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Vanka R, Nakka VP, Kumar SP, Baruah UK, Babu PP. Molecular targets in cerebral malaria for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Brain Res Bull 2020; 157:100-107. [PMID: 32006570 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is the severe neurological complication associated with Plasmodium falciparum infection. In clinical settings CM is predominantly characterized by fever, epileptic seizures, and asexual forms of parasite on blood smears, coma and even death. Cognitive impairment in the children and adults even after survival is one of the striking consequences of CM. Poor diagnosis often leads to inappropriate malaria therapy which in turn progress into a severe form of disease. Activation of multiple cell death pathways such as Inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and disruption of blood brain barrier (BBB) plays critical role in the pathogenesis of CM and secondary brain damage. Thus, understanding such mechanisms of neuronal cell death might help to identify potential molecular targets for CM. Mitigation strategies for mortality rate and long-term cognitive deficits caused by existing anti-malarial drugs still remains a valid research question to ask. In this review, we discuss in detail about critical neuronal cell death mechanisms and the overall significance of adjunctive therapy with recent trends, which provides better insight towards establishing newer therapeutic strategies for CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravisankar Vanka
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Aditya Pharmacy College, Suramaplem, Gandepalli Mandal, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, 533437, India
| | - Venkata Prasuja Nakka
- Department of Biochemistry, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, 522510, India
| | - Simhadri Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500046, India
| | - Uday Krishna Baruah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001, India
| | - Phanithi Prakash Babu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India.
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2
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Hempel C, Sporring J, Kurtzhals JAL. Experimental cerebral malaria is associated with profound loss of both glycan and protein components of the endothelial glycocalyx. FASEB J 2018; 33:2058-2071. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800657r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Casper Hempel
- Centre for Medical ParasitologyDepartment of Clinical MicrobiologyCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Micro- and NanotechnologyTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Jon Sporring
- Department for Computer SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jørgen Anders Lindholm Kurtzhals
- Centre for Medical ParasitologyDepartment of Clinical MicrobiologyCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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Varo R, Crowley VM, Sitoe A, Madrid L, Serghides L, Kain KC, Bassat Q. Adjunctive therapy for severe malaria: a review and critical appraisal. Malar J 2018; 17:47. [PMID: 29361945 PMCID: PMC5781278 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent efforts and successes in reducing the malaria burden globally, this infection still accounts for an estimated 212 million clinical cases, 2 million severe malaria cases, and approximately 429,000 deaths annually. Even with the routine use of effective anti-malarial drugs, the case fatality rate for severe malaria remains unacceptably high, with cerebral malaria being one of the most life-threatening complications. Up to one-third of cerebral malaria survivors are left with long-term cognitive and neurological deficits. From a population point of view, the decrease of malaria transmission may jeopardize the development of naturally acquired immunity against the infection, leading to fewer total cases, but potentially an increase in severe cases. The pathophysiology of severe and cerebral malaria is not completely understood, but both parasite and host determinants contribute to its onset and outcomes. Adjunctive therapy, based on modulating the host response to infection, could help to improve the outcomes achieved with specific anti-malarial therapy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In the last decades, several interventions targeting different pathways have been tested. However, none of these strategies have demonstrated clear beneficial effects, and some have shown deleterious outcomes. This review aims to summarize evidence from clinical trials testing different adjunctive therapy for severe and cerebral malaria in humans. It also highlights some preclinical studies which have evaluated novel strategies and other candidate therapeutics that may be evaluated in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosauro Varo
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Rua 12, vila da Manhiça, 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Rosselló 132, 5th Floor, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Valerie M Crowley
- S. A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Antonio Sitoe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Rua 12, vila da Manhiça, 1929, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Lola Madrid
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Rua 12, vila da Manhiça, 1929, Maputo, Mozambique
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Rosselló 132, 5th Floor, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Research Institute (TGRI), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin C Kain
- S. A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tropical Diseases Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UHN-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Quique Bassat
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Rua 12, vila da Manhiça, 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Rosselló 132, 5th Floor, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (University of Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain.
