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Yan M, Liu H, Su Y, Bi X, Yang N, Lin R, Lü G. Inhibition of AMPK activation in Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto limits the parasite's glucose metabolism and survival. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0120223. [PMID: 38349157 PMCID: PMC10916388 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01202-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by larvae of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster. There is an urgent need to develop new drug targets and drug molecules to treat CE. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a serine/threonine protein kinase consisting of α, β, and γ subunits, plays a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, the role of AMPK in regulating glucose metabolism in E. granulosus s.l. and its effects on parasite viability is unknown. In this study, we found that targeted knockdown of EgAMPKα or a small-molecule AMPK inhibitor inhibited the viability of E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and disrupted the ultrastructure. The results of in vivo experiments showed that the AMPK inhibitor had a significant therapeutic effect on E. granulosus s.s.-infected mice and resulted in the loss of cellular structures of the germinal layer. In addition, the inhibition of the EgAMPK/EgGLUT1 pathway limited glucose uptake and glucose metabolism functions in E. granulosus s.s.. Overall, our results suggest that EgAMPK can be a potential drug target for CE and that inhibition of EgAMPK activation is an effective strategy for the treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yansen Su
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
- Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojuan Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guodong Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Selles SMA, Belhamiti BT, Kouidri M, Ait Amrane A, Kadari Y, Kaddour Z, Kabrit S. Chemical compounds, antioxidant and scolicidal potencies of Thymus fontanesii essential oil. Exp Parasitol 2024; 257:108699. [PMID: 38199324 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108699] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Medicinal plants have become a source of new drugs to treat various diseases due to their low cost, few side effects, and wide accessibility. Among these, essential oils are promising natural compounds for use in scolicidal activity. The targets of our current work were to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant and protoscolicidal activities of Thymus fontanesii essential oil. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and chemical compounds were quantified by GC-MS/GC-FID. The in vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing power. Three concentrations of essential oil (4.625, 9.25, and 13.875 mg/ml) were tested for 5, 10, and 15 min against E. granulosus protoscoleces and their viability was assessed by eosin staining essay. The yield of the essential oil was 2.06 ± 0.41 % (w/w). Carvacrol (59.68 %) was the main compound of Thymus fontanesii essential oils. Moreover, Thymus fontanesii essential oil has an antioxidant activity IC50 of 346.08 μg/ml and EC50 of 869.82 μg/ml. Furthermore, 100 % mortality of protoscoleces was observed at the doses of 9.25 mg/ml and 13.875 mg/ml after 5 min of exposure. Our findings show a potency of antioxidant and protoscolicidal activities against protoscoleces of E. granulosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidi Mohammed Ammar Selles
- Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria; Laboratory of Research on Local Animal Products, Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria.
| | - Belkacem Tahar Belhamiti
- Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria; Laboratory of Research on Local Animal Products, Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Mokhtaria Kouidri
- Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria; Laboratory of Farm Animal Products, Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Amar Ait Amrane
- Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria; Laboratory of Research on Local Animal Products, Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Yamina Kadari
- Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria; Laboratory of Farm Animal Products, Veterinary Sciences Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Zohra Kaddour
- Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, 14000, Algeria
| | - Souad Kabrit
- Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, 14000, Algeria
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Nicolao MC, Rodrigues CR, Coccimiglio MB, Ledo C, Docena GH, Cumino AC. Characterization of protein cargo of Echinococcus granulosus extracellular vesicles in drug response and its influence on immune response. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:255. [PMID: 37516852 PMCID: PMC10387209 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05854-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species complex causes cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic disease of medical importance. Parasite-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are involved in the interaction with hosts intervening in signal transduction related to parasite proliferation and disease pathogenesis. Although the characteristics of sEVs from E. granulosus protoscoleces and their interaction with host dendritic cells (DCs) have been described, the effect of sEVs recovered during parasite pharmacological treatment on the immune response remains unexplored. METHODS Here, we isolated and characterized sEVs from control and drug-treated protoscoleces by ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and proteomic analysis. In addition, we evaluated the cytokine response profile induced in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) by qPCR. RESULTS The isolated sEVs, with conventional size between 50 and 200 nm, regardless of drug treatment, showed more than 500 cargo proteins and, importantly, 20 known antigens and 70 potential antigenic proteins, and several integral-transmembrane and soluble proteins mainly associated with signal transduction, immunomodulation, scaffolding factors, extracellular matrix-anchoring, and lipid transport. The identity and abundance of proteins in the sEV-cargo from metformin- and albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO)-treated parasites were determined by proteomic analysis, detecting 107 and eight exclusive proteins, respectively, which include proteins related to the mechanisms of drug action. We also determined that the interaction of murine BMDCs with sEVs derived from control parasites and those treated with ABZSO and metformin increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 compared to control cells. Additionally, protoscolex-derived vesicles from metformin treatments induced the production of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10. However, the expression of IL-23 and TGF-β was downregulated. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that sEV-cargo derived from drug-treated E. granulosus protoscoleces have immunomodulatory functions, as they enhance DC activation towards a type 1 pro-inflammatory profile against the parasite, and therefore support the proposal of a new approach for the prevention and treatment of secondary echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Celeste Nicolao
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christian Rodriguez Rodrigues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Magalí B Coccimiglio
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Camila Ledo
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Guillermo H Docena
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea C Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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Li J, Yang Y, Han X, Li J, Tian M, Qi W, An H, Wu C, Zhang Y, Han S, Duan L, Wang W, Zhang W. Oral Delivery of Anti-Parasitic Agent-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: Enhanced Liver Targeting and Improved Therapeutic Effect on Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:3069-3085. [PMID: 37312930 PMCID: PMC10259527 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s397526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a lethal parasitic disease caused by infection with the metacestode of the dog/fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, which primarily affects the liver. Although continued efforts have been made to find new drugs against this orphan and neglected disease, the current treatment options remain limited, with drug delivery considered a likely barrier for successful treatment. Methods Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained much attention in the field of drug delivery due to their potential to improve delivery efficiency and targetability. In this study, biocompatible PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating a novel carbazole aminoalcohol anti-AE agent (H1402) were prepared to promote the delivery of the parent drug to liver tissue for treating hepatic AE. Results H1402-loaded nanoparticles (H1402-NPs) had a uniform spherical shape and a mean particle size of 55 nm. Compound H1402 was efficiently encapsulated into PLGA NPs with a maximal encapsulation efficiency of 82.1% and drug loading content of 8.2%. An in vitro uptake assay demonstrated that H1402-NPs rapidly penetrated the in vitro cultured pre-cyst wall and extensively accumulated in the pre-cysts of E. multilocularis within only 1 h. The biodistribution profile of H1402-NPs determined through ex vivo fluorescence imaging revealed significantly enhanced liver distribution compared to unencapsulated H1402, which translated to improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity (especially hepatotoxicity and cytotoxicity) in a hepatic AE murine model. Following a 30-day oral regimen (100 mg/kg/day), H1402-NPs significantly reduced the parasitic burden in both the parasite mass (liver and metacestode total weight, 8.8%) and average metacestode size (89.9%) compared to unmedicated infected mice (both p-values < 0.05); the treatment outcome was more effective than those of albendazole- and free H1402-treated individuals. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the advantages of encapsulating H1402 into PLGA nanoparticles and highlight the potential of H1402-NPs as a promising liver-targeting therapeutic strategy for hepatic AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yangyang Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiumin Han
- Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengxiao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huniu An
- Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanchuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuai Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Duan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weisi Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
