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Borges SDL, de Macedo EDS, da Silva FAV, Ataíde BJDA, Mendes NDSF, Passos ADCF, de Moraes SAS, Herculano AM, Oliveira KRHM, Bahia CP, Dolabella SS, Batista EDJO. Experimental Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis Caused by Acanthamoeba castellanii. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:145. [PMID: 39058187 PMCID: PMC11281140 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9070145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba genus can affect humans with diseases such as granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), a highly lethal neuroinfection. Several aspects of the disease still need to be elucidated. Animal models of GAE have advanced our knowledge of the disease. This work tested Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) as an animal model of GAE. For this, 32 animals were infected with 1 × 106A. castellanii trophozoites of the T4 genotype. Ameba recovery tests were carried out using agar plates, vascular extravasation assays, behavioral tests, and histopathological technique with H/E staining. Data were subjected to linear regression analysis, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's test, performed in the GraphPad Prism® 8.0 program, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results revealed the efficiency of the model. Amebae were recovered from the liver, lungs, and brain of infected animals, and there were significant encephalic vascular extravasations and behavioral changes in these animals, but not in the control animals. However, not all infected animals showed positive histopathology for the analyzed organs. Nervous tissues were the least affected, demonstrating the role of the BBB in the defense of the CNS. Supported by the demonstrated evidence, we confirm the difficulties and the feasibilities of using rats as an animal model of GAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel da Luz Borges
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66055-240, Brazil; (E.d.S.d.M.); (F.A.V.d.S.); (E.d.J.O.B.)
- Laboratório de Biologia, Campus Castanhal, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Castanhal 68740-970, Brazil
| | - Eberson da Silva de Macedo
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66055-240, Brazil; (E.d.S.d.M.); (F.A.V.d.S.); (E.d.J.O.B.)
| | - Felipe Alexandre Vinagre da Silva
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66055-240, Brazil; (E.d.S.d.M.); (F.A.V.d.S.); (E.d.J.O.B.)
| | - Brenda Jaqueline de Azevedo Ataíde
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (B.J.d.A.A.); (N.d.S.F.M.); (A.d.C.F.P.); (S.A.S.d.M.); (A.M.H.); (K.R.H.M.O.)
| | - Nívia de Souza Franco Mendes
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (B.J.d.A.A.); (N.d.S.F.M.); (A.d.C.F.P.); (S.A.S.d.M.); (A.M.H.); (K.R.H.M.O.)
| | - Adelaide da Conceição Fonseca Passos
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (B.J.d.A.A.); (N.d.S.F.M.); (A.d.C.F.P.); (S.A.S.d.M.); (A.M.H.); (K.R.H.M.O.)
| | - Suellen Alessandra Soares de Moraes
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (B.J.d.A.A.); (N.d.S.F.M.); (A.d.C.F.P.); (S.A.S.d.M.); (A.M.H.); (K.R.H.M.O.)
| | - Anderson Manoel Herculano
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (B.J.d.A.A.); (N.d.S.F.M.); (A.d.C.F.P.); (S.A.S.d.M.); (A.M.H.); (K.R.H.M.O.)
| | - Karen Renata Herculano Matos Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (B.J.d.A.A.); (N.d.S.F.M.); (A.d.C.F.P.); (S.A.S.d.M.); (A.M.H.); (K.R.H.M.O.)
| | - Carlomagno Pacheco Bahia
- Laboratório de Neuroplasticidade, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66055-240, Brazil;
| | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Parasitologia Tropical, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracajú 49060-108, Brazil;
| | - Evander de Jesus Oliveira Batista
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66055-240, Brazil; (E.d.S.d.M.); (F.A.V.d.S.); (E.d.J.O.B.)
