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Bazedoxifene, a Postmenopausal Drug, Acts as an Antimalarial and Inhibits Hemozoin Formation. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0278121. [PMID: 35616371 PMCID: PMC9241896 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02781-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a remarkable improvement in health care and continued drug discovery efforts, malaria control efforts are continuously challenged by the emergence of drug-resistant parasite strains. Given a long and risky development path of new drugs, repurposing existing drugs for the treatment of malaria is an attractive and shorter path. Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) for the treatment and prevention of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities. Hence, we assessed tamoxifen, raloxifene, and bazedoxifene, which represent the first-, second-, and third-generation SERMs, respectively, for antimalarial activity. Raloxifene and bazedoxifene inhibited the erythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum with submicromolar 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. Among the three, bazedoxifene was the most potent and also decreased P. berghei infection in female mice but not in male mice. However, bazedoxifene similarly inhibited P. falciparum growth in erythrocytes of male and female origin, which highlights the importance of sex-specific host physiology in drug efficacy. Bazedoxifene was most potent on early ring-stage parasites, and about 35% of the treated parasites did not contain hemozoin in the food vacuole. Bazedoxifene-treated parasites had almost 34% less hemozoin content than the control parasites. However, both control and bazedoxifene-treated parasites had similar hemoglobin levels, suggesting that bazedoxifene inhibits hemozoin formation and that toxicity due to accumulation of free heme could be a mechanism of its antimalarial activity. Because bazedoxifene is in clinical use and bazedoxifene-chloroquine combination shows an additive antiparasitic effect, bazedoxifene could be an adjunctive partner of currently used antimalarial regimens. IMPORTANCE The emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has necessitated new drugs. Selective estrogen receptor modulators are in clinical use for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and postmenopausal osteoporosis. We demonstrate that bazedoxifene, a third-generation selective estrogen receptor modulator, has potent inhibitory activity against both susceptible and drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. It also blocked the development of Plasmodium berghei in mice. The inhibitory effect was strongest on the ring stage and resulted in the inhibition of hemozoin formation, which could be the major mechanism of bazedoxifene action. Hemozoin is a nontoxic polymer of heme, which is a by-product of hemoglobin degradation by the malaria parasite during its development within the erythrocyte. Because bazedoxifene is already in clinical use for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, our findings support repurposing of bazedoxifene as an antimalarial.
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Pepe G, Sfogliarini C, Rizzello L, Battaglia G, Pinna C, Rovati G, Ciana P, Brunialti E, Mornata F, Maggi A, Locati M, Vegeto E. ERα-independent NRF2-mediated immunoregulatory activity of tamoxifen. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112274. [PMID: 34653752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112274] [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] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in immune-mediated diseases are linked to the activity of estrogens on innate immunity cells, including macrophages. Tamoxifen (TAM) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used in estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα)-dependent breast cancers and off-target indications such as infections, although the immune activity of TAM and its active metabolite, 4-OH tamoxifen (4HT), is poorly characterized. Here, we aimed at investigating the endocrine and immune activity of these SERMs in macrophages. Using primary cultures of female mouse macrophages, we analyzed the expression of immune mediators and activation of effector functions in competition experiments with SERMs and 17β-estradiol (E2) or the bacterial endotoxin LPS. We observed that 4HT and TAM induce estrogen antagonist effects when used at nanomolar concentrations, while pharmacological concentrations that are reached by TAM in clinical settings regulate the expression of VEGFα and other immune activation genes by ERα- and G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPER1)-independent mechanisms that involve NRF2 through PI3K/Akt-dependent mechanisms. Importantly, we observed that SERMs potentiate cell phagocytosis and modify the effects of LPS on the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα and IL1β, with an overall increase in cell inflammatory phenotype, further sustained by potentiation of IL1β secretion through caspase-1 activation. Altogether, our data unravel a novel molecular mechanism and immune functions for TAM and 4HT, sustaining their repurposing in infective and other estrogen receptors-unrelated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Pepe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Sfogliarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Loris Rizzello
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; National Institute of Molecular Genetics (INGM) Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Chemistry and; The EPSRC/Jeol Centre for Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy, University College London, WC1H 0AJ London, U.K; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Physics of Living System, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, U.K; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Pinna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Electra Brunialti