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Alifu N, Yan T, Li J, Zhu L, Aini A, Amuti S, Wu J, Qi W, Guo G, Zhang W, Zhang X. NIR-II fluorescence microscopic bioimaging for intrahepatic angiography and the early detection of Echinococcus multilocularis microlesions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1157852. [PMID: 37152649 PMCID: PMC10154522 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1157852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis, which shows characteristics of malignant tumors with high mortality. However, traditional diagnostic imaging methods are still not sufficient for the recognition of HAE microlesions in the early stages. Near-infrared-II (900-1700 nm, NIR-II) fluorescence microscopic imaging (NIR-II-FMI) has shown great potential for biomedical detection. A novel type of negative target imaging method based on NIR-II-FMI with the assistance of indocyanine green (ICG) was explored. Then, NIR-II-FMI was applied to the early detection of HAE for the first time. The negative targeting NIR-II fluorescence imaging of HAE-infected mice at different stages with the assistance of ICG under 808 nm of laser irradiation was obtained. Especially, HAE microlesions at the early stage were detected clearly. Moreover, clear intrahepatic angiography was achieved under the same NIR-II-FMI system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuernisha Alifu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, School of Medical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- *Correspondence: Nuernisha Alifu, ; Wenbao Zhang, ; Xueliang Zhang,
| | - Ting Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, School of Medical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Causes and Prevention of High Morbidity in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital/Institute of Clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, School of Medical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Abudusalamu Aini
- State Key Laboratory of Causes and Prevention of High Morbidity in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital/Institute of Clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Siyiti Amuti
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Juan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Causes and Prevention of High Morbidity in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital/Institute of Clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Wenjing Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Causes and Prevention of High Morbidity in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital/Institute of Clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Gang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Causes and Prevention of High Morbidity in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital/Institute of Clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Causes and Prevention of High Morbidity in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital/Institute of Clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- *Correspondence: Nuernisha Alifu, ; Wenbao Zhang, ; Xueliang Zhang,
| | - Xueliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, School of Medical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- *Correspondence: Nuernisha Alifu, ; Wenbao Zhang, ; Xueliang Zhang,
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Xin Q, Lv W, Xu Y, Luo Y, Zhao C, Wang B, Yuan M, Li H, Song X, Jing T. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose and combined 2-Deoxy-D-glucose/albendazole exhibit therapeutic efficacy against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and experimental alveolar echinococcosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010618. [PMID: 35849619 PMCID: PMC9333451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analog used as a promising anticancer agent. It exerts its effects by inhibiting the glycolytic energy metabolism to deplete cells of energy. The larval stage of Echinococcus relies on glycolysis for energy production. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of 2-DG against the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis. 2-DG exhibited significant time- and dose-dependent effects against in vitro cultured E. granulosus protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes. A daily oral administration of 500 mg/kg 2-DG in E. multilocularis-infected mice effectively reduced the weight of metacestodes. Notably, the combination treatment, either 2-DG (500 mg/kg/day) + albendazole (ABZ) (200 mg/kg/day) or 2-DG (500 mg/kg/day) + half-dose of ABZ (100 mg/kg/day), exhibited a potent therapeutic effect against E. multilocularis, significantly promoting the reduction of metacestodes weight compared with the administration of 2-DG or ABZ alone. Furthermore, the combination significantly promoted apoptosis of the cells of metacestodes and inhibited glycolysis in metacestodes, compared with the administration of 2-DG or ABZ alone. In conclusion, 2-DG exerts an effective activity against the larval stage of Echinococcus. Thus, it may be a promising anti-Echinococcus drug, and its combination with ABZ may provide a new strategy for the treatment of echinococcosis in humans. Echinococcosis is a serious but neglected helminthic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis. At present, clinical pharmacotherapy of echinococcosis, such as albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole, has limited effectiveness. Thus, the development of novel therapeutic drugs for human echinococcosis is urgently needed. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analog used as a promising anticancer agent, and it exerts its effects by inhibiting the glycolytic energy metabolism to deplete cells of energy. Echinococcus in the host depends on glycolysis for energy production and glycolysis intermediates for other metabolic processes. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the efficacy of 2-DG against Echinococcus. 2-DG exerted an effective in vitro and in vivo activity against E. granulosus protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes, and the combination of this drug with ABZ further improved the therapeutic effect. Therefore, 2-DG can be developed as a promising anti-Echinococcus drug, and its combination with ABZ may provide a new strategy for the treatment of human echinococcosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- * E-mail: (QX); (TJ)
| | - Wei Lv
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunxi Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumei Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Caifang Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bichen Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanping Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- * E-mail: (QX); (TJ)
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7
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Wang S, Ma Y, Wang W, Dai Y, Sun H, Li J, Wang S, Li F. Status and prospect of novel treatment options toward alveolar and cystic echinococcosis. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106252. [PMID: 34808118 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are the two most important global parasitic infectious diseases caused by species of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively. Although numerous trials have been performed in search of novel therapeutic options to curb the neglected zoonosis, no other nonsurgical options are currently available to replace the licensed anti echinococcal drugs albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole (MBZ). A safer and more effective treatment plan for echinococcosis is therefore urgently needed to compensate for this therapeutic shortfall. Here, we present a review of the literature for state-of-the-art valuable anti-parasitic compounds and novel strategies that have proved effective against CE and AE, which includes details about the pharmaceutical type, practical approach, experimental plan, model application and protoscolecidal effects in vivo and in vitro. The content includes the current application of traditional clinical chemicals, the preparation of new compounds with various drug loadings, repurposing findings, combined programs, the prospects for Chinese herbal medicines, non-drug administrations and the exploration of target inhibitors based on open-source information for parasitic genes. Next the conventional experimental projects and pharmacodynamic evaluation methods are systematically summarized and evaluated. The demands to optimize the construction of the echinococcosis model and improve the dynamic monitoring method in vivo are also discussed given the shortcomings of in vivo models and monitoring methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yibo Ma
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Weishan Wang
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yi Dai
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Haohao Sun
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jing Li
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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8
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Pepe G, Sfogliarini C, Rizzello L, Battaglia G, Pinna C, Rovati G, Ciana P, Brunialti E, Mornata F, Maggi A, Locati M, Vegeto E. ERα-independent NRF2-mediated immunoregulatory activity of tamoxifen. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112274. [PMID: 34653752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in immune-mediated diseases are linked to the activity of estrogens on innate immunity cells, including macrophages. Tamoxifen (TAM) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used in estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα)-dependent breast cancers and off-target indications such as infections, although the immune activity of TAM and its active metabolite, 4-OH tamoxifen (4HT), is poorly characterized. Here, we aimed at investigating the endocrine and immune activity of these SERMs in macrophages. Using primary cultures of female mouse macrophages, we analyzed the expression of immune mediators and activation of effector functions in competition experiments with SERMs and 17β-estradiol (E2) or the bacterial endotoxin LPS. We observed that 4HT and TAM induce estrogen antagonist effects when used at nanomolar concentrations, while pharmacological concentrations that are reached by TAM in clinical settings regulate the expression of VEGFα and other immune activation genes by ERα- and G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPER1)-independent mechanisms that involve NRF2 through PI3K/Akt-dependent mechanisms. Importantly, we observed that SERMs potentiate cell phagocytosis and modify the effects of LPS on the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα and IL1β, with an overall increase in cell inflammatory phenotype, further sustained by potentiation of IL1β secretion through caspase-1 activation. Altogether, our data unravel a novel molecular mechanism and immune functions for TAM and 4HT, sustaining their repurposing in infective and other estrogen receptors-unrelated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Pepe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Sfogliarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Loris Rizzello
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; National Institute of Molecular Genetics (INGM) Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Chemistry and; The EPSRC/Jeol Centre for Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy, University College London, WC1H 0AJ London, U.K; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Physics of Living System, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, U.K; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Pinna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Electra Brunialti
- Department of Health Sciences University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Mornata
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Locati
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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9