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Sharma C, Khurana S, Bhatia A, Arora A, Gupta A. The gene expression and proteomic profiling of Acanthamoeba isolates. Exp Parasitol 2023; 255:108630. [PMID: 37820893 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The free-living protozoan Acanthamoeba can cause severe keratitis known as Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba includes intricate interactions between the organism and the host's immune system. The downstream analysis of a well-annotated genome assembly along with proteomic analysis can unravel several biological processes and aid in the identification of potential genes involved in pathogenicity. METHODS Based on the next-generation sequencing data analysis, genes including lysophospholipase, phospholipase, S8/S53 peptidase, carboxylesterase, and mannose-binding protein were selected as probable pathogenic targets that were validated by conventional PCR in a total of 30 Acanthamoeba isolates. This was followed by real-time PCR for the evaluation of relative gene expression in the keratitis and amoebic encephalitis animal model induced using keratitis (CHA5), encephalitis (CHA24) and non-pathogenic environmental isolate (CHA36). In addition, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed for keratitis, encephalitis, and non-pathogenic environmental isolate before and after treatment with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). RESULTS The conventional PCR demonstrated the successful amplification of lysophospholipase, phospholipase, S8/S53 peptidase, carboxylesterase, and mannose-binding protein genes in clinical and environmental isolates. The expression analysis revealed phospholipase, lysophospholipase, and mannose-binding genes to be significantly upregulated in the keratitis isolate (CHA 5) during AK in the animal model. In the case of the amoebic encephalitis model, phospholipase, lysophospholipase, S8/S53 peptidase, and carboxylesterase were significantly upregulated in the encephalitis isolate compared to the keratitis isolate. The proteomic data revealed differential protein expression in pathogenic versus non-pathogenic isolates in the pre and post-treatment with PHMB. CONCLUSION The gene expression data suggests that lysophospholipase, phospholipase, S8/S53 peptidase, carboxylesterase, and mannose-binding protein (MBP) could play a role in the contact-dependent and independent mechanisms of Acanthamoeba pathogenesis. In addition, the proteomic profiling of the 3 isolates revealed differential protein expression crucial for parasite growth, survival, and virulence. Our results provide baseline data for selecting possible pathogenic targets that could be utilized for designing knockout experiments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayan Sharma
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Sumeeta Khurana
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Amit Arora
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Amit Gupta
- Advanced Eye Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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Damhorst GL, Watts A, Hernandez-Romieu A, Mel N, Palmore M, Ali IKM, Neill SG, Kalapila A, Cope JR. Acanthamoeba castellanii encephalitis in a patient with AIDS: a case report and literature review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:e59-e65. [PMID: 34461057 PMCID: PMC10910629 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30933-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Amoebic encephalitis is a rare cause of CNS infection for which mortality exceeds 90%. We present the case of a 27-year-old man with AIDS who presented to a hospital in Atlanta (Georgia, USA) with tonic-clonic seizures and headache. His clinical condition deteriorated over several days. Brain biopsy revealed lymphohistiocytic inflammation and necrosis with trophozoites and encysted forms of amoebae. Immunohistochemical and PCR testing confirmed Acanthamoeba castellanii encephalitis, typically described as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). No proven therapy for GAE is available, although both surgical and multiagent antimicrobial treatment strategies are often used. Most recently, these include the antileishmanial agent miltefosine. Here we review all cases of GAE due to Acanthamoeba spp in people with HIV/AIDS identified in the literature and reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We describe this case as a reminder to the clinician to consider protozoal infections, especially free-living amoeba, in the immunocompromised host with a CNS infection refractory to traditional antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Damhorst
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Abigail Watts
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Nonglin Mel
- Family Medicine, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Melody Palmore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ibne Karim M Ali
- Free-Living and Intestinal Amebas (FLIA) Laboratory, Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stewart G Neill
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aley Kalapila
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Cope
- Domestic Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Epidemiology Team, Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Various brain-eating amoebae: the protozoa, the pathogenesis, and the disease. Front Med 2021; 15:842-866. [PMID: 34825341 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0865-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Among various genera of free-living amoebae prevalent in nature, some members are identified as causative agents of human encephalitis, in which Naegleria fowleri followed by Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris have been successively discovered. As the three dominant genera responsible for infections, Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia work as opportunistic pathogens of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, whereas Naegleria induces primary amoebic meningoencephalitis mostly in healthy children and young adults as a more violent and deadly disease. Due to the lack of typical symptoms and laboratory findings, all these amoebic encephalitic diseases are difficult to diagnose. Considering that subsequent therapies are also affected, all these brain infections cause significant mortality worldwide, with more than 90% of the cases being fatal. Along with global warming and population explosion, expanding areas of human and amoebae activity in some regions lead to increased contact, resulting in more serious infections and drawing increased public attention. In this review, we summarize the present information of these pathogenic free-living amoebae, including their phylogeny, classification, biology, and ecology. The mechanisms of pathogenesis, immunology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, epidemiology, diagnosis, and therapies are also discussed.
