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Abudouaini H, Zhang X, Dai Y, Meng Y, Lu Q, Ren Q, Sun H, Ma Y, He B, Wang S. Activating the iNOS regulatory pathway by arginine deprivation targets energy metabolism to induce autophagy-dependent apoptosis against spinal echinococcosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116453. [PMID: 39059773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116453] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Spinal echinococcosis is one of the most overlooked zoonotic parasitic diseases worldwide. There is currently no safe and effective treatment to eradicate it, and research based on the physiological-metabolic signature of the disease is lacking. Herein, we repurposed agrimol B as a potent anti-hydatid compound and validated its pharmacological mechanism based on arginine uptake as a target through multi-omics sequencing. This herbal component suppressed energy metabolism and activated ROS aggregation by inducing mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, which subsequently triggered autophagy-dependent apoptosis leading to parasite death. Moreover, we discovered that arginine deprivation induced metabolic changes led to a shift from ornithine to nitrogen oxide synthesis, thus boosting the iNOS enzyme-regulated dominant metabolic pathway. The excess NO targeted the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV to disrupt energy metabolic homeostasis and induced a downstream pathological waterfall effect to kill the hydatid. A novel metabolic regulatory mechanism targeting mitochondrial damage for arginine starvation therapy was discovered. Finally, arginine depletion was found to be superior to the anti-spinal echinococcosis effect of albendazole and accompanied by the potential for disc protection. This study unveils the role of arginine in the physiological metabolism of Echinococcus granulosus and reveals the value of targeting arginine metabolism as a potential therapy. In addition, agrimol B is proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy for spinal echinococcosis to block arginine uptake and break this parasite's metabolic balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimiti Abudouaini
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Affiliated HongHui Hospital, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710000, China
| | - Xuefang Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Affiliated HongHui Hospital, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710000, China
| | - Yi Dai
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi City, 832000, China
| | - Yibin Meng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Affiliated HongHui Hospital, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710000, China
| | - Qing Lu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Affiliated HongHui Hospital, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710000, China
| | - Qian Ren
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi City, 832000, China
| | - Haohao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi City, 832000, China
| | - Yibo Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi City, 832000, China
| | - Baorong He
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Affiliated HongHui Hospital, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710000, China.
| | - Sibo Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Affiliated HongHui Hospital, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710000, China.
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Velazquez-Cervantes MA, López-Ortega O, Cruz-Holguín VJ, Herrera Moro-Huitron L, Flores-Pliego A, Lara-Hernandez I, Comas-García M, Villavicencio-Carrisoza O, Helguera-Reppeto AC, Arévalo-Romero H, Vázquez-Martínez ER, León-Juárez M. Metformin Inhibits Zika Virus Infection in Trophoblast Cell Line. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:133. [PMID: 38592489 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03651-7] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infections have been associated with severe clinical outcomes, which may include neurological manifestations, especially in newborns with intrauterine infection. However, licensed vaccines and specific antiviral agents are not yet available. Therefore, a safe and low-cost therapy is required, especially for pregnant women. In this regard, metformin, an FDA-approved drug used to treat gestational diabetes, has previously exhibited an anti-ZIKA effect in vitro in HUVEC cells by activating AMPK. In this study, we evaluated metformin treatment during ZIKV infection in vitro in a JEG3-permissive trophoblast cell line. Our results demonstrate that metformin affects viral replication and protein synthesis and reverses cytoskeletal changes promoted by ZIKV infection. In addition, it reduces lipid droplet formation, which is associated with lipogenic activation of infection. Taken together, our results indicate that metformin has potential as an antiviral agent against ZIKV infection in vitro in trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Adrían Velazquez-Cervantes
- Laboratorio de Virología Perinatal y Diseño Molecular de Antigenos y Biomarcadores, Departamento de Inmunobioquimica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, 11000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Orestes López-Ortega
