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Marcolino LMC, Ambrosio JA, Pinto JG, Ferreira I, Simioni AR, Ferreira-Strixino J. Photodynamic therapy of cationic and anionic BSA-curcumin nanoparticles on amastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania major and Leishmania amazonensis. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2024; 46:104001. [PMID: 38342387 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104001] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected disease prevalent in tropical countries, and conventional treatment can cause several serious side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be considered a promising treatment alternative, as it is non-invasive therapy that has no side effects and uses accessible and low-cost substances, such as curcumin. This study evaluated the PDT response with cationic and anionic BSA nanoparticles encapsulated with curcumin in macrophages infected with L. braziliensis, L. major, and L. amazonensis. The nanoparticle system was characterized using a steady-state technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study, and its biological activity was evaluated using macrophage cell lines infected with different Leishmania species. All spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that BSA curcumin (BSACur) has good photophysical properties, and confocal microscopy shows that macrophages and protozoa internalized the nanoparticles. The viability test demonstrated that at low concentrations, such as 0.1, 0.7, and 1.0 µmol. L-1, there was a decrease in cell viability after PDT application. Furthermore, a decrease in the number of parasites recovered was observed in the PDT groups. The results allowed us to conclude that curcumin loaded into BSA nanoparticles may have potential application in drug delivery systems for PDT protocols, demonstrating reduced cell viability at lower concentrations than free curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Maria Cortez Marcolino
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab) - Research and Development Institute - IPD - Universidade do Vale do Paraíba. Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José dos Campos, S.P, Brazil
| | - Jessica Ar Ambrosio
- Micro and Nanoparticle Systems Laboratory - Research and Development Institute - IPD - Universidade do Vale do Paraíba. Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José dos Campos, S.P, Brazil
| | - Juliana Guerra Pinto
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab) - Research and Development Institute - IPD - Universidade do Vale do Paraíba. Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José dos Campos, S.P, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Ferreira
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab) - Research and Development Institute - IPD - Universidade do Vale do Paraíba. Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José dos Campos, S.P, Brazil
| | - Andreza R Simioni
- Micro and Nanoparticle Systems Laboratory - Research and Development Institute - IPD - Universidade do Vale do Paraíba. Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José dos Campos, S.P, Brazil
| | - Juliana Ferreira-Strixino
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab) - Research and Development Institute - IPD - Universidade do Vale do Paraíba. Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José dos Campos, S.P, Brazil.
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2
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Robledo SM, Pérez-Silanes S, Fernández-Rubio C, Poveda A, Monzote L, González VM, Alonso-Collado P, Carrión J. Neglected Zoonotic Diseases: Advances in the Development of Cell-Penetrating and Antimicrobial Peptides against Leishmaniosis and Chagas Disease. Pathogens 2023; 12:939. [PMID: 37513786 PMCID: PMC10383258 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, the WHO established the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, which aims to control and eradicate 20 diseases, including leishmaniosis and Chagas disease. In addition, since 2015, the WHO has been developing a Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. In this context, the achievement of innovative strategies as an alternative to replace conventional therapies is a first-order socio-sanitary priority, especially regarding endemic zoonoses in poor regions, such as those caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. infections. In this scenario, it is worth highlighting a group of natural peptide molecules (AMPs and CPPs) that are promising strategies for improving therapeutic efficacy against these neglected zoonoses, as they avoid the development of toxicity and resistance of conventional treatments. This review presents the novelties of these peptide molecules and their ability to cross a whole system of cell membranes as well as stimulate host immune defenses or even serve as vectors of molecules. The efforts of the biotechnological sector will make it possible to overcome the limitations of antimicrobial peptides through encapsulation and functionalization methods to obtain approval for these treatments to be used in clinical programs for the eradication of leishmaniosis and Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Robledo
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Silvia Pérez-Silanes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia Fernández-Rubio
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Poveda
- DNA Replication and Genome Instability Unit, Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Zoonosis y Salud Pública (GIBCIZ), Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Lianet Monzote
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Apartado Postal No. 601, Marianao 13, La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Víctor M González
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Alonso-Collado
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Carrión
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Rojas-Pirela M, Kemmerling U, Quiñones W, Michels PAM, Rojas V. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Potential Therapeutic Strategy against Trypanosomiases? Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040599. [PMID: 37189347 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomiases are a group of tropical diseases that have devastating health and socio-economic effects worldwide. In humans, these diseases are caused by the pathogenic kinetoplastids Trypanosoma brucei, causing African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, and Trypanosoma cruzi, causing American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease. Currently, these diseases lack effective treatment. This is attributed to the high toxicity and limited trypanocidal activity of registered drugs, as well as resistance development and difficulties in their administration. All this has prompted the search for new compounds that can serve as the basis for the development of treatment of these diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides synthesized by both prokaryotes and (unicellular and multicellular) eukaryotes, where they fulfill functions related to competition strategy with other organisms and immune defense. These AMPs can bind and induce perturbation in cell membranes, leading to permeation of molecules, alteration of morphology, disruption of cellular homeostasis, and activation of cell death. These peptides have activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, including parasitic protists. Therefore, they are being considered for new therapeutic strategies to treat some parasitic diseases. In this review, we analyze AMPs as therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of trypanosomiases, emphasizing their possible application as possible candidates for the development of future natural anti-trypanosome drugs.