- Department of Health Sciences University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Mornata
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Locati
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Cervantes-Candelas LA, Aguilar-Castro J, Buendía-González FO, Fernández-Rivera O, Cervantes-Sandoval A, Morales-Montor J, Legorreta-Herrera M. Tamoxifen Suppresses the Immune Response to Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Exacerbates Symptomatology. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060743. [PMID: 34204678 PMCID: PMC8231265 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most lethal parasitic disease in the world. Mortality and severity in symptoms are higher in men than women, suggesting that oestrogens, which are in higher concentration in females than in males, may regulate the immune response against malaria. Tamoxifen, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator used in breast cancer treatment due to its antagonistic effect on oestrogen receptors α and β, is also studied because of its potential therapeutic use for several parasitic diseases. However, most studies, including one in malaria, have not addressed the immunomodulatory role of tamoxifen. In this work, we evaluated the effect of tamoxifen on the immune response of CBA/Ca mice against Plasmodium berghei ANKA. This study showed for the first time that tamoxifen increased parasite load, aggravated symptoms by decreasing body temperature and body weight, and worsened anaemia. Additionally, tamoxifen significantly increased the splenic index and the percentages of CD4+ and NK+ cells on day eight post-infection. By contrast, tamoxifen decreased both CD8+ and B220+ populations in the spleen and decreased the serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17. Our findings support the notion that tamoxifen is a potent immunomodulator in malaria-infected mice and suggest caution when administering it to malaria-infected women with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Antonio Cervantes-Candelas
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio D, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Jesús Aguilar-Castro
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
| | - Fidel Orlando Buendía-González
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
| | - Omar Fernández-Rivera
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
| | - Armando Cervantes-Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Aplicaciones Computacionales, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico;
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, AP 70228, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Martha Legorreta-Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (F.O.B.-G.); (O.F.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-5556230700 (ext. 83207)
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In vitro schistosomicidal activity of tamoxifen and its effectiveness in a murine model of schistosomiasis at a single dose. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1625-1631. [PMID: 30798369 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting 220 million people worldwide. Praziquantel has proven to be effective against this parasitic disease, though there are increasing concerns regarding tolerance/resistance that calls for new drugs. Repurposing already existing and well-known drugs has been a desirable approach since it reduces time, costs, and ethical concerns. The anti-cancer drug tamoxifen (TAM) has been used worldwide for several decades to treat and prevent breast cancer. Previous reports stated that TAM affects Schistosoma hormonal physiology; however, no controlled schistosomicidal in vivo assays have been conducted. In this work, we evaluated the effect of TAM on female and male Schistosoma mansoni morphology, motility, and egg production. We further assessed worm survival and egg production in S. mansoni-infected mice. TAM induced morphological alterations in male and female parasites, as well as in eggs in vitro. Furthermore, in our in vivo experiments, one single dose of intraperitoneal TAM citrate reduced the total worm burden by 73% and led to a decrease in the amount of eggs in feces and low percentages of immature eggs in the small intestine wall. Eggs obtained from TAM citrate-treated mice were reduced in size and presented hyper-vacuolated structures. Our results suggest that TAM may be repurposed as a therapeutic alternative against S. mansoni infections.
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Abstract
The concept of repurposing previously approved medications to the treatment of new indications by taking advantage of off-target effects has gained traction in recent years, particularly in areas of medicine that do not offer large profits to pharmaceutical firms. As infectious disease discovery research has declined among large pharmaceutical companies, the potential payoff of repurposing has become attractive. The concept of repurposing previously approved medications to the treatment of new indications by taking advantage of off-target effects has gained traction in recent years, particularly in areas of medicine that do not offer large profits to pharmaceutical firms. As infectious disease discovery research has declined among large pharmaceutical companies, the potential payoff of repurposing has become attractive. From these efforts, the triphenylethylene class of selective estrogen receptor modulators related to tamoxifen has shown activity against a wide range of medically important human pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Because it has activity against many pathogens affecting people in resource-limited areas of the world, TAM and related drugs may be particularly useful. Here, we review the in vitro, in vivo, and mechanistic studies of the anti-infective activity of tamoxifen, toremifene, clomiphene, and their analogs. We also discuss the pharmacologic properties of this privileged scaffold and its potential utility in treating infectious diseases.