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Cervantes-Candelas LA, Aguilar-Castro J, Buendía-González FO, Fernández-Rivera O, Cervantes-Sandoval A, Morales-Montor J, Legorreta-Herrera M. Tamoxifen Suppresses the Immune Response to Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Exacerbates Symptomatology. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060743. [PMID: 34204678 PMCID: PMC8231265 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most lethal parasitic disease in the world. Mortality and severity in symptoms are higher in men than women, suggesting that oestrogens, which are in higher concentration in females than in males, may regulate the immune response against malaria. Tamoxifen, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator used in breast cancer treatment due to its antagonistic effect on oestrogen receptors α and β, is also studied because of its potential therapeutic use for several parasitic diseases. However, most studies, including one in malaria, have not addressed the immunomodulatory role of tamoxifen. In this work, we evaluated the effect of tamoxifen on the immune response of CBA/Ca mice against Plasmodium berghei ANKA. This study showed for the first time that tamoxifen increased parasite load, aggravated symptoms by decreasing body temperature and body weight, and worsened anaemia. Additionally, tamoxifen significantly increased the splenic index and the percentages of CD4+ and NK+ cells on day eight post-infection. By contrast, tamoxifen decreased both CD8+ and B220+ populations in the spleen and decreased the serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17. Our findings support the notion that tamoxifen is a potent immunomodulator in malaria-infected mice and suggest caution when administering it to malaria-infected women with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Antonio Cervantes-Candelas
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio D, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Jesús Aguilar-Castro
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
| | - Fidel Orlando Buendía-González
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
| | - Omar Fernández-Rivera
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
| | - Armando Cervantes-Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Aplicaciones Computacionales, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico;
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, AP 70228, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Martha Legorreta-Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-5556230700 (ext. 83207)
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10
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Lu S, Wen L, Gong Y, Tian C, Gao H, Chen B, Lü G, Zhao J, Wang J. In vitro effects of harmine against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces by stimulating DNA damage. Exp Parasitol 2021; 226-227:108121. [PMID: 34097889 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a parasitic larval cystic stage of a small taeniid-type tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus), causes illness in intermediate hosts and has become a threat to global public health. Currently, chemical compounds recommended by the WHO targeting CE are albendazole and mebendazole, however, none of them shows enhanced efficacy. Novel molecular compounds are urgently required to treat this disease. Our group uncover a drug, termed harmine (HM), that may be capable of treating CE. In this study, we aim to evaluate the anti-parasitic efficacy and the mechanism of DNA damage of HM against E. granulosus. In vitro, the results indicated that, within two and three days of treatment, ABZ killed 30.4% and 35.3% of protoscoleces, whereas HM killed 52.7% and 100% of protoscoleces, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of abnormalities in the internal structure of protoscoleces was examined by ultrastructural images of TEM, and the result showed that there were scattered nucleoli and heterochromatin margination phenomenon by HM treatment. DNA damage of protoscoleces was examined by using the comet assay, and results showed the DNA of protoscoleces was damaged. Moreover, EgATM, EgP53, EgTopo2a and EgRad54 genes were used to support the DNA damage by HM treatment, and results showed that all four genes were upregulated expression. In further, the result of HM treatment was tested by using designed siRNA to inhibit the expression of EgTopo2a and EgRad54. The results demonstrated that the viability was 88.75 ± 2.11% after suppressing the expression of EgTopo2a, which was significantly higher than that for HM alone group (P < 0.01). The viability was 10.11 ± 2.60% after transfected with EgRad54 siRNA, which was significantly lower compared with the HM alone group (P < 0.01). Based on our preliminary data, HM demonstrated significant parasiticidal activity against E. granulosus in vitro without obvious toxicity towards its host cells, suggesting that HM can be a potential anti-echinococcosis drug. HM was found to induce DNA damages of CE by activating the EgATM-EgP53-EgTopo2a signaling pathway. We therefore surmise that DNA damage response may be one of the mechanisms of HM against the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Science Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Limei Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Yuehong Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Chunyan Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Huijing Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Bei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Guodong Lü
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China.
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR China.
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11
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Gao HJ, Sun XD, Luo YP, Pang HS, Ma XM, Zhang T, Jing T, Hu W, Shen YJ, Cao JP. Anti-echinococcal effect of verapamil involving the regulation of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II response in vitro and in a murine infection model. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:108. [PMID: 33588933 PMCID: PMC7885340 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04618-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Echinococcosis, which is caused by the larvae of cestodes of the genus Echinococcus, is a parasitic zoonosis that poses a serious threat to the health of humans and animals globally. Albendazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of echinococcosis, but it is difficult to meet clinical goals with this chemotherapy due to its low cure rate and associated side effects after its long-term use. Hence, novel anti-parasitic targets and effective treatment alternatives are urgently needed. A previous study showed that verapamil (Vepm) can suppress the growth of Echinococcus granulosus larvae; however, the mechanism of this effect remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to gain insight into the anti-echinococcal effect of Vepm on Echinococcus with a particular focus on the regulatory effect of Vepm on calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Ca2+/CaM-CaMKII) in infected mice. Methods The anti-echinococcal effects of Vepm on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces (PSC) in vitro and Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes in infected mice were assessed. The morphological alterations in Echinococcus spp. induced by Vepm were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the changes in calcium content in both the parasite and mouse serum and liver were measured by SEM-energy dispersive spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and alizarin red staining. Additionally, the changes in the protein and mRNA levels of CaM and CaMKII in infected mice, and in the mRNA levels of CaMKII in E. granulosus PSC, were evaluated after treatment with Vepm by immunohistochemistry and/or real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results In vitro, E. granulosus PSC could be killed by Vepm at a concentration of 0.5 μg/ml or higher within 8 days. Under these conditions, the ultrastructure of PSC was damaged, and this damage was accompanied by obvious calcium loss and downregulation of CaMKII mRNA expression. In vivo, the weight and the calcium content of E. multilocularis metacestodes from mice were reduced after treatment with 40 mg/kg Vepm, and an elevation of the calcium content in the sera and livers of infected mice was observed. In addition, downregulation of CaM and CaMKII protein and mRNA expression in the livers of mice infected with E. multilocularis metacestodes was found after treatment with Vepm. Conclusions Vepm exerted a parasiticidal effect against Echinococcus both in vitro and in vivo through downregulating the expression of Ca2+/CaM-CaMKII, which was over-activated by parasitic infection. The results suggest that Ca2+/CaM-CaMKII may be a novel drug target, and that Vepm is a potential anti-echinococcal drug for the future control of echinococcosis.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jun Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,Ganzr Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kangding, 626000, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Dong Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ping Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua-Sheng Pang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis Prevention and Control, Tibet Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Ming Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis Prevention and Control, Tibet Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tao Jing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Juan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
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12
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Muhedier M, Li J, Liu H, Ma G, Amahong K, Lin R, Lü G. Tacrolimus, a rapamycin target protein inhibitor, exerts anti-cystic echinococcosis effects both in vitro and in vivo. Acta Trop 2020; 212:105708. [PMID: 32956634 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In view of a growing need for new treatment options for human cystic echinococcosis (CE), we aimed to investigate the efficacy of mTOR pathway inhibitors against CE in vitro and in vivo. Among the seven mTOR inhibitors evaluated, tacrolimus (TAC) showed significant dose- and time-dependent killing of cultured protoscoleces and cysts in vitro. Notably, the oral administration of TAC (4 mg/kg/day) to CE mice model highly effectively reduced both the weight and number of parasitic cysts. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that TAC destroys the ultrastructure of cysts, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, TAC had no significant effect on blood glucose, body weight, liver, or kidney functions in mice. We further observed that the ATP levels and glucose content of cysts reduced upon TAC treatment, indicating that inhibiting mTORC1 activity possibly affects glucose metabolism in the cysts of mice. Based on our experimental data, TAC emerged as a promising anti-cyst drug that efficiently inhibits the growth of cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzhabaier Muhedier
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China; Kashi maternal and child health care hospital, Kashi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jintian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China; College of pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Guizhi Ma
- College of pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Kuerbannisha Amahong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Guodong Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China; College of pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.
