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Ahmed U, Ong SK, Tan KO, Khan KM, Khan NA, Siddiqui R, Alawfi BS, Anwar A. Alpha-Mangostin and its nano-conjugates induced programmed cell death in Acanthamoeba castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:1063-1081. [PMID: 38015290 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00450-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba are free living amoebae that are the causative agent of keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Alpha-Mangostin (AMS) is a significant xanthone; that demonstrates a wide range of biological activities. Here, the anti-amoebic activity of α-Mangostin and its silver nano conjugates (AMS-AgNPs) were evaluated against pathogenic A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts in vitro. Amoebicidal assays showed that both AMS and AMS-AgNPs inhibited the viability of A. castellanii dose-dependently, with an IC50 of 88.5 ± 2.04 and 20.2 ± 2.17 μM, respectively. Both formulations inhibited A. castellanii-mediated human keratinocyte cell cytopathogenicity. Functional assays showed that both samples caused apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production, while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) cytochrome-c reductase in the cytosol. Whole transcriptome sequencing of A. castellanii showed the expression of 826 genes, with 447 genes being up-regulated and 379 genes being down-regulated post treatment. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the majority of genes were linked to apoptosis, autophagy, RAP1, AGE-RAGE and oxytocin signalling pathways. Seven genes (PTEN, H3, ARIH1, SDR16C5, PFN, glnA GLUL, and SRX1) were identified as the most significant (Log2 (FC) value 4) for molecular mode of action in vitro. Future in vivo studies with AMS and nanoconjugates are needed to realize the clinical potential of this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seng-Kai Ong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kuan Onn Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Khalid Mohammed Khan
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey.
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Bader Saleem Alawfi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, 42353, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Lukáč M, Slobodníková L, Mrva M, Dušeková A, Garajová M, Kello M, Šebová D, Pisárčik M, Kojnok M, Vrták A, Kurin E, Bittner Fialová S. Caffeic Acid Phosphanium Derivatives: Potential Selective Antitumor, Antimicrobial and Antiprotozoal Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1200. [PMID: 38256271 PMCID: PMC10817097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Caffeic acid (CA) is one of the most abundant natural compounds present in plants and has a broad spectrum of beneficial pharmacological activities. However, in some cases, synthetic derivation of original molecules can expand their scope. This study focuses on the synthesis of caffeic acid phosphanium derivatives with the ambition of increasing their biological activities. Four caffeic acid phosphanium salts (CAPs) were synthesized and tested for their cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, and amoebicidal activity in vitro, with the aim of identifying the best area for their medicinal use. CAPs exhibited significantly stronger cytotoxic activity against tested cell lines (HeLa, HCT116, MDA-MB-231 MCF-7, A2058, PANC-1, Jurkat) in comparison to caffeic acid. Focusing on Jurkat cells (human leukemic T cell lymphoma), the IC50 value of CAPs ranged from 0.9 to 8.5 μM while IC50 of CA was >300 μM. Antimicrobial testing also confirmed significantly higher activity of CAPs against selected microbes in comparison to CA, especially for Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 13-57 μM) and the yeast Candida albicans (MIC 13-57 μM). The anti-Acanthamoeba activity was studied against two pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains. In the case of A. lugdunensis, all CAPs revealed a stronger inhibitory effect (EC50 74-3125 μM) than CA (>105 µM), while in A. quina strain, the higher inhibition was observed for three derivatives (EC50 44-291 μM). The newly synthesized quaternary phosphanium salts of caffeic acid exhibited selective antitumor action and appeared to be promising antimicrobial agents for topical application, as well as potential molecules for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Lukáč
- Department of Chemical Theory of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.L.); (M.P.); (M.K.); (A.V.)
| | - Lívia Slobodníková
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, University Hospital in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Mrva
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University Bratislava, Mlynská Dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.M.); (A.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Aneta Dušeková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University Bratislava, Mlynská Dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.M.); (A.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Mária Garajová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University Bratislava, Mlynská Dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.M.); (A.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Šafárik University, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia; (M.K.); (D.Š.)
| | - Dominika Šebová
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Šafárik University, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia; (M.K.); (D.Š.)
| | - Martin Pisárčik
- Department of Chemical Theory of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.L.); (M.P.); (M.K.); (A.V.)
| | - Marián Kojnok
- Department of Chemical Theory of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.L.); (M.P.); (M.K.); (A.V.)
| | - Andrej Vrták
- Department of Chemical Theory of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.L.); (M.P.); (M.K.); (A.V.)
