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Wang H, Wang X, Feng Y, Zhang K, Peng M, Wu X, Li Y. Salidroside Reduced Ca 2+-CaM-CAMKII-Dependent eNOS/NO Activation to Decrease Endothelial Cell Injury Induced by Cold Combined with Hypoxia. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01434-2. [PMID: 39020087 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01434-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
To investigate vascular endothelium damage in rats exposed to hypoxic and cold and the effect of salidroside in protecting against this damage. A rat isolated aortic ring hypoxia/cold model was established to simulate exposure to hypoxic and cold. The levels of endothelial cell injury markers were measured by ELISA. TEM was performed to observe the ultrastructure of vascular ring endothelial cells. In vitro assays were performed to verify the effect of salidroside on endothelial cells. CCK-8 and flow cytometry were performed to analyze endothelial cell survival and apoptosis, respectively. Ca2+ concentrations were measured by Flow cytometry, and the expressions of NOS/NO pathway-related proteins were measured by WB. Endothelial cell damage, mitochondrial swelling, autophagy, and apoptosis were increased in the hypoxia group and hypoxia/hypothermia group. All of these effects were inhibited by salidroside. Moreover, exposure to cold combined with hypoxia reduced the NO levels, Ca2+ concentrations and NOS/NO pathway-related protein expression in the hypoxia group and hypoxia/hypothermia group. Salidroside treatment reversed these changes. Salidroside protected against endothelial cell injury induced by cold and hypoxia through reduction of Ca2+-CaM-CAMKII-dependent eNOS/NO activation, thereby preventing mitochondrial damage, reducing ROS levels, and inhibiting apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Xianzhen Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Yanping Feng
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Kewei Zhang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Maodongzhi Peng
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, 810001, China.
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2
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Rodríguez-Nuévalos S, Espinosa M, Leyva-Pérez A. Soluble individual metal atoms and ultrasmall clusters catalyze key synthetic steps of a natural product synthesis. Commun Chem 2024; 7:76. [PMID: 38575790 PMCID: PMC10995175 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01160-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Metal individual atoms and few-atom clusters show extraordinary catalytic properties for a variety of organic reactions, however, their implementation in total synthesis of complex organic molecules is still to be determined. Here we show a 11-step linear synthesis of the natural product (±)-Licarin B, where individual Pd atoms (Pd1) catalyze the direct aerobic oxidation of an alcohol to the carboxylic acid (steps 1 and 6), Cu2-7 clusters catalyze carbon-oxygen cross couplings (steps 3 and 8), Pd3-4 clusters catalyze a Sonogashira coupling (step 4) and Pt3-5 clusters catalyze a Markovnikov hydrosylilation of alkynes (step 5), as key reactions during the synthetic route. In addition, the new synthesis of Licarin B showcases an unexpected selective alkene hydrogenation with metal-free NaBH4 and an acid-catalyzed intermolecular carbonyl-olefin metathesis as the last step, to forge a trans-alkene group. These results, together, open new avenues in the use of metal individual atoms and clusters in organic synthesis, and confirm their exceptional catalytic activity in late stages during complex synthetic programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rodríguez-Nuévalos
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Espinosa
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Leyva-Pérez
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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3
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Wang F, Xue Y, Pei Y, Yin M, Sun Z, Zhou Z, Liu J, Liu Q. Construction of luciferase-expressing Neospora caninum and drug screening. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:118. [PMID: 38459572 PMCID: PMC10921786 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that is particularly responsible for abortions in cattle and neuromuscular disease in dogs. Due to the limited effectiveness of currently available drugs, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches to control neosporosis. Luciferase-based assays are potentially powerful tools in the search for antiprotozoal compounds, permitting the development of faster and more automated assays. The aim of this study was to construct a luciferase-expressing N. caninum and evaluate anti-N. caninum drugs. METHODS Luciferase-expressing N. caninum (Nc1-Luc) was constructed using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9). After testing the luciferase expression and phenotype of the Nc1-Luc strains, the drug sensitivity of Nc1-Luc strains was determined by treating them with known positive or negative drugs and calculating the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). The selective pan-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (pan-RAF) inhibitor TAK-632 was then evaluated for anti-N. caninum effects using Nc1-Luc by luciferase activity reduction assay and other in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS The phenotypes and drug sensitivity of Nc1-Luc strains were consistent with those of the parental strains Nc1, and Nc1-Luc strains can be used to determine the IC50 for anti-N. caninum drugs. Using the Nc1-Luc strains, TAK-632 showed promising activity against N. caninum, with an IC50 of 0.6131 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 62.53. In vitro studies demonstrated that TAK-632 inhibited the invasion, proliferation, and division of N. caninum tachyzoites. In vivo studies showed that TAK-632 attenuated the virulence of N. caninum in mice and significantly reduced the parasite burden in the brain. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, a luciferase-expressing N. caninum strain was successfully constructed, which provides an effective tool for drug screening and related research on N. caninum. In addition, TAK-632 was found to inhibit the growth of N. caninum, which could be considered as a candidate lead compound for new therapeutics for neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yangfei Xue
