1
|
Li H, Liu H, Zhu D, Dou C, Gang B, Zhang M, Wan Z. Biological function molecular pathways and druggability of DNMT2/TRDMT1. Pharmacol Res 2024; 205:107222. [PMID: 38782147 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
5-methylcytosine (m5C) is among the most common epigenetic modification in DNA and RNA molecules, and plays an important role in the animal development and disease pathogenesis. Interestingly, unlike other m5C DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), DNMT2/TRDMT1 has the double-substrate specificity and adopts a DNMT-similar catalytic mechanism to methylate RNA. Moreover, it is widely involved in a variety of physiological regulatory processes, such as the gene expression, precise protein synthesis, immune response, and disease occurrence. Thus, comprehending the epigenetic mechanism and function of DNMT2/TRDMT1 will probably provide new strategies to treat some refractory diseases. Here, we discuss recent studies on the spatiotemporal expression pattern and post-translational modifications of DNMT2/TRDMT1, and summarize the research advances in substrate characteristics, catalytic recognition mechanism, DNMT2/TRDMT1-related genes or proteins, pharmacological application, and inhibitor development. This review will shed light on the pharmacological design by targeting DNMT2/TRDMT1 to treat parasitic, viral and oncologic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huari Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China.
| | - Huiru Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Daiyun Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Chengli Dou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Baocai Gang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Ziyu Wan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu Medical University, No.2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stark KA, Rinaldi G, Costain A, Clare S, Tolley C, Almeida A, McCarthy C, Harcourt K, Brandt C, Lawley TD, Berriman M, MacDonald AS, Forde-Thomas JE, Hulme BJ, Hoffmann KF, Cantacessi C, Cortés A. Gut microbiota and immune profiling of microbiota-humanised versus wildtype mouse models of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:36. [PMID: 38918824 PMCID: PMC11201864 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00318-3] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence of the occurrence of direct and indirect interactions between the human blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni, and the gut microbiota of rodent models raises questions on the potential role(s) of the latter in the pathophysiology of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. However, substantial differences in both the composition and function between the gut microbiota of laboratory rodents and that of humans hinders an in-depth understanding of the significance of such interactions for human schistosomiasis. Taking advantage of the availability of a human microbiota-associated mouse model (HMA), we have previously highlighted differences in infection-associated changes in gut microbiota composition between HMA and wildtype (WT) mice. To further explore the dynamics of schistosome-microbiota relationships in HMA mice, in this study we (i) characterize qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbiota composition of a distinct line of HMA mice (D2 HMA) infected with S. mansoni prior to and following the onset of parasite egg production; (ii) profile local and systemic immune responses against the parasite in HMA as well as WT mice and (iii) assess levels of faecal inflammatory markers and occult blood as indirect measures of gut tissue damage. We show that patent S. mansoni infection is associated with reduced bacterial alpha diversity in the gut of D2 HMA mice, alongside expansion of hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. Similar systemic humoral responses against S. mansoni in WT and D2 HMA mice, as well as levels of faecal lipocalin and markers of alternatively activated macrophages, suggest that these are independent of baseline gut microbiota composition. Qualitative comparative analyses between faecal microbial profiles of S. mansoni-infected WT and distinct lines of HMA mice reveal that, while infection-induced alterations of the gut microbiota composition are highly dependent on the baseline flora, bile acid composition and metabolism may represent key elements of schistosome-microbiota interactions through the gut-liver axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A Stark
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - G Rinaldi
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - A Costain
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - S Clare
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Tolley
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C McCarthy
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - K Harcourt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - C Brandt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - T D Lawley
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - M Berriman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A S MacDonald
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - J E Forde-Thomas
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - B J Hulme
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - K F Hoffmann
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - C Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - A Cortés
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spiwoková P, Horn M, Fanfrlík J, Jílková A, Fajtová P, Leontovyč A, Houštecká R, Bieliková L, Brynda J, Chanová M, Mertlíková-Kaiserová H, Caro-Diaz EJE, Almaliti J, El-Sakkary N, Gerwick WH, Caffrey CR, Mareš M. Nature-Inspired Gallinamides Are Potent Antischistosomal Agents: Inhibition of the Cathepsin B1 Protease Target and Binding Mode Analysis. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1935-1948. [PMID: 38757505 PMCID: PMC11184554 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00589] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by a parasitic blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, is a global health problem for which new chemotherapeutic options are needed. We explored the scaffold of gallinamide A, a natural peptidic metabolite of marine cyanobacteria that has previously been shown to inhibit cathepsin L-type proteases. We screened a library of 19 synthetic gallinamide A analogs and identified nanomolar inhibitors of the cathepsin B-type protease SmCB1, which is a drug target for the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni. Against cultured S. mansoni schistosomula and adult worms, many of the gallinamides generated a range of deleterious phenotypic responses. Imaging with a fluorescent-activity-based probe derived from gallinamide A demonstrated that SmCB1 is the primary target for gallinamides in the parasite. Furthermore, we solved the high-resolution crystal structures of SmCB1 in complex with gallinamide A and its two analogs and describe the acrylamide covalent warhead and binding mode in the active site. Quantum chemical calculations evaluated the contribution of individual positions in the peptidomimetic scaffold to the inhibition of the target and demonstrated the importance of the P1' and P2 positions. Our study introduces gallinamides as a powerful chemotype that can be exploited for the development of novel antischistosomal chemotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Spiwoková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
- Department
of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University
of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, Prague 6 16628, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Fanfrlík
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Adéla Jílková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Adrian Leontovyč
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Houštecká
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
- First
Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Kateřinská 32, Praha 2 12108, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Bieliková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
- First
Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Kateřinská 32, Praha 2 12108, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Brynda
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Chanová
- Institute
of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital
in Prague, Studničkova
2028/7, Prague 2 12800, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Mertlíková-Kaiserová
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Eduardo J. E. Caro-Diaz
- Scripps Institution
of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Jehad Almaliti
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
- Scripps Institution
of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - William H. Gerwick
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
- Scripps Institution
of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tallima H, Mahmoud SS. Mechanisms of Arachidonic Acid In Vitro Schistosomicidal Potential. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:23316-23328. [PMID: 38854551 PMCID: PMC11154912 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Arachidonic acid (ARA) was shown to possess safe and effective schistosomicidal impact on larval and adult Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma hematobium in vitro and in vivo in laboratory rodents and in children residing in low and high endemicity regions. We herein examine mechanisms underlying ARA schistosomicidal potential over two experiments, using in each pool a minimum of 50 adult male, female, or mixed-sex freshly recovered, ex vivo S. mansoni. Worms incubated in fetal calf serum-free medium were exposed to 0 or 10 mM ARA for 1 h at 37 °C and immediately processed for preparation of surface membrane and whole worm body homogenate extracts. Mixed-sex worms were additionally used for evaluating the impact of ARA exposure on the visualization of outer membrane cholesterol, sphingomyelin (SM), and ceramide in immunofluorescence assays. Following assessment of protein content, extracts of intact and ARA-treated worms were examined and compared for SM content, neutral sphingomyelinase activity, reactive oxygen species levels, and caspase 3/7 activity. Arachidonic acid principally led to perturbation of the organization, integrity, and SM content of the outer membrane of male and female worms and additionally impacted female parasites via stimulating neutral sphingomyelinase activity and oxidative stress. Arachidonic powerful action on female worms combined with its previously documented ovocidal activities supports its use as safe and effective therapy against schistosomiasis, provided implementation of the sorely needed and long waited-for chemical synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hatem Tallima
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Soheir S. Mahmoud
- Department
of Parasitology, Theodore Bilharz Research
Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba,Giza 12411, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ponzo E, Midiri A, Manno A, Pastorello M, Biondo C, Mancuso G. Insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and differential diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2024; 14:86-96. [PMID: 38498078 PMCID: PMC11097794 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2024.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. There are five human pathogenic species, of which Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum are the most prevalent worldwide and cause the greatest burden of disease in terms of mortality and morbidity. In addition, hybrid schistosomes have been identified through molecular analysis. Human infection occurs when cercariae, the larval form of the parasite, penetrate the skin of people while bathing in contaminated waters such as lakes and rivers. Schistosomiasis can cause both urogenital and intestinal symptoms. Urogenital symptoms include haematuria, bladder fibrosis, kidney damage, and an increased risk of bladder cancer. Intestinal symptoms may include abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea and blood in the stool. Schistosomiasis affects more than 250 million people and causes approximately 70 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), mainly in Africa, South America, and Asia. To control infection, it is essential to establish sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for epidemiological surveillance and morbidity reduction. This review provides an overview of schistosomiasis, with a focus on available diagnostic tools for Schistosoma spp. Current molecular detection methods and progress in the development of new diagnostics for schistosomiasis infection are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ponzo
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Angelina Midiri
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Manno
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Martina Pastorello
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Biondo
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mancuso
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vieira TM, Barco JG, Paula LAL, Felix PCA, Bastos JK, Magalhães LG, Crotti AEM. In vitro Evaluation of the Antileishmanial and Antischistosomal Activities of p-Coumaric Acid Prenylated Derivatives. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202400491. [PMID: 38470945 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400491] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
We have evaluated eight p-coumaric acid prenylated derivatives in vitro for their antileishmanial activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and their antischistosomal activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Compound 7 ((E)-3,4-diprenyl-4-isoprenyloxycinnamic alcohol) was the most active against L. amazonensis (IC50=45.92 μM) and S. mansoni (IC50=64.25 μM). Data indicated that the number of prenyl groups, the presence of hydroxyl at C9, and a single bond between C7 and C8 are important structural features for the antileishmanial activity of p-coumaric acid prenylated derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Vieira
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14040-901, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Júlia G Barco
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14040-901, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas A L Paula
- Research Center in Exact and Technological Sciences, University of Franca, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo C A Felix
- Research Center in Exact and Technological Sciences, University of Franca, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Jairo K Bastos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Research Center in Exact and Technological Sciences, University of Franca, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Antônio E M Crotti