| | - Elena Kurin
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Silvia Bittner Fialová
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia;
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Thomas L, Khan NA, Siddiqui R, Alawfi BS, Lloyd D. Cell death of Acanthamoeba castellanii following exposure to antimicrobial agents commonly included in contact lens disinfecting solutions. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:16. [PMID: 38060008 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08061-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Several antimicrobial agents are commonly included in contact lens disinfectant solutions including chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX), polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) or myristamidopropyl dimethylamine (MAPD); however, their mode of action, i.e. necrosis versus apoptosis is incompletely understood. Here, we determined whether a mechanism of cell death resembling that of apoptosis was present in Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype (NEFF) following exposure to the aforementioned antimicrobials using the anticoagulant annexin V that undergoes rapid high affinity binding to phosphatidylserine in the presence of calcium, making it a sensitive probe for phosphatidylserine exposure. The results revealed that under the conditions employed in this study, an apoptotic pathway of cell death in this organism at the tested conditions does not occur. Our findings suggest that necrosis is the likely mode of action; however, future mechanistic studies should be accomplished in additional experimental conditions to further comprehend the molecular mechanisms of cell death in Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Thomas
- Microbiology Research, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, P. O. Box 915, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Bader S Alawfi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Lloyd
- Microbiology Research, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, P. O. Box 915, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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Ahmed U, Sivasothy Y, Khan KM, Khan NA, Wahab SMA, Awang K, Othman MA, Anwar A. Malabaricones from the fruit of Myristica cinnamomea King as potential agents against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107033. [PMID: 37783284 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107033] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is an opportunistic free-living amoeba (FLA) pathogen which can cause fatal central nervous system (CNS) infection, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and potentially blinding ocular infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Acanthamoeba species remain a challenging protist to treat due to the unavailability of safe and effective therapeutic drugs and their ability to protect themselves in the cyst stage. Natural products and their secondary metabolites play a pivotal role in drug discovery against various pathogenic microorganisms. In the present study, the ethyl acetate extract of Myristica cinnamomea King fruit was evaluated against A. castellanii (ATCC 50492), showing an IC50 of 45.102 ± 4.62 µg/mL. Previously, the bio-guided fractionation of the extract resulted in the identification of three active compounds, namely Malabaricones (A-C). The isolated and thoroughly characterized acylphenols were evaluated for their anti-amoebic activity against A. castellanii for the first time. Among tested compounds, Malabaricone B (IC50 of 101.31 ± 17.41 µM) and Malabaricone C (IC50 of 49.95 ± 6.33 µM) showed potent anti-amoebic activity against A. castellanii trophozoites and reduced their viability up-to 75 and 80 %, respectively. Moreover, both extract and Malabaricones also significantly (p < 0.05) inhibit the encystation and excystation of A. castellanii, while showed minimal toxicity against human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells) at lower tested concentrations. Following that, the explanation of the possible mechanism of action of purified compounds were assessed by detection of the state of chromatin. Hoechst/PI 33342 double staining showed that necrotic cell death occurred in A. castellanii trophozoites after 8 h treatment of Malabaricones (A-C). These findings demonstrate that Malabaricones B and C could serve as promising therapeutic options against A. castellanii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yasodha Sivasothy
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Khalid Mohammed Khan
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey
| | - Siti Mariam Abdul Wahab
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, 30450, Malaysia
| | - Khalijah Awang
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre for Natural Products and Drug Discovery (CENAR), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Aqmal Othman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre for Natural Products and Drug Discovery (CENAR), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Lê HG, Võ TC, Kang JM, Nguyễn TH, Hwang BS, Oh YT, Na BK. Antiamoebic activities of flavonoids against pathogenic free-living amoebae, Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba species. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2023; 61:449-454. [PMID: 38043540 PMCID: PMC10693969 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) rarely cause human infections but can invoke fatal infections in the central nervous system (CNS). No consensus treatment has been established for FLA infections of the CNS, emphasizing the urgent need to discover or develop safe and effective drugs. Flavonoids, natural compounds from plants and plant-derived products, are known to have antiprotozoan activities against several pathogenic protozoa parasites. The anti-FLA activity of flavonoids has also been proposed, while their antiamoebic activity for FLA needs to be emperically determined. We herein evaluated the antiamoebic activities of 18 flavonoids against Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba species which included A. castellanii and A. polyphaga. These flavonoids showed different profiles of antiamoebic activity against N. fowleri and Acanthamoeba species. Demethoxycurcumin, kaempferol, resveratrol, and silybin (A+B) showed in vitro antiamoebic activity against both N. fowleri and Acanthamoeba species. Apigenin, costunolide, (‒)-epicatechin, (‒)-epigallocatechin, rosmarinic acid, and (‒)-trans-caryophyllene showed selective antiamoebic activity for Acanthamoeba species. Luteolin was more effective for N. fowleri. However, afzelin, berberine, (±)-catechin, chelerythrine, genistein, (+)-pinostrobin, and quercetin did not exhibit antiamoebic activity against the amoeba species. They neither showed selective antiamoebic activity with significant cytotoxicity to C6 glial cells. Our results provide a basis for the anti-FLA activity of flavonoids, which can be applied to develope alternative or supplemental therapeutic agents for FLA infections of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727,
Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727,
Korea
| | - Tuấn Cường Võ
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727,
Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727,
Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727,
Korea
| | - Thu Hằng Nguyễn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727,
Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727,
Korea
| | - Buyng-Su Hwang
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242,
Korea
| | - Young-Taek Oh
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242,
Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727,
Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727,
Korea
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Fakae LB, Harun MS, Ting DSJ, Dua HS, Cave GW, Zhu XQ, Stevenson CW, Elsheikha HM. Camellia sinensis solvent extract, epigallocatechin gallate and caffeine confer trophocidal and cysticidal effects against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Acta Trop 2023; 237:106729. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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7
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Goyal N, Barai A, Sen S, Kondabagil K. Amoebal Tubulin Cleavage Late during Infection Is a Characteristic Feature of Mimivirus but Not of Marseillevirus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0275322. [PMID: 36453900 PMCID: PMC9769910 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02753-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mimivirus and Marseillevirus infections of Acanthamoeba castellanii, like most other viral infections, induce cytopathic effects (CPE). The details of how they bring about CPE and to what extent and how they modify the host cytoskeletal network are unclear. In this study, we compared the rearrangement of the host cytoskeletal network induced by Mimivirus and Marseillevirus upon infection. We show that while both Mimivirus and Marseillevirus infections of A. castellanii cells cause retraction of acanthopodia and depolymerization of the host actin filament network, the Mimivirus infection also results in characteristic cleavage of the host tubulin, a phenomenon not previously reported with any intracellular pathogens. Furthermore, we show that the amoebal tubulin cleavage during Mimivirus infection is a post-replicative event. Because time-lapse microscopy showed that Mimivirus infection leads to the bursting of cells, releasing the virus, we hypothesize that tubulin cleavage together with actin depolymerization during the later stages of Mimivirus assembly is essential for cell lysis due to apoptotic/necrotic cell death. We also characterize the Mimivirus-encoded gp560, a Zn metalloprotease, however, the purified gp560 protein was unable to cleave the commercially available porcine brain tubulin. While protein synthesis is essential for causing the morphological changes in the case of Mimivirus, the proteins which are packaged in the viral capsid along with the genome are sufficient to induce CPE in the case of Marseillevirus. IMPORTANCE In general, intracellular pathogens target the cytoskeletal network to enable their life cycle inside the host. Pathogen-induced changes in the host cell morphology usually accompany global changes in the cytoskeleton resulting in cytopathic effects. While viruses have been shown to use the host actin cytoskeleton for entry and transport during early infection, the role of microtubules in the viral life cycle is only beginning to emerge. Here, we show that the giant viruses Mimivirus and Marseillevirus both induce depolymerization of the actin filament, Mimivirus also causes a characteristic cleavage of tubulin not previously reported for any intracellular pathogen. Because tubulin cleavage occurs late during infection, we hypothesize that tubulin cleavage aids in cell death and lysis rather than establishing infection. The different strategies used by viruses with similar host niches may help them survive in competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Goyal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Amlan Barai
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Shamik Sen
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Kiran Kondabagil
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
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Lê HG, Choi JS, Hwang BS, Jeong YT, Kang JM, Võ TC, Cho PY, Lee YK, Yoo WG, Hong Y, Oh YT, Na BK. Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. Extract Induces Apoptosis-like Programmed Cell Death in Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3459. [PMID: 36559571 PMCID: PMC9783201 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an infectious ocular disease which is difficult to diagnose correctly and cure. Development of an effective and safe therapeutic drug for AK is needed. Our preliminary screening of more than 200 extracts from wild plants collected in Korea suggested the potential amoebicidal activity of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. extract (PAE) against Acanthamoeba species. Here, we aimed to analyze the amoebicidal activity of PAE on Acanthamoeba and its underlying amoebicidal mechanism. PAE induced amoebicidal activity against both A. castellanii and A. polyphaga trophozoites, while it showed low cytotoxicity in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2) and human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19). Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed subcellular morphological changes, such as increased granules, abnormal mitochondria, and atypical cyst wall formation, in the PAE-treated A. castellanii. Fluorometric apoptosis assay and TUNEL assay revealed apoptosis-like programmed cell death (PCD) in the PAE-treated A. castellanii. The PAE treatment increased reactive oxygen species production and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in the amoeba. The enhanced expression of autophagy-associated genes was also detected. These results suggested that PAE exerted a promising amoebicidal effect on A. castellanii trophozoites via the PCD pathway. PAE could be a potential candidate for developing a therapeutic drug for AK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hương-Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Su Choi
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Buyng-Su Hwang
