improved prediction accuracy over traditional Bayesian hierarchical models. We further identify an appropriate model selection criterion. We show that our method holds promise for use in the clinical setting, particularly when ordinal outcomes are measured alongside other variables types that may aid clinical decision making. This approach is particularly applicable when multiple, imperfect measures of disease progression are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Seedorff
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Grant Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Breanna Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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31
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Diriba WW, Gebremedhin EZ. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices towards canine visceral leishmaniasis based on the one health concept in Weliso and Ejaji Towns, Oromia, Ethiopia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20765. [PMID: 38007526 PMCID: PMC10676349 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a significant vector-borne Meta zoonotic disease caused by agents of the L. donovani complex. The disease is transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine female sandflies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia in the old and new worlds, respectively. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the residents about CVL based on the One Health concept in two towns of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2019 and September 2020, using an interview questionnaire as the study instrument. The study participants were selected through a simple random sampling method. Pearson's Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to evaluate the association between the study participants' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward CVL and possible risk factors. The study included a total of 400 participants, and the results indicated that 77.25% had good knowledge, 60.5% had a favorable attitude, and 59.25% had good practices toward CVL. The town of Ejaji and dog ownership were significantly associated with good knowledge (p = 0.001), and attitude (p = 0.001) towards CVL, while having a dog (p = 0.001), having a diploma (p = 0.019) or degree and above (0.018), being divorced or widowed (0.012), and being Oromo (p = 0.013) were all significantly associated with good CVL practice. Most participants in both study areas had good knowledge but moderate attitudes and practices toward CVL. Therefore, it is crucial to undertake comprehensive community health education and awareness programs of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis and its vectors based on the One Health concept through various means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weraka Weya Diriba
- Department of Resource Development and Income Generation Directorate, Ambo University, Main Campus, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia.
| | - Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ambo University, Mamo Mezemir Campus, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
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32
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Maity S, Sengupta S, Sen M. Therapeutic potential of rWnt5A in curbing Leishmania donovani infection. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0026723. [PMID: 37725061 PMCID: PMC10580910 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00267-23] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In view of the antagonism of Wnt5A signaling toward microbial pathogens, we were interested in evaluating the therapeutic potential of recombinant Wnt5A (rWnt5A) in curbing Leishmania donovani infection. Initially, using L. donovani-infected RAW 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages, we demonstrated that application of rWnt5A as opposed to the vehicle control to the infected cells significantly dampens L. donovani infection. Inhibition of infection was associated with increase in cell-associated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and blocked by the ROS production inhibitor diphenylene iodonium chloride (DPI). rWnt5A, but not the vehicle control (PBS: phosphate-buffered saline) administration to L. donovani-infected mice appreciably reduced the infection load, and inhibited disease progression as evident from the preservation of splenic white pulp architecture. rWnt5A administration, moreover, led to elevation of both cell-associated ROS and the activation of splenic T cells. Substantial increase in T cell-associated Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Granzyme B (GRB) upon exposure of splenic lymphocytes harvested from rWnt5A-treated mice to L. donovani-infected RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro validated the occurrence of L. donovani-responsive T cell activation in vivo. In summary, this study unveils the therapeutic potential of rWnt5A in curbing L. donovani infection and the progression of experimental visceral leishmaniasis possibly through increase in cellular ROS and T cell activation. Accordingly, it opens up a new avenue of investigation into the use of rWnt5A as a therapeutic agent for restraining the progression of drug-resistant L. donovani infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyasi Maity
- Division of Cancer Biology & Inflammatory Disorder, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Soham Sengupta
- Division of Cancer Biology & Inflammatory Disorder, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Malini Sen
- Division of Cancer Biology & Inflammatory Disorder, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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da Silva JGL, Gonçalves AAM, Oliveira LT, Garcia GM, Batista MA, de Mendonça LZ, Viana KF, Sant’Ana RDCO, Melo Júnior OADO, Silveira-Lemos D, Dutra WO, Martins-Filho OA, Galdino AS, de Moura SAL, Mosqueira VCF, Giunchetti RC. Polymeric Delivery Systems as a Potential Vaccine against Visceral Leishmaniasis: Formulation Development and Immunogenicity. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1309. [PMID: 37631877 PMCID: PMC10459565 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that the association of antigens in microparticles increases the anti-Leishmania vaccine immunogenicity. This study aims to investigate the in situ effect of the adjuvant performance consisting of chitosan-coated poly(D,L-lactic) acid submicrometric particles (SMP) and analyze the inflammatory profile and toxicity. Two formulations were selected, SMP1, containing poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) 1% wt/v and chitosan 1% wt/v; and SMP2, containing PLA 5% wt/v and chitosan 5% wt/v. After a single dose of the unloaded SMP1 or SMP2 in mice, the SMPs promoted cell recruitment without tissue damage. In addition, besides the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity having demonstrated similar results among the analyzed groups, a progressive reduction in the levels of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) until 72 h was observed for SMPs. While IL-6 levels were similar among all the analyzed groups along the kinetics, only the SMPs groups had detectable levels of TNF-α. Additionally, the Leishmania braziliensis antigen was encapsulated in SMPs (SMP1Ag and SMP2Ag), and mice were vaccinated with three doses. The immunogenicity analysis by flow cytometry demonstrated a reduction in NK (CD3-CD49+) cells in all the SMPs groups, in addition to impairment in the T cells subsets (CD3+CD4+) and CD3+CD8+) and B cells (CD19+) of the SMP2 group. The resulting data demonstrate that the chitosan-coated SMP formulations stimulate the early events of an innate immune response, suggesting their ability to increase the immunogenicity of co-administered Leishmania antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Guilherme Lino da Silva
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
- Nucleus for Research in Biological Sciences (NUPEB), Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Alice Maia Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Liliam Teixeira Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology (LDGNano), School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (L.T.O.); (G.M.G.); (V.C.F.M.)
