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Ferrante M, Leite BMM, Fontes LBC, Santos Moreira A, Nascimento de Almeida ÉM, Brodskyn CI, Lima IDS, dos Santos WLC, Pacheco LV, Cardoso da Silva V, dos Anjos JP, Guarieiro LLN, Landoni F, de Menezes JPB, Fraga DBM, Santos Júnior ADF, Veras PST. Pharmacokinetics, Dose-Proportionality, and Tolerability of Intravenous Tanespimycin (17-AAG) in Single and Multiple Doses in Dogs: A Potential Novel Treatment for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:767. [PMID: 38931434 PMCID: PMC11206245 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060767] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the New World, dogs are considered the main reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Due to inefficacies in existing treatments and the lack of an efficient vaccine, dog culling is one of the main strategies used to control disease, making the development of new therapeutic interventions mandatory. We previously showed that Tanespimycin (17-AAG), a Hsp90 inhibitor, demonstrated potential for use in leishmaniasis treatment. The present study aimed to test the safety of 17-AAG in dogs by evaluating plasma pharmacokinetics, dose-proportionality, and the tolerability of 17-AAG in response to a dose-escalation protocol and multiple administrations at a single dose in healthy dogs. Two protocols were used: Study A: four dogs received variable intravenous (IV) doses (50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 mg/m2) of 17-AAG or a placebo (n = 4/dose level), using a cross-over design with a 7-day "wash-out" period; Study B: nine dogs received three IV doses of 150 mg/m2 of 17-AAG administered at 48 h intervals. 17-AAG concentrations were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method: linearity (R2 = 0.9964), intra-day precision with a coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 8%, inter-day precision (CV ≤ 20%), and detection and quantification limits of 12.5 and 25 ng/mL, respectively. In Study A, 17-AAG was generally well tolerated. However, increased levels of liver enzymes-alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)-and bloody diarrhea were observed in all four dogs receiving the highest dosage of 250 mg/m2. After single doses of 17-AAG (50-250 mg/m2), maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) ranged between 1405 ± 686 and 9439 ± 991 ng/mL, and the area under the curve (AUC) plotting plasma concentration against time ranged between 1483 ± 694 and 11,902 ± 1962 AUC 0-8 h μg/mL × h, respectively. Cmax and AUC parameters were dose-proportionate between the 50 and 200 mg/m2 doses. Regarding Study B, 17-AAG was found to be well tolerated at multiple doses of 150 mg/m2. Increased levels of liver enzymes-ALT (28.57 ± 4.29 to 173.33 ± 49.56 U/L), AST (27.85 ± 3.80 to 248.20 ± 85.80 U/L), and GGT (1.60 ± 0.06 to 12.70 ± 0.50 U/L)-and bloody diarrhea were observed in only 3/9 of these dogs. After the administration of multiple doses, Cmax and AUC 0-48 h were 5254 ± 2784 μg/mL and 6850 ± 469 μg/mL × h in plasma and 736 ± 294 μg/mL and 7382 ± 1357 μg/mL × h in tissue transudate, respectively. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the potential of 17-AAG in the treatment of CVL, using a regimen of three doses at 150 mg/m2, since it presents the maintenance of high concentrations in subcutaneous interstitial fluid, low toxicity, and reversible hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Ferrante
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
| | - Bruna Martins Macedo Leite
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
| | - Lívia Brito Coelho Fontes
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
| | - Alice Santos Moreira
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
| | - Élder Muller Nascimento de Almeida
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
| | - Claudia Ida Brodskyn
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
| | - Isadora dos Santos Lima
- Laboratory of Structural and Molecular Pathology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (I.d.S.L.); (W.L.C.d.S.)
| | - Washington Luís Conrado dos Santos
- Laboratory of Structural and Molecular Pathology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (I.d.S.L.); (W.L.C.d.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Bahia Medical School, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-906, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luciano Vasconcellos Pacheco
- Department of Life Sciences, State University of Bahia, Salvador 41150-000, Bahia, Brazil; (L.V.P.); (V.C.d.S.); (A.d.F.S.J.)
| | - Vagner Cardoso da Silva
- Department of Life Sciences, State University of Bahia, Salvador 41150-000, Bahia, Brazil; (L.V.P.); (V.C.d.S.); (A.d.F.S.J.)
| | - Jeancarlo Pereira dos Anjos
- Integrated Campus of Manufacturing and Technology, SENAI CIMATEC University Center, Salvador 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil; (J.P.d.A.); (L.L.N.G.)
| | - Lílian Lefol Nani Guarieiro
- Integrated Campus of Manufacturing and Technology, SENAI CIMATEC University Center, Salvador 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil; (J.P.d.A.); (L.L.N.G.)
| | - Fabiana Landoni
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina;
| | - Juliana P. B. de Menezes
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
| | - Deborah Bittencourt Mothé Fraga
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases (INCT-DT), National Council for Scientific Research and Development (CNPq)
| | - Aníbal de Freitas Santos Júnior
- Department of Life Sciences, State University of Bahia, Salvador 41150-000, Bahia, Brazil; (L.V.P.); (V.C.d.S.); (A.d.F.S.J.)
| | - Patrícia Sampaio Tavares Veras
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil; (B.M.M.L.); (L.B.C.F.); (A.S.M.); (É.M.N.d.A.); (C.I.B.); (J.P.B.d.M.); (D.B.M.F.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases (INCT-DT), National Council for Scientific Research and Development (CNPq)
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Dantas-Torres F. Canine leishmaniasis in the Americas: etiology, distribution, and clinical and zoonotic importance. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:198. [PMID: 38689318 PMCID: PMC11061994 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06282-w] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis is a widespread disease on the American continent, with cases reported from Uruguay to the USA and Canada. While numerous Leishmania spp. have been reported in dogs in this region, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis are the most common etiological agents of canine leishmaniasis from a continental perspective. Nonetheless, other species may predominate locally in some countries. The participation of dogs in the transmission cycle of various Leishmania spp. has long been speculated, but evidence indicates that their role as reservoirs of species other than L. infantum is negligible. Various native wildlife (e.g., small rodents, marsupials, sloths, and monkeys) are, in fact, the primary hosts of Leishmania spp. in the Americas. In this review, an updated list of Leishmania spp. infecting dogs in the Americas is presented, along with their distribution and clinical and zoonotic importance.
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Latifi A, Esmaeili F, Mohebali M, Yasami-Khiabani S, Rezaeian M, Soleimani M, Kazemirad E, Amani A. Chitosan nanoparticles improve the effectivity of miltefosine against Acanthamoeba. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011976. [PMID: 38527059 PMCID: PMC10962830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a corneal sight-threatening infection caused by the free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba. Early and appropriate treatment significantly impacts visual outcomes. Mucoadhesive polymers such as chitosan are a potential strategy to prolong the residence time and bioavailability of the encapsulated drugs in the cornea. Regarding the recent administration of miltefosine (MF) for treating resistant AK, in the present study, we synthesized miltefosine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MF-CS-NPs) and evaluated them against Acanthamoeba. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared using the ionic gelation method with negatively charged tripolyphosphate (TPP). The zeta-potential (ZP) and the particle size of MF-CS-NPs were 21.8±3.2 mV and 46.61±18.16 nm, respectively. The release profile of MF-CS-NPs indicated linearity with sustained drug release. The cytotoxicity of MF-CS-NPs on the Vero cell line was 2.67 and 1.64 times lower than free MF at 24 and 48 hours. This formulation exhibited no hemolytic activity in vitro and ocular irritation in rabbit eyes. The IC50 of MF-CS-NPs showed a significant reduction by 2.06 and 1.69-fold in trophozoites at 24 and 48 hours compared to free MF. Also, the MF-CS-NPs IC50 in the cysts form was slightly decreased by 1.26 and 1.21-fold at 24 and 48 hours compared to free MF. CONCLUSIONS The MF-CS-NPs were more effective against the trophozoites and cysts than free MF. The nano-chitosan formulation was more effective on trophozoites than the cysts form. MF-CS-NPs reduced toxicity and improved the amoebicidal effect of MF. Nano-chitosan could be an ideal carrier that decreases the cytotoxicity of miltefosine. Further analysis in animal settings is needed to evaluate this nano-formulation for clinical ocular drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Latifi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Esmaeili
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mostafa Rezaeian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soleimani
- Department of Ocular Trauma and Emergency, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Kazemirad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Amani
- Natural products and medicinal plants Research center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
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Gonçalves G, de Campos MP, Gonçalves AS, Figueiredo FB. Therapeutic success and failure in using miltefosine to treat dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2024; 33:e015023. [PMID: 38359300 PMCID: PMC10878695 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612024012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In urban environments, domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are a major reservoir for the parasite Leishmania infantum. Miltefosine has been used as the standard treatment for canine visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. However, therapeutic failures have been reported. In the present study, two dogs (CG03 and CG06) with a diagnosis of infection by L. infantum underwent two cycles of treatment with miltefosine (Milteforan™ - Virbac®). Analyses showed increases in the parasite load of both CG03 and CG06, even after treatment. The clinical score of CG03 dropped from 1 to 0 (after one round of treatment), such that this dog became asymptomatic. CG06 showed clinical worsening, such that its score increased from 1 to 2. After the second therapeutic round, the parasite load in CG03 was found to have decreased, but it was still higher than before drug treatment even though this dog was physically asymptomatic. There was no decrease in the parasite load in CG06 and there was clinical worsening. The clinical response of these dogs to the treatment differed, but the parasite load remained high in both cases, which poses a risk to public health, making it essential take measures to prevent the sandfly vector from accessing the dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Fiocruz Paraná, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Monique Paiva de Campos
- Laboratório de Referência em Leishmaniase, Fiocruz Paraná, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Referência em Leishmaniase, Fiocruz Paraná, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
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Berhe H, Kumar Cinthakunta Sridhar M, Zerihun M, Qvit N. The Potential Use of Peptides in the Fight against Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:227. [PMID: 38399281 PMCID: PMC10892537 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020227] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are both neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people around the world. Leishmaniasis is currently the second most widespread vector-borne parasitic disease after malaria. The World Health Organization records approximately 0.7-1 million newly diagnosed leishmaniasis cases each year, resulting in approximately 20,000-30,000 deaths. Also, 25 million people worldwide are at risk of Chagas disease and an estimated 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin, and pentamidine are currently used to treat leishmaniasis. Also, nifurtimox and benznidazole are two drugs currently used to treat Chagas disease. These drugs are associated with toxicity problems such as nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, in addition to resistance problems. As a result, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a top priority and a promising alternative. Overall, there is a need for new and effective treatments for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as the current drugs have significant limitations. Peptide-based drugs are attractive due to their high selectiveness, effectiveness, low toxicity, and ease of production. This paper reviews the potential use of peptides in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Several studies have demonstrated that peptides are effective against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, suggesting their use in drug therapy for these diseases. Overall, peptides have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, but more research is needed to fully investigate their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nir Qvit
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (H.B.); (M.K.C.S.); (M.Z.)