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14040-901, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jardim Poli P, Fischer-Carvalho A, Tahira AC, Chan JD, Verjovski-Almeida S, Sena Amaral M. Long Non-Coding RNA Levels Are Modulated in Schistosoma mansoni following In Vivo Praziquantel Exposure. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:27. [PMID: 38668385 PMCID: PMC11053911 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020027] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma that affects over 200 million people worldwide. For decades, praziquantel (PZQ) has been the only available drug to treat the disease. Despite recent discoveries that identified a transient receptor ion channel as the target of PZQ, schistosome response to this drug remains incompletely understood, since effectiveness relies on other factors that may trigger a complex regulation of parasite gene expression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein-coding potential that play important roles in S. mansoni homeostasis, reproduction, and fertility. Here, we show that in vivo PZQ treatment modulates lncRNA levels in S. mansoni. We re-analyzed public RNA-Seq data from mature and immature S. mansoni worms treated in vivo with PZQ and detected hundreds of lncRNAs differentially expressed following drug exposure, many of which are shared among mature and immature worms. Through RT-qPCR, seven out of ten selected lncRNAs were validated as differentially expressed; interestingly, we show that these lncRNAs are not adult worm stage-specific and are co-expressed with PZQ-modulated protein-coding genes. By demonstrating that parasite lncRNA expression levels alter in response to PZQ, this study unravels an important step toward elucidating the complex mechanisms of S. mansoni response to PZQ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Jardim Poli
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - Agatha Fischer-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - Ana Carolina Tahira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - John D. Chan
- Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Murilo Sena Amaral
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Golenser J, Birman I, Gold D. Considering ivermectin for treatment of schistosomiasis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:180. [PMID: 38592544 PMCID: PMC11003930 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08178-1] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Because of recent reports of praziquantel resistance in schistosome infections, there have been suggestions to employ ivermectin as a possible alternative, especially as its chemical composition is different from that of praziquantel, so cross-resistance is not expected. In order to ascertain possible damage and elimination of worms, we used ivermectin by oral gavage in infected mice, at a high dose (30.1 mg/kg, bordering toxicity). We also tested the efficacy of the drug at various times postinfection (PI), to check on possible effect on young and mature stages of the parasites. Thus, we treated mice on days 21 and 22 or on days 41 and 42 and even on days 21, 22, 41, and 42 PI. None of the treatment regimens resulted in cure rates or signs of lessened pathology in the mice. We also compared the effect of ivermectin to that of artemisone, an artemisinin derivative which had served us in the past as an effective anti-schistosome drug, and there was a stark difference in the artemisone's efficacy compared to that of ivermectin; while ivermectin was not effective, artemisone eliminated most of the worms, prevented egg production and granulomatous inflammatory response. We assume that the reported lack of activity of ivermectin, in comparison with praziquantel and artemisinins, originates from the difference in their mode of action. In wake of our results, we suggest that ivermectin is not a suitable drug for treatment of schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Golenser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Ida Birman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daniel Gold
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Diaz Soria CL, Attenborough T, Lu Z, Fontenla S, Graham J, Hall C, Thompson S, Andrews TGR, Rawlinson KA, Berriman M, Rinaldi G. Single-cell transcriptomics of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni first intra-molluscan stage reveals tentative tegumental and stem-cell regulators. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5974. [PMID: 38472267 PMCID: PMC10933418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55790-3] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major Neglected Tropical Disease, caused by the infection with blood flukes in the genus Schistosoma. To complete the life cycle, the parasite undergoes asexual and sexual reproduction within an intermediate snail host and a definitive mammalian host, respectively. The intra-molluscan phase provides a critical amplification step that ensures a successful transmission. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the intra-molluscan stages remain poorly understood. Here, single cell suspensions from S. mansoni mother sporocysts were produced and sequenced using the droplet-based 10X Genomics Chromium platform. Six cell clusters comprising two tegument, muscle, neuron, parenchyma and stem/germinal cell clusters were identified and validated by in situ hybridisation. Gene Ontology term analysis predicted key biological processes for each of the clusters, including three stem/germinal sub-clusters. Furthermore, putative transcription factors predicted for stem/germinal and tegument clusters may play key roles during parasite development and interaction with the intermediate host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Attenborough
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Santiago Fontenla
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jennie Graham
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Christopher Hall
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Sam Thompson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - Kate A Rawlinson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Josephine Bay Paul Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Villamizar-Monsalve MA, López-Abán J, Vicente B, Peláez R, Muro A. Current drug strategies for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:409-420. [PMID: 38511392 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2333372] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schistosomiasis, one of the current Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affects over 230 million people globally, with nearly 700 million at risk in more than 74 countries. Praziquantel (PZQ) has served as the primary treatment for the past four decades; however, its effectiveness is limited as it solely eliminates adult worms. In regions where infections are frequent, PZQ exhibits only temporary efficacy and has restricted potential to disrupt the prolonged transmission of the disease. AREAS COVERED A comprehensive exploration using the PubMed database was conducted to review current pharmacotherapy approaches for schistosomiasis. This review also encompasses recent research findings related to potential novel therapeutics and the repurposing of existing drugs. EXPERT OPINION Current schistosoma treatment strategies, primarily relying on PZQ, face challenges like temporary effectiveness and limited impact on disease transmission. Drug repurposing, due to economic constraints, is decisive for NTDs. Despite PZQ's efficacy, its failure to prevent reinfection highlights the need for complementary strategies, especially in regions with persistent environmental foci. Integrating therapies against diverse schistosome stages boosts efficacy and impedes resistance. Uncovering novel agents is essential to address resistance concerns in tackling this neglected tropical disease. Integrated strategies present a comprehensive approach to navigate the complex challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra Villamizar-Monsalve
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Peláez
- Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kołodziej P, Szostakowska B, Lass A, Sulima M, Sikorska K, Kocki J, Krupski W, Starownik D, Bojar P, Szumiło J, Kasztelan-Szczerbińska B, Cichoż-Lach H, Bogucki J, Szymańska M, Fota-Markowska H, Bogucka-Kocka A. Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis caused by co-infection with Schistosoma intercalatum and Schistosoma mansoni. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e196-e205. [PMID: 37783223 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00486-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The Grand Round concerns a 24-year-old man from Zimbabwe who was studying and living in Poland. The patient had been complaining of abdominal pain, fatigue, alternating diarrhoea and constipation, and presence of blood in his stool for 3 years. The patient had the following diagnostic tests: colonoscopy, CT scan, histopathology, and parasitological and molecular tests. Results of the examinations showed that the cause of the patient's complaints was chronic intestinal schistosomiasis due to the co-infection with Schistosoma intercalatum and Schistosoma mansoni. The patient had two cycles of praziquantel therapy (Biltricide) and responded well to the treatment. In the Grand Round, we describe full diagnostics as well as clinical and therapeutic management in the patient with S intercalatum and S mansoni co-infection. This case allows us to draw attention to cases of forgotten chronic tropical diseases (including rare ones) in patients from regions with a high endemic index staying in non-endemic regions of the world for a long time. Co-infection with S intercalatum and S mansoni should be considered as a very rare clinical case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Kołodziej
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Anna Lass
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sulima
- Division of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Division of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Witold Krupski
- Department of Medical Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Starownik
- Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Bojar
- Department of Pathomorphology, Beskid Oncology Centre-John Paul II Memorial City Hospital in Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biała, Poland
| | - Justyna Szumiło
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Szymańska
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zeng Y, Hu R, Ma W, Ding Y, Zhou Y, Peng X, Feng L, Cheng Q, Luo Z. New tricks for old drugs- praziquantel ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 25:18. [PMID: 38355586 PMCID: PMC10868045 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-024-00737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive disease with complex pathogenesis, short median survival time, and high mortality. There are few effective drugs approved for pulmonary fibrosis treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of praziquantel (PZQ) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS In this study, we investigated the role and mechanisms of PZQ in pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model induced by BLM. Parameters investigated included survival rate, lung histopathology, pulmonary collagen deposition, mRNA expression of key genes involved in pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis, the activity of fibroblast, and M2/M1 macrophage ratio. RESULTS We found that PZQ improved the survival rate of mice and reduced the body weight loss induced by BLM. Histological examination showed that PZQ significantly inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells, collagen deposition, and hydroxyproline content in BLM-induced mice. Besides, PZQ reduced the expression of TGF-β and MMP-12 in vivo and inhibited the proliferation of fibroblast induced by TGF-β in vitro. Furthermore, PZQ affected the balance of M2/M1 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that PZQ could ameliorate BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by affecting the balance of M2/M1 macrophages and suppressing the expression of TGF-β and MMP-12. These findings suggest that PZQ may act as an effective anti-fibrotic agent for preventing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Zeng
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lixin Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingmei Cheng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Joint Degeneration and Injury, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Ziqiang Luo
- Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Souza Neto LR, Montoya BO, Brandão-Neto J, Verma A, Bowyer S, Moreira-Filho JT, Dantas RF, Neves BJ, Andrade CH, von Delft F, Owens RJ, Furnham N, Silva-Jr FP. Fragment library screening by X-ray crystallography and binding site analysis on thioredoxin glutathione reductase of Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1582. [PMID: 38238498 PMCID: PMC10796382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, which infect more than 200 million people. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the main drug for controlling schistosomiasis for over four decades, but despite that it is ineffective against juvenile worms and size and taste issues with its pharmaceutical forms impose challenges for treating school-aged children. It is also important to note that PZQ resistant strains can be generated in laboratory conditions and observed in the field, hence its extensive use in mass drug administration programs raises concerns about resistance, highlighting the need to search for new schistosomicidal drugs. Schistosomes survival relies on the redox enzyme thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), a validated target for the development of new anti-schistosomal drugs. Here we report a high-throughput fragment screening campaign of 768 compounds against S. mansoni TGR (SmTGR) using X-ray crystallography. We observed 49 binding events involving 35 distinct molecular fragments which were found to be distributed across 16 binding sites. Most sites are described for the first time within SmTGR, a noteworthy exception being the "doorstop pocket" near the NADPH binding site. We have compared results from hotspots and pocket druggability analysis of SmTGR with the experimental binding sites found in this work, with our results indicating only limited coincidence between experimental and computational results. Finally, we discuss that binding sites at the doorstop/NADPH binding site and in the SmTGR dimer interface, should be prioritized for developing SmTGR inhibitors as new antischistosomal drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Ribeiro de Souza Neto
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bogar Omar Montoya
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Brandão-Neto
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
| | - Anil Verma
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sebastian Bowyer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - José Teófilo Moreira-Filho
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rafael Ferreira Dantas
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- CRAFT - Center for Research and Advancement of Fragments and Molecular Targets, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frank von Delft
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Raymond J Owens
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell, UK.