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Victor Javier Cruz-Holguín
- Laboratorio de Virología Perinatal y Diseño Molecular de Antigenos y Biomarcadores, Departamento de Inmunobioquimica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, 11000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Herrera Moro-Huitron
- Laboratorio de Virología Perinatal y Diseño Molecular de Antigenos y Biomarcadores, Departamento de Inmunobioquimica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, 11000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Flores-Pliego
- Departamento de Inmunobioquimica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, 11000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Lara-Hernandez
- Sección de Microscopía de Alta Resolución, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Atunóma de San Luis Potrosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Comas-García
- Sección de Microscopía de Alta Resolución, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Atunóma de San Luis Potrosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | | | - Addy Cecilia Helguera-Reppeto
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Haruki Arévalo-Romero
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Microbiología Molecular, División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Mexico
| | - Edgar Ricardo Vázquez-Martínez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 11000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Moises León-Juárez
- Laboratorio de Virología Perinatal y Diseño Molecular de Antigenos y Biomarcadores, Departamento de Inmunobioquimica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, 11000, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Yan M, Liu H, Su Y, Bi X, Yang N, Lin R, Lü G. Inhibition of AMPK activation in Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto limits the parasite's glucose metabolism and survival. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0120223. [PMID: 38349157 PMCID: PMC10916388 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01202-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by larvae of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster. There is an urgent need to develop new drug targets and drug molecules to treat CE. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a serine/threonine protein kinase consisting of α, β, and γ subunits, plays a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, the role of AMPK in regulating glucose metabolism in E. granulosus s.l. and its effects on parasite viability is unknown. In this study, we found that targeted knockdown of EgAMPKα or a small-molecule AMPK inhibitor inhibited the viability of E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and disrupted the ultrastructure. The results of in vivo experiments showed that the AMPK inhibitor had a significant therapeutic effect on E. granulosus s.s.-infected mice and resulted in the loss of cellular structures of the germinal layer. In addition, the inhibition of the EgAMPK/EgGLUT1 pathway limited glucose uptake and glucose metabolism functions in E. granulosus s.s.. Overall, our results suggest that EgAMPK can be a potential drug target for CE and that inhibition of EgAMPK activation is an effective strategy for the treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yansen Su
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
- Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojuan Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guodong Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Geng Y, Wang Z, Xu X, Sun X, Dong X, Luo Y, Sun X. Extensive therapeutic effects, underlying molecular mechanisms and disease treatment prediction of Metformin: a systematic review. Transl Res 2024; 263:73-92. [PMID: 37567440 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Metformin (Met), a first-line management for type 2 diabetes mellitus, has been expansively employed and studied with results indicating its therapeutic potential extending beyond glycemic control. Beyond its established role, this therapeutic drug demonstrates a broad spectrum of action encompassing over 60 disorders, encompassing metabolic conditions, inflammatory disorders, carcinomas, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular pathologies. There is clear evidence of Met's action targeting specific nodes in the molecular pathways of these diseases and, intriguingly, interactions with the intestinal microbiota and epigenetic processes have been explored. Furthermore, novel Met derivatives with structural modifications tailored to diverse diseases have been synthesized and assessed. This manuscript proffers a comprehensive thematic review of the diseases amenable to Met treatment, elucidates their molecular mechanisms, and employs informatics technology to prospect future therapeutic applications of Met. These data and insights gleaned considerably contribute to enriching our understanding and appreciation of Met's far-reaching clinical potential and therapeutic applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Geng
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China.
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China.
