1
|
Crowe LP, Gioseffi A, Bertolini MS, Docampo R. Inorganic Polyphosphate Is in the Surface of Trypanosoma cruzi but Is Not Significantly Secreted. Pathogens 2024; 13:776. [PMID: 39338967 PMCID: PMC11434814 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, an infection that can lead to the development of cardiac fibrosis, which is characterized by the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the interstitial region of the myocardium. The parasite itself can induce myofibroblast differentiation of cardiac fibroblast in vitro, leading to increased expression of ECM. Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a linear polymer of orthophosphate that can also induce myofibroblast differentiation and deposition of ECM components and is highly abundant in T. cruzi. PolyP can modify proteins post-translationally by non-enzymatic polyphosphorylation of lysine residues of poly-acidic, serine-(S) and lysine (K)-rich (PASK) motifs. In this work, we used a bioinformatics screen and identified the presence of PASK domains in several surface proteins of T. cruzi. We also detected polyP in the external surface of its different life cycle stages and confirmed the stimulation of host cell fibrosis by trypomastigote infection. However, we were not able to detect significant secretion of the polymer or activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), an important factor for the generation of fibrosis by inorganic polyP- or trypomastigote-conditioned medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Logan P Crowe
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Anna Gioseffi
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Mayara S Bertolini
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Roberto Docampo
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Souza TP, Orlando LMR, Lara LDS, Paes VB, Dutra LP, dos Santos MS, Pereira MCDS. Synthesis and Anti- Trypanosoma cruzi Activity of New Pyrazole-Thiadiazole Scaffolds. Molecules 2024; 29:3544. [PMID: 39124949 PMCID: PMC11314410 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29153544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, a silent but widespread disease that mainly affects a socioeconomically vulnerable population, lacks innovative safe drug therapy. The available drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, are more than fifty years old, have limited efficacy, and carry harmful side effects, highlighting the need for new therapeutics. This study presents two new series of pyrazole-thiadiazole compounds evaluated for trypanocidal activity using cellular models predictive of efficacy. Derivatives 1c (2,4-diCl) and 2k (4-NO2) were the most active against intracellular amastigotes. Derivative 1c also showed activity against trypomastigotes, with the detachment of the flagellum from the parasite body being a predominant effect at the ultrastructural level. Analogs have favorable physicochemical parameters and are predicted to be orally available. Drug efficacy was also evaluated in 3D cardiac microtissue, an important target tissue of Trypanosoma cruzi, with derivative 2k showing potent antiparasitic activity and a significant reduction in parasite load. Although 2k potentially reduced parasite load in the washout assay, it did not prevent parasite recrudescence. Drug combination analysis revealed an additive profile, which may lead to favorable clinical outcomes. Our data demonstrate the antiparasitic activity of pyrazole-thiadiazole derivatives and support the development of these compounds using new optimization strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thamyris Perez de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz. Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (T.P.d.S.); (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (V.B.P.)
| | - Lorraine Martins Rocha Orlando
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz. Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (T.P.d.S.); (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (V.B.P.)
| | - Leonardo da Silva Lara
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz. Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (T.P.d.S.); (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (V.B.P.)
| | - Vitoria Barbosa Paes
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz. Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (T.P.d.S.); (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (V.B.P.)
| | - Lucas Penha Dutra
- Laboratório de Síntese de Sistemas Heterocíclicos (LaSSH), Instituto de Física e Química (IFQ), Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Av. BPS 1303, Pinheirinho, Itajubá 37500-903, MG, Brazil; (L.P.D.); (M.S.d.S.)
| | - Mauricio Silva dos Santos
- Laboratório de Síntese de Sistemas Heterocíclicos (LaSSH), Instituto de Física e Química (IFQ), Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Av. BPS 1303, Pinheirinho, Itajubá 37500-903, MG, Brazil; (L.P.D.); (M.S.d.S.)
| | - Mirian Claudia de Souza Pereira
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz. Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (T.P.d.S.); (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (V.B.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Avalos-Borges EE, Acevedo-Arcique CM, Segura-Correa JC, Jiménez-Coello M, Garg NJ, Ortega-Pacheco A. Echocardiographic Documentation of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Development in Dogs Naturally Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1884. [PMID: 38997996 PMCID: PMC11240442 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131884] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to characterize the echocardiographic alterations in dogs from an endemic region that were naturally infected with T. cruzi. Dogs (n = 130) seropositive for antibodies against T. cruzi and/or with acute parasitemia were enrolled in the study. Indicators of changes in the structure and systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle (LV) and blood flow patterns were evaluated by echocardiography. The frequency and extent of alterations in these indicators were associated with the severity of the disease. Briefly, 15 (11.54%) dogs were diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 115 (88.46%) dogs were diagnosed as being without DCM. Infected dogs with DCM exhibited structural features of LV dysfunction, e.g., a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the LV internal diameter at systole and diastole (LVID-s, LVID-d) and a decline in the LV posterior wall (LVPW-d) thickness at diastole. Despite an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output indicating contraction force, DCM resulted in a decreased ejection fraction, affecting systolic function. Dogs that were diagnosed as DCM-negative but were positive for T. cruzi by PCR exhibited a high frequency of an increase in the thickness of the interventricular septum in systole (IVS-s) and the LV posterior wall in diastole (LVPW-d), a decline in the LV inner diameter (LVID-d, LVID-s), and fractional shortening (FS). The thinning of the LVPW at systole was the most defining feature observed in chronically infected dogs. In summary, this is the first study reporting the echocardiographic changes occurring in dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi and developing DCM. Our data suggest that changes in LVID are a major indicator of risk of cardiac involvement, and the observation of changes in the IVS, LVPW, and FS have predictive value in determining the risk of DCM development in infected dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo E. Avalos-Borges
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. Postal 4-116 Itzimná, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico; (E.E.A.-B.); (J.C.S.-C.)
| | - Carlos M. Acevedo-Arcique
- Hospital Veterinario para Perros y Gatos, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Av. Itzaes No. 490 x 29, C. 18 No. 271, San José Vergel, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico;
| | - Jose C. Segura-Correa
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. Postal 4-116 Itzimná, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico; (E.E.A.-B.); (J.C.S.-C.)