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Öcal Demir S, Besli GE, Bucak A, Boral Ö, Baysal B. Successful Treatment of Acanthamoeba Meningoencephalitis in an Immunocompetent Child. J Trop Pediatr 2021; 67:6276663. [PMID: 33998656 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmaa102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba meningoencephalitis is a very rare entity with high mortality rate. Its diagnosis is usually delated, and the optimal approach for its treatment is uncertain. In presented case, early diagnosis was made with direct examination of cerebral spinal fluid, and immediate initiation of accurate treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole survived patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevliya Öcal Demir
- SB Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcın City Hospital, Pediatric Department, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülser Esen Besli
- SB Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcın City Hospital, Pediatric Department, Division of Pediatric Emergency, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdulmelik Bucak
- SB Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcın City Hospital, Pediatric Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özden Boral
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical School, Microbiology and Clinic Microbiology Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Begümhan Baysal
- SB Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcın City Hospital, Radiology Department, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kot K, Kosik-Bogacka D, Kupnicka P, Łanocha-Arendarczyk N. Antioxidant defense in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:123. [PMID: 32143731 PMCID: PMC7060556 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3979-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acanthamoeba spp. are ubiquitous pathogens which cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and disseminated infection. Moreover, Acanthamoeba spp. infection of the cornea leads to Acanthamoeba keratitis. Our previous study showed that the infection of an eyeball may also take place via the migration of trophozoites through the optic nerve from the brain to the eyes. The aim of the study was to analyze the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the concentration of non-enzymatic antioxidant in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice with disseminated acanthamoebiasis. Results In the immunocompetent mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. we noted a significant decrease in catalase activity at 8 and 16 days post-infection (dpi). Glutathione reductase activity was significantly lower at 16 dpi compared to the control group and glutathione concentration was statistically higher at 24 dpi than in the control group. In the immunosuppressed mice, a statistically significant increase in glutathione concentration in the eye samples was found at 16 dpi compared to those not infected with Acanthamoeba spp. In the immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp., glutathione peroxidase activity was statistically lower at 8 dpi, and glutathione concentration was statistically significantly higher at 16 dpi compared to the control group. Conclusions The inflammatory response in the eyes of hosts with experimental acanthamoebiasis led to changes in the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidant. Therefore, the dysregulation of antioxidants may play a role in the pathomechanism of Acanthamoeba eye infection.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kot
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Independent of Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Patrycja Kupnicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
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Das S, Gunasekaran K, Ajjampur SSR, Abraham D, George T, Janeela MA, Iyadurai R. Acanthamoeba encephalitis in immunocompetent hosts: A report of two cases. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:1240-1243. [PMID: 32318505 PMCID: PMC7114032 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1010_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous free-living amoeba. Acanthamoeba infections cause necrotizing vasculitis, resulting in vessel thrombosis and cerebral infarction. Acanthamoeba CNS infections, though uncommon, are associated with high mortality. Diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. Here, we present two immunocompetent hosts with Acanthamoeba encephalitis with good outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Das
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthik Gunasekaran
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sitara S R Ajjampur
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dilip Abraham
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tina George
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Asisha Janeela
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramya Iyadurai
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Hatamipour M, Ramezani M, Tabassi SAS, Johnston TP, Sahebkar A. Demethoxycurcumin: A naturally occurring curcumin analogue for treating non-cancerous diseases. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19320-19330. [PMID: 31344992 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Turmeric extracts contain three primary compounds, which are commonly referred to as curcuminoids. They are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin. While curcumin has been the most extensively studied of the curcuminoids, it suffers from low overall oral bioavailability due to extremely low absorption as a result of low water solubility and instability at acidic pH, as well as rapid metabolism and clearance from the body. However, DMC, which lacks the methoxy group on the benzene ring of the parent structure, has much greater chemical stability at physiological pH and has been recently reported to exhibit antitumor properties. However, the treatment of noncancerous diseases with DMC has not been comprehensively reviewed. Therefore, here we evaluate published scientific literature on the therapeutic properties of DMC. The beneficial pharmacological actions of DMC include anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antihypertensive, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and vasodilatory properties. In addition, DMC's ability to ameliorate the effects of free radicals and an environment characterized by oxidative stress caused by the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products associated with diabetic nephropathy, as well as DMC's capacity to inhibit the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells following balloon angioplasty are also addressed. This review collates the available literature regarding the therapeutic possibilities of DMC in noncancerous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Hatamipour
- Nanotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahin Ramezani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Thomas P Johnston
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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9
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The Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and Their Tissue Inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-3) in the Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124128. [PMID: 30572657 PMCID: PMC6321078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological process occurring within the central nervous system (CNS) as a result of the infection by Acanthamoeba spp. is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Acanthamoeba spp. may affect the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2,-9), their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1,-3) and MMP-9/TIMP-1, MMP-2/TIMP-3 ratios in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, in relation to the host’s immunological status. Our results showed that Acanthamoeba spp. infection can change the levels of MMP and TIMP in the CNS and may be amenable targets for limiting amoebic encephalitis. The increase in the activity of matrix metalloproteinases during acanthamoebiasis may be primarily the result of inflammation process, probably an increased activity of proteolytic processes, but also (to a lesser extent) a defense mechanism preventing the processes of neurodegeneration.