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Salama AM, Elmahy RA, Ibrahim HA, Amer AIM, Eltantawy AF, Elgendy DI. Effects of metformin on parasitological, pathological changes in the brain and liver and immunological aspects during visceral toxocariasis in mice. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3213-3231. [PMID: 37874393 PMCID: PMC10667394 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
There are currently insufficient anthelmintic medications available for the treatment of toxocariasis. For instance, Albendazole (ABZ) is the preferred medication, but its effectiveness against tissue-dwelling parasites is limited. In addition, Metformin (MTF) is a widely used oral antidiabetic medication that is considered to be safe for treatment. This study aimed to investigate any potential effects of MTF, alone or in combination with ABZ, on mice infections caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed in the acute and chronic phases of the infection by larval recovery and histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The results showed that combined therapy significantly reduced larval counts in the liver, brain, and muscles and ameliorated hepatic and brain pathology. It reduced oxidative stress and TGF-β mRNA expression and increased FGF21 levels in the liver. It decreased TNF-α levels and MMP-9 expression in the brain. In addition, it increased serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ and decreased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10. In the acute and chronic phases of the infection, the combined treatment was more effective than ABZ alone. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential role of MTF as an adjuvant in the treatment of experimental T. canis infection when administered with ABZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina M Salama
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Rasha A Elmahy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Hoda A Ibrahim
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Asmaa Fawzy Eltantawy
- Medical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Dina I Elgendy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
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Loos JA, Franco M, Chop M, Rodriguez Rodrigues C, Cumino AC. Resveratrol against Echinococcus sp.: Discrepancies between In Vitro and In Vivo Responses. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:460. [PMID: 37888588 PMCID: PMC10610609 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to find new anti-echinococcal drugs, resveratrol (Rsv) effectiveness against the larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis was evaluated. The in vitro effect of Rsv on parasites was assessed via optical and electron microscopy, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in murine models of cystic (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The impact of infection and drug treatment on the mouse bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) population and its differentiation into dendritic cells (BMDCs) was investigated via flow cytometry and RT-qPCR. In vitro treatment with Rsv reduced E. granulosus metacestode and protoscolex viability in a concentration-dependent manner, caused ultrastructural damage, increased autophagy gene transcription, and raised Eg-Atg8 expression while suppressing Eg-TOR. However, the intraperitoneal administration of Rsv was not only ineffective, but also promoted parasite development in mice with CE and AE. In the early infection model of AE treated with Rsv, an expansion of HSCs was observed followed by their differentiation towards BMCDs. The latter showed an anti-inflammatory phenotype and reduced LPS-stimulated activation compared to control BMDCs. We suggest that Rsv ineffectiveness could have been caused by the low intracystic concentration achieved in vivo and the drug's hormetic effect, with opposite anti-parasitic and immunomodulatory responses in different doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina;
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; (M.C.); (C.R.R.)
| | - Micaela Franco
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. Oscar E Alende”, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina;
| | - Maia Chop
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; (M.C.); (C.R.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
| | - Christian Rodriguez Rodrigues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; (M.C.); (C.R.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina;
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; (M.C.); (C.R.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
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Chen B, Yan M, Gao H, Ma Q, Li L, Lü G, Gong Y, Wen L, Xu S, Wang J, Zhao J. In vitro and in vivo Efficacies of Novel Harmine Derivatives in the Treatment of Cystic Echinococcosis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2441-2454. [PMID: 37637266 PMCID: PMC10454840 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s419002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larvae of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster. The current existing drugs have limited therapeutic efficacy against cystic echinococcosis, and thus, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs. Methods In this study, 7 harmine (HM) derivatives were screened and the effects of HM derivatives on E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) were evaluated by in vitro and mouse experiments. The safety of the HM derivatives was assessed by cytotoxicity assays, acute toxicity study in animals and subacute toxicity study. Results These results show that the HM derivatives H-2-168 and DH-004 exhibited more significant antiparasitic effects at an initial concentration of 40 μM. The results of further studies showed that H-2-168 and DH-004 had dose-dependent effects against protoscoleces and had satisfactory therapeutic outcomes in vivo. Electron microscopy observations demonstrated that H-2-168 and DH-004 caused severe disruption of the parasite ultrastructure. Notably, the results of the acute toxicity and subchronic toxicity studies showed that H-2-168 and DH-004 had significantly improved safety. In addition, we found that H-2-168 and DH-004 induced DNA damage in E. granulosus s.s., which may be the mechanism by which these drugs produce their therapeutic effects. Discussion Overall, the data from this work demonstrate that H-2-168 and DH-004 are highly effective candidate compounds with low toxicity for the treatment of CE and will provide a new therapeutic strategy for CE pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingzhi Yan
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijing Gao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Ma
- HuaShiDan Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lihua Li
- Xinjiang Urumqi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guodong Lü
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuehong Gong