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Cebrián R, Martínez-García M, Fernández M, García F, Martínez-Bueno M, Valdivia E, Kuipers OP, Montalbán-López M, Maqueda M. Advances in the preclinical characterization of the antimicrobial peptide AS-48. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1110360. [PMID: 36819031 PMCID: PMC9936517 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1110360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a natural and inevitable phenomenon that constitutes a severe threat to global public health and economy. Innovative products, active against new targets and with no cross- or co-resistance with existing antibiotic classes, novel mechanisms of action, or multiple therapeutic targets are urgently required. For these reasons, antimicrobial peptides such as bacteriocins constitute a promising class of new antimicrobial drugs under investigation for clinical development. Here, we review the potential therapeutic use of AS-48, a head-to-tail cyclized cationic bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus faecalis. In the last few years, its potential against a wide range of human pathogens, including relevant bacterial pathogens and trypanosomatids, has been reported using in vitro tests and the mechanism of action has been investigated. AS-48 can create pores in the membrane of bacterial cells without the mediation of any specific receptor. However, this mechanism of action is different when susceptible parasites are studied and involves intracellular targets. Due to these novel mechanisms of action, AS-48 remains active against the antibiotic resistant strains tested. Remarkably, the effect of AS-48 against eukaryotic cell lines and in several animal models show little effect at the doses needed to inhibit susceptible species. The characteristics of this molecule such as low toxicity, microbicide activity, blood stability and activity, high stability at a wide range of temperatures or pH, resistance to proteases, and the receptor-independent effect make AS-48 unique to fight a broad range of microbial infections, including bacteria and some important parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Cebrián
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, University Hospital San Cecilio, Granada, Spain,*Correspondence: Rubén Cebrián, ✉
| | | | | | - Federico García
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, University Hospital San Cecilio, Granada, Spain,Biomedicinal Research Network Center, Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Eva Valdivia
- Department of Microbiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Oscar P. Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Manuel Montalbán-López
- Department of Microbiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain,Manuel Montalbán-López, ✉
| | - Mercedes Maqueda
- Department of Microbiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Method for Isolation of Myxozoan Proliferative Stages from Fish at High Yield and Purity: An Essential Prerequisite for In Vitro, In Vivo and Genomics-Based Research Developments. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030377. [PMID: 35159187 PMCID: PMC8833907 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myxozoans are a diverse group of microscopic cnidarian parasites and some representatives are associated with important diseases in fish, in both marine and freshwater aquaculture systems. Research on myxozoans has been largely hampered by the inability to isolate myxozoan parasites from their host tissues. In this study, we developed and optimized a method to isolate the myxozoan proliferative stages of different size and cellularity from fish blood, using DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography. We optimized several parameters and obtained 99–100% parasite purity, as well as high survival and infectivity. Using polyclonal pan-carp blood cell-specific antibodies, we further developed a rapid cytometric assay for quantification of the proliferative stages, not only in highly concentrated DEAE-C isolates but also in dilute conditions in full blood. Early developmental stages of myxozoans are key to parasite proliferation, establishment, and pathology in their hosts. The isolation of these stages not only opens new possibilities for in vivo and in vitro studies, but also for obtaining purified DNA and protein extracts for downstream analyses. Hence, we provide a long-desired tool that will advance the functional research into the mechanisms of host exploitation and immune stimulation/evasion in this group, which could contribute greatly to the development of therapeutic strategies against myxozoans.
