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El-Zeiny ME, Samak OAA, Fahmy SA, Khidr AAA. Lethal effects of praziquantel and albendazole, on the cercariae of Echinochasmus sp. (Dietz, 1909) in-vitro. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:320-328. [PMID: 38840870 PMCID: PMC11147964 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01670-6] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinochasmidae are considered one of the digenean intestinal parasites of carnivorous mammals and humans. Some larvicidal medications, such as praziquantel and albendazole, were employed to interrupt the life cycle of Echinochasmidae, which may cause harmful and serious effects on the domestic fish, ducks, and humans in our ecosystem. Cercariae of Echinochasmus sp. (gymnocephalus type) were harvested by exposing snails to strong artificial illumination. The emerging cercariae were exposed in vitro to different concentrations of praziquantel and albendazole at the same period of incubation 12 h. Using probit analysis in SPSS version 25, the lethal concentrations 50 and 95% were determined. They were 0.036 and 0.82 ppm, respectively, for praziquantel and 5.3 and 9.2 ppm, respectively, for albendazole. The ultrastructural changes using scanning electron microscope on the tegumental surface of the treated cercariae with the two drugs were compared to the untreated cercariae. The untreated cercariae have a pear-shaped body with a long tail. The oral sucker is armed with a spiny collar and decorated with ciliated and unciliated sensory papillae. The cardinal ventral sucker has a thick, muscular wall. The cercarial tail is decorated with parallel longitudinal tegumental processes and spherical, unciliated papillae. In comparisons, cercariae treated with both drugs lost all healthy morphological features, but in varying degrees and effects between the two drugs. Our findings suggest that the use of both drugs can be recommended during the design of control strategies to combat this type of intestinal parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed E. El-Zeiny
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, P. O. 34517, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Ola A. Abu Samak
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, P. O. 34517, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Shereen A. Fahmy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, P. O. 34517, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Abdel Aziz A. Khidr
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, P. O. 34517, Damietta, Egypt
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Chauhan V, Farooq U, Fahmi M, A K, Tripathi P. Unveiling the anti-echinococcal efficacy of amide-based compounds: An in-silico and in-vitro study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31205. [PMID: 38807875 PMCID: PMC11130662 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31205] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a significant global public health concern, particularly in regions where livestock rearing is prevalent. Despite its impact on morbidity and mortality, CE has received insufficient attention compared to other neglected tropical diseases. The complexities in CE management arise from challenges in early detection, effective treatment, and parasite eradication. The present study addresses this gap by exploring innovative therapeutic approaches using amide-based compounds. In recent years, computational approaches and in-vitro studies have become prominent in neglected tropical disease drug discovery. Leveraging insights from previous studies on amide-based compounds with anti-parasitic potential, this study systematically designed, synthesized, and characterized a library of 30 amide compounds. The research integrated in-silico screening, molecular docking, and in-vitro experimentation to assess the anti-echinococcal potential of these compounds. The study identified five promising amide compounds, namely 3,5-dinitro-N-p-tolylbenzamide, N-p-tolyl-1-naphthamide, N-p-tolyl-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzamide, 4-pentyl-N-p-tolylbenzamide, and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-N-p-tolylbenzamide, based on their docking scores. These compounds were synthesized and characterized through various spectroscopic techniques, confirming their structural integrity. The in-vitro cytotoxicity assay on HepG2 cell lines revealed varying degrees of cytotoxicity for the synthesized compounds. Notably, 4-pentyl-N-p-tolylbenzamide demonstrated the least cytotoxicity. Subsequent scolicidal activity assessments on E. granulosus protoscoleces demonstrated the potent protoscolicidal activity of N-p-tolyl-1-naphthamide, indicating its potential as an effective anti-echinococcal agent. Overall, this study presents a comprehensive exploration of amide-based compounds as potential therapeutic agents against CE. The findings contribute to the development of innovative strategies for CE treatment, addressing the urgent need for effective and safe drugs in managing this neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Chauhan
- Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, UP, 201310, India
| | - U Farooq
- Department of Basic Oral Medicine and Allied Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Fahmi
- Department of Restorative Dental Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khan A
- Department of Basic Oral Medicine and Allied Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - P.K. Tripathi
- Department of Parasitology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
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Kaethner M, Preza M, Kaempfer T, Zumstein P, Tamponi C, Varcasia A, Hemphill A, Brehm K, Lundström-Stadelmann B. Establishment and application of unbiased in vitro drug screening assays for the identification of compounds against Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011343. [PMID: 37540716 PMCID: PMC10431624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011343] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus s.l. are the causative agents of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, respectively. Drug treatment options for these severe and neglected diseases are limited to benzimidazoles, which are not always efficacious, and adverse side effects are reported. Thus, novel and improved treatments are needed. In this study, the previously established platform for E. multilocularis in vitro drug assessment was adapted to E. granulosus s.s. In a first step, in vitro culture protocols for E. granulosus s.s. were established. This resulted in the generation of large amounts of E. granulosus s.s. metacestode vesicles as well as germinal layer (GL) cells. In vitro culture of these cells formed metacestode vesicles displaying structural characteristics of metacestode cysts generated in vivo. Next, drug susceptibilities of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.s. protoscoleces, metacestode vesicles and GL cells were comparatively assessed employing established assays including (i) metacestode vesicle damage marker release assay, (ii) metacestode vesicle viability assay, (iii) GL cell viability assay, and (iv) protoscolex motility assay. The standard drugs albendazole, buparvaquone, mefloquine, MMV665807, monepantel, niclosamide and nitazoxanide were included. MMV665807, niclosamide and nitazoxanide were active against the parasite in all four assays against both species. MMV665807 and monepantel were significantly more active against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles, while albendazole and nitazoxanide were significantly more active against E. multilocularis GL cells. Albendazole displayed activity against E. multilocularis GL cells, but no effects were seen in albendazole-treated E. granulosus s.s. GL cells within five days. Treatment of protoscoleces with albendazole and monepantel had no impact on motility. Similar results were observed for both species with praziquantel and its enantiomers against protoscoleces. In conclusion, in vitro culture techniques and drug screening methods previously established for E. multilocularis were successfully implemented for E. granulosus s.s., allowing comparisons of drug efficacy between the two species. This study provides in vitro culture techniques for the reliable generation of E. granulosus s.s. metacestode vesicles and GL cell cultures and describes the validation of standardized in vitro drug screening methods for E. granulosus s.s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kaethner
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matías Preza
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kaempfer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Zumstein
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Brehm
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Xin Q, Lv W, Xu Y, Luo Y, Zhao C, Wang B, Yuan M, Li H, Song X, Jing T. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose and combined 2-Deoxy-D-glucose/albendazole exhibit therapeutic efficacy against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and experimental alveolar echinococcosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010618. [PMID: 35849619 PMCID: PMC9333451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analog used as a promising anticancer agent. It exerts its effects by inhibiting the glycolytic energy metabolism to deplete cells of energy. The larval stage of Echinococcus relies on glycolysis for energy production. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of 2-DG against the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis. 2-DG exhibited significant time- and dose-dependent effects against in vitro cultured E. granulosus protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes. A daily oral administration of 500 mg/kg 2-DG in E. multilocularis-infected mice effectively reduced the weight of metacestodes. Notably, the combination treatment, either 2-DG (500 mg/kg/day) + albendazole (ABZ) (200 mg/kg/day) or 2-DG (500 mg/kg/day) + half-dose of ABZ (100 mg/kg/day), exhibited a potent therapeutic effect against E. multilocularis, significantly promoting the reduction of metacestodes weight compared with the administration of 2-DG or ABZ alone. Furthermore, the combination significantly promoted apoptosis of the cells of metacestodes and inhibited glycolysis in metacestodes, compared with the administration of 2-DG or ABZ alone. In conclusion, 2-DG exerts an effective activity against the larval stage of Echinococcus. Thus, it may be a promising anti-Echinococcus drug, and its combination with ABZ may provide a new strategy for the treatment of echinococcosis in humans. Echinococcosis is a serious but neglected helminthic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis. At present, clinical pharmacotherapy of echinococcosis, such as albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole, has limited effectiveness. Thus, the development of novel therapeutic drugs for human echinococcosis is urgently needed. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analog used as a promising anticancer agent, and it exerts its effects by inhibiting the glycolytic energy metabolism to deplete cells of energy. Echinococcus in the host depends on glycolysis for energy production and glycolysis intermediates for other metabolic processes. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the efficacy of 2-DG against Echinococcus. 2-DG exerted an effective in vitro and in vivo activity against E. granulosus protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes, and the combination of this drug with ABZ further improved the therapeutic effect. Therefore, 2-DG can be developed as a promising anti-Echinococcus drug, and its combination with ABZ may provide a new strategy for the treatment of human echinococcosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- * E-mail: (QX); (TJ)
| | - Wei Lv
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunxi Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumei Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Caifang Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bichen Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanping Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- * E-mail: (QX); (TJ)
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Phenotypic changes of Trichinella spiralis treated by Commiphora molmol,Lepidium sativum, and Albendazole: in vitro study. Helminthologia 2022; 59:37-45. [PMID: 35601763 PMCID: PMC9075874 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2022-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a nematode-causing disease distinguished by its continuous transmission in the carnivores and omnivores. Despite effective eradication of the enteral forms, conventional drugs fail to eliminate the migrating and muscle ones. Over the past years, researchers intensified the work on herbal medicines as alternatives or aids to albendazole, the reference drug. This research hypothesizes that the therapeutic agent absorption route could be an evidence-based carrier molecule or auxiliary drug to albendazole. Accordingly, this in vitro study was designed to investigate mainly the phenotypic changes induced by a mono-treatment of albendazole, Lipidium sativum (garden cress), and Commiphora molmol (myrrh). Incredibly, no data were reported on the morphological alterations of T. spiralis larvae treated by any of these drugs. The experimental design tested various concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml) of each herbal medicine for the lethal effects on the parasite forms for a day (1, 12, and 24h). The data showed that the highest significant mortality rate of the parasite forms was in favor of the concentration 200 μg/ml of both plant extracts in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, albendazole at 200 μg/ml dose was tested in parallel, and all experimental groups were compared to non-treated muscle larvae and worms. Albendazole-treated worms accounted for the least significant (p<0.001) survival rate (2 %), followed by myrrh (5 %), and the adverse was valid for the survival rate of the muscle larvae at that time. None of the larvae/worms was alive after 24 hours of incubation with the 200μg/ml of either treatment. The scanning electron microscope investigation of the experimental groups provided a shred of evidence for different routes of taking up the candidate drugs by the parasite. In conclusion, the results of the previous work in vivo and current in vitro study recommend myrrh over garden cress as a complementary agent of albendazole.