| | - Matilde Jiménez-Coello
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Av. Itzaes No. 490 x 29, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico;
| | - Nisha J. Garg
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1070, USA;
| | - Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. Postal 4-116 Itzimná, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico; (E.E.A.-B.); (J.C.S.-C.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Seydel CM, Gonzaga BMDS, Coelho LL, Garzoni LR. Exploring the Dimensions of Pre-Clinical Research: 3D Cultures as an Investigative Model of Cardiac Fibrosis in Chagas Disease. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1410. [PMID: 39061986 PMCID: PMC11274318 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) cell culture can more precisely mimic tissues architecture and functionality, being a promising alternative model to study disease pathophysiology and drug screening. Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected parasitosis that affects 7 million people worldwide. Trypanosoma cruzi's (T. cruzi) mechanisms of invasion/persistence continue to be elucidated. Benznidazole (BZ) and Nifurtimox (NF) are trypanocidal drugs with few effects on the clinical manifestations of the chronic disease. Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the main manifestation of CD due to its frequency and severity. The development of fibrosis and hypertrophy in cardiac tissue can lead to heart failure and sudden death. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic options. Our group has more than fifteen years of expertise using 3D primary cardiac cell cultures, being the first to reproduce fibrosis and hypertrophy induced by T. cruzi infection in vitro. These primary cardiac spheroids exhibit morphological and functional characteristics that are similar to heart tissue, making them an interesting model for studying CD cardiac fibrosis. Here, we aim to demonstrate that our primary cardiac spheroids are great preclinical models which can be used to develop new insights into CD cardiac fibrosis, presenting advances already achieved in the field, including disease modeling and drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luciana Ribeiro Garzoni
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (C.M.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (L.L.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coelho LL, Vianna MM, da Silva DM, Gonzaga BMDS, Ferreira RR, Monteiro AC, Bonomo AC, Manso PPDA, de Carvalho MA, Vargas FR, Garzoni LR. Spheroid Model of Mammary Tumor Cells: Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Doxorubicin Response. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:463. [PMID: 39056658 PMCID: PMC11273983 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Therapeutic strategies to control tumors and metastasis are still challenging. Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid-type systems more accurately replicate the features of tumors in vivo, working as a better platform for performing therapeutic response analysis. This work aimed to characterize the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and doxorubicin (dox) response in a mammary tumor spheroid (MTS) model. We evaluated the doxorubicin treatment effect on MCF-7 spheroid diameter, cell viability, death, migration and proteins involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Spheroids were also produced from tumors formed from 4T1 and 67NR cell lines. MTSs mimicked avascular tumor characteristics, exhibited adherens junction proteins and independently produced their own extracellular matrix. Our spheroid model supports the 3D culturing of cells isolated from mice mammary tumors. Through the migration assay, we verified a reduction in E-cadherin expression and an increase in vimentin expression as the cells became more distant from spheroids. Dox promoted cytotoxicity in MTSs and inhibited cell migration and the EMT process. These results suggest, for the first time, that this model reproduces aspects of the EMT process and describes the potential of dox in inhibiting the metastatic process, which can be further explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lacerda Coelho
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Matheus Menezes Vianna
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Debora Moraes da Silva
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Beatriz Matheus de Souza Gonzaga
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Ana Carolina Monteiro
- Laboratory of Osteo and Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunobiology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rio de Janeiro 24020-150, Brazil;
- Thymus Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Adriana Cesar Bonomo
- Thymus Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Pedro Paulo de Abreu Manso
- Laboratory of Pathology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | | | - Fernando Regla Vargas
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Congenital Malformations, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Garzoni
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Orlando LMR, Lara LDS, Lechuga GC, Rodrigues GC, Pandoli OG, de Sá DS, Pereira MCDS. Antitrypanosomal Activity of 1,2,3-Triazole-Based Hybrids Evaluated Using In Vitro Preclinical Translational Models. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1222. [PMID: 37759621 PMCID: PMC10525445 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease therapy still relies on two nitroderivatives, nifurtimox and benznidazole (Bz), which have important limitations and serious adverse effects. New therapeutic alternatives for this silent disease, which has become a worldwide public health problem, are essential for its control and elimination. In this study, 1,2,3-triazole analogues were evaluated for efficacy against T. cruzi. Three triazole derivatives, 1d (0.21 µM), 1f (1.23 µM), and 1g (2.28 µM), showed potent activity against trypomastigotes, reaching IC50 values 10 to 100 times greater than Bz (22.79 µM). Promising candidates are active against intracellular amastigotes (IC50 ≤ 6.20 µM). Treatment of 3D cardiac spheroids, a translational in vitro model, significantly reduced parasite load, indicating good drug diffusion and efficacy. Oral bioavailability was predicted for triazole derivatives. Although infection was significantly reduced without drug pressure in a washout assay, the triazole derivatives did not inhibit parasite resurgence. An isobologram analysis revealed an additive interaction when 1,2,3-triazole analogs and Bz were combined in vitro. These data indicate a strengthened potential of the triazole scaffold and encourage optimization based on an analysis of the structure-activity relationship aimed at identifying new compounds potentially active against T. cruzi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Martins Rocha Orlando
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Leonardo da Silva Lara
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Guilherme Curty Lechuga
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Giseli Capaci Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino das Ciências, Unigranrio Rua Prof. José de Souza Herdy, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro 25071-970, Brazil;
| | - Omar Ginoble Pandoli
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Rua Marquês de São Vincente, 225, Rio de Janeiro 22451-900, Brazil; (O.G.P.); (D.S.d.S.)
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Druval Santos de Sá
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Rua Marquês de São Vincente, 225, Rio de Janeiro 22451-900, Brazil; (O.G.P.); (D.S.d.S.)
| | - Mirian Claudia de Souza Pereira
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (G.C.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Martinez-Peinado N, Escabia E, Ros-Lucas A, Chatelain E, Scandale I, Gascon J, Pinazo MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. State-of-the-Art in the Drug Discovery Pathway for Chagas Disease: A Framework for Drug Development and Target Validation. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:1-19. [PMID: 37337597 PMCID: PMC10277022 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s415273] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is the most important protozoan infection in the Americas, and constitutes a significant public health concern throughout the world. Development of new medications against its etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, has been traditionally slow and difficult, lagging in comparison with diseases caused by other kinetoplastid parasites. Among the factors that explain this are the incompletely understood mechanisms of pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection and its complex set of interactions with the host in the chronic stage of the disease. These demand the performance of a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays as part of any drug development effort. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the parasite's life cycle and their implications in the search for new chemotherapeutics. For this, we present a framework to guide drug discovery efforts against Chagas disease, considering state-of-the-art preclinical models and recently developed tools for the identification and validation of molecular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Escabia
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Pinazo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rios LE, Lokugamage N, Garg NJ. Effects of Acute and Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi Infection on Pregnancy Outcomes in Mice: Parasite Transmission, Mortality, Delayed Growth, and Organ Damage in Pups. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:313-331. [PMID: 36565805 PMCID: PMC10013038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This study aimed to determine the effects of T. cruzi infection on fertility rate and health of the newborn pups in pregnant mice. Female mice were challenged with T. cruzi and mated at 21 days (acute parasitemic phase) or 90 days (chronic parasite persistence phase) after infection. Pups were examined for growth up to 20 days after birth; and parasite burden in brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and intestine was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The inflammatory infiltrate, necrosis, and fibrosis in pups' heart and brain tissues were evaluated by histology. T. cruzi infection in dams delayed the onset of pregnancy, decreased the fertility rate, and led to vertical transmission of parasite to the pups. Furthermore, infected dams delivered pups that exhibited decreased survival rate, decreased birth weight, and decreased growth rate. Significantly increased inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis of cardiac and brain tissues were noted in pups born to infected dams. Initial challenge with higher parasite dose had more detrimental effects on fertility rate and pups' health in both acutely and chronically infected dams. In conclusion, mice offer a promising model to evaluate the efficacy of new vaccines and therapeutic drugs in controlling the acute and chronic maternal T. cruzi infection and congenital transmission to newborns, and in improving the fertility rate and pups' health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizette E Rios
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Nandadeva Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Nisha J Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Actin-microtubule cytoskeletal interplay mediated by MRTF-A/SRF signaling promotes dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7886. [PMID: 36550158 PMCID: PMC9780334 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35639-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA) cause dilated cardiomyopathy associated with increased activity of ERK1/2 in the heart. We recently showed that ERK1/2 phosphorylates cofilin-1 on threonine 25 (phospho(T25)-cofilin-1) that in turn disassembles the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we show that in muscle cells carrying a cardiomyopathy-causing LMNA mutation, phospho(T25)-cofilin-1 binds to myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in the cytoplasm, thus preventing the stimulation of serum response factor (SRF) in the nucleus. Inhibiting the MRTF-A/SRF axis leads to decreased α-tubulin acetylation by reducing the expression of ATAT1 gene encoding α-tubulin acetyltransferase 1. Hence, tubulin acetylation is decreased in cardiomyocytes derived from male patients with LMNA mutations and in heart and isolated cardiomyocytes from Lmnap.H222P/H222P male mice. In Atat1 knockout mice, deficient for acetylated α-tubulin, we observe left ventricular dilation and mislocalization of Connexin 43 (Cx43) in heart. Increasing α-tubulin acetylation levels in Lmnap.H222P/H222P mice with tubastatin A treatment restores the proper localization of Cx43 and improves cardiac function. In summary, we show for the first time an actin-microtubule cytoskeletal interplay mediated by cofilin-1 and MRTF-A/SRF, promoting the dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations. Our findings suggest that modulating α-tubulin acetylation levels is a feasible strategy for improving cardiac function.