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Limei Wen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaoquan Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Xin Q, Lv W, Xu Y, Luo Y, Zhao C, Wang B, Yuan M, Li H, Song X, Jing T. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose and combined 2-Deoxy-D-glucose/albendazole exhibit therapeutic efficacy against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and experimental alveolar echinococcosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010618. [PMID: 35849619 PMCID: PMC9333451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analog used as a promising anticancer agent. It exerts its effects by inhibiting the glycolytic energy metabolism to deplete cells of energy. The larval stage of Echinococcus relies on glycolysis for energy production. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of 2-DG against the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis. 2-DG exhibited significant time- and dose-dependent effects against in vitro cultured E. granulosus protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes. A daily oral administration of 500 mg/kg 2-DG in E. multilocularis-infected mice effectively reduced the weight of metacestodes. Notably, the combination treatment, either 2-DG (500 mg/kg/day) + albendazole (ABZ) (200 mg/kg/day) or 2-DG (500 mg/kg/day) + half-dose of ABZ (100 mg/kg/day), exhibited a potent therapeutic effect against E. multilocularis, significantly promoting the reduction of metacestodes weight compared with the administration of 2-DG or ABZ alone. Furthermore, the combination significantly promoted apoptosis of the cells of metacestodes and inhibited glycolysis in metacestodes, compared with the administration of 2-DG or ABZ alone. In conclusion, 2-DG exerts an effective activity against the larval stage of Echinococcus. Thus, it may be a promising anti-Echinococcus drug, and its combination with ABZ may provide a new strategy for the treatment of echinococcosis in humans. Echinococcosis is a serious but neglected helminthic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis. At present, clinical pharmacotherapy of echinococcosis, such as albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole, has limited effectiveness. Thus, the development of novel therapeutic drugs for human echinococcosis is urgently needed. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analog used as a promising anticancer agent, and it exerts its effects by inhibiting the glycolytic energy metabolism to deplete cells of energy. Echinococcus in the host depends on glycolysis for energy production and glycolysis intermediates for other metabolic processes. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the efficacy of 2-DG against Echinococcus. 2-DG exerted an effective in vitro and in vivo activity against E. granulosus protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes, and the combination of this drug with ABZ further improved the therapeutic effect. Therefore, 2-DG can be developed as a promising anti-Echinococcus drug, and its combination with ABZ may provide a new strategy for the treatment of human echinococcosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- * E-mail: (QX); (TJ)
| | - Wei Lv
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunxi Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumei Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Caifang Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bichen Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanping Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- * E-mail: (QX); (TJ)
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9
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YAN M, LI J, LIU H, YANG N, CHU J, SUN L, BI X, LIN R, LV G. In vitro efficacy of Capparis spinosa extraction against larvae viability of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:465-472. [PMID: 35125374 PMCID: PMC8983283 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic zoonotic parasitic disease caused by infection with the larvae of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster. Currently, new drugs are urgently required due to the poor therapeutic effect of the existing drugs albendazole and mebendazole. Capparis spinosa, a traditional medicinal plant, has potential therapeutic effects on various diseases based on extracts from its fruit and other parts. The results of this study demonstrated that the water-soluble and ethanolic extracts of C. spinosa fruit had in vitro killing effects on the larvae of E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and disrupted the ultrastructure of protoscoleces and metacestodes. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that the water-soluble and ethanolic extracts of C. spinosa fruit were not significantly toxic to primary mouse hepatocytes at an effective dose to CE. In conclusion, water-soluble and ethanolic extracts of C. spinosa fruit have great potential for the development of new drugs for the treatment of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi YAN
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jintian LI
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui LIU
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ning YANG
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jin CHU
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Li SUN
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaojuan BI
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Renyong LIN
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guodong LV
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First
Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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10
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Orrego MA, Verastegui MR, Vasquez CM, Garcia HH, Nash TE. Proliferative cells in racemose neurocysticercosis have an active MAPK signalling pathway and respond to metformin treatment. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:377-383. [PMID: 35182540 PMCID: PMC9038666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Racemose neurocysticercosis is an aggressive infection caused by the aberrant expansion of the cyst form of Taenia solium within the subarachnoid spaces of the human brain and spinal cord, resulting in the displacement of the surrounding host tissue and chronic inflammation. We previously demonstrated that the continued growth of the racemose bladder wall is associated with the presence of mitotically active cells but the nature and control of these proliferative cells are not well understood. Here, we demonstrated by immunofluorescence that the racemose cyst has an active mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signalling pathway that is inhibited after treatment with metformin, which reduces racemose cell proliferation in vitro, and reduces parasite growth in the murine model of Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis. Our findings indicate the importance of insulin receptor-mediated activation of the MAPK signalling pathway in the proliferation and growth of the bladder wall of the racemose cyst and its susceptibility to metformin action. The antiproliferative action of metformin may provide a new therapeutic approach against racemose neurocysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Orrego
- Laboratory of Immunopathology in Neurocysticercosis, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Avenida Honorio Delgado 430, Urb. Ingenieria, SMP. Lima 31, Perú.
