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Spiliopoulos O, Solomos Z, Puchner KP. Buruli ulcer, tuberculosis and leprosy: Exploring the One Health dimensions of three most prevalent mycobacterial diseases: A narrative review. Trop Med Int Health 2024. [PMID: 38994702 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
ΟBJECTIVES: Although Buruli ulcer, tuberculosis, and leprosy are the three most common mycobacterial diseases, One Health dimensions of these infections remain poorly understood. This narrative review aims at exploring the scientific literature with respect to the presence of animal reservoir(s) and other environmental sources for the pathogens of these infections, their role in transmission to humans and the research on/practical implementation of One Health relevant control efforts. METHODS The literature review was conducted using the online databases PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar, reviewing articles that were written in English in the last 15 years. Grey literature, published by intergovernmental agencies, was also reviewed. RESULTS For the pathogen of Buruli ulcer, evidence suggests possums as a possible animal reservoir and thus having an active role in disease transmission to humans. Cattle and some wildlife species are deemed as established animal reservoirs for tuberculosis pathogens, with a non-negligible proportion of infections in humans being of zoonotic origin. Armadillos constitute an established animal reservoir for leprosy pathogens with the transmission of the disease from armadillos to humans being deemed possible. Lentic environments, soil and other aquatic sources may represent further abiotic reservoirs for viable Buruli ulcer and leprosy pathogens infecting humans. Ongoing investigation and implementation of public health measures, targeting (sapro)zoonotic transmission can be found in all three diseases. CONCLUSION Buruli ulcer, tuberculosis and leprosy exhibit important yet still poorly understood One Health aspects. Despite the microbiological affinity of the respective causative mycobacteria, considerable differences in their animal reservoirs, potential environmental sources and modes of zoonotic transmission are being observed. Whether these differences reflect actual variations between these diseases or rather knowledge gaps remains unclear. For improved disease control, further investigation of zoonotic aspects of all three diseases and formulation of One Health relevant interventions is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orestis Spiliopoulos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Zisimangelos Solomos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Karl Philipp Puchner
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Langleib M, Calvelo J, Costábile A, Castillo E, Tort JF, Hoffmann FG, Protasio AV, Koziol U, Iriarte A. Evolutionary analysis of species-specific duplications in flatworm genomes. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2024; 199:108141. [PMID: 38964593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Platyhelminthes, also known as flatworms, is a phylum of bilaterian invertebrates infamous for their parasitic representatives. The classes Cestoda, Monogenea, and Trematoda comprise parasitic helminths inhabiting multiple hosts, including fishes, humans, and livestock, and are responsible for considerable economic damage and burden on human health. As in other animals, the genomes of flatworms have a wide variety of paralogs, genes related via duplication, whose origins could be mapped throughout the evolution of the phylum. Through in-silico analysis, we studied inparalogs, i.e., species-specific duplications, focusing on their biological functions, expression changes, and evolutionary rate. These genes are thought to be key players in the adaptation process of species to each particular niche. Our results showed that genes related with specific functional terms, such as response to stress, transferase activity, oxidoreductase activity, and peptidases, are overrepresented among inparalogs. This trend is conserved among species from different classes, including free-living species. Available expression data from Schistosoma mansoni, a parasite from the trematode class, demonstrated high conservation of expression patterns between inparalogs, but with notable exceptions, which also display evidence of rapid evolution. We discuss how natural selection may operate to maintain these genes and the particular duplication models that fit better to the observations. Our work supports the critical role of gene duplication in the evolution of flatworms, representing the first study of inparalogs evolution at the genome-wide level in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Langleib
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Javier Calvelo
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alicia Costábile
- Sección Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Estela Castillo
- Laboratorio de Biología Parasitaria, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - José F Tort
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Federico G Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, United States of America; Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Anna V Protasio
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1QP, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Uriel Koziol
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Iriarte
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Fischer T, Fischer M, Schliemann S, Elsner P. Behandlung der mukokutanen Leishmaniose – eine systematische Übersicht. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:763-774. [PMID: 38857099 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15424_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie mukokutane Leishmaniose ist eine schwere Infektionskrankheit, die überwiegend in Zentral‐ und Südamerika endemisch ist und sich klinisch mit granulomatösen, destruierenden Schleimhautläsionen im Mund‐Nasen‐Rachenraum manifestiert. Sie wird durch Protozoen, Leishmania spp., ausgelöst, die durch Sandmücken auf den Menschen übertragen werden. Sie tritt nach vorangegangener kutaner Leishmaniose auf, wenn diese nicht oder nur unzureichend behandelt wurde und kommt gehäuft bei immunsupprimierten Patienten vor. Das Ziel dieser systematischen Übersicht besteht darin, alle publizierten Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für die mukokutane Leishmaniose zusammenzufassen. Sie basiert auf allen englischen, deutschen, französischen, spanischen und portugiesischen Artikeln, die in den Datenbanken „PubMed“ und „Lilacs“ von 1995 bis 2020 veröffentlicht wurden. Die medizinische Literatur beschränkt sich auf Einzelfallberichte, kleine Fallserien, retrospektive Studien und nur wenige randomisierte kontrollierte Studien. Zu den Therapieoptionen gehören pentavalente Antimonverbindungen wie Megluminantimonat oder Natriumstibogluconat, Amphotericin B (liposomal, Desoxycholat, Lipidkomplex, kolloidale Dispersion), Miltefosin und Pentamidin. Weitere mögliche Therapien sind Itraconazol, Fluconazol, Ketoconazol, Aminosidinsulfat und Azithromycin. Die Wahl des geeigneten Medikaments richtet sich in erster Hinsicht nach der Verfügbarkeit im Endemiegebiet und den begleitenden Erkrankungen des Patienten.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcellus Fischer
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg
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Bessa CDPB, Feu AE, de Menezes RPB, Scotti MT, Lima JMG, Lima ML, Tempone AG, de Andrade JP, Bastida J, Borges WDS. Multitarget anti-parasitic activities of isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from Hippeastrum aulicum (Amaryllidaceae). PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155414. [PMID: 38503155 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease and leishmaniasis affect a significant portion of the Latin American population and still lack efficient treatments. In this context, natural products emerge as promising compounds for developing more effective therapies, aiming to mitigate side effects and drug resistance. Notably, species from the Amaryllidaceae family emerge as potential reservoirs of antiparasitic agents due to the presence of diverse biologically active alkaloids. PURPOSE To assess the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-Leishmania infantum activity of five isolated alkaloids from Hippeastrum aulicum Herb. (Amaryllidaceae) against different life stages of the parasites using in silico and in vitro assays. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to evaluate the interaction of the most active alkaloids. METHODS Five natural isoquinoline alkaloids isolated in suitable quantities for in vitro testing underwent preliminary in silico analysis to predict their potential efficacy against Trypanosoma cruzi (amastigote and trypomastigote forms) and Leishmania infantum (amastigote and promastigote forms). The in vitro antiparasitic activity and mammalian cytotoxicity were investigated with a subsequent comparison of both analysis (in silico and in vitro) findings. Additionally, this study employed the molecular docking technique, utilizing cruzain (T. cruzi) and sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, L. infantum) as crucial biological targets for parasite survival, specifically focusing on compounds that exhibited promising activities against both parasites. RESULTS Through computational techniques, it was identified that the alkaloids haemanthamine (1) and lycorine (8) were the most active against T. cruzi (amastigote and trypomastigote) and L. infantum (amastigote and promastigote), while also revealing unprecedented activity of alkaloid 7‑methoxy-O-methyllycorenine (6). The in vitro analysis confirmed the in silico tests, in which compound 1 presented the best activities against the promastigote and amastigote forms of L. infantum with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) 0.6 µM and 1.78 µM, respectively. Compound 8 exhibited significant activity against the amastigote form of T. cruzi (IC50 7.70 µM), and compound 6 demonstrated activity against the trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi and amastigote of L. infantum, with IC50 values of 89.55 and 86.12 µM, respectively. Molecular docking analyses indicated that alkaloids 1 and 8 exhibited superior interaction energies compared to the inhibitors. CONCLUSION The hitherto unreported potential of compound 6 against T. cruzi trypomastigotes and L. infantum amastigotes is now brought to the forefront. Furthermore, the acquired dataset signifies that the isolated alkaloids 1 and 8 from H. aulicum might serve as prototypes for subsequent structural refinements aimed at the exploration of novel leads against both T. cruzi and L. infantum parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carliani Dal Piero Betzel Bessa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Amanda Eiriz Feu
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Renata Priscila Barros de Menezes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos (PgPNSB), Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I, Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos (PgPNSB), Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I, Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | | | - Marta Lopes Lima
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland DD1 4HN, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jean Paulo de Andrade
- Departamento de Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3480112, Chile
| | - Jaume Bastida
- Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l´Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Warley de Souza Borges
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES 29075-910, Brazil.