| | - Giani Martins Garcia
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology (LDGNano), School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (L.T.O.); (G.M.G.); (V.C.F.M.)
| | - Maurício Azevedo Batista
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Ludmila Zanandreis de Mendonça
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Kelvinson Fernandes Viana
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Rita de Cássia Oliveira Sant’Ana
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Otoni Alves de Oliveira Melo Júnior
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Denise Silveira-Lemos
- Integrated Research Group on Biomarkers, René Rachou Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil;
| | - Walderez Ornelas Dutra
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, INCT-DT, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil
| | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Laboratory of Diagnosis and Monitoring Biomarkers, René Rachou Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil;
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Laboratory of Microorganism Biotechnology, Federal University of São João Del-Rei (UFSJ), Midwest Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, Brazil;
| | - Sandra Aparecida Lima de Moura
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Experimental Pathology, Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-136, Brazil;
| | - Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology (LDGNano), School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (L.T.O.); (G.M.G.); (V.C.F.M.)
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (J.G.L.d.S.); (A.A.M.G.); (M.A.B.); (L.Z.d.M.); (K.F.V.); (R.d.C.O.S.); (O.A.d.O.M.J.); (W.O.D.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, INCT-DT, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil
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Porcino GN, Bladergroen MR, Dotz V, Nicolardi S, Memarian E, Gardinassi LG, Nery Costa CH, Pacheco de Almeida R, Ferreira de Miranda Santos IK, Wuhrer M. Total serum N-glycans mark visceral leishmaniasis in human infections with Leishmania infantum. iScience 2023; 26:107021. [PMID: 37485378 PMCID: PMC10362369 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a clinical form of leishmaniasis with high mortality rates when not treated. Diagnosis suffers from invasive techniques and sub-optimal sensitivities. The current (affordable) treatment with pentavalent antimony as advised by the WHO is possibly harmful to the patient. There is need for an improved diagnosis to prevent possibly unnecessary treatment. N-glycan analysis may aid in diagnosis. We evaluated the N-glycan profiles from active VL, asymptomatic infections (ASYMP) and controls from non-endemic (NC) and endemic (EC) areas. Active VL has a distinct N-glycome profile that associates with disease severity. Our study suggests that the observed glycan signatures could be a valuable additive to diagnosis and assist in identifying possible markers of disease and understanding the pathogenesis of VL. Further studies are warranted to assess a possible future role of blood glycome analysis in active VL diagnosis and should aim at disease specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriane Nascimento Porcino
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Marco René Bladergroen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Viktoria Dotz
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Nicolardi
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Elham Memarian
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Luiz Gustavo Gardinassi
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74605-050, Brazil
| | | | - Roque Pacheco de Almeida
- Departamento de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde – PPGCS, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracajú 49060-100, Brazil
| | | | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
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Ferreira BA, Santos GDA, Coser EM, Sousa JM, Gama MEA, Júnior LLB, Pessoa FS, Lima MIS, Uliana SRB, Coelho AC. In Vitro Drug Susceptibility of a Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum Isolate from a Visceral Leishmaniasis Pediatric Patient after Multiple Relapses. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:354. [PMID: 37505650 PMCID: PMC10383904 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The parasitic protozoan Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is the etiological agent of human visceral leishmaniasis in South America, an infectious disease associated with malnutrition, anemia, and hepatosplenomegaly. In Brazil alone, around 2700 cases are reported each year. Treatment failure can occur as a result of drug, host, and/or parasite-related factors. Here, we isolated a Leishmania species from a pediatric patient with visceral leishmaniasis that did not respond to chemotherapy, experiencing a total of nine therapeutic relapses and undergoing a splenectomy. The parasite was confirmed as L. (L.) infantum after sequencing of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer, and the clinical isolate, in both promastigote and amastigote forms, was submitted to in vitro susceptibility assays with all the drugs currently used in the chemotherapy of leishmaniasis. The isolate was susceptible to meglumine antimoniate, amphotericin B, pentamidine, miltefosine, and paromomycin, similarly to another strain of this species that had previously been characterized. These findings indicate that the multiples relapses observed in this pediatric patient were not due to a decrease in the drug susceptibility of this isolate; therefore, immunophysiological aspects of the patient should be further investigated to understand the basis of treatment failure in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca A Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Gustavo de A Santos
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth M Coser
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Juliana M Sousa
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Mônica E A Gama
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Leônidas L B Júnior
- Departamento de Medicina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Hospital Universitário, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Fabrício S Pessoa
- Departamento de Medicina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Hospital Universitário, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Mayara I S Lima
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Silvia R B Uliana
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Adriano C Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