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10
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An Unusual Cause of Central Nervous System Infection During Acute Myeloid Leukemia Induction Chemotherapy: Acanthamoeba Brain Abscess. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2018; 34:153-155. [PMID: 29398818 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-017-0826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Donnelly S, Huston WM, Johnson M, Tiberti N, Saunders B, O'Brien B, Burke C, Labbate M, Combes V. Targeting the master regulator mTOR: a new approach to prevent the neurological of consequences of parasitic infections? Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:581. [PMID: 29162126 PMCID: PMC5697405 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2528-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A systematic analysis of 240 causes of death in 2013 revealed that parasitic diseases were responsible for more than one million deaths. The vast majority of these fatalities resulted from protozoan infections presenting with neurological sequelae. In the absence of a vaccine, development of effective therapies is essential to improving global public health. In 2015, an intriguing strategy to prevent cerebral malaria was proposed by Gordon et al. 2015 mBio, 6:e00625. Their study suggested that inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin prevented experimental cerebral malaria by blocking the damage to the blood brain barrier and stopping the accumulation of parasitized red blood cells and T cells in the brain. Here, we hypothesize that the same therapeutic strategy could be adopted for other protozoan infections with a brain tropism, to prevent cerebral parasitosis by limiting pathogen replication and preventing immune mediated destruction of brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Donnelly
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Wilhelmina M Huston
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Natalia Tiberti
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Bernadette Saunders
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Bronwyn O'Brien
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Catherine Burke
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Maurizio Labbate
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Valery Combes
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Brondfield MN, Reid MJA, Rutishauser RL, Cope JR, Tang J, Ritter JM, Matanock A, Ali I, Doernberg SB, Hilts-Horeczko A, DeMarco T, Klein L, Babik JM. Disseminated Acanthamoeba infection in a heart transplant recipient treated successfully with a miltefosine-containing regimen: Case report and review of the literature. Transpl Infect Dis 2017; 19. [PMID: 28067969 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Disseminated acanthamoebiasis is a rare, often fatal, infection most commonly affecting immunocompromised patients. We report a case involving sinuses, skin, and bone in a 60-year-old woman 5 months after heart transplantation. She improved with a combination of flucytosine, fluconazole, miltefosine, and decreased immunosuppression. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successfully treated disseminated acanthamoebiasis in a heart transplant recipient and only the second successful use of miltefosine for this infection among solid organ transplant recipients. Acanthamoeba infection should be considered in transplant recipients with evidence of skin, central nervous system, and sinus infections that are unresponsive to antibiotics. Miltefosine may represent an effective component of a multidrug therapeutic regimen for the treatment of this amoebic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max N Brondfield
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer R Cope
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jevon Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington Hospital Healthcare System, Fremont, CA, USA
| | - Jana M Ritter
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Ibne Ali
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Liviu Klein
- Department of Cardiology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Mahboob T, Azlan AM, Tan TC, Samudi C, Sekaran SD, Nissapatorn V, Wiart C. Anti-encystment and amoebicidal activity of Lonicera japonica Thunb. and its major constituent chlorogenic acid in vitro. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:866-871. [PMID: 27633300 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the acanthamoebicidal effects of ethyl acetate, aqueous and butanol fractions of dried flower buds of Lonicera japonica (L. japonica) Thunb. (Flos Lonicerae) in vitro. METHODS Acanthamoeba triangularis isolates were obtained from environmental water samples and identified by PCR. They were exposed to ethyl acetate, water and butanol fractions of L. japonica Thunb. at concentrations ranging from 0.5 mg/mL to 1.5 mg/mL. The extracts were evaluated for growth inhibition at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. Chlorogenic acid at a concentration of 1 mg/mL was examined for inhibition of encystment. RESULTS Ethyl acetate fraction at a concentration of 1.5 mg/mL evoked a significant reduction of trophozoite viability by 48.9% after 24 h, 49.2% after 48 h and 33.7% after 72 h chlorogenic acid, the major active constituent of L. japonica Thunb. at the concentration of 1 mg/mL reduced the cysts/trophozoite ratio by 100% after 24 h, 84.0% after 48 h and 72.3% after 72 h. This phenolic compound at concentration of 1 mg/mL concurrent with 0.6% hydrogen peroxide inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced encystment by 92.8% at 72 h. CONCLUSIONS Results obtained from this study show that ethyl acetate fraction at 1.5 mg/mL is the most potent fraction of L. japonica Thunb. and its major constituent chlorogenic acid showed the remarkable inhibition of encystment at a concentration of 1 mg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Mahboob
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdul-Majid Azlan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tian-Chye Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chandramathi Samudi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shamala Devi Sekaran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Christophe Wiart
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan 56000 Semenyih, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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14
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Rassu G, Soddu E, Cossu M, Gavini E, Giunchedi P, Dalpiaz A. Particulate formulations based on chitosan for nose-to-brain delivery of drugs. A review. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Salameh A, Bello N, Becker J, Zangeneh T. Fatal Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis Caused by Acanthamoeba in a Patient With Kidney Transplant: A Case Report. Open Forum Infect Dis 2015; 2:ofv104. [PMID: 26280011 PMCID: PMC4534522 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) due to Acanthamoeba is almost a uniformly fatal infection in immune-compromised hosts despite multidrug combination therapy. We report a case of GAE in a female who received a deceased donor kidney graft. She was treated with a combination of miltefosine, pentamidine, sulfadiazine, fluconazole, flucytosine, and azithromycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Salameh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
