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de Souza Neto LR, Montoya BO, Brandão-Neto J, Verma A, Bowyer S, Moreira-Filho JT, Dantas RF, Neves BJ, Andrade CH, von Delft F, Owens RJ, Furnham N, Silva-Jr FP. Fragment library screening by X-ray crystallography and binding site analysis on thioredoxin glutathione reductase of Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1582. [PMID: 38238498 PMCID: PMC10796382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52018-2] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, which infect more than 200 million people. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the main drug for controlling schistosomiasis for over four decades, but despite that it is ineffective against juvenile worms and size and taste issues with its pharmaceutical forms impose challenges for treating school-aged children. It is also important to note that PZQ resistant strains can be generated in laboratory conditions and observed in the field, hence its extensive use in mass drug administration programs raises concerns about resistance, highlighting the need to search for new schistosomicidal drugs. Schistosomes survival relies on the redox enzyme thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), a validated target for the development of new anti-schistosomal drugs. Here we report a high-throughput fragment screening campaign of 768 compounds against S. mansoni TGR (SmTGR) using X-ray crystallography. We observed 49 binding events involving 35 distinct molecular fragments which were found to be distributed across 16 binding sites. Most sites are described for the first time within SmTGR, a noteworthy exception being the "doorstop pocket" near the NADPH binding site. We have compared results from hotspots and pocket druggability analysis of SmTGR with the experimental binding sites found in this work, with our results indicating only limited coincidence between experimental and computational results. Finally, we discuss that binding sites at the doorstop/NADPH binding site and in the SmTGR dimer interface, should be prioritized for developing SmTGR inhibitors as new antischistosomal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Ribeiro de Souza Neto
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bogar Omar Montoya
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Brandão-Neto
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
| | - Anil Verma
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sebastian Bowyer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - José Teófilo Moreira-Filho
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rafael Ferreira Dantas
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- CRAFT - Center for Research and Advancement of Fragments and Molecular Targets, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frank von Delft
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Raymond J Owens
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell, UK.
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Floriano Paes Silva-Jr
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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2
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Detoni MB, Bortoleti BTDS, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Concato VM, Gonçalves MD, Silva TF, Ortiz LSF, Gomilde AC, Rodrigues ACJ, de Matos RLN, Bracarense APFRL, de Matos AMRN, Simão ANC, Endo TH, Kobayashi RKT, Nakazato G, Costa IN, Conchon-Costa I, Oliveira FJDA, Pavanelli WR, Miranda-Sapla MM. Biogenic silver nanoparticle exhibits schistosomicidal activity in vitro and reduces the parasitic burden in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105145. [PMID: 37120010 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease that affects millions of people, being the second most prevalent parasitic disease worldwide. The current treatment has limited effectiveness, drug-resistant strains, and is not effective in different stages of the disease. This study investigated the antischistosomal activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNp) against Schistosoma mansoni. Bio-AgNp presented direct schistosomicidal activity on newly transformed schistosomula causing plasma membrane permeabilization. In S. mansoni adult worms, reduced the viability and affected the motility, increasing oxidative stress parameters, and inducing plasma membrane permeabilization, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid bodies accumulation, and autophagic vacuoles formation. During the experimental schistosomiasis mansoni model, Bio AgNp restored body weight, reduced hepatosplenomegaly, and decrease the number of eggs and worms in feces and liver tissue. The treatment also ameliorates liver damage and reduces macrophage and neutrophil infiltrates. A reduction in count and size was evaluated in the granulomas, as well as a change to an exudative-proliferative phase, with a local increase of IFN-γ. Together our results showed that Bio-AgNp is a promising therapeutic candidate for studies of new therapeutic strategies against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Barbosa Detoni
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Bruna Taciane da Silva Bortoleti
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology, Carlos Chagas Institute, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tomiotto-Pellissier
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology, Carlos Chagas Institute, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Marcia Concato
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biotransformation and Phytochemistry, Department of Chemistry, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Taylon Felipe Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luryan Silvério Fidélis Ortiz
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Amanda Caroliny Gomilde
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Jacob Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Luís Nascimento de Matos
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Andréa Name Colado Simão
- Clinical Analysis and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Thiago Hideo Endo
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Gerson Nakazato
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Milena Menegazzo Miranda-Sapla
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, University of Vale Do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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3
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Zainab T, Khatoon S, Sahreen A, Saifullah MK. Assessment of antioxidant enzymes during the development of the digenetic trematode parasite Gastrothylax crumenifer, infecting the rumen of Indian water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:271-279. [PMID: 37193500 PMCID: PMC10182214 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01564-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of antioxidant enzymes in helminth parasites is well known. These enzymes help the parasites to survive in their hosts by detoxifying host-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). The literature survey reveals that most of the studies related to antioxidant enzymes in helminth parasites are restricted to the adult stage while the larval stages are neglected. The present investigation is designed to evaluate the level of antioxidant enzymes in the adult and larval stages of rumen-infecting paramphistome parasites, Gastrothylax crumenifer. The larval stages include 0-day eggs, 4-day eggs, and eggs containing mature miracidia, cercariae, and metacercariae. Antioxidant enzyme assays were performed using standard assay protocols. Our findings revealed an increasing pattern in the level of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Reductase (GR), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) antioxidant enzymes during the development from 0-day eggs to the adult stage. Overall analysis shows that adult worms have higher antioxidant enzyme activity as compared to the larval stages, indicating that adult flukes are more adapted to oxidative stress. It can be concluded that the miracidia, cercarial, and metacercarial developmental stages of G. crumenifer possess a considerable level of antioxidant enzymes suitable to overcome the oxidative stress encountered during the development and help them in the completion of the life cycle and survival in the definitive host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmina Zainab
- Parasite Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002 India
| | - Sabiha Khatoon
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech, University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430 USA
| | - Anam Sahreen
- Parasite Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002 India
| | - Mohammad Khalid Saifullah
- Parasite Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002 India
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Wanlop A, Angeles JMM, Macalanda AMC, Kirinoki M, Ohari Y, Yajima A, Yamagishi J, Ona KAL, Kawazu SI. Cloning, Expression and Evaluation of Thioredoxin Peroxidase-1 Antigen for the Serological Diagnosis of Schistosoma mekongi Human Infection. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123077. [PMID: 36553084 PMCID: PMC9777376 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123077] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mekongi, a blood fluke that causes Asian zoonotic schistosomiasis, is distributed in communities along the Mekong River in Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic. Decades of employing numerous control measures including mass drug administration using praziquantel have resulted in a decline in the prevalence of schistosomiasis mekongi. This, however, led to a decrease in sensitivity of Kato-Katz stool microscopy considered as the gold standard in diagnosis. In order to develop a serological assay with high sensitivity and specificity which can replace Kato-Katz, recombinant S. mekongi thioredoxin peroxidase-1 protein (rSmekTPx-1) was expressed and produced. Diagnostic performance of the rSmekTPx-1 antigen through ELISA for detecting human schistosomiasis was compared with that of recombinant protein of S. japonicum TPx-1 (rSjTPx-1) using serum samples collected from endemic foci in Cambodia. The sensitivity and specificity of rSmekTPx-1 in ELISA were 89.3% and 93.3%, respectively, while those of rSjTPx-1 were 71.4% and 66.7%, respectively. In addition, a higher Kappa value of 0.82 calculated between rSmekTPx-1 antigen ELISA and Kato-Katz confirmed better agreement than between rSjTPx-1 antigen ELISA and Kato-Katz (Kappa value 0.38). These results suggest that ELISA with rSmekTPx-1 antigen can be a potential diagnostic method for detecting active human S. mekongi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atcharaphan Wanlop
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Jose Ma. M. Angeles
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Adrian Miki C. Macalanda
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Philippines
| | - Masashi Kirinoki
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Yuma Ohari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
| | - Aya Yajima
- Would Health Organization Regional Office for Southeast Asia, New Delhi 110011, India
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Kevin Austin L. Ona
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Shin-ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
- Correspondence:
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Neolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) exhibit efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19320. [PMID: 36369516 PMCID: PMC9652300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23110-2] [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: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, especially in developing countries. Despite the significant economic and public health consequences, only one drug is currently available for treatment of schistosomiasis, praziquantel. Thus, there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Based on our continuous studies involving the chemical prospection of floristic biodiversity aiming to discover new bioactive compounds, this work reports the in vitro antiparasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms of neolignans threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, both isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae). These neolignans showed a significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity, with EC50 values of 12.6-28.1 µM. Further analysis revealed a pronounced reduction in the number of S. mansoni eggs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed morphological alterations when schistosomes were exposed to either threo-austrobailignan-6 or verrucosin. These relevant antischistosomal properties were accompanied by low cytotoxicity potential against the animal (Vero) and human (HaCaT) cell lines, resulting in a high selectivity index. Considering the promising chemical and biological properties of threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, this research should be of interest to those in the area of neglected diseases and in particular antischistosomal drug discovery.