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13
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Bai Y, Zhang Z, Jin L, Zhu Y, Zhao L, Shi B, Li J, Guo G, Guo B, McManus DP, Wang S, Zhang W. Dynamic Changes in the Global Transcriptome and MicroRNAome Reveal Complex miRNA-mRNA Regulation in Early Stages of the Bi-Directional Development of Echinococcus granulosus Protoscoleces. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:654. [PMID: 32373094 PMCID: PMC7188192 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis is a life-threatening disease caused by the larval stages of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Protoscoleces (PSCs) of this worm have the ability of bi-directional development to either larval cysts or strobilar adult worms. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this development process are unknown. Results RNA and small RNAs sequencing was employed to characterize the gene and miRNA expression at 0–24 h and 7–14 days in the bi-directional development of PSCs. A total of 963 genes and 31 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the early development of PSCs to adult worms whereas 972 genes and 27 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the early development of PSCs to cysts. Pairwise comparison between the two developmental patterns showed that 172 genes and 15 miRNAs were differentially expressed at three time-points. Most of these genes were temporally changed at 24 h or 7 days. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in early adult worm development are associated with nervous system development and carbohydrate metabolic process; whereas, the differentially expressed genes in early cystic development are associated with transmembrane transporter activity and nucleoside triphosphatase activity. In addition, miR-71 and miR-219 regulated genes are likely involved in oxidation reduction in adult worm development. Conclusion The early stages of bi-directional development in E. granulosus PSCs are controlled by miRNAs and genes likely associated with nervous system development and carbohydrate metabolic process. ATP-dependent transporter genes are associated with cystic development. These results may be important for exploring the mechanisms underlying early development in E. granulosus providing novel information that can be used to discover new therapeutics for controlling cystic echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Bai
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuangzhi Zhang
- Veterinary Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Zhu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Veterinary Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Baoxin Shi
- Veterinary Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Gang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Baoping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shengyue Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China.,National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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14
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Liu C, Yin J, Yao J, Xu Z, Tao Y, Zhang H. Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening Toward the Discovery of Novel Anti-echinococcal Compounds. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:118. [PMID: 32266168 PMCID: PMC7098963 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a serious helminthic zoonosis with a great impact on human health and livestock husbandry. However, the clinically used drugs (benzimidazoles) have a low cure rate, so alternative drugs are urgently needed. Currently, drug screenings for echinococcosis are mainly phenotype-based, and the efficiency of identifying active compounds is very low. With a pharmacophore model generated from the structures of active amino alcohols, we performed a virtual screening to discover novel compounds with anti-echinococcal activity. Sixty-two compounds from the virtual screening were tested on Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces, and 10 of these compounds were found to be active. After further evaluation of their cytotoxicity, S6 was selected along with two active amino alcohols for in vivo pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies. At the two tested doses (50 and 25 mg/kg), S6 inhibited the growth of E. multilocularis in mice (14.43 and 9.53%), but no significant difference between the treatment groups and control group was observed. Treatment with BTB4 and HT3 was shown to be ineffective. During the 28 days of treatment, the death of mice in the mebendazole, HT3, and BTB4 groups indicated their toxicity. The plasma concentration of S6 administered by both methods was very low, with the Cmax being only 1 ng/ml after oral administration and below the detection limit after intramuscular administration. In addition, the plasma concentrations of BTB4 and HT3 in vitro did not reach high enough levels to kill the parasites. The toxicities of these two amino alcohols indicated that they are not suitable for further development as anti-echinococcal drugs. However, further attempts should be made to increase the bioavailability of S6 and modify its structure. In this study, we demonstrate that pharmacophore-based virtual screenings with high drug identification efficiency could be used to find novel drugs for treating echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, MOH, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhai Yin
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, MOH, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqing Yao
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, MOH, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijian Xu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Tao
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, MOH, Shanghai, China
| | - Haobing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, MOH, Shanghai, China
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15
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Xin Q, Yuan M, Li H, Song X, Lu J, Jing T. In vitro and in vivo effects of 3-bromopyruvate against Echinococcus metacestodes. Vet Res 2019; 50:96. [PMID: 31744550 PMCID: PMC6862786 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-019-0710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
While searching for novel anti-echinococcosis drugs, we have been focusing on glycolysis which is relied on by Echinococcus for energy production and intermediates for other metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic implication of glycolytic inhibitors on Echinococcus. Our results demonstrate that at an initial concentration of 40 μM, all inhibitors of glycolysis used in the current experiment [3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA), ornidazole, clorsulon (CLS), sodium oxamate and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene (NA-P2)] show considerable in vitro effects against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. Among them, 3-BrPA exhibited the highest activity which was similar to that of nitazoxanide (NTZ) and more efficacious than albendazole (ABZ). The activity of 3-BrPA was dose dependent and resulted in severe ultrastructural destructions, as visualized by electron microscopy. An additional in vivo study in mice infected with E. multilocularis metacestodes indicates a reduction in parasite weight after the twice-weekly treatment of 25 mg/kg 3-BrPA for 6 weeks, compared to that of the untreated control. In particular, in contrast to ABZ, the administration of 25 mg/kg 3-BrPA did not cause toxicity to the liver and kidney in mice. Similarly, at the effective dose against Echinococcus larvae, 3-BrPA showed no significant toxicity to human hepatocytes. Taken together, the results suggest that interfering with the glycolysis of the parasite may be a novel chemotherapeutical option and 3-BrPA, which exhibited a remarkable activity against Echinococcus, may be a promising potential drug against cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanping Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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16
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Alvite G, Riera X, Cancela S, Paulino M, Esteves A. Bioinformatic analysis of a novel Echinococcus granulosus nuclear receptor with two DNA binding domains. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224703. [PMID: 31710619 PMCID: PMC6844482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors capable of regulating the expression of complex gene networks. The family includes seven subfamilies of proteins with a wide phylogenetic distribution. A novel subfamily with two DNA-binding domains (2DBDs) has been reported in Schistosoma mansoni (Platyhelminth, Trematoda). This work describes the cDNA cloning and bioinformatics analysis of Eg2DBDα, a 2DBD nuclear receptor isoform from the parasite Echinococcus granulosus (Platyhelminth, Cestoda). The Eg2DBDα gene coding domain structure was analysed. Although two additional 2DBD nuclear receptors are reported in the parasite database GeneDB, they are unlikely to be expressed in the larval stage. Phylogenetic relationships between these atypical proteins from different cestodes are also analysed including S. mansoni 2DBD nuclear receptors. The presence of two DNA binding domains confers particular interest to these nuclear receptors, not only concerning their function but to the development of new antihelminthic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Alvite
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ximena Riera
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Saira Cancela
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Margot Paulino
- Center of Bioinformatics, Departamento de Experimentación y Teoría de la Materia, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Esteves
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- * E-mail:
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17
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In vitro schistosomicidal activity of tamoxifen and its effectiveness in a murine model of schistosomiasis at a single dose. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1625-1631. [PMID: 30798369 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting 220 million people worldwide. Praziquantel has proven to be effective against this parasitic disease, though there are increasing concerns regarding tolerance/resistance that calls for new drugs. Repurposing already existing and well-known drugs has been a desirable approach since it reduces time, costs, and ethical concerns. The anti-cancer drug tamoxifen (TAM) has been used worldwide for several decades to treat and prevent breast cancer. Previous reports stated that TAM affects Schistosoma hormonal physiology; however, no controlled schistosomicidal in vivo assays have been conducted. In this work, we evaluated the effect of TAM on female and male Schistosoma mansoni morphology, motility, and egg production. We further assessed worm survival and egg production in S. mansoni-infected mice. TAM induced morphological alterations in male and female parasites, as well as in eggs in vitro. Furthermore, in our in vivo experiments, one single dose of intraperitoneal TAM citrate reduced the total worm burden by 73% and led to a decrease in the amount of eggs in feces and low percentages of immature eggs in the small intestine wall. Eggs obtained from TAM citrate-treated mice were reduced in size and presented hyper-vacuolated structures. Our results suggest that TAM may be repurposed as a therapeutic alternative against S. mansoni infections.