Collapse
|
10
|
Structural Optimization and Biological Activity of Pyrazole Derivatives: Virtual Computational Analysis, Recovery Assay and 3D Culture Model as Potential Predictive Tools of Effectiveness against Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216742. [PMID: 34771151 PMCID: PMC8587750 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216742] [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] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, a chronic and silent disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is currently a global public health problem. The treatment of this neglected disease relies on benznidazole and nifurtimox, two nitroheterocyclic drugs that show limited efficacy and severe side effects. The failure of potential drug candidates in Chagas disease clinical trials highlighted the urgent need to identify new effective chemical entities and more predictive tools to improve translational success in the drug development pipeline. In this study, we designed a small library of pyrazole derivatives (44 analogs) based on a hit compound, previously identified as a T. cruzi cysteine protease inhibitor. The in vitro phenotypic screening revealed compounds 3g, 3j, and 3m as promising candidates, with IC50 values of 6.09 ± 0.52, 2.75 ± 0.62, and 3.58 ± 0.25 µM, respectively, against intracellular amastigotes. All pyrazole derivatives have good oral bioavailability prediction. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed increased potency of 1-aryl-1H-pyrazole-imidazoline derivatives with the Br, Cl, and methyl substituents in the para-position. The 3m compound stands out for its trypanocidal efficacy in 3D microtissue, which mimics tissue microarchitecture and physiology, and abolishment of parasite recrudescence in vitro. Our findings encourage the progression of the promising candidate for preclinical in vivo studies.
Collapse
|
11
|
Manchola Varón NC, Dos Santos GRRM, Colli W, Alves MJM. Interaction With the Extracellular Matrix Triggers Calcium Signaling in Trypanosoma cruzi Prior to Cell Invasion. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:731372. [PMID: 34671568 PMCID: PMC8521164 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.731372] [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] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease in humans, infects a wide variety of vertebrates. Trypomastigotes, the parasite infective forms, invade mammalian cells by a still poorly understood mechanism. Adhesion of tissue culture- derived trypomastigotes to the extracellular matrix (ECM) prior to cell invasion has been shown to be a relevant part of the process. Changes in phosphorylation, S-nitrosylation, and nitration levels of proteins, in the late phase of the interaction (2 h), leading to the reprogramming of both trypomastigotes metabolism and the DNA binding profile of modified histones, were described by our group. Here, the involvement of calcium signaling at a very early phase of parasite interaction with ECM is described. Increments in the intracellular calcium concentrations during trypomastigotes-ECM interaction depends on the Ca2+ uptake from the extracellular medium, since it is inhibited by EGTA or Nifedipine, an inhibitor of the L-type voltage gated Ca2+ channels and sphingosine-dependent plasma membrane Ca2+ channel, but not by Vanadate, an inhibitor of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase. Furthermore, Nifedipine inhibits the invasion of host cells by tissue culture- derived trypomastigotes in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 95% inhibition at 100 µM Nifedipine. These data indicate the importance of both Ca2+ uptake from the medium and parasite-ECM interaction for host-cell invasion. Previous treatment of ECM with protease abolishes the Ca2+ uptake, further reinforcing the possibility that these events may be connected. The mitochondrion plays a relevant role in Ca2+ homeostasis in trypomastigotes during their interaction with ECM, as shown by the increment of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the presence of Antimycin A, in contrast to other calcium homeostasis disruptors, such as Cyclopiazonic acid for endoplasmic reticulum and Bafilomycin A for acidocalcisome. Total phosphatase activity in the parasite decreases in the presence of Nifedipine, EGTA, and Okadaic acid, implying a role of calcium in the phosphorylation level of proteins that are interacting with the ECM in tissue culture- derived trypomastigotes. In summary, we describe here the increment of Ca2+ at an early phase of the trypomastigotes interaction with ECM, implicating both nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in the influx of Ca2+ and the mitochondrion as the relevant organelle in Ca2+ homeostasis. The data unravel a complex sequence of events prior to host cell invasion itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nubia Carolina Manchola Varón
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Parasites, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Walter Colli
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Parasites, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Julia M Alves
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Parasites, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu Z, Ulrich vonBargen R, McCall LI. Central role of metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi tropism and Chagas disease pathogenesis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:204-209. [PMID: 34455304 PMCID: PMC8463485 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites. During mammalian infection, T. cruzi alternates between an intracellular stage and extracellular stage. T. cruzi adapts its metabolism to this lifestyle, while also reshaping host metabolic pathways. Such host metabolic adaptations compensate for parasite-induced stress, but may promote parasite survival and proliferation. Recent work has demonstrated that metabolism controls parasite tropism and location of Chagas disease symptoms, and regulates whether infection is mild or severe. Such findings have important translational applications with regards to treatment and diagnostic test development, though further research is needed with regards to in vivo parasite metabolic gene expression, relationship between magnitude of local metabolic perturbation, parasite strain and disease location, and host-parasite-microbiota co-metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongyuan Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States; Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Rebecca Ulrich vonBargen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States; Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States; Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sutrave S, Richter MH. The Truman Show for protozoan parasites: A review of in vitro cultivation platforms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009668. [PMID: 34437538 PMCID: PMC8389406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites are responsible for severe disease and suffering in humans worldwide. Apart from disease transmission via insect vectors and contaminated soil, food, or water, transmission may occur congenitally or by way of blood transfusion and organ transplantation. Several recent outbreaks associated with fresh produce and potable water emphasize the need for vigilance and monitoring of protozoan parasites that cause severe disease in humans globally. Apart from the tropical parasite Plasmodium spp., other protozoa causing debilitating and fatal diseases such as Trypanosoma spp. and Naegleria fowleri need to be studied in more detail. Climate change and socioeconomic issues such as migration continue to be major drivers for the spread of these neglected tropical diseases beyond endemic zones. Due to the complex life cycles of protozoa involving multiple hosts, vectors, and stringent growth conditions, studying these parasites has been challenging. While in vivo models may provide insights into host–parasite interaction, the ethical aspects of laboratory animal use and the challenge of ready availability of parasite life stages underline the need for in vitro models as valid alternatives for culturing and maintaining protozoan parasites. To our knowledge, this review is the first of its kind to highlight available in vitro models for protozoa causing highly infectious diseases. In recent years, several research efforts using new technologies such as 3D organoid and spheroid systems for protozoan parasites have been introduced that provide valuable tools to advance complex culturing models and offer new opportunities toward the advancement of parasite in vitro studies. In vitro models aid scientists and healthcare providers in gaining insights into parasite infection biology, ultimately enabling the use of novel strategies for preventing and treating these diseases. In light of the far-reaching social and economic repercussions of communicable, zoonotic parasitic diseases on human health, it is imperative to continue to strive toward developing in vitro models for in-depth scrutiny and understanding of pathogenicity, as well as for innovations toward combating these infections. This review, to our knowledge, is the first to offer a qualitative summary of the existing models for culturing protozoan parasites with major relevance to human health in vitro. The present work aims to provide a reference guide on the current state of in vitro culture of these protozoan parasites and offers a foundation to facilitate exchange of expertise among researchers, clinicians, and healthcare workers. This comprehensive review would aid in enabling discussions on new intervention approaches to fill in the knowledge gaps in the field of parasitic diseases affecting the global population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smita Sutrave
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Heinrich Richter