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36
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Das K, Nozaki T. Non-Vesicular Lipid Transport Machinery in Leishmania donovani: Functional Implications in Host-Parasite Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10637. [PMID: 37445815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells have distinct membrane-enclosed organelles, each with a unique biochemical signature and specialized function. The unique identity of each organelle is greatly governed by the asymmetric distribution and regulated intracellular movement of two important biomolecules, lipids, and proteins. Non-vesicular lipid transport mediated by lipid-transfer proteins (LTPs) plays essential roles in intra-cellular lipid trafficking and cellular lipid homeostasis, while vesicular transport regulates protein trafficking. A comparative analysis of non-vesicular lipid transport machinery in protists could enhance our understanding of parasitism and basis of eukaryotic evolution. Leishmania donovani, the trypanosomatid parasite, greatly depends on receptor-ligand mediated signalling pathways for cellular differentiation, nutrient uptake, secretion of virulence factors, and pathogenesis. Lipids, despite being important signalling molecules, have intracellular transport mechanisms that are largely unexplored in L. donovani. We have identified a repertoire of sixteen (16) potential lipid transfer protein (LTP) homologs based on a domain-based search on TriTrypDB coupled with bioinformatics analyses, which signifies the presence of well-organized lipid transport machinery in this parasite. We emphasized here their evolutionary uniqueness and conservation and discussed their potential implications for parasite biology with regards to future therapeutic targets against visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Das
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Sahu NK, Sharma R, Suhas KP, Joshi J, Prakash K, Sharma R, Pratap R, Hu X, Kaur S, Jain M, Coluccini C, Coghi P, Chaudhary S. Natural-Product-Inspired Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Novel Spirooxindoles as Antileishmanial Agents: Synthesis, Stereochemical Assignment, Bioevaluation, SAR, and Molecular Docking Studies. Molecules 2023; 28:4817. [PMID: 37375374 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease, and there is an emerging need for the development of effective drugs to treat it. To identify novel compounds with antileishmanial properties, a novel series of functionalized spiro[indoline-3,2'-pyrrolidin]-2-one/spiro[indoline-3,3'-pyrrolizin]-2-one 23a-f, 24a-f, and 25a-g were prepared from natural-product-inspired pharmaceutically privileged bioactive sub-structures, i.e., isatins 20a-h, various substituted chalcones 21a-f, and 22a-c amino acids, via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions in MeOH at 80 °C using a microwave-assisted approach. Compared to traditional methods, microwave-assisted synthesis produces higher yields and better quality, and it takes less time. We report here the in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania donovani and SAR studies. The analogues 24a, 24e, 24f, and 25d were found to be the most active compounds of the series and showed IC50 values of 2.43 µM, 0.96 µM, 1.62 µM, and 3.55 µM, respectively, compared to the standard reference drug Amphotericin B (IC50 = 0.060 µM). All compounds were assessed for Leishmania DNA topoisomerase type IB inhibition activity using the standard drug Camptothecin, and 24a, 24e, 24f, and 25d showed potential results. In order to further validate the experimental results and gain a deeper understanding of the binding manner of such compounds, molecular docking studies were also performed. The stereochemistry of the novel functionalized spirooxindole derivatives was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Kishore Sahu
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (OMC Lab), Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jaipur 302017, India
- Department of Chemistry, Government Engineering College, Bharatpur 321303, India
| | - Ritu Sharma
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (OMC Lab), Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jaipur 302017, India
| | - Kshirsagar Prasad Suhas
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), New Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Jyoti Joshi
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Kunal Prakash
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Richa Sharma
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (OMC Lab), Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jaipur 302017, India
| | - Ramendra Pratap
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Xiwen Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Mukesh Jain
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (OMC Lab), Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jaipur 302017, India
| | - Carmine Coluccini
- Institute of New Drug Development, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Paolo Coghi
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Sandeep Chaudhary
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (OMC Lab), Department of Chemistry, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jaipur 302017, India
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), New Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow 226002, India
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Yadav M, Akhtar MN, Mishra M, Kumar S, Kumar R, Shubham, Nandal A, Sen P. Leishmania donovani Attenuates Dendritic Cell Trafficking to Lymph Nodes by Inhibiting C-Type Lectin Receptor 2 Expression via Transforming Growth Factor-β. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0412222. [PMID: 37125906 PMCID: PMC10269552 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04122-22] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To initiate an antileishmanial adaptive immune response, dendritic cells (DCs) must carry Leishmania antigens from peripheral tissues to local draining lymph nodes. However, the migratory capacity of DCs is largely compromised during Leishmania donovani infection. The molecular mechanism underlying this defective DC migration is not yet fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that L. donovani infection impaired the lymph node homing ability of DCs by decreasing C-type lectin receptor 2 (CLEC-2) expression. L. donovani exerted this inhibitory effect by inducing transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) secretion from DCs. Indeed, TGF-β produced in this manner inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated CLEC-2 expression on DCs by activating c-Src. Notably, suppression of c-Src expression significantly improved the arrival of DCs in draining lymph nodes by preventing L. donovani-induced CLEC-2 downregulation on DCs. These findings reveal a unique mechanism by which L. donovani inhibits DC migration to lymph nodes and suggest a key role for TGF-β, c-Src, and CLEC-2 in regulating this process. IMPORTANCE Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in initiating T cell-mediated protective immunity against visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the second most lethal parasitic disease in the world. However, the T cell-inducing ability of DCs critically depends on the extent of DC migration to regional lymph nodes. Notably, the migration of DCs is reported to be impaired during VL. The cause of this impaired DC migration, however, remains ill-defined. Here, we provide the first evidence that L. donovani, the causative agent of VL, attenuates the lymph node homing capacity of DCs by decreasing C-type lectin receptor 2 (CLEC-2) expression on DCs. Additionally, we have demonstrated how L. donovani mediates this inhibitory effect. Overall, our work has revealed a unique mechanism underlying L. donovani-induced impairment of DC migration and suggests a potential strategy to improve antileishmanial T cell activity by increasing DC arrival in lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Yadav
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research—Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India
| | - Md. Naushad Akhtar
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research—Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India
| | - Manish Mishra
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research—Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research—Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research—Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shubham
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research—Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Anil Nandal
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research—Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pradip Sen
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research—Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Ashraf Talesh S, Mahmoudi S, Mohebali M, Mamishi S. A rare presentation of visceral leishmaniasis and epididymo-orchitis in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7426. [PMID: 37273673 PMCID: PMC10233215 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has rarely been reported in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), despite the fact that they seem more susceptible to intracellular infection. We describe a rare presentation of VL and epididymo-orchitis in a patient with CGD, which has not been seen previously in the literature following inflammatory syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Ashraf Talesh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Medical CenterTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Shima Mahmoudi
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Research CenterTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public HealthTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Setareh Mamishi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Medical CenterTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Research CenterTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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40
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Nail AE, Ahmed I, Ali Osman H, el Harith A. Haematological malignancies as disorders negatively impacting specificities of the direct agglutination and rapid rK39 strip tests as reference diagnostics for visceral leishmanisis. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:000522.v3. [PMID: 37223054 PMCID: PMC10202399 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000522.v3] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction During several years of work in Sudan, we occasionally had been confronted with patients who presented clinical features highly suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) however direct agglutination test (DAT) readings that were either at the high negative or low positive titre range. Inquiries on the fate of those particular patients revealed mortality, undetermined diagnosis or that in some of them leukaemia was finally diagnosed. Gap statement Investigate as to what extent haematological malignancies (HMs) interfere with VL diagnosis. Aim Evaluate specificity of DAT version newly developed in this study wherein sodium dodecyle sulphate (SDS) was incorporated as a test sample denaturant in comparison with a standard reference wherein β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME) was used in test execution. Methodology Seventy plasma samples from patients with HMs were collected and tested in a primary DAT version (P-DAT). The results obtained were compared with those of the rK39 strip test as VL reference diagnostic. HM samples revealing titres higher than the start dilution (1 : 100) in P-DAT were further tested in a β-ME- and urea-modified DAT versions. The specificity of the newly developed SDS-DAT was assessed against that of β-ME-DAT and rK39 strip tests as current reference diagnostics for VL. Results Seven out of 70 patients with HMs scored positive outcomes (titre ≥1 : 3200) in P-DAT and four in the reference rK39 strip test. Of the seven that tested positive in P-DAT or four in the reference rK39, none reacted at titre >1 : 100 in the SDS-DAT. Significant reduction in non-specific agglutination reactions was achieved as a result in respect to the HM plasma samples (P value <0.05). Conclusion To establish desired specificity for VL diagnosis in respect to HMs and subsequently minimize or avoid serious side effects due to unjustified anti-leishmanials prescription the combined application of the SDS-DAT here described and an improved version of the rK39 for confirmation is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abd Elsalam Nail
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Omdurman Islamic University and Tropical Diseases Teaching Hospital, Omdurman, Sudan
| | - Ikram Ahmed
- Internal medicine, Omdurman Teaching Hospital, Omdurman, Sudan
| | - Hussam Ali Osman
- Khawarizmi International College, Al Shahama-Abu Dhabi Rd-Al Bahyah-Abu Dhabi, UAE
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He J, Huang F, Liao X, Zhang J, Wei S, Xiao Y, Zheng X, Zhu Z, Chen D, Chen J. TLR9 agonist CpG ODN 2395 promotes the immune response against Leishmania donovani in obesity and undernutrition mice. Acta Trop 2023; 242:106921. [PMID: 37030488 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