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Tae Jeong
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Tuấn-Cường Võ
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Pyo-Yun Cho
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kyung Lee
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Gi Yoo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Taek Oh
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
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Zeouk I, Ouedrhiri W, Sifaoui I, Bazzocchi IL, Piñero JE, Jiménez IA, Lorenzo-Morales J, Bekhti K. Bioguided Isolation of Active Compounds from Rhamnus alaternus against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Panton-Valentine Leucocidin Positive Strains (MSSA-PVL). Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144352. [PMID: 34299627 PMCID: PMC8306708 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intensified efforts to develop an effective antibiotic, S. aureus is still a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The multidrug resistance of bacteria has considerably increased the difficulties of scientific research and the concomitant emergence of resistance is to be expected. In this study we have investigated the in vitro activity of 15 ethanol extracts prepared from Moroccan medicinal plants traditionally used for treatment of skin infections. Among the tested species I. viscosa, C. oxyacantha, R. tinctorum, A. herba alba, and B. hispanica showed moderate anti-staphylococcal activity. However, R. alaternus showed promising growth-inhibitory effects against specific pathogenic bacteria especially methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Panton-Valentine leucocidin positive (MSSA-PVL) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The bioguided fractionation of this plant using successive chromatographic separations followed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) including EIMS and HREIMS analysis yielded the emodin (1) and kaempferol (2). Emodin being the most active with MICs ranging between 15.62 and 1.95 µg/mL and showing higher activity against the tested strains in comparison with the crude extract, its mechanism of action and the structure-activity relationship were interestingly discussed. The active compound has not displayed toxicity toward murine macrophage cells. The results obtained in the current study support the traditional uses of R. alaternus and suggest that this species could be a good source for the development of new anti-staphylococcal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikrame Zeouk
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de la Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Spain;
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 2202, Morocco;
- Correspondence: (I.Z.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.); Tel.: +212-621-290-377 (I.Z.); +349-22-316-502 (J.E.P.); +349-22-318-402 (J.L.-M.)
| | - Wessal Ouedrhiri
- Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry, Modeling and Environment, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 2202, Morocco;
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de la Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Spain;
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de la Laguna, 38203 La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel L. Bazzocchi
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Spain; (I.L.B.); (I.A.J.)
| | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de la Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Spain;
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de la Laguna, 38203 La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.Z.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.); Tel.: +212-621-290-377 (I.Z.); +349-22-316-502 (J.E.P.); +349-22-318-402 (J.L.-M.)
| | - Ignacio A. Jiménez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Spain; (I.L.B.); (I.A.J.)
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de la Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Spain;
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de la Laguna, 38203 La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.Z.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.); Tel.: +212-621-290-377 (I.Z.); +349-22-316-502 (J.E.P.); +349-22-318-402 (J.L.-M.)
| | - Khadija Bekhti
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 2202, Morocco;
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10
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Chiboub O, Capote-Yanes E, Sifaoui I, Reyes-Batlle M, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. In vitro validation of the amoebicidal activity of commercial eye drops as second activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 15:144-151. [PMID: 33684885 PMCID: PMC7940700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The validation of anti-Acanthamoeba activity of commercial eye drops has gained a great interest recently and a growing number of commercials eye drop were evaluated for their aptitude to inhibit Acanthamoeba as a second pharmacological effect. In the present study, three different eye drops, commercializing in Spain, including TobraDex, Cusimolol and Colircusi antiedema have been tested in vitro against trophozoites and cysts stage of the facultative pathogen Acanthamoeba. The alamarBlue™ method was used to evaluate both trophocidal and cysticidal properties. The most active eye drops were tested for their impact on some programmed cell death features. We found out that the cells inhibition was strain and eye drop dependent, and 5% eye drop was able to eliminate both trophozoite and cyst stage of Acanthamoeba spp. A treatment of 24 h with 5% of TobraDex or Cusimolol was able to show DNA condensation, collapse in the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduction of the ATP level production in Acanthamoeba. We could assume that the present eye drops could induce programed cell death like process in Acanthamoeba via mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfa Chiboub
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública De Canarias, Universidad De La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas, Canarias, 38203, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Eulalia Capote-Yanes
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública De Canarias, Universidad De La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas, Canarias, 38203, Spain; Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Canarias, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública De Canarias, Universidad De La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas, Canarias, 38203, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain.