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chu X, Wang M, Qiu X, Huang Y, Li T, Otieno E, Li N, Luo L, Xiao X. Strategies for constructing pluripotent stem cell- and progenitor cell-derived three-dimensional cardiac micro-tissues. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021; 110:488-503. [PMID: 34397148 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cardiac micro-tissue is a promising model for simulating the structural and functional features of heart in vitro. This scientific achievement provides a platform for exploration about the mechanisms on the development, damage, and regeneration of tissue, hence, paving a way toward development of novel therapies for heart diseases. However, 3D micro-tissue technology is still in its infant stages faced with many challenges such as incompleteness of the tissue microarchitecture, loss of the resident immune cells, poor reproducibility, and deficiencies in continuously feeding the nutrients and removing wastes during micro-tissue culturing. There is an urgent need to optimize the construction of 3D cardiac micro-tissue and improve functions of the involved cells. Therefore, scaffolds and cell resources for building 3D cardiac micro-tissues, strategies for inducing the maturation and functionalization of pluripotent stem cell- or cardiac progenitor cell-derived cardiomyocytes, and the major challenges were reviewed in this writing to enable future fabrication of 3D cardiac micro-tissues or organoids for drug screening, disease modeling, regeneration treatment, and so on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Chu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Institute of Laboratory Animals Science, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qiu
- Department of Animal Husbandry Engineering, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Edward Otieno
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiong Xiao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rodrigues da Cunha GM, Azevedo MA, Nogueira DS, Clímaco MDC, Valencia Ayala E, Jimenez Chunga JA, La Valle RJY, da Cunha Galvão LM, Chiari E, Brito CRN, Soares RP, Nogueira PM, Fujiwara RT, Gazzinelli R, Hincapie R, Chaves CS, Oliveira FMS, Finn MG, Marques AF. α-Gal immunization positively impacts Trypanosoma cruzi colonization of heart tissue in a mouse model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009613. [PMID: 34314435 PMCID: PMC8345864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is considered endemic in more than 20 countries but lacks both an approved vaccine and limited treatment for its chronic stage. Chronic infection is most harmful to human health because of long-term parasitic infection of the heart. Here we show that immunization with a virus-like particle vaccine displaying a high density of the immunogenic α-Gal trisaccharide (Qβ-αGal) induced several beneficial effects concerning acute and chronic T. cruzi infection in α1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout mice. Approximately 60% of these animals were protected from initial infection with high parasite loads. Vaccinated animals also produced high anti-αGal IgG antibody titers, improved IFN-γ and IL-12 cytokine production, and controlled parasitemia in the acute phase at 8 days post-infection (dpi) for the Y strain and 22 dpi for the Colombian strain. In the chronic stage of infection (36 and 190 dpi, respectively), all of the vaccinated group survived, showing significantly decreased heart inflammation and clearance of amastigote nests from the heart tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maíra Araújo Azevedo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Denise Silva Nogueira
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juan Atilio Jimenez Chunga
- Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Faculdad de Ciencias Biologicas, Escuela Profesional de Microbiología y Parasitología—Laboratorio de Parasitología en Fauna Silvestre y Zoonosis, Lima, Peru
| | - Raul Jesus Ynocente La Valle
- Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Faculdad de Ciencias Biologicas, Escuela Profesional de Microbiología y Parasitología—Laboratorio de Parasitología en Fauna Silvestre y Zoonosis, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Egler Chiari
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos Ramon Nascimento Brito
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte—Centro de Ciências da Saúde—Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Gazzinelli
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou/FIOCRUZ–MG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Robert Hincapie
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Carlos-Sanhueza Chaves
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - M. G. Finn
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
de Almeida Fiuza LF, Batista DDGJ, Nunes DF, Moreira OC, Cascabulho C, Soeiro MDNC. Benznidazole modulates release of inflammatory mediators by cardiac spheroids infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2020; 221:108061. [PMID: 33383023 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi remains a serious public health problem in Latin America. The available treatment is limited to two old drugs, benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox, which exhibit limited efficacy and trigger side effects, justifying the search for new therapies. Also, more accurate and sensitive experimental protocols for drug discovery programs are necessary to shrink the translational gaps found among pre-clinical and clinical trials. Presently, cardiac spheroids were used to evaluate host cell cytotoxicity and anti-T.cruzi activity of benznidazole, exploring its effect on the release of inflammatory mediators. Bz presented low toxic profile on 3D matrices (LC50 > 200 μM) and high potency in vitro (EC50 = 0.99 μM) evidenced by qPCR analysis of T.cruzi-infected cardiac spheroids. Flow cytometry appraisal of inflammatory mediators released at the cellular supernatant showed increases in IL - 6 and TNF contents (≈190 and ≈ 25-fold) in parasitized spheroids as compared to uninfected cultures. Bz at 10 μM suppressed parasite load (92%) concomitantly decreasing in IL-6 (36%) and TNF (68%). Our findings corroborate the successful use of 3D cardiac matrices for in vitro identification of novel anti-parasitic agents and potential impact in host cell physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Denise da Gama Jaen Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela Ferreira Nunes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacílio Cruz Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Cascabulho
- Laboratório de Inovações Em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Suess PM, Smith SA, Morrissey JH. Platelet polyphosphate induces fibroblast chemotaxis and myofibroblast differentiation. J Thromb Haemost 2020; 18:3043-3052. [PMID: 32808449 PMCID: PMC7719587 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelets secrete many pro-wound healing molecules such as growth factors and cytokines. We found that releasates from activated human platelets induced the differentiation of cultured murine and human fibroblasts into a myofibroblast phenotype. Surprisingly, most of this differentiation-inducing activity was heat-stable, suggesting it was not due to the protein component of the releasates. Inorganic polyphosphate is a major constituent of platelet-dense granules and promotes blood coagulation and inflammation. OBJECTIVES We aim to investigate the contribution of polyphosphate on myofibroblast differentiating activity of platelet releasates. METHODS Using NIH-3T3 cells and primary human fibroblasts, we examined the effect of human platelet releasates and chemically synthesized polyphosphate on fibroblast differentiation and migration. RESULTS We found that the myofibroblast-inducing activity of platelet releasates was severely attenuated after incubation with a polyphosphate-degrading enzyme, and that fibroblasts responded to platelet-sized polyphosphate by increased levels of α-smooth muscle actin, stress fibers, and collagen. Furthermore, fibroblasts were chemotactic toward polyphosphate. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that platelet-derived polyphosphate acts as a cell signaling molecule by inducing murine and human fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts, a cell type known to drive both wound healing and fibrosing diseases. Polyphosphate therefore not only promotes early wound responses through enhancing fibrin clot formation, but also may play roles in the later stages of wound healing, and, potentially, progression of fibrotic diseases, by recruiting fibroblasts and inducing their differentiation into myofibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M. Suess
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Stephanie A. Smith
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - James H. Morrissey