As important immunomodulators, CpG ODNs have broad application prospects in the treatment and prevention of leishmaniasis. In order to explore the immunomodulatory effect of CpG ODNs on mice infected with Leishmania parasites in different nutritional status, TLR9 agonist CpG ODN 2395 or TLR9 antagonist CpG ODN 2088 was injected into normal, obesity and undernutrition BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania donovani, respectively. Subsequently, spleen and liver parasite loads, spleen and liver immune gene expression, spleen T cell subsets proportion and PD-1 expression, serum lipids, serum cytokines, and anti-Leishmania antibodies were measured to assess the immune response of mice with different nutritional status. The results displayed that at the 8th week after infection, the spleen parasite load of obesity and undernutrition mice was significantly higher than that of normal mice, but the liver parasite load showed no statistical difference among the three groups. The treatment of CpG ODN 2395 or CpG ODN 2088 significantly reduced the spleen parasite load of obesity and undernutrition infected mice, but did not reduce that of normal infected mice. In obesity infected mice, CpG ODN 2395 promoted the up-regulation of TCR, ICOS and TLR4 in spleen, promoted the secretion of IFN-γ and anti-Leishmania total IgG and IgG1 antibodies, and increased the content of serum HDL-C. In undernutrition infected mice, CpG ODN 2395 promoted the up-regulation of spleen CD28 and TLR9, increased the proportion of spleen CD3+ T cells, and decreased the content of serum IL-10. Our results demonstrated that CpG ODN 2395 enhanced the immune response and clearance of Leishmania parasites in obesity and undernutrition mice, which might be used as a therapeutic agent for obesity and undernutrition leishmaniasis patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlei He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Huang
- First Surgical Department, Chengdu Shuangliu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuechun Liao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianhui Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shulan Wei
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuying Xiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dali Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Registre C, Soares RDOA, Rubio KTS, Santos ODH, Carneiro SP. A Systematic Review of Drug-Carrying Nanosystems Used in the Treatment of Leishmaniasis. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:423-449. [PMID: 36795604 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00632] [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: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease responsible for a huge rate of morbidity and mortality in humans. Chemotherapy consists of the use of pentavalent antimonial, amphotericin B, pentamidine, miltefosine, and paromomycin. However, these drugs are associated with some drawbacks such as high toxicity, administration by parenteral route, and most seriously the resistance of some strains of the parasite to them. Several strategies have been used to increase the therapeutic index and reduce the toxic effects of these drugs. Among them, the use of nanosystems that have great potential as a site-specific drug delivery system stands out. This review aims to compile results from studies that were carried out using first- and second-line antileishmanial drug-carrying nanosystems. The articles referred to here were published between 2011 and 2021. This study shows the promise of effective applicability of drug-carrying nanosystems in the field of antileishmanial therapeutics, with the perspective of providing better patient adherence to treatment, increased therapeutic efficacy, reduced toxicity of conventional drugs, as well as the potential to efficiently improve the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmante Registre
- Phytotechnology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400000, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo D O A Soares
- Immunopathology Laboratory, Research Center in Biological Sciences/NUPEB, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400000, Brazil
| | - Karina T S Rubio
- Toxicology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400000, Brazil
| | - Orlando D H Santos
- Phytotechnology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400000, Brazil
| | - Simone P Carneiro
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Chowdhuri SP, Dhiman S, Das SK, Meena N, Das S, Kumar A, Das BB. Novel Pyrido[2',1':2,3]imidazo[4,5- c]quinoline Derivative Selectively Poisons Leishmania donovani Bisubunit Topoisomerase 1 to Inhibit the Antimony-Resistant Leishmania Infection in Vivo. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3411-3430. [PMID: 36823782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The unique bisubunit structure of Leishmania donovani topoisomerase 1B (LdTop1) is a potential drug target in the parasites unlike the monomeric Top1 from its human host counterpart. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and validation of a chimeric pyrido[2',1':2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline derivative (C17) as a novel antileishmanial agent that poisons topoisomerase 1-DNA covalent complexes (LdTop1cc) inside the parasites and inhibits Top1 religation activity both in the drug sensitive and antimony-resistant L. donovani clinical isolates. Importantly, the human Top1 is not sensitive to C17. Further, C17 overcomes the chemical instability of camptothecin (CPT) by generating persistent LdTop1cc-induced DNA breaks inside the parasites even after 12 h of drug removal. Intraperitoneal administration of C17 results in marked reduction of the Leishmania amastigotes from the infected spleen and liver of BALB/c mice. C17 confers a host protective immune-response up-regulating the Th1 cytokines facilitating parasite clearance which can be exploited for treating drug-resistant leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijita Paul Chowdhuri
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
| | - Shiv Dhiman
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333 031 Rajasthan, India
| | - Subhendu K Das
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
| | - Neha Meena
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333 031 Rajasthan, India
| | - Sonali Das
- Infectious Diseases & Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333 031 Rajasthan, India
| | - Benu Brata Das
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