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De León-Nava MA, Álvarez-Delgado C, Donis-Maturano L, Hernández-Ruiz J, Manjarrez-Reyna AN, Cruz-Avilés E, Leon-Cabrera S, Morales-Montor J, Fragoso JM, Escobedo G. A non-hepatotropic parasite infection increases mortality in the acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure murine model: possible roles for IL-5 and IL-6. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 111:757-764. [PMID: 27812602 PMCID: PMC5146742 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760160311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of a non-hepatotropic parasite infection (Taenia crassiceps) on the outcome of acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure in mice. Uninfected and T. crassiceps infected mice orally received either 300 mg/kg acetaminophen or water as vehicle (n = 5 per group). Survival analysis, hepatocyte necrosis, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, CYP2E1 protein, interleukin (IL-) 5, and IL-6 were assessed for all groups. All infected mice died within 16 h after exposure to acetaminophen (Tc+APAP group), whereas only one-third of uninfected animals exposed to acetaminophen (APAP group) died. Uninfected (Control group) and infected (Tc group) mice that received the vehicle showed no liver damage. Tc+APAP mice exhibited massive liver necrosis characterised by marked balloning degeneration of hepatocytes and higher serum ALT compared to Control, Tc, and APAP animals. Liver tissue from Tc+APAP mice also displayed increased expression of CYP2E1 protein and higher mRNA and protein levels of IL-5 and IL-6 compared to the other groups. These findings suggest that non-hepatotropic parasite infections may increase mortality following acute liver failure by promoting hepatocyte necrosis via IL-5 and IL-6-dependent CYP2E1 overproduction. This study identifies new potential risk factors associated with severe acute liver failure in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A De León-Nava
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Baja California, México
| | - Carolina Álvarez-Delgado
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Baja California, México
| | - Luis Donis-Maturano
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Baja California, México
| | - Joselin Hernández-Ruiz
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Hospital General de México Dr Eduardo Liceaga, Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Aaron N Manjarrez-Reyna
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Hospital General de México Dr Eduardo Liceaga, Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edgar Cruz-Avilés
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Hospital General de México Dr Eduardo Liceaga, Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sonia Leon-Cabrera
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Unidad de Biomedicina, Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Los Reyes Iztacala, México
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Departamento de Inmunología, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José M Fragoso
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Galileo Escobedo
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Hospital General de México Dr Eduardo Liceaga, Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad, Ciudad de México, México
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7
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Neurocysticercosis: a review on status in India, management, and current therapeutic interventions. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:21-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Panic G, Duthaler U, Speich B, Keiser J. Repurposing drugs for the treatment and control of helminth infections. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:185-200. [PMID: 25516827 PMCID: PMC4266803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing continues to be the central drug discovery strategy for helminths. Most repurposed drugs come from veterinary medicine and known drug classes. Only a handful of drugs have advanced clinically. More collaborations and funding are needed to advance discoveries to the market.
Helminth infections are responsible for a considerable public health burden, yet the current drug armamentarium is small. Given the high cost of drug discovery and development, the high failure rates and the long duration to develop novel treatments, drug repurposing circumvents these obstacles by finding new uses for compounds other than those they were initially intended to treat. In the present review, we summarize in vivo and clinical trial findings testing clinical candidates and marketed drugs against schistosomes, food-borne trematodes, soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis, the major human filariases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, taeniasis, neurocysticercosis and echinococcosis. While expanding the applications of broad-spectrum or veterinary anthelmintics continues to fuel alternative treatment options, antimalarials, antibiotics, antiprotozoals and anticancer agents appear to be producing fruitful results as well. The trematodes and nematodes continue to be most investigated, while cestodal drug discovery will need to be accelerated. The most clinically advanced drug candidates include the artemisinins and mefloquine against schistosomiasis, tribendimidine against liver flukes, oxantel pamoate against trichuriasis, and doxycycline against filariasis. Preclinical studies indicate a handful of promising future candidates, and are beginning to elucidate the broad-spectrum activity of some currently used anthelmintics. Challenges and opportunities are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer Keiser
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 61 284 8218; fax: +41 61 284 8105.