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Vaz TP, Quaresma PF, Rêgo FD, Souza CB, Fontes G, Gontijo CMF. Clinical and Laboratory Response of Domiciled Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis Treated with Miltefosine and Allopurinol. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:472. [PMID: 37888600 PMCID: PMC10610677 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100472] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) remains a significant disease worldwide. In Brazil, its treatment is performed using miltefosine, which has demonstrated promising outcomes in dogs. This study represents the first attempt to treat and monitor dogs with CVL in natural conditions over the course of one year. The dogs were divided into two groups: G1 received miltefosine and allopurinol for 28 days, while G2 received miltefosine for 28 days, followed by allopurinol for one year. The follow-up involved clinical, hematological, and biochemical evaluations, as well as the detection of Leishmania DNA in skin and bone marrow samples. By the end of the follow-up, dogs in G2 exhibited improved staging compared to their initial conditions, whereas those in G1 showed worsened staging. Leishmania DNA in skin and bone marrow decreased between 6 and 12 months after treatment. Our observations indicate that the treatment using miltefosine reduces the detection of the parasite in the skin and bone marrow for up to one year following its administration. The continuous use of allopurinol contributes to control of the disease in dogs. These findings provide valuable insights into the response of dogs treated in natural conditions, offering essential information for veterinarians and public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita Pereira Vaz
- René Rachou Institute (FIOCRUZ/MG), Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, MG, Brazil; (T.P.V.); (F.D.R.); (C.B.S.)
| | - Patrícia Flávia Quaresma
- Campus Reitor João Davi Ferreira Lima, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Trindade, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil;
| | - Felipe Dutra Rêgo
- René Rachou Institute (FIOCRUZ/MG), Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, MG, Brazil; (T.P.V.); (F.D.R.); (C.B.S.)
| | - Camila Binder Souza
- René Rachou Institute (FIOCRUZ/MG), Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, MG, Brazil; (T.P.V.); (F.D.R.); (C.B.S.)
| | - Gilberto Fontes
- Campus Centro Oeste, Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil;
| | - Célia Maria Ferreira Gontijo
- René Rachou Institute (FIOCRUZ/MG), Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, MG, Brazil; (T.P.V.); (F.D.R.); (C.B.S.)
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do Carmo Maquiaveli C, da Silva ER, Hild de Jesus B, Oliveira Monteiro CE, Rodrigues Navarro T, Pereira Branco LO, Souza dos Santos I, Figueiredo Reis N, Portugal AB, Mendes Wanderley JL, Borges Farias A, Correia Romeiro N, de Lima EC. Design and Synthesis of New Anthranyl Phenylhydrazides: Antileishmanial Activity and Structure-Activity Relationship. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1120. [PMID: 37631035 PMCID: PMC10458276 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081120] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people worldwide. A centenary approach to antimonial-based drugs was first initiated with the synthesis of urea stibamine by Upendranath Brahmachari in 1922. The need for new drug development led to resistance toward antimoniates. New drug development to treat leishmaniasis is urgently needed. In this way, searching for new substances with antileishmanial activity, we synthesized ten anthranyl phenylhydrazide and three quinazolinone derivatives and evaluated them against promastigotes and the intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. Three compounds showed good activity against promastigotes 1b, 1d, and 1g, with IC50 between 1 and 5 μM. These new phenylhydrazides were tested against Leishmania arginase, but they all failed to inhibit this parasite enzyme, as we have shown in a previous study. To explain the possible mechanism of action, we proposed the enzyme PTR1 as a new target for these compounds based on in silico analysis. In conclusion, the new anthranyl hydrazide derivatives can be a promising scaffold for developing new substances against the protozoa parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia do Carmo Maquiaveli
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Bioquímica (LFBq), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Edson Roberto da Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Bioquímica (LFBq), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Barbara Hild de Jesus
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Bioquímica (LFBq), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Eduardo Oliveira Monteiro
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Bioquímica (LFBq), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago Rodrigues Navarro
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Octavio Pereira Branco
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabela Souza dos Santos
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nanashara Figueiredo Reis
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
| | - Arieli Bernardo Portugal
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Médicas, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ, Macaé CEP 27979-000, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes CEP 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Luiz Mendes Wanderley
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Médicas, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ, Macaé CEP 27979-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - André Borges Farias
- Unidad Académica de Yucatán, Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mérida 97302, Yucatán, Mexico
- Integrated Laboratory of Scientific Computing (LICC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)—Campus Macaé, Aluízio Silva Gomes Avenue 50, Granjas Cavaleiros, Macaé 27930-560, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nelilma Correia Romeiro
- Integrated Laboratory of Scientific Computing (LICC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)—Campus Macaé, Aluízio Silva Gomes Avenue 50, Granjas Cavaleiros, Macaé 27930-560, RJ, Brazil
| | - Evanoel Crizanto de Lima
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
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Gizzarelli M, Foglia Manzillo V, Inglese A, Montagnaro S, Oliva G. Retrospective Long-Term Evaluation of Miltefosine-Allopurinol Treatment in Canine Leishmaniosis. Pathogens 2023; 12:864. [PMID: 37513711 PMCID: PMC10384837 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine-Allopurinol (MIL-AL) combination is reported to be one of the most effective treatments for canine leishmaniosis, thanks to its oral administration and MIL-documented low impact on renal function. However, MIL-AL is considered a second-choice treatment when compared to meglumine-antimoniate-allopurinol combination, mainly due to the risk of earlier relapses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the MIL-AL protocol during a long-term follow-up with an average duration of nine years. Dogs were living in Southern Italy (Puglia, Italy) in an area considered endemic for Canine leishmaniosis (CanL). Inclusion criteria were clinical and/or clinicopathological signs consistent with CanL; positive result to Leishmania quantitative ELISA; and negativity to the most frequent canine vector-borne infections. All dogs received 2 mg/kg MIL for 28 days, and 10 mg/kg AL, BID, for a period varying between 2 and 12 months. Ancillary treatments were allowed according to the clinical condition of the dog. A total clinical score and a total clinicopathological score were calculated at each time point by attributing one point to each sign or alteration present and then by adding all points. Improvement after each treatment was defined by the reduction of at least 50% of the total score. A survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier curve) was performed for quantifying the probability of the events occurring during the study follow-up. The following events were considered: decreased and negative ELISA results; improvement/recovery of the clinical and clinicopathological alterations; and relapse of leishmaniasis. One hundred seventy-three dogs (75f and 98m) were retrospectively included in the study by examining their clinical records since the first diagnosis of CanL. One hundred forty-three (83%) dogs were under five years of age. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 5.4 (±1.1) years with a minimum of 3.2 years and a maximum of 9 years. All dogs received a first treatment of MIL-AL at inclusion; then, during the follow-up course, 30 dogs required a second treatment, 2 dogs required a third treatment and 1 dog required a fourth and a fifth treatment. The mean time interval between the first and the second treatment was 27.2 (±18.3) months. After the first treatment, all dogs had decreased ELISA levels, in an average interval of 2.6 (±1.6) months. One hundred seventy dogs (98%) experienced a clinical improvement (mean time 3.0 ± 4.9 months); 152 (88%) dogs were considered clinically recovered after a mean time of 16.7 ± 13.5 months. A similar trend was observed for clinicopathological alterations; interestingly, proteinuria decreased in most dogs (p < 0.0001-Chi-square for trends). Thirty dogs experienced relapses, the earliest after 4.8 months. The mean time without relapse was 90.4 (±2.5) months. In relapsed dogs, the mean time for clinical improvement after the second treatment was 8.6 (±12.6) months, whereas it was 11.0 (±15.4) months for clinicopathological alterations. Five dogs had limited gastrointestinal side effects associated with MIL treatment. The present study confirms that the MIL-AL protocol can be considered one of the most effective treatments for CanL therapy, mainly for its capacity to provide a long-time clinical improvement in a large majority of treated dogs. As reported in the literature, the clinical stabilization of dogs does not occur immediately after treatment, probably due to the particular pharmacokinetic properties of MIL. The efficacy of MIL-AL decreases in dogs that need more than one treatment, suggesting the necessity to alternate anti-Leishmania drugs for the treatment of relapses. Side effects were transient and slight, even in dogs that required several treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Inglese
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Dr. Antonio Inglese, 74023 Grottaglie, Italy
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
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de Melo SN, Barbosa DS, Câmara DCP, Simões TC, Buzanovsky LP, Duarte AGS, Maia-Elkhoury ANS, Cardoso DT, Donato LE, Werneck GL, Belo VS. Spatio-temporal relative risks and priority areas for visceral leishmaniasis control in Brazil, between 2001 and 2020. Acta Trop 2023; 242:106912. [PMID: 36990374 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a pressing public health problem in Brazil. The proper implementation of disease control programs in priority areas is a challenge for healthcare managers. The present study aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution and identify high risk areas of VL occurrence in the Brazilian territory. We analyzed data regarding new cases with confirmed diagnosis of VL in Brazilian municipalities, from 2001 to 2020, extracted from the Brazilian Information System for Notifiable Diseases. The Local Index of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) was used to identify contiguous areas with high incidence rates in different periods of the temporal series. Clusters of high spatio-temporal risk were identified using the scan statistics. The accumulated incidence rate in the analyzed period was 33.53 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The number of municipalities that reported cases showed an upward trend from 2001 onward, although there was a decrease in 2019 and 2020. According to LISA, the number of municipalities considered a priority increased in Brazil and in most states. Priority municipalities were predominantly concentrated in the states of Tocantins, Maranhão, Piauí, and Mato Grosso do Sul, in addition to more specific areas of Pará, Ceará, Piauí, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Bahia, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Roraima. The spatio-temporal clusters of high-risk areas varied throughout the time series and were relatively higher in the North and Northeast regions. Recent high-risk areas were found in Roraima and municipalities in northeastern states. VL expanded territorially in Brazil in the 21st century. However, there is still a considerable spatial concentration of cases. The areas identified in the present study should be prioritized for disease control actions.