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Díaz-Garrido P, Cárdenas-Guerra RE, Martínez I, Poggio S, Rodríguez-Hernández K, Rivera-Santiago L, Ortega-López J, Sánchez-Esquivel S, Espinoza B. Differential activity on trypanosomatid parasites of a novel recombinant defensin type 1 from the insect Triatoma (Meccus) pallidipennis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 139:103673. [PMID: 34700021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are one of the major families of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are widely distributed in insects. In Triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi the causative agent of Chagas disease, two large groups of defensin isoforms have been described: type 1 and type 4. The aim of this study was to analyze the trypanocidal activity of a type 1 recombinant defensin (rDef1.3) identified in Triatoma (Meccus) pallidipennis, an endemic specie from México. The trypanocidal activity of this defensin was evaluated in vitro, against the parasites T. cruzi, T. rangeli, and two species of Leishmania (L. mexicana and L. major) both causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Our data demonstrated that the defensin was active against all the parasites although in different degrees. The defensin altered the morphology, reduced the viability and inhibited the growth of T.cruzi. When tested against T. rangeli (a parasite that infects a variety of mammalian species), stronger morphological effects where observed. Surprisingly the greatest effects were observed against the two Leishmania species, of which L. major was the parasite most affected with 50% of dead cells or with damaged membranes, in addition of a reduction in its proliferative capacity in culture. These results suggest that rDef1.3 has an important antimicrobial effect against trypanosomatids which cause some of the more important neglected tropical diseases transmitted by insect vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Díaz-Garrido
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510, México City, Mexico
| | - Rosa Elena Cárdenas-Guerra
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510, México City, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Martínez
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510, México City, Mexico
| | - Sebastián Poggio
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510, México City, Mexico
| | - Karla Rodríguez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510, México City, Mexico
| | - Lucio Rivera-Santiago
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510, México City, Mexico
| | - Jaime Ortega-López
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioingeniería, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. IPN # 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, México City, Mexico
| | - Sergio Sánchez-Esquivel
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510, México City, Mexico
| | - Bertha Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510, México City, Mexico.
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Cavalcante T, Medeiros MM, Mule SN, Palmisano G, Stolf BS. The Role of Sialic Acids in the Establishment of Infections by Pathogens, With Special Focus on Leishmania. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:671913. [PMID: 34055669 PMCID: PMC8155805 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.671913] [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: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrates or glycans are ubiquitous components of the cell surface which play crucial biological and structural roles. Sialic acids (Sias) are nine-carbon atoms sugars usually present as terminal residues of glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface or secreted. They have important roles in cellular communication and also in infection and survival of pathogens. More than 20 pathogens can synthesize or capture Sias from their hosts and incorporate them into their own glycoconjugates and derivatives. Sialylation of pathogens’ glycoconjugates may be crucial for survival inside the host for numerous reasons. The role of Sias in protozoa such as Trypanosoma and Leishmania was demonstrated in previous studies. This review highlights the importance of Sias in several pathogenic infections, focusing on Leishmania. We describe in detail the contributions of Sias, Siglecs (sialic acid binding Ig-like lectins) and Neuraminidase 1 (NEU 1) in the course of Leishmania infection. A detailed view on the structural and functional diversity of Leishmania-related Sias and host-cell receptors will be provided, as well as the results of functional studies performed with different Leishmania species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tainá Cavalcante
- Laboratory of Leishmaniasis, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Medina Medeiros
- Laboratory of Leishmaniasis, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simon Ngao Mule
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Simonsen Stolf
- Laboratory of Leishmaniasis, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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da Silva NS, Araújo NK, Daniele-Silva A, Oliveira JWDF, de Medeiros JM, Araújo RM, Ferreira LDS, Rocha HAO, Silva-Junior AA, Silva MS, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Oligosaccharides with Special Attention to Antiparasitic Potential. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19020110. [PMID: 33673266 PMCID: PMC7917997 DOI: 10.3390/md19020110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The global rise of infectious disease outbreaks and the progression of microbial resistance reinforce the importance of researching new biomolecules. Obtained from the hydrolysis of chitosan, chitooligosaccharides (COSs) have demonstrated several biological properties, including antimicrobial, and greater advantage over chitosan due to their higher solubility and lower viscosity. Despite the evidence of the biotechnological potential of COSs, their effects on trypanosomatids are still scarce. The objectives of this study were the enzymatic production, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects of COSs. NMR and mass spectrometry analyses indicated the presence of a mixture with 81% deacetylated COS and acetylated hexamers. COSs demonstrated no evidence of cytotoxicity upon 2 mg/mL. In addition, COSs showed interesting activity against bacteria and yeasts and a time-dependent parasitic inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated a parasite aggregation ability of COSs. Thus, the broad biological effect of COSs makes them a promising molecule for the biomedical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Sousa da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
| | - Nathália Kelly Araújo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (N.K.A.); (L.D.S.F.); (A.A.S.-J.)
