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Thomas L, Khan NA, Siddiqui R, Alawfi BS, Lloyd D. Cell death of Acanthamoeba castellanii following exposure to antimicrobial agents commonly included in contact lens disinfecting solutions. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:16. [PMID: 38060008 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08061-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Several antimicrobial agents are commonly included in contact lens disinfectant solutions including chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX), polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) or myristamidopropyl dimethylamine (MAPD); however, their mode of action, i.e. necrosis versus apoptosis is incompletely understood. Here, we determined whether a mechanism of cell death resembling that of apoptosis was present in Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype (NEFF) following exposure to the aforementioned antimicrobials using the anticoagulant annexin V that undergoes rapid high affinity binding to phosphatidylserine in the presence of calcium, making it a sensitive probe for phosphatidylserine exposure. The results revealed that under the conditions employed in this study, an apoptotic pathway of cell death in this organism at the tested conditions does not occur. Our findings suggest that necrosis is the likely mode of action; however, future mechanistic studies should be accomplished in additional experimental conditions to further comprehend the molecular mechanisms of cell death in Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Thomas
- Microbiology Research, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, P. O. Box 915, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Bader S Alawfi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Lloyd
- Microbiology Research, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, P. O. Box 915, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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Ahmed U, Ong SK, Khan KM, Siddiqui R, Khan NA, Shaikh MF, Alawfi BS, Anwar A. Effect of embelin on inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis in Acanthamoeba castellanii. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:360. [PMID: 37898989 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is the causative agent of fatal encephalitis and blinding keratitis. Current therapies remain a challenge, hence there is a need to search for new therapeutics. Here, we tested embelin (EMB) and silver nanoparticles doped with embelin (EMB-AgNPs) against A. castellanii. Using amoebicidal assays, the results revealed that both compounds inhibited the viability of Acanthamoeba, having an IC50 of 27.16 ± 0.63 and 13.63 ± 1.08 μM, respectively, while causing minimal cytotoxicity against HaCaT cells in vitro. The findings suggest that both samples induced apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated pathway. Differentially expressed genes analysis showed that 652 genes were uniquely expressed in treated versus untreated cells, out of which 191 were significantly regulated in the negative control vs. conjugate. Combining the analysis, seven genes (ARIH1, RAP1, H3, SDR16C5, GST, SRX1, and PFN) were highlighted as the most significant (Log2 (FC) value ± 4) for the molecular mode of action in vitro. The KEGG analysis linked most of the genes to apoptosis, the oxidative stress signaling pathway, cytochrome P450, Rap1, and the oxytocin signaling pathways. In summary, this study provides a thorough framework for developing therapeutic agents against microbial infections using EMB and EMB-AgNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seng-Kai Ong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Khalid Mohammed Khan
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bader Saleem Alawfi
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, 42353, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Baeshen NA, Almulaiky YQ, Afifi M, Al-Farga A, Ali HA, Baeshen NN, Abomughaid MM, Abdelazim AM, Baeshen MN. GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds Extracted from Plant Rhazya stricta Using Various Solvents. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:960. [PMID: 36840308 PMCID: PMC9967519 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, human beings have traditionally employed many folkloric herbal resources as complementary and alternative remedies, and these remedies have played a pivotal role in modern medicines for many decades, as scientists have used them to develop drugs. We studied the effects of employing solvents with varying polarity on the yields of phytochemical components extracted from the plant Rhazya stricta. We used chloroform-methanol (1:1), methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate as extraction solvents. The results showed that the efficiencies of the solvents at extracting phytochemical compounds were in this order: chloroform-methanol < ethanol < methanol < diethyl ether < ethyl acetate extract. The chloroform-methanol extract produced the highest concentration of phenolic and flavonoid contents among the five solvents tested (13.3 mg GAE/g DM and 5.43 CE/g DM). The yields of the extracted phytochemical compounds ranged from 47.55 to 6.05%. The results revealed that the properties of the extraction solvents considerably impacted the extraction yield and the phytochemical components of the R. stricta extract. Furthermore, compared with the other solvents, the chloroform-methanol extraction led to the highest yield (47.55%) and to more phytochemical substances being extracted. The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical compounds extracted from R. stricta with different solvents that have different polarities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabih A. Baeshen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaaser Q. Almulaiky
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts at Khulis, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21921, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Applied Science, Taiz University, Taiz 3191, Yemen