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Fischer T, Fischer M, Schliemann S, Elsner P. Treatment of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis - A systematic review. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:763-773. [PMID: 38769082 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a severe infectious disease, predominantly endemic in Central and South America and is characterized by granulomatous, destructive mucosal lesions in the oral, nasal, and pharyngeal cavities. It is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania spp. transmitted to humans by sandflies. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis occurs after untreated or inadequately treated cutaneous leishmaniasis and is more common in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize all reported treatment options for mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. This review is based on all English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese articles published in the databases "PubMed" and "Lilacs" from 1995 to 2020. Most of the medical literature is limited to case reports, small case series, retrospective studies, and a few randomized controlled trials. Various treatment options include pentavalent antimonates such as meglumine antimonate or sodium stibogluconate, amphotericin B (liposomal, deoxycholate, lipid complex, colloidal dispersion), miltefosine, and pentamidine. Other therapeutic options include itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, aminosidine sulfate, and azithromycin. The choice of drug depends primarily on its availability in the endemic area and the patient's comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcellus Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Elsner
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, SRH Wald-Klinikum Gera, Gera, Germany
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Leonti M. Are we romanticizing traditional knowledge? A plea for more experimental studies in ethnobiology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:56. [PMID: 38797828 PMCID: PMC11128107 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00697-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In answer to the debate question "Is ethnobiology romanticizing traditional practices, posing an urgent need for more experimental studies evaluating local knowledge systems?" I suggest to follow-up on field study results adopting an inclusive research agenda, and challenge descriptive data, theories, and hypotheses by means of experiments. Traditional and local knowledge are generally associated with positive societal values by ethnobiologists and, increasingly also by stakeholders. They are seen as a way for improving local livelihoods, biocultural diversity conservation and for promoting sustainable development. Therefore, it is argued that such knowledge needs to be documented, protected, conserved in situ, and investigated by hypothesis testing. Here I argue that a critical mindset is needed when assessing any kind of knowledge, whether it is modern, local, indigenous, or traditional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Leonti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Kihoro RW, Mulewa D, Okoyo C, Ayaa D, Korir A, Njomo DW, Mwandawiro C, Masaku J. Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in pastoralist communities of Kenya: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304266. [PMID: 38781162 PMCID: PMC11115206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, the National School Based Deworming Program (NSBDP) was launched in 2012 with a goal of reducing STH prevalence in school-aged children (SAC) to <1%, however monitoring and evaluation results have consistently showed > 20% prevalence in Narok County. We conducted a study to investigate factors associated with STH infections among SAC in Narok County. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 SAC from five schools in Trans Mara West sub-county, Narok County. The sub-county was selected because it had participating schools within the NSBDP with a high prevalence of STH infection. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Stool samples collected from participants were examined for STH eggs using Kato-Katz technique. An open data kit questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographics, household, and STH knowledge information from 139 of the 514 SAC. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data, prevalence and mean intensity of infections were calculated, and logistic regression used to determine factors associated with STH infections. RESULTS The overall prevalence of any STH infection was 24.6% (95%CI: 21.1-28.6). Trichuris trichiura 14.4% (95%CI: 11.7-17.8), Ascaris lumbricoides 12.5% (95%CI: 9.9-15.7) and hookworm 0%. From multivariable analysis the only factors significantly associated with increased risk of STH infection were, children attending Karda and Nkarano schools with aOR = 5.29 (95%CI: 1.45-19.24); p = 0.011 and aOR = 4.53 (95%CI: 1.29-15.97); p = 0.019 respectively. For A. lumbricoides, children attending Nkarano School were associated with a significant risk of infection with aOR = 7.81 (95%CI: 1.81-33.63); p = 0.006. CONCLUSIONS Despite the ongoing work of NSBDP, the STH prevalence is still ≥ 20% in Trans Mara West sub-county Narok County, among SAC. This underscores the need for continued annual MDA. Additionally, if possible, drug combinations may effectively manage T. trichiura, the region's most common helminth. The study found a correlation between children attending specific schools and STH infection risk, suggesting the importance of health education and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices holistically both in schools and associated catchment areas that can act as STH reservoirs to alleviate the burden of STH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle W. Kihoro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Damaris Mulewa
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Developmental Studies, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Collins Okoyo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dominic Ayaa
- Department of Developmental Studies, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Agnes Korir
- Department of Developmental Studies, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Doris W. Njomo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Janet Masaku
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
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Feineis D, Bringmann G. Structural variety and pharmacological potential of naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids. THE ALKALOIDS. CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY 2024; 91:1-410. [PMID: 38811064 DOI: 10.1016/bs.alkal.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids are a fascinating class of natural biaryl compounds. They show characteristic mono- and dimeric scaffolds, with chiral axes and stereogenic centers. Since the appearance of the last comprehensive overview on these secondary plant metabolites in this series in 1995, the number of discovered representatives has tremendously increased to more than 280 examples known today. Many novel-type compounds have meanwhile been discovered, among them naphthylisoquinoline-related follow-up products like e.g., the first seco-type (i.e., ring-opened) and ring-contracted analogues. As highlighted in this review, the knowledge on the broad structural chemodiversity of naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids has been decisively driven forward by extensive phytochemical studies on the metabolite pattern of Ancistrocladus abbreviatus from Coastal West Africa, which is a particularly "creative" plant. These investigations furnished a considerable number of more than 80-mostly new-natural products from this single species, with promising antiplasmodial activities and with pronounced cytotoxic effects against human leukemia, pancreatic, cervical, and breast cancer cells. Another unique feature of naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids is their unprecedented biosynthetic origin from polyketidic precursors and not, as usual for isoquinoline alkaloids, from aromatic amino acids-a striking example of biosynthetic convergence in nature. Furthermore, remarkable botanical results are presented on the natural producers of naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, the paleotropical Dioncophyllaceae and Ancistrocladaceae lianas, including first investigations on the chemoecological role of these plant metabolites and their storage and accumulation in particular plant organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Feineis
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Bringmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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González-Montero MC, Andrés-Rodríguez J, García-Fernández N, Pérez-Pertejo Y, Reguera RM, Balaña-Fouce R, García-Estrada C. Targeting Trypanothione Metabolism in Trypanosomatids. Molecules 2024; 29:2214. [PMID: 38792079 PMCID: PMC11124245 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by trypanosomatids, including African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Chagas disease, and different forms of leishmaniasis, are Neglected Tropical Diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, mainly in vulnerable territories of tropical and subtropical areas. In general, current treatments against these diseases are old-fashioned, showing adverse effects and loss of efficacy due to misuse or overuse, thus leading to the emergence of resistance. For these reasons, searching for new antitrypanosomatid drugs has become an urgent necessity, and different metabolic pathways have been studied as potential drug targets against these parasites. Considering that trypanosomatids possess a unique redox pathway based on the trypanothione molecule absent in the mammalian host, the key enzymes involved in trypanothione metabolism, trypanothione reductase and trypanothione synthetase, have been studied in detail as druggable targets. In this review, we summarize some of the recent findings on the molecules inhibiting these two essential enzymes for Trypanosoma and Leishmania viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Cristina González-Montero
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
| | - Julia Andrés-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
| | - Nerea García-Fernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
| | - Yolanda Pérez-Pertejo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (M.-C.G.-M.); (J.A.-R.); (N.G.-F.); (Y.P.-P.); (R.M.R.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
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Gazzinelli-Guimaraes PH, Dulek B, Swanson P, Lack J, Roederer M, Nutman TB. Single-cell molecular signature of pathogenic T helper subsets in type 2-associated disorders in humans. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e177720. [PMID: 38587077 PMCID: PMC11128205 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.177720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To unravel the heterogeneity and molecular signature of effector memory Th2 cells (Tem2), we analyzed 23 individuals' PBMCs of filaria-infected (Filaria+) and 24 healthy volunteers (Filaria-), with or without coincident house dust mite (HDM) allergic sensitization. Flow cytometry revealed 3 CD4+ Tem subsets - CCR4+CCR6+CRTH2- Tem17, CCR4+CCR6-CRTH2+ Tem2, and CCR6+CCR4+CRTH2+ Tem17.2 - markedly enriched in Filaria+ individuals. These subsets were sorted and analyzed by multiomic single-cell RNA immunoprofiling. SingleR-annotated Th2 cells from Tem2 and Tem17.2 cell subsets had features of pathogenic Th2 effector cells based on their transcriptional signatures, with downregulated CD27 and elevated expression levels of ITGA4, IL17RB, HPGDS, KLRB1, PTGDR2, IL9R, IL4, IL5, and IL13 genes. When the Filaria+ individuals were subdivided based on their allergic status, Tem2 cells in HDM+Filaria+ individuals showed an overall reduction in TCR diversity, suggesting the occurrence of antigen-driven clonal expansion. Moreover, HDM+Filaria+ individuals showed not only an expansion in the frequency of both Tem2 and Tem17.2 cell subsets, but also a change in their molecular program by overexpressing GATA3, IL17RB, CLRF2, and KLRB1, as well as increased antigen-induced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production, suggesting that aeroallergens reshape the transcriptional and functional programming of Th2 cell subsets in human filarial infection toward a pathogenic immunophenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Phillip Swanson
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Mario Roederer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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11
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Lubanga AF, Bwanali AN, Munthali LE, Mphepo M, Chumbi GD, Kangoma M, Matola Y, Kaonga B, Moyo CS. Exploring the Role of Community Involvement in Reducing the Burden of Schistosomiasis and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases in Malawi: Where are We in the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases? Res Rep Trop Med 2024; 15:51-58. [PMID: 38435085 PMCID: PMC10909323 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s448425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis has been endemic in Malawi since 1947. Despite the longevity of endemicity of the disease, it still maintains a high burden in Malawi. This could be attributed to insufficient coverage of preventive and therapeutic mass drug administration (MDA) which mainly targets school-aged children, leaving out adults who also bear a high burden of the disease. Additionally, despite well documented impact of community involvement in boosting up the effectiveness of health programmes, there is minimal community involvement in schistosomiasis control and prevention programmes. Therefore, this perspective seeks to discuss the historical background of schistosomiasis in Malawi, gaps in community engagement and participation and suggest ways of enhancing the role of the community in prevention and control programmes. Amongst other challenges, the control programmes are centralised, leading to minimal input at the district and community level as well as low awareness of schistosomiasis control and prevention methods at the community level. It is of utmost significance therefore to provide comprehensive schistosomiasis health education to the communities and devise a thorough outline of the specific roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders including community members in the fight against schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Focus Lubanga
- Education and Research, Clinical Research Education and Management Services Ltd (CREAMS), Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Services, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Akim Nelson Bwanali
- Education and Research, Clinical Research Education and Management Services Ltd (CREAMS), Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Services, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Mzati Mphepo
- Department of Clinical Services, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Melina Kangoma
- Department of Clinical Services, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Yankho Matola
- Department of Clinical Services, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Byenala Kaonga
- Department of Clinical Services, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
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12
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Nacife MBPESL, Siqueira LMV, Barbosa KF, Vianna VN, Masioli CZ, da Silva JC, Zicker F, Coelho PMZ, Katz N, Machado-Coelho GLL. Prevalence of helmintic infections in Brazilian Maxakali indigenous: a repeated cross-sectional design. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:18. [PMID: 38302951 PMCID: PMC10832216 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02105-7] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of intestinal parasites is known to be high among Amerindian populations; further, there are serious problems in the healthcare of these populations in Brazil. The Maxakali, located in the northeastern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an indigenous group that still preserves many of its cultural aspects. This study aimed to compare the positivity rate of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in this ethnic group in epidemiological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014. METHODS Stool parasitological examinations were performed by the Kato-Katz technique during both periods in this population. In 2014, the parasitological diagnosis was also realized with the TF-Test® technique. RESULTS In 1972, 270 inhabitants were examined. The positivity rates were 67.4% for Schistosoma mansoni, 72.9% for hookworms, 43.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 23.7% for Trichuris trichiura. In 2014, 545 individuals were examined, and the positivity rates obtained were 45.7% for S. mansoni, 22.8% for hookworms, 0.6% for A. lumbricoides, and 2.8% for T. trichiura. CONCLUSIONS The comparison of the parasitological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014, indicates that the indigenous Maxakali remained neglected by the health and indigenous protection authorities during these four decades. The infection rate observed in 2014 for schistosomiasis and hookworm remains high, considering the current epidemiological view of these diseases in the Brazilian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatriz Pena E Silva Leite Nacife
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil
| | | | - Keila Furbino Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil
| | - Valeska Natiely Vianna
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil
| | - Cássio Zumerle Masioli
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil
| | - Jaime Costa da Silva
- Ministério da Saúde, Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena/Minas Gerais-Espírito Santo, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | | | | | - Naftale Katz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto René Rachou, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - George Luiz Lins Machado-Coelho
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil.