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Amahong K, Yan M, Li J, Yang N, Liu H, Bi X, Vuitton DA, Lin R, Lü G. EgGLUT1 Is Crucial for the Viability of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto Metacestode: A New Therapeutic Target? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:747739. [PMID: 34858873 PMCID: PMC8632494 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.747739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by infection with the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster. It is urgent to identify novel drug targets and develop new drug candidates against CE. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is mainly responsible for the transmembrane transport of glucose to maintain its constant cellular availability and is a recent research hotspot as a drug target in various diseases. However, the role of GLUT1 in E. granulosus s.l. (EgGLUT1) was unknown. In this study, we cloned a conserved GLUT1 homology gene (named EgGLUT1-ss) from E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and found EgGLUT1-ss was crucial for glucose uptake and viability by the protoscoleces of E. granulosus s.s. WZB117, a GLUT1 inhibitor, inhibited glucose uptake by E. granulosus s.s. and the viability of the metacestode in vitro. In addition, WZB117 showed significant therapeutic activity in E. granulosus s.s.-infected mice: a 10 mg/kg dose of WZB117 significantly reduced the number and weight of parasite cysts (P < 0.05) as efficiently as the reference drug, albendazole. Our results demonstrate that EgGLUT1-ss is crucial for glucose uptake by the protoscoleces of E. granulosus s.s., and its inhibitor WZB117 has a therapeutic effect on CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuerbannisha Amahong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Mingzhi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jintian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaojuan Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Dominique A Vuitton
- French National Reference Centre for Echinococcosis, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guodong Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Taghipour A, Ghaffarifar F, Horton J, Dalimi A, Sharifi Z. Silybum marianum ethanolic extract: in vitro effects on protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus G1 strain with emphasis on other Iranian medicinal plants. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:71. [PMID: 34496975 PMCID: PMC8424884 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00363-7] [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: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic echinococcosis (CE), is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) larvae in liver and lungs of both humans and animals. Surgical intervention is the mainstay for CE treatment, using scolicidal agents that inactivate live protoscolices. This study evaluated the scolicidal effects of Silybum marianum ethanolic extract and its combination with albendazole in vitro for the first time. Moreover, in a literature review, we investigated the effects of a wide range of Iranian medicinal plants on protoscolices of E. granulosus. METHODS S. marianum ethanolic extract was prepared and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to establish the proportions of its component compounds in the extract. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in mouse macrophage cells (J774A.1 cell line) using MTT method. Next, the scolicidal activity of the extract alone and combined with albendazole was tested as triplicate at various concentrations incubated for 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min. Finally, protoscolex viability was determined using 0.1% eosin as a vital stain. PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing techniques were used to characterize the genotype of E. granulosus. RESULTS HPLC analysis showed that S. marianum ethanolic extract contained mostly silydianin (14.41%), isosilybin A (10.50%), and silychristin (10.46%). The greatest scolicidal effects were obtained with the combination of S. marianum with albendazole (79%), S. marianum ethanolic extract alone (77%) and albendazole (69%), at a concentration of 500 μg/ml for 60 min, respectively (P < 0.05). Molecular analysis showed that all the cysts used were G1 genotype. CONCLUSION The data suggest that S. marianum ethanolic extract is a potential scolicide in vitro; however, further investigations are required to determine its efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
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Alterations in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci cytoskeleton induced by nitazoxanide and flubendazole. Acta Trop 2021; 221:106027. [PMID: 34216560 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106027] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cysticercosis is the presence of Taenia solium larval stage in tissues such as central nervous system, skin, muscles and eye globe. The current treatment is based on albendazole and praziquantel which already present resistance reports. Therefore, the search for alternative treatments is paramount. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of flubendazole and nitazoxanide on cytoskeleton proteins from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci, an experimental model for cysticercosis. Cysticerci were cultured in RPMI supplemented medium containing nitazoxanide and/or flubendazole. 24 h after the exposure the cysticerci were processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy and for protein analysis of the cytoskeleton. The proteins were detected through 1D electrophoresis and identified through Western Blot. Nitazoxanide exposure increased tubulin and actin quantifications in T. crassiceps cysticerci. While flubendazole alone and the drugs combinations induced an increase in α-tubulin and actin and decreased β-tubulin quantifications in the parasite. Morphological changes such as swelling and rupture of vesicle, stiff membrane, decrease in movements were observed when the cysticerci were incubated with the different compounds. In conclusion the drugs induced significative impact in the parasite`s cytoskeleton and may be considered as alternative treatments for cysticercosis.
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Permana AD, Paredes AJ, Zanutto FV, Amir MN, Ismail I, Bahar MA, Palma SD, Donnelly RF. Albendazole Nanocrystal-Based Dissolving Microneedles with Improved Pharmacokinetic Performance for Enhanced Treatment of Cystic Echinococcosis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:38745-38760. [PMID: 34353029 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c11179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus spp., affecting both humans and animals' lives. Current treatment of CE by oral administration of albendazole (ABZ) is hampered by several limitations. The poor aqueous solubility and the rapid metabolism of ABZ in the liver are the main issues, leading to lack of efficacy of the treatment. In the present study, we developed a nanocrystalline (NC) formulation of ABZ to be delivered intradermally using dissolving microneedles (DMNs). The NC formulation was developed using milling in an ultrasmall-scale device. Following several screenings, Pluronic F127 was selected as a suitable stabilizer, producing NCs with around 400 nm in size with narrow particle distribution. The crystallinity of ABZ was maintained as observed by DSC and XRD analysis. The NC approach was able to improve the dissolution percentage of ABZ by approximately three-fold. Furthermore, the incorporation of NCs into DMNs using the combination of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(vinyl alcohol) formed sharp needles with sufficient mechanical strength and insertion properties. Dermatokinetic studies revealed that >25% of ABZ was localized in the dermis of excised neonatal porcine skin up to 48 h after DMN administration. In in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, the AUC and relative bioavailability values of ABZ delivered by NC-loaded DMNs were found to be significantly higher than those obtained after oral administration of coarse suspension of ABZ or ABZ-NCs, as well as DMNs delivering coarse ABZ as indicated by the relative bioavailability values of >100%. Therefore, the combination approach developed in this study could maintain the systemic circulation of ABZ, which could be possibly caused by avoiding the first-pass metabolism in the liver. This could be beneficial to improve the efficacy of ABZ in CE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Dian Permana
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Alejandro J Paredes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Volpe Zanutto
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, R. Cândido Portinari, 200 - Cidade Universitária, Campinas, SP 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Muh Nur Amir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Ismail Ismail
- Department of Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Muh Akbar Bahar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Santiago Daniel Palma
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA), CONICET and Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, X5000XHUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
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Kowsari N, Moazeni M, Mohammadi A. Effects of Zataria multiflora essential oil on the germinative cells of Echinococcus granulosus. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:257. [PMID: 34001217 PMCID: PMC8127251 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel and more efficient compounds are urgently required for medical treatment of cystic echinococcosis (CE). Germinative cell culture of Echinococcus granulosus could be used for anti-echinococcosis agent tests and other biological studies on CE. This study was performed to establish an in vitro cell culture model for E. granulosus germinative cells and to evaluate the lethal effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) on the cultured cells. Methods The inner surface of germinal layers of CE cysts was scraped, and the obtained materials were trypsinized to obtain a suspension of single germinative cells. Medium 199 was used as the basic culture medium and was supplemented with fetal bovine serum, 2-mercaptoethanol, l-cysteine, l-glutamine, glucose, sodium pyruvate, hydatid fluid, amphotericin B and antibiotics. The cells were cultured at a concentration of 104 cells/ml of culture medium and incubated at 37 °C. The culture medium was replaced every 7 days. Chemical composition of ZMEO was identified by GC-MS analysis. ZMEO was tested at concentrations of 0.5–8 mg/ml. Viability of the cells was assessed by trypan blue exclusion assay. Results A significant increase in the cell number was evident at 20, 30 and 45 days after cultivation. At 45 days of cultivation, the number of cells was approximately five-fold higher than on the first day. In GC-MC analysis, carvacrol, p-cymene, g-terpinene and thymol were found to be the main compounds of ZMEO. The lethal effect of ZMEO on the germinative cells at concentrations of 6, 7 and 8 mg/ml was 100% after 60, 25 and 7 min of exposure, respectively. Conclusions At 45 days of cultivation, the cell concentration was suitable for the desired in vitro experiments. A high lethal effect of ZMEO on the germinative cells of E. granulosus may be considered an opportunity for the introduction of a novel, more effective and safer therapeutic agent for treatment of CE using an herbal product. Graphic abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Kowsari
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran
| | - Mohammad Moazeni
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran.