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanqun Pei
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Meng Yin
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhepeng Sun
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zihui Zhou
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Liu Z, Mo J, Li Y, Liu S, Zeng Q, Zhang J. Effect of the mitochondrial uncoupling agent BAM15 against the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain and Prugniaud strain. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:96. [PMID: 38424591 PMCID: PMC10905885 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06187-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the infection of the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), and safe and effective therapeutic drugs are lacking. Mitochondria, is an important organelle that maintains T. gondii survival, however, drugs targeting mitochondria are lacking. METHODS The cytotoxicity of BAM15 was detected by CCK-8 and the in vitro effects of BAM15 was detected by qPCR, plaque assay and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the ultrastructural changes of T. gondii after BAM15 treatment were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and further the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of T. gondii after BAM15 treatment were detected. The pharmacokinetic experiments and in vivo infection assays were performed in mice to determine the in vivo effect of BAM15. RESULTS BAM15 had excellent anti-T. gondii activity in vitro and in vivo with an EC50 value of 1.25 μM, while the IC50 of BAM15 in Vero cells was 27.07 μM. Notably, BAM15 significantly inhibited proliferation activity of T. gondii RH strain and Prugniaud strain (PRU), caused T. gondii death. Furthermore, BAM15 treatment induced T. gondii mitochondrial vacuolation and autolysis by TEM. Moreover, the decrease in ΔΨm and ATP level, as well as the increase in ROS production further confirmed the changes CONCLUSIONS: Our study identifies a useful T. gondii mitochondrial inhibitor, which may also serve as a leading molecule to develop therapeutic mitochondrial inhibitors in toxoplasmosis.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendi Liu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhengjiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Mo
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhengjiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Yetian Li
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhengjiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyang Liu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhengjiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyuan Zeng
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhengjiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Jili Zhang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhengjiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China.
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730050, People's Republic of China.
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Shi Y, Jiang Y, Qiu H, Hu D, Song X. Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by bedaquiline as an anti-Toxoplasma alternative. Vet Res 2023; 54:123. [PMID: 38115043 PMCID: PMC10731829 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that infects one-third of the world's population and nearly all warm-blooded animals. Due to the complexity of T. gondii's life cycle, available treatment options have limited efficacy. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new compounds or repurpose existing drugs with potent anti-Toxoplasma activity. This study demonstrates that bedaquiline (BDQ), an FDA-approved diarylquinoline antimycobacterial drug for the treatment of tuberculosis, potently inhibits the tachyzoites of T. gondii. At a safe concentration, BDQ displayed a dose-dependent inhibition on T. gondii growth with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 4.95 μM. Treatment with BDQ significantly suppressed the proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites in the host cell, while the invasion ability of the parasite was not affected. BDQ incubation shrunk the mitochondrial structure and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level of T. gondii parasites. In addition, BDQ induced elevated ROS and led to autophagy in the parasite. By transcriptomic analysis, we found that oxidative phosphorylation pathway genes were significantly disturbed by BDQ-treated parasites. More importantly, BDQ significantly reduces brain cysts for the chronically infected mice. These results suggest that BDQ has potent anti-T. gondii activity and may impair its mitochondrial function by affecting proton transport. This study provides bedaquiline as a potential alternative drug for the treatment of toxoplasmosis, and our findings may facilitate the development of new effective drugs for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yucong Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Haolong Qiu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, 530004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xingju Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, 530004, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530004, China.