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EF24, a schistosomicidal curcumin analog: Insights from its synthesis and phenotypic, biochemical and cytotoxic activities. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 368:110191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Di Maggio LS, Curtis KC, Erdmann-Gilmore P, Sprung RSW, Townsend RR, Weil GJ, Fischer PU. Comparative proteomics of adult Paragonimus kellicotti excretion/secretion products released in vitro or present in the lung cyst nodule. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010679. [PMID: 35976975 PMCID: PMC9423667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Paragonimus kellicotti is a zoonotic lung fluke infection, the agent of North American paragonimiasis, and an excellent model for other Paragonimus infections. The excretory/secretory proteins (ESP) released by parasites and presented at the parasite-host interface are frequently proposed to be useful targets for drugs and/or vaccines In vitro culture conditions may alter ESP compared to those produced in vivo. In order to investigate ESPs produced in vivo we took advantage of the fact that adult P. kellicotti reproduce in the lungs of experimentally infected gerbils in tissue cysts. We performed a mass-spectrometric analysis of adult P. kellicotti soluble somatic protein (SSPs) extracts, excreted/secreted proteins (ESPs) produced by adult worms during in vitro culture, and lung cyst fluid proteins (CFPs) from experimentally infected gerbils. We identified 2,137 P. kellicotti proteins that were present in at least two of three biological replicates and supported by at least two peptides. Among those were 1,914 proteins found in SSP, 947 in ESP and 37 in CFP. In silico analysis predicted that only 141 of the total 2,137 proteins were secreted via classical or non-classical pathways. The most abundant functional categories in SSP were storage and oxidative metabolism. The most abundant categories in ESP were proteins related to metabolism and signal transduction. The 37 parasite-related proteins in CFP belonged to 11 functional categories. The largest groups were proteins with unknown function, cytoskeletal proteins and proteasome machinery. 29 of these 37 proteins were shared among all three sample types. To our knowledge, this is the first study that compares in vitro and in vivo ESP for any Paragonimus species. This study has provided new insights into ESPs of food-borne trematodes that are produced and released in vivo. Proteins released at the host-parasite interface may help the parasite evade host immunity and may represent new targets for novel treatments or diagnostic tests for paragonimiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia S. Di Maggio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kurt C. Curtis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Petra Erdmann-Gilmore
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Robert S. W. Sprung
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - R. Reid Townsend
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Gary J. Weil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Peter U. Fischer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Phuphisut O, Kobpornchai P, Chusongsang P, Limpanont Y, Kanjanapruthipong T, Ampawong S, Reamtong O, Adisakwattana P. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of Schistosoma mekongi neuroglobin homolog. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106433. [PMID: 35364046 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomes are blood-dwelling parasites that are constantly exposed to high-level oxidative stress arising from parasite-intrinsic and host defense mechanisms. To survive in their hosts, schistosomes require an antioxidant system to minimize with oxidative stress. Several schistosome antioxidant enzymes have been identified and have been suggested to play indispensable antioxidant roles for the parasite. In addition to antioxidant enzymes, non-enzymatic antioxidants including small molecules, peptides, and proteins have been identified and characterized. Neuroglobin (Ngb), a nervous system-specific heme-binding protein, has been classified as a non-enzymatic antioxidant and is capable of scavenging a variety of free radical species. The antioxidant activity of Ngb has been well-studied in humans. Ngb is involved in cellular oxygen homeostasis and reactive oxygen/nitrogen scavenging in the central and peripheral nervous systems, but its functions in schistosome parasites have not yet been characterized. In this study, we aimed to characterize the molecular properties and functions of Schistosoma mekongi Ngb (SmeNgb) using bioinformatic, biochemical, and molecular biology approaches. The amino acid sequence of Ngb was highly conserved among schistosomes as well as closely related trematodes. SmeNgb was abundantly localized in the gastrodermis, vitelline, and ovary of adult female S. mekongi worms as well as in the tegument of adult male worms. Assessment of antioxidant activity demonstrated that recombinant SmeNgb had Fe2+ chelating and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities. Intriguingly, siRNA silencing of SmeNgb gene expression resulted in tegument pathology. Understanding the properties and functions of SmNgb will help in future development of effective treatments and vaccines against S. mekongi, other schistosome parasites, and other platyhelminths.
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Martínez-González JDJ, Ríos-Morales SL, Guevara-Flores A, Ramos-Godinez MDP, López-Saavedra A, Rendón JL, Del Arenal Mena IP. Evaluating the effect of curcumin on the metacestode of Taenia crassiceps. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108319. [PMID: 35777452 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin, a curcuminoid present in the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa has multiple pharmacological effects including anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. This work evaluates the anthelmintic effect of the curcumin molecule (98% pure) on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci viability in vitro. Cysticerci incubated in the presence of increasing concentrations of curcumin showed a dose-dependent mortality correlated with a significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species and a partial inhibition of thioredoxin-glutathione reductase, the only disulfide reductase present in these parasites. At 500 μM curcumin, a 100% of cysticerci lethality was obtained after 2 h of treatment. These results suggest the curcumin-induced oxidative stress could be in the origin of the anthelminthic effect of curcumin. Mice with cysticerci were injected intraperitoneally with 20, 40, or 60 mM curcumin daily for 30 days. A decrease in the burden of cysticerci (46%) was observed with a 60 mM dose of curcumin, supporting this compound as a potential anthelmintic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de Jesús Martínez-González
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Lizeth Ríos-Morales
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alberto Guevara-Flores
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Del Pilar Ramos-Godinez
- Unidad de Aplicaciones Avanzadas en Microscopía, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Red de Apoyo a la Investigación (RAI), 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro López-Saavedra
- Unidad de Aplicaciones Avanzadas en Microscopía, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Red de Apoyo a la Investigación (RAI), 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Luis Rendón
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Irene Patricia Del Arenal Mena
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70-159, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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10
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Atwa MTM, Abd-Elrazek AM, Salem NIS. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Improves the Therapeutic Efficiency of Praziquantel in Experimental Schistosomiasis. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:773-783. [PMID: 35067863 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00513-1] [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: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although praziquantel (PZQ) has a wide use as an anti-schistosome agent, many of its imperfections and side effects have been reported in many studies. The current study aims to evaluate the curative effect of a natural dandelion extract (Taraxacum officinale) on schistosomiasis either alone or in combination with PZQ based on parasitological, immunological, histopathological and molecular investigations. METHODS Mice were experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and then divided into four groups, Schistosoma spp.-infected untreated group (IC group), Schistosoma spp.-infected group of mice treated with dandelion (I-Dn group), Schistosoma spp.-infected group of mice treated with PZQ (I-PZQ group), and Schistosoma spp.-infected group of mice treated with both PZQ and dandelion (I-PZQ + Dn group). Treatment started 45 days' post-infection. Besides, non-infected, non-treated mice served as the negative healthy control group (HC group). RESULTS The present results indicated that dandelion administration significantly reduced the worm burden, ova number, and the number and diameter of hepatic granulomas as compared to the untreated infected group. The results also showed that the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the combined treatment group (I-PZQ + Dn) as compared to the I-PZQ group. Administration of dandelion-only remarkably reduced AST and ALT activities associated with schistosomiasis. Moreover, hepatic DNA damage assessed by comet assay was significantly inhibited in the combined treated group compared to the infected untreated and PZQ treated groups. CONCLUSION The results concluded that combined treatment of PZQ and dandelion extract improved immune response, decreased the number and diameter of granulomas, and inhibited DNA damage, indicating a reduction in liver fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis. The present study focused on the potential effect of dandelion as an adjunct medication for therapeutic properties of PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Th M Atwa
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
| | - Areeg M Abd-Elrazek
- Physiology Department, National Organization of Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha I S Salem
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
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11
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Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worm Protective and Diagnostic Proteins in n-Butanol Extracts Revealed by Proteomic Analysis. Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010022. [PMID: 35055970 PMCID: PMC8777762 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The S. mansoni adult worm n-butanol extract (Sm-AWBE) has been previously shown to contain specific S. mansoni antigens that have been used for immunodiagnosis of schistosomiasis in solid phase alkaline phosphatase immunoassay (APIA) and western blot (WB) analyses. Sm-AWBE was also used in immunoprotection studies against a fatal live-cercariae challenge in experimental mouse vaccination (~43% protection). The Sm-AWBE fraction was prepared by mixing adult worm membranous suspensions with aqueous-saturated n-butanol, centrifuging and recovering n-butanol-resistant proteins in the aqueous phase. Here we report a preliminary identification of Sm-AWBE protein components as revealed from a qualitative proteomic study after processing Sm-AWBE by 1D-gel electrophoresis, in-gel and in-solution tryptic digestions, and mass spectrometry analyses. We identified 33 proteins in Sm-AWBE, all previously known S. mansoni proteins and antigens; among them, immunomodulatory proteins and proteins mostly involved in host–parasite interactions. About 81.8% of the identified Sm-AWBE proteins are antigenic. STRING analysis showed a set of Sm-AWBE proteins configuring a small network of interactive proteins and a group of proteins without interactions. Functional groups of proteins included muscle contraction, antioxidant, GPI-anchored phosphoesterases, regulatory 14-3-3, various enzymes and stress proteins. The results widen the possibilities to design novel antigen combinations for better diagnostic and immunoprotective strategies for schistosomiasis control.
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12
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Hunter KS, Miller A, Mentink-Kane M, Davies SJ. Schistosome AMPK Is Required for Larval Viability and Regulates Glycogen Metabolism in Adult Parasites. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:726465. [PMID: 34539616 PMCID: PMC8440919 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.726465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
On entering the mammalian host, schistosomes transition from a freshwater environment where resources are scarce, to an environment where there is an unlimited supply of glucose, their preferred energy substrate. Adult schistosome glycolytic activity consumes almost five times the parasite's dry weight in glucose per day to meet the parasite's energy demands, and the schistosome glycolytic enzymes and mechanisms for glucose uptake that sustain this metabolic activity have previously been identified. However, little is known of the parasite processes that regulate schistosome glucose metabolism. We previously described the Schistosoma mansoni ortholog of 5' AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), which is a central regulator of energy metabolism in eukaryotes, and characterized the developmental regulation of its expression and activity in S. mansoni. Here we sought to explore the function of AMPK in schistosomes and test whether it regulates parasite glycolysis. Adult schistosomes mounted a compensatory response to chemical inhibition of AMPK α, resulting in increased AMPK α protein abundance and activity. RNAi inhibition of AMPK α expression, however, suggests that AMPK α is not required for adult schistosome viability in vitro. Larval schistosomula, on the other hand, are sensitive to chemical AMPK α inhibition, and this correlates with inactivity of the AMPK α gene in this life cycle stage that precludes a compensatory response to AMPK inhibition. While our data indicate that AMPK is not essential in adult schistosomes, our results suggest that AMPK regulates adult worm glycogen stores, influencing both glycogen utilization and synthesis. AMPK may therefore play a role in the ability of adult schistosomes to survive in vivo stressors such as transient glucose deprivation and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that AMPK warrants further investigation as a potential drug target, especially for interventions aimed at preventing establishment of a schistosome infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasandra S Hunter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - André Miller
- Schistosomiasis Resource Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Margaret Mentink-Kane
- Schistosomiasis Resource Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Stephen J Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
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13
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Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a thioredoxin peroxidase gene in Echinococcus multilocularis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 245:111408. [PMID: 34343548 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) plays an important role in protecting parasites against oxidative damage. However, studies on the role of TPxs in Echinococcus multilocularis are limited. In this study, one tpx gene of E. multilocularis, named as emtpx-1, was identified. EmTPx-1 shares two positionally conserved cysteine residues (Cys48 and Cys169) with orthologs from other platyhelminths. EmTPx-1 is highly expressed in the germinal layer and present in exosome-like vesicles secreted by E. multilocularis metacestodes. EmTPx-1 displays peroxidase activity, which removes hydrogen peroxide in the presence of dithiothreitol. Furthermore, EmTPx-1 could protect DNA from oxidative damages, and EmTPx-1-expressing E. coli cells had an enhanced resistance to oxidative stress. In addition, EmTPx-1 enhanced the expression of arg1, ym1, and il-10, but suppressed inos, tnf-α, and il-1β expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Our data suggest a critical role for EmTPx-1 in oxidative stresses and M2 macrophage polarization.