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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11
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Zahran F, Ezz El-Din HM, Shehata MAS. Study on the effect of an ion channel inhibitor "Fluralaner" on Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices and metacestode layers in vitro. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:411-419. [PMID: 32508416 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydatid disease has a great impact on public health, causing high morbidity and mortality. Main lines of treatment include surgery, which mostly requires the installation of a scolicidal agent into hydatid cysts to prevent dissemination. Alternatively, medical treatment involves the use of benzimidazole drugs; however, the results are not satisfactory, and new drug compounds are urgently needed. Fluralaner is a potent inhibitor of GABA-gated chloride channels and L-glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) providing immediate and persistent flea, tick and mite control in dogs after a single oral dose. Researches previously identified different genes encoding ion channels in Echinococcus granulosus, making ion channel inhibitors a promising target for treating hydatid disease. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of fluralaner on protoscolices and metacestode layers. Parasite materials (Protoscolices, Metacestodes layers) were exposed to different concentrations of the drug ranging from "12.5-100 ug/ml" and examined for viability after 1, 6 and 24 h. Morphological and ultrastructural alterations were recorded by both light and electron microscopies. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed caspase-3 activation as an indicator of apoptosis- induced therapy. The treated protoscolices and metacestode layers showed loss of the viability, the formation of vacuoles and lipid droplets, separation of the germinal layer, and damage in the laminated layer; apoptosis was prominent after treatment. These findings revealed that fluralaner has a potent scolicidal activity and suggested its therapeutic potential against hydatid disease. Further evaluations for animals and human use in the treatment and prevention of hydatid disease are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Zahran
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Ramsis St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11591 Egypt
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12
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Xin Q, Yuan M, Li H, Song X, Lu J, Jing T. In vitro effects of lonidamine and 6-aminonicotinamide against Echinococcus granulosussensu stricto and Echinococcus multilocularis. Vet Res 2020; 51:29. [PMID: 32101153 PMCID: PMC7045558 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by cestode species of the genus Echinococcus, which demonstrates considerable medical and veterinary concerns. The development of novel drugs for echinococcosis treatment is urgently needed. In this study, we demonstrated that lonidamine (LND) and 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) exhibited considerable in vitro effects against both larval- and adult-stage of E. granulosussensu stricto (s. s.) and E. multilocularis. The combination of LND and 6-AN exhibited a significantly higher activity than the single drug treatment. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of LND, 6-AN and the combination of LND and 6-AN for the treatment of echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanping Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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13
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Xin Q, Yuan M, Li H, Lu J, Song X, Jing T. In vitro efficacy of ampelopsin against Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. J Vet Med Sci 2019; 81:1853-1858. [PMID: 31748438 PMCID: PMC6943307 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.19-0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The metacestode stage of Echinococcus granulosus and
Echinococcus multilocularis cause cystic echinococcosis and alveolar
echinococcosis, respectively, which result in severe medical and veterinary problems. In
this study, as an exploration of novel treatment agents against echinococcosis, we
demonstrated that ampelopsin (AMP), which is extracted from Ampelopsis
grossedentata and has been clinically used for treatments of various types of
diseases including cancers for a long time, exhibited profound in vitro
effect against E. granulosus protoscoleces and E.
multilocularis metacestodes. Furthermore, in vitro
cytotoxicity assay also demonstrated that AMP at the effective dose against E.
granulosus protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes
did not show significant toxicity to human hepatocytes. These results suggest that AMP has
the potential as an alternative agent against echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Huanping Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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14
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Xin Q, Yuan M, Li H, Song X, Lu J, Jing T. In vitro and in vivo effects of 3-bromopyruvate against Echinococcus metacestodes. Vet Res 2019; 50:96. [PMID: 31744550 PMCID: PMC6862786 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-019-0710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
While searching for novel anti-echinococcosis drugs, we have been focusing on glycolysis which is relied on by Echinococcus for energy production and intermediates for other metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic implication of glycolytic inhibitors on Echinococcus. Our results demonstrate that at an initial concentration of 40 μM, all inhibitors of glycolysis used in the current experiment [3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA), ornidazole, clorsulon (CLS), sodium oxamate and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene (NA-P2)] show considerable in vitro effects against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. Among them, 3-BrPA exhibited the highest activity which was similar to that of nitazoxanide (NTZ) and more efficacious than albendazole (ABZ). The activity of 3-BrPA was dose dependent and resulted in severe ultrastructural destructions, as visualized by electron microscopy. An additional in vivo study in mice infected with E. multilocularis metacestodes indicates a reduction in parasite weight after the twice-weekly treatment of 25 mg/kg 3-BrPA for 6 weeks, compared to that of the untreated control. In particular, in contrast to ABZ, the administration of 25 mg/kg 3-BrPA did not cause toxicity to the liver and kidney in mice. Similarly, at the effective dose against Echinococcus larvae, 3-BrPA showed no significant toxicity to human hepatocytes. Taken together, the results suggest that interfering with the glycolysis of the parasite may be a novel chemotherapeutical option and 3-BrPA, which exhibited a remarkable activity against Echinococcus, may be a promising potential drug against cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanping Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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15
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Shaheen HAAAS, El-Ahl SAHS, Raouf AMA, El-Dardiry MA, Badawi MA, Aal AAA. Ultrastructural changes in hydatid cyst walls obtained from human cases, exposed to different therapeutic approaches. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3149-3157. [PMID: 31578608 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06446-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recurrence of cystic echinococcosis as a result of treatment failure is frequently reported to cause a major problem in management of such serious parasitic infection. The deeply seated innermost germinal layer of hydatid cysts is a relatively delicate layer, yet responsible for viability maintenance of this parasitic stage. In this study, a trial was done to explore the ultrastructural changes in germinal and laminated layer of the hydatid cyst for the first time in human cases exposed to different therapeutic approaches which were done earlier to the final open surgical intervention. Four groups were included: group 1 did not receive any earlier form of treatment; group 2 was previously treated with only medical therapy; group 3 was treated with a single course of medical treatment, plus a single PAIR technique; group 4 was treated with multiple courses of medical treatment plus multiple PAIR techniques. Complete alteration of ultrastructural features of germinal and laminated layers were observed only with samples from group 4, indicating a kind of failure of the therapeutic approaches used in group, 1, 2, and 3, unless repeated in group 4 to achieve a real change regarding the fitness of the parasitic cystic lesions. Searching for more effective, safe, therapeutic method is highly recommended which may end the suffering of the affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amr Mahmoud Abdel Raouf
- Surgery Department, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Ahmed El-Dardiry
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
| | - Manal A Badawi
- Department of Pathology, National Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amany Ahmed Abdel Aal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Medical Parasitology, Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCM), Cairo, Egypt
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16
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Monge-Maillo B, Olmedo Samperio M, Pérez-Molina JA, Norman F, Mejía CR, Tojeiro SC, López-Vélez R. Osseous cystic echinococcosis: A case series study at a referral unit in Spain. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007006. [PMID: 30779741 PMCID: PMC6396934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is present in all continents, except for the Antarctica. Characteristically, CE lesions are found in the liver and the lungs, but virtually any part of the body may be affected (the spleen, kidneys, heart, central nervous system, bones, among others). It is estimated that the incidence of bone involvement in CE is 0.5% to 4%. Methodology A retrospective study was performed of patients with osseous CE treated at the National Reference Unit of Tropical Diseases of the Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain, between 1989 and December 2017. Epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data of patients with long-term follow-up were collected. Main findings During the study period, of the 104 patients with CE, 27 exhibited bone involvement (26%). The bones most frequently affected were the spine, followed by the ribs, pelvis, femur, tibia and the scapula. The most common symptom was pain followed by medullar syndrome and pathologic fracture. In total, 81.5% of patients underwent surgery for osseous CE at least once. As many as 96% received albendazol either in (mostly long-term) monotherapy or in combination with praziquantel. Conclusions The diagnosis and management of osseous CE is challenging. In many cases osseous CE should be considered a chronic disease and should be managed on a case-by-case basis. Lifelong follow-up should be performed for potential recurrence and sequels. Echinococcosis occurs in humans as a result of infection by a cestodes of the genus Echinococcus. One of the species, E. granulosus, causes cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans worldwide. In the lifecycle there is a definitive host (generally dogs) which host this parasites at the small bowel. From there, ground is shed with the eggs of the parasite through feces and the intermediate host (usually a sheep or other herbivores get infected). Humans act as an incidental intermediate host when they become infected through the consumption of water or food contaminated with Echinococcus eggs. Once the egg has been ingested, it penetrates the intestinal mucosa and through the circulatory system finds an anatomical site forming a cystic lesion (hydatid or hydatid cyst). Characteristically, CE are found in the liver and the lungs, but virtually any part of the body may be affected. Incidence of osseous CE is low, its diagnosis and management is challenging and there is little information published. In this study we report our experience at a referral unit during nearly 30 years in the management of a series of patients with osseous CE. Such information may be useful for other physicians when treating osseous CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begoña Monge-Maillo