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nisimura LM, Ferrão PM, Nogueira ADR, Waghabi MC, Meuser-Batista M, Moreira OC, Urbina JA, Garzoni LR. Effect of Posaconazole in an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis induced by Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2020; 238:111283. [PMID: 32564978 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2020.111283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Posaconazole (POS) is an inhibitor of ergosterol biosynthesis in clinical use for treating invasive fungal infections. POS has potent and selective anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity and has been evaluated as a possible treatment for Chagas disease. Microtissues are a 3D culture system that has been shown to reproduce better tissue architecture and functionality than cell cultures in monolayer (2D). It has been used to evaluate chemotropic response as in vitro disease models. We previously developed an in vitro model that reproduces aspects of cardiac fibrosis observed in Chagas cardiomyopathy, using microtissues formed by primary cardiac cells infected by the T. cruzi, here called T. cruzi fibrotic cardiac microtissue (TCFCM). We also showed that the treatment of TCFCM with a TGF-β pathway inhibitor reduces fibrosis. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of POS in TCFCM, observing parasite load and molecules involved in fibrosis. To choose the concentration of POS to be used in TCFCM we first performed experiments in a monolayer of primary cardiac cell cultures and, based on the results, TCFCM was treated with 5 nM of POS for 96 h, starting at 144 h post-infection. Our previous studies showed that at this time the TCFCM had established fibrosis, resulting from T. cruzi infection. Treatment with POS of TCFCM reduced 50 % of parasite load as observed by real-time PCR and reduced markedly the fibrosis as observed by western blot and immunofluorescence, associated with a strong reduction in the expression of fibronectin and laminin (45 % and 54 %, respectively). POS treatment also changed the expression of proteins involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix proteins (TGF-β and TIMP-4, increased by 50 % and decreased by 58 %, respectively) in TCFCM. In conclusion, POS presented a potent trypanocidal effect both in 2D and in TCFCM, and the reduction of the parasite load was associated with a reduction of fibrosis in the absence of external immunological effectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindice Mitie Nisimura
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Mello Ferrão
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alanderson da Rocha Nogueira
- Laboratório de Ultra-estrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana Caldas Waghabi
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Meuser-Batista
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Otacílio C Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Julio A Urbina
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Garzoni
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rodríguez ME, Rizzi M, Caeiro LD, Masip YE, Perrone A, Sánchez DO, Búa J, Tekiel V. Transmigration of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes through 3D cultures resembling a physiological environment. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13207. [PMID: 32270902 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To disseminate and colonise tissues in the mammalian host, Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastogotes should cross several biological barriers. How this process occurs or its impact in the outcome of the disease is largely speculative. We examined the in vitro transmigration of trypomastigotes through three-dimensional cultures (spheroids) to understand the tissular dissemination of different T. cruzi strains. Virulent strains were highly invasive: trypomastigotes deeply transmigrate up to 50 μm inside spheroids and were evenly distributed at the spheroid surface. Parasites inside spheroids were systematically observed in the space between cells suggesting a paracellular route of transmigration. On the contrary, poorly virulent strains presented a weak migratory capacity and remained in the external layers of spheroids with a patch-like distribution pattern. The invasiveness-understood as the ability to transmigrate deep into spheroids-was not a transferable feature between strains, neither by soluble or secreted factors nor by co-cultivation of trypomastigotes from invasive and non-invasive strains. Besides, we demonstrated that T. cruzi isolates from children that were born congenitally infected presented a highly migrant phenotype while an isolate from an infected mother (that never transmitted the infection to any of her children) presented significantly less migration. In brief, we demonstrated that in a 3D microenvironment each strain presents a characteristic migration pattern that can be associated to their in vivo behaviour. Altogether, data presented here repositionate spheroids as a valuable tool to study host-pathogen interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matías Exequiel Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. R. Ugalde" (IIBIO) Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Rizzi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. R. Ugalde" (IIBIO) Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas D Caeiro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. R. Ugalde" (IIBIO) Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yamil E Masip
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. R. Ugalde" (IIBIO) Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alina Perrone
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr Mario Fatala Chaben", ANLIS-Carlos G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel O Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. R. Ugalde" (IIBIO) Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jacqueline Búa
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr Mario Fatala Chaben", ANLIS-Carlos G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Tekiel
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. R. Ugalde" (IIBIO) Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zuppinger C. 3D Cardiac Cell Culture: A Critical Review of Current Technologies and Applications. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:87. [PMID: 31294032 PMCID: PMC6606697 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is often mentioned in the context of regenerative medicine, for example, for the replacement of ischemic myocardium with tissue-engineered muscle constructs. Additionally, 3D cell culture is used, although less commonly, in basic research, toxicology, and drug development. These applications have recently benefited from innovations in stem cell technologies allowing the mass-production of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes or other cardiovascular cells, and from new culturing methods including organ-on-chip and bioprinting technologies. On the analysis side, improved sensors, computer-assisted image analysis, and data collection techniques have lowered the bar for switching to 3D cell culture models. Nevertheless, 3D cell culture is not as widespread or standardized as traditional cell culture methods using monolayers of cells on flat surfaces. The many possibilities of 3D cell culture, but also its limitations, drawbacks and methodological pitfalls, are less well-known. This article reviews currently used cardiovascular 3D cell culture production methods and analysis techniques for the investigation of cardiotoxicity, in drug development and for disease modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Zuppinger
- Cardiology, Department of Biomedical Research, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rodríguez ME, Rizzi M, Caeiro L, Masip Y, Sánchez DO, Tekiel V. Transmigration of Trypanosoma cruzi Trypomastigotes through 3D Spheroids Mimicking Host Tissues. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1955:165-177. [PMID: 30868526 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9148-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
While cellular invasion by T. cruzi trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigote replication are well-characterized events that have been described by using 2D monolayer cultures, other relevant parasite-host interactions, like the dynamics of tissue invasiveness, cannot be captured using monolayer cultures. Spheroids constitute a valuable three-dimensional (3D) culture system because they mimic the microarchitecture of tissues and provide an environment similar to the encountered in natural infections, which includes the presence of extracellular matrix as well as 3D cell-cell interactions. In this work, we describe a protocol for studying transmigration of T. cruzi trypomastigotes into 3D spheroids. In the experimental setup, cells and parasites are labelled with two fluorescent dyes, allowing their visualization by confocal microscopy. We also describe the general procedure and setting of the confocal microscope and downstream applications for acquisition and reconstruction of 3D images. This model was employed to analyze the transmigration of trypomastigotes from the highly virulent and pantropic RA T. cruzi strain. Of course, other aspects encountered by T. cruzi in the mammalian host environment can be studied with this methodology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matías Exequiel Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr R. Ugalde", IIBIO, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Rizzi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr R. Ugalde", IIBIO, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas Caeiro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr R. Ugalde", IIBIO, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yamil Masip
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr R. Ugalde", IIBIO, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel O Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr R. Ugalde", IIBIO, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Tekiel