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Floriano Paes Silva-Jr
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sharaf-El-Deen S, Soliman S, Brakat R. Evaluation of the antiparasitic and antifibrotic effects of gallic acid on experimental hepatic schistosomiasis mansoni. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e3. [PMID: 38167243 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000937] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis afflicts approximately 120 million individuals globally. The hepatic pathology that occurs due to egg-induced granuloma and fibrosis is commonly attributed to this condition. However, there is currently no efficacious treatment available for either of these conditions.Our study aimed to investigate the potential antifibrotic and antiparasitic properties of different doses of gallic acid (GA) in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. In addition, we investigated the outcomes of co-administering it with the standard anti-schistosomiasis treatment, praziquantel (PZQ).In experiment I, Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were administered GA at doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg. Their effectiveness was evaluated through parasitological (worm and egg loads, granuloma number and diameter), pathological (fibrosis percentage and H-score of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)), and functional (liver enzymes) tests. In experiment II, we investigated the optimal dosage that yielded the best outcomes. This dosage was administered in conjunction with PZQ and was evaluated regarding the parasitological, pathological, functional, and immunological (fibrosis-regulating cytokines) activities.Our findings indicate that the administration of 40 mg/kg GA exhibited the highest level of effectiveness in experiment I. In experiment II, it exhibited lower antiparasitic efficacy in comparison to PZQ. However, it surpassed PZQ in other tests. It showed enhanced outcomes when combined with PZQ.In conclusion, our findings reveal that GA only slightly increased the antischistosomal activity of PZQ. However, it was linked to decreased fibrosis, particularly when administrated with PZQ. Our pilot study identifies GA as a natural antifibrotic agent, which could be administered with PZQ to mitigate the development of fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sharaf-El-Deen
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - S Soliman
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - R Brakat
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rinaldi G, Paz Meseguer C, Cantacessi C, Cortés A. Form and Function in the Digenea, with an Emphasis on Host-Parasite and Parasite-Bacteria Interactions. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1454:3-45. [PMID: 39008262 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-60121-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
This review covers the general aspects of the anatomy and physiology of the major body systems in digenetic trematodes, with an emphasis on new knowledge of the area acquired since the publication of the second edition of this book in 2019. In addition to reporting on key recent advances in the morphology and physiology of tegumentary, sensory, neuromuscular, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems, and their roles in host-parasite interactions, this edition includes a section discussing the known and putative roles of bacteria in digenean biology and physiology. Furthermore, a brief discussion of current trends in the development of novel treatment and control strategies based on a better understanding of the trematode body systems and associated bacteria is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Life Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Carla Paz Meseguer
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alba Cortés
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dos Santos VHB, de Azevedo Ximenes ECP, de Souza RAF, da Silva RPC, da Conceição Silva M, de Andrade LVM, de Souza Oliveira VM, de Melo-Júnior MR, Costa VMA, de Barros Lorena VM, de Araújo HDA, de Lima Aires A, de Azevedo Albuquerque MCP. Effects of the probiotic Bacillus cereus GM on experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:72. [PMID: 38148420 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08090-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Probiotics contribute to the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and preventing dysbiosis caused by opportunistic pathogens, such as intestinal helminths. Bacillus cereus GM obtained from Biovicerin® was cultured to obtain spores for in vivo evaluation on experimental schistosomiasis. The assay was performed for 90 days, where all animals were infected with 50 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni on the 15th day. Three experimental groups were formed, as follows: G1-saline solution from the 1st until the 90th day; G2-B. cereus GM (105 spores in 300 μL of sterile saline) from the 1st until the 90th day; and G3-B. cereus GM 35th day (onset of oviposition) until the 90th day. G2 showed a significant reduction of 43.4% of total worms, 48.8% of female worms and 42.5% of eggs in the liver tissue. In G3, the reduction was 25.2%, 29.1%, and 44% of the total number of worms, female worms, and eggs in the liver tissue, respectively. G2 and G3 showed a 25% (p < 0.001) and 22% (p < 0.001) reduction in AST levels, respectively, but ALT levels did not change. ALP levels were reduced by 23% (p < 0.001) in the G2 group, but not in the G3. The average volume of granulomas reduced (p < 0.0001) 65.2% and 46.3% in the liver tissue and 83.0% and 53.2% in the intestine, respectively, in groups G2 and G3. Th1 profile cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) and IL-17 were significantly increased (p < 0.001) stimulated with B. cereus GM in groups G2 and G3. IL-4 showed significant values when the stimulus was mediated by ConA. By modulating the immune response, B. cereus GM reduced the burden of worms, improved some markers of liver function, and reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reaction in mice infected with S. mansoni, especially when administered before infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Barbosa Dos Santos
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Eulália Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo Ximenes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Renan Andrade Fernandes de Souza
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Valdenia Maria de Souza Oliveira
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Vlaudia Maria Assis Costa
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Hallysson Douglas Andrade de Araújo
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Fármacos e Laboratório de Tecnologia de Biomateriais - Centro Acadêmico de Vitória de Santo Antão, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - André de Lima Aires
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Médicas, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo Albuquerque
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Centro de Ciências Médicas, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhong H, Hou L, Qin F, Ren Y, Dong B, Zhu D, Li H, Lu K, Fu Z, Liu J, Gu S, Jin Y. Molecular and functional characterization of Schistosoma japonicum annexin A13. Vet Res 2023; 54:116. [PMID: 38049816 PMCID: PMC10696758 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01244-z] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects humans and animals in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Schistosome eggs are responsible for the pathogenesis and transmission of schistosomiasis, thus reducing egg production is vital for prevention and control of schistosomiasis. However, the mechanisms underlying schistosome reproduction remain unclear. Annexin proteins (ANXs) are involved in the physiological and pathological functions of schistosomes, but the specific regulatory mechanisms and roles of ANX A13 in the development of Schistosoma japonicum and host-parasite interactions remain poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, the expression profiles of SjANX A13 at different life cycle stages of S. japonicum were assessed using quantitative PCR. In addition, the expression profiles of the homolog in S. mansoni were analyzed in reference to public datasets. The results of RNA interference showed that knockdown of SjANX A13 significantly affected the development and egg production of female worms in vivo. The results of an immune protection assay showed that recombinant SjANX A13 increased production of immunoglobulin G-specific antibodies. Finally, co-culture of S. japonicum exosomes with LX-2 cells using a transwell system demonstrated that SjANX A13 is involved in host-parasite interactions via exosomes. Collectively, these results will help to clarify the roles of SjANX A13 in the development of S. japonicum and host-parasite interactions as a potential vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Hou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Fanglin Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqi Ren
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Danlin Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaopeng Gu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Haapanen S, Angeli A, Tolvanen M, Emameh RZ, Supuran CT, Parkkila S. Cloning, characterization, and inhibition of the novel β-carbonic anhydrase from parasitic blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2184299. [PMID: 36856011 PMCID: PMC9980027 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2184299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is an intestinal parasite with one β-class carbonic anhydrase, SmaBCA. We report the sequence enhancing, production, catalytic activity, and inhibition results of the recombinant SmaBCA. It showed significant catalytic activity on CO2 hydration in vitro with kcat 1.38 × 105 s-1 and kcat/Km 2.33 × 107 M-1 s-1. Several sulphonamide inhibitors, from which many are clinically used, showed submicromolar or nanomolar inhibitory effects on SmaBCA. The most efficient inhibitor with a KI of 43.8 nM was 4-(2-amino-pyrimidine-4-yl)-benzenesulfonamide. Other effective inhibitors with KIs in the range of 79.4-95.9 nM were benzolamide, brinzolamide, topiramate, dorzolamide, saccharin, epacadostat, celecoxib, and famotidine. The other tested compounds showed at least micromolar range inhibition against SmaBCA. Our results introduce SmaBCA as a novel target for drug development against schistosomiasis, a highly prevalent parasitic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Haapanen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland,CONTACT Susanna Haapanen Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Martti Tolvanen
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Reza Zolfaghari Emameh
- Department of Energy and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland,Fimlab Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhou M, Xu L, Xu D, Chen W, Khan J, Hu Y, Huang H, Wei H, Zhang Y, Chusongsang P, Tanasarnprasert K, Hu X, Limpanont Y, Lv Z. Chromosome-scale genome of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mekongi and its implications for public health. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:104. [PMID: 38017557 PMCID: PMC10683246 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01160-6] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mekongi is a human blood fluke causing schistosomiasis that threatens approximately 1.5 million humans in the world. Nonetheless, the limited available S. mekongi genomic resources have hindered understanding of its biology and parasite-host interactions for disease management and pathogen control. The aim of our study was to integrate multiple technologies to construct a high-quality chromosome-level assembly of the S. mekongi genome. METHODS The reference genome for S. mekongi was generated through integrating Illumina, PacBio sequencing, 10 × Genomics linked-read sequencing, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) methods. In this study, we conducted de novo assembly, alignment, and gene prediction to assemble and annotate the genome. Comparative genomics allowed us to compare genomes across different species, shedding light on conserved regions and evolutionary relationships. Additionally, our transcriptomic analysis focused on genes associated with parasite-snail interactions in S. mekongi infection. We employed gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis for functional annotation of these genes. RESULTS In the present study, the S. mekongi genome was both assembled into 8 pseudochromosomes with a length of 404 Mb, with contig N50 and scaffold N50 lengths of 1168 kb and 46,759 kb, respectively. We detected that 43% of the genome consists of repeat sequences and predicted 9103 protein-coding genes. We also focused on proteases, particularly leishmanolysin-like metalloproteases (M8), which are crucial in the invasion of hosts by 12 flatworm species. Through phylogenetic analysis, it was discovered that the M8 gene exhibits lineage-specific amplification among the genus Schistosoma. Lineage-specific expansion of M8 was observed in blood flukes. Additionally, the results of the RNA-seq revealed that a mass of genes related to metabolic and biosynthetic processes were up-regulated, which might be beneficial for cercaria production. CONCLUSIONS This study delivers a high-quality, chromosome-scale reference genome of S. mekongi, enhancing our understanding of the divergence and evolution of Schistosoma. The molecular research conducted here also plays a pivotal role in drug discovery and vaccine development. Furthermore, our work greatly advances the understanding of host-parasite interactions, providing crucial insights for schistosomiasis intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosafety, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Province, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dahua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Information and Engineering, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Translational Medicine, Medical School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jehangir Khan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosafety, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosafety, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosafety, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosafety, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Phiraphol Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanthi Tanasarnprasert
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Xiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Zhiyue Lv
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosafety, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Duval D, Poteaux P, Gourbal B, Rognon A, Augusto RDC. Fluorescent non transgenic schistosoma to decipher host-parasite phenotype compatibility. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1293009. [PMID: 38106408 PMCID: PMC10721968 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is considered as a significant public health problem, imposing a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between parasites and their hosts. Unfortunately, current invasive methodologies employed to study the compatibility and the parasite development impose limitations on exploring diverse strains under various environmental conditions, thereby impeding progress in the field. In this study, we demonstrate the usefulness for the trematode parasite Schistosma mansoni, leveranging a fluorescence-imaging-based approach that employs fluorescein 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) and 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate (CMAC) as organism tracker for intramolluscan studies involving the host snail Biomphalaria glabrata. These probes represent key tools for qualitatively assessing snail infections with unmatched accuracy and precision. By monitoring the fluorescence of parasites within the snail vector, our method exposes an unprecedented glimpse into the host-parasite compatibility landscape. The simplicity and sensitivity of our approach render it an ideal choice for evolutionary studies, as it sheds light on the intricate mechanisms governing host-parasite interactions. Fluorescent probe-based methods play a pivotal role in characterizing factors influencing parasite development and phenotype of compatibility, paving the way for innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions to enhance our understanding host-parasite immunobiological interaction and compatibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Duval