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Arafa FM, Mogahed NMFH, Eltarahony MM, Diab RG. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles: trace element with promising anti-toxoplasma effect. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:639-654. [PMID: 36871204 PMCID: PMC10498805 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2186079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the coccidian Toxoplasma gondii which represents a food and water contaminant. The available chemotherapeutic agents for toxoplasmosis are limited and the choice is difficult when considering the side effects. Selenium is an essential trace element. It is naturally found in dietary sources, especially seafood, and cereals. Selenium and selenocompounds showed anti-parasitic effects through antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The present study evaluated the potential efficacy of environmentally benign selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against acute toxoplasmosis in a mouse model. SeNPs were fabricated by nanobiofactory Streptomyces fulvissimus and characterized by different analytical techniques including, UV-spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, EDX, and XRD. Swiss albino mice were infected with Toxoplasma RH strain in a dose of 3500 tachyzoites in 100 μl saline to induce acute toxoplasmosis. Mice were divided into five groups. Group I: non-infected, non-treated, group II: infected, non-treated, group III: non-infected, treated with SeNPs, group IV: infected, treated with co-trimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) and group V: infected, treated with SeNPs. There was a significant increase in survival time in the SeNPs-treated group and minimum parasite count was observed compared to untreated mice in hepatic and splenic impression smears. Scanning electron microscopy showed tachyzoites deformity with multiple depressions and protrusions, while transmission electron microscopy showed excessive vacuolization and lysis of the cytoplasm, especially in the area around the nucleus and the apical complex, together with irregular cell boundary and poorly demarcated cell organelles. The present study demonstrated that the biologically synthesized SeNPs can be a potential natural anti-Toxoplasma agent in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadwa M. Arafa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nermine M. F. H. Mogahed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marwa M. Eltarahony
- Environmental Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Universities and Research centers District, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Radwa G. Diab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Rashid PT, Hossain MJ, Zahan MS, Hasan CM, Rashid MA, Al-Mansur MA, Haque MR. Chemico-pharmacological and computational studies of Ophiorrhiza fasciculata D. Don and Psychotria silhetensis Hook. f. focusing cytotoxic, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20100. [PMID: 37809757 PMCID: PMC10559867 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study sought to examine the pharmacological potentials of crude methanolic extracts of Ophiorrhiza fasciculata and Psychotria silhetensis, as well as their various solvent fractionates, with a focus on cytotoxic, thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities via in vitro and in silico approaches. The extensive chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses confirmed and characterized two compounds as (±)-licarin B (1) and stigmasterol (2) from O. fasciculata and P. silhetensis, respectively. Petroleum ether soluble fraction of O. fasciculata and the aqueous soluble fraction of P. silhetensis showed the lowest 50% lethal concentrations (1.41 and 1.94 μg/mL, respectively) in brine shrimp bioassay. Likewise, petroleum ether soluble fraction of O. fasciculata and aqueous soluble fraction of P. silhetensis showed the highest thrombolytic activity with 46.66% and 50.10% lyses of the clot, respectively. The methanol and dichloromethane soluble fractions of O. fasciculata reduced erythrocyte hemolysis by 64.03% and 37.08%, respectively, under hypotonic and heat-induced conditions, compared to 81.97% and 42.12% for standard acetylsalicylic acid. In antioxidant activity test, aqueous soluble fraction O. fasciculata (IC50 = 7.22 μg/mL) revealed promising antioxidant potentialities in comparison to standard butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 = 21.20 μg/mL). In antibacterial screening, chloroform, and dichloromethane soluble fractions of P. silhetensis showed a mild antibacterial activity compared with the standard drug ciprofloxacin. Additionally, the molecular docking study corroborated the current in vitro findings, and the isolated two constituents had higher binding affinities toward epidermal growth factor receptor, tissue plasminogen activator, vFLIP-IKK gamma stapled peptide dimer, glutathione reductase, and dihydrofolate reductase enzyme than their corresponding standard drugs. In addition, the both isolated compounds exerted favorable pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and toxicological profiles with drug-like qualities in computational-based ADMET and drug likeliness analyses. The current research suggests that both plants have potential as a natural treatment for treating thrombosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, more thorough research is required to thoroughly screen for phytochemicals and pinpoint the precise mechanisms of action of the bioactive metabolites derived from these plants against a broad range of molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Tamannur Rashid
- Phytochemical Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jamal Hossain
- Phytochemical Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Miss Sharmin Zahan
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Choudhury Mahmood Hasan
- Phytochemical Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad A. Rashid