| | - Mohamed Afifi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar Al-Farga
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haytham A. Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naseebh N. Baeshen
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Arts at Khulais, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mosleh M. Abomughaid
- Laboratory Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aaser M. Abdelazim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammed N. Baeshen
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
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Gongolarones as antiamoeboid chemical scaffold. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114185. [PMID: 36916403 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Free Living Amoeba (FLA) infections caused by Acanthamoeba genus include chronic nervous system diseases such as Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE), or a severe eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Current studies focused on therapy against these diseases are aiming to find novel compounds with amoebicidal activity and low toxicity to human tissues. Brown algae, such as Gongolaria abies-marina (previously known as Cystoseira abies-marina, S.G. Gmelin), presents bioactive molecules of interest, including some with antiprotozoal activity. In this study, six meroterpenoids were isolated and purified from the species Gongolaria abies-marina. Gongolarones A (1), B (2) and C (3) were identified as new compounds. Additionally, cystomexicone B (4), 1'-methoxyamentadione (5) and 6Z-1'-methoxyamentadione (6) were isolated. All compounds exhibited amoebicidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff, A. polyphaga and A. griffini strains. Gongolarones A (1) and C (3) showed the lowest IC50 values against the two stages of these amoebae (trophozoite and cyst). Structure-activity relationship revealed that the cyclization by ether formation from C-12 to C-15 of 1, and the isomerization Δ2 t to Δ3 t of 3, increased the antiamoeboid activity of both compounds. Furthermore, gongolarones A (1) and C (3) triggered chromatin condensation, mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress, and disorganization of the tubulin-actin cytoskeleton in treated trophozoites. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images analysis revealed that compounds 1 and 3 induced autophagy process and inhibited the encystation process. All those results suggest that both compounds could induce programmed cell death (PCD) in Acanthamoeba.
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Goyal N, Barai A, Sen S, Kondabagil K. Amoebal Tubulin Cleavage Late during Infection Is a Characteristic Feature of Mimivirus but Not of Marseillevirus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0275322. [PMID: 36453900 PMCID: PMC9769910 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02753-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mimivirus and Marseillevirus infections of Acanthamoeba castellanii, like most other viral infections, induce cytopathic effects (CPE). The details of how they bring about CPE and to what extent and how they modify the host cytoskeletal network are unclear. In this study, we compared the rearrangement of the host cytoskeletal network induced by Mimivirus and Marseillevirus upon infection. We show that while both Mimivirus and Marseillevirus infections of A. castellanii cells cause retraction of acanthopodia and depolymerization of the host actin filament network, the Mimivirus infection also results in characteristic cleavage of the host tubulin, a phenomenon not previously reported with any intracellular pathogens. Furthermore, we show that the amoebal tubulin cleavage during Mimivirus infection is a post-replicative event. Because time-lapse microscopy showed that Mimivirus infection leads to the bursting of cells, releasing the virus, we hypothesize that tubulin cleavage together with actin depolymerization during the later stages of Mimivirus assembly is essential for cell lysis due to apoptotic/necrotic cell death. We also characterize the Mimivirus-encoded gp560, a Zn metalloprotease, however, the purified gp560 protein was unable to cleave the commercially available porcine brain tubulin. While protein synthesis is essential for causing the morphological changes in the case of Mimivirus, the proteins which are packaged in the viral capsid along with the genome are sufficient to induce CPE in the case of Marseillevirus. IMPORTANCE In general, intracellular pathogens target the cytoskeletal network to enable their life cycle inside the host. Pathogen-induced changes in the host cell morphology usually accompany global changes in the cytoskeleton resulting in cytopathic effects. While viruses have been shown to use the host actin cytoskeleton for entry and transport during early infection, the role of microtubules in the viral life cycle is only beginning to emerge. Here, we show that the giant viruses Mimivirus and Marseillevirus both induce depolymerization of the actin filament, Mimivirus also causes a characteristic cleavage of tubulin not previously reported for any intracellular pathogen. Because tubulin cleavage occurs late during infection, we hypothesize that tubulin cleavage aids in cell death and lysis rather than establishing infection. The different strategies used by viruses with similar host niches may help them survive in competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Goyal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Amlan Barai
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Shamik Sen
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Kiran Kondabagil
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