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Rahimi S, Rafinejad J, Akhavan AA, Ahmadkhaniha R, Bakhtiyari M, Khamesipour A, Akbarzadeh K. The therapeutic effect of larval saliva and hemolymph of Lucilia sericata on the treatment of Leishmania major lesion in BALB/c mice946. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:72. [PMID: 36797798 PMCID: PMC9936726 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05660-0] [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: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a major challenge for the public health and medical community. It has been claimed that natural compounds derived from fly larvae have anti-leishmania properties against some species of Leishmania. The present study aimed at assessing the in vitro effects of larval products of Lucilia sericata against the promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of Leishmania major. Also, the therapeutic effect of larval products on lesions induced by L. major infection was evaluated in BALB/c mice models. METHODS Parasite specimens and macrophage cells were exposed to varying concentrations of larval products for 24-120 h. Lesion progression and parasite load were investigated in the models to assess the therapeutic effects of the products. RESULTS The larval products displayed more potent cytotoxicity against L. major promastigotes. The IC50 values for larval saliva and hemolymph were 100.6 and 37.96 ug/ml, respectively. The IC50 of glucantime was 9.480 ug/ml. Also, the saliva and hemolymph of L. sericata exhibited higher cytotoxicity against the promastigotes of L. major but were less toxic to the macrophage cells. Treatment with leishmanicidal agents derived from larvae of L. sericata decreased the infection rate and the number of amastigotes per infected host cell at all concentrations. Lesion size was significantly (F (7, 38) = 8.54, P < 0.0001) smaller in the treated mice compared with the untreated control group. The average parasite burden in the treated mice groups (1.81 ± 0.74, 1.03 ± 0.45 and 3.37 ± 0.41) was similar to the group treated with a daily injection of glucantime (1.77 ± 0.99) and significantly lower (F (7, 16) = 66.39, P < 0.0001) than in the untreated control group (6.72 ± 2.37). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the larval products of L. sericata were effective against L. major parasites both in vivo and in vitro. However, more clinical trial studies are recommended to evaluate the effects of these larval products on human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rahimi
- grid.449862.50000 0004 0518 4224Medicinal Plants Research Center, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Javad Rafinejad
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ahmad Akhavan
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahmadkhaniha
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Human Ecology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bakhtiyari
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Community Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Medicine Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kamran Akbarzadeh
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Costa SS, Santos LMO, Freire LC, Tedeschi ALF, Ribeiro NR, Queiroz MHR, Neto EB, Pimenta DC, Galvani NC, Luiz GP, de Oliveira ME, de Ávila RAM, Carvalho AMRS, Brigido BVS, Reis AB, Fernandes APSM, Coelho EAF, Roatt BM, Menezes-Souza D, Duarte MC. Immunoproteomics approach for the discovery of antigens applied to the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. Acta Trop 2023; 241:106865. [PMID: 36787861 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106865] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, an immunoproteomic approach using Leishmania infantum parasites isolated from naturally infected dogs from an endemic region of the disease, was carried out to identify new antigens to be used in the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Protein extracts, obtained from parasites isolated from asymptomatic (CanLA) and symptomatic (CanLS) dogs, were used to perform the two-dimensional gels. Western Blotting assays were carried out by employing a pool of sera from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (CanLA or CanLS), healthy dogs from an endemic area, or dogs with similar diseases associated with cross-reactions (babesiosis and ehrlichiosis). With these results, it was possible to exclude the spots that showed a cross-reactivity of the sera from groups of healthy dogs, and those with babesiosis or ehrlichiosis. Taken together, 20 proteins were identified, 15 of which have already been described in the literature and 5 of which are hypothetical. An immunogenomic screen strategy was applied to identify conserved linear B-cell epitopes in the identified hypothetical proteins. Two peptides were synthesized and tested in ELISA experiments as a proof of concept for the validation of our immunoproteomics findings. The results demonstrated that the antigens presented sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 81.93% to 97.59% and 78.14 to 85.12%, respectively. As a comparative antigen, a preparation of a Leishmania extract showed sensitivity and specificity values of 75.90% and 74.88%, respectively. The present study was able to identify proteins capable of being used for the serodiagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scarleth Silva Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucas Magno Oliveira Santos
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Chaves Freire
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Filizzola Tedeschi
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Naianda Rezende Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Emídio Beraldo Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Nathalia Coral Galvani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Paulino Luiz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado de Ávila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Ravena Severino Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bryan Victor Serafim Brigido
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Barbosa Reis
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas/CiPharma, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas/CiPharma, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Costa Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Immunoinformatics Approach to Design a Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020339. [PMID: 36851219 PMCID: PMC9967539 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020339] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasite Leishmania major (L. major), is a major public health concern, and the development of new strategies to reduce the disease incidence has become a top priority. Advances in immunoinformatics and in-silico epitope prediction could be a promising approach to designing a finest vaccine candidate. In this study, we aimed to design a peptide-based vaccine against CL using computational tools and identified ten B-cell-derived T-cell epitopes from the glycoprotein gp63 of L. major. All of the potential immunodominant epitopes were used to design a vaccine construct along with a linker and an adjuvant at the N-terminal for enhancing its immunogenicity. Additionally, many characteristics of the proposed vaccine were examined, and it was confirmed to be non-allergenic, non-toxic, and thermally stable. To assess the vaccine interaction with the innate immune toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), a 3D structure of the vaccine construct was developed. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation were used to confirm the binding and to assess the stability of the vaccine-TLR4 complex and interactions, respectively. In conclusion, our multi-epitope vaccine will provide a gateway to analyze the protein function of a potential vaccine candidate against CL.
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Isolation, typing, and drug susceptibility of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum isolates from dogs of the municipality of Embu das Artes, an endemic region for canine leishmaniasis in Brazil. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2683-2695. [PMID: 35802163 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07594-5] [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: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic protozoa Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is the etiological agent of human visceral leishmaniasis and canine leishmaniasis in South America, where Brazil is the most affected country. This zoonotic disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected phlebotomine sand fly and dogs constitute the main domestic reservoir of the parasite. In this study, we screened 2348 dogs of the municipality of Embu das Artes, Brazil, for antibodies against the parasite. Prevalence for canine leishmaniasis seropositivity was 2.81%, as assessed using a Dual-Path Platform rapid test for canine leishmaniasis. Twenty-five seropositive dogs were euthanized for parasite isolation and 14 isolates were successful obtained. Nucleotide sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer confirmed the isolates to be L. (L.) infantum, and very low sequence variability was observed among them. The in vitro susceptibility to miltefosine and paromomycin was assessed and moderate variation in paromomycin susceptibility was found among the isolates in the promastigote and intracellular amastigote stages. On the other hand, in vitro susceptibility to miltefosine of these isolates was homogenous, particularly in the amastigote stage (EC50 values from 0.69 to 2.07 μM). In addition, the miltefosine sensitivity locus was deleted in all the isolates, which does not corroborate the hypothesis that the absence of this locus is correlated with a low in vitro susceptibility. Our findings confirm that the municipality of Embu das Artes is endemic for canine leishmaniasis and that isolates from this region are susceptible to paromomycin and miltefosine, indicating the potential of these drugs to be clinically evaluated in the treatment of human visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.
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Canine Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area for Human Leishmaniasis in Nicaragua. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:5774296. [PMID: 36072825 PMCID: PMC9444458 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5774296] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the frequency of canines infected with Leishmania spp. in an area endemic to leishmaniasis in humans was determined. A descriptive pilot study was conducted between the months of October and December 2020 on dogs from Rota, a community in the municipality of León, which included 45 specimens from the peridomestic area. Different variables from each specimen were monitored, such as age, sex, breed, body condition, and clinical characteristics, as well as information on the owners and cases of human leishmaniasis presented in less than 5 years. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein and peripheral blood was separated. A complete blood count (CBC) was performed using venous blood samples with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), as well as a conventional PCR was applied for the detection of Leishmania spp. Amastigotes were found in 22% of venous or peripheral blood samples, whereas a high prevalence of 28.89% (95% CI: 14.53–43.24) was found by PCR. Only 1/12 of positive dogs in PCR presented dry exfoliative dermatitis, therefore, there was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05), the age and sex of the dogs were also not factors associated with infection (p ≥ 0.05). This study reports for the first time the molecular detection of Leishmania in dogs in an endemic area of leishmaniasis in humans in Nicaragua. The high frequency of dogs infected with Leishmania suggests that they play an important role in the transmission cycle of human leishmaniasis.