- National Referral Unit of Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (BMM); (RLV)
| | - María Olmedo Samperio
- National Referral Unit of Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Unit of Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca Norman
- National Referral Unit of Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carla Ruth Mejía
- National Referral Unit of Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Chamorro Tojeiro
- National Referral Unit of Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- National Referral Unit of Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (BMM); (RLV)
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17
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Lima NF, Picanço GA, Alves DDSMM, Silva LD, Isac E, Costa TL, Lino Junior RDS, Vinaud MC. Oral nitazoxanide treatment of experimental neurocysticercosis induces gluconeogenesis in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Acta Trop 2019; 190:361-364. [PMID: 30553893 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent helminthiasis of the central nervous system and is caused by the presence of Taenia solium cysticerci. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is an antifolate containing the pyrrolopyrimidine-based nucleus that exerts its antiprotozoal activity due to interference with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme which is essential to anaerobic energy metabolism. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of NTZ on the energetic metabolism of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated BALB /c mice. The infected animals were treated with a single oral dose of NTZ 30 days after the inoculation. Analysis of the organic acids was performed through high performance liquid chromatography. Glucose was detected only in the treated groups, alongside with a significant decrease in lactate, pyruvate and oxaloacetate concentrations which indicate an increase in gluconeogenesis. The non-detection of alpha-ketoglutarate indicated the use of the fumarate reductase pathway in all groups. It was possible to confirm the drugs mode of action due to the non-detection of acetate in the treated groups. There was an increase in the fatty acids oxidation. Therefore it was possible to observe that NTZ induces gluconeogenesis as well as the increase of alternative energetic pathways such as fatty acids oxidation in T. crassiceps cysticerci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana F Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Guaraciara A Picanço
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Daniella de S M M Alves
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Luciana D Silva
- State University of Goias, Br 153, Km 99, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Eliana Isac
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Tatiane L Costa
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Ruy de S Lino Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Marina C Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
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18
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Yuan M, Song X, Lv W, Xin Q, Wang L, Gao Q, Zhang G, Liao W, Lian S, Jing T. Effect of anacardic acid against echinococcosis through inhibition of VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Vet Res 2019; 50:3. [PMID: 30642401 PMCID: PMC6332641 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-019-0621-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by cestode species of the genus Echinococcus, with limited treatment options. It is urgent to develop new anti-hydatid agent. In this paper, we reported anacardic acid (AA), a natural product isolated from the Brazilian cashew-nut shell liquid, which presented a high activity against metacestodes of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) and Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s.s.) in vitro and in vivo. AA exerted a better efficacy on E. granulosus s.s. protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes than that of albendazole (ABZ) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in vitro, and an inhibition on the growth of Echinococcus metacestode as effective as ABZ in vivo. Moreover, we also found that one of the mechanisms of AA against Echinococcus could be the suppression of angiogenesis on/in the metacestode mass through inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)—induced signalling pathways. This work finds that AA is a new promising potential candidate drug for echinococcosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Qinghai Province, Xining, 810007, China
| | - Wei Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qi Xin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qi Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Guochao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wenzhen Liao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Sen Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochip, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tao Jing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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19
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Rufener R, Dick L, D'Ascoli L, Ritler D, Hizem A, Wells TNC, Hemphill A, Lundström-Stadelmann B. Repurposing of an old drug: In vitro and in vivo efficacies of buparvaquone against Echinococcus multilocularis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2018; 8:440-450. [PMID: 30396011 PMCID: PMC6216040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The metacestode stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes the lethal disease alveolar echinococcosis. Current chemotherapeutic treatment options are based on benzimidazoles (albendazole and mebendazole), which are insufficient and hence alternative drugs are needed. In this study, we screened the 400 compounds of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pathogen Box against E. multilocularis metacestodes. For the screen, we employed the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) assay which assesses drug-induced damage on metacestodes, and identified ten new compounds with activity against the parasite. The anti-theilerial drug MMV689480 (buparvaquone) and MMV671636 (ELQ-400) were the most promising compounds, with an IC50 of 2.87 μM and 0.02 μM respectively against in vitro cultured E. multilocularis metacestodes. Both drugs suggested a therapeutic window based on their cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that treatment with buparvaquone impaired parasite mitochondria early on and additional tests showed that buparvaquone had a reduced activity under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, we established a system to assess mitochondrial respiration in isolated E. multilocularis cells in real time using the Seahorse XFp Analyzer and demonstrated inhibition of the cytochrome bc1 complex by buparvaquone. Mice with secondary alveolar echinococcosis were treated with buparvaquone (100 mg/kg per dose, three doses per week, four weeks of treatment), but the drug failed to reduce the parasite burden in vivo. Future studies will reveal whether improved formulations of buparvaquone could increase its effectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luca Dick
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laura D'Ascoli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Ritler
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amani Hizem
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology, LR 12ES08, Department of Clinical Biology B, Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, 5000, Tunisia
| | - Timothy N C Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Farhadi M, Haniloo A, Rostamizadeh K, Faghihzadeh S. Efficiency of flubendazole-loaded mPEG-PCL nanoparticles: A promising formulation against the protoscoleces and cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. Acta Trop 2018; 187:190-200. [PMID: 30098942 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
None of the existing drugs can effectively treat the human cystic echinococcosis. This study aimed to improve the efficacy of flubendazole (FLBZ) against the protoscoleces and cysts of Echinococcus granulosus by preparing polymeric FLBZ-loaded methoxy polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (mPEG-PCL) nanoparticles. The protoscoleces and microcysts were treated with FLBZ-loaded mPEG-PCL nanoparticles (FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles) and free FLBZ at the final concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 μg/mL for 27 and 14 days, respectively. The chemoprophylactic efficacy of the drugs was evaluated in experimentally infected mice. The nanoparticles were stable for 1 month, with an average size of 101.41 ± 5.14 nm and a zeta potential of -19.13 ± 2.56 mV. The drug-loading and entrapment efficiency of the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles were calculated to be 3.08 ± 0.15% and 89.16 ± 2.93%, respectively. The incubation of the protoscoleces with the 10 μg/mL nano-formulation for 15 days resulted in 100% mortality, while after incubation with the 10 μg/mL free FLBZ, the viability rate of the protoscoleces was only 44.0% ± 5.22%. Destruction of the microcysts was observed after 7 days' exposure to the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles at a concentration of 10 μg/mL. The in vivo challenge showed a significant reduction in the weight and number of the cysts (P < 0.05) in the mice treated with the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles, yielding efficacy rates of 94.64% and 70.21%, correspondingly. Transmission electron microscopy revealed extensive ultrastructural damage to the cysts treated with the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles. The results indicated that the FLBZ-loaded nanoparticles were more effective than the free FLBZ against the protoscoleces and cysts of E. granulosus both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Farhadi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Haniloo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Kobra Rostamizadeh
- Zanjan Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Soghrat Faghihzadeh