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18
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Nicolao MC, Rodriguez Rodrigues C, Cumino AC. Extracellular vesicles from Echinococcus granulosus larval stage: Isolation, characterization and uptake by dendritic cells. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007032. [PMID: 30615613 PMCID: PMC6344059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in helminth parasites is a constitutive mechanism that promotes survival by improving their colonization and adaptation in the host tissue. In the present study, we analyzed the production of EVs from supernatants of cultures of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes and their interaction with dendritic cells, which have the ability to efficiently uptake and process microbial antigens, activating T lymphocytes. To experimentally increase the release of EVs, we used loperamide, a calcium channel blocker that increases the cytosolic calcium level in protoscoleces and EV secretion. An exosome-like enriched EV fraction isolated from the parasite culture medium was characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, proteomic analysis and immunoblot. This allowed identifying many proteins including: small EV markers such as TSG101, SDCBP, ALIX, tetraspanins and 14-3-3 proteins; proteins involved in vesicle-related transport; orthologs of mammalian proteins involved in the immune response, such as basigin, Bp29 and maspardin; and parasite antigens such as antigen 5, P29 and endophilin-1, which are of special interest due to their role in the parasite-host relationship. Finally, studies on the EVs-host cell interaction demonstrated that E. granulosus exosome-like vesicles were internalized by murine dendritic cells, inducing their maturation with increase of CD86 and with a slight down-regulation in the expression of MHCII molecules. These data suggest that E. granulosus EVs could interfere with the antigen presentation pathway of murine dendritic cells inducing immunoregulation in the host. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of these vesicles in parasite survival and as diagnostic markers and new vaccines. Human cystic echinococcosis, caused by chronic infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, affects over 1 million people worldwide. This helminth parasite secretes numerous excretory/secretory products that are in contact with host tissues where it establishes hydatid cysts. In this study, we comprehensively characterized extracellular vesicles (EVs) from E. granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes, and demonstrated for the first time that the exosome-like vesicles from helminths can interact with host dendritic cells and carry several immunoregulatory proteins. This study provides valuable data on cestode-host immune communication. Nevertheless, further research on EVs is needed to fully understand their role in the parasite-host interface and obtain new data concerning their function as therapeutic markers and diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Celeste Nicolao
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Christian Rodriguez Rodrigues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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MOAZENI M, SAHARKHIZ MJ, ALAVI AM. The Lethal Effect of a Nano Emulsion of Satureja hortensis Essential Oil on Protoscoleces and Germinal Layer of Hydatid Cysts. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 14:214-222. [PMID: 31543909 PMCID: PMC6737361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New scolicidal agents and novel therapeutic drugs are essential for better management of the zoonotic infection, hydatid disease. This study evaluated the effect of a nanoemulsion (NE) of Satureja hortensis essential oil (SHEO) on protoscoleces and germinal layer of hydatid cysts. METHODS This study was conducted from July to October 2016 in Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were performed to identify the main components of SHEO. To determine the scolicidal power of the NE of SHEO, live protoscoleces of hydatid cysts were exposed to two concentrations (1 and, 2 mg/mL) of the NE and incubated at 37 °C for 10 and 20 min. To evaluate the anti-hydatid effect of the NE of SHEO, the collected hydatid cysts from the abdominal cavities of the experimentally infected mice were immersed in the NE (0.5 mg/ml) and incubated at 22 °C for 24 h. RESULTS Carvacrol and γ-terpinene were the major components of the SHEO. NE of SHEO at the concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/mL showed 100% scolicidal power after 20 and 10 min respectively. Exposure of the hydatid cysts to the NE of SHEO resulted in crumpling of their germinal layer and detachment of this layer from the laminated layer. CONCLUSION NE of SHEO showed a strong scolicidal activity as well as a profound lethal effect on the germinal layer of hydatid cysts. Accordingly, this product may be used as a natural scolicidal agent in hydatid cyst surgery. Furthermore, it may be used as a therapeutic tool for treatment of hydatid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad MOAZENI
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran,Correspondence
| | | | - Amir Mootabi ALAVI
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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20
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Dang Z, Xu S, Zhang H, Gui W, Zhao Y, Duan L, Hu W. In vitro and in vivo efficacies of carbazole aminoalcohols in the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis. Acta Trop 2018; 185:138-143. [PMID: 29746870 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Benzimidazoles, including albendazole and mebendazole, are the major drugs for clinical chemotherapy of echinococcosis. They mainly exert parasitostatic effects depending on high dosages for long-term. Previous studies have identified carbazole aminoalcohols as novel anti-CE (cystic echinococcosis) agents. However, it is still to be confirmed whether it is effective on alveolar echinococcosis (AE) or not. In the present study, efficacies of novel carbazole aminoalcohols, propylamine, R-propylamine and S-propylamine were evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Carbazole aminoalcohols were tested against Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) protoscoleces (PSC) in vitro. The effects of propylamine and R-propylamine exhibited a time-dependent manner at different concentrations, while the effect of S-propylamine was very poor. At a concentration of 20 μM, the mortality of PSC achieved to 100% on the 11th day after exposure to R-propylamine. The treatment of carbazole aminoalcohols to infected mice resulted in statistically significant reductions in the cyst weights compared with those obtained from negative control mice (p < 0.05), and no significant differences were found between albendazole and carbazole aminoalcohols (p > 0.05). The cytotoxicity examination in rat hepatoma (RH) cells indicated that propylamine and R/S-propylamine were lower that of albendazole at a low concentration (5 μM). In addition, histopathological observation of organs (liver, spleen and kidney) for experimental mice showed mild inflammatory changes in the liver and spleen. This study reveals the potential of carbazole aminoalcohols as a class of novel anti-AE agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhisheng Dang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Shuo Xu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, PR China
| | - Haobing Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Weifeng Gui
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, PR China
| | - Yumin Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, PR China
| | - Liping Duan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
| | - Wei Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
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21
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Wang W, Li J, Yao J, Wang T, Li S, Zheng X, Duan L, Zhang W. In vitro and in vivo efficacies of novel carbazole aminoalcohols in the treatment of cystic echinococcosis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 72:3122-3130. [PMID: 28981899 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is a worldwide chronic zoonosis. Current chemotherapeutic options are limited to albendazole and mebendazole, which only exert parasitostatic effects and have to be administered at high dosages for long periods. In an effort to find alternative treatment options, the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of novel carbazole aminoalcohols were evaluated. Methods Carbazole aminoalcohols were tested against E. granulosus protoscoleces in vitro and metacestodes ex vivo. The in vivo chemotherapeutic effect of representative compounds was assessed in experimentally infected mice. Oral and intravenous pharmacokinetic profiles were determined in mice. Results The carbazole aminoalcohols exhibited potent protoscolicidal activity with LC50 values ranging from 18.2 to 34.3 μM. Among them, compounds 2 and 24 killed all ex vivo cultured metacestodes at concentrations of 34.3 and 30.6 μM. In vivo studies showed that oral administration of compounds 2 and 24 (25 mg/kg/day) for 30 days led to reductions of 68.4% and 54.3% in parasite weight compared with the untreated group (both groups: P < 0.001). Compound 2 (25 mg/kg/day) and compound 24 (50 mg/kg/day) induced significantly higher cyst mortality rates in comparison with that of the albendazole group (both groups: P < 0.01). Analysis of cysts collected from compound 2- or 24-treated mice by transmission electron microscopy revealed a drug-induced structural destruction. The structural integrity of the germinal layer was lost, and the majority of the microtriches disappeared. Pharmacokinetic profiling of compounds 2 and 24 revealed low clearance and decent oral bioavailability (>70%). Conclusions Our study identifies carbazole aminoalcohols as a class of novel anti-CE agents. Compounds 2 and 24 represent promising drug candidates in anti-CE chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisi Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.,ZJU-ENS Joint Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Junmin Yao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Tian Wang