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr R. Ugalde", IIBIO, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Coelho LL, Pereira IR, Pereira MCDS, Mesquita L, Lannes-Vieira J, Adesse D, Garzoni LR. Trypanosoma cruzi activates mouse cardiac fibroblasts in vitro leading to fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and increase in expression of extracellular matrix proteins. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:72. [PMID: 29382361 PMCID: PMC5791182 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2614-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac fibrosis is a consequence of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC). In other cardiovascular diseases, the protagonist role of fibroblasts in cardiac fibrosis is well established. However, the role of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in fibrosis during the CCC is not clear. Here, our aim was to investigate the effect of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease on CFs activation. Methods Cardiac fibroblasts were purified from primary cultures of mouse embryo cardiac cells. After two passages, cells were infected with T. cruzi (Y strain) and analyzed at different times for determination of infectivity, activation and production of extracellular matrix components (fibronectin, laminin and collagen IV) by immunofluorescence and western blot. Results At second passage, cultures were enriched in CFs (95% of fibroblasts and 5% of cardiomyocytes), as revealed by presence of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) and absence of sarcomeric tropomyosin (ST) protein expression. Trypanosoma cruzi infection induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, with increased expression of α-SMA after 6 and 24 h post-infection (hpi). Fibronectin was increased at 6, 24 and 48 hpi, laminin was increased at 6 and 24 hpi and collagen IV was increased at 6 hpi. Conclusions Our results showed that T. cruzi activates CFs, inducing activation and exacerbates ECM production. Furthermore, our data raise the possibility of the involvement of CFs in heart fibrosis during Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lacerda Coelho
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Cardoso Fontes, 2° andar, Rio de Janeiro RJ, 20045-900, Brazil
| | - Isabela Resende Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Cardoso Fontes, 2° andar, Rio de Janeiro RJ, 20045-900, Brazil
| | - Mirian Claudia de Souza Pereira
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Carlos Chagas sala 308, Rio de Janeiro RJ, 20045-900, Brazil
| | - Liliane Mesquita
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Carlos Chagas sala 308, Rio de Janeiro RJ, 20045-900, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Cardoso Fontes, 2° andar, Rio de Janeiro RJ, 20045-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Carlos Chagas, sala 307, Rio de Janeiro RJ, 20045-900, Brazil
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Garzoni
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Cardoso Fontes, 2° andar, Rio de Janeiro RJ, 20045-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
M Ferrão P, M Nisimura L, C Moreira O, G Land M, Pereira MC, de Mendonça-Lima L, C Araujo-Jorge T, C Waghabi M, R Garzoni L. Inhibition of TGF-β pathway reverts extracellular matrix remodeling in T. cruzi-infected cardiac spheroids. Exp Cell Res 2017; 362:260-267. [PMID: 29208458 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CC) is the main manifestation of Chagas Disease (CD). CC is a progressive dysfunctional illness, in which transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a central role in fibrogenesis and hypertrophy. In the present study, we tested in a three-dimensional (3D) model of cardiac cells culture (named cardiac spheroids), capable of mimicking the aspects of fibrosis and hypertrophy observed in CC, the role of TGF-β pathway inhibition in restoring extracellular matrix (ECM) balance disrupted by T. cruzi infection. Treatment of T. cruzi-infected cardiac spheroids with SB 431542, a selective inhibitor of TGF-β type I receptor, resulted in a reduction in the size of spheroids, which was accompanied by a decrease in parasite load and in fibronectin expression. The inhibition of TGF-β pathway also promoted an increase in the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and a decrease in tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 expression, which may be one of the mechanisms regulating extracellular matrix remodeling. Therefore, our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which inhibition of TGF-β signaling reverts fibrosis and hypertrophy generated by T. cruzi during CC and also highlights the use of cardiac spheroids as a valuable tool for the study of fibrogenesis and anti-fibrotic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia M Ferrão
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Líndice M Nisimura
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Otacílio C Moreira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endemic Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo G Land
- College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mirian C Pereira
- Laboratory of Cellular Ultrastructure, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leila de Mendonça-Lima
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tania C Araujo-Jorge
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Waghabi
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana R Garzoni
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wen JJ, Porter C, Garg NJ. Inhibition of NFE2L2-Antioxidant Response Element Pathway by Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Contributes to Development of Cardiomyopathy and Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Chagas Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2017; 27:550-566. [PMID: 28132522 PMCID: PMC5567598 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2016.6831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated the effects of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) on nuclear factor (erythroid 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2) transcription factor activity during Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) infection and determined whether enhancing the mtROS scavenging capacity preserved the heart function in Chagas disease. RESULTS C57BL/6 wild type (WT, female) mice infected with Tc exhibited myocardial loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, complex II (CII)-driven coupled respiration, and ninefold increase in mtROS production. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that Tc infection resulted in an ROS-dependent decline in the expression, nuclear translocation, antioxidant response element (ARE) binding, and activity of NFE2L2, and 35-99% decline in antioxidants' (gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthase [γGCS], heme oxygenase-1 [HO1], glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit [GCLM], thioredoxin (Trx), glutathione S transferase [GST], and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1 [NQO1]) expression. An increase in myocardial and mitochondrial oxidative adducts, myocardial interventricular septum thickness, and left ventricle (LV) mass, a decline in LV posterior wall thickness, and disproportionate synthesis of collagens (COLI/COLIII), αSMA, and SM22α were noted in WT.Tc mice. Overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in cultured cells (HeLa or cardiomyocytes) and MnSODtg mice preserved the NFE2L2 transcriptional activity and antioxidant/oxidant balance, and cardiac oxidative and fibrotic pathology were significantly decreased in MnSODtg.Tc mice. Importantly, echocardiography finding of a decline in LV systolic (stroke volume, cardiac output, ejection fraction) and diastolic (early/late peak filling ratio, myocardial performance index) function in WT.Tc mice was abolished in MnSODtg.Tc mice. Innovation and Conclusion: The mtROS inhibition of NFE2L2/ARE pathway constitutes a key mechanism in signaling the fibrotic gene expression and evolution of chronic cardiomyopathy. Preserving the NFE2L2 activity arrested the mitochondrial and cardiac oxidative stress, cardiac fibrosis, and heart failure in Chagas disease. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 550-566.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jake Jianjun Wen
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) , Galveston, Texas
| | - Craig Porter
- 2 Metabolism Unit, Shriners Hospital for Children , Galveston, Texas.,3 Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) , Galveston, Texas
| | - Nisha Jain Garg
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) , Galveston, Texas.,4 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) , Galveston, Texas.,5 Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) , Galveston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Genetic Adjuvantation of a Cell-Based Therapeutic Vaccine for Amelioration of Chagasic Cardiomyopathy. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00127-17. [PMID: 28674032 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00127-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a leading cause of heart disease ("chagasic cardiomyopathy") in Latin America, disproportionately affecting people in resource-poor areas. The efficacy of currently approved pharmaceutical treatments is limited mainly to acute infection, and there are no effective treatments for the chronic phase of the disease. Preclinical models of Chagas disease have demonstrated that antigen-specific CD8+ gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-positive T-cell responses are essential for reducing parasite burdens, increasing survival, and decreasing cardiac pathology in both the acute and chronic phases of Chagas disease. In the present study, we developed a genetically adjuvanted, dendritic cell-based immunotherapeutic for acute Chagas disease in an attempt to delay or prevent the cardiac complications that eventually result from chronic T. cruzi infection. Dendritic cells transduced with the adjuvant, an adenoviral vector encoding a dominant negative isoform of Src homology region 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) along with the T. cruzi Tc24 antigen and trans-sialidase antigen 1 (TSA1), induced significant numbers of antigen-specific CD8+ IFN-γ-positive cells following injection into BALB/c mice. A vaccine platform transduced with the adenoviral vector and loaded in tandem with the recombinant protein reduced parasite burdens by 76% to >99% in comparison to a variety of different controls and significantly reduced cardiac pathology in a BALB/c mouse model of live Chagas disease. Although no statistical differences in overall survival rates among cohorts were observed, the data suggest that immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of acute Chagas disease are feasible and that this approach may warrant further study.