- Department of Biological statistics and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Haji Mohammadi K, Heidarpour M, Borji H. In vivo therapeutic efficacy of the Allium sativum ME in experimentally Echinococcus granulosus infected mice. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 60:23-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kohansal MH, Nourian A, Rahimi MT, Daryani A, Spotin A, Ahmadpour E. Natural products applied against hydatid cyst protoscolices: A review of past to present. Acta Trop 2017; 176:385-394. [PMID: 28935552 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis (CE), which is distributed all around the world. CE is one of the most important global parasitic infectious diseases, both in humans and animals. This parasite causes hydatid cysts that can be lodge at different organs of host such as liver, lung even in heart and brain which may lead to death. Presently, numerous scolicidal chemical agents have been administrated for inactivation of the hydatid cyst contents. Because of increasing resistance and adverse effects of medications include abnormalities of liver function, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache; there is a need to find alternative therapies either with the least or without side effects. Recently, there is a high tendency among researchers to evaluate and present herbal plants as alternative option due to being inexpensive, easy available, low side effects and toxicity. Till now, many efforts have been conducted on herbal extracts against protoscolices of hydatid cysts throughout the world. Therefore, the current review systematically searched the following electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar on published papers according to the keywords. In addition, a comprehensive list of medicinal plants was prepared and some of these herbal plants which showed the best efficacy and promising results are discussed elaborately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hasan Kohansal
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Abbasali Nourian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Atayi Z, Borji H, Moazeni M, Saboor Darbandi M, Heidarpour M. Zataria multiflora would attenuate the hepatotoxicity of long-term albendazole treatment in mice with cystic echinococcosis. Parasitol Int 2017; 67:184-187. [PMID: 29196023 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic injury is the major limitation of long-term albendazole administration in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE), which could give rise to cessation of treatment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of Zataria multiflora aromatic water (AW) against the hepatic injury induced by long-term albendazole treatment in mice with CE. Fifty healthy BALB/c female mice were infected intraperitoneally by injection of 1500 protoscoleces per animal. Five months after infection, the infected animals were divided into five treatment groups including Z. multiflora (40ml/l in drinking water for 90days), albendazole (200mg/kg/day for 90days), Z. multiflora+albendazole 200 (40ml/l Z. multiflora and 200mg/kg/day albendazole for 90days), Z. multiflora+albendazole100 (40ml/l Z. multiflora and 100mg/kg/day albendazole for 90days), and untreated (control) group. At the end of the treatment period, anesthesia was performed and blood samples were collected directly from the heart prior to euthanasia. Liver variables and oxidative stress markers were measured in the blood serum samples. A decrease in serum liver enzyme activity in the both Z. multiflora+albendazole groups was observed when compared to control, Z. multiflora and albendazole groups; however, the results for Z. multiflora+albendazole 100 were significant (p<0.007) and superior compared to those for Z. multiflora+albendazole 200. No significant differences for oxidative stress markers were observed between the different groups. The results of the present study revealed that a combined therapy with Z. multiflora AW and albendazole is effective against hepatic injury induced by CE and/or long term albendazole administration in mice with cystic echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Atayi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - H Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - M Moazeni
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Saboor Darbandi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Heidarpour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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Monge-Maillo B, Chamorro Tojeiro S, López-Vélez R. Management of osseous cystic echinococcosis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:1075-1082. [PMID: 29110551 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1401466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Osseous cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most complicated and devastating conditions caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Its management is difficult and there is scant literature about it. Areas covered: A literature review was performed to provide an update on its diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Expert commentary: In most cases diagnosis of osseous CE can only be confirmed by surgery. Osseous CE should be managed by experienced physicians and addressed as a chronic disease with therapies must be aimed at controlling the disease and its sequels or complications, rather than with a curative intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begoña Monge-Maillo
- a National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases. Infectious Diseases Department , Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS , Madrid , Spain
| | - Sandra Chamorro Tojeiro
- a National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases. Infectious Diseases Department , Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS , Madrid , Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- a National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases. Infectious Diseases Department , Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRICYS , Madrid , Spain
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Moazeni M, Borji H, Saboor Darbandi M. Enhancement of the Therapeutic Effect of Albendazole on Cystic Echinococcosis using a Herbal Product. J INVEST SURG 2017; 32:103-110. [DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2017.1380089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Moazeni
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Saboor Darbandi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Nasareth JM, Fraga CM, Lima NF, Picanço GA, Costa TL, Lino-Junior RS, Vinaud MC. In vivo treatment with nitazoxanide induces anaerobic metabolism in experimental intraperitoneal cysticercosis. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:3037-3041. [PMID: 28914356 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Taenia crassiceps cysticerci are used as experimental model to study the host-parasite relationship and treatment of cysticercosis. One of the described mode of actions of nitazoxanide (NTZ) is to block the pyruvate ferredoxine oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme which is an essential enzyme to the parasite metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo influence of one dosage of NTZ on the energetic metabolism of T. crassiceps cysticerci. Thirty days after the intraperitoneal inoculation of T. crassiceps cysticerci, BALB/c mice were orally treated with 7.5 mg/kg of NTZ. The control group was treated with physiologic solution (NaCl 0.9%). After 24 h, the animals were euthanized and the cysticerci were removed, washed, and processed for biochemical analysis. The organic acids detection occurred through high-performance liquid chromatographic and spectrophotometric analysis. While there was no difference in the glucose dosages, it was possible to observe a significant increase in the lactate concentrations and a decrease in the pyruvate concentrations of the NTZ-treated groups when compared to the control group. Also, there was a decrease in the urea and alpha-ketoglutarate concentrations. This probably occurred due to the impairment of the parasite's PFOR and nitroreductases leading an impairment of the mitochondrial aerobic pathways. In conclusion, the in vivo NTZ treatment leads to an increase in the lactic fermentation and to a decrease in the protein catabolism in T. crassiceps cysticerci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelma M Nasareth
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Carolina M Fraga
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Nayana F Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Guaraciara A Picanço
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Tatiane L Costa
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Ruy S Lino-Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil.
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Wen LM, Lü GD, Zhao J, Lu S, Gao HJ, Chen B, Ma YF, Xiao YF, Yuan Y, Zhang HB, Liu H, Wang JH. Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Ribosomal Protein RPS9 in Echinococcus granulosus. J Parasitol 2017; 103:699-707. [PMID: 28902565 DOI: 10.1645/16-164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal protein S9 (RPS9) is an essential functional gene that participates in DNA repair and developmental regulations. A sequence homolog of RPS9 has been found to be upregulated in the protoscoleces (PSCs) of Echinococcus granulosus treated with artemisinin. However, E. granulosus RPS9 (EgRPS9) has not been identified before. In the present study, the 657-base pair (bp) cDNA encoding EgRPS9 was cloned. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that EgRPS9 was similar to the RSP9 proteins from Schistosoma japonicum (SjRPS9, 86%) and Schistosoma mansoni (SmRPS9, 79%). Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that EgRPS9, SmRPS9, and SjRPS9 were clustered together. We detected the EgRPS9 gene and protein expression in PSCs exposed to artesunate (AS) which displayed a dose-dependent reduction in PSC viability for 24 hr. The results showed that the EgRPS9 ratio of the 10-μM AS-treated ( P < 0.01) and 40-μM AS-treated ( P < 0.05) groups were increased from that of the control group. In addition, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the AS-treated groups increased in a dose-dependent manner compared to the level in the control group. In conclusion, the expression of EgRPS9 could be induced by ROS and might participate in the oxidative damage-based anti-parasite mechanism of AS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Wen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - G D Lü
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - J Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - S Lu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - H J Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - B Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - Y F Ma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - Y F Xiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - Y Yuan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - H B Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - H Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - J H Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
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Abstract
In in vitro process of this study, protoscoleces of the hydatid cysts were exposed to two concentrations of nano emulsion (NE) of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) (1 and 2mg/mL) for 10 and 20min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using 0.1% eosin staining. For in vivo studies, sixteen laboratory mice were infected intraperitoneally by 1500 live protoscoleces. Five months after infection, the infected mice were divided into treatment and control groups. The mice of treatment group received the NE of ZMEO (20mg/kg) orally via their drinking water while the mice of control group received no treatment. Two months after the start of treatment, all of the mice were necropsied and the hydatid cysts were collected. Subsequently, the numbers, sizes and weights of the collected cysts were compared between the mice of two groups. The results of in vitro scolicidal assays showed that the scolicidal power of NE of a ZMEO at concentration of 1mg/mL was 88.01%, and 100% after 10 and 20min respectively. NE of ZMEO showed 100% scolicidal power at a concentration of 2mg/mL after 10min (comparing to 4.46% for the control group). The results of in vivo studies revealed that the size of the largest cysts as well as the total number of the cysts were significantly lower in the mice treated with NE of ZMEO (P<0.05). In conclusion, NE of ZMEO may be considered as a natural scolicidal agent and a potential therapeutic tool for treatment of hydatid disease.