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14
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Masamba P, Kappo AP. Immunological and Biochemical Interplay between Cytokines, Oxidative Stress and Schistosomiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137216. [PMID: 34281269 PMCID: PMC8268096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The host–parasite schistosome relationship relies heavily on the interplay between the strategies imposed by the schistosome worm and the defense mechanisms the host uses to counter the line of attack of the parasite. The ultimate goal of the schistosome parasite entails five important steps: evade elimination tactics, survive within the human host, develop into adult forms, propagate in large numbers, and transmit from one host to the next. The aim of the parasitized host on the other hand is either to cure or limit infection. Therefore, it is a battle between two conflicting aspirations. From the host’s standpoint, infection accompanies a plethora of immunological consequences; some are set in place to defend the host, while most end up promoting chronic disease, which ultimately crosses paths with oxidative stress and cancer. Understanding these networks provides attractive opportunities for anti-schistosome therapeutic development. Hence, this review discusses the mechanisms by which schistosomes modulate the human immune response with ultimate links to oxidative stress and genetic instability.
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15
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Human serum activates the tegument of female schistosomes and supports recovery from Praziquantel. Parasitol Res 2020; 120:209-221. [PMID: 33263166 PMCID: PMC7846515 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most devastating parasitic disease in the world. Schistosoma spp. survive for decades within the vasculature of their human hosts. They have evolved a vast array of mechanisms to avoid the immune reaction of the host. Due to their sexual dimorphism, with the female worm lying within the gynecophoric canal of the male worm, it is the male that is exposed to the immediate environment and the soluble parts of the host’s immune response. To understand how the worms are so successful in fending off the immune attacks of the host, comparative analyses of both worm sexes in human serum (with or without Praziquantel) were performed using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Further, gene expression analyses of tegument-specific genes were performed. Following the incubation in human serum, males and females out of pairs show morphological changes such as an altered structure of the pits below the surface and an increased number of pits per area. In addition, female schistosomes presented a marked tuft-like repulsion of their opsonized surface. The observed resistance of females to Praziquantel seemed to depend on active proteins in the human serum. Moreover, different expression profiles of tegument-specific genes indicate different functions of female_single and male_single teguments in response to human serum. Our results indicate that female schistosomes developed different evasion strategies toward the host’s immune system in comparison to males that might lead to more robustness and has to be taken into account for the development of new anti-schistosomal drugs.
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16
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Analyses of the expression, immunohistochemical properties and serodiagnostic potential of Schistosoma japonicum peroxiredoxin-4. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:436. [PMID: 32867818 PMCID: PMC7460784 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04313-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma japonicum, which inhabits the mesenteric vein of the mammalian hosts for about 20 to 30 years, is subjected to the oxidative stresses from the host defense mechanism during their intra-mammalian stages. To counteract this host immune attack, the parasite utilizes their antioxidant system for survival inside the host. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs), thiol-specific antioxidant proteins, play an essential role for protecting the parasite against oxidative stress by reducing hydrogen peroxide to water. Only three types of 2-Cys Prxs have been previously characterized in S. japonicum whereas a fourth Prx has been identified for Schistosoma mansoni as Prx-4. A sequence coding homologous to this gene in the S. japonicum database was identified, characterized and expressed as recombinant SjPrx-4 protein (rSjPrx-4). Furthermore, rSjPrx-4 was evaluated in this study for its diagnostic potentials in detecting S. japonicum infection in humans. Results The gene found in the parasite genome contained 2 active-site cysteines with conserved sequences in the predicted amino acid (AA) sequence and showed 75% identity with that of the previously characterized Prx (TPx-1) of S. japonicum. The gene was expressed in different stages of schistosome life-cycle with highest transcription level in the adult male. The gene was cloned into a plasmid vector and then transfected into Escherichia coli for expression of rSjPrx-4. Anti-rSjPrx-4 mouse sera recognized native SjPrx-4 in egg and adult worm lysate by western blotting. The result of a mixed function oxidation assay in which rSjPrx-4 prevented the nicking of DNA from hydroxyl radicals confirmed its antioxidant activity. Subsequently, immunolocalization analysis showed the localization of SjPrx-4 inside the egg, on the tegument and in the parenchyma of the adult worm. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that rSjPrx-4 has 83.3% sensitivity and 87.8% specificity. Its diagnostic potential was further evaluated in combination with recombinant SjTPx-1 protein, yielding an improved sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 92.7%, respectively. Conclusions These results suggest that SjPrx-4 plays a role as an antioxidant dealing with oxidative stresses of S. japonicum, and its diagnostic potential improved by coupling it with SjTPx-1 is a proof for developing a serological test with better diagnostic performance for human schistosomiasis.![]()
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Sebastian-Perez V, García-Rubia A, Seif El-Din SH, Sabra ANA, El-Lakkany NM, William S, Blundell TL, Maes L, Martinez A, Campillo NE, Botros SS, Gil C. Deciphering the enzymatic target of a new family of antischistosomal agents bearing a quinazoline scaffold using complementary computational tools. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:511-523. [PMID: 31939312 PMCID: PMC7717570 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1712595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous phenotypic screening campaign led to the identification of a quinazoline derivative with promising in vitro activity against Schistosoma mansoni. Follow-up studies of the antischistosomal potential of this candidate are presented here. The in vivo studies in a S. mansoni mouse model show a significant reduction of total worms and a complete disappearance of immature eggs when administered concomitantly with praziquantel in comparison with the administration of praziquantel alone. This fact is of utmost importance because eggs are responsible for the pathology and transmission of the disease. Subsequently, the chemical optimisation of the structure in order to improve the metabolic stability of the parent compound was carried out leading to derivatives with improved drug-like properties. Additionally, the putative target of this new class of antischistosomal compounds was envisaged by using computational tools and the binding mode to the target enzyme, aldose reductase, was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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18
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A review on the druggability of a thiol-based enzymatic antioxidant thioredoxin reductase for treating filariasis and other parasitic infections. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 142:125-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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19
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Buddenborg SK, Kamel B, Hanelt B, Bu L, Zhang SM, Mkoji GM, Loker ES. The in vivo transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni in the prominent vector species Biomphalaria pfeifferi with supporting observations from Biomphalaria glabrata. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007013. [PMID: 31568484 PMCID: PMC6797213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The full scope of the genes expressed by schistosomes during intramolluscan development has yet to be characterized. Understanding the gene products deployed by larval schistosomes in their snail hosts will provide insights into their establishment, maintenance, asexual reproduction, ability to castrate their hosts, and their prolific production of human-infective cercariae. Using the Illumina platform, the intramolluscan transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni was investigated in field-derived specimens of the prominent vector species Biomphalaria pfeifferi at 1 and 3 days post infection (d) and from snails shedding cercariae. These S. mansoni samples were derived from the same snails used in our complementary B. pfeifferi transcriptomic study. We supplemented this view with microarray analyses of S. mansoni from B. glabrata at 2d, 4d, 8d, 16d, and 32d to highlight robust features of S. mansoni transcription, even when a different technique and vector species was used. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Transcripts representing at least 7,740 (66%) of known S. mansoni genes were expressed during intramolluscan development, with the greatest number expressed in snails shedding cercariae. Many transcripts were constitutively expressed throughout development featuring membrane transporters, and metabolic enzymes involved in protein and nucleic acid synthesis and cell division. Several proteases and protease inhibitors were expressed at all stages, including some proteases usually associated with cercariae. Transcripts associated with G-protein coupled receptors, germ cell perpetuation, and stress responses and defense were well represented. We noted transcripts homologous to planarian anti-bacterial factors, several neural development or neuropeptide transcripts including neuropeptide Y, and receptors that may be associated with schistosome germinal cell maintenance that could also impact host reproduction. In at least one snail the presence of larvae of another digenean species (an amphistome) was associated with repressed S. mansoni transcriptional activity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This in vivo study, emphasizing field-derived snails and schistosomes, but supplemented with observations from a lab model, provides a distinct view from previous studies of development of cultured intramolluscan stages from lab-maintained organisms. We found many highly represented transcripts with suspected or unknown functions, with connection to intramolluscan development yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Buddenborg
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Bishoy Kamel
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Ben Hanelt
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Lijing Bu
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Gerald M. Mkoji
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairob,i Kenya
| | - Eric S. Loker