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16
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Tan SK, Gajurel K, Tung C, Albers G, Deresinski S, Montoya JG, Sheikh AY, Banerjee D, Ha R. Fatal acanthamoeba encephalitis in a patient with a total artificial heart (syncardia) device. Open Forum Infect Dis 2014; 1:ofu057. [PMID: 25734127 PMCID: PMC4281817 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofu057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba encephalitis is an uncommon but often fatal infection complication. Here we report the first case of Acanthamoeba encephalitis in a patient with a Total Artificial Heart device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna K Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine , Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Kiran Gajurel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine , Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Christie Tung
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences , Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Gregory Albers
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences , Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Stan Deresinski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine , Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Jose G Montoya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine , Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Ahmad Y Sheikh
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery , Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Dipanjan Banerjee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine , Stanford University School of Medicine , California
| | - Richard Ha
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery , Stanford University School of Medicine
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Massilamany C, Marciano-Cabral F, da Rocha-Azevedo B, Jamerson M, Gangaplara A, Steffen D, Zabad R, Illes Z, Sobel RA, Reddy J. SJL mice infected with Acanthamoeba castellanii develop central nervous system autoimmunity through the generation of cross-reactive T cells for myelin antigens. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98506. [PMID: 24879066 PMCID: PMC4039519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that Acanthamoeba castellanii (ACA), an opportunistic pathogen of the central nervous system (CNS) possesses mimicry epitopes for proteolipid protein (PLP) 139–151 and myelin basic protein 89–101, and that the epitopes induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL mice reminiscent of the diseases induced with their corresponding cognate peptides. We now demonstrate that mice infected with ACA also show the generation of cross-reactive T cells, predominantly for PLP 139–151, as evaluated by T cell proliferation and IAs/dextramer staining. We verified that PLP 139–151-sensitized lymphocytes generated in infected mice contained a high proportion of T helper 1 cytokine-producing cells, and they can transfer disease to naïve animals. Likewise, the animals first primed with suboptimal dose of PLP 139–151 and later infected with ACA, developed EAE, suggesting that ACA infection can trigger CNS autoimmunity in the presence of preexisting repertoire of autoreactive T cells. Taken together, the data provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba infections, and the potential role of infectious agents with mimicry epitopes to self-antigens in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandirasegaran Massilamany
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Francine Marciano-Cabral
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Bruno da Rocha-Azevedo
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Melissa Jamerson
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Arunakumar Gangaplara
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - David Steffen
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Rana Zabad
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Zsolt Illes
- University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Raymond A. Sobel
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California and VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Jay Reddy
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Alkhunaizi AM, Dawamneh MF, Banda RW, Daabil RA, Al-Tawfiq JA, Akkad SA, Boukhamseen AH. Acanthamoeba encephalitis in a patient with systemic lupus treated with rituximab. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 75:192-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Shibayama M, Martínez-Castillo M, Silva-Olivares A, Galindo-Gómez S, Navarro-García F, Escobar-Herrera J, Sabanero M, Tsutsumi V, Serrano-Luna J. Disruption of MDCK cell tight junctions by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2012; 159:392-401. [PMID: 23258265 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.063255-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is the aetiological agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. This parasite invades its host by penetrating the olfactory mucosa. However, the mechanism of epithelium penetration is not well understood. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of N. fowleri trophozoites and the non-pathogenic Naegleria gruberi on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) tight junction proteins, including claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1, as well as on the actin cytoskeleton. Trophozoites from each of the free-living amoeba species were co-cultured with MDCK cells in a 1 : 1 ratio for 1, 3, 6 or 10 h. Light microscopy revealed that N. fowleri caused morphological changes as early as 3 h post-infection in an epithelial MDCK monolayer. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that after 10 h of co-culture, N. fowleri trophozoites induced epithelial cell damage, which was characterized by changes in the actin apical ring and disruption of the ZO-1 and claudin-1 proteins but not occludin. Western blot assays revealed gradual degradation of ZO-1 and claudin-1 as early as 3 h post-infection. Likewise, there was a drop in transepithelial electrical resistance that resulted in increased epithelial permeability and facilitated the invasion of N. fowleri trophozoites by a paracellular route. In contrast, N. gruberi did not induce alterations in MDCK cells even at 10 h post-infection. Based on these results, we suggest that N. fowleri trophozoites disrupt epithelial monolayers, which could enable their penetration of the olfactory epithelium and subsequent invasion of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineko Shibayama
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Moisés Martínez-Castillo
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Angélica Silva-Olivares
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Silvia Galindo-Gómez
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Fernando Navarro-García
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Jaime Escobar-Herrera
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Myrna Sabanero