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Giroud M, Kuhn B, Haap W. Drug Discovery Efforts to Identify Novel Treatments for Neglected Tropical Diseases - Cysteine Protease Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2170-2194. [PMID: 37916489 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673249097231017051733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases are a severe burden for mankind, affecting an increasing number of people around the globe. Many of those diseases are caused by protozoan parasites in which cysteine proteases play a key role in the parasite's pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE In this review article, we summarize the drug discovery efforts of the research community from 2017 - 2022 with a special focus on the optimization of small molecule cysteine protease inhibitors in terms of selectivity profiles or drug-like properties as well as in vivo studies. The cysteine proteases evaluated by this methodology include Cathepsin B1 from Schistosoma mansoni, papain, cruzain, falcipain, and rhodesain. METHODS Exhaustive literature searches were performed using the keywords "Cysteine Proteases" and "Neglected Tropical Diseases" including the years 2017 - 2022. Overall, approximately 3'000 scientific papers were retrieved, which were filtered using specific keywords enabling the focus on drug discovery efforts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Potent and selective cysteine protease inhibitors to treat neglected tropical diseases were identified, which progressed to pharmacokinetic and in vivo efficacy studies. As far as the authors are aware of, none of those inhibitors reached the stage of active clinical development. Either the inhibitor's potency or pharmacokinetic properties or safety profile or a combination thereof prevented further development of the compounds. More efforts with particular emphasis on optimizing pharmacokinetic and safety properties are needed, potentially by collaborations of academic and industrial research groups with complementary expertise. Furthermore, new warheads reacting with the catalytic cysteine should be exploited to advance the research field in order to make a meaningful impact on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Giroud
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Haap
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Medicinal Chemistry, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, CH-4070, Switzerland
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14
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Seedorff N, Brown G, Scorza B, Petersen CA. Joint Bayesian longitudinal models for mixed outcome types and associated model selection techniques. Comput Stat 2023; 38:1735-1769. [PMID: 38292019 PMCID: PMC10825672 DOI: 10.1007/s00180-022-01280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Motivated by data measuring progression of leishmaniosis in a cohort of US dogs, we develop a Bayesian longitudinal model with autoregressive errors to jointly analyze ordinal and continuous outcomes. Multivariate methods can borrow strength across responses and may produce improved longitudinal forecasts of disease progression over univariate methods. We explore the performance of our proposed model under simulation, and demonstrate that it has improved prediction accuracy over traditional Bayesian hierarchical models. We further identify an appropriate model selection criterion. We show that our method holds promise for use in the clinical setting, particularly when ordinal outcomes are measured alongside other variables types that may aid clinical decision making. This approach is particularly applicable when multiple, imperfect measures of disease progression are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Seedorff
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Grant Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Breanna Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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15
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Perin LR, Parreira LA, Barcelos ECS, Santos MFC, Menini L, Gomes DDO, Careta FDP. In vitro effect of alpha-bisabolol and its synthetic derivatives on macrophages, promastigotes, and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-6. [PMID: 38013219 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2288232] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are public health problems in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. The treatment has a high cost and toxicity. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the leishmanicidal activity of alpha-bisabolol and its three synthetic derivatives, P1, P2, and P3, on the promastigotes and amastigotes Leishmania infantum and L. amazonensis forms. Alpha-bisabolol showed the lowest IC50 with 3.43 for L. amazonensis promastigotes, while P1 was the most toxic for L. infantum with an IC50 of 9.10. The derivative P3 was better for the amastigote form, with an IC50 of 3.39 for L. amazonensis. All the compounds effectively decreased the intracellular load of amastigote and its ability to turn promastigote again. Thus, alpha-bisabolol and its three synthetic derivatives were effective in their leishmanicidal activity. Therefore, it can be an option for developing new treatments against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Reisen Perin
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brasil
| | - Luciana Alves Parreira
- Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brasil
| | | | | | - Luciano Menini
- Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo/Campus de Alegre, Alegre, Brasil
| | - Daniel de Oliveira Gomes
- Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas/Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brasil
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16
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Anzaku ET, Mohammed MA, Ozbulak U, Won J, Hong H, Krishnamoorthy J, Van Hoecke S, Magez S, Van Messem A, De Neve W. Tryp: a dataset of microscopy images of unstained thick blood smears for trypanosome detection. Sci Data 2023; 10:716. [PMID: 37853038 PMCID: PMC10584977 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02608-y] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), challenges communities in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. The World Health Organization underscores the need for practical, field-adaptable diagnostics and rapid screening tools to address the negative impact of NTDs. While artificial intelligence has shown promising results in disease screening, the lack of curated datasets impedes progress. In response to this challenge, we developed the Tryp dataset, comprising microscopy images of unstained thick blood smears containing the Trypanosoma brucei brucei parasite. The Tryp dataset provides bounding box annotations for tightly enclosed regions containing the parasite for 3,085 positive images, and 93 images collected from negative blood samples. The Tryp dataset represents the largest of its kind. Furthermore, we provide a benchmark on three leading deep learning-based object detection techniques that demonstrate the feasibility of AI for this task. Overall, the availability of the Tryp dataset is expected to facilitate research advancements in diagnostic screening for this disease, which may lead to improved healthcare outcomes for the communities impacted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esla Timothy Anzaku
- Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, 21985, South Korea.