- IHPE, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Pierre Poteaux
- IHPE, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Benjamin Gourbal
- IHPE, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Anne Rognon
- IHPE, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Xie S, Lu Y, Wang J, Lin C, Ye P, Liu X, Xiong W, Zeng Z, Zeng D. Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of milbemycin oxime and praziquantel in plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study in cats. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1285932. [PMID: 37964913 PMCID: PMC10642303 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1285932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Milbemycin oxime (MBO) and praziquantel (PZQ) have a broad spectrum of biological activity and are commonly used to treat the parasitic infection in the veterinary clinic. In this study, a fast and efficient LC-MS/MS method was established and validated for the simultaneous determination of MBO, PZQ, cis-4-hydroxylated-PZQ (C-4-OH-PZQ) and trans-4-hydroxylated-PZQ (T-4-OH-PZQ) and in cat plasma. Methods Extraction of analytes and internal standards from cat plasma by acetonitrile protein precipitation, allows rapid processing of large batches of samples. MBO, PZQ, C-4-OH-PZQ, T-4-OH-PZQ, and internal standard (IS) were eluted for 13.5 min on a C18 column with a 0.1% formic acid water/acetonitrile mixture as the mobile phase. Results Results showed that the method had good precision, accuracy, recovery, and linearity. The linearity range was 2.5-250 ng/mL for MBO, and 10-1000 ng/mL for PZQ, C-4-OH-PZQ, and T-4-OH-PZQ. The intra-day and inter-day precision CV values of the tested components were within 15%. The extraction recoveries of the four components ranged from 98.09% to 107.46%. The analytes in plasma remained stable for 6 h at room temperature, 26 h in the autosampler (4 °C), after freeze-thaw (-20°C) cycles, and 60 days in a -20°C freezer. Method sensitivity sufficed for assessing pharmacokinetic parameters of MBO, PZQ, C-4-OH-PZQ, and T-4-OH-PZQ in plasma samples with LLOQ of 2.5 ng/mL for MBO and 10 ng/mL for PZQ, C-4-OH-PZQ, and T-4-OH-PZQ. Conclusion In this study, a selective and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of MBO, PZQ, C-4-OH-PZQ, and T-4-OH-PZQ in cat plasma was developed and validated.This method had been successfully applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of MBO, PZQ, C-4-OH-PZQ, and T-4-OH-PZQ after a single oral administration of 8 mg MBO and 20 mg PZQ in cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiting Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixing Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changcheng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyu Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Livcare (Guangdong) Animal Health Co., Ltd, Qingyuan, China
| | - Wenguang Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenling Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongping Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Aboagye IF, Addison YAA. Praziquantel efficacy, urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis reinfection - a systematic review. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:623-630. [PMID: 36394218 PMCID: PMC10498796 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2145070] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) has been extensively used as the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis on account of its safety and effectiveness against all major forms of schistosomiasis. However, low cure rate, reduced susceptibility of Schistosoma mansoni to PZQ and treatment failures in S. haematobium infections have been reported, raising concerns about its efficacy. Using the search terms, 'praziquantel efficacy, schistosomiasis, school children, reinfection' as well as defined inclusion criteria, and guided by the PRISMA guidelines, articles from 2001 to 2022 were selected from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases and reviewed to assess their importance to the research question. This review assessed the efficacy of PZQ against schistosomiasis and reinfection rates following treatment of Schistosoma infections in children. Majority of both intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis studies reported comparable egg reduction rates (ERRs) of 94.2% to 99.9% and 91.9% to 98%, respectively. However, ERRs suggestive of sub-optimal PZQ efficacy as well as generally high and comparable cure rates for intestinal (81.2%-99.1%) and urinary (79%-93.7%) schistosomiasis studies were reported. Schistosomiasis reinfection rates varied widely for urinary (8.1%-39.6%) and intestinal (13.9%-63.4%) studies within eight to 28 weeks following PZQ treatment. Praziquantel treatment of urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis should be accompanied by the provision of potable water, toilet, and recreational facilities to reduce reinfection and egg reduction rates and increase cure rate to expedite schistosomiasis elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Frimpong Aboagye
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mustafa S, Matarneh AS, Mohamed A, Fadul A, Musa M, Mohamed RI, Abdallah E, Mohamed TG. Cerebral Neuroschistosomiasis Presenting as a Brain Mass. Cureus 2023; 15:e45418. [PMID: 37854757 PMCID: PMC10581503 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroschistosomiasis is a rare manifestation of schistosomal infections presenting with cerebral and spinal cord involvement. We reported a case of a 31-year-old woman who presented with a history of headache, dizziness, and nausea. Brain MRI with contrast showed features suggestive of brain lesion with edema, and a serology test for Schistosoma was positive. She was diagnosed with neuroschistosomiasis and treated with intravenous steroids followed by praziquantel resulting in a significant regression of the brain mass. Cerebral neuroschistosomiasis is a rare complication of Schistosoma infection, and clinicians should consider it among the differential diagnosis of unexplained brain lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salma Mustafa
- Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | | | | | - Abdalla Fadul
- Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Muzamil Musa
- Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Silva LMN, França WWM, Santos VHB, Souza RAF, Silva AM, Diniz EGM, Aguiar TWA, Rocha JVR, Souza MAA, Nascimento WRC, Lima Neto RG, Cruz Filho IJ, Ximenes ECPA, Araújo HDA, Aires AL, Albuquerque MCPA. Plumbagin: A Promising In Vivo Antiparasitic Candidate against Schistosoma mansoni and In Silico Pharmacokinetic Properties (ADMET). Biomedicines 2023; 11:2340. [PMID: 37760782 PMCID: PMC10525874 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a potentially fatal chronic disease whose etiological agents are blood trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma spp., is one of the most prevalent and debilitating neglected diseases. The treatment of schistosomiasis depends exclusively on praziquantel (PZQ), a drug that has been used since the 1970s and that already has reports of reduced therapeutic efficacy, related with the development of Schistosoma-resistant or -tolerant strains. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic alternatives is an urgent need. Plumbagin (PLUM), a naphthoquinone isolated from the roots of plants of the genus Plumbago, has aroused interest in research due to its antiparasitic properties against protozoa and helminths. Here, we evaluated the in vivo schistosomicidal potential of PLUM against Schistosoma mansoni and the in silico pharmacokinetic parameters. ADMET parameters and oral bioavailability were evaluated using the PkCSM and SwissADME platforms, respectively. The study was carried out with five groups of infected mice and divided as follows: an untreated control group, a control group treated with PZQ, and three groups treated orally with 8, 16, or 32 mg/kg of PLUM. After treatment, the Kato-Katz technique was performed to evaluate a quantity of eggs in the feces (EPG). The animals were euthanized for worm recovery, intestine samples were collected to evaluate the oviposition pattern, the load of eggs was determined on the hepatic and intestinal tissues and for the histopathological and histomorphometric evaluation of tissue and hepatic granulomas. PLUM reduced EPG by 65.27, 70.52, and 82.49%, reduced the total worm load by 46.7, 55.25, and 72.4%, and the female worm load by 44.01, 52.76, and 71.16%, for doses of 8, 16, and 32 mg/kg, respectively. PLUM also significantly reduced the number of immature eggs and increased the number of dead eggs in the oogram. A reduction of 36.11, 46.46, and 64.14% in eggs in the hepatic tissue, and 57.22, 65.18, and 80.5% in the intestinal tissue were also observed at doses of 8, 16, and 32 mg/kg, respectively. At all doses, PLUM demonstrated an effect on the histopathological and histomorphometric parameters of the hepatic granuloma, with a reduction of 41.11, 48.47, and 70.55% in the numerical density of the granulomas and 49.56, 57.63, and 71.21% in the volume, respectively. PLUM presented itself as a promising in vivo antiparasitic candidate against S. mansoni, acting not only on parasitological parameters but also on hepatic granuloma. Furthermore, in silico, PLUM showed good predictive pharmacokinetic profiles by ADMET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas M. N. Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-520, PE, Brazil; (L.M.N.S.); (V.H.B.S.); (R.A.F.S.); (E.C.P.A.X.); (M.C.P.A.A.)
| | - Wilza W. M. França
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Medicina Tropical Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil;
| | - Victor H. B. Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-520, PE, Brazil; (L.M.N.S.); (V.H.B.S.); (R.A.F.S.); (E.C.P.A.X.); (M.C.P.A.A.)
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
| | - Renan A. F. Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-520, PE, Brazil; (L.M.N.S.); (V.H.B.S.); (R.A.F.S.); (E.C.P.A.X.); (M.C.P.A.A.)
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
| | - Adriana M. Silva
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
| | - Emily G. M. Diniz
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Medicina Tropical Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil;
| | - Thierry W. A. Aguiar
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil
| | - João V. R. Rocha
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Medicina Tropical Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil;
| | - Mary A. A. Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Morfotecnologia, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil; (M.A.A.S.); (I.J.C.F.)
| | - Wheverton R. C. Nascimento
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Morfotecnologia, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil; (M.A.A.S.); (I.J.C.F.)
- Centro de Ciências Médicas—Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo G. Lima Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Medicina Tropical Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil;
- Centro de Ciências Médicas—Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Iranildo J. Cruz Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Morfotecnologia, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil; (M.A.A.S.); (I.J.C.F.)
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Eulália C. P. A. Ximenes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-520, PE, Brazil; (L.M.N.S.); (V.H.B.S.); (R.A.F.S.); (E.C.P.A.X.); (M.C.P.A.A.)
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Hallysson D. A. Araújo
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil
| | - André L. Aires
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Medicina Tropical Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil;
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Morfotecnologia, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, PE, Brazil; (M.A.A.S.); (I.J.C.F.)
- Centro de Ciências Médicas—Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica C. P. A. Albuquerque
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-520, PE, Brazil; (L.M.N.S.); (V.H.B.S.); (R.A.F.S.); (E.C.P.A.X.); (M.C.P.A.A.)
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil; (W.W.M.F.); (A.M.S.); (E.G.M.D.); (T.W.A.A.); (J.V.R.R.); (W.R.C.N.); (H.D.A.A.)
- Centro de Ciências Médicas—Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Xie S, Zhang Y, Li J, Zhou J, Li J, Zhang P, Liu Y, Luo Y, Ming Y. IgG persistence showed weak clinical aspects in chronic schistosomiasis patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13222. [PMID: 37580417 PMCID: PMC10425409 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40082-z] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease, which affects the quality of daily life of patients and imposes a huge burden on society. Hepatic fibrosis in response to continuous insult of eggs to the liver is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis are largely undefined. The purpose of our study is to detect the indicator to hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis. A total of 488 patients with chronic schistosomiasis japonica were enrolled in our study. The patients were divided into two groups according to liver ultrasound examination, which could indicate liver fibrosis of schistosomiasis with unique reticular changes. Logistic regression analysis showed that globulin, albumin/globulin, GGT levels and anti-Schistosoma IgG were independently associated with liver fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis and IgG was the largest association of liver fibrosis (OR 2.039, 95% CI 1.293-3.213). We further compared IgG+ patients with IgG- patients. IgG+ patients (ALT 25 U/L, GGT 31 U/L) slightly higher than IgG- patients (ALT 22 U/L, GGT 26 U/L) in ALT and GGT. However, the fibrosis of liver in IgG+ patients (Grade II(19.7%), Grade III(7.3%)) were more severe than that in IgG- patients(Grade II(12.5%), Grade III(2.9%)) according to the grade of liver ultrasonography. Our results showed anti-Schistosoma IgG was independently associated with liver fibrosis in patients with chronic schistosomiasis japonica and patients with persistent anti-Schistosoma IgG might have more liver fibrosis than negative patients despite no obvious clinical signs or symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shudong Xie
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Comission, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Comission, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhui Li
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Comission, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Comission, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Comission, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Luo
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Comission, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingzi Ming