- Department of Biology, University of Guanajuato, 36050 Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Jesús Serrano-Luna
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
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Trabelsi H, Dendana F, Sellami A, Sellami H, Cheikhrouhou F, Neji S, Makni F, Ayadi A. Pathogenic free-living amoebae: Epidemiology and clinical review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 60:399-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Aqeel Y, Iqbal J, Siddiqui R, Gilani AH, Khan NA. Anti-Acanthamoebic properties of resveratrol and demethoxycurcumin. Exp Parasitol 2012; 132:519-23. [PMID: 23010569 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunist protist pathogen that is known to infect the cornea to produce eye keratitis and the central nervous system to produce fatal granulomatous encephalitis. Early diagnosis, followed by aggressive treatment using a combination of drugs is a prerequisite in successful treatment but even then, prognosis remains poor due to lack of effective drugs. The overall aim of the present study was to determine the anti-Acanthamoebic potential of natural compounds, resveratrol and curcuminoids. Adhesion and cytotoxicity assays were performed using primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells, which constitute the blood-brain barrier. Pre-exposure of organisms to 100 μg resveratrol and demethoxy curcumin prevented amoeba binding by 57% and 73%, respectively, while cytotoxicity of host cells was inhibited by 86%. In an assay for viability of amoebae in the absence of host cells, resveratrol and de-methoxy curcumin exhibited significant amoebicidal effects (23% and 25%, respectively) at 100 μg concentrations (P<0.01). Neither resveratrol nor demethoxycurcumin had any effect on the proteolytic activities of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Of both compounds, resveratrol is of most interest for further investigation, because of the selective toxicity of resveratrol on A. castellanii but not the human brain microvascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousuf Aqeel
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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22
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Czihal P, Knappe D, Fritsche S, Zahn M, Berthold N, Piantavigna S, Müller U, Van Dorpe S, Herth N, Binas A, Köhler G, De Spiegeleer B, Martin LL, Nolte O, Sträter N, Alber G, Hoffmann R. Api88 is a novel antibacterial designer peptide to treat systemic infections with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. ACS Chem Biol 2012; 7:1281-91. [PMID: 22594381 DOI: 10.1021/cb300063v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens in hospitals (nosocomial infections) presents a global threat of growing importance, especially for Gram-negative bacteria with extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) or the novel New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) resistance. Starting from the antibacterial peptide apidaecin 1b, we have optimized the sequence to treat systemic infections with the most threatening human pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The lead compound Api88 enters bacteria without lytic effects at the membrane and inhibits chaperone DnaK at the substrate binding domain with a K(D) of 5 μmol/L. The Api88-DnaK crystal structure revealed that Api88 binds with a seven residue long sequence (PVYIPRP), in two different modes. Mice did not show any sign of toxicity when Api88 was injected four times intraperitoneally at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (BW) within 24 h, whereas three injections of 1.25 mg/kg BW and 5 mg/kg BW were sufficient to rescue all animals in lethal sepsis models using pathogenic E. coli strains ATCC 25922 and Neumann, respectively. Radioactive labeling showed that Api88 enters all organs investigated including the brain and is cleared through both the liver and kidneys at similar rates. In conclusion, Api88 is a novel, highly promising, 18-residue peptide lead compound with favorable in vitro and in vivo properties including a promising safety margin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sylvia Van Dorpe
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Gabriele Köhler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bart De Spiegeleer
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Oliver Nolte
- AiCuris GmbH & Co KG, Building 302, Wuppertal, Germany
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Siddiqui R, Iqbal J, Maugueret MJ, Khan NA. The role of Src kinase in the biology and pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:112. [PMID: 22676352 PMCID: PMC3431265 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acanthamoeba species are the causative agents of fatal granulomatous encephalitis in humans. Haematogenous spread is thought to be a primary step, followed by blood–brain barrier penetration, in the transmission of Acanthmaoeba into the central nervous system, but the associated molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the role of Src, a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase in the biology and pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba. Methods Amoebistatic and amoebicidal assays were performed by incubating amoeba in the presence of Src kinase-selective inhibitor, PP2 (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine) and its inactive analog, PP3 (4-amino-7-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine). Using this inhibitor, the role of Src kinase in A. castellanii interactions with Escherichia coli was determined. Zymographic assays were performed to study effects of Src kinase on extracellular proteolytic activities of A. castellanii. The human brain microvascular endothelial cells were used to determine the effects of Src kinase on A. castellanii adhesion to and cytotoxicity of host cells. Results Inhibition of Src kinase using a specific inhibitor, PP2 (4-amino-5-(4 chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidine) but not its inactive analog, PP3 (4-amino-7-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidine), had detrimental effects on the growth of A. castellanii (keratitis isolate, belonging to the T4 genotype). Interestingly, inhibition of Src kinase hampered the phagocytic ability of A. castellanii, as measured by the uptake of non-invasive bacteria, but, on the contrary, invasion by pathogenic bacteria was enhanced. Zymographic assays revealed that inhibition of Src kinases reduced extracellular protease activities of A. castellanii. Src kinase inhibition had no significant effect on A. castellanii binding to and cytotoxicity of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells, which constitute the blood–brain barrier. Conclusions For the first time, these findings demonstrated that Src kinase is involved in A. castellanii proliferation, protease secretions and phagocytic properties. Conversely, invasion of Acanthamoeba by pathogenic bacteria was stimulated by Src kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Bencurova E, Mlynarcik P, Bhide M. An insight into the ligand-receptor interactions involved in the translocation of pathogens across blood-brain barrier. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:297-318. [PMID: 22092557 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2011.00867.