- IDLab, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 126, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Mohammed Aliy Mohammed
- IDLab, Ghent University - imec, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 126, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Utku Ozbulak
- Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, 21985, South Korea
| | - Jongbum Won
- Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, 21985, South Korea
| | - Hyesoo Hong
- Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, 21985, South Korea
| | | | - Sofie Van Hoecke
- IDLab, Ghent University - imec, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 126, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Magez
- Biomedical Research Center, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, 21985, South Korea
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Wesley De Neve
- Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, 21985, South Korea
- IDLab, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 126, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium
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17
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Khan H, Waqas M, Khurshid B, Ullah N, Khalid A, Abdalla AN, Alamri MA, Wadood A. Investigating the role of Sterol C24-Methyl transferase mutation on drug resistance in leishmaniasis and identifying potential inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37723868 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2256879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a fatal disease caused by the leishmania parasite. For the survival of the leishmania parasite, Sterol C24-Methyl Transferase (SMT) is essential which is an enzyme of the ergosterol pathway. SMT protein mutation is responsible for Amphotericin-B drug resistance in Leishmania, which is the main treatment for visceral leishmaniasis. Amphotericin-B resistance is caused by three mutated residues V131I, V321I and F72C. The underlying mechanisms and structural changes in SMT enzymes responsible for resistance due to mutation are still not well understood. In the current study, the potential mechanism of resistance due to these mutations and the structure variation of wild and mutant SMT proteins were investigated through molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking analysis. The results showed that AmB established strong bonding interaction with wild SMT as compare to mutants SMT. The binding energy calculation showed that binding energy of AmB with mutants SMT increases as compare to the wild SMT. Further structural based virtual screening was carried out to design potential inhibitors for the mutant SMT. On the basis of structural-based virtual screening four inhibitors (SANC01057, SANC00882, SANC00414, SANC01047) were computationally identified as potential mutant SMT (F72C) inhibitors. This work provides valuable information for improved management of drug resistant Leishmaniasis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al-Mouz Nizwa, Oman
| | - Beenish Khurshid
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Nazif Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf N Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubarak A Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
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18
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Shahriarirad R, Shekouhi R, Erfani A, Rastegarian M, Eskandarisani M, Motamedi M, Sarkari B. Evaluation of the features of cystic echinococcosis with concurrent super-infection: a retrospective study in Southern Iran. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:525. [PMID: 37563707 PMCID: PMC10413494 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08520-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Superinfection of cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life-threatening complication with significant morbidities, which can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for superinfected CE, as there is currently limited information available on the differences between superinfected and non-infected CE in terms of clinical features, serological and radiologic findings. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on hospital records of patients who were diagnosed with hydatid cysts in a 15-year period (2004 to 2018) in two main university-affiliated referral centers in Fars province, southern Iran. Patients' information regarding the demographical and clinical features related to CE, age, sex, previous history of CE or recurrence, size and location of CE, and length of hospital stay were collected. Moreover, the characteristics of concurrent infections with hydatid cysts were recorded. RESULTS A total of 586 surgeries due to CE were performed on 501 patients, of which 67 (11.43%) had reoperations due to the recurrence of the disease. A total of 30 (5.99%) incidences of superinfection were observed. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of laboratory and imaging findings between CE patients with concurrent infections and other CE patients (p-value > 0.05). Among the patients with super-infection, four had fungal infections of the lungs. Aspergillus fumigatus was the causative pathogen in all four patients that were diagnosed with fungal superinfection. All patients underwent surgical excision with favorable long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION Our study revealed a 5.99% incident rate of CE superinfection. Regarding the concurrent fungal infections in hydatid cysts, the patient's symptoms and laboratory and imaging findings are inconclusive and histopathological evaluation seems to be the most reliable option. Surgical resection is the gold-standard treatment option with favorable outcomes and potentially can be curative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Shahriarirad
- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ramin Shekouhi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Colorectal Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Erfani
- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Marjan Motamedi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
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19
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Ma J, Konings M, Verbon A, van de Sande WWJ. A Falciformispora senegalensis grain model in Galleria mellonella larvae. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad070. [PMID: 37451815 PMCID: PMC10436144 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Eumycetoma is a subcutaneous implantation mycosis often found in the foot. One of the hallmarks of eumycetoma is the formation of grains. These grains are either black or white, and the consistency and morphology differs per causative agent. The two most common causative agents of black-grain eumycetoma are Madurella mycetomatis and Falciformispora senegalensis. Since grains cannot be formed in vitro, in vivo models are needed to study grain formation. Here, we used the invertebrate Galleria mellonella to establish an in vivo grain model for F. senegalensis. Three different F. senegalensis strains were selected, and four different inocula were used to infect G. mellonella larvae, ranging from 0.04 mg/larvae to 10 mg/larvae. Larval survival was monitored for 10 days. Grain formation was studied macroscopically and histologically. The efficacy of antifungal therapy was determined for itraconazole, amphotericin B, and terbinafine. A concentration of 10 mg F. senegalensis per larva was lethal for the majority of the larvae within 10 days. At this inoculum, grains were formed within 24 h after infection. The grains produced in the larvae resembled those formed in human patients. Amphotericin B given at 1 mg/kg 4 h, 28 h, and 52 h after infection prolonged larval survival. No enhanced survival was noted for itraconazole or terbinafine. In conclusion, we developed a F. senegalensis grain model in G. mellonella larvae in which grains were formed that were similar to those formed in patients. This model can be used to monitor grain formation over time and study antifungal efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Ma
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mickey Konings
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy W J van de Sande
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Akinyemi KO, Fakorede CO, Linde J, Methner U, Wareth G, Tomaso H, Neubauer H. Whole genome sequencing of Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from humans, animals, and the environment in Lagos, Nigeria. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:164. [PMID: 37312043 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salmonella infections remain an important public health issue worldwide. Some serovars of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) have been associated with bloodstream infections and gastroenteritis, especially in children in Sub-Saharan Africa with circulating S. enterica serovars with drug resistance and virulence genes. This study identified and verified the clonal relationship of Nigerian NTS strains isolated from humans, animals, and the environment. METHODS In total, 2,522 samples were collected from patients, animals (cattle and poultry), and environmental sources between December 2017 and May 2019. The samples were subjected to a standard microbiological investigation. All the isolates were identified using Microbact 24E, and MALDI-TOF MS. The isolates were serotyped using the Kauffmann-White scheme. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the disc diffusion method and the Vitek 2 compact system. Virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, sequence type, and cluster analysis were investigated using WGS data. RESULTS Forty-eight (48) NTS isolates (1.9%) were obtained. The prevalence of NTS from clinical sources was 0.9%, while 4% was recorded for animal sources. The serovars identified were S. Cotham (n = 17), S. Give (n = 16), S. Mokola (n = 6), S. Abony (n = 4), S. Typhimurium (n = 4), and S. Senftenberg (n = 1). All 48 Salmonella isolates carried intrinsic and acquired resistant genes such as aac.6…Iaa, mdf(A), qnrB, qnrB19 genes and golT, golS, pcoA, and silP, mediated by plasmid Col440I_1, incFIB.B and incFII. Between 100 and 118 virulence gene markers distributed across several Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs), clusters, prophages, and plasmid operons were found in each isolate. WGS revealed that strains of each Salmonella serovar could be assigned to a single 7-gene MLST cluster, and strains within the clusters were identical strains and closely related as defined by the 0 and 10 cgSNPs and likely shared a common ancestor. The dominant sequence types were S. Give ST516 and S. Cotham ST617. CONCLUSION We found identical Salmonella sequence types in human, animal, and environmental samples in the same locality, which demonstrates the great potential of the applied tools to trace back outbreak strains. Strategies to control and prevent the spread of NTS in the context of one's health are essential to prevent possible outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jörg Linde
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrich Methner
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Gamal Wareth
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Jena, Germany
- Department of Bacteriology, Immunology, and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, PO Box 13736, Toukh, Moshtohor, Egypt
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Herbert Tomaso
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Jena, Germany
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Nascimento IJDS, Cavalcanti MDAT, de Moura RO. Exploring N-myristoyltransferase as a promising drug target against parasitic neglected tropical diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115550. [PMID: 37336067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) constitute a group of approximately 20 infectious diseases that mainly affect the impoverished population without basic sanitation in tropical countries. These diseases are responsible for many deaths worldwide, costing billions of dollars in public health investment to treat and control these infections. Among them are the diseases caused by protozoa of the Trypanosomatid family, which constitute Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease), Trypanosoma brucei (sleeping sickness), and Leishmaniasis. In addition, there is a classification of other diseases, called the big three, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, which are endemic in countries with tropical conditions. Despite the high mortality rates, there is still a gap in the treatment. The drugs have a high incidence of side effects and protozoan resistance, justifying the investment in developing new alternatives. In fact, the Target-Based Drug Design (TBDD) approach is responsible for identifying several promising compounds, and among the targets explored through this approach, N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) stands out. It is an enzyme related to the co-translational myristoylation of N-terminal glycine in various peptides. The myristoylation process is a co-translation that occurs after removing the initiator methionine. This process regulates the assembly of protein complexes and stability, which justifies its potential as a drug target. In order to propose NMT as a potential target for parasitic diseases, this review will address the entire structure and function of this enzyme and the primary studies demonstrating its promising potential against Leishmaniasis, T. cruzi, T. brucei, and malaria. We hope our information can help researchers worldwide search for potential drugs against these diseases that have been threatening the health of the world's population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor José Dos Santos Nascimento
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil; Cesmac University Center, Pharmacy Departament, Maceió, Brazil; Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil.
| | - Misael de Azevedo Teotônio Cavalcanti
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil; Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Olimpio de Moura
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil; Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
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Khulbe Y, Chandani Y, Kamaraj B, Agrawal V. Under-representation of low-income countries in the literature - targeting the bummock of neglected tropical diseases. Trop Doct 2023:494755231153977. [PMID: 37116891 DOI: 10.1177/00494755231153977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
More than 50% of the world's youth and many economies with the greatest growth rates are in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Many prevailing diseases in these areas comprise neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) - the 13 bacterial and parasitic infections that predominantly affect the poorest one-sixth of the world's population. The lack of published data, heightened by the disregard of researchers of developed countries, amounts to the 'missing piece' when attempting to draw a global picture of such diseases using systematic reviews or meta-analyses because of the imbalance in distribution. Defining and measuring the problem, evaluating the effectiveness and cost of interventions, and assessing cost-effectiveness are all necessary steps in determining health priorities for eradicating these NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashita Khulbe
- MBBS, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yash Chandani
- MBBS, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Vibhor Agrawal
- MBBS, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Jasinski G, Salas-Sarduy E, Vega D, Fabian L, Florencia Martini M, Moglioni AG. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel thiosemicarbazones as cruzipain inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 254:115345. [PMID: 37054562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Based on the activity of 23 TSCs on CZ taken from the literature, we have developed a QSAR model for predicting the activity of TSCs. New TSCs were designed and then tested against CZP, resulting in inhibitors with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. The modelling of the corresponding TSC-CZ complexes by molecular docking and QM/QM ONIOM refinement indicates a binding mode compatible with what was expected for active TSCs, according to a geometry-based theoretical model previously developed by our research group. Kinetic experiments on CZP suggest that the new TSCs act by a mechanism that involves the formation of a reversible covalent adduct with slow association and dissociation kinetics. These results demonstrate the strong inhibitory effect of the new TSCs and the benefit of the combined use of QSAR and molecular modelling techniques in the design of new and potent CZ/CZP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Jasinski
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Química Medicinal, Buenos Aires, C1113AAD, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de la Química y el Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
| | - Emir Salas-Sarduy
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde" (IIBIO), CONICET, San Martín, Buenos Aires, 1650, Argentina; Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnología (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, 1650, Argentina
| | - Daniel Vega
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, GIyA, CAC, CNEA, Buenos Aires, B1650KNA, Argentina; Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, UNSAM, San Martín, Buenos Aires, B1650KNA, Argentina
| | - Lucas Fabian
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de la Química y el Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
| | - M Florencia Martini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Química Medicinal, Buenos Aires, C1113AAD, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de la Química y el Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
| | - Albertina G Moglioni
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Química Medicinal, Buenos Aires, C1113AAD, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de la Química y el Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina.