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Development and Technological Innovation in Medicines, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Brazil;
| | | | - Júlia Maria de Medeiros
- Postgraduate Program in Chemical Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Brazil;
| | - Renata Mendonça Araújo
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Brazil;
| | - Leandro De Santis Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (N.K.A.); (L.D.S.F.); (A.A.S.-J.)
| | | | - Arnóbio Antônio Silva-Junior
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (N.K.A.); (L.D.S.F.); (A.A.S.-J.)
| | - Marcelo Sousa Silva
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of Nova Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (N.K.A.); (L.D.S.F.); (A.A.S.-J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-84-3342-9820
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Effect of DODAB Nano-Sized Cationic Bilayer Fragments against Leishmania amazonensis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235741. [PMID: 33291367 PMCID: PMC7730371 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) is a double-chained cationic lipid with potent bactericide and fungistatic activities; however, its toxicity on protozoan parasites is still unknown. Here, we show the antileishmanial activity of DODAB nano-sized cationic bilayer fragments on stationary-phase promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Upon treatment with DODAB, we analyzed the parasite surface zeta-potential, parasite viability, cellular structural modifications, and intracellular proliferation. The DODAB cytotoxic effect was dose-dependent, with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 25 µM for both life-cycle stages, comparable to the reported data for bacteria and fungi. The treatment with DODAB changed the membrane zeta-potential from negative to positive, compromised the parasite's morphology, affected the cell size regulation, caused a loss of intracellular organelles, and probably dysregulated the plasma membrane permeability without membrane disruption. Moreover, the parasites that survived after treatment induced small parasitophorous vacuoles and failed to proliferate inside macrophages. In conclusion, DODAB displayed antileishmanial activity, and it remains to be elucidated how DODAB acts on the protozoan membrane. Understanding this mechanism can provide insights into the development of new parasite-control strategies.
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10
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Padrón-Nieves M, Ponte-Sucre A. Cellular Markers for the Identification of Chemoresistant Isolates in Leishmania. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2116:755-769. [PMID: 32221953 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0294-2_44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Markers to diagnose chemoresistance in infecting Leishmania parasites are urgently required. This is fundamental for patients who do not heal during or after treatment, as they are unresponsive, or patients who relapse at the end of the therapy, suffering from therapeutic failure. Glucose utilization is an indicator of cell viability that closely associates with metabolic activity. In Leishmania, glucose is a source of carbon atoms and is imported into the cell through specific transporters. In experimentally developed chemoresistant Leishmania parasites a significant decrease of the expression of glucose transporters as well as in the cellular accumulation glucose has been described. Alternatively, the electrical membrane potential is an essential parameter for the formation of the electromotive force needed for the acquisition of important nutrients and solutes (e.g., glucose) by cells, and changes in glucose concentration are suggested to constitute a physiological adaptation associated with a chemoresistant phenotype of Leishmania parasites. Here we describe easy methods to measure glucose uptake and the membrane potential in isolates from patient suffering leishmaniasis. Correlation between both parameters might be helpful to identify chemoresistant parasites. Results suggest that the measured kinetics of glucose utilization rate can be correlated with the plasma membrane potential and together used to differentiate between the performance of wild-type and reference parasites on the one hand and parasites isolated from patients with therapeutic failure on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritza Padrón-Nieves
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alicia Ponte-Sucre
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
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11
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Mule SN, Saad JS, Fernandes LR, Stolf BS, Cortez M, Palmisano G. Protein glycosylation inLeishmaniaspp. Mol Omics 2020; 16:407-424. [DOI: 10.1039/d0mo00043d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation is a co- and post-translational modification that, inLeishmaniaparasites, plays key roles in vector–parasite–vertebrate host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ngao Mule
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo - 05508-000
| | - Joyce Silva Saad
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo - 05508-000
| | - Livia Rosa Fernandes
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo - 05508-000
| | - Beatriz S. Stolf
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo
- Brazil
| | - Mauro Cortez
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo
- Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo - 05508-000
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12
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Abstract
Capping and shedding of ectodomains in Trypanosoma cruzi may be triggered by different ligands. Here, we analysed the mobility and shedding of cell surface components of living trypomastigotes of the Y strain and the CL Brener clone in the presence of poly-L-lysine, cationized ferritin (CF) and Concanavalin A (Con A). Poly-L-lysine and CF caused intense shedding in Y strain parasites. Shedding was less intense in CL Brener trypomastigotes, and approximately 10% of these parasites did not show any decrease in poly L-lysine or CF labelling. Binding of Con A induced low-intensity shedding in Y strain and redistribution of Con A-binding sites in CL Brener parasites. Trypomastigotes of the Y strain showed intense labelling with anti-〈-galactosyl antibodies, resulting in the lysis of approximately 30% of their population, in contrast with what was observed in CL Brener parasites. Incubation with Con A and CF protected trypomastigotes of the Y strain from lysis by anti-αGal. The last treatment did not interfere with the survival of the CL Brener parasites. This study corroborates with the idea that a ligand can differentially modulate the cell surface of T. cruzi, depending on the strain used, resulting in variable immune system responses and recognition by host cells.