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública De Canarias, Universidad De La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas, Canarias, 38203, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Rubén L Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública De Canarias, Universidad De La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas, Canarias, 38203, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública De Canarias, Universidad De La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas, Canarias, 38203, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario De Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública De Canarias, Universidad De La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas, Canarias, 38203, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain.
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11
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Sifaoui I, Pacheco-Fernández I, Piñero JE, Pino V, Lorenzo-Morales J. A Simple in vivo Assay Using Amphipods for the Evaluation of Potential Biocompatible Metal-Organic Frameworks. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:584115. [PMID: 33598453 PMCID: PMC7882682 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.584115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the application of amphipods in vivo assays was evaluated. The main aim of this work was to check the potential use of this model in biocompatibility assessments of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Hence, six different MOFs were synthesized and the in vitro and ex vivo cytotoxicity was first assessed using a colorimetric assay and a macrophage cell line. Obtained results were compared to validate the in vivo toxicity tests carried out using amphipods and increasing concentrations of the different MOFs. Amphipods do not require the need of ethics approval and also are less expensive to keep than conventional in vivo models, showing its potential as a fast and reliable platform in toxicity studies. The obtained results showed that the amphipods based-assay was simple, easy to replicate and yielded toxicity data corresponding to the type of MOFs tested. In addition, it was observed that only CIM-80(Al) and CIM-84(Zr) did not show any toxicity to the animals at the different tested concentrations. Therefore, the developed in vivo model could be applied as a high-throughput toxicity screening method to evaluate the toxicity of numerous materials, chemicals and therapeutic agents among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Idaira Pacheco-Fernández
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Laboratorio de Materiales para Analísis Químico (MAT4LL), Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Pino
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Laboratorio de Materiales para Analísis Químico (MAT4LL), Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Discovery of Amoebicidal Compounds by Combining Computational and Experimental Approaches. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.01749-20. [PMID: 33229426 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01749-20] [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: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic and opportunistic free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba spp. can cause keratitis (Acanthamoeba keratitis [AK]), which may ultimately lead to permanent visual impairment or blindness. Acanthamoeba can also cause rare but usually fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). Current therapeutic options for AK require a lengthy treatment with nonspecific drugs that are often associated with adverse effects. Recent developments in the field led us to target cAMP pathways, specifically phosphodiesterase. Guided by computational tools, we targeted the Acanthamoeba phosphodiesterase RegA. Computational studies led to the construction and validation of a homology model followed by a virtual screening protocol guided by induced-fit docking and chemical scaffold analysis using our medicinal and biological chemistry (MBC) chemical library. Subsequently, 18 virtual screening hits were prioritized for further testing in vitro against Acanthamoeba castellanii, identifying amoebicidal hits containing piperidine and urea imidazole cores. Promising activities were confirmed in the resistant cyst form of the amoeba and in additional clinical Acanthamoeba strains, increasing their therapeutic potential. Mechanism-of-action studies revealed that these compounds produce apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mitochondrial damage. These chemical families show promise for further optimization to produce effective antiacanthamoebal drugs.
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13
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Sifaoui I, Rodríguez-Talavera I, Reyes-Batlle M, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Rocha-Cabrera P, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. In vitro evaluation of commercial foam Belcils® on Acanthamoeba spp. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 14:136-143. [PMID: 33099237 PMCID: PMC7578530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Interest in periocular (eyelid and eyelashes margins) hygiene has attracted attention recently and a growing number of commercials eye cleanser and shampoos have been marketed. In the present study, a particular eye cleanser foam, Belcils® has been tested against trophozoites and cysts on the facultative pathogen Acanthamoeba. Viability was tested by the alamarBlue™ method and the foam was tested for the induction of programmed cell death in order to explore its mode of action. We found that a 1% solution of the foam eliminated both trophozoite and cyst stage of Acanthamoeba spp. After 90 min of incubation, Belcils® induced, DNA condensation, collapse in the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduction of the ATP level production in Acanthamoeba. We conclude that the foam destroys the cells by the induction of an apoptosis-like process. The current eye cleanser could be used as part of AK therapy protocol and as prevention from AK infections for contact lens users and post-ocular trauma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain.