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Hempel C, Wang CW, Kurtzhals JAL, Staalsø T. Binding of Plasmodium falciparum to CD36 can be shielded by the glycocalyx. Malar J 2017; 16:193. [PMID: 28486940 PMCID: PMC5424350 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1844-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes sequester in the microcirculation due to interaction between surface-expressed parasite proteins and endothelial receptors. Endothelial cells are covered in a carbohydrate-rich glycocalyx that shields against undesired leukocyte adhesion. It was investigated if the cellular glycocalyx affects the binding of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes to CD36 in vitro. METHODS Glycocalyx growth was followed in vitro by using azido sugars and cationized ferritin detecting O-glycoproteins and negatively charged proteoglycans, respectively. P. falciparum (clone FCR3/IT) was selected on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with human CD36. Cytoadhesion to CHO CD36 at 1-4 days after seeding was quantified by using a static binding assay. RESULTS The glycocalyx thickness of CHO cells increased during 4 days in culture as assessed by metabolic labelling of glycans with azido sugars and with electron microscopy studying the binding of cationized ferritin to cell surfaces. The functional importance of this process was addressed in binding assays by using CHO cells transfected with CD36. In parallel with the maturation of the glycocalyx, antibody-binding to CD36 was inhibited, despite stable expression of CD36. P. falciparum selected for CD36-binding recognized CD36 on CHO cells on the first day in culture, but the binding was lost after 2-4 days. CONCLUSION The endothelial glycocalyx affects parasite cytoadhesion in vitro, an effect that has previously been ignored. The previously reported loss of glycocalyx during experimental malaria may play an important role in the pathogenesis of malaria complications by allowing the close interaction between infected erythrocytes and endothelial receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Hempel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Christian William Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Anders Lindholm Kurtzhals
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Staalsø
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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IL-33 receptor ST2 regulates the cognitive impairments associated with experimental cerebral malaria. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006322. [PMID: 28448579 PMCID: PMC5407765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is associated with a high mortality rate and long-term neurocognitive impairment in survivors. The murine model of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA)-infection reproduces several of these features. We reported recently increased levels of IL-33 protein in brain undergoing ECM and the involvement of IL-33/ST2 pathway in ECM development. Here we show that PbA-infection induced early short term and spatial memory defects, prior to blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption, in wild-type mice, while ST2-deficient mice did not develop cognitive defects. PbA-induced neuroinflammation was reduced in ST2-deficient mice with low Ifng, Tnfa, Il1b, Il6, CXCL9, CXCL10 and Cd8a expression, associated with an absence of neurogenesis defects in hippocampus. PbA-infection triggered a dramatic increase of IL-33 expression by oligodendrocytes, through ST2 pathway. In vitro, IL-33/ST2 pathway induced microglia expression of IL-1β which in turn stimulated IL-33 expression by oligodendrocytes. These results highlight the IL-33/ST2 pathway ability to orchestrate microglia and oligodendrocytes responses at an early stage of PbA-infection, with an amplification loop between IL-1β and IL-33, responsible for an exacerbated neuroinflammation context and associated neurological and cognitive defects. The cerebral complication of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection, is associated with long-term neurological sequelae in survivors. The mechanisms involved in neurocognitive impairments during cerebral malaria development are still unknown. We reported recently the essential role of IL-33/ST2 pathway in experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) development. In this study we investigated the capacity of IL-33, highly expressed in oligodendrocytes, to promote ECM-associated neurological and cognitive damages. We found that IL-33/ST2 pathway through glial cells is involved in neurocognitive impairments, associated with exacerbated neuroinflammation, and altered neurogenesis. Interestingly, the implication of glial cells with a high level of IL-33 production in neurocognitive disorders, occurs at an early stage of ECM development, prior to blood brain barrier permeabilization. We propose the link between microglial IL-1β and oligodendrocytes IL-33 production in neurological symptoms associated with ECM.