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A new immunochemotherapy schedule for visceral leishmaniasis in a hamster model. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2849-2860. [PMID: 35997843 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07628-y] [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: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment with a recombinant cysteine proteinase from Leishmania, rldccys1, associated with allopurinol or miltefosine on Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi-infected hamsters. Golden Syrian hamsters infected with L. (L.) infantum chagasi were treated with either miltefosine (46 mg/kg) or allopurinol (460 mg/kg) alone by oral route or associated with rldccys1 (150 µg/hamster) by subcutaneous route for 30 days. Infected hamsters were also treated with miltefosine (46 mg/kg) plus rldccys1 (150 µg/hamster) for 30 days (phase 1) followed by two additional doses of rldccys1 (250 µg/hamster) (phase 2). After the end of treatment, the animals were analyzed for parasite load, body weight, serum levels of immunoglobulins, cytokine expression, and drug toxicity. The data showed a significant decrease of parasite load in infected hamsters treated with allopurinol or miltefosine alone or associated with rldccys1, as well as in those treated with rldccys1 alone. Significantly lower levels of serum IgG were detected in hamsters treated with allopurinol plus rldccys1. The treatment with miltefosine associated with rldccys1 prevented relapse observed in animals treated with miltefosine alone. A significant loss of body weight was detected only in some hamsters treated with miltefosine for 1 month and deprived of this treatment for 15 days. There were no significant differences in transcript expression of IFN-γ and IL-10 in any of treated groups. Neither hepatotoxicity nor nephrotoxicity was observed among controls and treated groups. These findings open perspectives to further explore this immunochemotherapeutic schedule as an alternative for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Ayres EDCBS, Dias ÁFDLR, Monteiro BRG, Pazzini SS, Barbosa MEC, Silva EBD, Macedo LFDC, Sousa VRF, Dutra V, Nakazato L, Almeida ADBPFD. Clinical and parasitological impact of short-term treatment using miltefosine and allopurinol monotherapy or combination therapy in canine visceral leishmaniasis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e007222. [PMID: 35920471 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis is an endemic zoonosis in Brazil. Dogs are the main hosts in urban environments. The treatment has gained popularity since the Brazilian government authorized miltefosine for canine treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and parasitological impact of short-term treatment with miltefosine and allopurinol, alone and in combination. We evaluated the ability of pharmacotherapy to reduce clinical signs of disease, antibody levels using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and skin parasite load via qPCR after 28 days of treatment. The therapeutic protocols promoted a significant decline in clinical signs and in the skin parasite load in dogs (p < 0.01). We observed a moderate correlation between the skin parasite load and the clinical score in all three treatment groups (r > 0.5) Antibody levels did not decrease in this short period. It was concluded that the treatment with allopurinol reduced the number of parasites in the skin of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis in the short term. However, its efficiency is potentiated when associated with miltefosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline da Cruz Boa Sorte Ayres
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Álvaro Felipe de Lima Ruy Dias
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Bruna Ribeiro Gomes Monteiro
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Sarah Szimanski Pazzini
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Mateus Elias Chagas Barbosa
- Laboratório de Estatística. Departamento de Estatística, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Eveliny Barroso da Silva
- Laboratório de Estatística. Departamento de Estatística, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Luis Felipe da Cruz Macedo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Valéria Régia Franco Sousa
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Valéria Dutra
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Luciano Nakazato
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
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Morales-Yuste M, Martín-Sánchez J, Corpas-Lopez V. Canine Leishmaniasis: Update on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080387. [PMID: 36006301 PMCID: PMC9416075 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog are the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum, causing canine leishmaniasis, an incurable multisystemic disease that leads to death in symptomatic dogs, when not treated. This parasite causes visceral, cutaneous, and mucosal leishmaniasis in people in the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, South America, and West Asia. This disease is mostly unknown by veterinarians outside the endemic areas, but the disease is expanding in the Northern Hemisphere due to travel and climate change. New methodologies to study the epidemiology of the disease have found new hosts of leishmaniasis and drawn a completely new picture of the parasite biological cycle. Canine leishmaniasis diagnosis has evolved over the years through the analysis of new samples using novel molecular techniques. Given the neglected nature of leishmaniasis, progress in drug discovery is slow, and the few drugs that reach clinical stages in humans are unlikely to be commercialised for dogs, but several approaches have been developed to support chemotherapy. New-generation vaccines developed during the last decade are now widely used, along with novel prevention strategies. The implications of the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine leishmaniasis are fundamental to public health.
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Gonçalves G, Campos MP, Gonçalves AS, Medeiros LCS, Figueiredo FB. Increased Leishmania infantum resistance to miltefosine and amphotericin B after treatment of a dog with miltefosine and allopurinol. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:599. [PMID: 34886876 PMCID: PMC8656069 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum is the most important etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas and Mediterranean region, and the dog is the main host. Miltefosine was authorized to treat canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in Brazil in 2017, but there is a persistent fear of the emergence of parasites resistant not only to this drug but, through cross-resistance mechanisms, also to meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B. Additionally, the literature shows that acquisition of resistance is followed by increased parasite fitness, with higher rates of proliferation, infectivity and metacyclogenesis, which are drivers of parasite virulence. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the impact of treating a dog with miltefosine and allopurinol on the generation of parasites resistant to miltefosine, amphotericin B and meglumine antimoniate. Methods In vitro susceptibility tests were conducted against miltefosine, amphotericin B and meglumine antimoniate with T0 (parasites isolated from a dog before treatment with miltefosine plus allopurinol), T1 (after 1 course of treatment) and T2 (after 2 courses of treatment) isolates. The rates of cell proliferation, infectivity and metacyclogenesis of the isolates were also evaluated. Results The results indicate a gradual increase in parasite resistance to miltefosine and amphotericin B with increasing the number of treatment courses. An increasing trend in the metacyclogenesis rate of the parasites was also observed as drug resistance increased. Conclusion The data indicates an increased L. infantum resistance to miltefosine and amphotericin B after the treatment of a dog with miltefosine plus allopurinol. Further studies with a larger number of L. infantum strains isolated from dogs with varied immune response profiles and undergoing different treatment regimes, are advocated. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Gonçalves
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Paraná, 81310-020, Brazil.
| | - Monique Paiva Campos
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Paraná, 81310-020, Brazil
| | | | - Lia Carolina Soares Medeiros
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Paraná, 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Paraná, 81310-020, Brazil
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Rodrigues ACJ, Bortoleti BTDS, Carloto ACM, Silva TF, Concato VM, Gonçalves MD, Tomiotto-Pelissier F, Detoni MB, Diaz-Roa A, Júnior PIDS, Costa IN, Conchon-Costa I, Bidoia DL, Miranda-Sapla MM, Pavanelli WR. Larval excretion/secretion of dipters of Lucilia cuprina species induces death in promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:6339274. [PMID: 34347083 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab040] [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: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people around the world. Larval excretion/secretion (ES) of the larvae of flies of the Calliphoridae family has microbicidal activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, in addition to some species of Leishmania. Our study aimed at assessing the in vitro efficacy of Lucilia cuprina larval ES against the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis, elucidating possible microbicidal mechanisms and routes of death involved. Larval ES was able to inhibit the viability of L. amazonensis at all concentrations, induce morphological and ultrastructural changes in the parasite, retraction of the cell body, roughness of the cytoplasmic membrane, leakage of intracellular content, ROS production increase, induction of membrane depolarization, and mitochondrial swelling, the formation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets and phosphatidylserine exposure, thus indicating the possibility of apoptosis-like death. To verify the efficacy of larval ES on amastigote forms, we performed a phagocytic assay, measurement of total ROS, and NO. Treatment using larval ES reduced the percentage of infection and the number of amastigotes per macrophage of lineage J774A.1 at all concentrations, increasing the production of ROS and TNF-α, thus indicating possible pro-inflammatory immunomodulation and oxidative damage. Therefore, treatment using larval ES is effective at inducing the death of promastigotes and amastigotes of L. amazonensis even at low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Jacob Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Cristina Machado Carloto
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Taylon Felipe Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Márcia Concato
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- Biotransformation and Phytochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Exact Sciences, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tomiotto-Pelissier
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute, (ICC/Fiocruz/PR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Mariana Barbosa Detoni
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Diaz-Roa
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Instituto Butantan, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Danielle Lazarin Bidoia
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Milena Menegazzo Miranda-Sapla
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center for Biological Sciences State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
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20
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Pomel S, Cojean S, Pons V, Cintrat JC, Nguyen L, Vacus J, Pruvost A, Barbier J, Gillet D, Loiseau PM. An adamantamine derivative as a drug candidate for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:2640-2650. [PMID: 34212184 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate compounds acting on the host cell machinery to impair parasite installation with the possible advantage of limiting drug resistance. The strategy therefore consisted of selecting compounds that are poorly active on the axenic parasite, but very active on the intramacrophage form of Leishmania. OBJECTIVES To identify a drug candidate from focused screening of adamantamine derivatives that can inhibit the development of Leishmania infantum in macrophages. METHODS In vitro screening was performed on a library of 142 adamantamine derivatives with axenic and intramacrophage forms of L. infantum, as well as cytotoxicity assays, allowing selection of the most promising compound. Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) experiments, including pharmacokinetics and microsomal stability, were performed and finally the physicochemical stability of the compound was investigated to assess its suitability for further drug development. RESULTS VP343 was identified first in vitro, with a CC50 value of 63.7 μM and an IC50 value of 0.32 μM for L. infantum intramacrophage amastigotes and then in vivo, with a 59% reduction of the liver parasite burden after oral administration at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 days. In addition, the ADME data were compatible with moving this compound further through the antileishmanial drug candidate pipeline. CONCLUSIONS VP343 has the properties of a good drug candidate and merits further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Pomel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, BioCIS, 92290, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sandrine Cojean
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, BioCIS, 92290, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Valérie Pons
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SCBM, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Cintrat
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SCBM, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Laetitia Nguyen
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SPI, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Joël Vacus
- Drugabilis, 7, Allée de Londres, 91140, Villejust, France
| | - Alain Pruvost
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SPI, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Julien Barbier