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Sifaoui I, Díaz-Rodríguez P, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Reyes-Batlle M, Lopez-Arencibia A, Salazar Villatoro L, Castelan-Ramírez I, Omaña-Molina M, Oliva A, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Pitavastatin loaded nanoparticles: a suitable ophthalmic treatment for Acanthamoeba Keratitis inducing cell death and autophagy in Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 180:11-22. [PMID: 36162636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Statins are effective sterol lowering agents with high amoebicidal activity. Nevertheless, due to their poor aqueous solubility, they remain underused especially in eye drop formulation. The aim of the present study is to develop Pitavastatin loaded nanoparticles suitable for ophthalmic administration and designed for the management of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. These nanocarriers are aimed to solve both the ophthalmic route-associated problems and the limited aqueous drug solubility issues of Pitavastatin. Nanoparticles were obtained by a nanoprecipitation-solvent displacement method and their amoebicidal activity was evaluated against four strains of Acanthamoeba: A. castellanii Neff, A. polyphaga, A. griffini and A. quina. In Acanthamoeba polyphaga, the effect of the present nanoparticles was investigated with respect to the microtubule distribution and several programmed cell death features. Nanoparticles were able to eliminate all the tested strains and Acanthamoeba polyphaga was determined to be the most resistance strain. Nanoparticles induced chromatin condensation, autophagic vacuoles and mitochondria dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)
| | - Patricia Díaz-Rodríguez
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, 38320 La Laguna, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rubén L Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)
| | - Atteneri Lopez-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)
| | - Lizbeth Salazar Villatoro
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ismael Castelan-Ramírez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Medicina, UNAM, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, México
| | - Maritza Omaña-Molina
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alexis Oliva
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206 La Laguna, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET); CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET); CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Boonhok R, Sangkanu S, Phumjan S, Jongboonjua R, Sangnopparat N, Kwankaew P, Tedasen A, Lim CL, Pereira MDL, Rahmatullah M, Wilairatana P, Wiart C, Dolma KG, Paul AK, Gupta M, Nissapatorn V. Curcumin effect on Acanthamoeba triangularis encystation under nutrient starvation. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13657. [PMID: 35811814 PMCID: PMC9261923 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Curcumin is an active compound derived from turmeric, Curcuma longa, and is known for its benefits to human health. The amoebicidal activity of curcumin against Acanthamoeba triangularis was recently discovered. However, a physiological change of intracellular pathways related to A. triangularis encystation mechanism, including autophagy in the surviving amoeba after curcumin treatment, has never been reported. This study aims to investigate the effect of curcumin on the survival of A. triangularis under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition, as well as to evaluate the A. triangularis encystation and a physiological change of Acanthamoeba autophagy at the mRNA level. Methods In this study, A. triangularis amoebas were treated with a sublethal dose of curcumin under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition and the surviving amoebas was investigated. Cysts formation and vacuolization were examined by microscopy and transcriptional expression of autophagy-related genes and other encystation-related genes were evaluated by real-time PCR. Results A. triangularis cysts were formed under nutrient starvation. However, in the presence of the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the percentage of cysts was significantly reduced. Interestingly, in the presence of curcumin, most of the parasites remained in the trophozoite stage in both the starvation and nutrient-rich condition. In vacuolization analysis, the percentage of amoebas with enlarged vacuole was increased upon starvation. However, the percentage was significantly declined in the presence of curcumin and 3-MA. Molecular analysis of A. triangularis autophagy-related (ATG) genes showed that the mRNA expression of the ATG genes, ATG3, ATG8b, ATG12, ATG16, under the starvation with curcumin was at a basal level along the treatment. The results were similar to those of the curcumin-treated amoebas under a nutrient-rich condition, except AcATG16 which increased later. On the other hand, mRNA expression of encystation-related genes, cellulose synthase and serine proteinase, remained unchanged during the first 18 h, but significantly increased at 24 h post treatment. Conclusion Curcumin inhibits cyst formation in surviving trophozoites, which may result from its effect on mRNA expression of key Acanthamoeba ATG-related genes. However, further investigation into the mechanism of curcumin in A. triangularis trophozoites arrest and its association with autophagy or other encystation-related pathways is needed to support the future use of curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suganya Phumjan
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Ramita Jongboonjua
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Nawarat Sangnopparat
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Pattamaporn Kwankaew
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Aman Tedasen
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chooi Ling Lim
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Rachathewee, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Christophe Wiart
- The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Karma G. Dolma
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim, India
| | - Alok K. Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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8