- Phytochemical Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Abdullah Al-Mansur
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dr. Qudrat-I-Khuda Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Rashedul Haque
- Phytochemical Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
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Arafa FM, Said H, Osman D, Rezki N, Aouad MR, Hagar M, Osman M, Elwakil BH, Jaremko M, Tolba MM. Nanoformulation-Based 1,2,3-Triazole Sulfonamides for Anti- Toxoplasma In Vitro Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:401. [PMID: 37624339 PMCID: PMC10460005 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is deemed a successful parasite worldwide with a wide range of hosts. Currently, a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine serves as the first-line treatment; however, these drugs have serious adverse effects. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on new therapies that produce the desired effect with the lowest possible dose. The designation and synthesis of sulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole hybrids (3a-c) were performed to create hybrid frameworks. The newly synthesized compounds were loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) to form nanoformulations (3a.CNP, 3b.CNP, 3c.CNP) for further in vitro investigation as an anti-Toxoplasma treatment. The current study demonstrated that all examined compounds were active against T. gondii in vitro relative to the control drug, sulfadiazine. 3c.CNP showed the best impact against T. gondii with the lowest IC50 value of 3.64 µg/mL. Using light microscopy, it was found that Vero cells treated with the three nanoformulae showed remarkable morphological improvement, and tachyzoites were rarely seen in the treated cells. Moreover, scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies confirmed the efficacy of the prepared nanoformulae on the parasites. All of them caused parasite ultrastructural damage and altered morphology, suggesting a cytopathic effect and hence confirming their promising anti-Toxoplasma activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadwa M. Arafa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21577, Egypt
| | - Heba Said
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Doaa Osman
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Nadjet Rezki
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30002, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed R. Aouad
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30002, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Hagar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21321, Egypt
| | - Mervat Osman
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Bassma H. Elwakil
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Mohamed Tolba
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
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9
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Abugri DA, Wijerathne SVT, Sharma HN, Ayariga JA, Napier A, Robertson BK. Quercetin inhibits Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite proliferation and acts synergically with azithromycin. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:261. [PMID: 37537675 PMCID: PMC10401810 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05849-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Quercetin (QUE) is a natural polyphenol known to have numerous pharmacological properties against infectious and non-infectious diseases. Azithromycin (AZ) is an antibiotic that belongs to the azalide class of antimicrobials and an antiparasitic that is known to be effective in combination with clindamycin against pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine-resistant Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in clinical settings. Both compounds are known to target protein synthesis and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, little is known about QUE and AZ synergistic interaction against T. gondii growth. Here, we report for the first time the effects of the combination of QUE and AZ on T. gondii growth. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for QUE at 72 h of interaction was determined to be 0.50 µM, whereas AZ gave an IC50 value of 0.66 µM at 72 h of interaction with parasites. Combination testing of QUE and AZ in a ratio of 2:1 (QUE:AZ) showed an IC50 value of 0.081 µM. Interestingly, a fractional inhibitory index value of 0.28 was observed, indicating a strong synergy. QUE was also found to upregulate the generation of reactive oxygen species and cause dysfunction of the mitochondria membrane of both intracellular and extracellular T. gondii tachyzoites. Overall, the results indicate that QUE is a novel lead capable of synergizing with AZ for inhibiting T. gondii growth and may merit future investigation in vivo for possible combination drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Abugri
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Microbiology PhD Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
| | - Sandani V T Wijerathne
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology PhD Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Homa Nath Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology PhD Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Joseph A Ayariga
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Audrey Napier
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Boakai K Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology PhD Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
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10