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Molecular Characteristics and Serodiagnostic Potential of Dihydrofolate Reductase from Echinococcus granulosus. Sci Rep 2017; 7:514. [PMID: 28364125 PMCID: PMC5428777 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00643-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis (CE), a neglected tropical disease that leads to morbidity and mortality in humans and livestock worldwide. Here, we identified and characterized dihydrofolate reductase (Eg-DHFR) from E. granulosus, and evaluated its potential as a diagnostic antigen for sheep CE. Comparison between mammalian (host) DHFR and Eg-DHFR indicates that 45.7% of the 35 active site residues are different. Immunolocalisation analysis showed that native Eg-DHFR was widely distributed in all life-cycle stages of E. granulosus. Recombinant Eg-DHFR (rEg-DHFR) showed typical DHFR enzymatic parameters towards substrate, and was very sensitive to inhibition by methotrexate (IC50 = 27.75 ± 1.03 nM) and aminopterin (IC50 = 63.67 ± 6.76 nM). However, inhibition of DHFR exhibited little protoscolicidal effect in vitro. As there is no reliable method to monitor sheep CE, the immunogenicity of rEg-DHFR was detected, and we developed an indirect ELISA (iELISA) for CE serodiagnosis. The iELISA exhibited diagnostic specificity of 89.58%, diagnostic sensitivity of 95.83%, and the diagnostic accuracy was 91.67% compared with necropsy. Cross-reactivity assay showed analytical specificity of 85.7%. These suggest that rEg-DHFR is an effective antigen for the diagnosis of sheep CE.
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Fabbri J, Maggiore MA, Pensel PE, Denegri GM, Gende LB, Elissondo MC. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of carvacrol against Echinococcus granulosus. Acta Trop 2016; 164:272-279. [PMID: 27650960 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Currently, benzimidazoles are used as chemotherapeutic agents and as a complement to surgery and PAIR in the treatment of cystic echinococcosis (CE). They are generally applied at high doses causing side effects and, 50% of cases do not respond favorably to such chemotherapy. The use of essential oils obtained by distillation from aromatic plants would be an effective alternative or complementary to the synthetic compounds, because would not bring the appearance of side effects. Carvacrol and his isomer thymol are the main phenolic components from essential oils of Origanum vulgare (oregano) and Thymus vulgaris (thyme). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of carvacrol against Echinococcus granulosus metacestodes. For the in vitro assay, protoscoleces and cysts of E. granulosus were incubated with carvacrol at the following final concentrations: 10, 5 and 1μg/ml of carvacrol. The maximum protoscolicidal effect was found with 10μg/ml of carvacrol. Results of viability tests were consistent with the structural and ultrastructural damage observed in protoscoleces. Ultrastructural studies revealed that the germinal layer of cysts treated with carvacrol lost the multicellular structure feature. In the clinical efficacy study, a reduction in cyst weight was observed after the administration of 40mg/kg of carvacrol during 20days in mice with cysts developed during 4 months, compared to that of those collected from control mice. Given that the in vivo effect of carvacrol was comparable with the treatment of reference with ABZ and the fact that is a safe compound, we postulated that carvacrol may be an alternative option for treatment of human CE.
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Effect of nitazoxanide on albendazole pharmacokinetics in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma in rats. Saudi Pharm J 2016; 25:413-418. [PMID: 28344497 PMCID: PMC5357096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although albendazole is the drug-of-choice for the treatment of neurocysticercosis, its efficacy is limited due to its low bioavailability. An alternative for optimizing pharmacological treatment is through drug combinations. In vitro studies have shown that nitazoxanide and tizoxanide (the active metabolite of nitazoxanide) exhibit cysticidal activity and that the combination of tizoxanide with albendazole sulfoxide (the active metabolite of albendazole) produced an additive effect. Objectives: (1) To assess the concentration profile of tizoxanide in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid; and (2) to evaluate the influence of nitazoxanide on the pharmacokinetics of albendazole in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid. Methods: Two different studies were conducted. In study 1, 10 male Sprague-Dawley rats received a single oral dose of 7.5 mg/kg of nitazoxanide and serial blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected over a period of 4 h. In study 2, 38 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: one of these received a single dose of albendazole (15 mg/kg) and, in the other group, albendazole (15 mg/kg) was co-administered with nitazoxanide (7.5 mg/kg). Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from 0 to 16 h after administration. Albendazole sulfoxide and tizoxanide levels were assayed by using HPLC or LC/MS techniques. Results: In study 1, tizoxanide reached a maximum plasma concentration of 244.42 ± 31.98 ng/mL at 0.25 h; however, in cerebrospinal fluid, this could be detected only at 0.5 h, and levels were below the quantification limit (10 ng/mL). These data indicate low permeation of tizoxanide into the blood brain barrier. In study 2, Cmax, the area under the curve, and the mean residence time of albendazole sulfoxide in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were not affected by co-administration with nitazoxanide. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that in rats at the applied doses, tizoxanide does not permeate into the cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, nitazoxanide does not appear to alter significantly the pharmacokinetics of albendazole in plasma or in cerebrospinal fluid.
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Efficacy of osthole for Echinococcus granulosus in vitro and Echinococcus multilocularis in vivo. Vet Parasitol 2016; 226:38-43. [PMID: 27514881 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by cestode species of the genus Echinococcus; in addition, this zoonosis has long been neglected as a parasitic disease and has limited treatment options. Clinical drugs such as benzimidazole derivatives have limited treatment efficacy. The current study evaluated a novel drug, osthole, with low toxicity and high activity against Echinococcus in vitro and in vivo. The results in vitro indicated that the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces in the group treated with osthole (120μM) decreased by 100% within 3days. In vivo experiments were conducted using parasite-infected mice. For this purpose, three groups of infected mice were treated daily for 6 weeks with albendazole (ABZ, 100mg/kg, positive control group), osthole (100mg/kg, experimental group), or honey/PBS (100mg/kg, negative control group), respectively. The osthole- and ABZ-treated groups presented a significant reduction in wet weight of metacestodes, increase in the level of interleukin (IL)-4 and the percentage of eosinophils compared with the control group. Osthole exhibited a high activity against echinococcosis in vivo. In addition, the toxicity of osthole was evaluated via an in vitro 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, as well as via morphological observation and calculation of liver and kidney function indexes in vivo. No obvious toxic effects of osthole were observed in our study. Therefore, this novel drug may be a promising alternative to benzimidazole in anti-echinococcosis chemotherapy.
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Shi H, Lei Y, Wang B, Wang Z, Xing G, Lv H, Jiang Y. Protoscolicidal effects of chenodeoxycholic acid on protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus. Exp Parasitol 2016; 167:76-82. [PMID: 27207732 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dissemination of protoscoleces-rich fluid during surgical operation for cystic echinococcosis is a major cause of its recurrence. Instillation of a scolicidal agent into hydatid cysts to reduce the risk of spillage of viable protoscoleces is an integral part of the surgical technique employed by many surgeons. In this study, the protoscolicidal effect of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was investigated. Freshly isolated protoscoleces were subjected to CDCA treatment (500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 μmol/L), and the effects on protoscoleces were investigated with the help of 0.1% eosin staining, electron microscopy, and colorimetric assay of caspase-3 like activity. Dose-dependent mortality of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces was observed within a few days of CDCA treatment. The treated protoscoleces showed loss of viability, and morphological changes such as contraction of the soma region, formation of blebs, rostellar disorganization, loss of hooks, destruction of microtriches, and formation of vesicles, lipid droplets, and lamellar bodies. Apoptosis was evident in the treated protoscoleces, as compared to the control group, which were cultivated for nearly 3 months. Our study indicates a therapeutic potential for CDCA as a protoscolicidal agent against E. granulosus. However, further studies are needed to test the long-term effects of CDCA in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan Shi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Ying Lei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Guoqiang Xing
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Hailong Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Yufeng Jiang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, Xinjiang, China.
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Mohammadnejad F, Ghaffarifar F, Dalimi A, Mohammad Hassan Z. In Vitro Effects of Artemether, Artemisinine, Albendazole, and Their Combinations on Echinococcus granolosus Protoscoleces. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/jjnpp-30565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Combined flubendazole-nitazoxanide treatment of cystic echinococcosis: Pharmacokinetic and efficacy assessment in mice. Acta Trop 2015; 148:89-96. [PMID: 25917712 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The current chemotherapy of cystic echinococcosis (CE) is mainly based on the use of albendazole, and the results have been shown to be highly variable. Thus, new and more efficient treatment options are urgently needed. The goals of the current study were: a) to compare the ex vivo activity of flubendazole (FLBZ) and nitazoxanide (NTZ), given either separately or co-administered, against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and cysts, b) to characterize the plasma disposition kinetics of FLBZ administered alone or combined with NTZ in mice; (c) to compare the in vivo activity of FLBZ and NTZ (either each alone or as a combined treatment) against secondary CE developed in mice. Ex vivo drug activity study: E. granulosus protoscoleces and cysts were incubated either with FLBZ, NTZ, or the FLBZ-NTZ combination. Protoscoleces and cyst viability was monitored by the methylene blue exclusion test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pharmacokinetic study: Balb/C mice received FLBZ (5 mg/kg) orally either alone or co-administered with NTZ (100 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected up to 12 h post treatment and plasma analyzed for FLBZ/metabolites by HPLC. Clinical Efficacy study: following secondary infection, meaning i.p. injection of 1500 E. granulosus protoscoleces/animal (n=40), the both drugs were administered by intragastric inoculation on a daily basis for a period of 25 days. Balb/C mice received FLBZ (5 mg/kg, twice a day) alone, NTZ (100 mg/kg, once daily) alone or a combination of both molecules (FLBZ, 5mg/kg twice a day and NTZ, 100 mg/kg, once daily). Ten untreated animals were used as a control. All animals were killed and the weight of the cysts collected from each animal was recorded. The presence of NTZ did not markedly affect the FLBZ kinetic parameters in mice. FLBZ alone or combined with NTZ induced a reduction (P<0.05) of cyst weight in comparison to the untreated control and NTZ-treated treated mice. The data obtained here indicate that NTZ did not affect hydatid cyst development in mice. Conversely, FLBZ shows an excellent efficacy against CE.