| | - Manuela R Verastegui
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Avenida Honorio Delgado 430, Urb. Ingenieria, SMP. Lima 31, Perú
| | - Carlos M Vasquez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas. Jirón Ancash 1270, Barrios Altos. Lima 01, Perú
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Laboratory of Immunopathology in Neurocysticercosis, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Avenida Honorio Delgado 430, Urb. Ingenieria, SMP. Lima 31, Perú; Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas. Jirón Ancash 1270, Barrios Altos. Lima 01, Perú
| | - Theodore E Nash
- Laboratory of Immunopathology in Neurocysticercosis, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Avenida Honorio Delgado 430, Urb. Ingenieria, SMP. Lima 31, Perú
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11
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Wang S, Ma Y, Wang W, Dai Y, Sun H, Li J, Wang S, Li F. Status and prospect of novel treatment options toward alveolar and cystic echinococcosis. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106252. [PMID: 34808118 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are the two most important global parasitic infectious diseases caused by species of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively. Although numerous trials have been performed in search of novel therapeutic options to curb the neglected zoonosis, no other nonsurgical options are currently available to replace the licensed anti echinococcal drugs albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole (MBZ). A safer and more effective treatment plan for echinococcosis is therefore urgently needed to compensate for this therapeutic shortfall. Here, we present a review of the literature for state-of-the-art valuable anti-parasitic compounds and novel strategies that have proved effective against CE and AE, which includes details about the pharmaceutical type, practical approach, experimental plan, model application and protoscolecidal effects in vivo and in vitro. The content includes the current application of traditional clinical chemicals, the preparation of new compounds with various drug loadings, repurposing findings, combined programs, the prospects for Chinese herbal medicines, non-drug administrations and the exploration of target inhibitors based on open-source information for parasitic genes. Next the conventional experimental projects and pharmacodynamic evaluation methods are systematically summarized and evaluated. The demands to optimize the construction of the echinococcosis model and improve the dynamic monitoring method in vivo are also discussed given the shortcomings of in vivo models and monitoring methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yibo Ma
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Weishan Wang
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yi Dai
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Haohao Sun
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jing Li
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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12
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Loos JA, Coccimiglio M, Nicolao MC, Rodrigues CR, Cumino AC. Metformin improves the therapeutic efficacy of low-dose albendazole against experimental alveolar echinococcosis. Parasitology 2022; 149:138-144. [PMID: 35184788 PMCID: PMC11010535 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. Its chemotherapeutic treatment is based on benzimidazoles, which are rarely curative and cause several adverse effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative and safer chemotherapeutic strategies against AE. It has previously been shown that metformin (Met) exhibits considerable in vivo activity on an early-infection model of AE when administered at 50 mg kg−1 day−1 for 8 weeks. Here, the challenge is heightened by a 2-fold increase in parasite inoculum or by starting the treatment 6 weeks post-infection. In both cases, only the combination of Met (100 mg kg−1 day−1) together with a sub-optimal dose of albendazole (ABZ) (5 mg kg−1 day−1) led to a significant reduction in parasite weight compared to the untreated group. Coincidentally, drug combination showed the highest level of damage in E. multilocularis metacestodes. Likewise, Met alone or combined with ABZ led to a decrease in parasite glucose availability, which was evidenced as a lower intracystic glucose concentration. Therefore, the results demonstrate that combination therapy with Met and ABZ offers an alternative to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of the high-dose ABZ monotherapy currently employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Magalí Coccimiglio
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María Celeste Nicolao
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Christian Rodriguez Rodrigues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, IIPROSAM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina
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13
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Amahong K, Yan M, Li J, Yang N, Liu H, Bi X, Vuitton DA, Lin R, Lü G. EgGLUT1 Is Crucial for the Viability of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto Metacestode: A New Therapeutic Target? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:747739. [PMID: 34858873 PMCID: PMC8632494 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.747739] [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: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by infection with the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster. It is urgent to identify novel drug targets and develop new drug candidates against CE. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is mainly responsible for the transmembrane transport of glucose to maintain its constant cellular availability and is a recent research hotspot as a drug target in various diseases. However, the role of GLUT1 in E. granulosus s.l. (EgGLUT1) was unknown. In this study, we cloned a conserved GLUT1 homology gene (named EgGLUT1-ss) from E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and found EgGLUT1-ss was crucial for glucose uptake and viability by the protoscoleces of E. granulosus s.s. WZB117, a GLUT1 inhibitor, inhibited glucose uptake by E. granulosus s.s. and the viability of the metacestode in vitro. In addition, WZB117 showed significant therapeutic activity in E. granulosus s.s.-infected mice: a 10 mg/kg dose of WZB117 significantly reduced the number and weight of parasite cysts (P < 0.05) as efficiently as the reference drug, albendazole. Our results demonstrate that EgGLUT1-ss is crucial for glucose uptake by the protoscoleces of E. granulosus s.s., and its inhibitor WZB117 has a therapeutic effect on CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuerbannisha Amahong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Mingzhi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jintian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaojuan Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Dominique A Vuitton