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Daniel Gillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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de Lana M, Giunchetti RC. Dogs as a Model for Chemotherapy of Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1741-1756. [PMID: 33371843 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201228142703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs are natural reservoir of Chagas disease (CD) and leishmaniasis and have been used for studies of these infections as they develop different clinical forms of these diseases similar to humans. OBJECTIVE This article describes publications on the dog model relative to CD and leishmaniasis chemotherapy. METHODS The search of articles was based on PubMed, Scopus and MESH using the keywords: dog, Trypanosoma cruzi, treatment (T. cruzi chemotherapy analysis), Leishmania chagasi, Leishmania infantum, canine visceral leishmaniasis, treatment (Leishmania chemotherapy evaluation). RESULTS Benznidazole and nifurtimox were used as a reference in the treatment of CD and in combination with other compounds. Eleven out of the fifteen studies have authors from the same team, using similar protocols and post-treatment evaluations, which assured more reproducibility and credibility. Twenty leishmaniasis studies, especially on visceral leishmaniasis, presenting at least one parasitological analysis tested in distinct monochemotherapy and polychemotherapy approaches were accessed. Data demonstrated that polychemotherapy was more effective in improving the clinical signs and parasitism control. CONCLUSION The benefits of treatment in terms of reducing or eliminating lesions and/or cardiac dysfunctions were demonstrated at acute and/or chronic phases relative to parasite load and/or the T. cruzi strain resistance to treatment. BZ presented better therapeutic results than the two EBI compounds evaluated. Although treatment of the canine visceral leishmaniasis was not able to induce complete parasite clearance, it can improve clinical recovery. Thus, the dog is a good model for CD and leishmaniasis studies of chemotherapy and may be indicated for pre-clinical trials of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta de Lana
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Ciencias Farmaceuticas (CiPHARMA), Escola de Farmacia, Programa Pos-Graduacao em de Ciencias Biologicas, Nucleo de Pesquisas em Ciencias Biologicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brazil
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Mollinedo F, Gajate C. Mitochondrial Targeting Involving Cholesterol-Rich Lipid Rafts in the Mechanism of Action of the Antitumor Ether Lipid and Alkylphospholipid Analog Edelfosine. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:763. [PMID: 34065546 PMCID: PMC8161315 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ether lipid edelfosine induces apoptosis selectively in tumor cells and is the prototypic molecule of a family of synthetic antitumor compounds collectively known as alkylphospholipid analogs. Cumulative evidence shows that edelfosine interacts with cholesterol-rich lipid rafts, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Edelfosine induces apoptosis in a number of hematological cancer cells by recruiting death receptors and downstream apoptotic signaling into lipid rafts, whereas it promotes apoptosis in solid tumor cells through an ER stress response. Edelfosine-induced apoptosis, mediated by lipid rafts and/or ER, requires the involvement of a mitochondrial-dependent step to eventually elicit cell death, leading to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and the triggering of cell death. The overexpression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL blocks edelfosine-induced apoptosis. Edelfosine induces the redistribution of lipid rafts from the plasma membrane to the mitochondria. The pro-apoptotic action of edelfosine on cancer cells is associated with the recruitment of F1FO-ATP synthase into cholesterol-rich lipid rafts. Specific inhibition of the FO sector of the F1FO-ATP synthase, which contains the membrane-embedded c-subunit ring that constitutes the mitochondrial permeability transcription pore, hinders edelfosine-induced cell death. Taking together, the evidence shown here suggests that the ether lipid edelfosine could modulate cell death in cancer cells by direct interaction with mitochondria, and the reorganization of raft-located mitochondrial proteins that critically modulate cell death or survival. Here, we summarize and discuss the involvement of mitochondria in the antitumor action of the ether lipid edelfosine, pointing out the mitochondrial targeting of this drug as a major therapeutic approach, which can be extrapolated to other alkylphospholipid analogs. We also discuss the involvement of cholesterol transport and cholesterol-rich lipid rafts in the interactions between the organelles as well as in the role of mitochondria in the regulation of apoptosis in cancer cells and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faustino Mollinedo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Laboratory of Cell Death and Cancer Therapy, Department of Molecular Biomedicine, C/Ramiro de Maeztu 9, E-28040 Madrid, Spain;
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23
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Gizzarelli M, Bosco A, Foglia Manzillo V, Bongiorno G, Bianchi R, Giaquinto D, Ben Fayala NEH, Varloud M, Crippa A, Gradoni L, Cringoli G, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L, Oliva G. Examining the Relationship of Clinical and Laboratory Parameters With Infectiousness to Phlebotomus perniciosus and Its Potential Infectivity in Dogs With Overt Clinical Leishmaniasis. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:667290. [PMID: 34017871 PMCID: PMC8129199 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.667290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infected dogs are considered the main domestic animal reservoirs for Leishmania infantum parasite. Infectiousness to competent phlebotomine vectors has been associated with many factors, the main being the severity of the disease exhibited by infected dogs. This study examines the relationship between different clinical parameters and the infectiousness to colonized Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies having a blood meal on dogs. Data obtained in the present study come from an untreated group of Leishmania sick dogs submitted to xenodiagnosis for the evaluation of a spot on insecticide solution. Seventeen dogs were diagnosed as affected by leishmaniasis through clinical examination, immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) serology, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The disease severity (clinical score) was staged by using a numeric value derived from eight clinical and parasitological parameters. Xenodiagnosis was performed on caged dogs exposed for 1.5 h to sand-fly bites. The following parameters related to sand flies were examined: blood feeding (% of blood engorged females), promastigote detection (% of promastigote-positive sand flies), promastigote burden, and the promastigote stage maturation (potential transmissibility rate). Statistical relationship between the clinical score and entomological parameters was investigated, as well as the possible correlation between each clinical and laboratory parameters and sand fly infection/infectivity. The severity of clinical score may influence the blood feeding by, and the probability of promastigote detection in, sand flies; skin lesions seem to be the main factor that influences the rate of blood feeding. Promastigote burden is related to IFAT titer, skin lesions, and clinical score. All entomological parameters are strongly related among them. This study confirms that both P. perniciosus infection and infectivity are influenced by a dog's clinical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gioia Bongiorno
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bianchi
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Giaquinto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nour El Houda Ben Fayala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigi Gradoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
The association of leishmaniasis and malignancies in human and animal models has been highlighted in recent years. The misdiagnosis of coexistence of leishmaniasis and cancer and the use of common drugs in the treatment of such diseases prompt us to further survey the molecular biology of Leishmania parasites and cancer cells. The information regarding common expressed proteins, as possible therapeutic targets, in Leishmania parasites and cancer cells is scarce. Therefore, the current study reviews proteins, and investigates the regulation and functions of several key proteins in Leishmania parasites and cancer cells. The up- and down-regulations of such proteins were mostly related to survival, development, pathogenicity, metabolic pathways and vital signalling in Leishmania parasites and cancer cells. The presence of common expressed proteins in Leishmania parasites and cancer cells reveals valuable information regarding the possible shared mechanisms of pathogenicity and opportunities for therapeutic targeting in leishmaniasis and cancers in the future.
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25
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Ramos GS, Vallejos VMR, Ladeira MS, Reis PG, Souza DM, Machado YA, Ladeira LO, Pinheiro MBV, Melo MN, Fujiwara RT, Frézard F. Antileishmanial activity of fullerol and its liposomal formulation in experimental models of visceral leishmaniasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 134:111120. [PMID: 33341671 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic parasitic disease that leads to high rates of morbidity and mortality in humans worldwide. There is a great need to develop new drugs and novel strategies to make chemotherapy for this disease more efficacious and well tolerated. Recent reports on the immunomodulatory effects and the low toxicity of the spherical carbon nanostructure fullerol led us to investigate in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity in free and encapsulated forms in liposomes. When assayed against intramacrophagic Leishmania amastigotes, fullerol showed a dose-dependent reduction of the infection index with IC50 of 0.042 mg/mL. When given daily by i.p. route for 20 days (0.05 mg/kg/d) in a murine model of acute VL, fullerol promoted significant reduction in the liver parasite load. To improve the delivery of fullerol to the infection sites, liposomal formulations were prepared by the dehydration-rehydration method. When evaluated in the acute VL model, liposomal fullerol (Lip-Ful) formulations given i.p. at 0.05 and 0.2 mg/kg with 4-days intervals were more effective than the free form, with significant parasite reductions in both liver and spleen. Lip-Ful at 0.2 mg/kg promoted complete parasite elimination in the liver. The antileishmanial activity of Lip-Ful was further confirmed in a chronic model of VL. Lip-Ful was also found to induce secretion of pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β cytokines. In conclusion, this work reports for the first time the antileishmanial activity of fullerol and introduces an innovative approach for treatment of VL based on the association of this nanostructure with liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme S Ramos
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Virgínia M R Vallejos
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marina S Ladeira
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Priscila G Reis
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Souza
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yuri A Machado
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz O Ladeira
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maurício B V Pinheiro
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria N Melo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Frézard
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Olías-Molero AI, Fontán-Matilla E, Cuquerella M, Alunda JM. Scientometric analysis of chemotherapy of canine leishmaniasis (2000-2020). Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:36. [PMID: 33422141 PMCID: PMC7796616 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04544-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum is a first-order pathology in canine veterinary clinics in endemic areas. Moreover, canine infections are considered the main reservoir for human disease; despite their importance in the control of the disease within a One Health approach, no scientometric study has been published. Aims of the study included analyzing the impact of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) on the scientific literature, drugs or combinations used, trends in the period from 2000 to 2020 and efficacy criteria employed. Methods A Web of Science (WOS)-based analysis of publications on CanL and chemotherapy of the disease in the period 2000–2020 was carried out using a stepwise methodology. Data were analyzed by year, geographical origin, chemical groups, drugs and combinations, and efficacy criteria. Results Reports on CanL (n = 3324) represented < 16% of all publications on leishmaniasis (n = 20,968), and of these around 18% (n = 596) were related to chemotherapy. Publication records on CanL followed the distribution of the infection by L. infantum in endemic areas although Mediterranean countries were overrepresented in the reports on chemotherapy of CanL. Publications on the main antileishmanial drugs used in clinical practice showed a sustained tendency in the period analyzed. Pentavalent antimonials (SbV), alone or in combination with allopurinol, represented > 50% of all publications on chemotherapy of CanL despite the availability of more recently marketed drugs. Conclusions Chemotherapy of CanL still relies on SbV and combinations and to a lesser extent on miltefosine (MIL). Reports on chemotherapy are scarce and mostly publicly funded, and the variability of experimental conditions hampers the direct comparison of the efficacy of drugs, combinations and schedules. The vast majority of reports on efficacy do not include any information on supportive therapy; this reduces the actual value of the studies if intended for the practical management of the disease. Complete reports on the chemotherapy (etiological + symptomatic) would add value to the trials performed.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Olías-Molero
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Avda. Andalucía s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Fontán-Matilla
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Cuquerella
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Avda. Andalucía s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Alunda
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Avda. Andalucía s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain.