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Alonso L, Cardoso ÉJS, Gomes RS, Mendanha SA, Dorta ML, Alonso A. Antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities of ionic surfactants compared to those of miltefosine. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 183:110421. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.110421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sabiá Júnior EF, Menezes LFS, de Araújo IFS, Schwartz EF. Natural Occurrence in Venomous Arthropods of Antimicrobial Peptides Active against Protozoan Parasites. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E563. [PMID: 31557900 PMCID: PMC6832604 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropoda is a phylum of invertebrates that has undergone remarkable evolutionary radiation, with a wide range of venomous animals. Arthropod venom is a complex mixture of molecules and a source of new compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most AMPs affect membrane integrity and produce lethal pores in microorganisms, including protozoan pathogens, whereas others act on internal targets or by modulation of the host immune system. Protozoan parasites cause some serious life-threatening diseases among millions of people worldwide, mostly affecting the poorest in developing tropical regions. Humans can be infected with protozoan parasites belonging to the genera Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma, responsible for Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. There is not yet any cure or vaccine for these illnesses, and the current antiprotozoal chemotherapeutic compounds are inefficient and toxic and have been in clinical use for decades, which increases drug resistance. In this review, we will present an overview of AMPs, the diverse modes of action of AMPs on protozoan targets, and the prospection of novel AMPs isolated from venomous arthropods with the potential to become novel clinical agents to treat protozoan-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Ferreira Sabiá Júnior
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Luis Felipe Santos Menezes
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Israel Flor Silva de Araújo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
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Alterations of the erythrocyte membrane by in vitro action of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae. J Helminthol 2018; 94:e17. [PMID: 30486910 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x18001062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The complex life cycle of Trichinella spiralis includes the migration of newborn larvae through the bloodstream to their encystment in muscle. The parasite establishes an intimate contact with the erythrocytes of the host both during the migration of the newborn larvae and when encysting, as this parasite causes intense vascularization in the muscle cell. The goal of this work was to study the effects of various concentrations of T. spiralis muscle larvae (ML) on erythrocyte membranes. The treatment was performed by incubating human erythrocytes with equal volume of different concentrations of ML for 30 minutes, with controlled agitation (37°C). The control erythrocytes (with no contact with the larvae) were incubated in the same way with an equal volume of physiological solution. To evaluate the alterations to the erythrocytes by the action of the larvae and in the respective controls, an Erythrocyte Rheometer and a Digital Image Analysis technique were used. The results indicated that when the larval concentration was higher, the aggregation and erythrocyte membrane alterations were also higher. Also, the erythrocyte deformability index and the erythrocyte elasticity increased. The values of isolated cell coefficient varied from 0.51 in the treatment with 100 larvae/ml to 0.91 in the incubation with 1000 larvae/ml. This experiment shows that T. spiralis muscle larvae affect significantly the red blood cell aggregation and the erythrocyte viscoelastic properties.
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Killing of Trypanozoon Parasites by the Equine Cathelicidin eCATH1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2610-9. [PMID: 26824936 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01127-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanozoon parasites infect both humans, causing sleeping sickness, and animals, causing nagana, surra, and dourine. Control of nagana and surra depends to a great extent on chemotherapy. However, drug resistance to several of the front-line drugs is rising. Furthermore, there is no official treatment for dourine. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop antiparasitic agents with novel modes of action. Host defense peptides have recently gained attention as promising candidates. We have previously reported that one such peptide, the equine antimicrobial peptide eCATH1, is highly active against equine Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, without cytotoxicity against mammalian cells at bacteriolytic concentrations. In the present study, we show that eCATH1 exhibits an in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 9.5 μM against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma evansi, and Trypanosoma equiperdum Its trypanocidal mechanism involves plasma membrane permeabilization and mitochondrial alteration based on the following data: (i) eCATH1 induces the rapid influx of the vital dye SYTOX Green; (ii) it rapidly disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, as revealed by immunofluorescence microscopy using the fluorescent dye rhodamine 123; (iii) it severely damages the membrane and intracellular structures of the parasites as early as 15 min after exposure at 9.5 μM and 5 min after exposure at higher concentrations (19 μM), as evidenced by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We also demonstrate that administration of eCATH1 at a dose of 10 mg/kg to T. equiperdum-infected mice delays mortality. Taken together, our findings suggest that eCATH1 is an interesting template for the development of novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of trypanosome infections.