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Alam-Eldin YH, Badawy AF. Destructive effect of gamma irradiation on Echinococcus granulosus metacestodes. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3145-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4533-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Liu C, Zhang H, Yin J, Hu W. In vivo and in vitro efficacies of mebendazole, mefloquine and nitazoxanide against cyst echinococcosis. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2213-22. [PMID: 25773183 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4412-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus is a cestode parasite. The metacestode stage causes cystic echinococcosis (CE) mainly in the human liver and lung. Current chemotherapy against CE is based on mebendazole and albendazole. However, benzimidazoles result in a low cure rate or are ineffective in many patients; therefore, novel compounds for the treatment of this disease have been studied. Mefloquine was reported to be dramatically effective on cultured Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes in vitro. And, nitazoxanide has a prominent protoscolicidal effect. However, these compounds have no impact on the growth of cysts harbored in mice. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of mebendazole, mefloquine, and nitazoxanide against E. granulosus protoscoleces, germinal cells, and infected mice. The effect of mebendazole on protoscoleces and germinal cell was proved to be dose-dependent in vitro. And, a reduction of the cyst weight was also the found after oral application of mebendazole to infected mice. Mefloquine (5 and 10 μg/ml) caused death within 24 h of protoscoleces and germinal cells in vitro, whereas a lower concentration of 1 μg/ml was ineffective. In mice infected with E. granulosus, oral mefloquine (200 and 400 mg/kg twice weekly for 2 weeks) showed no reduction in parasite weight. Without affecting the viability of germinal cells and the growth of hydatid cysts, nitazoxanide only showed protoscolicidal effects in infected mice. In conclusion, mebendazole, mefloquine, and nitazoxanide showed various effects on E. granulosus under different conditions. These drugs could be useful to some extent in the treatment of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, 200025, China
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Hemphill A, Stadelmann B, Rufener R, Spiliotis M, Boubaker G, Müller J, Müller N, Gorgas D, Gottstein B. Treatment of echinococcosis: albendazole and mebendazole--what else? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:70. [PMID: 25526545 PMCID: PMC4271654 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The search for novel therapeutic options to cure alveolar echinococcosis (AE), due to the metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis, is ongoing, and these developments could also have a profound impact on the treatment of cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the closely related Echinococcus granulosus s.l. Several options are being explored. A viable strategy for the identification of novel chemotherapeutically valuable compounds includes whole-organism drug screening, employing large-scale in vitro metacestode cultures and, upon identification of promising compounds, verification of drug efficacy in small laboratory animals. Clearly, the current focus is targeted towards broad-spectrum anti-parasitic or anti-cancer drugs and compound classes that are already marketed, or that are in development for other applications. The availability of comprehensive Echinococcus genome information and gene expression data, as well as significant progress on the molecular level, has now opened the door for a more targeted drug discovery approach, which allows exploitation of defined pathways and enzymes that are essential for the parasite. In addition, current in vitro and in vivo models that are used to assess drug efficacy should be optimized and complemented by methods that give more detailed information on the host-parasite interactions that occur during drug treatments. The key to success is to identify, target and exploit those parasite molecules that orchestrate activities essential to parasite survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hemphill
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Britta Stadelmann
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Markus Spiliotis
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Gorgas
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Radiology, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Gottstein
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
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Moazeni M, Larki S, Pirmoradi G, Rahdar M. Scolicidal effect of the aromatic water of Zataria multiflora: an in vitro study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-014-2030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Pensel PE, Albani C, Gamboa GU, Benoit JP, Elissondo MC. In vitro effect of 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel on Echinococcus granulosus larvae and cells. Acta Trop 2014; 140:1-9. [PMID: 25088684 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the metacestode stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Although benzimidazole compounds such as albendazole and mebendazole have been the cornerstone of chemotherapy for the disease, there is often no complete recovery after treatment. Hence, in searching for novel treatment options, we examined the in vitro efficacies of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and paclitaxel (PTX) against E. granulosus germinal cells, protoscoleces and cysts. 5-FU or PTX inhibited the growth of E. granulosus cells in a time dependent manner. Although both treatments had a protoscolicidal effect, 5-FU had a considerably stronger effect than PTX. 5-FU produced a dose- and time-dependent effect, provoking the complete loss of viability after 24 days of incubation. Moreover, cysts did not develop following the inoculation of treated protoscoleces into mice. The loss of viability was slower in PTX treated protoscoleces, reaching to approximately 60% after 30 days. The results of the in vitro treatment with 5-FU and PTX were similar in secondary murine cysts. The employment of SEM and TEM allowed us to examine, at an ultrastructural level, the effects induced by 5-FU and PTX on E. granulosus germinal cells, protoscoleces and murine cysts. In conclusion, the data obtained clearly demonstrated that 5-FU and PTX at clinically achievable concentrations inhibit the survival of larval cells, protoscoleces and metacestodes. In vivo studies to test the antiparasitic activities of 5-FU and PTX are currently being undertaken on the murine model of cystic echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Pensel
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Fac. Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Albani
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Fac. Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Ullio Gamboa
- Laboratorio de Farmacotecnia, Fac. Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, UNITEFA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J P Benoit
- INSERM U1066, MINT-Micro et Nanomédecines Biomimétiques, IBS-CHU Angers, 49933 Angers Cedex 9, France
| | - M C Elissondo
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Fac. Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Verma VC, Gangwar M, Nath G. Osmoregulatory and tegumental ultrastructural damages to protoscoleces of hydatid cysts Echinococcus granulosus induced by fungal endophytes. J Parasit Dis 2014; 38:432-9. [PMID: 25320499 PMCID: PMC4185023 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-013-0271-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Characteristic ultrastructural changes were observed when protoscoleces of hydatid cysts Echinococcus granulosus was treated with extract of endophytic fungi Eupenicillium and Chaetomium sp. isolated from Azadirachta indica and Piper longum plants respectively. A sharp decrease in viability of protoscoleces was observed after 6 h of incubation with fungal extracts. The ultrastructural changes included rosteller disorganization, loss of hooks and shedding of the microtriches of scolex region. The formation of digitiform projections on tegument layer which, increased in size as prolong incubation with extract and get burst, leading to a osmoregulatory damage into tegumental layers of parasite. This osmoregulatory damages caused the loss of turgidity due to leakage of cell contents, which might be the major cause of the mortality in treated parasites. It is remarkable, since very similar type of ultrastructural changes were observed with some pyrazinoisoquinoline derivatives, as praziquantel. Our initial results indicate that extract of endophytic Eupenicillium and Chaetomium spp. are having significant anti-cestodal activity and have selective activity on tegument layer. Further chemical prospection is required through rigorous bioassay guided fractionation coupled with robust high resolution mass spectrometric analysis to get final stereo-structures responsible for the parasiticidal activity. This initial strain selection outcome will serve a platform for isolation and characterization of new drug lead that can be useful in tailoring novel, safe and effective anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay C. Verma
- />Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Infections and Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 UP India
| | - Mayank Gangwar
- />Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Infections and Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 UP India
- />Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 UP India
| | - Gopal Nath
- />Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Infections and Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 UP India
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Efficacy of Essential Oils of Thymus vulgaris and Origanum vulgare on Echinococcus granulosus. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2014; 2014:693289. [PMID: 25180033 PMCID: PMC4142668 DOI: 10.1155/2014/693289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to determine the in vitro effect of T. vulgaris and O. vulgare essential oils against E. granulosus protoscoleces and cysts. Essential oils were added to the medium resulting in thymol final concentrations of 10 μg/mL. The essential oils had a time-dependent effect provoking the complete loss of protoscolex viability after 72 days of postincubation. The results were confirmed at the ultrastructure level. Loss of infectivity in protoscoleces incubated with O. vulgare after 60 days was observed. On the other hand, the weight of cysts recorded in mice inoculated with T. vulgaris treated protoscoleces was significantly lower than that obtained in control group. Gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase activity was readily detected in the culture supernatant of protoscoleces treated either with the essential oils or thymol. T. vulgaris and O. vulgare essential oils and thymol can induce cell apoptosis of protoscoleces after short incubation times. The efficacy of T. vulgaris and O. vulgare essential oils was also demonstrated in vitro on E. granulosus murine cysts. Our data suggest that essential oils of T. vulgaris and O. vulgare have anthelmintic effect against protoscoleces and cysts of E. granulosus.