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Yoo JS, Kang MK, Park JG, Kim HJ, Choi JH. Clinical Implications for the Comprehensive Interpretation of Radiologic and Immunodiagnostic Tests in Patients Suspected of Parasitic Hepatic Cyst, a Rare Case in Korea. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030155. [PMID: 36977156 PMCID: PMC10052134 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a representative neglected tropical disease (NTD) with increased morbidity and mortality but is ignored and overlooked in developed countries. Serological and radiographic findings are helpful in distinguishing these parasites; however, conflicting results of these can make it difficult to diagnose if medical knowledge of hepatic parasitic disease, including the etiology, features of imaging, and immunodiagnostic test, is not acquired. We report the case of a male patient with dyspepsia and right epigastric pain who had positive results for cysticercosis antibodies on immunodiagnostic examination. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed two huge communicating cystic lesions measuring 8–11 cm. Further evaluations for cysticercosis of the brain (neurocysticercosis) and eyes (intraocular cysticercosis) were unremarkable throughout the brain imaging test and fundus examination. A laparoscopic right hemi-hepatectomy was performed for diagnosis and treatment. On histopathological examination, diverse stages of Echinococcus granulosus were identified. Albendazole was administered postoperatively, and the patient was also followed up. We should be aware of the etiologies that have been prevalent in parasite infection thought to be the cause of hepatic cysts. Moreover, we make an effort to ascertain the patient’s nationality, past travel experiences, and immediate environment, including any animals and pets. We present the case of a patient who was worried about the possibility of liver invasion of cysticercus due to the positivity of the cysticercosis antibody and was ultimately diagnosed with CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Sung Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Kyu Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-620-3316; Fax: +82-53-654-8386
| | - Jung-Gil Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Joo Kim
- Departments of Surgery, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Hyuk Choi
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
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Sabt A, Eldehna WM, Ibrahim TM, Bekhit AA, Batran RZ. New antileishmanial quinoline linked isatin derivatives targeting DHFR-TS and PTR1: Design, synthesis, and molecular modeling studies. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114959. [PMID: 36493614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In a search for new drug candidates for one of the neglected tropical diseases, leishmaniasis, twenty quinoline-isatin hybrids were synthesized and tested for their in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmaniamajor strain. All the synthesized compounds showed promising in vitro activity against the promastigote form in a low micromolar range (IC50 = 0.5084-5.9486 μM) superior to the reference miltefosine (IC50 = 7.8976 μM). All the target compounds were then tested against the intracellular amastigote form and showed promising inhibition effects (IC50 = 0.60442-8.2948 μM versus 8.08 μM for miltefosine). Compounds 4e, 4b and 4f were shown to possess the highest antileishmanial activity against both promastigote and amastigote forms. The most active compounds were proven to exhibit their significant antileishmanial effects through antifolate mechanism, targeting DHFR-TS and PTR1. To evaluate the safety profile of the most active derivatives 4e, 4b and 4f, the in vitro cytotoxicity test was carried out and displayed higher selectivity indices than the reference miltefosine. Molecular docking within putative target protein PTR1 confirmed the high potentiality of the most active compounds 4e, 4b and 4f to block the catalytic activity of Lm-PTR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Sabt
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Wagdy M Eldehna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt; School of Biotechnology, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, 11829, Egypt
| | - Tamer M Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt; Bioinformatics Group, Center for Informatics Sciences (CIS), School of Information Technology and Computer Science (ITCS), Nile University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Adnan A Bekhit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt; Pharmacy Program, Allied Health Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Bahrain, P.O. Box 32038, Bahrain
| | - Rasha Z Batran
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.
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Mukherjee S. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory response to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): A review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011010. [PMID: 36634043 PMCID: PMC9836280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability and accessibility of safe and effective drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics are essential to reducing the immense global burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). National regulatory authorities, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), play an essential role in this effort to ensure access to safe and effective medical products by working within a set of legal frameworks and regulatory functions. However, medical product development for NTDs remains neglected, as combating NTDs is not a viable commercial market for pharmaceutical companies. To spur research and development (R&D) of NTD products, the US government has authorized various programs and policies to engage pharmaceutical companies, many of which provide FDA with the legal authority to implement NTD programs and pathways. Thus, this review provides a clear overview of the various regulatory pathways and programs employed by the FDA to increase the availability of NTD drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. The review assesses the available information on various regulatory considerations and their impact on NTD product development as a first step in estimating the importance of such programs. Next, findings related to currently approved NTD products through these programs are discussed. Lastly, gaps in NTD R&D are identified and suggestions on how to address these are presented. The available data shows that while such incentive programs are factored into companies' decisions to pursue NTD R&D, approved products for NTDs remains vastly insufficient. Most approved products that utilize these NTD regulatory pathways and programs are overwhelmingly for tuberculosis and malaria-both of which are not considered NTDs by the World Health Organization (WHO). Dedicated efforts are needed to facilitate and accelerate NTD product including employing multiple incentive programs, regular assessment of such programs, and leveraging on public-private partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Mukherjee
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Obafunwa JO, Reinhard K. Diagnosing neurocysticercosis in skeletonized human remains of forensic importance. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 93:102471. [PMID: 36584500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is endemic in many parts of the underdeveloped and developing countries, with continuous presence in developed countries due to the influx of migrants from regions where the diseases are endemic. Neuroimaging, anatomic pathological techniques, immunodiagnostic tests, clinical examination and epidemiologic considerations will easily provide the diagnosis. However, physicians in developed countries are perhaps progressively missing the diagnosis, and need to re-acquaint themselves with the condition and acquire a high suspicion index. The authors present a medicolegal case where the forensic team made a conclusion of neurocysticercosis (among other diagnoses), following post mortem examination of a largely skeletonized and mummified human remains. Characteristic changes were observed in the calvarium of the decedent at autopsy. Review of the antemortem medical records revealed that Computed Tomography (CT) scan had 12 years earlier, suggested diagnostic features in a Hispanic migrant, but the attending surgeons failed to consider the possibility of the condition. Physicians should pay attention to suggestive clinical findings especially when attending to individuals coming from endemic parts of the world. Cysticercosis remains endemic and a misdiagnosis can potentially attract medical malpractice suits. Forensic pathologists should also consider the possibility of uncommon clinical disorders, even in skeletonized remains. Perhaps an earlier diagnosis might have altered the outcome in the decedent.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Obafunwa
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA.
| | - K Reinhard
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA
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Ghorai S. Editorial: Reviews in neglected tropical infectious diseases. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1196838. [PMID: 37180224 PMCID: PMC10170764 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1196838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
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Adane B, Malede A, Sewunet B, Kumlachew L, Moges M, Woretaw L, Temesgen T, Bewket Y, Gete M, Yirdaw G, Ayele A, Adane M. Determinants of Trachomatous Inflammation-Follicular Among Children Aged 1 to 9 Years Old in a Rural Area of Gozamn District, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Matched Case-Control Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2023; 17:11786302231169941. [PMID: 37122686 PMCID: PMC10134110 DOI: 10.1177/11786302231169941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Approximately 1.9 million people worldwide are blind or visually impaired due to trachoma, and trachoma remains endemic in 44 countries. Amhara in Ethiopia has the highest burden of trachoma in the world. A key indicator of whether active trachoma requires public health intervention is the incidence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular in children aged 1 to 9 years. However, limited study has been conducted on the determinants in rural communities. This study therefore aimed to fill this gap by identifying determinants in the Gozamn district of northwestern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based case-control study was carried out between March 15 and April 30, 2021. Five or more follicles on the epitaxial conjunctivae that are larger than 0.5 mm were considered a case. Controls were free of any sign of trachoma. A semi-structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to gather the data, and STATA version 14 was used for the analysis. Using a 95% confidence interval, both bivariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression was performed. Results A total of 726 mothers/caregivers participated in this study, with a participation rate of 98.4%. Children from poor families (mAOR = 4.68; CI: 2.80-6.21), households where the water source is far from home (>30 minutes) (mAOR = 4.91; KI: 1.37-12.56), mean daily water consumption (<20 l/c/d) (mAOR = 4.42; CI:1.71-11.39), face washing frequency less than once a day (mAOR = 10.64; CI: 2.58-18.84), cloth washing frequency once a month or less (mAOR = 9.18; CI: 2.20-18.62), and mothers or caregivers with poor knowledge of active trachoma (mAOR = 3.88; CI: 1.47-10.22) were determinants of trachomatous inflammation-follicular. Conclusions We conclude that infrequent faces and clothes washing; unavailability of water, children in poor families, and poor knowledge of mothers/caregivers were risk factors. Health education initiatives about active trachoma, its prevention, and control methods focusing on personal hygiene are so required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balew Adane
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
- Balew Adane, Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara 269, Ethiopia.
| | - Asmamaw Malede
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Wollo, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Sewunet
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Wollo, Ethiopia
| | - Lake Kumlachew
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Mekonnen Moges
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Lebasie Woretaw
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Wollo, Ethiopia
| | - Tegegn Temesgen
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yenewa Bewket
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Menberu Gete
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Getasew Yirdaw
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Agernesh Ayele
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Metadel Adane
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Wollo, Ethiopia
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NTD Health: an electronic medical record system for neglected tropical diseases. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2022; 42:602-610. [PMID: 36511677 PMCID: PMC9788840 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of technological resources to support processes in health systems has generated robust, interoperable and dynamic platforms. In the case of institutions working with neglected tropical diseases (NTD), there is a need for NTD-specific customizations. OBJECTIVES To establish a medical records platform, specialized for NTD, which would facilitate the analysis of treatment evolution in patients, as well as generate more accurate data about various clinical aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Here we developed a customized electronic medical record system based on OpenMRS for multiple NTDs. A set of forms and functionalities was developed under the OpenMRS guidelines, using shared community modules. RESULTS All the customized information was packaged in a distribution called NTD Health. The platform is web-based and can be upgraded and improved by users without technological barriers. CONCLUSIONS The EMR system can become a useful tool for other institutions to improve their health practices as well as the quality of life for NTD patients, simplifying the customization of healthcare systems able to interoperate with other platforms.