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Nadhman A, Nazir S, Khan MI, Ayub A, Muhammad B, Khan M, Shams DF, Yasinzai M. Visible-light-responsive ZnCuO nanoparticles: benign photodynamic killers of infectious protozoans. Int J Nanomedicine 2015; 10:6891-903. [PMID: 26604755 PMCID: PMC4639553 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s91666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human beings suffer from several infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoans. Recently, there has been a great interest in developing biocompatible nanostructures to deal with infectious agents. This study investigated benign ZnCuO nanostructures that were visible-light-responsive due to the resident copper in the lattice. The nanostructures were synthesized through a size-controlled hot-injection process, which was adaptable to the surface ligation processes. The nanostructures were then characterized through transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, diffused reflectance spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering, and photoluminescence analysis to measure crystallite nature, size, luminescence, composition, and band-gap analyses. Antiprotozoal efficiency of the current nanoparticles revealed the photodynamic killing of Leishmania protozoan, thus acting as efficient metal-based photosensitizers. The crystalline nanoparticles showed good biocompatibility when tested for macrophage toxicity and in hemolysis assays. The study opens a wide avenue for using toxic material in resident nontoxic forms as an effective antiprotozoal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhtar Nadhman
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan ; Nanosciences and Catalysis Division, National Centre for Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Samina Nazir
- Nanosciences and Catalysis Division, National Centre for Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Attiya Ayub
- Nanosciences and Catalysis Division, National Centre for Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan ; Department of Chemistry, Hazara University, Dhodial, Pakistan
| | | | - Momin Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Dilawar Farhan Shams
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Masoom Yasinzai
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan ; Center of Interdisciplinary Research, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Pinto EG, Pimenta DC, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Tempone AG. Antimicrobial peptides isolated from Phyllomedusa nordestina (Amphibia) alter the permeability of plasma membrane of Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:655-60. [PMID: 24113627 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nature has provided inspiration for Drug Discovery studies and amphibian secretions have been used as a promising source of effective peptides which could be explored as novel drug prototypes for neglected parasitic diseases as Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. In this study, we isolated four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from Phyllomedusa nordestina secretion, and studied their effectiveness against Leishmania (L.) infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi. The antiparasitic fractions were characterized by mass spectrometry and Edman degradation, leading to the identification of dermaseptins 1 and 4 and phylloseptins 7 and 8. T. cruzi trypomastigotes were susceptible to peptides, showing IC50 values in the range concentration of 0.25-0.68 μM. Leishmania (L.) infantum showed susceptibility to phylloseptin 7, presenting an IC50 value of 10 μM. Except for phylloseptin 7 which moderate showed cytotoxicity (IC50=34 μM), the peptides induced no cellular damage to mammalian cells. The lack of mitochondrial oxidative activity of parasites detected by the MTT assay, suggested that peptides were leishmanicidal and trypanocidal. By using the fluorescent probe SYTOX(®) Green, dermaseptins 1 and 4 and phylloseptins 7 and 8 showed time-dependent plasma membrane permeabilization of T. cruzi; phylloseptin 7 also showed a similar effect in Leishmania parasites. The present study demonstrates for the first time that AMPs target the plasma membrane of Leishmania and T. cruzi, leading to cellular death. Considering the potential of amphibian peptides against protozoan parasites and the reduced mammalian toxicity, they may contribute as scaffolds for drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Gracielle Pinto
- Departament of Parasitology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 351, 8(o) Andar, 01246-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, 05403-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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de León PP, Del Balzo G, Riquelme B. Biorheological action of Ascaris lumbricoides larvae on human erythrocytes. Cell Biochem Biophys 2012; 65:237-42. [PMID: 22990360 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-012-9425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that A. lumbricoides extracts capture sialic acid (SA) from human red blood cells (RBC). The aim of this work was to study hemorheological alterations in vitro caused by parasite larvae. The biorheological action of three larva concentrates of first and second larval stage on group O erythrocytes was analyzed by incubating the erythrocyte packed together with an equal volume of larvae (treated RBC) and PBS (control RBC). Distribution and parameters of aggregation (digital image analysis), aggregation kinetics (erythroaggregameter), and viscoelasticity (erythrodeformeter) were measured. The digital image analysis showed that all the larvae diminished the isolated cells percentage and increased the size of the formed aggregates. The aggregate formation velocity was lower in the treated than in the control. The deformability index (ID) values of treated RBC did not present variations with respect to those of the control, but a decrease in the erythrocyte elastic modulus (μ(m)) and membrane surface viscosity (η(m)) values was observed, indicating that the larvae not only induced a diminution in the membrane surface viscosity of RBC but also altered the dynamic viscoelasticity of the membrane. Experiments carried out in vitro support the conclusion that the contact between larvae and RBC produces hemorheological alterations.