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Medkour H, Bitam I, Laidoudi Y, Lafri I, Lounas A, Hamidat HK, Mekroud A, Varloud M, Davoust B, Mediannikov O. Potential of Artesunate in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum: Efficacy evidence from a randomized field trial. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008947. [PMID: 33338041 PMCID: PMC7781483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is among the world’s most neglected diseases. Dogs are the main reservoirs/hosts of Leishmania infantum, causative agent of both canine and human visceral leishmaniosis. Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) represents a public health problem as one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases worldwide. Current therapeutics present drawbacks; thus, there is a need for more effective, safer, and cheaper drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the efficacy of oral administration of artesunate or meglumine antimoniate/allopurinol in dogs with clinical leishmaniasis. Forty-two dogs with naturally occurring clinical leishmaniasis were included in this open-label, simple randomized positive-control clinical field trial with 6 months of follow-up. Dogs received meglumine antimoniate 100 mg/kg/day and allopurinol 30 mg/kg/day for 28 days (control group, n = 26) or artesunate 25 mg/kg/day for 6 days (test group, n = 16). The animals were evaluated for their clinical evolution, parasite load (by qPCR) and humoral response at different time points: 0, 30, 90, and 180 days after treatment. Data analyses showed a significant improvement in both groups in clinical scores, parasitemia and antibody titers after treatment. Compared to the control group, the artesunate group showed significantly lower clinical score (P = 0.0001), lower parasitemia (P = 0.0001) and antibody titers after 6 months of follow-up. Compared to baseline values, a rapid, significant reduction (P < 0.012) in antibody levels, 2.28- versus 3.04-fold for the control versus artesunate groups, respectively, was observed 30 days after treatment. Antibody levels continued to decrease further in the artesunate group, where 58% of cases became seronegative at the 6-month follow-up. All qPCR-positive dogs were negative after treatment with artesunate, while 14.3% remained positive with the appearance of two new cases in the control group. Artesunate was well tolerated, and no side effects were recorded. Treatment failures were similar in both groups with 27.27% (6/22), including 18.18% (4/22) mortality in the control group, versus 26.66% (4/15), including 13.33% (2/15) mortality in the artesunate group. This is the first report showing the potential of artesunate in the treatment of dogs with clinical leishmaniasis. Artesunate showed higher efficacy than the current first-line treatment for CanL without any adverse effects. It could be a good alternative chemotherapy for CanL, and may be considered for further studies in human leishmaniases. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings, to determine if there are relapses after treatment and if dogs remain infective to sandflies, to define the ideal therapeutic dosage and duration of treatment with artesunate. Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a fatal, zoonotic vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania infantum, a common pathogen for both humans and dogs. Most CanL therapeutics are toxic, expensive, or ineffective. Artemisinin and derivatives have recently demonstrated potent antileishmanial activity in vitro and in experimental models. In this study, dogs with clinical leishmaniasis were randomly included in one of the treatment groups: meglumine antimoniate/allopurinol (control) or artesunate (alternative). Dogs were followed up for 6 months for their clinical score, parasitemia and Leishmania antibody levels. Both groups showed improved clinical scores, parasitemia and antibody titers after treatment. After six months of follow-up, treatment success was very similar in both groups, and 72.73% (16/22) of the controls versus 73.34% (11/15) in the artesunate group had clinical improvement. All dogs initially seropositive by PCR became negative after artesunate treatment, while 14.3% remained positive with the appearance of new cases in the control group. Antibody titers decreased rapidly (from day 30) from baseline especially in the artesunate group, where 58% of the dogs converted to seronegative after 6 months. Artesunate could be a good alternative for treatment of leishmaniasis. Additional clinical trials are needed to obtain more data on this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hacène Medkour
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University Constantine 1, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Idir Bitam
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Superior School of Food Sciences and Food Industries of Algiers, Algeria
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University Constantine 1, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Algeria
- Laboratory of Biotechnology related to Animal Reproduction (LBRA), University of Blida, Blida, Algeria
| | - Abdelaziz Lounas
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Algeria
- Laboratory of Biotechnology related to Animal Reproduction (LBRA), University of Blida, Blida, Algeria
| | - Hamza Karim Hamidat
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Abdeslam Mekroud
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University Constantine 1, El Khroub, Algeria
| | | | - Bernard Davoust
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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Souza JM, de Carvalho ÉAA, Candido ACBB, de Mendonça RP, Fernanda da Silva M, Parreira RLT, Dias FGG, Ambrósio SR, Arantes AT, da Silva Filho AA, Nascimento AN, Costa MR, Sairre MI, Veneziani RCS, Magalhães LG. Licochalcone a Exhibits Leishmanicidal Activity in vitro and in Experimental Model of Leishmania ( Leishmania) Infantum. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:527. [PMID: 33363224 PMCID: PMC7758436 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of Licochalcone A (LicoA) and its two analogs were reported against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in vitro, and in experimental model of L. (L.) infantum in vitro. Initially, LicoA and its analogs were screened against promastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis. LicoA was the most active compound, with IC50 values of 20.26 and 3.88 μM at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Against amastigote forms, the IC50 value of LicoA was 36.84 μM at 48 h. In the next step, the effectivity of LicoA was evaluated in vitro against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. (L.) infantum. Results demonstrated that LicoA exhibited leishmanicidal activity in vitro against promastigote forms with IC50 values of 41.10 and 12.47 μM at 24 and 48 h, respectively; against amastigote forms the IC50 value was 29.58 μM at 48 h. Assessment of cytotoxicity demonstrated that LicoA exhibited moderate mammalian cytotoxicity against peritoneal murine macrophages; the CC50 value was 123.21 μM at 48 h and showed about 30% of hemolytic activity at concentration of 400 μM. L. (L.) infantum-infected hamsters and treated with LicoA at 50 mg/kg for eight consecutive days was able to significantly reduce the parasite burden in both liver and spleen in 43.67 and 39.81%, respectively, when compared with negative control group. These findings suggest that chalcone-type flavonoids can be a promising class of natural products to be considered in the search of new, safe, and effective compounds capable to treat canine visceral leishmaniosis (CVL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M. Souza
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológica, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Renato L. T. Parreira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológica, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | | | - Sérgio R. Ambrósio
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológica, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | | | - Ademar A. da Silva Filho
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Aline N. Nascimento
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal Do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Monique R. Costa
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal Do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Mirela I. Sairre
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal Do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Lizandra G. Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológica, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
- Pós Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
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Miret JA, Moreno J, Nieto J, Carter KC, Mullen AB, Ambros L, Rodríguez C, San Andrés MI, González F. Antileishmanial efficacy and tolerability of combined treatment with non-ionic surfactant vesicle formulations of sodium stibogluconate and paromomycin in dogs. Exp Parasitol 2020; 220:108033. [PMID: 33166530 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108033] [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: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Infection with Leishmania infantum causes the disease visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which is a serious clinical and veterinary problem. The drugs used to treat canine leishmaniasis (CanL) do not cause complete parasite clearance; they can be toxic, and emerging drug resistance in parasite populations limits their clinical utility. Therefore, in this study we have evaluated the toxicity and efficacy of joint treatment with a 1:1 mixture of sodium stibogluconate-NIV (SSG-NIV, 10 mg Sbv/day) and paromomycin-NIV (PMM-NIV, 10 mg PMM/kg/day), given intravenously daily for seven days from day 270 post-infection, to nine-month-old female beagle dogs (n = 6) experimentally infected with Leishmania infantum. Treatment significantly improved the clinical symptoms of VL infection in all the treated dogs, reduced parasite burdens in lymph nodes and bone marrow, and all symptomatic treated dogs, were asymptomatic at 90 days post-treatment. Treatment was associated with a progressive and significant decrease in specific IgG anti-Leishmania antibodies using parasite soluble antigen (p < 0.01) or rK39 (p < 0.01) as the target antigen. In addition, all dogs were classified as parasite negative based on Leishmania nested PCR and quantitative real time PCR tests and as well as an inability to culture of promastigote parasites from lymph nodes and bone marrow tissue samples taken at day 90 post-treatment. However, treatment did not cure the dogs as parasites were detected at 10 months post-treatment, indicating that a different dosing regimen is required to cause long term cure or prevent relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Miret
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Dr. Cecilio Báez casi Dr. Gaspar Villamayor. Campus UNA, CP 2169, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.