- State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Shizhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xueting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Liping Duan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
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Bogush TA, Polezhaev BB, Mamichev IA, Bogush EA, Polotsky BE, Tjulandin SA, Ryabov AB. Tamoxifen Never Ceases to Amaze: New Findings on Non-Estrogen Receptor Molecular Targets and Mediated Effects. Cancer Invest 2018; 36:211-220. [PMID: 29727200 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2018.1453933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Tamoxifen is a first targeted drug that continues to be the gold standard in treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer for almost 50 years. The current review is an update of the paper published in 2012. We provide the new data on the tamoxifen targets that are the key points of signaling cascades activating cellular proliferation, which determines aggressiveness of disease and chemotherapy resistance or sensitivity. Some inspiring clinical cases dealing with tamoxifen efficiency in treatment of different tumors are discussed. Additionally, the review includes data on antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activity of tamoxifen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Anatolievna Bogush
- a N.N.Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy , Kashirskoe shosse 24, Moscow , Russia
| | - Boris Borisovich Polezhaev
- b Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University , Department of General Medicine , Leninskie Gory, Moscow , Russian Federation
| | - Ivan Andreevich Mamichev
- a N.N.Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy , Kashirskoe shosse 24, Moscow , Russia
| | - Elena Alexandrovna Bogush
- a N.N.Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy , Kashirskoe shosse 24, Moscow , Russia
| | - Boris Evseevich Polotsky
- a N.N.Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy , Kashirskoe shosse 24, Moscow , Russia
| | - Sergei Alexeevich Tjulandin
- a N.N.Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy , Kashirskoe shosse 24, Moscow , Russia
| | - Andrey Borisovich Ryabov
- c N.N.Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology , Kashirskoe shosse 24, Moscow , Russia
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23
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Progress in the pharmacological treatment of human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis: Compounds and therapeutic targets. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006422. [PMID: 29677189 PMCID: PMC5931691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are helmintic zoonotic diseases caused by infections with the larval stages of the cestode parasites Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively. Both diseases are progressive and chronic, and often fatal if left unattended for E. multilocularis. As a treatment approach, chemotherapy against these orphan and neglected diseases has been available for more than 40 years. However, drug options were limited to the benzimidazoles albendazole and mebendazole, the only chemical compounds currently licensed for treatment in humans. To compensate this therapeutic shortfall, new treatment alternatives are urgently needed, including the identification, development, and assessment of novel compound classes and drug targets. Here is presented a thorough overview of the range of compounds that have been tested against E. granulosus and E. multilocularis in recent years, including in vitro and in vivo data on their mode of action, dosage, administration regimen, therapeutic outcomes, and associated clinical symptoms. Drugs covered included albendazole, mebendazole, and other members of the benzimidazole family and their derivatives, including improved formulations and combined therapies with other biocidal agents. Chemically synthetized molecules previously known to be effective against other infectious and non-infectious conditions such as anti-virals, antibiotics, anti-parasites, anti-mycotics, and anti-neoplastics are addressed. In view of their increasing relevance, natural occurring compounds derived from plant and fungal extracts are also discussed. Special attention has been paid to the recent application of genomic science on drug discovery and clinical medicine, particularly through the identification of small inhibitor molecules tackling key metabolic enzymes or signalling pathways. Human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis (CE and AE), caused by the larval stages of the helminths Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively, are progressive and chronic diseases affecting more than 1 million people worldwide. Both are considered orphan and neglected diseases by the World Health Organization. As a treatment approach, chemotherapy is limited to the use of benzimidazoles, drugs that stop parasite growth but do not kill the parasite. To compensate this therapeutic shortfall, new treatment alternatives are urgently needed. Here, we present the state-of-the-art regarding the alternative compounds and new formulations of benzimidazoles assayed against these diseases until now. Some of these new and modified compounds, either alone or in combination, could represent a step forward in the treatment of CE and AE. Unfortunately, few compounds have reached clinical trials stage in humans and, when assayed, the design of these studies has not allowed evidence-based conclusions. Thus, there is still an urgent need for defining new compounds or improved formulations of those already assayed, and also for a careful design of clinical protocols that could lead to the draw of a broad international consensus on the use of a defined drug, or a combination of drugs, for the effective treatment of CE and AE.
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Yin J, Liu C, Shen Y, Zhang H, Cao J. Efficacy of ursolic acid against Echinococcus granulosus in vitro and in a murine infection model. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:58. [PMID: 29368624 PMCID: PMC5784668 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic echinococcosis is a global public health problem; however, the drugs (albendazole and mebendazole) currently recommended by WHO for its treatment, have limited efficacy. Therefore, novel drugs are required to provide more choices for the treatment of this disease. METHODS The anthelmintic effects of ursolic acid (UA) were tested on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces, germinal cells and metacestodes in vitro. The in vivo efficacy of UA was investigated in mice following secondary infection with E. granulosus. Furthermore, the corresponding ultrastructural damage induced by UA was evaluated by electron microscopy. RESULTS In vitro, 45.95 ± 5.30% of protoscoleces were killed by UA at 40 μg/ml, while the growth of more than 90% of germinal cells was inhibited by UA at 10 to 40 μg/ml. The same effect was observed in metacestodes 7 days after treatment with UA at 10, 20 and 40 μg/ml, and more than 50% of metacestodes showed loss of integrity at the end of the experiment. In vivo, metacestode weight was significantly reduced following oral administration of UA at 200 and 100 mg/kg (39.5 and 38.3%, respectively). Additionally, ultrastructural damage, such as alternations in germinal cell morphology and formation of vacuoles and lipid granules were observed in parasites treated with UA in vitro, while detachment of the germinal layer from the laminated layer was also seen in metacestodes in vivo. CONCLUSIONS UA was demonstrated to exert parasiticidal activity against E. granulosus in vitro and in vivo, thus implicating UA as a potential anti-echinococcosis agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhai Yin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025 China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai, 200025 China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Congshan Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025 China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai, 200025 China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025 China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai, 200025 China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Haobing Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025 China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai, 200025 China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025 China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai, 200025 China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