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DellaValle B, Hempel C, Staalsoe T, Johansen FF, Kurtzhals JAL. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, liraglutide, in experimental cerebral malaria: implications for the role of oxidative stress in cerebral malaria. Malar J 2016; 15:427. [PMID: 27554094 PMCID: PMC4995661 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1486-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral malaria from Plasmodium falciparum infection is major cause of death in the tropics. The pathogenesis of the disease is complex and the contribution of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in the brain is incompletely understood. Insulinotropic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetics have potent neuroprotective effects in animal models of neuropathology associated with ROS/RNS dysfunction. This study investigates the effect of the GLP-1 analogue, liraglutide against the clinical outcome of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) and Plasmodium falciparum growth. Furthermore the role of oxidative stress on ECM pathogenesis is evaluated. METHODS ECM was induced in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected C57Bl/6j mice. Infected Balb/c (non-cerebral malaria) and uninfected C57Bl/6j mice were included as controls. Mice were treated twice-daily with vehicle or liraglutide (200 μg/kg). ROS/RNS were quantified with in vivo imaging and further analyzed ex vivo. Brains were assayed for cAMP, activation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and nitrate/nitrite. Plasmodium falciparum was cultivated in vitro with increasing doses of liraglutide and growth and metabolism were quantified. RESULTS The development and progression of ECM was not affected by liraglutide. Indeed, although ROS/RNS were increased in peripheral organs, ROS/RNS generation was not present in the brain. Interestingly, CREB was activated in the ECM brain and may protect against ROS/RNS stress. Parasite growth was not adversely affected by liraglutide in mice or in P. falciparum cultures indicating safety should not be a concern in type-II diabetics in endemic regions. CONCLUSIONS Despite the breadth of models where GLP-1 is neuroprotective, ECM was not affected by liraglutide providing important insight into the pathogenesis of ECM. Furthermore, ECM does not induce excess ROS/RNS in the brain potentially associated with activation of the CREB system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian DellaValle
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biotech Research and Innovation Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Casper Hempel
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Staalsoe
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Fryd Johansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biotech Research and Innovation Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Anders Lindholm Kurtzhals
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hora R, Kapoor P, Thind KK, Mishra PC. Cerebral malaria--clinical manifestations and pathogenesis. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:225-37. [PMID: 26746434 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
One of the most common central nervous system diseases in tropical countries is cerebral malaria (CM). Malaria is a common protozoan infection that is responsible for enormous worldwide mortality and economic burden on the society. Episodes of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) caused CM may be lethal, while survivors are likely to suffer from persistent debilitating neurological deficits, especially common in children. In this review article, we have summarized the various symptoms and manifestations of CM in children and adults, and entailed the molecular basis of the disease. We have also emphasized how pathogenesis of the disease is effected by the parasite and host responses including blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption, endothelial cell activation and apoptosis, nitric oxide bioavailability, platelet activation and apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. Based on a few recent studies carried out in experimental mouse malaria models, we propose a basis for the neurological deficits and sequelae observed in human cerebral malaria, and summarize how existing drugs may improve prognosis in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachna Hora
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India.
| | - Payal Kapoor
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Kirandeep Kaur Thind
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
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Sahu PK, Satpathi S, Behera PK, Mishra SK, Mohanty S, Wassmer SC. Pathogenesis of cerebral malaria: new diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and therapeutic approaches. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2015; 5:75. [PMID: 26579500 PMCID: PMC4621481 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2015.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is a severe neuropathological complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. It results in high mortality and post-recovery neuro-cognitive disorders in children, even after appropriate treatment with effective anti-parasitic drugs. While the complete landscape of the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria still remains to be elucidated, numerous innovative approaches have been developed in recent years in order to improve the early detection of this neurological syndrome and, subsequently, the clinical care of affected patients. In this review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of cerebral malaria pathogenesis, compile the array of new biomarkers and tools available for diagnosis and research, and describe the emerging therapeutic approaches to tackle this pathology effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen K Sahu
- Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India, Ispat General Hospital Rourkela, India
| | | | | | - Saroj K Mishra
- Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India, Ispat General Hospital Rourkela, India
| | - Sanjib Mohanty
- Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India, Ispat General Hospital Rourkela, India
| | - Samuel Crocodile Wassmer
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine New York, NY, USA ; Department of Pathology, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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The HFE genotype and a formulated diet controlling for iron status attenuate experimental cerebral malaria in mice. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:797-808. [PMID: 26296689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum infects approximately 500million individuals each year. A small but significant number of infections lead to complications such as cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria is associated with myelin damage and neurological deficits in survivors, and iron status is thought to impact the outcome of infection. We evaluated whether a mouse model of experimental cerebral malaria with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain was altered by dietary iron deficiency or genetic iron overload (H67D HFE). We found that H67D mice had increased survival over H67H (wild type) mice. Moreover, a specifically designed formulation diet increased survival regardless of whether the diet was iron deficient or iron adequate. To determine potential mechanisms underlying demyelination in experimental cerebral malaria, we measured Semaphorin4A (Sema4A) protein levels in the brain because we found it is cytotoxic to oligodendrocytes. Sema4A was increased in wild type mice that developed experimental cerebral malaria while consuming standard rodent chow, consistent with a decrease in myelin basic protein, an indicator of myelin integrity. The brains of iron deficient and H67D mice had lower levels of Sema4A. Myelin basic protein was decreased in brains of mice fed the iron deficient diet as has been previously reported. We also examined erythropoietin, which is under consideration for treatment of cerebral malaria, and IL-6, which is known to increase during infection. We found that plasma erythropoietin was elevated and IL-6 was low in H67D mice and in the mice fed the formulation diets. These data reveal a paradigm-shifting concept that maintaining iron status may not increase the mortality associated with malaria and provide a dietary strategy for further examination. Moreover, the data provide clues for exploring the mechanism to limit the co-morbidity associated with experimental cerebral malaria that appears to include decreased Sema4A in brain as well as elevated erythropoietin and lower IL-6 in plasma.