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Comission, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fagundes Silva HAM, Andrade de Araújo HD, Pessoa de Azevedo Albuquerque MC, de Vasconcelos Lima M, Barroso Martins MC, Alves LC, Brayner FA, de Lima Aires A, Mendonça de Albuquerque Melo AM, da Silva NH. In Vitro Anthelminthic Activity and Ultrastructural Analysis of Barbatic Acid against Schistosomulae and Juvenile Worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202300154. [PMID: 37414744 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202300154] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis affects about 260 million people worldwide and the search for new schistosomicidal compounds is urgent. In this study we evaluated the in vitro effect of barbatic acid against schistosomulae and young worms of Schistosoma mansoni. The barbatic acid was evaluated through the bioassay of motility and mortality, cellular viability and ultrastructural analysis of juvenile stages through Scanning Electron Microscopy. Barbatic acid showed a schistosomicidal effect against schistosomulae and young worms of S. mansoni after 3 h of exposure. At the end of 24 h, barbatic acid showed 100 %, 89.5 %, 52 % and 28.5 % of lethality for schistosomulae at the concentrations of 200, 100, 50 and 25 μM, respectively. For young worms, barbatic acid showed 100 % and 31.7 % of lethality at the concentrations of 200 and 100 μM, respectively. Motility changes were observed at all sublethal concentrations. There was a significant reduction in the viability of young worms after exposure to barbatic acid at 50, 100 and 200 μM. Extensive damage to the schistosomulae and young worm's tegument, was observed from 50 μM. This report provides data showing the schistosomicidal effect of barbatic acid on schistosomulae and young worms of S. mansoni, causing death, motility changes and ultrastructural damage to worms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hianna Arely Milca Fagundes Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Hallysson Douglas Andrade de Araújo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo Albuquerque
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maíra de Vasconcelos Lima
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica Cristina Barroso Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Fábio André Brayner
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - André de Lima Aires
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Mendonça de Albuquerque Melo
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Nicácio Henrique da Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mogahed NMFH, El-Temsahy MM, Abou-El-Naga IF, Makled S, Sheta E, Ibrahim EI. Loading praziquantel within solid lipid nanoparticles improved its schistosomicidal efficacy against the juvenile stage. Exp Parasitol 2023; 251:108552. [PMID: 37285898 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shimaa Makled
- Pharmaceutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Eman Sheta
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Eman Ibrahim Ibrahim
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Weathers PJ. Artemisinin as a therapeutic vs. its more complex Artemisia source material. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1158-1169. [PMID: 36541391 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00072e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2017-2022Many small molecule drugs are first discovered in nature, commonly the result of long ethnopharmacological use by people, and then characterized and purified from their biological sources. Traditional medicines are often more sustainable, but issues related to source consistency and efficacy present challenges. Modern medicine has focused solely on purified molecules, but evidence is mounting to support some of the more traditional uses of medicinal biologics. When is a more traditional delivery of a therapeutic appropriate and warranted? What studies are required to establish validity of a traditional medicine approach? Artemisia annua and A. afra are two related but unique medicinal plant species with long histories of ethnopharmacological use. A. annua produces the sesquiterpene lactone antimalarial drug, artemisinin, while A. afra produces at most, trace amounts of the compound. Both species also have an increasing repertoire of modern scientific and pharmacological data that make them ideal candidates for a case study. Here accumulated recent data on A. annua and A. afra are reviewed as a basis for establishing a decision tree for querying their therapeutic use, as well as that of other medicinal plant species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Asante-Kwatia E, Gyimah L, Forkuo AD, Anyan WK, Gbemu MA, Armah FA, Mensah AY. Ethnobotanical Survey and Cercaricidal Activity Screening of Medicinal Plants Used for Schistosomiasis Treatment in Atwima-Nwabiagya District, Ashanti Region, Ghana. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:6707157. [PMID: 37520159 PMCID: PMC10372336 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6707157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focused on documenting and evaluating the cercaricidal activity of medicinal plants used for schistosomiasis treatment in an endemic area in Ghana. Through semistructured questionnaires, personal interviews with herbalists in communities surrounding the Barekese dam in the Atwima-Nwabiagya district, where the disease is endemic, were carried out. Thirty medicinal plants distributed in 19 families were reported to be used for schistosomiasis treatment in the survey. Information on the plants, including scientific names, common names, families, and the used plant part were recorded. The families Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae recorded the highest number of plants (14% each), followed by Asteraceae (10%), Loranthaceae (7%), and Rubiaceae (7%). In vitro cercaricidal activity of methanol extracts of nine out of the thirty plants was performed by exposing human Schistosoma mansoni cercariae obtained from Biomphalaria pfeifferi to various concentrations of extracts over a duration of 240 minutes. All the plants tested demonstrated time- and concentration-dependent cercaricidal activity. With lethality being set at <1000 μg/mL, the cercaricidal activity in order of decreasing potency was as follows: Withania somnifera (LC50 = 1.29) > Balanites aegyptiaca (LC50 = 7.1) > Xylia evansii (LC50 = 11.14) > Jathropha multifida (LC50 = 12.9) > Justicia flava (LC50 = 22.9) > Anopyxis klaineana (LC50 = 182.81) > Ximenia americana (LC50 = 194.98) > Loranthus lecardii (LC50 = 223.87) > Bridelia tenufolia (LC50 = 309.03) > Zanthoxylium zanthoxyloides (LC50 = 851.94). Phytochemicals, including alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, saponins, phytosterols, and flavonoids were identified in the plants. The result of this study gives scientific credence to the traditional use of these plants in the treatment of schistosomiasis and proves that the rich botanical knowledge of medicinal plants provides an incredible starting point for the discovery of new anti-schistosomal drugs for the local population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Asante-Kwatia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lord Gyimah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Arnold Donkor Forkuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - William Kofi Anyan
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Makafui Adzo Gbemu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Francis Ackah Armah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Abraham Yeboah Mensah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Emara MH, Mahros AM, Rasheda AMA, Radwan MI, Mohamed B, Abdelrazik O, Elazab M, Elbatae H. Schistosomal (bilharzial) polyps: Travel through the colon and beyond. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4156-4165. [PMID: 37475844 PMCID: PMC10354569 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i26.4156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis (bilharziasis) is a major neglected tropical disease. It is endemic in many tropical and subtropical communities. Schistosomal polyps (S. polyps) are not uncommon presentation of this infection. Although the colon is the most commonly affected organ, many other organs are affected. S. polyps are associated with a variable range of morbidity independent of the Schistosomal infection. S. polyps are frequently described in endemic areas and increasingly reported in non-endemic areas mainly among immigrants and visitors to the endemic areas. This review aimed to increase awareness of practitioners, especially gastroenterologists, for this peculiar type of polyps caused by this neglected infection hence improving patient outcomes. Web-based search of different databases was conducted for the literature focusing the development of S. polyps in the colon and other organs with analysis of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. The following key words were used in the search, “Schistosomiasis” OR “Bilharziasis” AND “Polyps” OR “Polyp” AND “Colon” OR “Small intestine” OR “ Duodenum” OR “ Stomach” OR “Esophagus” OR ” Gallbladder” OR” Pharynx” OR “Larynx” OR “Trachea” OR ”Urinary bladder” OR “ Ureter” OR “Renal Pelvis” OR “Urethra”. All publication types including case reports, case series, original research, and review articles were retrieved and analyzed. S. polyps are not infrequent presentation of acute or chronic Schistosomal infection. S. polyps are described in many organs including the bowel, genitourinary tract, skin, gallbladder and the larynx. Presentation of S. polyps is variable and depends on the site, number as well as the polyp size. The relationship of S. polyps to malignant transformation is a matter of discussion. Presence of S. polyps is sometimes the only manifestation of Schistosomiasis. Small polyps can be treated medically with praziquantel, while large accessible polyps are amendable for endoscopic excision through different polyp resection techniques. However, huge, complicated, non-accessible and suspicious polyps are indicated for surgical management or advanced endoscopic resection when appropriate. Clinicians and endoscopists should be aware about these facts when treating patients living in, immigrated from or visiting endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H Emara
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr-Elshikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Aya M Mahros
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr-Elshikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman M Ahmed Rasheda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, Security Forces Hospital, Ryiadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed I Radwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Besher Mohamed
- Department of Gastroenterology, Surrey and Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Surrey RH1 5RH, United Kingdom
| | - Osama Abdelrazik
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Elazab
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr-Elshikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Hassan Elbatae
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr-Elshikh 33516, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Xu J, Dong LL, Sun H, Huang P, Zhang RZ, Wang XY, Sun DQ, Xia CM. Small change, big difference: A promising praziquantel derivative designated P96 with broad-spectrum antischistosomal activity for chemotherapy of schistosomiasis japonica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011215. [PMID: 37410790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the first line antischistosomal drug for all species of Schistosoma, and the only available drug for schistosomiasis japonica, without any alternative drugs since the 1980s. However, PZQ cannot prevent reinfection, and cannot cure schistosomiasis thoroughly because of its poor activity against juvenile schistosomes. In addition, reliance on a single drug is extremely dangerous, the development and spread of resistance to PZQ is becoming a great concern. Therefore, development of novel drug candidates for treatment and control of schistosomiasis is urgently needed. METHODOLOGYS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS One of the PZQ derivative christened P96 with the substitution of cyclohexyl by cyclopentyl was synthesized by School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Shandong University. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo activities of P96 against different developmental stages of S. japonicum. Parasitological studies and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the primary action characteristics of P96 in vitro. Both mouse and rabbit models were employed to evaluate schistosomicidal efficacy of P96 in vivo. Besides calculation of worm reduction rate and egg reduction rate, quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate the in vivo antischistosomal activity of P96 at molecular level. In vitro, after 24h exposure, P96 demonstrated the highest activities against both juvenile and adult worm of S. japonicum in comparison to PZQ. The antischistosomal efficacy was concentration-dependent, with P96 at 50μM demonstrating the most evident schistosomicidal effect. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that P96 caused more severe damages to schistosomula and adult worm tegument compared to PZQ. In vivo, our results showed that P96 was effective against S. japonicum at all developmental stages. Notably, its efficacy against young stage worms was significantly improved compared to PZQ. Moreover, P96 retained the high activity comparable to PZQ against the adult worm of S. japonicum. CONCLUSIONS P96 is a promising drug candidate for chemotherapy of schistosomiasis japonica, which has broad spectrum of action against various developmental stage, potentially addressing the deficiency of PZQ. It might be promoted as a drug candidate for use either alone or in combination with PZQ for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-infective Medicine, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Lan-Lan Dong
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Huan Sun
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-infective Medicine, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Run-Ze Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Yi Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - De-Qun Sun
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Qingyi Town, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
| | - Chao-Ming Xia
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-infective Medicine, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nielsen MK. Apparent treatment failure of praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate against anoplocephalid tapeworms. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 22:96-101. [PMID: 37354849 PMCID: PMC10331019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Anoplocephalid tapeworms are commonly occurring in grazing horses around the world. Two currently available anthelmintics have documented high efficacy against Anoplocephala perfoliata; praziquantel in various dosages ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 mg/kg and pyrantel pamoate administered at 13.2 mg base/kg. Anthelmintic resistance has not been reported in A. perfoliata, but anecdotal reports made during 2022 have suggested a possible loss of efficacy for both actives. This paper reports fecal egg count data from a Thoroughbred operation in Central Kentucky in 2023. Fifty-six yearlings were first dewormed with a combination of ivermectin (200 μg/kg) and praziquantel (1.5 mg/kg) and subsequently treated with pyrantel pamoate (13.2 mg base/kg). Fecal egg counts were determined at the day of treatment and again 14 days post-treatment. Two groups of mares (n = 39 and 45) were also treated with ivermectin/praziquantel and examined pre- and post-treatment. Low efficacy of ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate was demonstrated against strongylid parasites in the yearlings with mean Fecal Egg Count Reductions (FECRs) at 75.6% or below and upper 95% credible interval (CI) limits below 90% in all cases. Overall anti-cestodal FECR levels in the yearlings were 23.5% (95% CI: 11.2-48.0) for praziquantel and 50.9% (20.5-72.0) for pyrantel pamoate. Praziquantel eliminated anoplocephalid eggs from three of 17 yearlings, but another 5 yearlings went from negative to positive status following treatment. Pyrantel pamoate failed to eliminate anoplocephalid eggs from any of 14 treated tapeworm-positive yearlings. Nine of 84 mares tested positive for anoplocephalid eggs, and seven of these were still positive post praziquantel treatment. These findings sharply contrast data from historic field efficacy studies conducted for both actives and raise concern about anthelmintic resistance having possibly developed. This emphasizes the need for developing and refining antemortem methodologies for evaluating anti-cestodal treatment efficacy and for searching for possible alternative treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M K Nielsen