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Romano PS, Akematsu T, Besteiro S, Bindschedler A, Carruthers VB, Chahine Z, Coppens I, Descoteaux A, Alberto Duque TL, He CY, Heussler V, Le Roch KG, Li FJ, de Menezes JPB, Menna-Barreto RFS, Mottram JC, Schmuckli-Maurer J, Turk B, Tavares Veras PS, Salassa BN, Vanrell MC. Autophagy in protists and their hosts: When, how and why? AUTOPHAGY REPORTS 2023; 2:2149211. [PMID: 37064813 PMCID: PMC10104450 DOI: 10.1080/27694127.2022.2149211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic protists are a group of organisms responsible for causing a variety of human diseases including malaria, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis, among others. These diseases, which affect more than one billion people globally, mainly the poorest populations, are characterized by severe chronic stages and the lack of effective antiparasitic treatment. Parasitic protists display complex life-cycles and go through different cellular transformations in order to adapt to the different hosts they live in. Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular degradation process, has emerged as a key mechanism required for these differentiation processes, as well as other functions that are crucial to parasite fitness. In contrast to yeasts and mammals, protist autophagy is characterized by a modest number of conserved autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) that, even though, can drive the autophagosome formation and degradation. In addition, during their intracellular cycle, the interaction of these pathogens with the host autophagy system plays a crucial role resulting in a beneficial or harmful effect that is important for the outcome of the infection. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on autophagy and other related mechanisms in pathogenic protists and their hosts. We sought to emphasize when, how, and why this process takes place, and the effects it may have on the parasitic cycle. A better understanding of the significance of autophagy for the protist life-cycle will potentially be helpful to design novel anti-parasitic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Silvia Romano
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Takahiko Akematsu
- Department of Biosciences, College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Vern B Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zeinab Chahine
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, QC
| | - Thabata Lopes Alberto Duque
- Autophagy Inflammation and Metabolism Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Cynthia Y He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Volker Heussler
- Institute of Cell Biology.University of Bern. Baltzerstr. 4 3012 Bern
| | - Karine G Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Feng-Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Jeremy C Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Patricia Sampaio Tavares Veras
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases - National Council for Scientific Research and Development (CNPq)
| | - Betiana Nebai Salassa
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Cristina Vanrell
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
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Fujimori M, Valencia-Portillo RT, Lindoso JAL, Celeste BJ, de Almeida RP, Costa CHN, da Cruz AM, Druzian AF, Duthie MS, Fortaleza CMCB, de Oliveira ALL, Paniago AMM, Queiroz IT, Reed S, Vallur AC, Goto H, Sanchez MCA. Recombinant protein KR95 as an alternative for serological diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282483. [PMID: 36862710 PMCID: PMC9980733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Americas, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, leading to death if not promptly diagnosed and treated. In Brazil, the disease reaches all regions, and in 2020, 1,933 VL cases were reported with 9.5% lethality. Thus, an accurate diagnosis is essential to provide the appropriate treatment. Serological VL diagnosis is based mainly on immunochromatographic tests, but their performance may vary by location, and evaluation of diagnostic alternatives is necessary. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the performance of ELISA with the scantily studied recombinant antigens, K18 and KR95, comparing their performance with the already known rK28 and rK39. Sera from parasitologically confirmed symptomatic VL patients (n = 90) and healthy endemic controls (n = 90) were submitted to ELISA with rK18 and rKR95. Sensitivity (95% CI) was, respectively, 83.3% (74.2-89.7) and 95.6% (88.8-98.6), and specificity (95% CI) was 93.3% (85.9-97.2) and 97.8% (91.8-99.9). For validation of ELISA with the recombinant antigens, we included samples from 122 VL patients and 83 healthy controls collected in three regions in Brazil (Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest). When comparing the results obtained with the VL patients' samples, significantly lower sensitivity was obtained by rK18-ELISA (88.5%, 95% CI: 81.5-93.2) compared with rK28-ELISA (95.9%, 95% CI: 90.5-98.5), but the sensitivity was similar comparing rKR95-ELISA (95.1%, 95% CI: 89.5-98.0), rK28-ELISA (95.9%, 95% CI: 90.5-98.5), and rK39-ELISA (94.3%, 95% CI: 88.4-97.4). Analyzing the specificity, it was lowest with rK18-ELISA (62.7%, 95% CI: 51.9-72.3) with 83 healthy control samples. Conversely, higher and similar specificity was obtained by rKR95-ELISA (96.4%, 95% CI: 89.5-99.2), rK28-ELISA (95.2%, 95% CI: 87.9-98.5), and rK39-ELISA (95.2%, 95% CI: 87.9-98.5). There was no difference in sensitivity and specificity across localities. Cross-reactivity assessment, performed with sera of patients diagnosed with inflammatory disorders and other infectious diseases, was 34.2% with rK18-ELISA and 3.1% with rKR95-ELISA. Based on these data, we suggest using recombinant antigen KR95 in serological assays for VL diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahyumi Fujimori
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José Angelo Lauletta Lindoso
- Departamento de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Julieta Celeste
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roque Pacheco de Almeida
- Departamento de Medicina Interna e Patologia, Hospital Universitário/EBSERH, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Alda Maria da Cruz
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Angelita Fernandes Druzian
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Igor Thiago Queiroz
- Hospital Giselda Trigueiro, Secretaria Estadual da Saúde Pública, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Steve Reed