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Knieß R, Leeder W, Reißig P, Geyer FK, Göringer HU. Core-Shell DNA-Cholesterol Nanoparticles Exert Lysosomolytic Activity in African Trypanosomes. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200410. [PMID: 36040754 PMCID: PMC9826209 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200410] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei is the causal infectious agent of African trypanosomiasis in humans and Nagana in livestock. Both diseases are currently treated with a small number of chemotherapeutics, which are hampered by a variety of limitations reaching from efficacy and toxicity complications to drug-resistance problems. Here, we explore the forward design of a new class of synthetic trypanocides based on nanostructured, core-shell DNA-lipid particles. In aqueous solution, the particles self-assemble into micelle-type structures consisting of a solvent-exposed, hydrophilic DNA shell and a hydrophobic lipid core. DNA-lipid nanoparticles have membrane-adhesive qualities and can permeabilize lipid membranes. We report the synthesis of DNA-cholesterol nanoparticles, which specifically subvert the membrane integrity of the T. brucei lysosome, killing the parasite with nanomolar potencies. Furthermore, we provide an example of the programmability of the nanoparticles. By functionalizing the DNA shell with a spliced leader (SL)-RNA-specific DNAzyme, we target a second trypanosome-specific pathway (dual-target approach). The DNAzyme provides a backup to counteract the recovery of compromised parasites, which reduces the risk of developing drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Knieß
- Molecular GeneticsTechnical University DarmstadtSchnittspahnstr. 1064287DarmstadtGermany
| | - Wolf‐Matthias Leeder
- Molecular GeneticsTechnical University DarmstadtSchnittspahnstr. 1064287DarmstadtGermany
| | - Paul Reißig
- Molecular GeneticsTechnical University DarmstadtSchnittspahnstr. 1064287DarmstadtGermany
| | - Felix Klaus Geyer
- Molecular GeneticsTechnical University DarmstadtSchnittspahnstr. 1064287DarmstadtGermany
| | - H. Ulrich Göringer
- Molecular GeneticsTechnical University DarmstadtSchnittspahnstr. 1064287DarmstadtGermany
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Mandeng Ma Linwa E, Sigha OB, Djeumen Touka AJ, Eposse Ekoube C, Ngo Linwa EE, Budzi MN, Meh MG, Nzozone HF, Kouotou EA, Zoung Kanyi Bissek A. Trends in dermatology consultations in the COVID‐19 era in Cameroon. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2022; 2:e113. [PMID: 35600146 PMCID: PMC9111051 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction With the advent of COVID‐19, a highly infectious viral pandemic, first declared in Cameroon in March 2020, access to expert dermatology care was postulated to decrease. We carried out a descriptive study to understand the epidemiology of skin diseases amongst patients consulting at an outpatient dermatology clinic and its variations with the onset of COVID‐19. Methods We conducted a retrospective database study over a period of 2 years at Laquintinie hospital, Cameroon. Two periods were distinguished: 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020 (pre‐COVID‐19 era) and 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021 (COVID‐19 era). Results Overall, 5946 patients with one or more clinical conditions were analysed. The most common age group described was young adults (18–40 years). Females consulted twice as much as males (M/F ratio; 1:1.7). The mean age was 28.9 (±18.0) years with an age range of 1 month to 89 years. Infectious dermatoses predominated. However, the single most prevalent dermatologic condition was acne. There was a 35.6% drop in consultation frequency in the COVID‐19 era. Conclusion Three in four patients consulting at dermatology clinic are below 40 years, with a female predominance. Epidemiological profile of dermatoses in Cameroon is similar to that in the rest of Africa. Consultation frequency decreased in the COVID‐19 era but trends in consultations were rather unaltered except for patients above 50 years where eczema and scabies increased. More studies should be conducted to understand these trends better at a national level and envisage training of health personnel on prevalent dermatoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Mandeng Ma Linwa
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Buea Buea Cameroon
- Hopital Laquintinie de Douala Douala Cameroon
| | - Odette Berline Sigha
- Hopital Laquintinie de Douala Douala Cameroon
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Bamenda Bamenda Cameroon
| | | | - Charlotte Eposse Ekoube
- Hopital Laquintinie de Douala Douala Cameroon
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Pharmaceutiques Université de Douala Douala Cameroun
| | | | - Michael Ngenge Budzi
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Buea Buea Cameroon
- Non‐Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Programme Cameroon Baptist Convention, Health Services Yaounde Cameroon
| | - Martin Geh Meh
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Buea Buea Cameroon
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Semi-Synthesis of N-Aryl Amide Analogs of Piperine from Piper nigrum and Evaluation of Their Antitrypanosomal, Antimalarial, and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Activities. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092841. [PMID: 35566194 PMCID: PMC9100884 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Piper nigrum, or black pepper, produces piperine, an alkaloid that has diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, N-aryl amide piperine analogs were prepared by semi-synthesis involving the saponification of piperine (1) to yield piperic acid (2) followed by esterification to obtain compounds 3, 4, and 5. The compounds were examined for their antitrypanosomal, antimalarial, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 main protease activities. The new 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenyl piperamide 5 exhibited the most robust biological activities with no cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines, Vero and Vero E6, as compared to the other compounds in this series. Its half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense was 15.46 ± 3.09 μM, and its antimalarial activity against the 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum was 24.55 ± 1.91 μM, which were fourfold and fivefold more potent, respectively, than the activities of piperine. Interestingly, compound 5 inhibited the activity of 3C-like main protease (3CLPro) toward anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity at the IC50 of 106.9 ± 1.2 μM, which was threefold more potent than the activity of rutin. Docking and molecular dynamic simulation indicated that the potential binding of 5 in the 3CLpro active site had the improved binding interaction and stability. Therefore, new aryl amide analogs of piperine 5 should be investigated further as a promising anti-infective agent against human African trypanosomiasis, malaria, and COVID-19.
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van 't Noordende AT, Aycheh MW, Moges NA, Tadesse T, Schippers AP. Family-based intervention for prevention and self-management of disabilities due to leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis versus usual care in Ethiopia: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056620. [PMID: 35354636 PMCID: PMC8968636 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are three skin-related neglected tropical diseases. All three conditions can lead to temporary and permanent impairments. These impairments progressively worsen and are major determinants of stigma, discrimination and participation restrictions. Self-care is essential to prevent disabilities and chronic disease complications. Many persons with leprosy-related, LF-related and podoconiosis-related disabilities need to practice self-management routines their entire life. This is difficult without support and encouragement of others. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a family-based intervention in terms of physical outcomes related to prevention and self-management of disabilities due to leprosy, podoconiosis and LF and family quality of life and well-being compared with usual practice and care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study will use a cluster-randomised controlled trial design with two study arms. The project will be carried out in endemic districts in East and West Gojjam zones in the Amhara region in Ethiopia. Clusters consist of kebeles (lower administrative structures in the district) that have been merged, based on their geographical proximity and the number of cases in each kebele. A total of 630 participants will be included in the study. The intervention group will consist of 105 persons affected by leprosy, 105 persons affected by LF or podoconiosis, and 210 family members. The control group will consist of 105 persons affected by leprosy and 105 persons affected by LF or podoconiosis. The family-based intervention comprises an essential care package that consists of the following three main components: (1) self-management of disabilities, (2) economic empowerment and (3) psychosocial support. Participants in the control areas will receive usual practice and care. Data analysis includes, but is not limited to, calculating the percentage of change and corresponding 95% CI of physical impairment outcomes in each group, before and after the intervention is implemented, effect sizes, intention to treat and difference in difference analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the Debre Markos University Health Sciences Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and workshops. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PACTR202108907851342.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tiny van 't Noordende
- Disability Studies in the Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Technical Department, NLR, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Moges Wubie Aycheh
- Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Nurilign Abebe Moges
- Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Tadesse
- Programme, Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alice P Schippers
- Disability Studies in the Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Care ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bustamante J, Sainz T, Montojo FA, Almirón MD, Subirats M, Vega DM, Mellado MJ, López-Hortelano MG. Screening for parasites in migrant children. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 47:102287. [PMID: 35304329 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globalization has pushed population movements in the last decades, turning imported diseases into the focus. Due to behavioral habits, children are at higher risk of acquiring iparasitosis. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of parasites in migrant children and factors associated with parasitic diseases. METHOD Retrospective cross-sectional study (2014-2018) including children diagnosed with parasitosis. The diagnosis was based on serology and/or microscopic stool-sample evaluation. Epidemiological and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS Out of 813 migrant children screened, 241 (29.6%) presented at least one parasite, and 89 (10.9%) more than one. The median age was 6.6 years (IQR: 3.1-11.9) and 58.9% were males. Most cases were referred for a health exam; only 52.3% of children were symptomatic, but 43.6% had eosinophilia. The most common diagnosis were giardiasis (35.3%), schistosomiasis (19.1%), toxocariasis (15.4%), and strongyloidiasis (9.1%). After the multivariate analysis, African origin and presenting with eosinophilia were the main risk factors for parasitism. CONCLUSIONS parasitosis are frequent among migrant children. Children are often asymptomatic, and thus active screening for parasitosis should be considered among high-risk populations. Eosinophilia can be useful to guide complimentary tests, as well as geographical origin, but normal eosinophil count does not exclude parasitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Bustamante
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital General de Valdepeñas, Ciudad Real, Spain; La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain
| | - Talía Sainz
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain; General Pediatrics and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Traslacional en Infectología Pediátrica (RITIP), Spain.
| | - Fátima Ara Montojo
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; General Pediatrics Department, Hospital de Quiron, Pozuelo, Spain
| | - Mariana Díaz Almirón
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Biostatistics Department, La Paz University Hospital, Spain
| | - Mercedes Subirats
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Hospital La Paz Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Montero Vega
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Hospital La Paz Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Mellado
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain; General Pediatrics and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Traslacional en Infectología Pediátrica (RITIP), Spain
| | - Milagros García López-Hortelano
- La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Spain; General Pediatrics and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Traslacional en Infectología Pediátrica (RITIP), Spain
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Kattner AA. About gladiators and a sacred disease. Biomed J 2022; 45:1-8. [PMID: 35339730 PMCID: PMC9133364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In this special edition of the Biomedical Journal the reader gains an insight into drug-resistant epilepsy and according treatment approaches involving deep brain stimulation, the ketogenic diet and fecal microbiota transplant. Another emphasis is put on personalized medicine strategies, and covered in articles about the use of natriuretic peptides against cancer, along with an article about companion diagnostics involving extracellular vesicles. Recurrent infection with Clostridium difficile, associated risk factors and therapeutic options are discussed. We learn about a mechanism that helps Leishmania evade a host control mechanism, receive an update about human adenovirus and are presented with characteristic magnetic resonance neuroimaging in COVID-19 pediatric patients. An advanced assessment in pediatric septic shock and an improved model for a pediatric early warning system are proposed. Some of the genetic causes of renal hypomagnesemia are explored, the impact of air pollution on children is examined, and an antisiphon device is described for surgical treatment of hydrocephalus. The relation between energy metabolism, circadian rhythm and its influence on the ATPase in the SCN are investigated, and among others some of the genetics influencing smoking duration and lung cancer. Finally it is discussed how embryo quality can be improved in in vitro fertilization, and what impact high estradiol has on blastocyst implantation. The outcome of surgery to correct mandibular deficiency is assessed, and in two letters the inclusion of observational studies in the evaluation of clinical trials related to COVID-19 is elaborated.