- French National Reference Centre for Echinococcosis, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guodong Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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14
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Yu Y, Li J, Wang W, Wang T, Qi W, Zheng X, Duan L, Chen J, Li S, Han X, Zhang W, Duan L. Transcriptome analysis uncovers the key pathways and candidate genes related to the treatment of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces with the repurposed drug pyronaridine. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:534. [PMID: 34256697 PMCID: PMC8276484 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07875-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life-threatening zoonosis caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. Our previous study showed that an approved drug pyronaridine (PND) is highly effective against CE, both in vitro and in an animal model. To identify possible target genes, transcriptome analysis was performed with E. granulosus sensu stricto protoscoleces treated with PND. Results A total of 1,321 genes were differentially expressed in protoscoleces treated with PND, including 541 upregulated and 780 downregulated genes. Gene ontology and KEGG analyses revealed that the spliceosome, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters were the top three enriched pathways. Western blot analysis showed that PND treatment resulted in a dose-dependent increase in protein expression levels of EgMKK1 (MKK3/6-like) and EgMKK2 (MEK1/2-like), two members of MAPK cascades. Interestingly, several heat shock protein (HSP) genes were greatly downregulated including stress-inducible HSPs and their constitutive cognates, and some of them belong to Echinococcus-specific expansion of HSP70. Conclusions PND has a great impact on the spliceosome, MAPK pathway and ABC transporters, which may underline the mechanisms by which PND kills E. granulosus protoscoleces. In addition, PND downregulates HSPs expression, suggesting a close relationship between the drug and HSPs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07875-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfang Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Weisi Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Wenjing Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Xueting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Duan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Shizhu Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiumin Han
- Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, 810007, Xining, China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 830054, Urumqi, China.
| | - Liping Duan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, 810007, Xining, China.
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15
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Ham RE, Temesvari LA. Joining forces: Leveraging novel combination therapies to combat infections with eukaryotic pathogens. PLoS Pathog 2021; 16:e1009081. [PMID: 33382854 PMCID: PMC7774843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Ham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, Unites States of America
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, Unites States of America
| | - Lesly A. Temesvari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, Unites States of America
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, Unites States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Metformin Suppresses Development of the Echinococcus multilocularis Larval Stage by Targeting the TOR Pathway. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01808-19. [PMID: 32540980 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01808-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis Current chemotherapeutic treatment options based on benzimidazoles are of limited effectiveness, which underlines the need to find new antiechinococcosis drugs. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic and antiproliferative agent that shows activity against the related parasite Echinococcus granulosus Hence, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo effects of the drug on E. multilocularis Metformin exerted significant dose-dependent killing effects on in vitro cultured parasite stem cells and protoscoleces and significantly reduced the dedifferentiation of protoscoleces into metacestodes. Likewise, oral administration of metformin (50 mg/kg of body weight/day for 8 weeks) was effective in achieving a significant reduction of parasite weight in a secondary murine AE model. Our results revealed mitochondrial membrane depolarization, activation of Em-AMPK, suppression of Em-TOR, and overexpression of Em-Atg8 in the germinal layer of metformin-treated metacestode vesicles. The opposite effects on the level of active Em-TOR in response to exogenous insulin and rapamycin suggest that Em-TOR is part of the parasite's insulin signaling pathway. Finally, the presence of the key lysosomal pathway components, through which metformin reportedly acts, was confirmed in the parasite by in silico assays. Taken together, these results introduce metformin as a promising candidate for AE treatment. Although our study highlights the importance of those direct mechanisms by which metformin reduces parasite viability, it does not necessarily preclude any additional systemic effects of the drug that might reduce parasite growth in vivo.