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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Avelar LDGA, Gava SG, Neves RH, Silva MCS, Araújo N, Tavares NC, Khal AE, Mattos ACA, Machado-Silva JR, Oliveira G, Mourão MDM. Smp38 MAP Kinase Regulation in Schistosoma mansoni: Roles in Survival, Oviposition, and Protection Against Oxidative Stress. Front Immunol 2019; 10:21. [PMID: 30733716 PMCID: PMC6353789 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic protein kinases (ePKs) are good medical targets for drug development in different biological systems. ePKs participate in many cellular processes, including the p38 MAPK regulation of homeostasis upon oxidative stress. We propose to assess the role of Smp38 MAPK signaling pathway in Schistosoma mansoni development and protection against oxidative stress, parasite survival, and also to elucidate which target genes have their expression regulated by Smp38 MAPK. After a significant reduction of up to 84% in the transcription level by Smp38 MAPK gene knockdown, no visible phenotypic changes were reported in schistosomula in culture. The development of adult worms was tested in vivo in mice infected with the Smp38 knocked-down schistosomula. It was observed that Smp38 MAPK has an essential role in the transformation and survival of the parasites as a low number of adult worms was recovered. Smp38 knockdown also resulted in decreased egg production, damaged adult worm tegument, and underdeveloped ovaries in females. Furthermore, only ~13% of the eggs produced developed into mature eggs. Our results suggest that inhibition of the Smp38 MAPK activity interfere in parasites protection against reactive oxygen species. Smp38 knockdown in adult worms resulted in 80% reduction in transcription levels on the 10th day, with consequent reduction of 94.4% in oviposition in vitro. In order to search for Smp38 MAPK pathway regulated genes, we used an RNASeq approach and identified 1,154 DEGs in Smp38 knockdown schistosomula. A substantial proportion of DEGs encode proteins with unknown function. The results indicate that Smp38 regulates essential signaling pathways for the establishment of parasite homeostasis, including genes related to antioxidant defense, structural composition of ribosomes, spliceosomes, cytoskeleton, as well as, purine and pyrimidine metabolism pathways. Our data show that the Smp38 MAPK signaling pathway is a critical route for parasite development and may present attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia das Graças Amaral Avelar
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sandra Grossi Gava
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renata Heisler Neves
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Neusa Araújo
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Assmaa El Khal
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Wang H, Li J, Zhang C, Guo B, Wei Q, Li L, Yang N, Peter McManus D, Gao X, Zhang W, Wen H. Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto: silencing of thioredoxin peroxidase impairs the differentiation of protoscoleces into metacestodes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:57. [PMID: 30474598 PMCID: PMC6254101 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a cosmopolitan parasitic disease caused by infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) may play an essential role in the antioxidant defence system of E. granulosus s.l. as neither catalase nor glutathione peroxidase activities have been detected in the parasite. However, it is not known whether TPx affects the survival and growth of E. granulosus s.l. during development. In this study, three fragments of siRNA specific for EgTPx (siRNA-1/2/3) were designed and transfected into protoscoleces of E. granulosus sensu stricto by electroporation. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis showed that siRNA-3 significantly reduced the expression of EgTPx. Coincidentally, knockdown of EgTPx expression in protoscoleces with siRNA-3 significantly reduced the viability of the parasite under oxidative stress induced by 0.6 mM H2O2. In vitro culture studies showed that protoscoleces treated with siRNA-3 reduced pre-microcyst formation. In vivo experiments showed that injecting mice intraperitoneally with protoscoleces treated with siRNA-3 resulted in a significant reduction in the number, size and weight of CE cysts compared with those of control animals. Silencing of EgTPx led to the impairment of growth of E. granulosus s.s. both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that EgTPx is an important factor for protoscoleces survival and plays an important role in the antioxidant defence against the host during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Changji, Xinjiang 831100, PR China - State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China
| | - Chuanshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China
| | - Baoping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China
| | - Qin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China
| | - Liang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China
| | - Donald Peter McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Xiaoli Gao
- Pharmacy College of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, PR China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China
| | - Hao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, PR China - Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Changji, Xinjiang 831100, PR China
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22
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Mäder P, Rennar GA, Ventura AMP, Grevelding CG, Schlitzer M. Chemotherapy for Fighting Schistosomiasis: Past, Present and Future. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:2374-2389. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mäder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Philipps-Universität Marburg; Marbacher Weg 6 35032 Marburg Germany
| | - Georg A. Rennar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Philipps-Universität Marburg; Marbacher Weg 6 35032 Marburg Germany
| | - Alejandra M. Peter Ventura
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Philipps-Universität Marburg; Marbacher Weg 6 35032 Marburg Germany
| | - Christoph G. Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS; Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen; Schubertstraße 81 35392 Gießen Germany
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Philipps-Universität Marburg; Marbacher Weg 6 35032 Marburg Germany
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23
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Thiangtrongjit T, Adisakwattana P, Limpanont Y, Dekumyoy P, Nuamtanong S, Chusongsang P, Chusongsang Y, Reamtong O. Proteomic and immunomic analysis of Schistosoma mekongi egg proteins. Exp Parasitol 2018; 191:88-96. [PMID: 30009810 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a global health problem. In the Mekong river basin, approximately 80,000 people are at risk of infection by Schistosoma mekongi. The parasite's eggs become entrapped in the host's organs and induce massive inflammation, contributing to the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. In addition, egg antigens are important in circumoval precipitin tests (COPTs) and other diagnostic techniques. Little is known regarding the egg proteins of S. mekongi, and so we applied immunoblotting and mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to study these proteins and their antigenicity. A total of 360 unique proteins were identified in S. mekongi eggs using proteomic analyses. The major protein components of S. mekongi eggs were classified into several groups by functions, including proteins of unknown function, structural proteins, and regulators of transcription and translation. The most abundant proteins in S. mekongi eggs were antioxidant proteins, potentially reflecting the need to neutralize reactive oxidative species released from host immune cells. Immunomic analyses revealed that only DNA replication factor Cdt1 and heat shock protein 70 overlap between the proteins recognized by sera of infected mice and humans, illustrating the challenges of knowledge transfer from animal models to human patients. Forty-one immunoreactive protein bands were recognized by either mouse or patient sera. Phosphoglycerate kinase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase and elongation factor 1 appeared to be interesting immunogens of S. mekongi eggs as these proteins were recognized by polyclonal IgMs and IgGs in patient sera. Our findings provide new information on the protein composition of S. mekongi eggs as well as the beginnings of a S. mekongi immunogen dataset. These data may help us better understand the pathology of schistosomiasis as well as natural antibody responses against S. mekongi egg proteins, both of which may be useful in including S. mekongi to other schistosoma diagnostic, vaccine and immunotherapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tipparat Thiangtrongjit
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Paron Dekumyoy
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Supaporn Nuamtanong
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Phiraphol Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Yupa Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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24
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Ferreira CM, Oliveira MP, Paes MC, Oliveira MF. Modulation of mitochondrial metabolism as a biochemical trait in blood feeding organisms: the redox vampire hypothesis redux. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:683-700. [PMID: 29384241 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hematophagous organisms undergo remarkable metabolic changes during the blood digestion process, increasing fermentative glucose metabolism, and reducing respiratory rates, both consequence of functional mitochondrial remodeling. Here, we review the pathways involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial functionality in a comparative framework across different hematophagous species, and consider how these processes regulate redox homeostasis during blood digestion. The trend across distinct species indicate that a switch in energy metabolism might represent an important defensive mechanism to avoid the potential harmful interaction of oxidants generated from aerobic energy metabolism with products derived from blood digestion. Indeed, in insect vectors, blood feeding transiently reduces respiratory rates and oxidant production, irrespective of tissue and insect model. On the other hand, a different scenario is observed in several unrelated parasite species when exposed to blood digestion products, as respiratory rates reduce and mitochondrial oxidant production increase. The emerging picture indicates that re-wiring of energy metabolism, through reduced mitochondrial function, culminates in improved tolerance to redox insults and seems to represent a key step for hematophagous organisms to cope with the overwhelming and potentially toxic blood meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Ferreira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Matheus P Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Marcia C Paes
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil.,Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Marcus F Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil
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Immunohistochemical Investigations of Treatment with Ro 13-3978, Praziquantel, Oxamniquine, and Mefloquine in Schistosoma mansoni-Infected Mice. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01142-17. [PMID: 28971860 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01142-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, there is only one drug in use, praziquantel, to treat more than 250 million people afflicted with schistosomiasis, a debilitating parasitic disease. The aryl hydantoin Ro 13-3978 is a promising drug candidate with in vivo activity superior to that of praziquantel against both adult and juvenile Schistosoma mansoni organisms. Given the drug's contrasting low activity in vitro and the timing of its onset of action in vivo, it was postulated that immune-assisted parasite clearance could contribute to the drug's in vivo activity. We undertook histopathological studies to investigate this hypothesis. Infected mice were treated with an effective dose of Ro 13-3978 (100 mg/kg of body weight) and were dissected before and after the drug's in vivo onset of action. The veins and livers were excised, paraffin-embedded, and sectioned, and macrophages (IBA-1), neutrophils (Neutro), B cells (CD45R), and T cells (CD3) were stained by immunohistochemistry. For comparison, samples from infected untreated mice and mice treated with effective doses of praziquantel (400 mg/kg), oxamniquine (200 mg/kg), and mefloquine (200 mg/kg) were examined. At 24 h after treatment with Ro 13-3978, significant macrophage recruitment to the veins was observed, along with a modest increase in circulating B cells, and at 48 h, neutrophils and T cells are also present. Treatment with praziquantel and oxamniquine showed similar patterns of recruitment but with comparatively higher cellular levels, whereas mefloquine treatment resulted in minimal cell recruitment until 3 days posttreatment. Our study sheds light on the immediate immune responses to antischistosomal treatment in mice and provides further insight into immune effector mechanisms of schistosome clearance.