Collapse
|
26
|
Figtree GA, Bubb KJ, Tang O, Kizana E, Gentile C. Vascularized Cardiac Spheroids as Novel 3D in vitro Models to Study Cardiac Fibrosis. Cells Tissues Organs 2017; 204:191-198. [DOI: 10.1159/000477436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spheroid cultures are among the most explored cellular biomaterials used in cardiovascular research, due to their improved integration of biochemical and physiological features of the heart in a defined architectural three-dimensional microenvironment when compared to monolayer cultures. To further explore the potential use of spheroid cultures for research, we engineered a novel in vitro model of the heart with vascularized cardiac spheroids (VCSs), by coculturing cardiac myocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts isolated from dissociated rat neonatal hearts (aged 1-3 days) in hanging drop cultures. To evaluate the validity of VCSs in recapitulating pathophysiological processes typical of the in vivo heart, such as cardiac fibrosis, we then treated VCSs with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), a known profibrotic agent. Our mRNA analysis demonstrated that TGFβ1-treated VCSs present elevated levels of expression of connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin, and TGFβ1 when compared to control cultures. We demonstrated a dramatic increase in collagen deposition following TGFβ1 treatment in VCSs in the PicroSirius Red-stained sections. Doxorubicin, a renowned cardiotoxic and profibrotic agent, triggered apoptosis and disrupted vascular networks in VCSs. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that VCSs are a valid model for the study of the mechanisms involved in cardiac fibrosis, with the potential to be used to investigate novel mechanisms and therapeutics for treating and preventing cardiac fibrosis in vitro.
Collapse
|
27
|
Udoko AN, Johnson CA, Dykan A, Rachakonda G, Villalta F, Mandape SN, Lima MF, Pratap S, Nde PN. Early Regulation of Profibrotic Genes in Primary Human Cardiac Myocytes by Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0003747. [PMID: 26771187 PMCID: PMC4714843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of Trypanosoma cruzi induced cardiac fibrosis remains to be elucidated. Primary human cardiomyoctes (PHCM) exposed to invasive T. cruzi trypomastigotes were used for transcriptome profiling and downstream bioinformatic analysis to determine fibrotic-associated genes regulated early during infection process (0 to 120 minutes). The identification of early molecular host responses to T. cruzi infection can be exploited to delineate important molecular signatures that can be used for the classification of Chagasic patients at risk of developing heart disease. Our results show distinct gene network architecture with multiple gene networks modulated by the parasite with an incline towards progression to a fibrogenic phenotype. Early during infection, T. cruzi significantly upregulated transcription factors including activator protein 1 (AP1) transcription factor network components (including FOSB, FOS and JUNB), early growth response proteins 1 and 3 (EGR1, EGR3), and cytokines/chemokines (IL5, IL6, IL13, CCL11), which have all been implicated in the onset of fibrosis. The changes in our selected genes of interest did not all start at the same time point. The transcriptome microarray data, validated by quantitative Real-Time PCR, was also confirmed by immunoblotting and customized Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) array showing significant increases in the protein expression levels of fibrogenic EGR1, SNAI1 and IL 6. Furthermore, phosphorylated SMAD2/3 which induces a fibrogenic phenotype is also upregulated accompanied by an increased nuclear translocation of JunB. Pathway analysis of the validated genes and phospho-proteins regulated by the parasite provides the very early fibrotic interactome operating when T. cruzi comes in contact with PHCM. The interactome architecture shows that the parasite induces both TGF-β dependent and independent fibrotic pathways, providing an early molecular foundation for Chagasic cardiomyopathy. Examining the very early molecular events of T. cruzi cellular infection may provide disease biomarkers which will aid clinicians in patient assessment and identification of patient subpopulation at risk of developing Chagasic cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniekanabassi N. Udoko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Candice A. Johnson
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrey Dykan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Girish Rachakonda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Fernando Villalta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sammed N. Mandape
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Maria F. Lima
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Core, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Core, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Pius N. Nde
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zuppinger C. 3D culture for cardiac cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1863:1873-81. [PMID: 26658163 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This review discusses historical milestones, recent developments and challenges in the area of 3D culture models with cardiovascular cell types. Expectations in this area have been raised in recent years, but more relevant in vitro research, more accurate drug testing results, reliable disease models and insights leading to bioartificial organs are expected from the transition to 3D cell culture. However, the construction of organ-like cardiac 3D models currently remains a difficult challenge. The heart consists of highly differentiated cells in an intricate arrangement.Furthermore, electrical “wiring”, a vascular system and multiple cell types act in concert to respond to the rapidly changing demands of the body. Although cardiovascular 3D culture models have been predominantly developed for regenerative medicine in the past, their use in drug screening and for disease models has become more popular recently. Many sophisticated 3D culture models are currently being developed in this dynamic area of life science. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte Biology: Integration of Developmental and Environmental Cues in the Heart edited by Marcus Schaub and Hughes Abriel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Zuppinger
- Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Department of Clinical Research, MEM G803b, Murtenstrasse 35, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Myocardial interstitial remodelling in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Heart Fail Rev 2015; 20:731-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s10741-015-9509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
30
|
Parameswaran S, Kumar S, Verma RS, Sharma RK. Cardiomyocyte culture - an update on the in vitro cardiovascular model and future challenges. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2013; 91:985-98. [PMID: 24289068 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The success of any work with isolated cardiomyocytes depends on the reproducibility of cell isolation, because the cells do not divide. To date, there is no suitable in vitro model to study human adult cardiac cell biology. Although embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells are able to differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vitro, the efficiency of this process is low. Isolation and expansion of human cardiomyocyte progenitor cells from cardiac surgical waste or, alternatively, from fetal heart tissue is another option. However, to overcome various issues related to human tissue usage, especially ethical concerns, researchers use large- and small-animal models to study cardiac pathophysiology. A simple model to study the changes at the cellular level is cultures of cardiomyocytes. Although primary murine cardiomyocyte cultures have their own advantages and drawbacks, alternative strategies have been developed in the last two decades to minimise animal usage and interspecies differences. This review discusses the use of freshly isolated murine cardiomyocytes and cardiomyocyte alternatives for use in cardiac disease models and other related studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreejit Parameswaran
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 are differentially expressed in patients with indeterminate and cardiac clinical forms of Chagas disease. Infect Immun 2013; 81:3600-8. [PMID: 23856618 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00153-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated chronic cardiomyopathy (DCC) from Chagas disease is associated with myocardial remodeling and interstitial fibrosis, resulting in extracellular matrix (ECM) changes. In this study, we characterized for the first time the serum matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 levels, as well as their main cell sources in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients presenting with the indeterminate (IND) or cardiac (CARD) clinical form of Chagas disease. Our results showed that serum levels of MMP-9 are associated with the severity of Chagas disease. The analysis of MMP production by T lymphocytes showed that CD8(+) T cells are the main mononuclear leukocyte source of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 molecules. Using a new 3-dimensional model of fibrosis, we observed that sera from patients with Chagas disease induced an increase in the extracellular matrix components in cardiac spheroids. Furthermore, MMP-2 and MMP-9 showed different correlations with matrix proteins and inflammatory cytokines in patients with Chagas disease. Our results suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 show distinct activities in Chagas disease pathogenesis. While MMP-9 seems to be involved in the inflammation and cardiac remodeling of Chagas disease, MMP-2 does not correlate with inflammatory molecules.