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17
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Loos JA, Negro P, Cumino AC. In vitro anti-echinococcal activity of octreotide: Additive effect of metformin linked to autophagy. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105312. [PMID: 31870710 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the Echinococcus granulosus larval stage. The currently available therapy for this disease is based on benzimidazoles, which are rarely curative and cause several adverse effects. Therefore, new treatment options are needed. Octreotide (Oct) is a somatostatin analogue which exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-secretory effects over several cancer cell lines expressing somatostatin receptors. Here, we assessed the in vitro pharmacological effect of Oct against the E. granulosus larval stage. The drug caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in the viability of both protoscoleces and metacestodes. SEM and TEM analysis showed ultrastructural damage in both larval forms under drug treatment. Based on this, we investigated the possible presence of an Oct binding receptor in the parasite. The putative somatostatin/allatostatin-like receptor (Eg-s/ast) conserves the characteristic topology and signature sequences of the prototype somatostatin receptor common to vertebrates and is expressed in both metacestodes and protoscoleces. Moreover, Oct treated-parasites showed the presence of autophagic structures and a significant increase in transcriptional expression of autophagy key genes such as Eg-atg6, Eg-atg8, Eg-atg12 and Eg-atg16. In addition, by in toto immunolocalization assays, an increase in the punctate pattern and Eg-Atg8 protein expression was detected in Oct-treated metacestodes. Subsequently, the combination of Oct and Met had an additive effect on the viability of both larval forms. Our results provide additional evidence for the participation of PI3K/AKT/TOR/autophagy pathway in the Echinococcus survival and suggest the concomitant use of these drugs as potential therapeutic agents in treating of CE.
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Moghaddam SM, Picot S, Ahmadpour E. Interactions between hydatid cyst and regulated cell death may provide new therapeutic opportunities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:70. [PMID: 31782727 PMCID: PMC6884020 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis are chronic zoonotic infections, transmitted throughout the world. Development of the cestode larval stages in the liver and lungs causes damage to intermediate hosts, including humans. Several pathways leading to the suppression of host immune response and the survival of the cysts in various hosts are known. Immune response modulation and regulated cell death (RCD) play a fundamental role in cyst formation, development and pathogenesis. RCD, referring to apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy, can be triggered either via intrinsic or extrinsic cell stimuli. In this review, we provide a general overview of current knowledge on the process of RCD during echinococcosis. The study of interactions between RCD and Echinococcus spp. metacestodes may provide in-depth understanding of echinococcosis pathogenesis and open new horizons for human intervention and treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirous Mehrani Moghaddam
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 5166/15731 Tabriz, Iran - Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 5166/15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Stephane Picot
- Malaria Research Unit, SMITh, ICBMS, UMR 5246 CNRS INSA CPE University Lyon, 69100 Lyon, France - Institute of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Croix-Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 5166/15731 Tabriz, Iran - Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 5166/15731 Tabriz, Iran
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Progress in the pharmacological treatment of human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis: Compounds and therapeutic targets. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006422. [PMID: 29677189 PMCID: PMC5931691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are helmintic zoonotic diseases caused by infections with the larval stages of the cestode parasites Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively. Both diseases are progressive and chronic, and often fatal if left unattended for E. multilocularis. As a treatment approach, chemotherapy against these orphan and neglected diseases has been available for more than 40 years. However, drug options were limited to the benzimidazoles albendazole and mebendazole, the only chemical compounds currently licensed for treatment in humans. To compensate this therapeutic shortfall, new treatment alternatives are urgently needed, including the identification, development, and assessment of novel compound classes and drug targets. Here is presented a thorough overview of the range of compounds that have been tested against E. granulosus and E. multilocularis in recent years, including in vitro and in vivo data on their mode of action, dosage, administration regimen, therapeutic outcomes, and associated clinical symptoms. Drugs covered included albendazole, mebendazole, and other members of the benzimidazole family and their derivatives, including