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26
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de Melo NB, dos Santos LFM, de Castro MS, Souza RLM, Marques MJ, Castro AP, de Castro AT, de Carli ML, Hanemann JAC, Silva MS, Moraes GDOI, Beijo LA, Brigagão MRPL, Sperandio FF. Photodynamic therapy for Schistosoma mansoni : Promising outcomes. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 176:157-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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27
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Singh N, Gupta VK, Kumar A, Sharma B. Synergistic Effects of Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Living Systems. Front Chem 2017; 5:70. [PMID: 29075624 PMCID: PMC5641569 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a widespread repeated exposure of the population to the pesticides and heavy metals of occupational and environmental origin. Such population is forced to undergo continuous stress imposed by combined exposure of the heavy metals and different classes of the pesticides used in agricultural as well as health practices. The existing reports from several workers have indicated that heavy metals and pesticides in combination may lead more severe impact on the human health when compared to their individual effects. Such a combination of pesticides and heavy metals may also change or influence the detection of exposure. Several studies in past have shown the synergistic toxic effects of heavy metals and pesticides. Such evaluations have revealed the synergistic interactions of various heavy metals and pesticides in animals as well as humans. The aim of the present article is to provide a synthesis of existing knowledge on the synergistic effects of heavy metal and pesticides in living systems. The information included in this article may be useful for different environment protection agencies and policy makers to consider the combined effects of heavy metals and pesticides on humans while designing strategies toward environmental protection and safety regulations about human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitika Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Bechan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
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Hai X, Zhang H, Wang Z, Gong H, Cao J, Zhou Y, Zhou J. Identification of 2-Cys Peroxiredoxin (BmTPx-2) as Antioxidant Active Molecule from Babesia microti. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1959. [PMID: 29067017 PMCID: PMC5641339 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a family of antioxidant enzymes that reduce peroxides in the presence of thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) to resist oxidative stress. In this study, we identified and isolated a 2-Cys Prx designated as ‘BmTPx-2’ from Babesia microti, with a full-length cDNA of 826 bp and an open reading frame of 756 bp, which encodes a 251-amino acid protein. BLAST analysis demonstrated that BmTPx-2 shows the typical features of members of the 2-Cys Prx family, which includes harboring two conserved VCP motifs with Cys101 and Cys221 conserved cysteine residues. Recombinant BmTPx-2 was expressed in Escherichia coli and analyzed by western blot. The antioxidant activity of BmTPx-2 was demonstrated using a mixed-function oxidation system and oxidation of NADPH. Furthermore, BmTPx-2 mRNA expression level in parasites at the erythrocytes and tick stages were analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Peak BmTPx-2 mRNA transcription was detected 8 days after infection at the erythrocyte stage, but not at the tick stage. Taken together, this study characterized BmTPx-2 from B. microti as an antioxidant molecule that was specifically transcribed at the erythrocyte stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunan Hai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhonghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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29
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The natural compound 7-epiclusianone inhibits superoxide dismutase activity in Schistosoma mansoni. J Helminthol 2017; 92:535-543. [PMID: 28974276 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x17000700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis - caused by trematodes from the genus Schistosoma - affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Growing resistance to therapy with praziquantel (PZQ) has encouraged the search for novel treatments against this neglected disease. The compound 7-epiclusianone (7-epi) - isolated from 'bacupari' (the fruit of the Gracinia brasiliensis tree) - has promising activity against Schistosoma mansoni in vitro, damaging the parasite's tegument. However, the target and mechanism of action of 7-epi have not been identified. Here, we examined the possibility that 7-epi harms the tegument by inhibiting parasite superoxide dismutase (SOD), which protects the tegument from damage by reactive oxygen species produced by host immune cells. Molecular docking analysis in silico suggested strong interactions between 7-epi and S. mansoni cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SmCtSOD) at allosteric cavities. Schistosoma mansoni couples were cultivated ex vivo with 12.44-198.96 μm 7-epi for 24 h, and then parasite extracts were tested for lipid peroxidation (as a surrogate for oxidative stress), and SOD activity and expression. Lipid peroxidation levels increased after incubation with concentrations ≥99.48 μm 7-epi, and this compound reduced SOD activity at concentrations ≥24.87 μm. However, contact with 7-epi did not alter SOD expression, by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our results show that the inhibition of SmCtSOD is partly responsible for the tegument detachment observed after incubation with 7-epi, but is not the only cause of the antiparasitic action of this compound in vitro.
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30
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Biochemical properties and vaccine effect of recombinant TPx-3 from Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1361-1372. [PMID: 28285327 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin peroxidases (TPxs) play an important role in maintaining redox homeostasis and in protecting organisms from the accumulation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we isolated the thioredoxin peroxidase-3 gene of Schistosoma japonicum, SjTPx-3. The open reading frame (ORF) of SjTPx-3 was 663 bp encoding 220 amino acids with a molecular weight of 24.99 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.20. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that SjTPx-3 was expressed in all different stages of the parasites, with highest expression in 35-day-old worms. The ORF of SjTPx-3 was subcloned into pET-32a (+) vectors and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant SjTPx-3 (rSjTPx-3) was expressed as a soluble protein with good antigenicity, as demonstrated by western blotting. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SjTPx-3 was mainly localized on the tegument of the parasites. Mice vaccinated with rSjTPx-3 had a 37.02% (P < 0.05) reduction in worm burden and 56.52% (P < 0.05) reduction in liver egg production compared with control, unvaccinated mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis demonstrated that rSjTPx-3 could induce high levels of anti-rSjTPx-3-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies. Characteristic Th1 and Th2 immune response cytokines were detected by flow cytometry and were increased by rSjTPx-3. Taken together, these results suggest that SjTPx-3 is an antioxidant enzyme responsible for protecting S. japonicum from oxidative stress. rSjTPx-3 may represent a potential vaccine candidate and/or new drug target for patients with schistosomiasis.
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31
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Kapadia GJ, Soares IAO, Rao GS, Badoco FR, Furtado RA, Correa MB, Tavares DC, Cunha WR, Magalhães LG. Antiparasitic activity of menadione (vitamin K 3) against Schistosoma mansoni in BABL/c mice. Acta Trop 2017; 167:163-173. [PMID: 28017859 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases affecting nearly quarter of a billion people in economically challenged tropical and subtropical countries of the world. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug currently available to treat this parasitic disease in spite being ineffective against juvenile worms and concerns about developing resistance to treat reinfections. Our earlier in vitro viability studies demonstrated significant antiparasitic activity of menadione (MEN) (vitamin K3) against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. To gain insight into plausible mechanism of antischistosomal activity of MEN, its effect on superoxide anion levels in adult worms were studied in vitro which showed significant increases in both female and male worms. Further confirmation of the deleterious morphological changes in their teguments and organelles were obtained by ultrastructural analysis. Genotoxic and cytotoxic studies in male Swiss mice indicated that MEN was well tolerated at the oral dose of 500mg/kg using the criteria of MNPCE frequency and PCE/RBC ratio in the bone marrow of infected animals. The in vivo antiparasitic activity of MEN was conducted in female BALB/c mice infected with S. mansoni and significant reductions (P<0.001) in total worm burden were observed at single oral doses of 40 and 400mg/kg (48.57 and 61.90%, respectively). Additionally, MEN significantly reduced (P<0.001) the number of eggs in the liver of infected mice by 53.57 and 58.76%, respectively. Similarly, histological analysis of the livers showed a significant reduction (P<0.001) in the diameter of the granulomas. Since MEN is already in use globally as an over-the-counter drug for a variety of common ailments and a dietary supplement with a safety record in par with similar products when used in recommended doses, the above antiparasitic results which compare reasonably well with PZQ, make a compelling case for considering MEN to treat S. mansoni infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govind J Kapadia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Ingrid A O Soares
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - G Subba Rao
- Global Biotechnology Resource Center, 145 Rosewood Drive, Streamwood, IL 60107, USA
| | - Fernanda R Badoco
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A Furtado
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Mariana B Correa
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Denise C Tavares
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Wilson R Cunha
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil.
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Eissa MM, Mossallam SF, Amer EI, Younis LK, Rashed HA. Repositioning of chlorambucil as a potential anti-schistosomal agent. Acta Trop 2017; 166:58-66. [PMID: 27836498 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As parasites and cancer cells share many lifestyle and behavioral resemblances, repositioning of anti-cancerous agents as anti-parasitic is quite trendy, especially those sharing the same therapeutic targets. Therefore, the current study investigated the in vitro efficacy of ascending concentrations of chlorambucil (0.5-20μg/ml) against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms, over 72h. Additionally, its in vivo effects against the different developmental stages of the worm were assessed, after an oral dose of 2.5mg/kg/day for five successive days, through evaluating the worm load reduction and worms' morphological alterations and oogram changes. In addition to tissue egg count, a histopathological study of the liver was conducted. In vitro, chlorambucil demonstrated noticeable anti-schistosomal effects in the form of progressive reductions of the worms' viability in a dose dependent manner. Complete worm death was achieved at 72h incubation with 5μg/ml drug concentration. In vivo, chlorambucil induced a significant reduction in the total worm load against all developmental stages. Its highest impact was evident against the juvenile stage, where it induced 75.8% total worm load reduction, and 89.2% and 86.7% intestinal and hepatic egg counts reduction, respectively, along with ogram alterations. Besides, it induced significant shortening of both male and female worms and promoted an amelioration of hepatic histopathology. Results show that chlorambucil possesses favorable in vitro and in vivo anti-schistosomal activity. The highest in vivo efficacy was against the juvenile stage of S. mansoni, significantly superior to praziquantel, with extended potency to the adult stage. Further studies are recommended for chlorambucil target verification and to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.