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Ahmed U, Ho KY, Simon SE, Saad SM, Ong SK, Anwar A, Tan KO, Sridewi N, Khan KM, Khan NA, Anwar A. Potential anti-acanthamoebic effects through inhibition of CYP51 by novel quinazolinones. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106440. [PMID: 35378058 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are free living amoebae which can give rise to Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. The surface of Acanthamoeba contains ergosterol which is an important target for drug development against eukaryotic microorganisms. A library of ten functionally diverse quinazolinone derivatives (Q1-Q10) were synthesised to assess their activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii T4. The in-vitro effectiveness of these quinazolinones were investigated against Acanthamoeba castellanii by amoebicidal, excystation, host cell cytopathogenicity, and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase assays. Furthermore, wound healing capability was assessed at different time durations. Maximum inhibition at 50 μg/mL was recorded for compounds Q5, Q6 and Q8, while the compound Q3 did not exhibit amoebicidal effects at tested concentrations. Moreover, LDH assay was conducted to assess the cytotoxicity of quinazolinones against HaCaT cell line. The results of wound healing assay revealed that all compounds are not cytotoxic and are likely to promote wound healing at 10 μg/mL. The excystation assays revealed that these compounds significantly inhibit the morphological transformation of A. castellanii. Compound Q3, Q7 and Q8 elevated the level of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase up to five folds. Sterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51) a reference enzyme in ergosterol pathway was used as a potential target for anti-amoebic drugs. In this study using i-Tasser, the protein structure of Acanthamoeba castellanii (AcCYP51) was developed in comparison with Naegleria fowleri protein (NfCYP51) structure. The sequence alignment of both proteins has shown 42.72% identity. Compounds Q1-Q10 were then molecularly docked with the predicted AcCYP51. Out of ten quinazolinones, three compounds (Q3, Q7 and Q8) showed good binding activity within 3 Å of TYR 114. The in-silico study confirmed that these compounds are the inhibitor of CYP51 target site. This report presents several potential lead compounds belonging to quinazolinone derivatives for drug discovery against Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Keat-Yie Ho
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Samson Eugin Simon
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Seng-Kai Ong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Areeba Anwar
- Faculty of Defence Science and Technology, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kuan Onn Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nanthini Sridewi
- Faculty of Defence Science and Technology, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khalid Mohammed Khan
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, University City, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
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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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The promising antischistosomal activity of oleic acid-loaded polymeric nanocapsules for oral administration. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Wang Z, Wu D, Tachibana H, Feng M, Cheng XJ. Identification and biochemical characterisation of Acanthamoeba castellanii cysteine protease 3. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:592. [PMID: 33228764 PMCID: PMC7685649 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoeba that are ubiquitously distributed in the environment. This study examines pathogenic Acanthamoeba cysteine proteases (AcCPs) belonging to the cathepsin L-family and explores the mechanism of AcCP3 interaction with host cells. METHODS Six AcCP genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyse the relative mRNA expression of AcCPs during the encystation process and between pre- and post-reactivated trophozoites. To further verify the role of AcCP3 in these processes, AcCP3 recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the hydrolytic activity of AcCP3 was determined. The influence of the AcCP3 on the hydrolytic activity of trophozoites and the toxicity of trophozoites to human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) was examined by inhibiting AcCP3 expression using siRNA. Furthermore, the levels of p-Raf and p-Erk were examined in HCECs following coculture with AcCP3 gene knockdown trophozoites by Western blotting. RESULTS During encystation, five out of six AcCPs exhibited decreased expression, and only AcCP6 was substantially up-regulated at the mRNA level, indicating that most AcCPs were not directly correlated to encystation. Furthermore, six AcCPs exhibited increased expression level following trophozoite reactivation with HEp-2 cells, particularly AcCP3, indicating that these AcCPs might be virulent factors. After refolding of recombinant AcCP3 protein, the 27 kDa mature protein from the 34 kDa pro-protein hydrolysed host haemoglobin, collagen and albumin and showed high activity in an acidic environment. After AcCP3 knockdown, the hydrolytic activity of trophozoite crude protein against gelatin was decreased, suggesting that these trophozoites had decreased toxicity. Compared with untreated trophozoites or negative control siRNA-treated trophozoites, AcCP3-knockdown trophozoites were less able to penetrate and damage monolayers of HCECs. Western blot analysis showed that the activation levels of the Ras/Raf/Erk/p53 signalling pathways in HCECs decreased after inhibiting the expression of trophozoite AcCP3. CONCLUSIONS AcCP6 was correlated to encystation. Furthermore, AcCP3 was a virulent factor in trophozoites and participated in the activation of the Ras/Raf/Erk/p53 signalling pathways of host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Duo Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hiroshi Tachibana