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Hilaire V, Michel G, Majoor A, Hadji-Minaglou F, Landreau A, Fernandez X. New method for screening anti-Leishmania compounds in plants extracts by HPTLC-bioautography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1188:123061. [PMID: 34894478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.123061] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania genus is responsible for leishmaniasis, a group of diseases affecting 12 million people in the tropical and subtropical zone. Currently, the few drugs that are available to treat this disease are expensive and cause many side effects. Searching for new therapeutics from plant species seems to be a promising path. This work proposes an original HPTLC test against parasites, in particular on Leishmania infantum, to screen new molecules from plant extracts. The technique uses protozoa transformed to express the luciferase gene to observe the bioautogram in bioluminescence. We have developed two different test protocols based on the two dimorphic stages of the parasite. The free promastigote stage, and an intracellular stage parasitizing macrophage cells called the amastigote stage. These two stages only survive under extremely different conditions which required the development of two very different test protocols. For the promastigote free stage of the protozoa, the direct bioautography technique was chosen while for the intracellular amastigote stage, bioautography by immersion (agar overlay) was required. Amphotericine B was chosen as the reference compound for this assay. The development of each of these two tests made it possible to clearly detect areas of activity on the bioautogram, allowing a rapid and inexpensive screening of the antiparasitic properties of molecules in natural extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Hilaire
- BotaniCert, 4 traverse Dupont, 06130 Grasse, France; Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Nice, France
| | - Gregory Michel
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Alissa Majoor
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | | | - Anne Landreau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Nice, France; Univ Angers, Univ Brest, GEIHP, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Xavier Fernandez
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Nice, France.
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Udoakang A, Oboh M, Henry-Ajala A, Anyigba C, Omoleke S, Amambua-Ngwa A, Paemka L, Awandare G, Quashie P. Low COVID-19 impact in Africa: The multifactorial Nexus. AAS Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13261.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Africa has defied predictions of being the worst hit by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which has devastated Europe, the Americas, and some Asian countries. However, with a current second and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic across other continents, pertinent questions have arisen regarding the lower disease severity and seemingly better outcomes in most African countries. Several factors have been proposed as discussed in this review including, underreporting, quick lockdown measures, effective public health intervention, younger population structure, cross-immunity and experience from fighting previous epidemics, such as the Ebola virus outbreak, previous infections or vaccinations, genetic predisposition, and tropical climate. We have discussed the implications of these factors on the magnitude of the outbreak and the better-than-expected outcomes observed in Africa. In addition, other potential factors like vitamin-D deficiency and chronic non-communicable diseases could predispose non-African regions to severe COVID-19 outcome. Therefore, this review further advocates for research to understand the precise mechanisms responsible for the pandemic’s relatively mild impact in Africa and proposed recommendations to prevent an infection surge.
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Jayawardene KLTD, Palombo EA, Boag PR. Natural Products Are a Promising Source for Anthelmintic Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1457. [PMID: 34680090 PMCID: PMC8533416 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes infect almost all forms of life. In the human context, parasites are one of the major causative factors for physical and intellectual growth retardation in the developing world. In the agricultural setting, parasites have a great economic impact through a reduction in livestock performance or control cost. The main method of controlling these devastating conditions is the use of anthelmintic drugs. Unfortunately, there are only a few anthelmintic drug classes available in the market and significant resistance has developed in most of the parasitic species of livestock. Therefore, development of new anthelmintics with different modes of action is critical for sustainable parasitic control in the future. The drug development pipeline is broadly limited to two types of molecules, namely synthetic compounds and natural plant products. Compared to synthetic compounds, natural products are highly diverse, and many have historically proven valuable in folk medicine to treat various gastrointestinal ailments. This review focus on the use of traditional knowledge-based plant extracts in the development of new therapeutic leads, the approaches used as screening techniques, and common bottlenecks and opportunities in plant-based anthelmintic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. L. T. Dilrukshi Jayawardene
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Enzo A. Palombo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Peter R. Boag
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
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Profiro de Oliveira JH, Arruda IES, Izak Ribeiro de Araújo J, Chaves LL, de La Rocca Soares MF, Soares-Sobrinho JL. Why do few drug delivery systems to combat neglected tropical diseases reach the market? An analysis from the technology's stages. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 32:89-114. [PMID: 34424127 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1970746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many drugs used to combat schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis (SCL) have clinical limitations such as: high toxicity to the liver, kidneys and spleen; reproductive, gastrointestinal, and heart disorders; teratogenicity. In this sense, drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been described in the literature as a viable option for overcoming the limitations of these drugs. An analysis of the level of development (TRL) of patents can help in determine the steps that must be taken for promising technologies to reach the market. AREAS COVERED This study aimed to analyze the stage of development of DDSs for the treatment of SCL described in patents. In addition, we try to understand the main reasons why many DDSs do not reach the market. In this study, we examined DDSs for drugs indicated by WHO and treatment of SCL, by performing a search for patents. EXPERT OPINION In this present work we provide arguments that support the hypothesis that there is a lack of integration between academia and industry to finance and continue research, especially the development of clinical studies. We cite the translational research consortia as the potential alternative for developing DDSs to combat NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luise Lopes Chaves
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Recife-Pernambuco
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Potential co-infection of Wolbachia with Leishmania among sand fly vectors caught from endemic leishmaniasis foci in Fars province, southern Iran. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:817-822. [PMID: 34475664 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01366-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases in the tropical region of many countries in the world. The etiological agents (Leishmania parasites) of the disease are transmitted to human and other vertebrate hosts by infectious bites of female phlebotomine sand flies. On the other hand, some symbiotic microorganisms such as Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) may be transmitted vertically in many arthropods and may cause synergistic or antagonistic effects on epidemiology of the vector-borne diseases. Hence, in the present study, potential coinfection of Wolbachia with Leishmania in the sand fly vectors will be examined by PCR technique in the important leishmaniasis foci of Fars province in southern Iran, as a new feature for the disease long-term control. Sand flies were collected by sticky traps from indoor and outdoor locations of 5 different areas of Fars province during 2018 and 2019. DNAs of sand flies were extracted and PCR method was performed based on primers which were designed from surface proteins (WSP) genome region for Wolbachia and minicircle kDNA gene for Leishmania detections. At last, PCR products were sequenced and recorded in the GenBank. Out of 1002 sand flies caught from 5 different foci of Fars province, 909 male and female and 386 female sand flies' DNAs were extracted for detection of Wolbachia and Leishmania by PCR, respectively. Accordingly, out of the total 44 pools prepared from sand flies, 6 out of 28 pools form P. papatasi female were positive for Wolbachia in Shiraz, Marvdasht and Kharameh. However, none of female sand flies were positive for Leishmania. The study also focused on monitoring of sand flies co-infection of Wolbachia with Leishmania, which was not found in any of the studied samples. The negative results may be due to control strategies implemented which were done against Leishmaniasis in the studied areas during last years.