- M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Silveira GO, Coelho HS, Pereira ASA, Miyasato PA, Santos DW, Maciel LF, Olberg GGG, Tahira AC, Nakano E, Oliveira MLS, Amaral MS, Verjovski-Almeida S. Long non-coding RNAs are essential for Schistosoma mansoni pairing-dependent adult worm homeostasis and fertility. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011369. [PMID: 37146077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni causes schistosomiasis, which affects over 200 million people worldwide. Schistosomes are dioecious, with egg laying depending on the females' obligatory pairing with males. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein-coding potential that have been involved in other species with reproduction, stem cell maintenance, and drug resistance. In S. mansoni, we recently showed that the knockdown of one lncRNA affects the pairing status of these parasites. Here, we re-analyzed public RNA-Seq data from paired and unpaired adult male and female worms and their gonads, obtained from mixed-sex or single-sex cercariae infections, and found thousands of differentially expressed pairing-dependent lncRNAs among the 23 biological samples that were compared. The expression levels of selected lncRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR using an in vitro unpairing model. In addition, the in vitro silencing of three selected lncRNAs showed that knockdown of these pairing-dependent lncRNAs reduced cell proliferation in adult worms and their gonads, and are essential for female vitellaria maintenance, reproduction, and/or egg development. Remarkably, in vivo silencing of each of the three selected lncRNAs significantly reduced worm burden in infected mice by 26 to 35%. Whole mount in situ hybridization experiments showed that these pairing-dependent lncRNAs are expressed in reproductive tissues. These results show that lncRNAs are key components intervening in S. mansoni adult worm homeostasis, which affects pairing status and survival in the mammalian host, thus presenting great potential as new therapeutic target candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert O Silveira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena S Coelho
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana S A Pereira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A Miyasato
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daisy W Santos
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas F Maciel
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna G G Olberg
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Tahira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana Nakano
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Murilo S Amaral
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Costa DDS, Leal CM, Cajas RA, Gazolla MC, Silva LM, Carvalho LSAD, Lemes BL, Moura ROD, Almeida JD, de Moraes J, da Silva Filho AA. Antiparasitic properties of 4-nerolidylcatechol from Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. (Piperaceae) in vitro and in mice models with either prepatent or patent Schistosoma mansoni infections. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 313:116607. [PMID: 37149066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Roots of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. are used in traditional medicine of Africa and South America for the treatment of malaria and helminthiasis. However, neither P. umbellata nor its isolated compounds have been evaluated against Schistosoma species. AIMS OF THIS STUDY To investigate the antischistosomal effects of P. umbellata root extracts and the isolated compound 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in murine models of schistosomiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The crude hydroalcoholic (PuE) and hexane (PuH) extracts of P. umbellata roots were prepared and initially submitted to an ex vivo phenotypic screening against adult S. mansoni. PuH was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, characterized by UHPLC-HRMS/MS, and submitted to chromatographic fractionation, leading to the isolation of 4-NC. The anthelmintic properties of 4-NC were assayed ex vivo against adult schistosomes and in murine models of schistosomiasis for both patent and prepatent S. mansoni infections. Praziquantel (PZQ) was used as a reference compound. RESULTS PuE (EC50: 18.7 μg/mL) and PuH (EC50: 9.2 μg/mL) kill adult schistosomes ex vivo. The UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis of PuH, the most active extract, revealed the presence of 4-NC, peltatol A, and peltatol B or C. After isolation from PuH, 4-NC presented remarkable in vitro schistosomicidal activity with EC50 of 2.9 μM (0.91 μg/mL) and a selectivity index higher than 68 against Vero mammalian cells, without affecting viability of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In patent S. mansoni infection, the oral treatment with 4-NC decreased worm burden and egg production in 52.1% and 52.3%, respectively, also reducing splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. 4-NC, unlike PZQ, showed in vivo efficacy against juvenile S. mansoni, decreasing worm burden in 52.4%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that P. umbellata roots possess antischistosomal activity, giving support for the medicinal use of this plant against parasites. 4-NC was identified from P. umbellata roots as one of the effective in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal compound and as a potential lead for the development of novel anthelmintics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo de Souza Costa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Carla Monteiro Leal
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Coutinho Gazolla
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lívia Mara Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lara Soares Aleixo de Carvalho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Bruna L Lemes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Renato Oliveira de Moura
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Juliana de Almeida
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Ademar A da Silva Filho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Padalino G, Coghlan A, Pagliuca G, Forde-Thomas JE, Berriman M, Hoffmann KF. Using ChEMBL to Complement Schistosome Drug Discovery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1359. [PMID: 37242601 PMCID: PMC10220823 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. Until an effective vaccine is registered for use, the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control remains chemotherapy with praziquantel. The sustainability of this strategy is at substantial risk due to the possibility of praziquantel insensitive/resistant schistosomes developing. Considerable time and effort could be saved in the schistosome drug discovery pipeline if available functional genomics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics and phenotypic resources are systematically leveraged. Our approach, described here, outlines how schistosome-specific resources/methodologies, coupled to the open-access drug discovery database ChEMBL, can be cooperatively used to accelerate early-stage, schistosome drug discovery efforts. Our process identified seven compounds (fimepinostat, trichostatin A, NVP-BEP800, luminespib, epoxomicin, CGP60474 and staurosporine) with ex vivo anti-schistosomula potencies in the sub-micromolar range. Three of those compounds (epoxomicin, CGP60474 and staurosporine) also demonstrated potent and fast-acting ex vivo effects on adult schistosomes and completely inhibited egg production. ChEMBL toxicity data were also leveraged to provide further support for progressing CGP60474 (as well as luminespib and TAE684) as a novel anti-schistosomal compound. As very few compounds are currently at the advanced stages of the anti-schistosomal pipeline, our approaches highlight a strategy by which new chemical matter can be identified and quickly progressed through preclinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Avril Coghlan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK;
| | | | | | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- The Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Valente MDA, Ferreira P, Lima K, Moreira da Silva IB, Nobre P, Neto I, Pires M, Braz BS, Serrano R, Belo S, Silva O. Vernonia britteniana Root Phytochemical Studies, In Vitro Cercaricidal Activity on the Larval Stage of Schistosoma mansoni and Antioxidant Activities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091788. [PMID: 37176846 PMCID: PMC10181313 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Vernonia britteniana Hiern. (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional Angolan medicine against schistosomiasis. Our study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and the cercaricidal and antioxidant activities in vitro of a traditional herbal preparation (Water-Vbr) and a 70% hydroethanolic extract (EtOH70%-Vbr) prepared with this medicinal plant. The activity of the extracts against Schistosoma mansoni cercariae was assessed at different extract concentrations (500, 438, and 125 µg/mL) and at different time intervals, and the phytochemical profiles were obtained by LC-UV-ESI/MS-MS. In addition, the major chemical classes of the identified metabolites were quantified by colorimetry, and the antioxidant potential was assessed using the DPPH and FRAP methods. After 30 min, 100% cercarial mortality was observed at a concentration of 500 μg/mL after exposure, and after 120 min, an LC50 of 438 μg/mL was observed for both extracts. Phenolic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid; 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid; 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid; and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid) and triterpenoids (stigmastane-type steroidal saponins; vernoamyoside D and vernonioside D1; vernoamyoside B; and vernoniamyoside A and C) were identified as the main secondary metabolites. The Water-Vbr extract showed the highest antioxidant activity-DPPH: IC50 = 1.769 ± 0.049 µg/mL; FRAP: mean = 320.80 ± 5.1325 µgAAE/g.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dos Anjos Valente
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação Veterinária, Bairro Santo António, Huambo 555, Angola
| | - Pedro Ferreira
- Global Health & Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, R. da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Katelene Lima
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel B Moreira da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Nobre
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Neto
- C.I.I.S.A.-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mavilde Pires
- Instituto de Investigação Veterinária, Bairro Santo António, Huambo 555, Angola
| | - Berta São Braz
- C.I.I.S.A.-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Serrano
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health & Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, R. da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Olga Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zheng Y, Schroeder S, Kanev GK, Botros SS, William S, Sabra ANA, Maes L, Caljon G, Gil C, Martinez A, Salado IG, Augustyns K, Edink E, Sijm M, de Heuvel E, de Esch IJP, van der Meer T, Siderius M, Sterk GJ, Brown D, Leurs R. To Target or Not to Target Schistosoma mansoni Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase 4A? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076817. [PMID: 37047792 PMCID: PMC10095301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076817] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with high morbidity. Recently, the Schistosoma mansoni phosphodiesterase SmPDE4A was suggested as a putative new drug target. To support SmPDE4A targeted drug discovery, we cloned, isolated, and biochemically characterized the full-length and catalytic domains of SmPDE4A. The enzymatically active catalytic domain was crystallized in the apo-form (PDB code: 6FG5) and in the cAMP- and AMP-bound states (PDB code: 6EZU). The SmPDE4A catalytic domain resembles human PDE4 more than parasite PDEs because it lacks the parasite PDE-specific P-pocket. Purified SmPDE4A proteins (full-length and catalytic domain) were used to profile an in-house library of PDE inhibitors (PDE4NPD toolbox). This screening identified tetrahydrophthalazinones and benzamides as potential hits. The PDE inhibitor NPD-0001 was the most active tetrahydrophthalazinone, whereas the approved human PDE4 inhibitors roflumilast and piclamilast were the most potent benzamides. As a follow-up, 83 benzamide analogs were prepared, but the inhibitory potency of the initial hits was not improved. Finally, NPD-0001 and roflumilast were evaluated in an in vitro anti-S. mansoni assay. Unfortunately, both SmPDE4A inhibitors were not effective in worm killing and only weakly affected the egg-laying at high micromolar concentrations. Consequently, the results with these SmPDE4A inhibitors strongly suggest that SmPDE4A is not a suitable target for anti-schistosomiasis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Georgi K Kanev
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Nasser A Sabra
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene G Salado
- Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koen Augustyns
- Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ewald Edink
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Sijm
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Heuvel
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tiffany van der Meer
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Brown
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Siddiqui AJ, Bhardwaj J, Saxena J, Jahan S, Snoussi M, Bardakci F, Badraoui R, Adnan M. A Critical Review on Human Malaria and Schistosomiasis Vaccines: Current State, Recent Advancements, and Developments. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040792. [PMID: 37112704 PMCID: PMC10146311 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria and schistosomiasis are two major parasitic diseases that remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Co-infections of these two parasites are common in the tropics, where both diseases are endemic. The clinical consequences of schistosomiasis and malaria are determined by a variety of host, parasitic, and environmental variables. Chronic schistosomiasis causes malnutrition and cognitive impairments in children, while malaria can cause fatal acute infections. There are effective drugs available to treat malaria and schistosomiasis. However, the occurrence of allelic polymorphisms and the rapid selection of parasites with genetic mutations can confer reduced susceptibility and lead to the emergence of drug resistance. Moreover, the successful elimination and complete management of these parasites are difficult due to the lack of effective vaccines against Plasmodium and Schistosoma infections. Therefore, it is important to highlight all current vaccine candidates undergoing clinical trials, such as pre-erythrocytic and erythrocytic stage malaria, as well as a next-generation RTS,S-like vaccine, the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, that conferred 77% protection against clinical malaria in a Phase 2b trial. Moreover, this review also discusses the progress and development of schistosomiasis vaccines. Furthermore, significant information is provided through this review on the effectiveness and progress of schistosomiasis vaccines currently under clinical trials, such as Sh28GST, Sm-14, and Sm-p80. Overall, this review provides insights into recent progress in malarial and schistosomiasis vaccines and their developmental approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arif Jamal Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jyoti Bhardwaj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Juhi Saxena
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, NH-95, Ludhiana—Chandigarh State Hwy, Mohali 140413, India