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Meng Feng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xun-Jia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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12
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Anwar A, Khan NA, Siddiqui R. Repurposing of Drugs Is a Viable Approach to Develop Therapeutic Strategies against Central Nervous System Related Pathogenic Amoebae. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2378-2384. [PMID: 32073257 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-eating amoebae including Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris cause rare infections of the central nervous system that almost always result in death. The high mortality rate, lack of interest for drug development from pharmaceutical industries, and no available effective drugs present an alarming challenge. The current drugs employed in the management and therapy of these devastating diseases are amphotericin B, miltefosine, chlorhexidine, pentamidine, and voriconazole which are generally used in combination. However, clinical evidence shows that these drugs have limited efficacy and high host cell cytotoxicity. Repurposing of drugs is a practical approach to utilize commercially available, U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved drugs for one disease against rare diseases caused by brain-eating amoebae. In this Perspective, we highlight some of the success stories of drugs repositioned against neglected parasitic diseases and identify future potential for effective and sustainable drug development against brain-eating amoebae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Rajendran K, Anwar A, Khan NA, Aslam Z, Raza Shah M, Siddiqui R. Oleic Acid Coated Silver Nanoparticles Showed Better in Vitro Amoebicidal Effects against Naegleria fowleri than Amphotericin B. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2431-2437. [PMID: 31347828 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) which almost always results in death. N. fowleri is also known as "brain-eating amoeba" due to its literal infestation of the brain leading to an inflammatory response in the brain tissues. Currently, there is no single drug that is available to treat PAM, and most treatments are combinations of antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Recently nanotechnology has gained attention in chemotherapeutic research converging on drug delivery, while oleic acid (OA) has shown positive effects on the human immune system and inflammatory processes. In continuation of our recent research in which we reported the effects of oleic acid conjugated with silver nanoparticles (OA-AgNPs) against free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, in this report, we show their antiamoebic effects against N. fowleri. OA alone and its nanoconjugates were tested against the amoeba by using amoebicidal and host cell cytopathogenicity assays. Trypan blue exclusion assay was used to determine cell viability. The results revealed that OA-AgNPs exhibited significantly enhanced antiamoebic effects (P < 0.05) against N. fowleri as compared to OA alone. Evidently, lactate dehydrogenase release shows reduced N. fowleri-mediated host cell cytotoxicity. Based on our study, we anticipate that further studies on OA-AgNPs could potentially provide an alternative treatment of PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Rajendran
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zara Aslam
- HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Raza Shah
- HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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Antiamoebic activity of 3-aryl-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4(3H)-one library against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2327-2335. [PMID: 32476058 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living amoeba which can cause a blinding keratitis and fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. The treatment of Acanthamoeba infections is challenging due to formation of cyst. Quinazolinones are medicinally important scaffold against parasitic diseases. A library of nineteen new 3-aryl-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives was synthesized to evaluate their antiamoebic activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii. One-pot synthesis of 3-aryl-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4(3H)-ones (1-19) was achieved by reaction of 2-amino-4,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid, trimethoxymethane, and different substituted anilines. These compounds were purified and characterized by standard chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Antiacanthamoebic activity of these compounds was determined by amoebicidal, encystation, excystation and host cell cytopathogenicity in vitro assays at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL. The IC50 was found to be between 100 and 50 μg/mL for all the compounds except compound 5 which did not exhibit amoebicidal effects at these concentrations. Furthermore, lactate dehydrogenase assay was also performed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of these compounds against human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The results revealed that eighteen out of nineteen derivatives of quinazolinones significantly decreased the viability of A. castellanii. Furthermore, eighteen out of nineteen tested compounds inhibited the encystation and excystation, as well as significantly reduced the A. castellanii-mediated cytopathogenicity against human cells. Interestingly, while tested against human normal cell line HaCaT keratinocytes, all compounds did not exhibit any overt cytotoxicity. Furthermore, a detailed structure-activity relationship is also studied to optimize the most potent hit from these synthetic compounds. This report presents several potential lead compounds belonging to 3-aryl-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives for drug discovery against infections caused by Acanthamoeba castellanii.