Collapse
|
32
|
Calvet CM, Melo TG, Garzoni LR, Oliveira FOR, Neto DTS, N S L M, Meirelles L, Pereira MCS. Current understanding of the Trypanosoma cruzi-cardiomyocyte interaction. Front Immunol 2012; 3:327. [PMID: 23115558 PMCID: PMC3483718 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, exhibits multiple strategies to ensure its establishment and persistence in the host. Although this parasite has the ability to infect different organs, heart impairment is the most frequent clinical manifestation of the disease. Advances in knowledge of T. cruzi-cardiomyocyte interactions have contributed to a better understanding of the biological events involved in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. This brief review focuses on the current understanding of molecules involved in T. cruzi-cardiomyocyte recognition, the mechanism of invasion, and on the effect of intracellular development of T. cruzi on the structural organization and molecular response of the target cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Calvet
- Laboratório de Ultra-estrutura Celular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ramírez G, Valck C, Aguilar L, Kemmerling U, López-Muñoz R, Cabrera G, Morello A, Ferreira J, Maya JD, Galanti N, Ferreira A. Roles of Trypanosoma cruzi calreticulin in parasite-host interactions and in tumor growth. Mol Immunol 2012; 52:133-40. [PMID: 22673211 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 05/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In Latin America, there are about 10-12 million people infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas' disease, one of the most important neglected tropical parasitism. Identification of molecular targets, specific for the aggressor or host cells or both, may be useful in the development of pharmacological and/or immunological therapeutic tools. Classic efforts in Chagas' disease explore those strategies. Although the immune system frequently controls parasite aggressions, sterile immunity is seldom achieved and chronic interactions are thus established. However, laboratory-modified immunologic probes aimed at selected parasite targets, may be more effective than their unmodified counterparts. Calreticulin (CRT) from vertebrates is a calcium binding protein, present mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it directs the conformation of proteins and controls calcium levels. We have isolated, gene-cloned, expressed and characterized T. cruzi calreticulin (TcCRT). Upon infection, the parasite can translocate this molecule from the ER to the surface, where it inhibits both the classical and lectin complement pathways. Moreover, by virtue of its capacity to bind and inactivate first complement component C1, it promotes parasite infectivity. These two related properties reside in the central domain of this molecule. A different domain, amino terminal, binds to endothelial cells, thus inhibiting their angiogenic capacity. Since tumor growth depends, to a large extent on angiogenesis, their growth is also inhibited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galia Ramírez
- Department of Preventive Animal Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Desroches BR, Zhang P, Choi BR, King ME, Maldonado AE, Li W, Rago A, Liu G, Nath N, Hartmann KM, Yang B, Koren G, Morgan JR, Mende U. Functional scaffold-free 3-D cardiac microtissues: a novel model for the investigation of heart cells. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2012; 302:H2031-42. [PMID: 22427522 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00743.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
To bridge the gap between two-dimensional cell culture and tissue, various three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture approaches have been developed for the investigation of cardiac myocytes (CMs) and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). However, several limitations still exist. This study was designed to develop a cardiac 3-D culture model with a scaffold-free technology that can easily and inexpensively generate large numbers of microtissues with cellular distribution and functional behavior similar to cardiac tissue. Using micromolded nonadhesive agarose hydrogels containing 822 concave recesses (800 μm deep × 400 μm wide), we demonstrated that neonatal rat ventricular CMs and CFs alone or in combination self-assembled into viable (Live/Dead stain) spherical-shaped microtissues. Importantly, when seeded simultaneously or sequentially, CMs and CFs self-sorted to be interspersed, reminiscent of their myocardial distribution, as shown by cell type-specific CellTracker or antibody labeling. Microelectrode recordings and optical mapping revealed characteristic triangular action potentials (APs) with a resting membrane potential of -66 ± 7 mV (n = 4) in spontaneously contracting CM microtissues. Under pacing, optically mapped AP duration at 90% repolarization and conduction velocity were 100 ± 30 ms and 18.0 ± 1.9 cm/s, respectively (n = 5 each). The presence of CFs led to a twofold AP prolongation in heterogenous microtissues (CM-to-CF ratio of 1:1). Importantly, Ba(2+)-sensitive inward rectifier K(+) currents and Ca(2+)-handling proteins, including sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2a, were detected in CM-containing microtissues. Furthermore, cell type-specific adenoviral gene transfer was achieved, with no impact on microtissue formation or cell viability. In conclusion, we developed a novel scaffold-free cardiac 3-D culture model with several advancements for the investigation of CM and CF function and cross-regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B R Desroches
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiology Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Sado DM, Flett AS, Moon JC. Novel imaging techniques for diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Future Cardiol 2012; 7:643-50. [PMID: 21929344 DOI: 10.2217/fca.11.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse myocardial fibrosis (DMF) is an important marker in many cardiac diseases, but its utility has been limited by the need for biopsy for its assessment. An accurate noninvasive method for DMF assessment could transform cardiology. This review explores the basic biology of DMF and then discusses the ability of various cardiac imaging modalities to evaluate this variable, speculating on how this area of research may develop over the next few years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Sado
- Department of Inherited Cardiac Disease, The Heart Hospital, 16-18 Westmoreland Street, London, W1G 8PH, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Haolla FA, Claser C, de Alencar BC, Tzelepis F, de Vasconcelos JR, de Oliveira G, Silvério JC, Machado AV, Lannes-Vieira J, Bruna-Romero O, Gazzinelli RT, dos Santos RR, Soares MB, Rodrigues MM. Strain-specific protective immunity following vaccination against experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Vaccine 2009; 27:5644-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2009] [Revised: 06/28/2009] [Accepted: 07/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|