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Talavera
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Área de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Rubén L Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Pedro Rocha-Cabrera
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Área de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, 38206, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203, Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
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14
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Farag RS, Abdel-Latif MS, Abd El Baky HH, Tawfeek LS. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of some medicinal plants' crude juices. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 28:e00536. [PMID: 33088732 PMCID: PMC7559852 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Leaves of fig, guava, olive and pomegranate and peels of ripe pomegranate fruits were mechanically pressed to obtain the crude juices. The resultant crude juices were subjected to the estimation of certain phytochemicals, i.e. total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins by HPLC. The assessment of their antioxidant activities were performed by three methods, i.e. DPPH, reducing power and metal chelating assays. The results indicated that the amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins in crude pomegranate peels juices were markedly higher than those of other medicinal plants crude juices. The polyphenolic constituents in fig leaves, pomegranate leaves and peels, guava leaves and olive leaves were distinguished using HPLC. The major compounds found in all crude juices were gallic acid, ellagic acid, naringenin, ferulic acid and methyl gallate, respectively. Pomegranate peels crude juice exhibited the highest antioxidant activity assessed by the aforementioned methods in comparison with other medicinal plants crude juices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwan S. Farag
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | | | - Hanaa H. Abd El Baky
- Plant Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Layla S. Tawfeek
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
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15
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Laurinterol from Laurencia johnstonii eliminates Naegleria fowleri triggering PCD by inhibition of ATPases. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17731. [PMID: 33082417 PMCID: PMC7576160 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74729-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary amoebic encephalitis (PAM) is a lethal disease caused by the opportunistic pathogen, Naegleria fowleri. This amoebic species is able to live freely in warm aquatic habitats and to infect children and young adults when they perform risk activities in these water bodies such as swimming or splashing. Besides the need to increase awareness of PAM which will allow an early diagnosis, the development of fully effective therapeutic agents is needed. Current treatment options are amphotericin B and miltefosine which are not fully effective and also present toxicity issues. In this study, the in vitro activity of various sesquiterpenes isolated from the red alga Laurencia johnstonii were tested against the trophozoite stage of a strain of Naegleria fowleri. Moreover, the induced effects (apoptotic cell death) of the most active compound, laurinterol (1), was evaluated by measuring DNA condensation, damages at the mitochondrial level, cell membrane disruption and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The obtained results demonstrated that laurinterol was able to eliminate the amoebae at concentrations of 13.42 ± 2.57 µM and also to induced programmed cell death (PCD) in the treated amoebae. Moreover, since ATP levels were highly affected and laurinterol has been previously reported as an inhibitor of the Na+/K+-ATPase sodium–potassium ion pump, comparison with known inhibitors of ATPases were carried out. Our results points out that laurinterol was able to inhibit ENA ATPase pump at concentrations 100 times lower than furosemide.
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16
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Synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and its application in food packaging: A critical review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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17
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Fakae LB, Stevenson CW, Zhu XQ, Elsheikha HM. In vitro activity of Camellia sinensis (green tea) against trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 13:59-72. [PMID: 32512260 PMCID: PMC7281304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The effect of Camellia sinensis (green tea) on the growth of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites was examined using a microplate based-Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. C. sinensis hot and cold brews at 75% and 100% concentrations significantly inhibited the growth of trophozoites. We also examined the structural alterations in C. sinensis-treated trophozoites using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This analysis showed that C. sinensis compromised the cell membrane integrity and caused progressive destruction of trophozoites. C. sinensis also significantly inhibited the parasite's ability to form cysts in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the rate of excystation from cysts to trophozoites. C. sinensis exhibited low cytotoxic effects on primary corneal stromal cells. However, cytotoxicity was more pronounced in SV40-immortalized corneal epithelial cells. Chromatographic analysis showed that both hot and cold C. sinensis brews contained the same number and type of chemical compounds. This work demonstrated that C. sinensis has anti-acanthamoebic activity against trophozoite and cystic forms of A. castellanii. Further studies are warranted to identify the exact substances in C. sinensis that have the most potent anti-acanthamoebic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenu B Fakae
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK; School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK; Rivers State University, Nkpolu - Oroworukwo P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Carl W Stevenson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.