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Anwar A, Siddiqui R, Khan NA. Whole Organism Model to Study Molecular Mechanisms of Differentiation and Dedifferentiation. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E79. [PMID: 32316619 PMCID: PMC7235994 DOI: 10.3390/biology9040079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer recurrence has remained a significant challenge, despite advances in therapeutic approaches. In part, this is due to our incomplete understanding of the biology of cancer stem cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The phenomenon of differentiation and dedifferentiation (phenotypic switching) is not only unique to stem cells but it is also observed in several other organisms, as well as evolutionary-related microbes. Here, we propose the use of a primitive eukaryotic unicellular organism, Acanthamoeba castellanii, as a model to study the molecular mechanisms of cellular differentiation and dedifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeba Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City 26666, UAE;
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City 26666, UAE;
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Anwar A, Abdalla SAO, Aslam Z, Shah MR, Siddiqui R, Khan NA. Oleic acid-conjugated silver nanoparticles as efficient antiamoebic agent against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2295-2304. [PMID: 31093751 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype is an opportunistic pathogen which is associated with blinding eye keratitis and rare but fatal central nervous system infection. A. castellanii pose serious challenges in antimicrobial chemotherapy due to its ability to convert into resistant, hardy shell-protected cyst form that leads to infection recurrence. The fatty acid composition of A. castellanii trophozoites is known to be most abundant in oleic acid which chemically is an unsaturated cis-9-Octadecanoic acid and naturally found in animal and vegetable fats and oils. This study was designed to evaluate antiacanthamoebic effects of oleic acid against trophozoites, cysts as well as parasite-mediated host cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, oleic acid-conjugated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were also synthesized and tested against A. castellanii. Oleic acid-AgNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction method and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Viability, growth inhibition, encystation, and excystation assays were performed with 10 and 5 μM concentration of oleic acid alone and oleic acid-conjugated AgNPs. Bioassays revealed that oleic acid alone and oleic acid-conjugated AgNPs exhibited significant antiamoebic properties, whereas nanoparticle conjugation further enhanced the efficacy of oleic acid. Phenotype differentiation assays also showed significant inhibition of encystation and excystation at 5 μM. Furthermore, oleic acid and oleic acid-conjugated AgNPs also inhibited amoebae-mediated host cell cytotoxicity as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release. These findings for the first time suggest that oleic acid-conjugated AgNPs exhibit antiacanthamoebic activity that hold potential for therapeutic applications against A. castellanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Zara Aslam
- HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Raza Shah
- HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Samba-Louaka A, Delafont V, Rodier MH, Cateau E, Héchard Y. Free-living amoebae and squatters in the wild: ecological and molecular features. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:415-434. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Free-living amoebae are protists frequently found in water and soils. They feed on other microorganisms, mainly bacteria, and digest them through phagocytosis. It is accepted that these amoebae play an important role in the microbial ecology of these environments. There is a renewed interest for the free-living amoebae since the discovery of pathogenic bacteria that can resist phagocytosis and of giant viruses, underlying that amoebae might play a role in the evolution of other microorganisms, including several human pathogens. Recent advances, using molecular methods, allow to bring together new information about free-living amoebae. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly gathered insights into (1) the free-living amoeba diversity, assessed with molecular tools, (2) the gene functions described to decipher the biology of the amoebae and (3) their interactions with other microorganisms in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ascel Samba-Louaka
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
| | - Vincent Delafont
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Rodier
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU La Milétrie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Estelle Cateau
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU La Milétrie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Yann Héchard
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
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18