| | - Sadaf Jahan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mejdi Snoussi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biodiversity and Valorization of Bio-Resources (LR11ES41), Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Avenue TaharHaddas BP74, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
| | - Fevzi Bardakci
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riadh Badraoui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
- Section of Histology-Cytology, Medicine Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1017, Tunisia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Padalino G, Celatka CA, Rienhoff Jr. HY, Kalin JH, Cole PA, Lassalle D, Forde-Thomas J, Chalmers IW, Brancale A, Grunau C, Hoffmann KF. Chemical modulation of Schistosoma mansoni lysine specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1) induces wide-scale biological and epigenomic changes. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37520936 PMCID: PMC10375057 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18826.1] [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] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm species responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, undergoes strict developmental regulation of gene expression that is carefully controlled by both genetic and epigenetic processes. As inhibition of S. mansoni epigenetic machinery components impairs key transitions throughout the parasite's digenetic lifecycle, a greater understanding of how epi-drugs affect molecular processes in schistosomes could lead to the development of new anthelmintics. Methods: In vitro whole organism assays were used to assess the anti-schistosomal activity of 39 Homo sapiens Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (HsLSD1) inhibitors on different parasite life cycle stages. Moreover, tissue-specific stains and genomic analysis shed light on the effect of these small molecules on the parasite biology. Results: Amongst this collection of small molecules, compound 33 was the most potent in reducing ex vivo viabilities of schistosomula, juveniles, miracidia and adults. At its sub-lethal concentration to adults (3.13 µM), compound 33 also significantly impacted oviposition, ovarian as well as vitellarian architecture and gonadal/neoblast stem cell proliferation. ATAC-seq analysis of adults demonstrated that compound 33 significantly affected chromatin structure (intragenic regions > intergenic regions), especially in genes differentially expressed in cell populations (e.g., germinal stem cells, hes2 + stem cell progeny, S1 cells and late female germinal cells) associated with these ex vivo phenotypes. KEGG analyses further highlighted that chromatin structure of genes associated with sugar metabolism as well as TGF-beta and Wnt signalling were also significantly perturbed by compound 33 treatment. Conclusions: This work confirms the importance of histone methylation in S. mansoni lifecycle transitions, suggesting that evaluation of LSD1 - targeting epi-drugs may facilitate the search for next-generation anti-schistosomal drugs. The ability of compound 33 to modulate chromatin structure as well as inhibit parasite survival, oviposition and stem cell proliferation warrants further investigations of this compound and its epigenetic target SmLSD1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | | | - Jay H. Kalin
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Shao B, Gui X, Lu Z, Lv R, Li H, Lu K, Hong Y, Fu Z, Jin Y, Lin J, Fei C, Liu J. Praziquantel promotes protection against Schistosoma japonicum infection in mice. Acta Trop 2023; 241:106874. [PMID: 36863502 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is the first line drug for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Several studies have confirmed that PZQ regulates host immunity, and we have recently found that pretreatment with PZQ enhances resistance against Schistosoma japonicum infection in buffaloes. We speculate that PZQ induces physiological changes in mice that prevent S. japonicum infection. To test this hypothesis and provide a practical measure to prevent S. japonicum infection, we determined the effective dose (the minimum dose), protection period and onset time of protection by comparing the worm burden, female worm burden and egg burden in PZQ-pretreated mice and blank control mice. Morphological differences between parasites were observed by measuring the total worm length, oral sucker, ventral sucker and ovary. The levels of cytokines, nitrogen monoxide (NO), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and specific antibodies were measured using kits or soluble worm antigens. Hematological indicators on day 0 were analyzed in mice that received PZQ on days -15, -18, -19, -20, -21 and -22. The PZQ concentrations in plasma and blood cells were monitored using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effective dose was found to be two oral administrations (interval of 24 h) at 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) or one injection at 200 mg/kg BW, and the protection period of PZQ injection was 18 days. The optimal preventive effect was observed at two days post-administration, with a >92% worm reduction rate and significant worm reduction until 21 days after administration. Adult worms from PZQ-pretreated mice were runtish showing a shorter length, smaller organs and fewer eggs in the uteri of females. Detection of cytokines, NO, 5-HT and hematological indicators showed that PZQ induced immune-physiological changes, including higher levels of NO, IFN-γ and IL-2, and a lower level of TGF-β. No significant difference in the anti-S. japonicum specific antibody levels was observed. The PZQ concentrations in plasma and blood cells 8 and 15 days post-administration were lower than the detection limit. Our results confirmed that pretreatment with PZQ promotes the protection of mice against S. japonicum infection within 18 days. Although we observed some immune-physiological changes in the PZQ-pretreated mice, the exact mechanisms involved in the preventive effect require further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Shao
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Gui
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Zhenjie Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Rongxue Lv
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Yang Hong
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology (National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention), Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Chenzhong Fei
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rutin, a Flavonoid Compound Derived from Garlic, as a Potential Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Agent against Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051206. [PMID: 36904204 PMCID: PMC10005531 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease caused by trematode worms. The inflammatory response of the host to schistosome eggs leads to formation of granuloma in the liver and intestine. Praziquantel (PZQ) is still an effective treatment for schistosomiasis, however resistance development may reduce its efficacy. The current study investigated the possible immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action of rutin, a natural flavonoid compound isolated from garlic, on liver fibrotic markers in mice infected with S. mansoni in comparison to PZQ. Male albino CD1 mice were infected with 100 ± 2 S. mansoni cercariae/mouse and treated with garlic, rutin, or PZQ. At the end of the experiment, the liver and intestines were harvested for parasitological and histological assessment and to analyze the proinflammatory cytokine. Rutin significantly affects the pathological alterations caused by Schistosoma in the liver. This may be partially explained by a decrease in the number of eggs trapped in the tissues of the liver and a modification in the serum levels of certain cytokines, which are implicated in the formation of Schistosoma granuloma. In conclusion, rutin has strong anti-schistosome properties in vivo, raising the possibility that rutin might be further investigated as a therapy for S. mansoni.
Collapse
|
42
|
Tao Y, Shen C, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Leow CY, Wu J, Ji M, Xu Z. Advances in research on schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis in China: A bibliometric analysis of Chinese academic journals published from 1980 to 2021. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106783. [PMID: 36455636 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scale-up of zoonoses prevention control and eradication in China, coupled with numerous academic articles in Chinese journals has led to the development of new tools and strategies aimed at further consolidating parasite control goals. As a result, there is a growing need for an up-to-date understanding of the research progress and prevention and control experience of parasitic diseases in China. METHODS To understand the research status of schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis in China, academic articles published in Chinese journals from 1980 to 2021 were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases. The Bibliographic Items Co-occurrence Matrix Builder (BICOMB) software was used to extract and analyze the keyword frequencies. The 'K/A ratio' as the frequency of a keyword that occurred in all the articles within a certain time stage was calculated to compare the popularity of the same keyword in different time stages. Keyword co-occurrence network maps were constructed by VOSviewer software. RESULTS A total of 18,508 articles in the research field of Schistosoma and 13,289 articles in the field of Toxoplasma gondii were included. Results in both fields showed some similarities: the annual number of articles presented an increasing trend before entering the 21st century and decreased rapidly in recent years. Two opposite changing trends of keyword frequency could be observed in the K/A ratio analysis: the K/A ratios of 'Surveillance' and 'Infection' continuously increased over time, while those of 'Schistosoma mansoni' and 'Mesenteric lymph nodes' decreased. The diversification of keyword co-occurrence networks could be observed in the co-occurrence network maps. CONCLUSIONS This bibliometric analysis reveals trends in research themes in the fields of Schistosoma and Toxoplasma gondii from 1980 to 2021, presenting China's experience such as a high degree of government involvement and multidisciplinary participation in schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis control and elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Tao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Chunxiang Shen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Chiuan Yee Leow
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Minjun Ji
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Saad El-Din MI, Gad EL-Hak HN, Ghobashy MA, Elrayess RA. Parasitological and histopathological studies to the effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves combined with praziquantel therapy in modulating the liver and spleen damage induced by Schistosoma mansoni to male mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:15548-15560. [PMID: 36169837 PMCID: PMC9908685 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of an aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera Lam. leaves (MOL) alone or in combination with praziquantel (PZQ) drug targeting-infected mice with Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver and spleen damage. Mice were divided into eight groups control mice group treated orally with saline. PZQ group: non-infected mice treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ three consecutive days. MOL group: non-infected mice treated orally with 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. PZQ/ MOL group: non-infected mice treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days and 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. IF group: infected mice with 100 cercariae/mouse of the Egyptian strain of S. mansoni. IF/PZQ group infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae and treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days. IF/MOL group: infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae treated orally with 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. IF/PZQ +MOL group: infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days and 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. Blood, liver, spleen, worm, and eggs were collected at the end of the experimental period. Treatment of infected mice with MOL and PZQ together significantly reduced the number of ova/g tissue and eliminated the parasites. In addition, the liver and spleen of infected mice showed less histopathological alteration and immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa β (NF-Kβ). We can conclude that MOL extract combined with PZ has a curative effect on S. mansoni infection and helped to lessen its pathological effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Heba N. Gad EL-Hak
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mahi A. Ghobashy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ranwa A. Elrayess
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Aguado ME, Izquierdo M, González-Matos M, Varela AC, Méndez Y, Del Rivero MA, Rivera DG, González-Bacerio J. Parasite Metalo-aminopeptidases as Targets in Human Infectious Diseases. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:416-461. [PMID: 36825701 DOI: 10.2174/1389450124666230224140724] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic human infectious diseases are a worldwide health problem due to the increased resistance to conventional drugs. For this reason, the identification of novel molecular targets and the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents are urgently required. Metalo- aminopeptidases are promising targets in parasitic infections. They participate in crucial processes for parasite growth and pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE In this review, we describe the structural, functional and kinetic properties, and inhibitors, of several parasite metalo-aminopeptidases, for their use as targets in parasitic diseases. CONCLUSION Plasmodium falciparum M1 and M17 aminopeptidases are essential enzymes for parasite development, and M18 aminopeptidase could be involved in hemoglobin digestion and erythrocyte invasion and egression. Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei and Leishmania major acidic M17 aminopeptidases can play a nutritional role. T. brucei basic M17 aminopeptidase down-regulation delays the cytokinesis. The inhibition of Leishmania basic M17 aminopeptidase could affect parasite viability. L. donovani methionyl aminopeptidase inhibition prevents apoptosis but not the parasite death. Decrease in Acanthamoeba castellanii M17 aminopeptidase activity produces cell wall structural modifications and encystation inhibition. Inhibition of Babesia bovis growth is probably related to the inhibition of the parasite M17 aminopeptidase, probably involved in host hemoglobin degradation. Schistosoma mansoni M17 aminopeptidases inhibition may affect parasite development, since they could participate in hemoglobin degradation, surface membrane remodeling and eggs hatching. Toxoplasma gondii M17 aminopeptidase inhibition could attenuate parasite virulence, since it is apparently involved in the hydrolysis of cathepsin Cs- or proteasome-produced dipeptides and/or cell attachment/invasion processes. These data are relevant to validate these enzymes as targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirtha E Aguado
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Maikel Izquierdo
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Maikel González-Matos
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Ana C Varela
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Yanira Méndez
- Center for Natural Products Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata y G, 10400, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Maday A Del Rivero
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Daniel G Rivera