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In vitro and in vivo effects of tamoxifen against larval stage Echinococcus granulosus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:5146-54. [PMID: 24936598 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02113-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. Chemotherapy currently employs benzimidazoles; however, 40% of cases do not respond favorably. With regard to these difficulties, novel therapeutic tools are needed to optimize treatment in humans. The aim of this work was to explore the in vitro and in vivo effects of tamoxifen (TAM) against E. granulosus. In addition, possible mechanisms for the susceptibility of TAM are discussed in relation to calcium homeostasis, P-glycoprotein inhibition, and antagonist effects on a putative steroid receptor. After 24 h of treatment, TAM, at a low micromolar concentration range (10 to 50 μM), inhibited the survival of E. granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes. Moreover, we demonstrated the chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive pharmacological effects of the drug. At a dose rate of 20 mg/kg of body weight, TAM induced protection against the infection in mice. In the clinical efficacy studies, a reduction in cyst weight was observed after the administration of 20 mg/kg in mice with cysts developed during 3 or 6 months, compared to that of those collected from control mice. Since the collateral effects of high TAM doses have been largely documented in clinical trials, the use of low doses of this drug as a short-term therapy may be a novel alternative approach for human cystic echinococcosis treatment.
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Zurabian R, Aguilar-Vega L, Terrones Vargas E, Cervera Hernández ME, Willms K, Ruíz-Velasco Acosta S. In vivo albendazole treatment of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci strain WFU: proliferation, damage, and recovery. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3961-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Tamoxifen treatment in hamsters induces protection during taeniosis by Taenia solium. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 2013:280496. [PMID: 23509701 PMCID: PMC3591190 DOI: 10.1155/2013/280496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human neurocysticercosis by Taenia solium is considered an emergent severe brain disorder in developing and developed countries. Discovery of new antiparasitic drugs has been recently aimed to restrain differentiation and establishment of the T. solium adult tapeworm, for being considered a central node in the disease propagation to both pigs and humans. Tamoxifen is an antiestrogenic drug with cysticidal action on Taenia crassiceps, a close relative of T. solium. Thus, we evaluated the effect of tamoxifen on the in vitro evagination and the in vivo establishment of T. solium. In vitro, tamoxifen inhibited evagination of T. solium cysticerci in a dose-time dependent manner. In vivo, administration of tamoxifen to hamsters decreased the intestinal establishment of the parasite by 70%, while recovered tapeworms showed an 80% reduction in length, appearing as scolices without strobilar development. Since tamoxifen did not show any significant effect on the proliferation of antigen-specific immune cells, intestinal inflammation, and expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in spleen and duodenum, this drug could exert its antiparasite actions by having direct detrimental effects upon the adult tapeworm. These results demonstrate that tamoxifen exhibits a strong cysticidal and antitaeniasic effect on T. solium that should be further explored in humans and livestock.
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Sacerdote AS, Mejía JO, Bahtiyar G, Salamon O. Effect of raloxifene in human neurocysticercosis. BMJ Case Rep 2012; 2012:bcr.06.2011.4417. [PMID: 22707693 DOI: 10.1136/bcr.06.2011.4417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors report a patient whose polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and increased calcitriol level were associated with neurocysticercosis (NCC), for which she refused standard therapy. Based upon a report on treatment with tamoxifen in murine cysticercosis,1 she was offered raloxifene. She began raloxifene 60 mg/day on 21 January 2010. On 17 March 2010 she was pregnant, and was terminated on 14 April 2010. MRI 26 April 2010 showed diminution in size, shrinkage and loss of viability in a number of the cysts. Total lesions fell from 37 to 33, 10 lesions shrunk, 5 resolved, 18 were unchanged, 4 enlarged and 1 new lesion developed. Concomitantly serum calcitriol fell from 81 to 41 pg/ml while 25-OH-vitamin D level fell from 34 to 30 ng/ml. Alteration of the hormonal milieu may reduce cestode burden in human NCC. The pregnancy on raloxifene, though unfortunate, supports the concept that NCC caused the PCOS. Serum calcitriol may be a useful biomarker for assessing disease activity in NCC.