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de Paula Aguiar D, Brunetto Moreira Moscardini M, Rezende Morais E, Graciano de Paula R, Ferreira PM, Afonso A, Belo S, Tomie Ouchida A, Curti C, Cunha WR, Rodrigues V, Magalhães LG. Curcumin Generates Oxidative Stress and Induces Apoptosis in Adult Schistosoma mansoni Worms. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167135. [PMID: 27875592 PMCID: PMC5119855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducing apoptosis is an interesting therapeutic approach to develop drugs that act against helminthic parasites. Researchers have investigated how curcumin (CUR), a biologically active compound extracted from rhizomes of Curcuma longa, affects Schistosoma mansoni and several cancer cell lines. This study evaluates how CUR influences the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress in couples of adult S. mansoni worms. CUR decreased the viability of adult worms and killed them. The tegument of the parasite suffered morphological changes, the mitochondria underwent alterations, and chromatin condensed. Different apoptotic parameters were determined in an attempt to understand how CUR affected adult S. mansoni worms. CUR induced DNA damage and fragmentation and increased the expression of SmCASP3/7 transcripts and the activity of Caspase 3 in female and male worms. However, CUR did not intensify the activity of Caspase 8 in female or male worms. Evaluation of the superoxide anion and different antioxidant enzymes helped to explore the mechanism of parasite death further. The level of superoxide anion and the activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) increased, whereas the activity of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), Glutathione reductase (GR), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) decreased, which culminated in the oxidation of proteins in adult female and male worms incubated with CUR. In conclusion, CUR generated oxidative stress followed by apoptotic-like-events in both adult female and male S. mansoni worms, ultimately killing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela de Paula Aguiar
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | | | - Enyara Rezende Morais
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Manuel Ferreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Afonso
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Amanda Tomie Ouchida
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Curti
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilson Roberto Cunha
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lizandra Guidi Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Zhang H, Wang Z, Gong H, Cao J, Zhou Y, Zhou J. Identification and functional study of a novel 2-cys peroxiredoxin (BmTPx-1) of Babesia microti. Exp Parasitol 2016; 170:21-27. [PMID: 27567985 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Babesia microti is an emerging human pathogen and the primary causative agent of human babesiosis in many regions of the world. Although the peroxiredoxins (Prxs) or thioredoxin peroxidases (TPx) enzymes of this parasite have been sequenced and annotated, their biological properties remain largely unknown. Prxs are a family of antioxidant enzymes that protect biological molecules against metabolically produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to water in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In this study, TPx-1 cDNA was cloned from B. microti (designated BmTPx-1). Recombinant BmTPx-1 (rBmTPx-1) was expressed in Escherichia coli as a histidine fusion protein and purified using Ni-NTA His bind resin. To test the defense capacity of enzymatic antioxidants against the effect of ROS, a mixed-function oxidation system was utilized with the recombinant BmTPx-1 protein. A decreased ability of rBmTPx-1 to donate electrons to the thioredoxin (Trx)/TrxR reductase system was clarified by reaction with H2O2. These results suggest that BmTPx-1 has a great impact on protecting parasites from oxidative stress in the erythrocytic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhonghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Oliveira MP, Correa Soares JBR, Oliveira MF. Sexual Preferences in Nutrient Utilization Regulate Oxygen Consumption and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Schistosoma mansoni: Potential Implications for Parasite Redox Biology. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158429. [PMID: 27380021 PMCID: PMC4933344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni, one of the causative agents of human schistosomiasis, has a unique antioxidant network that is key to parasite survival and a valuable chemotherapeutic target. The ability to detoxify and tolerate reactive oxygen species increases along S. mansoni development in the vertebrate host, suggesting that adult parasites are more exposed to redox challenges than young stages. Indeed, adult parasites are exposed to multiple redox insults generated from blood digestion, activated immune cells, and, potentially, from their own parasitic aerobic metabolism. However, it remains unknown how reactive oxygen species are produced by S. mansoni metabolism, as well as their biological effects on adult worms. Here, we assessed the contribution of nutrients and parasite gender to oxygen utilization pathways, and reactive oxygen species generation in whole unpaired adult S. mansoni worms. We also determined the susceptibilities of both parasite sexes to a pro-oxidant challenge. We observed that glutamine and serum importantly contribute to both respiratory and non-respiratory oxygen utilization in adult worms, but with different proportions among parasite sexes. Analyses of oxygen utilization pathways revealed that respiratory rates were high in male worms, which contrast with high non-respiratory rates in females, regardless nutritional sources. Interestingly, mitochondrial complex I-III activity was higher than complex IV specifically in females. We also observed sexual preferences in substrate utilization to sustain hydrogen peroxide production towards glucose in females, and glutamine in male worms. Despite strikingly high oxidant levels and hydrogen peroxide production rates, female worms were more resistant to a pro-oxidant challenge than male parasites. The data presented here indicate that sexual preferences in nutrient metabolism in adult S. mansoni worms regulate oxygen utilization and reactive oxygen species production, which may differently contribute to redox biology among parasite sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus P. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Resposta ao Estresse, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana B. R. Correa Soares
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Resposta ao Estresse, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcus F. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Resposta ao Estresse, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Etewa SE, Hegab MHA, Metwally AS, Abd Allah SH, Shalaby SM, El-Shal AS, Baredy M, El Shafey MA, Moawad HSF. Murine hepatocytes DNA changes as an assessment of the immunogenicity of potential anti-schistosomal vaccines experimentally. J Parasit Dis 2016; 41:219-229. [PMID: 28316416 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-016-0782-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic affection by granulomatous inflammation in schistosomiasis suggested that a potential anti-pathology vaccine could be generated based on limiting the presence of hazardous hepatocytes induced apoptosis and caused reduction of granulomas number and size . So, this work is concerned with experimental assessment of the efficacy of different Schistosoma mansoni antigens (SEA, SWAP and combined SEA and SWAP) on murine liver after challenge by Schistosoma infection, histopathological, histochemical and molecular investigations were performed on sixty male laboratory bred Swiss Albino mice. A schedule of vaccination and challenge infection was followed and performed on 6 mice groups (each of ten); control normal (G1), control infected (G2), adjuvant received then infected (G3), SEA + adj. received then infected (G4), SWAP + adj. received then infected (G5) and SEA + SWAP + adj. received then infected (G6).Animals were euthanized 10 weeks post infection.Vaccination efficacy was assessed by histopathological, histochemical and molecular studies on murine hepatic tissues.Results showed that:The combined (SEA + SWAP) antigens were better in reducing the number and diameter of the hepatic granulomas, with more protection of the hepatocytes DNA, in addition to more decrease of hepatocytes induced apoptosis and fragmentation as demonstrated by molecular assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia E Etewa
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H A Hegab
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ashraf S Metwally
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Somia H Abd Allah
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sally M Shalaby
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Amal S El-Shal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Baredy
- Histology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A El Shafey
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Howayda S F Moawad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Mäder P, Blohm AS, Quack T, Lange-Grünweller K, Grünweller A, Hartmann RK, Grevelding CG, Schlitzer M. Biarylalkyl Carboxylic Acid Derivatives as Novel Antischistosomal Agents. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:1459-68. [PMID: 27159334 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic platyhelminths are responsible for serious infectious diseases, such as schistosomiasis, which affect humans as well as animals across vast regions of the world. The drug arsenal available for the treatment of these diseases is limited; for example, praziquantel is the only drug currently used to treat ≥240 million people each year infected with Schistosoma spp., and there is justified concern about the emergence of drug resistance. In this study, we screened biarylalkyl carboxylic acid derivatives for their antischistosomal activity against S. mansoni. These compounds showed significant influence on egg production, pairing stability, and vitality. Tegumental lesions or gut dilatation was also observed. Substitution of the terminal phenyl residue in the biaryl scaffold with a 3-hydroxy moiety and derivatization of the terminal carboxylic acid scaffold with carboxamides yielded compounds that displayed significant antischistosomal activity at concentrations as low as 10 μm with satisfying cytotoxicity values. The present study provides detailed insight into the structure-activity relationships of biarylalkyl carboxylic acid derivatives and thereby paves the way for a new drug-hit moiety for fighting schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mäder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ariane S Blohm
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - Thomas Quack
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Lange-Grünweller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Arnold Grünweller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roland K Hartmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Gießen, Germany.