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Traversal of pathogen across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an essential step for central nervous system (CNS) invasion. Pathogen traversal can occur paracellularly, transcellularly, and/or in infected phagocytes (Trojan horse mechanism). To trigger the translocation processes, mainly through paracellular and transcellular ways, interactions between protein molecules of pathogen and BBB are inevitable. Simply, it takes two to tango: both host receptors and pathogen ligands. Underlying molecular basis of BBB translocation of various pathogens has been revealed in the last decade, and a plethora of experimental data on protein-protein interactions has been created. This review compiles these data and should give insights into the ligand-receptor interactions that occur during BBB translocation. Further, it sheds light on cell signaling events triggered in response to ligand-receptor interaction. Understanding of the molecular principles of pathogen-host interactions that are involved in traversal of the BBB should contribute to develop new vaccine and drug strategies to prevent CNS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bencurova
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovakia
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Revisiting the Acanthamoeba species that form star-shaped cysts (genotypes T7, T8, T9, and T17): characterization of seven new Brazilian environmental isolates and phylogenetic inferences. Parasitology 2011; 139:45-52. [PMID: 21943405 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011001648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are the agents of both opportunistic and non-opportunistic infections and are frequently isolated from the environment. Of the 17 genotypes (T1-T17) identified thus far, 4 (T7, T8, T9, and T17) accommodate the rarely investigated species of morphological group I, those that form large, star-shaped cysts. We report the isolation and characterization of 7 new Brazilian environmental Acanthamoeba isolates, all assigned to group I. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial (~1200 bp) SSU rRNA gene sequences placed the new isolates in the robustly supported clade composed of the species of morphological group I. One of the Brazilian isolates is closely related to A. comandoni (genotype T9), while the other 6, together with 2 isolates recently assigned to genotype T17, form a homogeneous, well-supported group (2·0% sequence divergence) that likely represents a new Acanthamoeba species. Thermotolerance, osmotolerance, and cytophatic effects, features often associated with pathogenic potential, were also examined. The results indicated that all 7 Brazilian isolates grow at temperatures up to 40°C, and resist under hyperosmotic conditions. Additionally, media conditioned by each of the new Acanthamoeba isolates induced the disruption of SIRC and HeLa cell monolayers.
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Chimelli L. A morphological approach to the diagnosis of protozoal infections of the central nervous system. PATHOLOGY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2011; 2011:290853. [PMID: 21785681 PMCID: PMC3140201 DOI: 10.4061/2011/290853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protozoal infections, though endemic to certain regions, can be seen all around the world, because of the increase in travel and migration. In addition, immunosuppression associated with various conditions, particularly with HIV infection, favors the occurrence of more severe manifestations and failure to respond to treatments. The CNS may be the only affected system; when not, it is often the most severely affected. Despite information obtained from clinical, laboratory, and imaging procedures that help to narrow the differential diagnosis of intracranial infections, there are cases that need confirmation with biopsy or autopsy. Predominant presentations are meningoencephalitis (trypanosomiasis), encephalopathy (cerebral malaria), or as single or multiple pseudotumoral enhancing lesions (toxoplasmosis, reactivated Chagas' disease). The immune reconstitution disease, resulting from enhancement of pathogen-specific immune responses after HAART, has altered the typical presentation of toxoplasmosis and microsporidiosis. In this paper, a morphological approach for the diagnosis of protozoal infections affecting the CNS (amoebiasis, cerebral malaria, toxoplasmosis, trypanosomiasis, and microsporidiosis) is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Chimelli
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-913 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Gavini E, Rassu G, Ferraro L, Generosi A, Rau JV, Brunetti A, Giunchedi P, Dalpiaz A. Influence of Chitosan Glutamate on the in vivo Intranasal Absorption of Rokitamycin from Microspheres. J Pharm Sci 2011; 100:1488-502. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.22382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Rocha-Azevedo BD, Jamerson M, Cabral GA, Marciano-Cabral F. Acanthamoeba culbertsoni: Analysis of amoebic adhesion and invasion on extracellular matrix components collagen I and laminin-1. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:79-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 08/12/2009] [Accepted: 08/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Acanthamoeba produces disseminated infection in locusts and traverses the locust blood-brain barrier to invade the central nervous system. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:186. [PMID: 20615207 PMCID: PMC2908093 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many aspects of Acanthamoeba granulomatous encephalitis remain poorly understood, including host susceptibility and chronic colonization which represent important features of the spectrum of host-pathogen interactions. Previous studies have suggested locusts as a tractable model in which to study Acanthamoeba pathogenesis. Here we determined the mode of parasite invasion of the central nervous system (CNS). Results Using Acanthamoeba isolates belonging to the T1 and T4 genotypes, the findings revealed that amoebae induced sickness behaviour in locusts, as evidenced by reduced faecal output and weight loss and, eventually, leading to 100% mortality. Significant degenerative changes of various tissues were observed by histological sectioning. Both isolates produced disseminated infection, with viable amoebae being recovered from various tissues. Histological examination of the CNS showed that Acanthamoeba invaded the locust CNS, and this is associated with disruption of the perineurium cell/glial cell complex, which constitutes the locust blood-brain barrier. Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate that Acanthamoeba invades locust brain by modulating the integrity of the insect's blood-brain barrier, a finding that is consistent with the human infection. These observations support the idea that locusts provide a tractable model to study Acanthamoeba encephalitis in vivo. In this way the locust model may generate potentially useful leads that can be tested subsequently in mammalian systems, thus replacing the use of vertebrates at an early stage, and reducing the numbers of mammals required overall.