- Center for Natural Products Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata y G, 10400, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Jorge González-Bacerio
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, calle 25 #455 entre I y J, 10400, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gebreyesus TD, Makonnen E, Tadele T, Mekete K, Gashaw H, Gerba H, Aklillu E. Efficacy and safety of praziquantel preventive chemotherapy in Schistosoma mansoni infected school children in Southern Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:968106. [PMID: 36937860 PMCID: PMC10014719 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.968106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization recommends efficacy and safety surveillance of anti-helminths used in mass drug administration campaigns. We evaluated the effectiveness of single-dose praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni infection, and the safety of praziquantel plus albendazole preventive chemotherapy (PC) in Schistosoma mansoni infected school children (n = 512) in Southern Ethiopia. Method: Stool examinations were done using thick smear Kato-Katz at baseline, week-4, and week-8 of post-Mass drug administration (MDA) to assess praziquantel efficacy. Participants were followed for MDA-associated adverse events up to day 7 of post-MDA. The primary and secondary study outcomes were praziquantel efficacy (parasitological cure and egg reduction rates) and MDA-associated adverse events (AEs), respectively. Result: The overall cure rates at week-4 and week-8 were 89.1% (95%CI = 86.1-91.7) and 87.5% (95%CI = 83.6-90.8), respectively. Cure rates among moderate-to-heavily infected children were significantly lower (p = 0.001) compared to those with light infection at week-4 (84.4% vs. 91.1%, p = 0.03) and week-8 (78.6% vs. 91.9%, respectively). Older children had a higher cure rate than younger ones at week-8 (90.1% vs. 79.5%, p = 0.01). Among those who were Schistosoma egg-free (cured) at week 4, 7.8% became egg-positive at week 8. The overall egg reduction rate (ERR) at week-4 and week-8 were 93.5% and 91.3%, respectively, being lower among the 5-9 years old age groups (p = 0.01) at week-8. The proportion of children who remained schistosoma egg-positive throughout the study follow-up period was 4.6%, and their ERR at week-4 and week-8 was 50% and 51%, respectively, which is below the 90% World Health Organization threshold for efficacy. The incidence of experiencing at least one type of MDA-associated AEs were 17.0% (95%CI = 13.8%-20.5%); abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting were the most common. The proportion of mild, moderate, and severe AEs was 63.2%, 26.3%, and 10.5%, respectively. Females experienced more AEs than males (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Single-dose praziquantel is still effective for the treatment of intestinal schistosomiasis. Praziquantel and albendazole preventive chemotherapy is safe and tolerable, and associated AEs are mostly mild-to-moderate and transient. However, the reduced PZQ effectiveness in moderate-to-heavy infection and observed AEs in about one-fifth of infected children underscores the need for better treatment strategies and surveillance for early detection of parasite resistance and management of AEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tigist Dires Gebreyesus
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Departments of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tafesse Tadele
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Habtamu Gashaw
- Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Heran Gerba
- Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Eleni Aklillu,
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Souza MA, Gonçalves-Santos E, Gonçalves RV, Santos EC, Campos CC, Marques MJ, Souza RL, Novaes RD. Doxycycline hyclate stimulates inducible nitric oxide synthase and arginase imbalance, potentiating inflammatory and oxidative lung damage in schistosomiasis. Biomed J 2022; 45:857-869. [PMID: 34971826 PMCID: PMC9795368 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2021.12.007] [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: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the relationship between inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase pathways, cytokines, macrophages, oxidative damage and lung granulomatous inflammation in S. mansoni-infected and doxycycline-treated mice. METHODS Swiss mice were randomized in four groups: (i) uninfected, (ii) infected with S. mansoni, (iii) infected + 200 mg/kg praziquantel (Pzt), (iv) and (v) infected + 5 and 50 mg/kg doxycycline. Pzt (reference drug) was administered in a single dose and doxycycline for 60 days. RESULTS S. mansoni-infection determined extensive lung inflammation, marked recruitment of M2 macrophages, cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, TNF-α) upregulation, intense eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) levels, arginase expression and activity, reduced iNOS expression and nitric oxide (NO) production. The higher dose of doxycycline aggravated lung granulomatous inflammation, downregulating IL-4 levels and M2 macrophages recruitment, and upregulating iNOS expression, EPO, NO, IFN-γ, TNF-α, M1 macrophages, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde tissue levels. The number and size of granulomas in doxycycline-treated animals was higher than untreated and Pzt-treated mice. Exudative/productive granulomas were predominant in untreated and doxycycline-treated animals, while fibrotic/involutive granulomas were more frequent in Pzt-treated mice. The reference treatment with Pzt attenuated all these parameters. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that doxycycline aggravated lung granulomatous inflammation in a dose-dependent way. Although Th1 effectors are protective against several intracellular pathogens, effective schistosomicidal responses are dependent of the Th2 phenotype. Thus, doxycycline contributes to the worsening of lung granulomatous inflammation by potentiating eosinophils influx and downregulating Th2 effectors, reinforcing lipid and protein oxidative damage in chronic S. mansoni infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Augusto Souza
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elda Gonçalves-Santos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Reggiani V. Gonçalves
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eliziária C. Santos
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila C. Campos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos J. Marques
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel L.M. Souza
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rômulo D. Novaes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil,Corresponding author. Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Alfenas, 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Tel.: +55 31 3299 1300.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
CaMKII regulates neuromuscular activity and survival of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19831. [PMID: 36400915 PMCID: PMC9674609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23962-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium/calmodulin dependant protein kinase II (CaMKII), an important transducer of Ca2+ signals, orchestrates multiple cellular functions in animals. Here we investigated the importance of CaMKII to Schistosoma mansoni, a blood parasite that causes human schistosomiasis. We demonstrate that phosphorylated (activated) CaMKII is present in cercariae, schistosomula and adult worms, and show that striking activation occurs in the nervous tissue of these parasite life-stages; CaMKII was also activated in the tegument and muscles of adult worms and the vitellaria of females. Exposure of worms to the anti-schistosomal drug praziquantel (PZQ) induced significant CaMKII activation and depletion of CaMKII protein/activation in adult worms resulted in hypokinesia, reduced vitality and death. At medium confidence (global score ≥ 0.40), S. mansoni CaMKII was predicted to interact with 51 proteins, with many containing CaMKII phosphorylation sites and nine mapped to phosphoproteome data including sites within a ryanodine receptor. The CaMKII network was functionally enriched with mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, and notch pathways, and ion-transport and voltage-dependent channel protein domains. Collectively, these data highlight the intricacies of CaMKII signalling in S. mansoni, show CaMKII to be an active player in the PZQ-mediated response of schistosomes and highlight CaMKII as a possible target for the development of novel anti-schistosome therapeutics.
Collapse
|
48
|
El-Derbawy MM, Salem HS, Raboo M, Baiuomy IR, Fadil SA, Fadil HA, Ibrahim SRM, El Kholy WA. In Vivo Evaluation of the Anti-Schistosomal Potential of Ginger-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Schistosoma mansoni: Histopathological, Ultrastructural, and Immunological Changes. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111834. [PMID: 36362992 PMCID: PMC9696985 DOI: 10.3390/life12111834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the most widely advocated method of Schistosome control. However, repeated chemotherapy leads to the emergence of drug-resistant Schistosoma strains. Therefore, efforts to find alternative drugs, especially those of natural origin, have risen globally. Nanoparticles (NPs) have received special interest as efficient drug delivery systems. This work aimed to investigate the anti-schistosomal potential of Zingiber officinale (ginger, Zingiberaceae)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GCsNPs) on Schistosoma mansoni experimentally infected mice that were exposed to 80 ± 10 cercariae/mouse. The study groups are: (G1) negative control; (G2) positive control; (G3) praziquantel in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for two consecutive days; (G4) ginger in a dose of 500 mg/kg treated; (G5) chitosan nanoparticles in a dose 3 mg/kg (G6) GCsNPs in a dose 250 mg/kg; and (G7) GCsNPs in a dose 500 mg/kg. The anti-schistosome potential was assessed using histopathological scanning electron microscopically and immunological parameters. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in cellular granuloma count (p < 0.05) and granuloma diameter (p < 0.001) in all infected treated mice groups, in comparison to the infected non-treated group with the highest reduction in both G3 and G7. SEM of S. mansoni adult worm recovered from G3 showed mild edema of oral and ventral suckers with some peeling and blebs around them, while that recovered from G7 showed abnormal oedematous oral and retracted ventral sucker, edema of the tegument, rupture of many tubercles with vacuolation and complete loss of spines. All infected treated mice groups, in comparison to positive control G2, showed a significant reduction in IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α levels (p-value < 0.001), especially groups G6 and G7 (p-value < 0.05); both G6 and G7 values were nearer to the normal that indicated recovery of the liver tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona M. El-Derbawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11751, Egypt
| | - Hala S. Salem
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11751, Egypt
| | - Mona Raboo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11751, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim R. Baiuomy
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sana A. Fadil
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haifa A. Fadil
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah 30078, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim
- Preparatory Year Program, Department of Chemistry, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-581183034
| | - Walaa A. El Kholy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11751, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Draft genome of the bluefin tuna blood fluke, Cardicola forsteri. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276287. [PMID: 36240154 PMCID: PMC9565688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood fluke Cardicola forsteri (Trematoda: Aporocotylidae) is a pathogen of ranched bluefin tuna in Japan and Australia. Genomics of Cardicola spp. have thus far been limited to molecular phylogenetics of select gene sequences. In this study, sequencing of the C. forsteri genome was performed using Illumina short-read and Oxford Nanopore long-read technologies. The sequences were assembled de novo using a hybrid of short and long reads, which produced a high-quality contig-level assembly (N50 > 430 kb and L50 = 138). The assembly was also relatively complete and unfragmented, comprising 66% and 7.2% complete and fragmented metazoan Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCOs), respectively. A large portion (> 55%) of the genome was made up of intergenic repetitive elements, primarily long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), while protein-coding regions cover > 6%. Gene prediction identified 8,564 hypothetical polypeptides, > 77% of which are homologous to published sequences of other species. The identification of select putative proteins, including cathepsins, calpains, tetraspanins, and glycosyltransferases is discussed. This is the first genome assembly of any aporocotylid, a major step toward understanding of the biology of this family of fish blood flukes and their interactions within hosts.
Collapse
|
50
|
Morales-Vicente DA, Zhao L, Silveira GO, Tahira AC, Amaral MS, Collins JJ, Verjovski-Almeida S. Single-cell RNA-seq analyses show that long non-coding RNAs are conspicuously expressed in Schistosoma mansoni gamete and tegument progenitor cell populations. Front Genet 2022; 13:924877. [PMID: 36204320 PMCID: PMC9531161 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.924877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is a flatworm that causes schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide. New therapeutic targets are needed with only one drug available for treatment and no vaccine. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein-coding potential. In other organisms, they have been shown as involved with reproduction, stem cell maintenance and drug resistance, and they tend to exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns. S. mansoni expresses thousands of lncRNA genes; however, the cell type expression patterns of lncRNAs in the parasite remain uncharacterized. Here, we have re-analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data obtained from adult S. mansoni to identify the lncRNAs signature of adult schistosome cell types. A total of 8023 lncRNAs (79% of all lncRNAs) were detected. Analyses of the lncRNAs expression profiles in the cells using statistically stringent criteria were performed to identify 74 lncRNA gene markers of cell clusters. Male gamete and tegument progenitor lineages clusters contained most of the cluster-specific lncRNA markers. We also identified lncRNA markers of specific neural clusters. Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and double fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to validate the cluster-specific expression of 13 out of 16 selected lncRNA genes (81%) in the male and female adult parasite tissues; for one of these 16 gene loci, probes for two different lncRNA isoforms were used, which showed differential isoform expression in testis and ovary. An atlas of the expression profiles across the cell clusters of all lncRNAs detected in our analysis is available as a public website resource (http://verjolab.usp.br:8081). The results presented here give strong support to a tissue-specific expression and to a regulated expression program of lncRNAs in S. mansoni. This will be the basis for further exploration of lncRNA genes as potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Morales-Vicente
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Gilbert O. Silveira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C. Tahira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Murilo S. Amaral
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - James J. Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|