improved formulations and combined therapies with other biocidal agents. Chemically synthetized molecules previously known to be effective against other infectious and non-infectious conditions such as anti-virals, antibiotics, anti-parasites, anti-mycotics, and anti-neoplastics are addressed. In view of their increasing relevance, natural occurring compounds derived from plant and fungal extracts are also discussed. Special attention has been paid to the recent application of genomic science on drug discovery and clinical medicine, particularly through the identification of small inhibitor molecules tackling key metabolic enzymes or signalling pathways. Human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis (CE and AE), caused by the larval stages of the helminths Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively, are progressive and chronic diseases affecting more than 1 million people worldwide. Both are considered orphan and neglected diseases by the World Health Organization. As a treatment approach, chemotherapy is limited to the use of benzimidazoles, drugs that stop parasite growth but do not kill the parasite. To compensate this therapeutic shortfall, new treatment alternatives are urgently needed. Here, we present the state-of-the-art regarding the alternative compounds and new formulations of benzimidazoles assayed against these diseases until now. Some of these new and modified compounds, either alone or in combination, could represent a step forward in the treatment of CE and AE. Unfortunately, few compounds have reached clinical trials stage in humans and, when assayed, the design of these studies has not allowed evidence-based conclusions. Thus, there is still an urgent need for defining new compounds or improved formulations of those already assayed, and also for a careful design of clinical protocols that could lead to the draw of a broad international consensus on the use of a defined drug, or a combination of drugs, for the effective treatment of CE and AE.
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Loos JA, Churio MS, Cumino AC. Anthelminthic activity of glibenclamide on secondary cystic echinococcosis in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006111. [PMID: 29190739 PMCID: PMC5726723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Current chemotherapy against this disease is based on the administration of benzimidazoles (BZMs). However, BZM treatment has a low cure rate and causes several side effects. Therefore, new treatment options are needed. The antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (Glb) is a second-generation sulfonylurea receptor inhibitor that has been shown to be active against protozoan parasites. Hence, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects of Glb against the larval stage of E. granulosus. The in vitro activity was concentration dependent on both protoscoleces and metacestodes. Moreover, Glb combined with the minimum effective concentration of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) was demonstrated to have a greater effect on metacestodes in comparison with each drug alone. Likewise, there was a reduction in the cyst weight after oral administration of Glb to infected mice (5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for a period of 8 weeks). However, in contrast to in vitro assays, no differences in effectiveness were found between Glb + albendazole (ABZ) combined treatment and Glb monotherapy. Our results also revealed mitochondrial membrane depolarization and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in Glb-treated protoscoleces. In addition, the intracystic drug accumulation and our bioinformatic analysis using the available E. granulosus genome suggest the presence of genes encoding sulfonylurea transporters in the parasite. Our data clearly demonstrated an anti-echinococcal effect of Glb on E. granulosus larval stage. Further studies are needed in order to thoroughly investigate the mechanism involved in the therapeutic response of the parasite to this sulfonylurea. In this work we demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Glb against the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. At the cellular level, the drug triggered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, thus affecting ATP generation in the parasite. In addition, since intracystic Glb concentrations were higher than those used in the external medium, we proposed that the drug might enter the cyst through cell surface transporters. The observed effect of the drug on the growth of hydatid cysts in mice leads to the consideration of a novel role of Glb in CE treatment. Therefore, our further studies will focus on the evaluation of ABZ formulations with enhanced bioavailability to achieve an improved in vivo anti-echinococcal effect using both drugs simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - María Sandra Churio
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- IFIMAR, Instituto de Investigaciones Físicas de Mar del Plata (CONICET-UNMdP), Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Correction: Metformin exhibits preventive and therapeutic efficacy against experimental cystic echinococcosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005474. [PMID: 28328970 PMCID: PMC5362040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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