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Loos JA, Churio MS, Cumino AC. Anthelminthic activity of glibenclamide on secondary cystic echinococcosis in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006111. [PMID: 29190739 PMCID: PMC5726723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Current chemotherapy against this disease is based on the administration of benzimidazoles (BZMs). However, BZM treatment has a low cure rate and causes several side effects. Therefore, new treatment options are needed. The antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (Glb) is a second-generation sulfonylurea receptor inhibitor that has been shown to be active against protozoan parasites. Hence, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects of Glb against the larval stage of E. granulosus. The in vitro activity was concentration dependent on both protoscoleces and metacestodes. Moreover, Glb combined with the minimum effective concentration of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) was demonstrated to have a greater effect on metacestodes in comparison with each drug alone. Likewise, there was a reduction in the cyst weight after oral administration of Glb to infected mice (5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for a period of 8 weeks). However, in contrast to in vitro assays, no differences in effectiveness were found between Glb + albendazole (ABZ) combined treatment and Glb monotherapy. Our results also revealed mitochondrial membrane depolarization and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in Glb-treated protoscoleces. In addition, the intracystic drug accumulation and our bioinformatic analysis using the available E. granulosus genome suggest the presence of genes encoding sulfonylurea transporters in the parasite. Our data clearly demonstrated an anti-echinococcal effect of Glb on E. granulosus larval stage. Further studies are needed in order to thoroughly investigate the mechanism involved in the therapeutic response of the parasite to this sulfonylurea. In this work we demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Glb against the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. At the cellular level, the drug triggered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, thus affecting ATP generation in the parasite. In addition, since intracystic Glb concentrations were higher than those used in the external medium, we proposed that the drug might enter the cyst through cell surface transporters. The observed effect of the drug on the growth of hydatid cysts in mice leads to the consideration of a novel role of Glb in CE treatment. Therefore, our further studies will focus on the evaluation of ABZ formulations with enhanced bioavailability to achieve an improved in vivo anti-echinococcal effect using both drugs simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - María Sandra Churio
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- IFIMAR, Instituto de Investigaciones Físicas de Mar del Plata (CONICET-UNMdP), Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Moazeni M, Borji H, Saboor Darbandi M. Enhancement of the Therapeutic Effect of Albendazole on Cystic Echinococcosis using a Herbal Product. J INVEST SURG 2017; 32:103-110. [DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2017.1380089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Moazeni
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Saboor Darbandi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Pensel PE, Elissondo N, Gambino G, Gamboa GU, Benoit JP, Elissondo MC. Experimental cystic echinococcosis therapy: In vitro and in vivo combined 5-fluorouracil/albendazole treatment. Vet Parasitol 2017; 245:62-70. [PMID: 28969840 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.). Although benzimidazole compounds such as albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole have been the cornerstone of chemotherapy for the disease, there is often no complete recovery after treatment. Hence, new strategies are required to improve treatment of human cystic echinococcosis. The goals of the current study were as follows: (i) to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and ABZ combination against E. granulosus s. l. protoscoleces and cysts, (ii) to compare the clinical efficacy of 5-FU alone or in combination with ABZ in infected mice. The combination of 5-FU+ABZ had a stronger in vitro effect against larval stage than that did both drugs alone. Even at the lowest concentration of 5-FU+ABZ combination (1μg/ml), the reduction of the viability of protoscoleces and cysts was greater than that observed with drugs alone at 10μg/ml. The results were confirmed at the ultrastructural level by scanning electron microscopy. These data helped to justify the in vivo investigations assessing the therapeutic potential of the combination of 5-FU and ABZ suspension in CF-1 mice infected with E. granulosus sensu stricto (s. s.) metacestodes. Treatment with 5-FU (10mg/kg) or 5-FU (10mg/kg) + ABZ suspension (5mg/kg) reduced the weight of cysts recovered from mice compared with control groups. Interestingly, the effect of 5-FU given weekly for 5 consecutive weeks was comparable to that observed with ABZ suspension under a daily schedule during 30days. Co-administration of 5-FU with ABZ did not enhance the in vivo efficacy of drugs alone calculated in relation to cysts weights. However, the combination provoked greater ultrastructural alterations compared to the monotherapy. In conclusion, we demonstrated the efficacy of 5-FU either alone or co-administrated with ABZ against murine experimental cystic echinococcosis. Since 5-FU treatments did not cause toxic effect in mice, further in vivo studies will be performed by adjusting the dosage and the frequency of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia E Pensel
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Fac. Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Natalia Elissondo
- Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos Santisteban, 7000 Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Gambino
- Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos Santisteban, 7000 Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Ullio Gamboa
- Departamento de Farmacia, Fac. Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, UNITEFA, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - J P Benoit
- INSERM U1066, MINT-Micro et Nanomédecines biomimétiques, IBS-CHU Angers, 49933 Angers cedex 9, France
| | - María C Elissondo
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Fac. Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina; Departamento de Farmacia, Fac. Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, UNITEFA, Argentina.
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Bortezomib initiates endoplasmic reticulum stress, elicits autophagy and death in Echinococcus granulosus larval stage. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181528. [PMID: 28817601 PMCID: PMC5560652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide distributed helminthic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Benzimidazole derivatives are currently the only drugs for chemotherapeutic treatment of CE. However, their low efficacy and the adverse effects encourage the search for new therapeutic targets. We evaluated the in vitro efficacy of Bortezomib (Bz), a proteasome inhibitor, in the larval stage of the parasite. After 96 h, Bz showed potent deleterious effects at a concentration of 5 μM and 0.5 μM in protoscoleces and metacestodes, respectively (P < 0.05). After 48 h of exposure to this drug, it was triggered a mRNA overexpression of chaperones (Eg-grp78 and Eg-calnexin) and of Eg-ire2/Eg-xbp1 (the conserved UPR pathway branch) in protoscoleces. No changes were detected in the transcriptional expression of chaperones in Bz-treated metacestodes, thus allowing ER stress to be evident and viability to highly decrease in comparison with protoscoleces. We also found that Bz treatment activated the autophagic process in both larval forms. These facts were evidenced by the increase in the amount of transcripts of the autophagy related genes (Eg-atg6, Eg-atg8, Eg-atg12, Eg-atg16) together with the increase in Eg-Atg8-II detected by western blot and by in toto immunofluorescence labeling. It was further confirmed by direct observation of autophagic structures by electronic microscopy. Finally, in order to determine the impact of autophagy induction on Echinococcus cell viability, we evaluated the efficacy of Bz in combination with rapamycin and a synergistic cytotoxic effect on protoscolex viability was observed when both drugs were used together. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that Bz induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy and subsequent death allowing to identify unstudied parasite-host pathways that could provide a new insight for control of parasitic diseases.
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Abstract
In in vitro process of this study, protoscoleces of the hydatid cysts were exposed to two concentrations of nano emulsion (NE) of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) (1 and 2mg/mL) for 10 and 20min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using 0.1% eosin staining. For in vivo studies, sixteen laboratory mice were infected intraperitoneally by 1500 live protoscoleces. Five months after infection, the infected mice were divided into treatment and control groups. The mice of treatment group received the NE of ZMEO (20mg/kg) orally via their drinking water while the mice of control group received no treatment. Two months after the start of treatment, all of the mice were necropsied and the hydatid cysts were collected. Subsequently, the numbers, sizes and weights of the collected cysts were compared between the mice of two groups. The results of in vitro scolicidal assays showed that the scolicidal power of NE of a ZMEO at concentration of 1mg/mL was 88.01%, and 100% after 10 and 20min respectively. NE of ZMEO showed 100% scolicidal power at a concentration of 2mg/mL after 10min (comparing to 4.46% for the control group). The results of in vivo studies revealed that the size of the largest cysts as well as the total number of the cysts were significantly lower in the mice treated with NE of ZMEO (P<0.05). In conclusion, NE of ZMEO may be considered as a natural scolicidal agent and a potential therapeutic tool for treatment of hydatid disease.