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Yim B, Park JH, Jeong H, Hong J, Kim M, Chang M, Chuck RS, Park CY. Effect of Nitric Oxide on Acanthamoeba castellanii. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3239-3248. [PMID: 29971441 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-23786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Acanthamoeba keratitis is a well-known intractable corneal infectious disease. We investigated the anti-Acanthamoeba effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO). Methods Acanthamoeba castellanii was axenically cultured and exposed to various concentrations of NO donors, such as sodium nitrite, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and NO-releasing silica nanoparticles (coated in branched polyethylene imine, size:100 nm), for 1 to 7 days (sodium nitrite and SNP: 0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μM; silica nanoparticles: 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL). Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were cultured and exposed to sodium nitrite, SNP (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μM), and silica nanoparticles for 1, 2, and 3 days. Results Sodium nitrite and SNP showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on A. castellanii viability. A more prominent inhibitory effect was observed with SNP (less than 10% of organisms survived at 7-day culture with 1000 μM) compared with sodium nitrite. However, more cytotoxicity on HCEC was observed with SNP. NO-releasing silica nanoparticles were successfully internalized into the amoebic cytoplasm and accumulated in large vacuoles. Although blank silica nanoparticles had no inhibitory effect on A. castellanii viability, NO-releasing silica nanoparticles showed a dose-dependent amoebicidal effect. Furthermore, no cystic transformation of A. castellanii was observed under a phase contrast microscope or transmission electron microscope after exogenous NO treatment. Conclusions Our results demonstrated the anti-Acanthamoeba effect of exogenous NO. This finding suggests that NO-releasing drug platforms, including nano-carriers, can be a promising therapeutic strategy for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Yim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Joo-Hee Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Hyejoong Jeong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinkee Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Martha Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Minwook Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Roy S Chuck
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Choul Yong Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
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Wu D, Feng M, Wang ZX, Qiao K, Tachibana H, Cheng XJ. Molecular and biochemical characterization of key enzymes in the cysteine and serine metabolic pathways of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:604. [PMID: 30477573 PMCID: PMC6257972 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acanthamoeba spp. can cause serious human infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and cutaneous acanthamoebiasis. Cysteine biosynthesis and the L-serine metabolic pathway play important roles in the energy metabolism of Acanthamoeba spp. However, no study has confirmed the functions of cysteine synthase (AcCS) in the cysteine pathway and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (AcGDH) or phosphoserine aminotransferase (AcSPAT) in the non-phosphorylation serine metabolic pathway of Acanthamoeba. Methods The AcCS, AcGDH and AcSPAT genes were amplified by PCR, and their recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. Polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant proteins were prepared in mice and used to determine the subcellular localisation of each native protein by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The enzymatic activity of each recombinant protein was also analysed. Furthermore, each gene expression level was analysed by quantitative PCR after treatment with different concentrations of cysteine or L-serine. Results The AcCS gene encodes a 382-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 43.1 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 8.11. The AcGDH gene encodes a 350-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 39.1 kDa and a pI of 5.51. The AcSPAT gene encodes a 354-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 38.3 kDa and a pI of 6.26. Recombinant AcCS exhibited a high cysteine synthesis activity using O-acetylserine and Na2S as substrates. Both GDH and SPAT catalysed degradation, rather than synthesis, of serine. Exogenous L-serine or cysteine inhibited the expression of all three enzymes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conclusions This study demonstrated that AcCS participates in cysteine biosynthesis and serine degradation via the non-phosphorylation serine metabolic pathway, providing a molecular basis for the discovery of novel anti-Acanthamoeba drugs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3188-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Meng Feng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ke Qiao
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hiroshi Tachibana
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Xun-Jia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ascel Samba-Louaka
- a Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers , UMR CNRS 7267 , Poitiers , France
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