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20
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Zelada-Guillén GA, Tweed-Kent A, Niemann M, Göringer HU, Riu J, Rius FX. Ultrasensitive and real-time detection of proteins in blood using a potentiometric carbon-nanotube aptasensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2012; 41:366-71. [PMID: 23017685 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2012.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Potentiometric sensing represents the preferred technique in many routine measurements of pH and ions. Unfortunately, the simplicity of the technique has not been exploited so far in high throughput biomolecular sensing. In this work, we demonstrate the capabilities of the hybrid functional material carbon nanotubes/aptamer for the creation of a new generation of nuclease-resistant aptasensors using the potentiometric transduction capabilities of single-walled carbon nanotubes in combination with the recognition capabilities of a protein-specific RNA aptamer. The aptasensor was used to detect and identify disease-related proteins at attomolar concentration values in a rapid and non-expensive way. The variable surface glycoprotein from African Trypanosomes was chosen as an ideal model system for a pathogenic exoantigen protein in a clinical sample. Variations in the electromotive force are achieved in real-time upon the direct addition of diluted real blood samples containing the target protein thus eliminating the need of preliminary matrix removal. This work would open the door to real-time diagnostic assays for a wide range of diseases, but also to the rapid molecular detection of several proteins in truly customizable protein biosensing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo A Zelada-Guillén
- Department of Analytical and Organic Chemistry, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel·lí Domingo s/n, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain.
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21
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Effects of platelet-activating factor on the interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi with Rhodnius prolixus. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:1473-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2194-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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22
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Neuropeptides kill African trypanosomes by targeting intracellular compartments and inducing autophagic-like cell death. Cell Death Differ 2008; 16:406-16. [PMID: 19057622 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2008.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of African sleeping sickness. Available treatments are ineffective, toxic and susceptible to resistance by the parasite. Here we show that various endogenous neuropeptides act as potent antitrypanosome agents. Neuropeptides exerted their trypanolytic activity through an unusual mechanism that involves peptide uptake by the parasite, disruption of lysosome integrity and cytosolic accumulation of glycolytic enzymes. This promotes an energetic metabolism failure that initiates an autophagic-like cell death. Neuropeptide-based treatment improved clinical signs in a chronic model of trypanosomiasis by reducing the parasite burden in various target organs. Of physiological importance is the fact that hosts respond to trypanosome infection producing neuropeptides as part of their natural innate defense. From a therapeutic point of view, targeting of intracellular compartments by neuropeptides suppose a new promising strategy for the treatment of trypanosomiasis.
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Löfgren SE, Miletti LC, Steindel M, Bachère E, Barracco MA. Trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities of different antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) isolated from aquatic animals. Exp Parasitol 2007; 118:197-202. [PMID: 17888907 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2007] [Revised: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 07/31/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Most of the available animal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been tested against bacteria and fungi, but very few against protozoan parasites. In the present study, we investigated the antiparasitic activity of different AMPs isolated from aquatic animals: tachyplesin (Tach, from Tachypleus tridentatus), magainin (Mag, from Xenopus laevis), clavanin (Clav, from Styela clava), penaeidin (Pen, from Litopenaeus vannamei), mytilin (Myt, from Mytilus edulis) and anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF, from Penaeus monodon). The antiparasitic activity was evaluated against the promastigote form of Leishmania braziliensis and epi and trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, through the MTT method. Tach was the most potent peptide, killing completely L. braziliensis and trypomastigote T. cruzi from 12.5microM, whereas Pen and Clav were weakly active against trypomastigotes and Myt against L. braziliensis, only at a high concentration (100microM). Tach and Mag were markedly hemolytic at high concentrations, whereas the other peptides caused only a slight hemolysis (<10% up to 50microM). Our results point to Tach as the only potential candidate for further investigation and potential application as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Löfgren
- Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada a Aqüicultura, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Embriologia e Genética, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, CP. 476, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil
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24
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Wootton EC, Dyrynda EA, Ratcliffe NA. Interaction between non-specific electrostatic forces and humoral factors in haemocyte attachment and encapsulation in the edible cockle, Cerastoderma edule. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 209:1326-35. [PMID: 16547303 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In invertebrates, encapsulation is the common immune defence reaction towards foreign bodies, including multicellular parasites, which enter the haemocoel and are too large to be phagocytosed. This immune response has been most extensively studied in insects, in which it is highly complex, involving a diversity of cellular and molecular processes, but little is known of this process in bivalve molluscs. Non-specific physicochemical properties are known to influence parasite-haemocyte interactions in many invertebrates, and these may provide the common basis of encapsulation on which highly specific biochemical interactions are imposed. The present study uses synthetic beads and thread to mimic inactive metacercarial cysts of trematodes, and thus investigates factors involved in the basic, non-specific mechanisms of cell attachment and encapsulation in the edible cockle, Cerastoderma edule. Results showed that positively charged targets stimulated the most vigorous response, and further detailed experiments revealed that non-specific electrostatic forces and humoral plasma factors have a synergistic role in haemocyte attachment and the encapsulation response of C. edule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Wootton
- School of Environment and Society, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.