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Acanthamoeba culbertsoni elicits soluble factors that exert anti-microglial cell activity. Infect Immun 2010; 78:4001-11. [PMID: 20605979 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00047-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba culbertsoni is an opportunistic pathogen that causes granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), a chronic and often fatal disease of the central nervous system (CNS). A hallmark of GAE is the formation of granulomas around the amoebae. These cellular aggregates consist of microglia, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, which produce a myriad of proinflammatory soluble factors. In the present study, it is demonstrated that A. culbertsoni secretes serine peptidases that degrade chemokines and cytokines produced by a mouse microglial cell line (BV-2 cells). Furthermore, soluble factors present in cocultures of A. culbertsoni and BV-2 cells, as well as in cocultures of A. culbertsoni and primary neonatal rat cerebral cortex microglia, induced apoptosis of these macrophage-like cells. Collectively, the results indicate that A. culbertsoni can apply a multiplicity of cell contact-independent modes to target macrophage-like cells that exert antiamoeba activities in the CNS.
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Elsheikha HM, Khan NA. Protozoa traversal of the blood–brain barrier to invade the central nervous system. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2010; 34:532-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2010.00215.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Acanthamoeba affects the integrity of human brain microvascular endothelial cells and degrades the tight junction proteins. Int J Parasitol 2009; 39:1611-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Magliano AC, da Silva FM, Teixeira MM, Alfieri SC. Genotyping, physiological features and proteolytic activities of a potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba sp. isolated from tap water in Brazil. Exp Parasitol 2009; 123:231-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 07/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ferreira GA, Magliano AC, Pral EM, Alfieri SC. Elastase secretion in Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Acta Trop 2009; 112:156-63. [PMID: 19632188 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are frequently isolated from soil and water collections. In the environment, the organisms multiply as phagotrophic trophozoites and encyst under adverse conditions. Several species are known to infect man, causing keratitis and opportunistic diseases. The mechanisms underlying tissue damage and invasion by the amoebae are being elucidated and the involvement of secreted peptidases, particularly serine peptidases, has been demonstrated. Here, elastase activity was examined in Acanthamoeba-conditioned medium (ACM), making use of elastin-Congo red (ECR) and synthetic peptide p-nitroanilide substrates. ACM hydrolysed ECR over a broad pH range and optimally at a pH of 7.5 and above. Indicating the activity of serine and metallopeptidases, Congo red release was potently inhibited by PMSF, antipain, chymostatin and 1,10-phenanthroline, partially reduced by elastatinal and EDTA, and unaffected by 1,7-phenanthroline and E-64. Screening with synthetic substrates mainly showed the activity of serine peptidases. ACM efficiently hydrolysed Suc-Ala(2)-Pro-Leu-pNA and Suc-Ala(2)-Pro-Phe-pNA over a broad pH range (7.0-9.5) and was weakly active against Suc-Ala(3)-pNA, a substrate found to be optimally hydrolysed at a pH around 7.0. Following ammonium sulfate precipitation of ACM proteins and FPLC analysis, the majority of the ECR-splitting activity, characterised as serine peptidases, bound to CM-sepharose and co-eluted with part of the Suc-Ala(2)-Pro-Phe-pNA-hydrolysing activity in a gradient of 0-0.6M NaCl. In the corresponding FPLC fractions, serine peptidases resolving in the region of 70-130kDa were detected in gelatin gels. Overall, the results demonstrate that trophozoites secrete elastases, and additionally suggest the high molecular weight serine peptidases as possible elastase candidates.
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