- HDT Bio, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Aarthy C. Vallur
- InBios International Inc, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Hiro Goto
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Carmen Arroyo Sanchez
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Dalir Ghaffari A, Barati M, Ghaffarifar F, Pirestani M, Ebrahimi M, KarimiPourSaryazdi A. Investigation of antileishmanial activities of CaO nanoparticles on L. tropica and L. infantum parasites, in vitro. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:73-81. [PMID: 36910320 PMCID: PMC9998763 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01539-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Stibogluconate sodium and meglumine antimoniate are the main antimonials utilised as the primary treatment option for leishmaniasis. However, have a number of side effects that limit their use. Development of nanoparticles (NPs) use in biological research and remarkable antimicrobial effects and unique optical and structural properties of CaO NPs have motivated this study to evaluated the effect of different times/dilutions of CaO NPs on Leishmania tropica and Leishmania infantum. To evaluate the antileishmanial activity of CaO NPs, the cytotoxic effect of CaO NPs against L. tropica and L. infantum amastigotes, promastigotes, as well as macrophages, was evaluated using counting and MTT assay after adding different concentrations of CaO nanoparticles (800-6.25 μg/ml) to the parasite culture. The possible apoptosis by CaO NPs were evaluated via flow cytometry assay. The XRD-pattern related to CaO nanoparticles indicating the cubic phase structures. According the effects of nanoparticle on promastigotes the IC50 values of CaO nanoparticles within 72 h were 19.81 μg/ml for L. tropica and 22.57 μg/ml for L. infantum. The percentage of the normal, apoptotic, and necrotic cells was estimated to be 82.6%, 14.81%, and 2.69% for L. tropica, and 73.6%, 23.89%, and 2.58% for L. infantum, respectively. Our results showed acceptable in vitro activity level of CaO NPs against L. tropica and L. infantum promastigotes as well as intracellular amastigotes. CaO NPs were more effective against L. infantum compared to L. tropica in vitro study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dalir Ghaffari
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Barati
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ebrahimi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir KarimiPourSaryazdi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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47
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de Sá KSG, Amaral LA, Rodrigues TS, Ishimoto AY, de Andrade WAC, de Almeida L, Freitas-Castro F, Batah SS, Oliveira SC, Pastorello MT, Fabro AT, Zamboni DS. Gasdermin-D activation promotes NLRP3 activation and host resistance to Leishmania infection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1049. [PMID: 36828815 PMCID: PMC9958042 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular parasites from the Leishmania genus cause Leishmaniasis, a disease affecting millions of people worldwide. NLRP3 inflammasome is key for disease outcome, but the molecular mechanisms upstream of the inflammasome activation are still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that despite the absence of pyroptosis, Gasdermin-D (GSDMD) is active at the early stages of Leishmania infection in macrophages, allowing transient cell permeabilization, potassium efflux, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Further, GSDMD is processed into a non-canonical 25 kDa fragment. Gsdmd-/- macrophages and mice exhibit less NLRP3 inflammasome activation and are highly susceptible to infection by several Leishmania species, confirming the role of GSDMD for inflammasome-mediated host resistance. Active NLRP3 inflammasome and GSDMD are present in skin biopsies of patients, demonstrating activation of this pathway in human leishmaniasis. Altogether, our findings reveal that Leishmania subverts the normal functions of GSDMD, an important molecule to promote inflammasome activation and immunity in Leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyla S G de Sá
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Luana A Amaral
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Tamara S Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Adriene Y Ishimoto
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Warrison A C de Andrade
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Leticia de Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe Freitas-Castro
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Sabrina S Batah
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Sergio C Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mônica T Pastorello
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T Fabro
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
- Serviço de Patologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Dario S Zamboni
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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48
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Costa SS, Santos LMO, Freire LC, Tedeschi ALF, Ribeiro NR, Queiroz MHR, Neto EB, Pimenta DC, Galvani NC, Luiz GP, de Oliveira ME, de Ávila RAM, Carvalho AMRS, Brigido BVS, Reis AB, Fernandes APSM, Coelho EAF, Roatt BM, Menezes-Souza D, Duarte MC. Immunoproteomics approach for the discovery of antigens applied to the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. Acta Trop 2023; 241:106865. [PMID: 36787861 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106865] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, an immunoproteomic approach using Leishmania infantum parasites isolated from naturally infected dogs from an endemic region of the disease, was carried out to identify new antigens to be used in the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Protein extracts, obtained from parasites isolated from asymptomatic (CanLA) and symptomatic (CanLS) dogs, were used to perform the two-dimensional gels. Western Blotting assays were carried out by employing a pool of sera from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (CanLA or CanLS), healthy dogs from an endemic area, or dogs with similar diseases associated with cross-reactions (babesiosis and ehrlichiosis). With these results, it was possible to exclude the spots that showed a cross-reactivity of the sera from groups of healthy dogs, and those with babesiosis or ehrlichiosis. Taken together, 20 proteins were identified, 15 of which have already been described in the literature and 5 of which are hypothetical. An immunogenomic screen strategy was applied to identify conserved linear B-cell epitopes in the identified hypothetical proteins. Two peptides were synthesized and tested in ELISA experiments as a proof of concept for the validation of our immunoproteomics findings. The results demonstrated that the antigens presented sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 81.93% to 97.59% and 78.14 to 85.12%, respectively. As a comparative antigen, a preparation of a Leishmania extract showed sensitivity and specificity values of 75.90% and 74.88%, respectively. The present study was able to identify proteins capable of being used for the serodiagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scarleth Silva Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucas Magno Oliveira Santos