| | - Javier Moreno
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, Centro Nacional Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Crta, Majadahonda a Pozuelo Km 2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Nieto
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, Centro Nacional Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Crta, Majadahonda a Pozuelo Km 2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Katharine C Carter
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Catedral St Glasgow G 4 ORE, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander B Mullen
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Catedral St Glasgow G 4 ORE, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Ambros
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Av. Chorroarin 280, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Casilda Rodríguez
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Puerta del Hierro s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Ignacio San Andrés
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Puerta del Hierro s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando González
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Puerta del Hierro s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Rashidi S, Kalantar K, Fernandez-Rubio C, Anvari E, Nguewa P, Hatam G. Chitin binding protein as a possible RNA binding protein in Leishmania parasites. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:5735439. [PMID: 32053190 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis includes a broad spectrum of pathological outcomes in humans caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania. In recent years, proteomic techniques have introduced novel proteins with critical functions in Leishmania parasites. Based on our report of a Chitin binding protein (CBP) in our previous immunoproteomic study, this article suggests that CBP might be an RNA binding protein (RBP) in Leishmania parasites. RBPs, as key regulatory factors, have a role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The presence of RBPs in Leishmania parasites has not been considered so far; however, this study aims to open a new venue regarding RBPs in Leishmania parasites. Confirming CBP as an RBP in Leishmania parasites, exploring other RBPs and their functions might lead to interesting issues in leishmaniasis. In fact, due to the regulatory role of RBPs in different diseases including cancers and their further classification as therapeutic targets, the emerging evaluation of CBP and RBPs from Leishmania parasites may allow the discovery of novel and effective drugs against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Celia Fernandez-Rubio
- University of Navarra, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology. c/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enayat Anvari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Paul Nguewa
- University of Navarra, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology. c/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Santos MF, Alexandre-Pires G, Pereira MA, Gomes L, Rodrigues AV, Basso A, Reisinho A, Meireles J, Santos-Gomes GM, Pereira da Fonseca I. Immunophenotyping of Peripheral Blood, Lymph Node, and Bone Marrow T Lymphocytes During Canine Leishmaniosis and the Impact of Antileishmanial Chemotherapy. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:375. [PMID: 32760744 PMCID: PMC7373748 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are a major reservoir of Leishmania infantum, etiological agent of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) a zoonotic visceral disease of worldwide concern. Therapeutic protocols based on antileishmanial drugs are commonly used to treat sick dogs and improve their clinical condition. To better understand the impact of Leishmania infection and antileishmanial drugs on the dog's immune response, this study investigates the profile of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets in peripheral blood, lymph node, and bone marrow of sick dogs and after two different CanL treatments. Two CanL groups of six dogs each were treated with either miltefosine or meglumine antimoniate combined with allopurinol. Another group of 10 clinically healthy dogs was used as control. Upon diagnosis and during the following 3 months of treatment, peripheral blood, popliteal lymph node, and bone marrow mononuclear cells were collected, labeled for surface markers CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, and intracellular nuclear factor FoxP3, and T lymphocyte subpopulations were immunophenotyped by flow cytometry. CanL dogs presented an overall increased frequency of CD8+ and CD4+CD8+ double-positive T cells in all tissues and a decreased frequency of CD4+ T cells in the blood. Furthermore, there was a higher frequency of CD8+ T cells expressing CD25+FoxP3+ in the blood and bone marrow. During treatment, these subsets recovered to levels similar to those of healthy dogs. Nevertheless, antileishmanial therapy caused an increase of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells in all tissues, associated with the decrease of CD8+CD25−FoxP3− T cell percentages. These findings may support previous studies that indicate that L. infantum manipulates the dog's immune system to avoid the development of a protective response, ensuring the parasite's survival and the conditions that allow the completion of Leishmania life cycle. Both treatments used appear to have an effect on the dog's immune response, proving to be effective in promoting the normalization of T cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Ferreira Santos
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Graça Alexandre-Pires
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria A Pereira
- GHTM-Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova De Lisbon (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lídia Gomes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Armanda V Rodrigues
- GHTM-Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova De Lisbon (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Basso
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Reisinho
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Meireles
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gabriela M Santos-Gomes
- GHTM-Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova De Lisbon (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Dias AFDLR, Ayres EDCBS, Maruyama FH, Monteiro BRG, de Freitas MS, de Almeida ADBPF, Mendonça AJ, Sousa VRF. Monitoring of serum and urinary biomarkers during treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis. Vet World 2020; 13:1620-1626. [PMID: 33061236 PMCID: PMC7522955 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1620-1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) has a broad spectrum of changes, with kidney disease being considered the main cause of mortality. Thus, this study aimed to monitor serum and urinary biomarkers in response to two short-term treatments for CanL. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty dogs with CanL were equally divided into two treatment groups and treated with either miltefosine (Group M) or miltefosine plus allopurinol (Group MA); the groups were evaluated before treatment and after 28 days of treatment. Physical exams were performed and hematimetric, biochemical, and urinary parameters, including urinary biomarkers cystatin C (CisC), lipocalin-2 (NGAL), and microalbuminuria, were measured. RESULTS Both treatments significantly reduced clinical scores (p<0.05), but only the MA group saw a reduction in the clinical-pathological score. The serum albumin and calcium levels increased significantly in the MA and M groups (p<0.05). Proteinuria and urinary density did not decrease significantly after the treatments. With regard to the biomarkers, CisC and microalbuminuria did not have any significant changes; however, NGAL was significantly reduced in the MA group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Both pharmacotherapeutic protocols promoted clinical and clinical-pathological improvements. In addition, miltefosine plus allopurinol proved to be a safe treatment due to the lack of changes detected in the monitored renal biomarkers. The treatment with miltefosine plus allopurinol proved to be the most effective, with more pronounced beneficial effects for canines with visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Felipe de Lima Ruy Dias
- Program of Postgraduate in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil
| | - Eveline da Cruz Boa Sorte Ayres
- Program of Postgraduate in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Harumi Maruyama
- Program of Postgraduate in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil
| | - Bruna Ribeiro Gomes Monteiro
- Program of Postgraduate in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil
| | - Maria Sabrina de Freitas
- Program of Postgraduate in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil
| | | | - Adriane Jorge Mendonça
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil
| | - Valéria Régia Franco Sousa
- Program of Postgraduate in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil
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33
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Machado AS, Ramos FF, Santos TTO, Costa LE, Ludolf F, Lage DP, Bandeira RS, Tavares GSV, Oliveira-da-Silva JA, Steiner BT, Chaves AT, Oliveira JS, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, de Magalhães-Soares DF, Silveira JAG, Duarte MC, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Lyon S, Gonçalves DU, Caligiorne RB, Coelho EAF. A new Leishmania hypothetical protein can be used for accurate serodiagnosis of canine and human visceral leishmaniasis and as a potential prognostic marker for human disease. Exp Parasitol 2020; 216:107941. [PMID: 32622940 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Distinct antigens have been evaluated with diagnostic purpose for canine and human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and variable sensitivity and specificity values have been obtained in the assays. In the present study, a Leishmania infantum hypothetical protein called LiHyG, which was identified in an immunoproteomics study in Leishmania infantum amastigote extracts by antibodies in VL dogs sera; was cloned, expressed, purified and evaluated as a recombinant protein (rLiHyG) for the diagnosis of canine and human disease. The recombinant amastigote-specific A2 protein (rA2) and a soluble L. infantum protein extract (SLA) were used as controls. For canine VL, the sensitivity values were of 100%, 57.29% and 48.57%, when rLiHyG, rA2 and SLA were used, respectively, while the specificity values were of 100%, 81.43% and 88.57%, respectively. In addition, AUC values were of 1.00, 0.72 and 0.65, when rLiHyG, rA2 and SLA were used, respectively, while accuracy was of 100%, 72.38% and 75.24%, respectively. For human VL, the sensitivity values were of 100%, 84.00% and 88.00%, when rLiHyG, rA2 and SLA were used, respectively, while the specificity values were of 100%, 58.75% and 73.75%, respectively. In addition, AUC values were of 1.00, 0.76 and 0.83, when rLiHyG, rA2 and SLA were used, respectively, while accuracy was of 100%, 64.8% and 66.6%, respectively. The prognostic role of rLiHyG in the human VL was also evaluated, by means of post-therapeutic serological follow-up with sera samples collected before and six months after treatment. Results showed that treated patients presented significant reductions in the anti-rLiHyG IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 antibody levels, with results being similar to those found in healthy subjects. Testing the rA2 protein and SLA as antigens, lower IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 levels were also found, although they were higher after treatment than those obtained for rLiHyG. In conclusion, results suggested that rLiHyG could be considered for future studies as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker for canine and human VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S Machado
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Rua Domingos Vieira, 590, Santa Efigênia, 30150-240, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thaís T O Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lourena E Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel S Bandeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João A Oliveira-da-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bethina T Steiner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, 88806-000, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ana T Chaves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jamil S Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danielle F de Magalhães-Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Julia A G Silveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A Machado-de-Ávila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, 88806-000, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Sandra Lyon
- Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais, Hospital Eduardo de Menezes, Belo Horizonte, 30622-020, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denise U Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rachel B Caligiorne
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Rua Domingos Vieira, 590, Santa Efigênia, 30150-240, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Branco Santos JC, de Melo JA, Maheshwari S, de Medeiros WMTQ, de Freitas Oliveira JW, Moreno CJ, Mario Amzel L, Gabelli SB, Sousa Silva M. Bisphosphonate-Based Molecules as Potential New Antiparasitic Drugs. Molecules 2020; 25:E2602. [PMID: 32503272 PMCID: PMC7321420 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease and leishmaniasis affect millions of people around the world. Both diseases affect various parts of the globe and drugs traditionally used in therapy against these diseases have limitations, especially with regard to low efficacy and high toxicity. In this context, the class of bisphosphonate-based compounds has made significant advances regarding the chemical synthesis process as well as the pharmacological properties attributed to these compounds. Among this spectrum of pharmacological activity, bisphosphonate compounds with antiparasitic activity stand out, especially in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., respectively. Some bisphosphonate compounds can inhibit the mevalonate pathway, an essential metabolic pathway, by interfering with the synthesis of ergosterol, a sterol responsible for the growth and viability of these parasites. Therefore, this review aims to present the information about the importance of these compounds as antiparasitic agents and as potential new drugs to treat Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joice Castelo Branco Santos
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Jonathas Alves de Melo
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Sweta Maheshwari
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Wendy Marina Toscano Queiroz de Medeiros
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Johny Wysllas de Freitas Oliveira
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Jassica Moreno
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - L. Mario Amzel
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Sandra B. Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Medicine and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Marcelo Sousa Silva
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon, 1800-166 Lisbon, Portugal
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Mathematical Modelling Using Predictive Biomarkers for the Outcome of Canine Leishmaniasis upon Chemotherapy. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050745. [PMID: 32429309 PMCID: PMC7285289 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prediction parameters of possible outcomes of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) therapy might help with therapeutic decisions and animal health care. Here, we aimed to develop a diagnostic method with predictive value by analyzing two groups of dogs with CanL, those that exhibited a decrease in parasite load upon antiparasitic treatment (group: responders) and those that maintained high parasite load despite the treatment (group: non-responders). The parameters analyzed were parasitic load determined by q-PCR, hemogram, serum biochemistry and immune system-related gene expression signature. A mathematical model was applied to the analysis of these parameters to predict how efficient their response to therapy would be. Responder dogs restored hematological and biochemical parameters to the reference values and exhibited a Th1 cell activation profile with a linear tendency to reach mild clinical alteration stages. Differently, non-responders developed a mixed Th1/Th2 response and exhibited markers of liver and kidney injury. Erythrocyte counts and serum phosphorus were identified as predictive markers of therapeutic response at an early period of assessment of CanL. The results presented in this study are highly encouraging and may represent a new paradigm for future assistance to clinicians to interfere precociously in the therapeutic approach, with a more precise definition in the patient's prognosis.