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Ramirez-Aquino R, Radovanovic I, Fortin A, Sciutto-Conde E, Fragoso-González G, Gros P, Aguilar-Delfin I. Identification of loci controlling restriction of parasite growth in experimental Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1435. [PMID: 22206032 PMCID: PMC3243719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neurocysticercosis (NC) caused by Taenia solium is a parasitic disease of the central nervous system that is endemic in many developing countries. In this study, a genetic approach using the murine intraperitoneal cysticercosis caused by the related cestode Taenia crassiceps was employed to identify host factors that regulate the establishment and proliferation of the parasite. A/J mice are permissive to T. crassiceps infection while C57BL/6J mice (B6) are comparatively restrictive, with a 10-fold difference in numbers of peritoneal cysticerci recovered 30 days after infection. The genetic basis of this inter-strain difference was explored using 34 AcB/BcA recombinant congenic strains derived from A/J and B6 progenitors, that were phenotyped for T. crassiceps replication. In agreement with their genetic background, most AcB strains (A/J-derived) were found to be permissive to infection while most BcA strains (B6-derived) were restrictive with the exception of a few discordant strains, together suggesting a possible simple genetic control. Initial haplotype association mapping using >1200 informative SNPs pointed to linkages on chromosomes 2 (proximal) and 6 as controlling parasite replication in the AcB/BcA panel. Additional linkage analysis by genome scan in informative [AcB55xDBA/2]F1 and F2 mice (derived from the discordant AcB55 strain), confirmed the effect of chromosome 2 on parasite replication, and further delineated a major locus (LOD = 4.76, p<0.01; peak marker D2Mit295, 29.7 Mb) that we designate Tccr1 (T. crassiceps cysticercosis restrictive locus 1). Resistance alleles at Tccr1 are derived from AcB55 and are inherited in a dominant fashion. Scrutiny of the minimal genetic interval reveals overlap of Tccr1 with other host resistance loci mapped to this region, most notably the defective Hc/C5 allele which segregates both in the AcB/BcA set and in the AcB55xDBA/2 cross. These results strongly suggest that the complement component 5 (C5) plays a critical role in early protective inflammatory response to infection with T. crassiceps. Infection with the cestode Taenia solium causes cysticercosis in humans and pigs. Neurocysticercosis is a severe manifestation of T. solium infection that constitutes an important health concern in developing countries. Studies in humans living in areas of endemic disease and in pigs experimentally infected have suggested a large spectrum of permissiveness to T. solium multiplication, with the possible contribution of genetic factors. In the present report, we have used an experimental mouse model of intraperitoneal infection with Taenia crassiceps to study the potential role of genetic factors in regulating replication of this parasite. Our study focused on two inbred mouse strains A/J and C57BL/6J that are respectively permissive and non-permissive to intraperitoneal multiplication of T. crassiceps. We have used a set of AcB/BcA recombinant congenic strains of mice along with standard F2 crosses to decipher the complexity and nature of the genetic component of the A/J vs. C57BL/6J interstrain difference in permissiveness. Our results point to a major role of the complement component 5 (C5) in early response and protection against T. crassiceps infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Ramirez-Aquino
- Departament of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Anny Fortin
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Edda Sciutto-Conde
- Departament of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gladis Fragoso-González
- Departament of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Philippe Gros
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Irma Aguilar-Delfin
- Laboratory of Immunogenomics and Metabolic Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Ciudad de México, México
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14
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Ibarra-Coronado EG, Escobedo G, Nava-Castro K, Jesús Ramses CR, Hernández-Bello R, García-Varela M, Ambrosio JR, Reynoso-Ducoing O, Fonseca-Liñán R, Ortega-Pierres G, Pavón L, Hernández ME, Morales-Montor J. A helminth cestode parasite express an estrogen-binding protein resembling a classic nuclear estrogen receptor. Steroids 2011; 76:1149-59. [PMID: 21621550 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 04/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The role of an estrogen-binding protein similar to a known mammalian estrogen receptor (ER) is described in the estradiol-dependent reproduction of the helminth parasite Taenia crassiceps. Previous results have shown that 17-β-estradiol induces a concentration-dependent increase in bud number of in vitro cultured cysticerci. This effect is inhibited when parasites are also incubated in the presence of an ER binding-inhibitor (tamoxifen). RT-PCR assays using specific oligonucleotides of the most conserved ER sequences, showed