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Sharma HN, Catrett J, Nwokeocha OD, Boersma M, Miller ME, Napier A, Robertson BK, Abugri DA. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity of Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom extract. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8667. [PMID: 37248277 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35676-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection continues to rise globally in humans and animals with high socioeconomic and public health challenges. Current medications used against T. gondii infection are limited in efficacy, safety, and affordability. This research was conducted to assess the higher fungi extract effect on T. gondii tachyzoites growth in vitro and possibly decipher its mechanism of action. Furthermore, we evaluated the extract's effect on human foreskin fibroblast viability. The methanol extracts of Turkey tail (TT) mushroom was tested against T. gondii tachyzoites growth using an RH-RFP type I strain that expresses red fluorescent protein throughout culture in a dose-dependent manner using a fluorescent plate reader. Similarly, we tested the effect of the extract on host cell viability. We observed that TT extract inhibited tachyzoites growth with a 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50s), IC50 = 5.98 ± 1.22 µg/mL, and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50s), CC50 ≥ 100 µg/mL. It was discovered that TT extract induced strong mitochondria superoxide and reactive oxygen species production and disrupted mitochondria membrane potential in T. gondii tachyzoites. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy depicted that TT extract and pyrimethamine (PY) caused a morphological deformation of tachyzoites in vitro. In conclusion, TT methanol extract made up of phytosterols, bioactive sphingolipids, peptides, phenolic acids, and lactones could be a promising source of new compounds for the future development of anti-Toxoplasma gondii drugs. Extracts were non-cytotoxic, even at higher concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Nath Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | | | - Ogechi Destiny Nwokeocha
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
- The School of Dentistry (SOD) Doctorate of Dentistry Program, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Melissa Boersma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM), Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Michael E Miller
- Auburn University Research Instrumentation Facility, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Audrey Napier
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Boakai K Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Daniel A Abugri
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
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11
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Romano PS, Akematsu T, Besteiro S, Bindschedler A, Carruthers VB, Chahine Z, Coppens I, Descoteaux A, Alberto Duque TL, He CY, Heussler V, Le Roch KG, Li FJ, de Menezes JPB, Menna-Barreto RFS, Mottram JC, Schmuckli-Maurer J, Turk B, Tavares Veras PS, Salassa BN, Vanrell MC. Autophagy in protists and their hosts: When, how and why? AUTOPHAGY REPORTS 2023; 2:2149211. [PMID: 37064813 PMCID: PMC10104450 DOI: 10.1080/27694127.2022.2149211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic protists are a group of organisms responsible for causing a variety of human diseases including malaria, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis, among others. These diseases, which affect more than one billion people globally, mainly the poorest populations, are characterized by severe chronic stages and the lack of effective antiparasitic treatment. Parasitic protists display complex life-cycles and go through different cellular transformations in order to adapt to the different hosts they live in. Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular degradation process, has emerged as a key mechanism required for these differentiation processes, as well as other functions that are crucial to parasite fitness. In contrast to yeasts and mammals, protist autophagy is characterized by a modest number of conserved autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) that, even though, can drive the autophagosome formation and degradation. In addition, during their intracellular cycle, the interaction of these pathogens with the host autophagy system plays a crucial role resulting in a beneficial or harmful effect that is important for the outcome of the infection. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on autophagy and other related mechanisms in pathogenic protists and their hosts. We sought to emphasize when, how, and why this process takes place, and the effects it may have on the parasitic cycle. A better understanding of the significance of autophagy for the protist life-cycle will potentially be helpful to design novel anti-parasitic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Silvia Romano
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Takahiko Akematsu
- Department of Biosciences, College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Vern B Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zeinab Chahine
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, QC
| | - Thabata Lopes Alberto Duque
- Autophagy Inflammation and Metabolism Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Cynthia Y He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Volker Heussler
- Institute of Cell Biology.University of Bern. Baltzerstr. 4 3012 Bern
| | - Karine G Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Feng-Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Jeremy C Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Patricia Sampaio Tavares Veras
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases - National Council for Scientific Research and Development (CNPq)
| | - Betiana Nebai Salassa
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Cristina Vanrell
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
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12