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Souza MC, Silva JD, Pádua TA, Torres ND, Antunes MA, Xisto DG, Abreu TP, Capelozzi VL, Morales MM, Sá Pinheiro AA, Caruso-Neves C, Henriques MG, Rocco PRM. Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy attenuated lung and kidney injury but not brain damage in experimental cerebral malaria. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:102. [PMID: 25998168 PMCID: PMC4462088 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0093-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malaria is the most relevant parasitic disease worldwide, and still accounts for 1 million deaths each year. Since current antimalarial drugs are unable to prevent death in severe cases, new therapeutic strategies have been developed. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) confer host resistance against malaria; however, thus far, no study has evaluated the therapeutic effects of MSC therapy on brain and distal organ damage in experimental cerebral malaria. Methods Forty C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with 5 × 106Plasmodium berghei-infected erythrocytes or saline. After 24 h, mice received saline or bone marrow (BM)-derived MSC (1x105) intravenously and were housed individually in metabolic cages. After 4 days, lung and kidney morphofunction; cerebrum, spleen, and liver histology; and markers associated with inflammation, fibrogenesis, and epithelial and endothelial cell damage in lung tissue were analyzed. Results In P. berghei-infected mice, BM-MSCs: 1) reduced parasitemia and mortality; 2) increased phagocytic neutrophil content in brain, even though BM-MSCs did not affect the inflammatory process; 3) decreased malaria pigment detection in spleen, liver, and kidney; 4) reduced hepatocyte derangement, with an increased number of Kupffer cells; 5) decreased kidney damage, without effecting significant changes in serum creatinine levels or urinary flow; and 6) reduced neutrophil infiltration, interstitial edema, number of myofibroblasts within interstitial tissue, and collagen deposition in lungs, resulting in decreased lung static elastance. These morphological and functional changes were not associated with changes in levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC, a mouse analog of interleukin-8), or interferon-γ, which remained increased and similar to those of P. berghei animals treated with saline. BM-MSCs increased hepatocyte growth factor but decreased VEGF in the P. berghei group. Conclusions BM-MSC treatment increased survival and reduced parasitemia and malaria pigment accumulation in spleen, liver, kidney, and lung, but not in brain. The two main organs associated with worse prognosis in malaria, lung and kidney, sustained less histological damage after BM-MSC therapy, with a more pronounced improvement in lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C Souza
- Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, CEP-21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Johnatas D Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, CEP-21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana A Pádua
- Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, CEP-21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Natália D Torres
- Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, CEP-21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Mariana A Antunes
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, CEP-21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Debora G Xisto
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, CEP-21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Thiago P Abreu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Signaling, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, CEP-21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Vera L Capelozzi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, Cerqueira César, CEP-01246903, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo M Morales
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, CEP-21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Ana A Sá Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Signaling, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, CEP-21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Celso Caruso-Neves
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Signaling, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, CEP-21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Maria G Henriques
- Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, CEP-21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT/IDN), Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, CEP-21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Patricia R M Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, CEP-21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Hempel C, Hyttel P, Kurtzhals JAL. Endothelial glycocalyx on brain endothelial cells is lost in experimental cerebral malaria. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2014; 34:1107-10. [PMID: 24756075 PMCID: PMC4083392 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2014.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesized that the glycocalyx, which is important for endothelial integrity, is lost in severe malaria. C57BL/6 mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA, resulting in cerebral malaria, or P. chabaudi AS, resulting in uncomplicated malaria. We visualized the glycocalyx with transmission electron microscopy and measured circulating glycosaminoglycans by dot blot and ELISA. The glycocalyx was degraded in brain vasculature in cerebral and to a lesser degree uncomplicated malaria. It was affected on both intact and apoptotic endothelial cells. Circulating glycosaminoglycan levels suggested that glycocalyx disruption preceded cerebral manifestations. The contribution of this loss to pathogenesis should be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Hempel