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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Angelucci F, Miele AE, Ardini M, Boumis G, Saccoccia F, Bellelli A. Typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxins in human parasites: Several physiological roles for a potential chemotherapy target. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 206:2-12. [PMID: 27002228 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitary proteins able to play multiple physiological roles, that include thiol-dependent peroxidase, chaperone holdase, sensor of H2O2, regulator of H2O2-dependent signal cascades, and modulator of the immune response. Prxs have been found in a great number of human pathogens, both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Gene knock-out studies demonstrated that Prxs are essential for the survival and virulence of at least some of the pathogens tested, making these proteins potential drug targets. However, the multiplicity of roles played by Prxs constitutes an unexpected obstacle to drug development. Indeed, selective inhibitors of some of the functions of Prxs are known (namely of the peroxidase and holdase functions) and are here reported. However, it is often unclear which function is the most relevant in each pathogen, hence which one is most desirable to inhibit. Indeed there are evidences that the main physiological role of Prxs may not be the same in different parasites. We here review which functions of Prxs have been demonstrated to be relevant in different human parasites, finding that the peroxidase and chaperone activities figure prominently, whereas other known functions of Prxs have rarely, if ever, been observed in parasites, or have largely escaped detection thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Adriana Erica Miele
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Ardini
- Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanna Boumis
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Bellelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Zhang Y, He Y, He L, Zong HY, Cai GB. Molecular cloning and characterization of a phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase gene from a blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2015; 203:5-13. [PMID: 26484892 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) is a major antioxidant enzyme and plays critical roles in the protection of cells against oxidative stress by catalysing reduction of lipid hydroperoxides. A full-length cDNA sequence corresponding to GPx gene from Schistosoma japonicum (designated SjGPx) was isolated and characterized. SjGPx contained an in-frame TGA codon for selenocysteine (Sec) and a concurrent Sec insertion sequence in its 3'-untranslated region. Protein encoded by SjGPx demonstrated a primary structure characteristic to the PHGPx family, including preservation of catalytic domains and absence of the subunit interaction domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the SjGPx was highly related to the other PHGPx-related members, and clustered into the trematode subclade II. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting showed that the SjGPx was mainly expressed in the female adults and eggs. RNA interference was employed to investigate the effects of knockdown of SjGPx. SjGPx expression level was significantly reduced on the 5th day post-RNAi. We observed a 53.86% reduction in total GPx activity and the eggs severely deformed. Oxidative stimulation of viable worms with H2O2 or paraquat resulted in 1.6- to 2.1-fold induction of the GPx activity. Our results revealed that the SjGPx protein is selenium-dependent PHGPx, which might actively participate in the detoxification of oxidative damage during egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Wuhan University School of Basic Medicial Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan He
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medicial Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medicial Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Ying Zong
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medicial Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guo-Bin Cai
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medicial Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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40
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Li T, Ziniel PD, He PQ, Kommer VP, Crowther GJ, He M, Liu Q, Van Voorhis WC, Williams DL, Wang MW. High-throughput screening against thioredoxin glutathione reductase identifies novel inhibitors with potential therapeutic value for schistosomiasis. Infect Dis Poverty 2015; 4:40. [PMID: 26341081 PMCID: PMC4560900 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-015-0071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease also known as bilharzia and snail fever, is caused by different species of flatworms, such as Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni). Thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) from S. mansoni (SmTGR) is a well-characterized drug target for schistosomiasis, yet no anti-SmTGR compounds have reached clinical trials, suggesting that therapeutic development against schistosomiasis might benefit from additional scaffolds targeting this enzyme. METHODS A high-throughput screening (HTS) assay in vitro against SmTGR was developed and applied to a diverse compound library. SmTGR activity was quantified with ThioGlo®, a reagent that fluoresces upon binding to the free sulfhydryl groups of the reaction product GSH (reduced glutathione). RESULTS We implemented an HTS effort against 59,360 synthetic compounds. In the primary screening, initial hits (928 or 1.56 %) showing greater than 90 % inhibition on SmTGR activity at a final concentration of 10 μM for each compound were identified. Further tests were carried out to confirm the effects of these hits and to explore the concentration-dependent response characteristics. As a result, 74 of them (0.12 %) representing 17 chemical scaffolds were confirmed and showed a great concentration-dependent inhibitory trend against SmTGR, including structures previously shown to be lethal to schistosomal growth. Of these, two scaffolds displayed a limited structure-activity relationship. When tested in cultured larvae, 39 compounds had cidal activity in 48 h, and five of them killed larvae completely at 3.125 μM. Of these, three compounds also killed adult worms ex vivo at concentrations between 5 μM and 10 μM. CONCLUSION These confirmed hits may serve as starting points for the development of novel therapeutics to combat schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Peter D Ziniel
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Pan-Qing He
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Valerie P Kommer
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Gregory J Crowther
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Min He
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Qing Liu
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wesley C Van Voorhis
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - David L Williams
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Janwan P, Intapan PM, Laummaunwai P, Rodpai R, Wongkham C, Insawang T, Thanchomnang T, Sanpool O, Maleewong W. Proteomic analysis identification of antigenic proteins in Gnathostoma spinigerum larvae. Exp Parasitol 2015; 159:53-8. [PMID: 26318732 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Gnathostoma spinigerum is the causative agent of human gnathostomiasis. The advanced third stage larva (AL3) of this nematode can migrate into the subcutaneous tissues, including vital organs, often producing severe pathological effects. This study performed immuno-proteomic analysis of antigenic spots, derived from G. spinigerum advanced third stage larva (GSAL3) and recognized by human gnathostomiasis sera, using two-dimensional (2-DE) gel electrophoresis based-liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS), and followed by the aid of a database search. The crude GSAL3 extract was fractionated using IPG strips (pH 3-11NL) and followed by SDS-PAGE in the second dimension. Each gel was stained with colloidal Coomassie blue or was electro-transferred onto a nitrocellulose membrane and probed with gnathostomiasis human sera by immunoblotting. Individual Coomassie-stained protein spots corresponding to the antigenic spots recognized by immunoblotting were excised and processed using LC/MS-MS. Of the 93 antigenic spots excised, 87 were identified by LC/MS-MS. Twenty-seven protein types were found, the most abundant being Ascaris suum37. Six spots showed good quality spectra, but could not be identified. This appears to be the first attempt to characterize antigenic proteins from GSAL3 using a proteomic approach. Immuno-proteomics shows promise to assist the search for candidate proteins for diagnosis and vaccine/drug design and may provide better understand of the host-parasite relationship in human gnathostomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penchom Janwan
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences and Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand; Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Pewpan M Intapan
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Porntip Laummaunwai
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Rutchanee Rodpai
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Chaisiri Wongkham
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Tonkla Insawang
- Khon Kaen University Research Instrument Center, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Tongjit Thanchomnang
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
| | - Oranuch Sanpool
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Maleewong
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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Bulman CA, Bidlow CM, Lustigman S, Cho-Ngwa F, Williams D, Rascón, Jr AA, Tricoche N, Samje M, Bell A, Suzuki B, Lim KC, Supakorndej N, Supakorndej P, Wolfe AR, Knudsen GM, Chen S, Wilson C, Ang KH, Arkin M, Gut J, Franklin C, Marcellino C, McKerrow JH, Debnath A, Sakanari JA. Repurposing auranofin as a lead candidate for treatment of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003534. [PMID: 25700363 PMCID: PMC4336141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Two major human diseases caused by filariid nematodes are onchocerciasis, or river blindness, and lymphatic filariasis, which can lead to elephantiasis. The drugs ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and albendazole are used in control programs for these diseases, but are mainly effective against the microfilarial stage and have minimal or no effect on adult worms. Adult Onchocerca volvulus and Brugia malayi worms (macrofilariae) can live for up to 15 years, reproducing and allowing the infection to persist in a population. Therefore, to support control or elimination of these two diseases, effective macrofilaricidal drugs are necessary, in addition to current drugs. In an effort to identify macrofilaricidal drugs, we screened an FDA-approved library with adult worms of Brugia spp. and Onchocerca ochengi, third-stage larvae (L3s) of Onchocerca volvulus, and the microfilariae of both O. ochengi and Loa loa. We found that auranofin, a gold-containing drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, was effective in vitro in killing both Brugia spp. and O. ochengi adult worms and in inhibiting the molting of L3s of O. volvulus with IC50 values in the low micromolar to nanomolar range. Auranofin had an approximately 43-fold higher IC50 against the microfilariae of L. loa compared with the IC50 for adult female O. ochengi, which may be beneficial if used in areas where Onchocerca and Brugia are co-endemic with L. loa, to prevent severe adverse reactions to the drug-induced death of L. loa microfilariae. Further testing indicated that auranofin is also effective in reducing Brugia adult worm burden in infected gerbils and that auranofin may be targeting the thioredoxin reductase in this nematode. Onchocerciasis or river blindness, and lymphatic filariasis, which can lead to disfiguring elephantiasis, are two neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people, primarily in developing countries. Both diseases are caused by filariid nematodes; onchocerciasis is caused by Onchocerca volvulus and lymphatic filariasis is caused by Brugia malayi, B. timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti. Currently, there are no drugs available that are highly efficacious against adult worms; existing drugs mainly kill the first-stage larvae (microfilariae). While these drugs can reduce the transmission of infections in a population, the adult filariids (macrofilariae) can continue to produce microfilariae and perpetuate the cycle of infection. Finding a drug that could kill the adult worms would be an important tool in eliminating onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. To identify potential macrofilaricidal drugs, we developed a high throughput screening method to test FDA-approved drugs on adult Brugia spp., which serves as a model for O. volvulus. Using this screening method, we identified a drug called auranofin that kills adult Onchocerca and adult Brugia spp. in vitro, inhibits the molting of O. volvulus L3s, and reduces the worm burden in an in vivo gerbil-B. pahangi model system. Auranofin is known to inhibit a critical enzyme called thioredoxin reductase in some parasite species, and subsequent testing of the effects of auranofin on the thioredoxin reductase of Brugia indicates that this may be auranofin’s mode of action in this nematode as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A. Bulman
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chelsea M. Bidlow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sara Lustigman
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Fidelis Cho-Ngwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, SW Region, Cameroon
| | - David Williams
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Alberto A. Rascón, Jr
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, San Jose State University, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | - Nancy Tricoche
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Moses Samje
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, SW Region, Cameroon
| | - Aaron Bell
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brian Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - K. C. Lim
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Prasit Supakorndej
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alan R. Wolfe
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Giselle M. Knudsen
- UCSF Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Steven Chen
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Wilson
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kean-Hooi Ang
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Michelle Arkin
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jiri Gut
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Franklin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Marcellino
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Judy A. Sakanari