expression by the parasite of a mRNA band of molecular weight and sequence corresponding to an ER. Western blot assays revealed reactivity with a 66 kDa protein corresponding to the parasite ER protein. Tamoxifen treatment strongly reduced the production of the T. crassiceps ER-like protein. Antibody specificity was demonstrated by immunoprecipitating the total parasite protein extract with anti-ER-antibodies. Cross-contamination by host cells was discarded by flow cytometry analysis. ER was specifically detected on cells expressing paramyosin, a specific helminth cell marker. Parasite cells expressing the ER-like protein were located by confocal microscopy in the subtegumental tissue exclusively. Analysis of the ER-like protein by bidimensional electrophoresis and immunoblot identified a specific protein of molecular weight and isoelectric point similar to a vertebrates ER. Sequencing of the spot produced a small fragment of protein similar to the mammalian nuclear ER. Together these results show that T. crassiceps expresses an ER-like protein which activates the budding of T. crassiceps cysticerci in vitro. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an ER-like protein in parasites. This finding may have strong implications in the fields of host-parasite co-evolution as well as in sex-associated susceptibility to this infection, and could be an important target for the design of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Guadalupe Ibarra-Coronado
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, México
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15
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Sensitive in vitro system to assess morphological and biochemical effects of praziquantel and albendazole on Taenia solium cysts. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 55:211-7. [PMID: 21041508 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00761-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis resulting from Taenia solium infections is a major cause of adult-acquired seizures worldwide. Disease is caused by larval cysts, and treatment consists of the anthelmintic drugs albendazole or praziquantel. There are no standard methods to assess drug activity to T. solium cysts in vitro. Morphological, functional, and biochemical changes that might reflect damaging (inhibiting, cytotoxic) drug effects were analyzed after exposure of cysts to albendazole sulfoxide (ABZ-SO), the major active metabolite of the drug in vivo, praziquantel (PZQ), or combinations of both. PZQ exposure led to a decrease in cyst size and inhibition of evagination, whereas ABZ-SO exposure resulted in minimal changes. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is normally secreted by cysts, and both drugs inhibited AP secretion at concentrations of 5 and 50 ng/ml for PZQ and ABZ-SO, respectively. Some combinations of both drugs resulted in additive and/or synergistic activities. Parasite-specific antigen, detected in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of infected patients, is also normally secreted by T. solium cysts. Antigen secretion was similarly inhibited by ABZ-SO and PZQ and a combination of both drugs, suggesting that inhibition of secretion is a common downstream consequence of the activities of both drugs. These studies establish quantitative methods to measure in vitro anthelmintic activity and suggest combination therapy with ABZ-SO and PZQ may have clinical benefit.
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16
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A new MAP kinase protein involved in estradiol-stimulated reproduction of the helminth parasite Taenia crassiceps. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:747121. [PMID: 20145710 PMCID: PMC2817376 DOI: 10.1155/2010/747121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MAP kinases (MAPK) are involved in the regulation of cellular
processes such as reproduction and growth. In parasites, the role
of MAPK has been scarcely studied. Here, we describe the
participation of an ERK-like protein in estrogen-dependent
reproduction of the helminth parasite Taenia
crassiceps. Our results show that 17β-estradiol
induces a concentration-dependent increase in the bud number of in
vitro cultured cysticerci. If parasites are also incubated in
presence of an ERK-inhibitor, the stimulatory effect of estrogen
is blocked. The expression of ERK-like mRNA and its corresponding
protein was detected in the parasite. The ERK-like protein was
over-expressed by all treatments. Nevertheless, a strong induction
of phosphorylation of this protein was observed only in response
to 17β-estradiol. Cross-contamination by host cells was
discarded by flow cytometry analysis. Parasite cells expressing
the ERK-like protein were exclusively located at the subtegument
tissue by confocal microscopy. Finally, the ERK-like protein was
separated by bidimensional electrophoresis and then sequenced,
showing the conserved TEY activation motif, typical of all known
ERK 1/2 proteins. Our results show that an ERK-like protein is
involved in the molecular signalling during the interaction
between the host and T. crassiceps, and may be
considered as target for anti-helminth drugs design.
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