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Loos JA, Dávila VA, Rodrígues CR, Petrigh R, Zoppi JA, Crocenzi FA, Cumino AC. Metformin exhibits preventive and therapeutic efficacy against experimental cystic echinococcosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005370. [PMID: 28182659 PMCID: PMC5321462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin (Met) is an anti-hyperglycemic and potential anti-cancer agent which may exert its anti-proliferative effects via the induction of energetic stress. In this study we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Met against the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Metformin showed significant dose- and time-dependent killing effects on in vitro cultured protoscoleces and metacestodes. Notably, the combination of Met together with the minimum effective concentration of ABZSO had a synergistic effect after days 3 and 12 on metacestodes and protoscoleces, respectively. Oral administration of Met (50 mg/kg/day) in E. granulosus-infected mice was highly effective in reducing the weight and number of parasite cysts, yet its combination with the lowest recommended dose of ABZ (5 mg/kg/day) was even more effective. Coincidentally, intracystic Met accumulation was higher in animals treated with both drugs compared to those administered Met alone. Furthermore, the safe plant-derived drug Met exhibited remarkable chemopreventive properties against secondary hydatidosis in mice. In conclusion, based on our experimental data, Met emerges as a promising anti-echinococcal drug as it has proven to efficiently inhibit the development and growth of the E. granulosus larval stage and its combination with ABZ may improve the current anti-parasitic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria A. Dávila
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christian R. Rodrígues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Romina Petrigh
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge A. Zoppi
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital Privado de Comunidad (HPC), Córdoba 4545, Nivel 3, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Fernando A. Crocenzi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Suipacha 570, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- * E-mail: (ACC)
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Brehm K, Koziol U. Echinococcus-Host Interactions at Cellular and Molecular Levels. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 95:147-212. [PMID: 28131363 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The potentially lethal zoonotic diseases alveolar and cystic echinococcosis are caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus, respectively. In both cases, metacestode growth and proliferation occurs within the inner organs of mammalian hosts, which is associated with complex molecular host-parasite interactions that regulate nutrient uptake by the parasite as well as metacestode persistence and development. Using in vitro cultivation systems for parasite larvae, and informed by recently released, comprehensive genome and transcriptome data for both parasites, these molecular host-parasite interactions have been subject to significant research during recent years. In this review, we discuss progress in this field, with emphasis on parasite development and proliferation. We review host-parasite interaction mechanisms that occur early during an infection, when the invading oncosphere stage undergoes a metamorphosis towards the metacestode, and outline the decisive role of parasite stem cells during this process. We also discuss special features of metacestode morphology, and how this parasite stage takes up nutrients from the host, utilizing newly evolved or expanded gene families. We comprehensively review mechanisms of host-parasite cross-communication via evolutionarily conserved signalling systems and how the parasite signalling systems might be exploited for the development of novel chemotherapeutics. Finally, we point to an urgent need for the development of functional genomic techniques in this parasite, which will be imperative for hypothesis-driven analyses into Echinococcus stem cell biology, developmental mechanisms and immunomodulatory activities, which are all highly relevant for the development of anti-infective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - U Koziol
- University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Wang S, Yang T, Zhang X, Xia J, Guo J, Wang X, Hou J, Zhang H, Chen X, Wu X. Construction of In Vivo Fluorescent Imaging of Echinococcus granulosus in a Mouse Model. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:291-9. [PMID: 27417083 PMCID: PMC4977785 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.3.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Human hydatid disease (cystic echinococcosis, CE) is a chronic parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. As the disease mainly affects the liver, approximately 70% of all identified CE cases are detected in this organ. Optical molecular imaging (OMI), a noninvasive imaging technique, has never been used in vivo with the specific molecular markers of CE. Thus, we aimed to construct an in vivo fluorescent imaging mouse model of CE to locate and quantify the presence of the parasites within the liver noninvasively. Drug-treated protoscolices were monitored after marking by JC-1 dye in in vitro and in vivo studies. This work describes for the first time the successful construction of an in vivo model of E. granulosus in a small living experimental animal to achieve dynamic monitoring and observation of multiple time points of the infection course. Using this model, we quantified and analyzed labeled protoscolices based on the intensities of their red and green fluorescence. Interestingly, the ratio of red to green fluorescence intensity not only revealed the location of protoscolices but also determined the viability of the parasites in vivo and in vivo tests. The noninvasive imaging model proposed in this work will be further studied for long-term detection and observation and may potentially be widely utilized in susceptibility testing and therapeutic effect evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibo Wang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xuyong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jie Xia
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jixue Hou
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xueling Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiangwei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.,Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
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Preston S, Luo J, Zhang Y, Jabbar A, Crawford S, Baell J, Hofmann A, Hu M, Zhou HB, Gasser RB. Selenophene and thiophene-core estrogen receptor ligands that inhibit motility and development of parasitic stages of Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:346. [PMID: 27306029 PMCID: PMC4910235 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1612-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasitic worms represent a substantial disease burden in animals and humans worldwide. The control of parasitic roundworms (nematodes) relies heavily on the use of anthelmintic drugs. However, widespread drug resistance in nematodes seriously compromises the effectiveness of many anthelmintics around the world. Thus, there is a need to discover new drugs, with unique modes of action, against parasites. Methods Here, we synthesised and tested 74 selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for in vitro-activity on parasitic larvae of Haemonchus contortus (barber’s pole worm), one of the most important nematode pathogens of small ruminants (including sheep and goats) and a key representative of one of the largest groups of parasitic nematodes (the Strongylida) of animals. We also studied the morphology of treated and untreated larvae using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and assessed the agonistic/antagonistic activity of SERMs in a human embryonic kidney cell line using a luciferase reporter assay system. Results We identified three SERMs (one selenophene and two thiophene-core compounds) with potent inhibitory activities (at 3–25 μM) on the motility and development of parasitic stages of H. contortus. An SEM examination of treated H. contortus revealed considerable damage to the cuticle of fourth- but not exsheathed, third-stage larvae; this damage appeared to be consistent with that observed upon treatment with monepantel but not moxidectin (control compounds). Conclusion The potency of the three SERMs compared favourably with commercially available anthelmintics, such that they warrant further assessment as nematocides. Future studies could focus on assessing the selectivity of these SERMs to parasites, characterising their target(s) and/or designing analogs that are parasite-specific. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1612-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Preston
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Junjie Luo
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yuezhou Zhang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Medicinal Chemistry, Monash University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Simon Crawford
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. .,Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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Bangaru SD, Kozarsky PE, Lee DJ, Sica GL, Owonikoko TK. A Bystander Effect of Lung Cancer Chemotherapy on Chronic Echinococcal Disease. World J Oncol 2015; 6:416-420. [PMID: 28983340 PMCID: PMC5624690 DOI: 10.14740/wjon920w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydatid cystic disease is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus and commonly manifests as hepatic and pulmonary cysts. When feasible, based on cyst size and location, surgical resection is potentially curative. Post-surgical recurrence of disease is encountered in up to 25% of patients. Secondary peritoneal contamination is a recognized complication in 5-10% of cases. Disseminated disease is usually palliated using systemic anti-parasitic agents such as benzimidazoles, albendazole and mebendazole but worsening of disease post-systemic treatment is frequent in 14-25% of patients. In this report, we share our experience of a patient with long-standing, chronic disseminated hydatidosis and subsequent diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer who manifested evidence of reduced activity of the echinococcal disease following institution of chemotherapy for his new diagnosis of lung cancer. There was significant reduction in the serum level of anti-echinococcal antibody titers in tandem with chemotherapy administration. There was also minimal but notable decrease in the size of the cysts on serial cross-sectional imaging obtained for monitoring cancer response to chemotherapy. This intriguing observation of a possible benefit of anticancer chemotherapy against echinococcal disease in this index case may provide new insights for therapeutic exploration in disseminated echinococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroja D Bangaru
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Phyllis E Kozarsky
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Daniel J Lee
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Nicolao MC, Cumino AC. Biochemical and molecular characterization of the calcineurin in Echinococcus granulosus larval stages. Acta Trop 2015; 146:141-51. [PMID: 25818323 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN) is a Ca(2+)-calmodulin activated serine-threonine protein phosphatase that couples the local or global calcium signals, thus controlling important cellular functions in physiological and developmental processes. The aim of this study was to characterize CaN in Echinococcus granulosus (Eg-CaN), a human cestode parasite of clinical importance, both functionally and molecularly. We found that the catalytic subunit isoforms have predicted sequences of 613 and 557 amino acids and are substantially similar to those of the human counterpart, except for the C-terminal end. We also found that the regulatory subunit consists of 169 amino acids which are 87% identical to the human ortholog. We cloned a cDNA encoding for one of the two catalytic subunit isoforms of CaN (Eg-can-A1) as well as the only copy of the Eg-can-B gene, both constitutively transcribed in all Echinococcus larval stages and responsible for generating a functionally active heterodimer. Eg-CaN native enzyme has phosphatase activity, which is enhanced by Ca(2+)/Ni(2+) and reduced by cyclosporine A and Ca(2+) chelators. Participation of Eg-CaN in exocytosis was demonstrated using the FM4-64 probe and Eg-CaN-A was immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of tegumental cells, suckers and excretory bladder of protoscoleces. We also showed that the Eg-can-B transcripts were down-regulated in response to low Ca(2+) intracellular level, in agreement with decreased enzyme activity. Confocal microscopy revealed a striking pattern of Eg-CaN-A in discrete fluorescent spots in the protoscolex posterior bladder and vesicularized protoscoleces beginning the vesicular differentiation. In contrast, Eg-CaN-A was undetectable during the pre-microcyst closing stage while a high DDX-like RNA helicase expression was evidenced. Finally, we identified and analyzed the expression of CaN-related endogenous regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Celeste Nicolao
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Andrea C Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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