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Cheng A, Zhang H, Chen B, Zheng S, Wang H, Shi Y, You S, Li M, Jiang L. Modulation of autophagy as a therapeutic strategy for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:902428. [PMID: 36093185 PMCID: PMC9448867 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.902428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection is a severe health threat that endangers billions of people worldwide. T. gondii utilizes the host cell membrane to form a parasitophorous vacuole (PV), thereby fully isolating itself from the host cell cytoplasm and making intracellular clearance difficult. PV can be targeted and destroyed by autophagy. Autophagic targeting results in T. gondii killing via the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes. However, T. gondii has developed many strategies to suppress autophagic targeting. Accordingly, the interplay between host cell autophagy and T. gondii is an emerging area with important practical implications. By promoting the canonical autophagy pathway or attenuating the suppression of autophagic targeting, autophagy can be effectively utilized in the development of novel therapeutic strategies against T gondii. Here, we have illustrated the complex interplay between host cell mediated autophagy and T. gondii. Different strategies to promote autophagy in order to target the parasite have been elucidated. Besides, we have analyzed some potential new drug molecules from the DrugBank database using bioinformatics tools, which can modulate autophagy. Various challenges and opportunities focusing autophagy mediated T. gondii clearance have been discussed, which will provide new insights for the development of novel drugs against the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huanan Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Baike Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shengyao Zheng
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongyi Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yijia Shi
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siyao You
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Jiang, ; Ming Li,
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Jiang, ; Ming Li,
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13
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Huffman AM, Ayariga JA, Napier A, Robertson BK, Abugri DA. Inhibition of Toxoplasma gondii Growth by Dihydroquinine and Its Mechanisms of Action. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:852889. [PMID: 35646733 PMCID: PMC9131874 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.852889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that infects the brain of humans and causes cerebral toxoplasmosis. The recommended drugs for the treatment or prophylaxis of toxoplasmosis are pyrimethamine (PY) and sulfadiazine (SZ), which have serious side effects. Other drugs available for toxoplasmosis are poorly tolerated. Dihydroquinine (DHQ) is a compound closely related to quinine-based drugs that have been shown to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei in addition to its anti-arrhythmia properties. However, little is known about the effect of DHQ in T. gondii growth and its mechanism of action in vitro. In this study, we report the anti-Toxoplasma and anti-invasion properties of DHQ. DHQ significantly inhibited T. gondii tachyzoite growth with IC50s values of 0.63, 0.67, and 0.00137 µM at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Under similar conditions, SZ and PY, considered as the gold standard drugs for the treatment of toxoplasmosis, had IC50s values of 1.29, 1.55, and 0.95 and 3.19, 3.52, and 2.42 µM, respectively. The rapid dose-dependent inhibition of T. gondii tachyzoites by DHQ compared to the standard drugs (SZ and PY) indicates that DHQ has high selective parasiticidal effects against tachyzoite proliferation. Remarkably, DHQ had an excellent selectivity index (SI) of 149- and 357-fold compared to 24- and 143-fold for PY and SZ, respectively, using fibroblast cells. In addition, DHQ disrupted T. gondii tachyzoite mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and elicited high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Taking all these findings together, DHQ promises to be an effective and safe lead for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarin M. Huffman
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, United States
| | - Joseph A. Ayariga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Audrey Napier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Boakai K. Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
- Microbiology PhD Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Daniel A. Abugri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
- Microbiology PhD Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Montgomery, AL, United States
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology, and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Montgomery, AL, United States
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14
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Pedra-Rezende Y, Macedo IS, Midlej V, Mariante RM, Menna-Barreto RFS. Different Drugs, Same End: Ultrastructural Hallmarks of Autophagy in Pathogenic Protozoa. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:856686. [PMID: 35422792 PMCID: PMC9002357 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.856686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites interact with a wide variety of organisms ranging from bacteria to humans, representing one of the most common causes of parasitic diseases and an important public health problem affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The current treatment for these parasitic diseases remains unsatisfactory and, in some cases, very limited. Treatment limitations together with the increased resistance of the pathogens represent a challenge for the improvement of the patient’s quality of life. The continuous search for alternative preclinical drugs is mandatory, but the mechanisms of action of several of these compounds have not been described. Electron microscopy is a powerful tool for the identification of drug targets in almost all cellular models. Interestingly, ultrastructural analysis showed that several classes of antiparasitic compounds induced similar autophagic phenotypes in trypanosomatids, trichomonadids, and apicomplexan parasites as well as in Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba spp. with the presence of an increased number of autophagosomes as well as remarkable endoplasmic reticulum profiles surrounding different organelles. Autophagy is a physiological process of eukaryotes that maintains homeostasis by the self-digestion of nonfunctional organelles and/or macromolecules, limiting redundant and damaged cellular components. Here, we focus on protozoan autophagy to subvert drug effects, discussing its importance for successful chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Pedra-Rezende