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Elkin ME, Zhu X. Community and topic modeling for infectious disease clinical trial recommendation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 10:47. [PMID: 34254037 PMCID: PMC8262767 DOI: 10.1007/s13721-021-00321-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Clinical trials are crucial for the advancement of treatment and knowledge within the medical community. Although the ClinicalTrials.gov initiative has resulted in a rich source of information for clinical trial research, only a handful of analytic studies have been carried out to understand this valuable data source. Analysis of this database provides insight for emerging trends of clinical research. In this study, we propose to use network analysis to understand infectious disease clinical trial research. Our goal is to understand two important issues related to the clinical trials: (1) the concentrations and characteristics of infectious disease clinical trial research, and (2) recommendation of clinical trials to a sponsor (or an investigator). The first issue helps summarize clinical trial research related to a particular disease(s), and the second issue helps match clinical trial sponsors and investigators for information recommendation. By using 4228 clinical trials as the test bed, our study investigates 4864 sponsors and 1879 research areas characterized by Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) keywords. We use a network to characterize infectious disease clinical trials, and design a new community-topic-based link prediction approach to predict sponsors’ interests. Our design relies on network modeling of both clinical trial sponsors and keywords. For sponsors, we extract communities with each community consisting of sponsors with coherent interests. For keywords, we extract topics with each topic containing semantic consistent keywords. The communities and topics are combined for accurate clinical trial recommendation. This transformative study concludes that using network analysis can tremendously help the understanding of clinical trial research for effective summarization, characterization, and prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalyn E Elkin
- Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431 USA
| | - Xingquan Zhu
- Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431 USA
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Haghparast-Kenari B, Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Rahimi MT, Ahmadpour E, Sharif M, Daryani A. High Parasitic Contamination of Soil Samples in the North of Iran: A Potential Risk of Parasitic Infection for Tourists. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2021; 21:439-444. [PMID: 32484773 DOI: 10.2174/1871526520666200602150446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted parasites (STPs) are significant intestinal parasites that infect humans and animals and impose considerable burdens on human society and animal husbandry industries. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic elements of soil samples collected from the north of Iran. METHODS A total of 256 soil samples were collected from public parks, public places, vegetable gardens, sand heaps, and shadow areas near houses in the north of Iran and examined using the sucrose flotation method. RESULTS Out of 256 examined samples, 131 (51.2%) showed parasitic contamination, including larvae (43%), oocysts (14.1%), and different eggs (6.6%). According to the results, the most and least common parasites observed in the samples were larvae (43%), as well as Toxascaris leonina, and Trichuris trichiura (0.4%), respectively. Moreover, the most and least contaminated locations were sand heaps (62.5%) and shadow areas near houses (45.6%), respectively. Regarding cities, Behshahr (68.3%) and Sari (67.5%) had the highest contaminated soil samples, whereas Chalus (37.5%) showed the lowest contamination. On the other hand, rural samples showed more contamination compared to urban areas (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION The findings of the present study indicate that the overall prevalence of STPs in examined areas and highly contaminated soil samples can be considered as a potential source of human contamination particularly tourists with STPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Rahimi
- Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
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Núñez MJ, Martínez ML, López-Arencibia A, Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, San Nicolás-Hernández D, Jiménez IA, Lorenzo-Morales J, Piñero JE, Bazzocchi IL. In Vitro Susceptibility of Kinetoplastids to Celastroloids from Maytenus chiapensis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e02236-20. [PMID: 33753334 PMCID: PMC8316137 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02236-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and Chagas are among the most significant neglected tropical diseases. Due to several drawbacks with the current chemotherapy, developing new antikinetoplastid drugs has become an urgent issue. In the present work, a bioassay-guided investigation of the root bark of Maytenus chiapensis on Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi led to the identification of two D:A-friedo-nor-oleanane triterpenoids (celastroloids), 20β-hydroxy-tingenone (celastroloid 5) and 3-O-methyl-6-oxo-tingenol (celastroloid 8), as promising antikinetoplastid leads. They displayed higher potency on L. amazonensis promastigotes (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50s], 0.44 and 1.12 μM, respectively), intracellular amastigotes (IC50s, 0.83 and 1.91 μM, respectively), and T. cruzi epimastigote stage (IC50s, 2.61 and 3.41 μM, respectively) than reference drugs miltefosine and benznidazole. This potency was coupled with an excellent selectivity index on murine macrophages. Mechanism of action studies, including mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and ATP-level analysis, revealed that celastroloids could induce apoptotic cell death in L. amazonensis triggered by the mitochondria. In addition, the structure-activity relationship is discussed. These findings strongly underline the potential of celastroloids as lead compounds to develop novel antikinetoplastid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin J Núñez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Morena L Martínez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carlos J Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Desirée San Nicolás-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ignacio A Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Isabel L Bazzocchi
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
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Musa TH, Li W, Kawuki J, Wei P. The 100 top-cited articles on scrub typhus: a bibliometric analysis. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2021; 12:126-135. [PMID: 33980003 PMCID: PMC8102874 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.2.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aims of this study were to analyze the characteristics of the 100 top-cited articles on scrub typhus (ST), and to assess the present research landscape and future research directions using bibliometric analysis. Methods Web of Science was used to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the 100 top-cited articles on ST. The articles were analyzed by publication year, number of citations, document type, journals, keywords, institutions, country of origin, and authorship. Results The top 100 articles on ST were published between 1945 to 2017. The number of citations ranges from 39 to 227 and the interquartile range was 35.5. The United States published the highest number (n=21) of articles. Mahidol University was the most prolific institution in terms of articles (n=14). The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene was the journal with the most articles (n=14), and Paris DH was the most productive author in terms of the Hirsh-index, which was 10 for that author. The study revealed a significant correlation between the total number of citations and the number of authors (r=0.668, p < 0.001), number of institutions (r=0.692, p < 0.001), number of years since publication (r=0.869, p < 0.001), and number of countries involved (r=0.963, p < 0.001). Conclusion The findings of this study provide landmarks in the publication and citation frequency of the most influential articles on ST. In addition, this study provides useful information for readers and health policy-makers in evaluating the literature on ST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Hussein Musa
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Biomedical Research Institute, Darfur College, Nyala, Sudan
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Joseph Kawuki
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pingmin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Park J, Pandya VR, Ezekiel SJ, Berghuis AM. Phosphonate and Bisphosphonate Inhibitors of Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthases: A Structure-Guided Perspective. Front Chem 2021; 8:612728. [PMID: 33490038 PMCID: PMC7815940 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.612728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphonates and bisphosphonates have proven their pharmacological utility as inhibitors of enzymes that metabolize phosphate and pyrophosphate substrates. The blockbuster class of drugs nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates represent one of the best-known examples. Widely used to treat bone-resorption disorders, these drugs work by inhibiting the enzyme farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase. Playing a key role in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway, this enzyme is also a potential anticancer target. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the research efforts to identify new inhibitors of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase for various therapeutic applications. While the majority of these efforts have been directed against the human enzyme, some have been targeted on its homologs from other organisms, such as protozoan parasites and insects. Our particular focus is on the structures of the target enzymes and how the structural information has guided the drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeok Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Vishal R Pandya
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Sean J Ezekiel
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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Afifi W, Hegazy M, Metwaly A, Mostafa A, Radwan M, M. Mehany A, Ahmed E, Enany S, Magdeldin S, ElSohly M. Biological and chemical evaluation of some African plants belonging to Kalanchoe species: Antitrypanosomal, cytotoxic, antitopoisomerase I activities and chemical profiling using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Pharmacogn Mag 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_232_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Castillo-Garit JA, Barigye SJ, Pham-The H, Pérez-Doñate V, Torrens F, Pérez-Giménez F. Computational identification of chemical compounds with potential anti-Chagas activity using a classification tree. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 32:71-83. [PMID: 33455460 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2020.1863857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is endemic to 21 Latin American countries and is a great public health problem in that region. Current chemotherapy remains unsatisfactory; consequently the need to search for new drugs persists. Here we present a new approach to identify novel compounds with potential anti-chagasic action. A large dataset of 584 compounds, obtained from the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, was selected to develop the computational model. Dragon software was used to calculate the molecular descriptors and WEKA software to obtain the classification tree. The best model shows accuracy greater than 93.4% for the training set; the tree was also validated using a 10-fold cross-validation procedure and through a test set, achieving accuracy values over 90.5% and 92.2%, correspondingly. The values of sensitivity and specificity were around 90% in all series; also the false alarm rate values were under 10.5% for all sets. In addition, a simulated ligand-based virtual screening for several compounds recently reported as promising anti-chagasic agents was carried out, yielding good agreement between predictions and experimental results. Finally, the present work constitutes an example of how this rational computer-based method can help reduce the cost and increase the rate in which novel compounds are developed against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Castillo-Garit
- Unidad de Toxicología Experimental, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara , Villa Clara, Cuba
- Unidad de Investigación de Diseño de Fármacos y Conectividad Molecular, Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València , Valencia, Spain
| | - S J Barigye
- Departamento de Química Física Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) , Madrid, Spain
| | - H Pham-The
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Hanoi University of Pharmacy , Hanoi, Viet-nam
| | - V Pérez-Doñate
- Departamento de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de la Ribera , Valencia, Spain
| | - F Torrens
- Institut Universitari de Ciència Molecular, Universitat de València, Edifici d'Instituts de Paterna , València, Spain
| | - F Pérez-Giménez
- Unidad de Investigación de Diseño de Fármacos y Conectividad Molecular, Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València , Valencia, Spain
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Shaik MS, Nadiveedhi MR, Gundluru M, Katike U, Obulam VSR, Cirandur SR. Efficient catalyst free green synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and molecular docking studies of α-substituted aromatic/heteroaromatic aminomethylene bisphosphonates. SYNTHETIC COMMUN 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00397911.2020.1853778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohan Gundluru
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, A.P, India
- DST–PURSE Centre, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, A.P, India
| | - Umamahesh Katike
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, A.P, India
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Could chroman-4-one derivative be a better inhibitor of PTR1? - Reason for the identified disparity in its inhibitory potency in Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major. Comput Biol Chem 2020; 90:107412. [PMID: 33199197 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2020.107412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Most notable Kinetoplastids are of the genus Trypanosoma and Leishmania, affecting several millions of humans in Africa and Latin America. Current therapeutic options are limited by several drawbacks, hence the need to develop more efficacious inhibitors. An investigation to decipher the mechanism behind greater inhibitory potency of a chroman-4-one derivative (compound 1) in Trypanosoma brucei pteridine reductase 1 (TbPTR1) and Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 (LmPTR1) was performed. Estimation of ΔGbind revealed that compound 1 had a greater binding affinity in TbPTR1 with a ΔGbind value of -49.0507 Kcal/mol than -29.2292 Kcal/mol in LmPTR1. The ΔGbind in TbPTR1 were predominantly contributed by "strong" electrostatic energy compared to the "weak" van der Waals in LmPTR1. In addition to this, the NADPH cofactor contributed significantly to the total energy of TbPTR1. A characteristic weak aromatic π interaction common in PTR1 was more prominent in TbPTR1 than LmPTR1. The consistent occurrence of high-affinity conventional hydrogen bond interactions as well as a steady interaction of crucial active site residues like Arg14/Arg17, Ser95/Ser111, Phe97/Phe113 in TbPTR1/LmPTR1 with chroman-4-one moiety equally revealed the important role the moiety played in the activity of compound 1. Overall, the structural and conformational analysis of the active site residues in TbPTR1 revealed them to be more rigid than LmPTR1. This could be the mechanism of interaction TbPTR1 employs in exerting a greater potency than LmPTR1. These findings will further give insight that will be assistive in modifying compound 1 for better potency and the design of novel inhibitors of PTR1.
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