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Panic G, Duthaler U, Speich B, Keiser J. Repurposing drugs for the treatment and control of helminth infections. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:185-200. [PMID: 25516827 PMCID: PMC4266803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing continues to be the central drug discovery strategy for helminths. Most repurposed drugs come from veterinary medicine and known drug classes. Only a handful of drugs have advanced clinically. More collaborations and funding are needed to advance discoveries to the market.
Helminth infections are responsible for a considerable public health burden, yet the current drug armamentarium is small. Given the high cost of drug discovery and development, the high failure rates and the long duration to develop novel treatments, drug repurposing circumvents these obstacles by finding new uses for compounds other than those they were initially intended to treat. In the present review, we summarize in vivo and clinical trial findings testing clinical candidates and marketed drugs against schistosomes, food-borne trematodes, soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis, the major human filariases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, taeniasis, neurocysticercosis and echinococcosis. While expanding the applications of broad-spectrum or veterinary anthelmintics continues to fuel alternative treatment options, antimalarials, antibiotics, antiprotozoals and anticancer agents appear to be producing fruitful results as well. The trematodes and nematodes continue to be most investigated, while cestodal drug discovery will need to be accelerated. The most clinically advanced drug candidates include the artemisinins and mefloquine against schistosomiasis, tribendimidine against liver flukes, oxantel pamoate against trichuriasis, and doxycycline against filariasis. Preclinical studies indicate a handful of promising future candidates, and are beginning to elucidate the broad-spectrum activity of some currently used anthelmintics. Challenges and opportunities are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer Keiser
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 61 284 8218; fax: +41 61 284 8105.
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In vivo study of the efficacy of the aromatic water of Zataria multiflora on hydatid cysts. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:6003-8. [PMID: 25070113 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02963-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from aromatic water (AW) of Zataria multiflora. Thymol (66.9%), carvacrol (15.2%), and carvone (7.3%) were found to be the major EO constituents. Eighty laboratory BALB/c mice were infected intraperitoneally by injection of 1,500 viable protoscolices and were divided into prevention (40 mice) and therapeutic (40 mice) groups. To prove the preventive effect of the Z. multiflora AW on development of hydatid cysts, the 40 infected mice were allocated into three treatment groups, including the albendazole group (10 mice that received 150 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 days), the Z. multiflora AW group (15 mice that received 20 ml/liter in drinking water for 8 months), and a control group (15 mice that received no treatment). To estimate the therapeutic effect of the Z. multiflora AW on the hydatid cyst, after 8 months of infection, the 15 remaining mice were allocated into three experimental treatment groups of five animals each, including the albendazole group (300 mg/kg/day for 20 days), Z. multiflora AW group (40 ml/liter in drinking water for 30 days), and control group (no treatment). All mice were then euthanized, and the sizes and weights of the cysts as well as their ultrastructural changes were investigated. The weights and sizes of the hydatid cysts significantly decreased upon treatment with the Z. multiflora AW in both the preventive and therapeutic groups (P < 0.05). The results of scanning electron microscopy also showed considerable damage in the germinal layer of the hydatid cysts recovered from the treated animals.
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Moazeni M, Larki S, Oryan A, Saharkhiz MJ. Preventive and therapeutic effects of Zataria multiflora methanolic extract on hydatid cyst: an in vivo study. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:107-12. [PMID: 25070528 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The phenolic compounds of Zataria multiflora extract, were identified by HPLC analysis. Gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, and quercetin were found to be the major phenolic compounds. Eighty healthy laboratory Balb/C mice were infected intraperitoneally by injection of 1500 viable protoscoleces and were divided into prevention (40 mice) and therapeutic (40 mice) groups. To prove the preventive effect of Z. multiflora extract on development of hydatid cyst, the 40 infected animals were allocated into three treatment groups including Z. multiflora (4 g/l in drinking water for 8 months), albendazole (150 mg/kg BW/day for 10 days) and untreated (control) group. To estimate the therapeutic effect of Z. multiflora extract on the hydatid cyst, after 8 months of infection, the infected mice were allocated into three experimental treatment groups including Z. multiflora (8 g/l in drinking water for 30 days), albendazole (300 mg/kg BW/day for 20 days) and untreated (control) group. At the end of the treatment period, all mice were euthanized and necropsied, the hydatid cysts were carefully removed, weighed and their size were recorded. Weight and size of the hydatid cysts significantly decreased (p<0.05) upon the treatment with Z. multiflora extract in both prevention and therapeutic groups. The germinal layer of the hydatid cysts recovered from the treated mice, either from the prevention or therapeutic group, were completely damaged at ultrastructural level by scanning electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Moazeni
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Sara Larki
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Oryan
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Paveley RA, Bickle QD. Automated imaging and other developments in whole-organism anthelmintic screening. Parasite Immunol 2014; 35:302-13. [PMID: 23581722 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Helminth infections still represent a huge public health problem throughout the developing world and in the absence of vaccines control is based on periodic mass drug administration. Poor efficacy of some anthelmintics and concerns about emergence of drug resistance has highlighted the need for new drug discovery. Most current anthelmintics were discovered through in vivo screening of selected compounds in animal models but recent approaches have shifted towards screening for activity against adult or larval stages in vitro. Larvae are normally available in greater numbers than adults, can often be produced in vitro and are small enough for microplate assays. However, the manual visualization of drug effects in vitro is subjective, laborious and slow. This can be overcome by application of automated readouts including high-content imaging. Incorporated into robotically controlled HTS platforms such methods allow the very large compound collections being made available by the pharmaceutical industry or academic organizations to be screened against helminths for the first time, invigorating the drug discovery pipeline. Here, we review the status of whole-organism screens based on in vitro activity against living worms and highlight the recent progress towards automated image-based readouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Paveley
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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In-vitro scolicidal activity of Mallotus philippinensis (Lam.) Muell Arg. fruit glandular hair extract against hydatid cyst Echinococcus granulosus. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2014; 6:595-601. [PMID: 23790329 DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(13)60103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate new scolicidal agent from natural resources to cope with the side effects associated with synthetic drugs in Echinococcosis. METHODS The scolicidal potential of methanolic fruit powder extract (10 and 20 mg/mL) of Mallotus philippinensis (M. philippinensis) was investigated. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed by trypan blue exclusion method, where mortality was observed at concentration of 10 and 20 mg/mL in 60 min treatment against Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus), under in-vitro conditions with reference to the known standard drug Praziquantel®. RESULTS At concentration 10 and 20 mg/mL, the mortality rate was observed 97% and 99% respectively for 60 min treatment; while up to 93% mortality was observed with 20 mg/mL for only 10 min treatment. The concentration above 20 mg/mL for above 2 h showed 100% mortality, irrespective of further incubation. CONCLUSIONS As compared with the standard anti-parasitic drug Praziquantel our extract has significant scolicidal activity with almost no associated side effects.
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Ahmadnia S, Moazeni M, Mohammadi-Samani S, Oryan A. In vivo evaluation of the efficacy of albendazole sulfoxide and albendazole sulfoxide loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against hydatid cyst. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:314-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Zurabian R, Aguilar-Vega L, Terrones Vargas E, Cervera Hernández ME, Willms K, Ruíz-Velasco Acosta S. In vivo albendazole treatment of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci strain WFU: proliferation, damage, and recovery. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3961-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rasheed K, Zargar SA, Telwani AA. Hydatid cyst of spleen: a diagnostic challenge. NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2013; 5:10-20. [PMID: 23378949 PMCID: PMC3560132 DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.106184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Although splenic involvement alone in hydatid disease is very rare, spleen is the third most common organ involved in hydatid disease. The rarity of splenic hydatid disease poses a diagnostic challenge for clinicians, particularly in non-endemic areas. As the hydatid cyst can present as a simple cyst without having the classic serological and imaging features, and later can lead to life-threatening complications like anaphylaxis, hydatid disease of spleen should be considered in differential in every patient in endemic areas with cystic lesion of spleen until proved otherwise. The author used the keyword “splenic hydatid cyst” in PubMed and reviewed the scientific literatures published from January 1965 to June 2012. The present review is to accentuate the incidence, classification, clinical and pathophysiological features, differential diagnosis, diagnostic modalities, and treatment choices of hydatid cyst of spleen along with follow-up strategy and newer treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Rasheed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Health Center Montgomery, Alabama, USA
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