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Chaves Freire
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Filizzola Tedeschi
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Naianda Rezende Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Emídio Beraldo Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Nathalia Coral Galvani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Paulino Luiz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado de Ávila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Ravena Severino Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bryan Victor Serafim Brigido
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Barbosa Reis
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas/CiPharma, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas/CiPharma, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Costa Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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49
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Jancar N, Sousa Gonçalves F, Duro J, Pinto I, Oliveira T, Aguiar P. Kala-Azar: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e34864. [PMID: 36923201 PMCID: PMC10010315 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis caused by unicellular protozoans Leishmania. The transmission can be zoonotic or anthroponotic, depending on the species, and the main vector is the phlebotomine sandfly. The disease is endemic in the tropics of Asia and Africa but is considered rare in Portugal, especially in immunocompetent hosts. Its main clinical syndromes constitute cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous disease, and visceral leishmaniasis. The latter is also known as kala-azar and is caused by the infection of the phagocytes of the reticuloendothelial system, causing the typical symptoms: fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. The clinical manifestations are non-specific, frequently causing a delay in the diagnosis, especially in nonendemic areas and immunocompetent hosts. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, given the high mortality rate in untreated patients. The diagnosis is based on the direct visualization of the protozoan and molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction tests. Amphotericin B is considered the first-line treatment. We present a case of visceral leishmaniasis in an immunocompetent patient with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Jancar
- Internal Medicine, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, PRT
| | - Filipa Sousa Gonçalves
- Internal Medicine, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, PRT
| | - José Duro
- Internal Medicine, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, PRT
| | - Inês Pinto
- Internal Medicine, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, PRT
| | - Tiago Oliveira
- Pathology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, PRT
| | - Patrício Aguiar
- Internal Medicine, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, PRT.,Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, PRT
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50
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Margaroni M, Agallou M, Tsanaktsidou E, Kammona O, Kiparissides C, Karagouni E. Immunoinformatics Approach to Design a Multi-Epitope Nanovaccine against Leishmania Parasite: Elicitation of Cellular Immune Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:304. [PMID: 36851182 PMCID: PMC9960668 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by an intracellular parasite of the genus Leishmania with different clinical manifestations that affect millions of people worldwide, while the visceral form may be fatal if left untreated. Since the available chemotherapeutic agents are not satisfactory, vaccination emerges as the most promising strategy for confronting leishmaniasis. In the present study, a reverse vaccinology approach was adopted to design a pipeline starting from proteome analysis of three different Leishmania species and ending with the selection of a pool of MHCI- and MHCII-binding epitopes. Epitopes from five parasite proteins were retrieved and fused to construct a multi-epitope chimeric protein, named LeishChim. Immunoinformatics analyses indicated that LeishChim was a stable, non-allergenic and immunogenic protein that could bind strongly onto MHCI and MHCII molecules, suggesting it as a potentially safe and effective vaccine candidate. Preclinical evaluation validated the in silico prediction, since the LeishChim protein, encapsulated simultaneously with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) into poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles, elicited specific cellular immune responses when administered to BALB/c mice. These were characterized by the development of memory CD4+ T cells, as well as IFNγ- and TNFα-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, supporting the potential of LeishChim as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritsa Margaroni
- Immunology of Infection Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 125 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Agallou
- Immunology of Infection Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 125 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Evgenia Tsanaktsidou
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 57 001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Kammona
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 57 001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Costas Kiparissides
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 57 001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54 124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Karagouni
- Immunology of Infection Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 125 21 Athens, Greece
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