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18
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Anwar A, Siddiqui R, Khan NA. Whole Organism Model to Study Molecular Mechanisms of Differentiation and Dedifferentiation. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E79. [PMID: 32316619 PMCID: PMC7235994 DOI: 10.3390/biology9040079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer recurrence has remained a significant challenge, despite advances in therapeutic approaches. In part, this is due to our incomplete understanding of the biology of cancer stem cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The phenomenon of differentiation and dedifferentiation (phenotypic switching) is not only unique to stem cells but it is also observed in several other organisms, as well as evolutionary-related microbes. Here, we propose the use of a primitive eukaryotic unicellular organism, Acanthamoeba castellanii, as a model to study the molecular mechanisms of cellular differentiation and dedifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeba Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City 26666, UAE;
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City 26666, UAE;
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Ionic liquid-based miniaturized aqueous biphasic system to develop an environmental-friendly analytical preconcentration method. Talanta 2019; 203:305-313. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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20
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Ursolic Acid Derivatives as Potential Agents Against Acanthamoeba Spp. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030130. [PMID: 31443577 PMCID: PMC6789456 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030130] [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: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current chemotherapy of Acanthamoeba keratitis relies on few drugs with low potential and limited efficacy, for all this there is an urgent need to identify new classes of anti-Acanthamoeba agents. In this regard, natural products play an important role in overcoming the current need and medicinal chemistry of natural products represents an attractive approach for the discovery and development of new agents. Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, possesses a broad spectrum of activities including anti-Acanthamoeba. Herein, we report on the development by chemical transformation of an ursolic acid-based series of seven compounds (2-8), one of them reported for the first time. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of their anti-Acanthamoeba activity revealed that acylation/ether formation or oxidation enhances their biological profile, suggesting that the hydrophobic moiety contributes to activity, presumably by increasing the affinity and/or cell membrane permeability. These ursolic acid derivatives highlight the potential of this source as a good base for the development of novel therapeutic agents against Acanthamoeba infections.
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Staurosporine from Streptomyces sanyensis activates Programmed Cell Death in Acanthamoeba via the mitochondrial pathway and presents low in vitro cytotoxicity levels in a macrophage cell line. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11651. [PMID: 31406269 PMCID: PMC6690954 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the search for novel therapeutic agents against Acanthamoeba species has been focused on the evaluation of natural resources. Among them, marine microorganisms have risen as a source of bioactive compounds with the advantage of the ability to obtain unlimited and constant amounts of the compounds in contrast to other natural sources such as plants. Furthermore, marine actinomycetes have recently been reported as highly rich in bioactive agents including salinosporamides, xiamycines, indolocarbazoles, naphtyridines, phenols, dilactones such as antimycines and macrolides among others. In this study, staurosporine (STS) was isolated from a strain of Streptomyces sanyensis and tested against Acanthamoeba to characterize the therapeutic potential of STS against this protozoan parasite. We have established that STS is active against both stages of the Acanthamoeba life cycle, by the activation of Programmed Cell Death via the mitochondrial pathway of the trophozoite. We have also established that STS has relatively low toxicity towards a macrophage cell line. However, previous studies have highlighted higher toxicity levels induced on other vertebrate cell lines and future research to lower these toxicity issues should be developed.
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Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous hybrid materials composed of metal ions and organic linkers, characterized by their crystallinity and by the highest known surface areas. MOFs structures present accessible cages, tunnels and modifiable pores, together with adequate mechanical and thermal stability. Their outstanding properties have led to their recognition as revolutionary materials in recent years. Analytical chemistry has also benefited from the potential of MOF applications. MOFs succeed as sorbent materials in extraction and microextraction procedures, as sensors, and as stationary or pseudo-stationary phases in chromatographic systems. To date, around 100 different MOFs form part of those analytical applications. This review intends to give an overview on the use of MOFs in analytical chemistry in recent years (2017–2019) within the framework of green analytical chemistry requirements, with a particular emphasis on possible toxicity issues of neat MOFs and trends to ensure green approaches in their preparation.