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabela S Macedo
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Midlej
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael M Mariante
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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15
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Wu RZ, Zhou HY, Song JF, Xia QH, Hu W, Mou XD, Li X. Chemotherapeutics for Toxoplasma gondii: Molecular Biotargets, Binding Modes, and Structure-Activity Relationship Investigations. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17627-17655. [PMID: 34894691 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, an infectious zoonotic disease caused by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a major worldwide health problem. However, there are currently no effective options (chemotherapeutic drugs or prophylactic vaccines) for treating chronic latent toxoplasmosis infection. Accordingly, seeking more effective and safer chemotherapeutics for combating this disease remains a long-term and challenging objective. In this paper, we summarize possible molecular biotargets, with an emphasis on those that are druggable and promising, including, without limitation, calcium-dependent protein kinase 1, bifunctional thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase, and farnesyl diphosphate synthase. Meanwhile, as important components of medicinal chemistry, the binding modes and structure-activity relationship profiles of the corresponding inhibitors were also illuminated. We anticipate that this information will be helpful for further identification of more effective chemotherapeutic interventions to prevent and treat zoonotic infections caused by T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Zhen Wu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, no. 6699 Qingdao Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250117, PR China
| | - Huai-Yu Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, no. 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Jing-Feng Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, no. 1168 Chunrong Xi Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, PR China
| | - Qiao-Hong Xia
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, no. 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, no. 72 Binhai Road of JiMo, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xiao-Dong Mou
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, no. 6699 Qingdao Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250117, PR China
| | - Xun Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, no. 6699 Qingdao Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250117, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100192, PR China
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16
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Zhang J, Chen J, Lv K, Li B, Yan B, Gai L, Shi C, Wang X, Si H, Zhang J. Myrislignan Induces Redox Imbalance and Activates Autophagy in Toxoplasma gondii. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:730222. [PMID: 34540720 PMCID: PMC8447958 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.730222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an important health problem in human and animals, and the highlighting side effects of launched therapeutic chemicals cannot be ignored. Thus, it is urgent to develop new drugs to against the infection. Myrislignan originated from nutmeg exhibited excellent anti-T. gondii activity in vitro and in vivo, and was able to destroy mitochondrial function. However, the exact mechanism of action is still unknown. In this study, combining RNAs deep-sequencing analysis and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and high affinity proteins suggested that myrislignan may affect the oxidation-reduction process of T. gondii. Furthermore, the upregulating ROS activity after myrislignan incubation verified that myrislignan destroyed the oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis of tachyzoites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that myrislignan induced the formation of autophagosome-like double-membrane structure. Moreover, monodansyl cadaverine (MDC) staining and western blot further illustrated autophagosome formation. Myrislignan treatment induced a significant reduction in T. gondii by flow cytometry analysis. Together, these findings demonstrated that myrislignan can induce the oxidation-reduction in T. gondii, lead to the autophagy, and cause the death of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jili Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Kun Lv
- Ningbo University School of Business, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Bing Li
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Biqing Yan
- Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Lei Gai
- Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chaolu Shi
- Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xinnian Wang
- Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Hongfei Si
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiyu Zhang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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