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25
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Cardo LJ, Salata J, Harman R, Mendez J, Weina PJ. Leukodepletion filters reduce Leishmania in blood products when used at collection or at the bedside. Transfusion 2006; 46:896-902. [PMID: 16734805 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2006.00821.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania is an intracellular parasite of monocytes transmissible by transfusion. The feasibility of reducing Leishmania with leukodepletion filters was studied. At collection, infected blood contains the amastigote form of Leishmania within monocytes. Amastigotes cause the rupture of monocytes releasing free amastigotes that convert to promastigotes, which exist extracellularly at blood storage temperatures. Leukodepletion filters were tested at various time points in this process. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Blood products were infected with Leishmania organisms and then filtered with whole-blood filters at collection, with bedside filters after storage, and to determine whether free promastigotes could be eliminated. RESULTS Filtration at collection reduced Leishmania by 3 to 4 log or to the level of detection. Filtration of infected red cells after 2 weeks of storage showed a reduction of Leishmania by 4 log. Filtration resulted in a 6- to 8-log reduction in promastigotes either in the presence or in the absence of white cells within the filter. CONCLUSION Filtration at the time of collection and after storage of Leishmania-infected blood resulted in a substantial reduction of free and intracellular organisms. There is currently no donor screen for Leishmania. Until adequate testing is developed, the use of leukodepletion filters could add to the safety of the blood supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Cardo
- Division of Military Casualty Research, Department of Blood Research, Transfusion Medicine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-7500, USA.
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Bourguignon SC, Mello CB, Santos DO, Gonzalez MS, Souto-Padron T. Biological aspects of the Trypanosoma cruzi (Dm28c clone) intermediate form, between epimastigote and trypomastigote, obtained in modified liver infusion tryptose (LIT) medium. Acta Trop 2006; 98:103-9. [PMID: 16574051 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2006.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2005] [Revised: 02/21/2006] [Accepted: 02/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We describe some biological characteristics of the Trypanosoma cruzi intermediate form derived from the transformation of epimastigotes to trypomastigotes obtained from cultivation in modified liver infusion tryptose (LIT) medium. The ultrastructural analysis of the intermediate forms in this medium showed the enlargement of the kinetoplast located adjacent to the flagellate nucleus. Some biological characteristics of the intermediate form are similar to trypomastigotes and others to epimastigotes. Despite displaying a similar trypomastigote surface charge, the intermediate forms, like the epimastigotes, are not resistant to complement-mediated lysis. Moreover, the intermediate forms are unable to infect cultured fibroblasts cells but develop limited infections in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo C Bourguignon
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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27
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d'Avila-Levy CM, Silva BA, Hayashi EA, Vermelho AB, Alviano CS, Saraiva EMB, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Influence of the endosymbiont ofBlastocrithidia culicisandCrithidia deaneion the glycoconjugate expression and onAedes aegyptiinteraction. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2006; 252:279-86. [PMID: 16216441 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsle.2005.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2005] [Accepted: 09/05/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocrithidia culicis and Crithidia deanei are trypanosomatid protozoa of insects that normally contain intracellular symbiotic bacteria. The protozoa can be rid of their endosymbionts by antibiotics, producing a cured cell line. Here, we analyzed the glycoconjugate profiles of endosymbiont-harboring and cured strains of B. culicis and C. deanei by Western blotting and flow cytometry analyses using lectins that recognize specifically sialic acid and mannose-like residues. The absence of the endosymbiont increased the intensity of the lectins binding on both trypanosomatids. In addition, wild and cured strain-specific glycoconjugate bands were identified. The role of the surface saccharide residues on the interaction with explanted guts from Aedes aegypti gut was assessed. The aposymbiotic strains of B. culicis and C. deanei presented interaction rates 3.3- and 2.3-fold lower with the insect gut, respectively, when compared with the endosymbiont-bearing strains. The interaction rate of sialidase-treated cells of the wild and cured strains of B. culicis and C. deanei was reduced in at least 90% in relation to the control. The interaction of B. culicis (wild strain) with explanted guts was inhibited in the presence of mucin (56%), fetuin (62%), sialyllactose (64%) and alpha-methyl-D-mannoside (80%), while in C. deanei (wild strain) the inhibition was 53%, 56%, 79% and 34%, respectively. Collectively, our results suggest a possible involvement of sialomolecules and mannose-rich glycoconjugates in the interaction between insect trypanosomatids and the invertebrate host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Bloco I, Ilha do Fundão, Brazil
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