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Samba-Louaka A, Delafont V, Rodier MH, Cateau E, Héchard Y. Free-living amoebae and squatters in the wild: ecological and molecular features. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:415-434. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Free-living amoebae are protists frequently found in water and soils. They feed on other microorganisms, mainly bacteria, and digest them through phagocytosis. It is accepted that these amoebae play an important role in the microbial ecology of these environments. There is a renewed interest for the free-living amoebae since the discovery of pathogenic bacteria that can resist phagocytosis and of giant viruses, underlying that amoebae might play a role in the evolution of other microorganisms, including several human pathogens. Recent advances, using molecular methods, allow to bring together new information about free-living amoebae. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly gathered insights into (1) the free-living amoeba diversity, assessed with molecular tools, (2) the gene functions described to decipher the biology of the amoebae and (3) their interactions with other microorganisms in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ascel Samba-Louaka
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
| | - Vincent Delafont
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Rodier
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU La Milétrie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Estelle Cateau
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU La Milétrie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Yann Héchard
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
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Koutsogiannis Z, MacLeod ET, Maciver SK. G418 induces programmed cell death in Acanthamoeba through the elevation of intracellular calcium and cytochrome c translocation. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:641-651. [PMID: 30617503 PMCID: PMC6349814 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6192-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a widely distributed opportunistic parasite which causes a vision-threatening keratitis and a life-threatening encephalitis. The cyst stage of this amoeba is especially resistant to currently used therapeutics and so alternative agents are urgently required. Growing evidence supports the existence of a programmed cell death system (PCD) in Acanthamoeba and while some features are shared by higher eukaryote cells, others differ. It is hoped that by understanding these differences we can exploit them as targets for novel drug intervention to activate PCD pathways in the amoebae but not the invaded human tissue. Here, we use the aminoglycoside G418 to activate PCD in Acanthamoeba. This drug caused a shape change in the treated amoebae. Cells rounded up and contracted, and after 6 h fragments of cells resembling the ‘apoptotic bodies’ of vertebrate cells were observed. G418 causes an increase in intracellular calcium from a resting level of 24 nM to 60 nM after 6 h of treatment. Mitochondrial function as assayed by the ΔΨm reporting dye JC-1 and CTC a redox dye becomes inhibited during treatment and we have found that cytochrome c is released from the mitochondria. Cells stained with Hoechst showed first an alteration in chromatin structure and then a vesiculation of the nucleus with G418 treatment, although we found no obvious breakdown in genomic DNA in the early stages of PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewan T MacLeod
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9XD, UK
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Moon EK, Choi HS, Kong HH, Quan FS. Polyhexamethylene biguanide and chloroquine induce programmed cell death in Acanthamoeba castellanii. Exp Parasitol 2018; 191:31-35. [PMID: 29885293 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Several chemotherapeutic drugs have been described as amoebicidal agents acting against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. However, the underlying mechanism of action is poorly characterized. Here, we describe programmed cell death (PCD) in A. castellanii induced by polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and chloroquine. We used four types of amoebicidal agents including 0.02% PHMB, 0.02% chlorhexidine digluconate, 100 μM chloroquine, and 100 μM 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile to kill Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. Exposure to PHMB and chloroquine induced cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing in Acanthamoeba, observed microscopically. Externalization of phosphatidyl serine on the membranes of Acanthamoeba was detected by annexin V staining. Apoptotic cell death of Acanthamoeba by PHMB and chloroquine was confirmed by FACS analysis. Nuclear fragmentation of Acanthamoeba was demonstrated by DAPI staining. PHMB induced PCD in trophozoites and cysts, and chloroquine induced PCD in cysts. These findings are discussed to establish the most effective treatment for Acanthamoeba-induced keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Seo Choi
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Kong
- Department of Parasitology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, 49201, Republic of Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Toxic effects of selected proprietary dry eye drops on Acanthamoeba. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8520. [PMID: 29867132 PMCID: PMC5986802 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26914-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous protists that have been isolated from many sources such as soils, water and the air. They are responsible for infections including fatal encephalitis and a severe keratitis in humans. To date, there is no satisfactorily effective therapeutic agent against this pathogen and the infections it causes are exacerbated by the existence of a resistant cyst stage produced by this amoeba. As dry eye syndrome is a risk factor for Acanthamoeba keratitis, we aimed to evaluate the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of a variety of proprietary eye drops intended to treat dry eye syndrome. From the nine eye drop formulations tested, "Systane Ultra" was determined to be the most active against all tested Acanthamoeba strains. During our investigations into the mode of action of Systane Ultra, we discovered that it decreases mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, induces chromatin condensation, and increases the permeability of the plasma-membrane.
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Pacheco-Fernández I, Pino V, Lorenzo-Morales J, Ayala JH, Afonso AM. Salt-induced ionic liquid-based microextraction using a low cytotoxic guanidinium ionic liquid and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection to determine monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urine. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:4701-4713. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-0946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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