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Perkins A, Poole L, Karplus PA. Tuning of peroxiredoxin catalysis for various physiological roles. Biochemistry 2014; 53:7693-705. [PMID: 25403613 PMCID: PMC4270387 DOI: 10.1021/bi5013222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) make up an ancient family of enzymes that are the predominant peroxidases for nearly all organisms and play essential roles in reducing hydrogen peroxide, organic hydroperoxides, and peroxynitrite. Even between distantly related organisms, the core protein fold and key catalytic residues related to its cysteine-based catalytic mechanism have been retained. Given that these enzymes appeared early in biology, Prxs have experienced more than 1 billion years of optimization for specific ecological niches. Although their basic enzymatic function remains the same, Prxs have diversified and are involved in roles such as protecting DNA against mutation, defending pathogens against host immune responses, suppressing tumor formation, and--for eukaryotes--helping regulate peroxide signaling via hyperoxidation of their catalytic Cys residues. Here, we review the current understanding of the physiological roles of Prxs by analyzing knockout and knockdown studies from ∼25 different species. We also review what is known about the structural basis for the sensitivity of some eukaryotic Prxs to inactivation by hyperoxidation. In considering the physiological relevance of hyperoxidation, we explore the distribution across species of sulfiredoxin (Srx), the enzyme responsible for rescuing hyperoxidized Prxs. We unexpectedly find that among eukaryotes appearing to have a "sensitive" Prx isoform, some do not contain Srx. Also, as Prxs are suggested to be promising targets for drug design, we discuss the rationale behind recently proposed strategies for their selective inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arden Perkins
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State
University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United
States
| | - Leslie
B. Poole
- Department
of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - P. Andrew Karplus
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State
University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United
States
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de Paula RG, Ornelas AMDM, Morais ER, Borges WDC, Natale M, Magalhães LG, Rodrigues V. Biochemical characterization and role of the proteasome in the oxidative stress response of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2887-97. [PMID: 24870249 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3950-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The trematode Schistosoma mansoni, an important parasite of humans, is the principle agent of the disease schistosomiasis. In the human host, one of the most important stress factors of this parasite is the oxidative stress generated by both the metabolism of the worm and the immune system of the host. The proteasomal system is responsible for protein homeostasis during oxidative stress. The 26S proteasome is a multicatalytic protease formed by two compartments, a 20S core and regulatory particle 19S, and controls the degradation of intracellular proteins, hence regulating many cellular processes. In the present report, we describe the biochemical characterization and role of the 20S proteasome in the response of adult S. mansoni worms exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Characterization of the response to the oxidative stress included the evaluation of viability, egg production, mortality, tegument integrity, and both expression and activity of proteasome. We observed decreases in viability, egg production as well as 100% mortality at the higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide tested. The main changes observed in the tegument of adult worms were peeling as well as the appearance of bubbles and a decrease of spines on the tubercles. Furthermore, there were increases in 26S activity to the same extent as 20S proteasome activity, although there was increase of 20S proteasome content, suggesting that degradation of protein oxidized in adult worms is due to the 20S proteasome. It was demonstrated that adult S. mansoni worms are sensitive to oxidative stress, and that a variety of processes in this parasite are altered under this condition. The work contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms employed by S. mansoni to survive under oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Graciano de Paula
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil,
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45
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Mikerov AN, Phelps DS, Gan X, Umstead TM, Haque R, Wang G, Floros J. Effect of ozone exposure and infection on bronchoalveolar lavage: sex differences in response patterns. Toxicol Lett 2014; 230:333-344. [PMID: 24769259 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Female mice exhibit a better survival rate than males after infection, but if infection follows an ozone-induced oxidative stress, male survival exceeds that of females. Our goal was to study bronchoalveolar lavage factors that contribute to these sex differences in outcome. We studied parameters at 4, 24, and 48 h after ozone exposure and infection, including markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage, and surfactant phospholipids and surfactant protein A (SP-A). A multianalyte immunoassay at the 4h time point measured 59 different cytokines, chemokines, and other proteins. We found that: (1) Although some parameters studied revealed sex differences, no sex differences were observed in LDH, total protein, MIP-2, and SP-A. Males showed more intragroup significant differences in SP-A between filtered air- and ozone-exposed mice compared to females. (2) Oxidized dimeric SP-A was higher in FA-exposed female mice. (3) Surfactant phospholipids were typically higher in males. (4) The multianalyte data revealed differences in the exuberance of responses under different conditions - males in response to infection and females in response to oxidative stress. These more exuberant, and presumably less well-controlled responses associate with the poorer survival. We postulate that the collective effects of these sex differences in response patterns of lung immune cells may contribute to the clinical outcomes previously observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly N Mikerov
- The Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of General Hygiene and Ecology, Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russia
| | - David S Phelps
- The Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Xiaozhuang Gan
- The Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Todd M Umstead
- The Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- The Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Guirong Wang
- The Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Joanna Floros
- The Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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46
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Switching between the Alternative Structures and Functions of a 2-Cys Peroxiredoxin, by Site-Directed Mutagenesis. J Mol Biol 2013; 425:4556-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Williams DL, Bonilla M, Gladyshev VN, Salinas G. Thioredoxin glutathione reductase-dependent redox networks in platyhelminth parasites. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 19:735-45. [PMID: 22909029 PMCID: PMC3739949 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2012.4670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Platyhelminth parasites cause chronic infections that are a major cause of disability, mortality, and economic losses in developing countries. Maintaining redox homeostasis is a major adaptive problem faced by parasites and its disruption can shift the biochemical balance toward the host. Platyhelminth parasites possess a streamlined thiol-based redox system in which a single enzyme, thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), a fusion of a glutaredoxin (Grx) domain to canonical thioredoxin reductase (TR) domains, supplies electrons to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and thioredoxin (Trx). TGR has been validated as a drug target for schistosomiasis. RECENT ADVANCES In addition to glutathione (GSH) and Trx reduction, TGR supports GSH-independent deglutathionylation conferring an additional advantage to the TGR redox array. Biochemical and structural studies have shown that the TR activity does not require the Grx domain, while the glutathione reductase and deglutathionylase activities depend on the Grx domain, which receives electrons from the TR domains. The search for TGR inhibitors has identified promising drug leads, notably oxadiazole N-oxides. CRITICAL ISSUES A conspicuous feature of platyhelminth TGRs is that their Grx-dependent activities are temporarily inhibited at high GSSG concentrations. The mechanism underlying the phenomenon and its biological relevance are not completely understood. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The functional diversity of Trxs and Grxs encoded in platyhelminth genomes remains to be further assessed to thoroughly understand the TGR-dependent redox network. Optimization of TGR inhibitors and identification of compounds targeting other parasite redox enzymes are good options to clinically develop relevant drugs for these neglected, but important diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Williams
- Department of Immunology-Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Wang LC, Chen KY, Chang SH, Chung LY, Gan RCR, Cheng CJ, Tang P. Transcriptome profiling of the fifth-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis by next-generation sequencing. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3193-202. [PMID: 23828188 PMCID: PMC3742962 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important zoonotic nematode. It is the causative agent of eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. However, information of this parasite at the genomic level is very limited. In the present study, the transcriptomic profiles of the fifth-stage larvae (L5) of A. cantonensis were investigated by next-generation sequencing (NGS). In the NGS database established from the larvae isolated from the brain of Sprague–Dawley rats, 31,487 unique genes with a mean length of 617 nucleotides were assembled. These genes were found to have a 46.08 % significant similarity to Caenorhabditis elegans by BLASTx. They were then compared with the expressed sequence tags of 18 other nematodes, and significant matches of 36.09–59.12 % were found. Among these genes, 3,338 were found to participate in 124 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. These pathways included 1,514 metabolisms, 846 genetic information processing, 358 environmental information processing, 264 cellular processes, and 91 organismal systems. Analysis of 30,816 sequences with the gene ontology database indicated that their annotations included 5,656 biological processes (3,364 cellular processes, 3,061 developmental processes, and 3,191 multicellular organismal processes), 7,218 molecular functions (4,597 binding and 3,084 catalytic activities), and 4,719 cellular components (4,459 cell parts and 4,466 cells). Moreover, stress-related genes (112 heat stress and 33 oxidation stress) and genes for proteases (159) were not uncommon. This study is the first NGS-based study to set up a transcriptomic database of A. cantonensis L5. The results provide new insights into the survival, development, and host–parasite interactions of this blood-feeding nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
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Liu J, Dyer DH, Cheng J, Wang J, Wang S, Yang Z, Wang X, Hu W. Aldose reductase from Schistosoma japonicum: crystallization and structure-based inhibitor screening for discovering antischistosomal lead compounds. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:162. [PMID: 23734964 PMCID: PMC3691639 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with high morbidity and mortality in the world. Currently, the treatment of this disease depends almost exclusively on praziquantel (PZQ); however, the emergence of drug resistance to PZQ in schistosomes makes the development of novel drugs an urgent task. Aldose reductase (AR), an important component that may be involved in the schistosome antioxidant defense system, is predicted as a potential drug target. METHODS The tertiary structure of Schistosoma japonicum AR (SjAR) was obtained through X-ray diffraction method and then its potential inhibitors were identified from the Maybridge HitFinder library by virtual screening based on this structural model. The effects of these identified compounds on cultured adult worms were evaluated by observing mobility, morphological changes and mortality. To verify that SjAR was indeed the target of these identified compounds, their effects on recombinant SjAR (rSjAR) enzymatic activity were assessed. The cytotoxicity analysis was performed with three types of human cell lines using a Cell Counting Kit-8. RESULTS We firstly resolved the SjAR structure and identified 10 potential inhibitors based on this structural model. Further in vitro experiments showed that one of the compounds, renamed as AR9, exhibited significant inhibition in the activity of cultured worms as well as inhibition of enzymatic activity of rSjAR protein. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that AR9 had relatively low toxicity towards host cells. CONCLUSIONS The work presented here bridges the gap between virtual screening and experimental validation, providing an effective and economical strategy for the development of new anti-parasitic drugs. Additionally, this study also found that AR9 may become a new potential lead compound for developing novel antischistosomal drugs against parasite AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of MOH, Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 207 Rui-Jin Road II, Shanghai, China
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50
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Xia XF, Zheng JJ, Shao GM, Wang JL, Liu XS, Wang YF. Cloning and functional analysis of glutathione peroxidase gene in red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 34:1587-1595. [PMID: 23567855 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.03.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Revised: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) are key enzymes in the antioxidant defense systems of living organisms, including crustaceans. The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is the most commonly farmed freshwater crayfish in Chinese inland nowadays due to its commercial value. However, high stocking density has resulted in adverse effects in growth performance and health. To investigate the function of GPxs in immune defense of the crayfish, we cloned and characterized a full length GPx (PcGPx) from P. clarkii by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The 931 bp PcGPx cDNA contains a 38 bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR), a 519 bp coding sequence (CDS) and a 375 bp 3'-UTR with a selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS). The PcGPx was predicted to encode 172 amino acids, and its putative molecular mass was 20.9 kDa with a pI of 4.37. A selenocysteine (Sec) encoded by the unusual stop codon, TGA, was in the protein coding region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PcGPx clustered with the GPxs from the penaeid shrimp Metapenaeus ensis and Caenorhabditis elegans, sharing much higher similarity with vertebrate GPx1 and GPx2 than with GPx3 and GPx5. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that PcGPx was extremely highly expressed in ovary and early embryos. In addition, the levels of PcGPx mRNA and reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly increased after challenge with gram-negative Vibrio harveyi, gram-positive Staphyloccocus aureus or white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). These results suggest that PcGPx may play important roles not only in immune defense, but also in oogenesis in the crayfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Xia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Science, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
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