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen A L Kurtzhals
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hempel C, Hoyer N, Kildemoes A, Jendresen CB, Kurtzhals JAL. Systemic and Cerebral Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels Increase in Murine Cerebral Malaria along with Increased Calpain and Caspase Activity and Can be Reduced by Erythropoietin Treatment. Front Immunol 2014; 5:291. [PMID: 24995009 PMCID: PMC4062992 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of cerebral malaria (CM) includes compromised microvascular perfusion, increased inflammation, cytoadhesion, and endothelial activation. These events cause blood-brain barrier disruption and neuropathology and associations with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway have been shown. We studied this pathway in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA causing murine CM with or without the use of erythropoietin (EPO) as adjunct therapy. ELISA and western blotting was used for quantification of VEGF and relevant proteins in brain and plasma. CM increased levels of VEGF in brain and plasma and decreased plasma levels of soluble VEGF receptor 2. EPO treatment normalized VEGF receptor 2 levels and reduced brain VEGF levels. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α was significantly upregulated whereas cerebral HIF-2α and EPO levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, we noticed increased caspase-3 and calpain activity in terminally ill mice, as measured by protease-specific cleavage of α-spectrin and p35. In conclusion, we detected increased cerebral and systemic VEGF as well as HIF-1α, which in the brain were reduced to normal in EPO-treated mice. Also caspase and calpain activity was reduced markedly in EPO-treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Hempel
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark ; Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Nils Hoyer
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark ; Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Anna Kildemoes
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark ; Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Charlotte Bille Jendresen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark ; Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jørgen Anders Lindholm Kurtzhals
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark ; Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
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Potential efficacy of citicoline as adjunct therapy in treatment of cerebral malaria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:602-5. [PMID: 24165175 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02591-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is characterized by a dysregulated immune response that results in endothelial membrane destabilization and increased microparticle (MP) production. Citicoline (CTC) is a membrane stabilizer used for the treatment of neurological disorders. We evaluated the efficacy of CTC as adjunct therapy to aid recovery from experimental CM. We show that CTC reduces MP production in vitro; in combination with artesunate in vivo, confers partial protection against CM; and prolongs survival.
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DellaValle B, Staalsoe T, Kurtzhals JAL, Hempel C. Investigation of hydrogen sulfide gas as a treatment against P. falciparum, murine cerebral malaria, and the importance of thiolation state in the development of cerebral malaria. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59271. [PMID: 23555646 PMCID: PMC3608628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral malaria (CM) is a potentially fatal cerebrovascular disease of complex pathogenesis caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a physiological gas, similar to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, involved in cellular metabolism, vascular tension, inflammation, and cell death. HS treatment has shown promising results as a therapy for cardio- and neuro- pathology. This study investigates the effects of fast (NaHS) and slow (GYY4137) HS-releasing drugs on the growth and metabolism of P. falciparum and the development of P. berghei ANKA CM. Moreover, we investigate the role of free plasma thiols and cell surface thiols in the pathogenesis of CM. Methods P. falciparum was cultured in vitro with varying doses of HS releasing drugs compared with artesunate. Growth and metabolism were quantified. C57Bl/6 mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA and were treated with varying doses and regimes of HS-releasing drugs. Free plasma thiols and cell surface thiols were quantified in CM mice and age-matched healthy controls. Results HS-releasing drugs significantly and dose-dependently inhibited P. falciparum growth and metabolism. Treatment of CM did not affect P. berghei growth, or development of CM. Interestingly, CM was associated with lower free plasma thiols, reduced leukocyte+erythrocyte cell surface thiols (infection day 3), and markedly (5-fold) increased platelet cell surface thiols (infection day 7). Conclusions HS inhibits P. falciparum growth and metabolism in vitro. Reduction in free plasma thiols, cell surface thiols and a marked increase in platelet cell surface thiols are associated with development of CM. HS drugs were not effective in vivo against murine CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian DellaValle
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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