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Teixeira AIP, Silva DM, de Freitas LRS, Romero GAS. A cross-sectional approach including dog owner characteristics as predictors of visceral leishmaniasis infection in dogs. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e190349. [PMID: 32348406 PMCID: PMC7184770 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760190349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is relevant for human and animal public health. Several factors have been associated with the risk of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs. However, dog owner characteristics have been rarely explored. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence and to identify the associated factors for VL infection including dog owners characteristics. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted including dogs from an endemic canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) region in the Federal District, Brazil. The infection was detected using parasitological, serological, and molecular methods. The associated factors were identified through Poisson regression modelling. FINDINGS The prevalence of infection was 26.25% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.05 to 33.57]. The associated factors were: short coat prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.33 (95% CI: 1.02 to 5.22); presence of backyard with predominance of soil and/or vegetation PR = 4.15 (95% CI: 1.35 to 12.77); and highest gross family income score PR = 2.03 (95% CI: 1.16 to 3.54). MAIN CONCLUSION This is the first study that relates higher socioeconomic status of dog owners as an independent factor associated with higher prevalence of VL infection, along with other strongly associated factors related to receptive environment for phlebotomines. Our findings strengthen the need for exploration of the biological and behavioural bases linking dog owner characteristics to the risk of canine infection in prospective cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debora Marcolino Silva
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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Altamura F, Rajesh R, Catta-Preta CMC, Moretti NS, Cestari I. The current drug discovery landscape for trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis: Challenges and strategies to identify drug targets. Drug Dev Res 2020; 83:225-252. [PMID: 32249457 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis are vector-borne neglected tropical diseases caused by infection with the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma spp. and Leishmania spp., respectively. Once restricted to endemic areas, these diseases are now distributed worldwide due to human migration, climate change, and anthropogenic disturbance, causing significant health and economic burden globally. The current chemotherapy used to treat these diseases has limited efficacy, and drug resistance is spreading. Hence, new drugs are urgently needed. Phenotypic compound screenings have prevailed as the leading method to discover new drug candidates against these diseases. However, the publication of the complete genome sequences of multiple strains, advances in the application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and in vivo bioluminescence-based imaging have set the stage for advancing target-based drug discovery. This review analyses the limitations of the narrow pool of available drugs presently used for treating these diseases. It describes the current drug-based clinical trials highlighting the most promising leads. Furthermore, the review presents a focused discussion on the most important biological and pharmacological challenges that target-based drug discovery programs must overcome to advance drug candidates. Finally, it examines the advantages and limitations of modern research tools designed to identify and validate essential genes as drug targets, including genomic editing applications and in vivo imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Altamura
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rishi Rajesh
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Nilmar S Moretti
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Igor Cestari
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
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Reimão JQ, Pita Pedro DP, Coelho AC. The preclinical discovery and development of oral miltefosine for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: a case history. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:647-658. [PMID: 32202449 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1743674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania donovani or Leishmania infantum. Closely related to poverty, VL is fatal and represents one of the main burdens on public health in developing countries. Treatment of VL relies exclusively on chemotherapy, a strategy still experiencing numerous limitations. Miltefosine (MF) has been used in the chemotherapy of VL in some endemic areas, and has been expanded to other regions, being considered crucial in eradication programs. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the most relevant preclinical and clinical aspects of MF, its mechanism of action and resistance to Leishmania parasites, as well as its limitations. The authors also give their perspectives on the treatment of VL. EXPERT OPINION The discovery of MF represented an enormous advance in the chemotherapy of VL, since it was the first oral drug for this neglected disease. Beyond selection of resistant parasites due to drug pressure, several other factors can lead to treatment failure such as, for example, factors intrinsic to the host, parasite and the drug itself. Although its efficacy as a monotherapy has reduced over recent years, MF is still an important alternative in VL chemotherapy, especially when used in combination with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Q Reimão
- Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí , Jundiaí, Brazil
| | - Débora P Pita Pedro
- Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí , Jundiaí, Brazil
| | - Adriano C Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas , Campinas, Brazil
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Zhang Y, Lee S, Xu W. Miltefosine suppression of Pten null T-ALL leukemia via β-catenin degradation through inhibition of pT308-Akt and TGFβ1/Smad3. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 524:1018-1024. [PMID: 32063363 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pten deletion in the hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) causes a myeloproliferative disorder, which may subsequently develop into a T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). β-catenin expression was dramatically increased in the c-KitmidCD3+Lin- leukemia stem cells (LSC) and was critical for T-ALL development. Therefore, the inactivation of β-catenin in LSC may have a potential to eliminate the LSC. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of enhancement of the β-catenin expression and subsequently used a drug to inactivate β-catenin expression in T-ALL. Western blot (WB) analysis revealed an increased level of β-catenin in the leukemic cells, but not in the pre-leukemic cells. Furthermore, the WB analysis of the thymic cells from different stages of leukemia development showed that increased expression of β-catenin was not via the pS9-GSK3β signaling, but was dependent on the pT308-Akt activation. Miltefosine (Hexadecylphosphocholine) is the first oral anti-Leishmania drug, which is a phospholipid agent and has been shown to inhibit the PI3K/Akt activity. Treatment of the PtenΔ/Δ leukemic mice with Miltefosine for different durations demonstrated that the pT308-Akt and the β-catenin expressions were inhibited in the leukemia blast cells. Miltefosine treatment also suppressed the TGFβ1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Analysis of TGFβ1 in the sorted subpopulations of the blast cells showed that TGFβ1 was secreted by the CD3+CD4- subpopulation and may exert effects on the subpopulations of both CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD4- leukemia blast cells. When a TGFβR1 inhibitor, SB431542 was injected into the PtenΔ/Δ leukemic mice, the Smad3 and β-catenin expressions were down-regulated. On the basis of the results, we conclude that Miltefosine can suppress leukemia by degrading β-catenin through repression of the pT308-Akt and TGFβ1/Smad3 signaling pathways. This study demonstrates a possibility to inhibit Pten loss-associated leukemia genesis via targeting Akt and Smad3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sauhar Lee
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wei Xu
- ZJU-UoE Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China.
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Boité MC, Späth GF, Bussotti G, Porrozzi R, Morgado FN, Llewellyn M, Schwabl P, Cupolillo E. Trans-Atlantic Spill Over: Deconstructing the Ecological Adaptation of Leishmania infantum in the Americas. Genes (Basel) 2019; 11:E4. [PMID: 31861501 PMCID: PMC7017240 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen fitness landscapes change when transmission cycles establish in non-native environments or spill over into new vectors and hosts. The introduction of Leishmania infantum in the Americas into the Neotropics during European colonization represents a unique case study to investigate the mechanisms of ecological adaptation of this important parasite. Defining the evolutionary trajectories that drive L. infantum fitness in this new environment are of great public health importance as they will allow unique insight into pathways of host/pathogen co-evolution and their consequences for region-specific changes in disease manifestation. This review summarizes current knowledge on L. infantum genetic and phenotypic diversity in the Americas and its possible role in the unique epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the New World. We highlight the importance of appreciating adaptive molecular mechanisms in L. infantum to understand the parasites' successful establishment on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C. Boité
- Laboratory of Research on Leishmaniasis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (R.P.); (F.N.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Gerald F. Späth
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology and Signaling, Institut Pasteur, INSERN U1201, 75015 Paris, France; (G.F.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Giovanni Bussotti
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology and Signaling, Institut Pasteur, INSERN U1201, 75015 Paris, France; (G.F.S.); (G.B.)
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-C3BI, USR 3756 IP CNRS, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratory of Research on Leishmaniasis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (R.P.); (F.N.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Fernanda N. Morgado
- Laboratory of Research on Leishmaniasis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (R.P.); (F.N.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Martin Llewellyn
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ Glasgow, UK; (M.L.); (P.S.)
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ Glasgow, UK; (M.L.); (P.S.)
| | - Elisa Cupolillo
- Laboratory of Research on Leishmaniasis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (R.P.); (F.N.M.); (E.C.)
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Gonçalves AAM, Leite JC, Resende LA, Mariano RMDS, Silveira P, Melo-Júnior OADO, Ribeiro HS, de Oliveira DS, Soares DF, Santos TAP, Marques AF, Galdino AS, Martins-Filho OA, Dutra WO, da Silveira-Lemos D, Giunchetti RC. An Overview of Immunotherapeutic Approaches Against Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis: What Has Been Tested on Dogs and a New Perspective on Improving Treatment Efficacy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:427. [PMID: 31921703 PMCID: PMC6930146 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by digenetic protozoa of the genus Leishmania, is the most severe form of leishmaniasis. Leishmania infantum is one of the species responsible for VL and the disease caused is considered a zoonosis whose main reservoir is the dog. Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) can lead to the death of the animal if left untreated. Furthermore, the available pharmocologial treatment for CVL presents numerous disadvantages, such as relapses, toxicity, drug resistance, and the fact treated animals continue to be reservoirs when treatment fails to achieve parasitological cure. Moreover, the available VL control methods have not been adequate when it comes to controlling parasite transmission. Advances in immune response knowledge in recent years have led to a better understanding of VL pathogenesis, allowing new treatments to be developed based on immune system activation, often referred to as immunotherapy. In fact, well-defined protocols have been described, ranging from the use of immunomodulators to the use of vaccines. This treatment, which can also be associated with chemotherapy, has been shown to be effective in restoring or inducing an adequate immune response to reduce parasitic burden, leading to clinical improvement. This review focuses on immunotherapy directed at dogs infected by L. infantum, including a literature review of what has already been done in dogs. We also introduce a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alice Maia Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Costa Leite
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lucilene Aparecida Resende
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Reysla Maria da Silveira Mariano
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Patricia Silveira
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Otoni Alves de Oliveira Melo-Júnior
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Helen Silva Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Diana Souza de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Diogo Fonseca Soares
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thaiza Aline Pereira Santos
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Ferreira Marques
- Laboratory of Immuno-Proteome and Parasite Biology, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Laboratory of Diagnostic and Monitoring Biomarkers, René Rachou Institute, FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Walderez Ornelas Dutra
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Denise da Silveira-Lemos
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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