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Ibrahim SM, Al-Ghandour AMF, Mohamed SMA, Foaad HHM, El-Bahaie ES. Comparative evaluation of silver nanoparticles and human platelet rich-plasma versus traditional therapy in the treatment of murine chronic toxoplasmosis. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:217-228. [PMID: 38840885 PMCID: PMC11147984 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01642-2] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic disease infecting about one-third of the human population. At present, licensed medications are incapable of curing human chronic infection. The present work aimed to evaluate for the first time the combination between (spiramycin and human platelet rich plasma), in addition to (spiramycin and silver-nanoparticles) in treating murine experimental toxoplasmosis using parasitological, biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Seventy-seven Swiss albino male mice divided into seven groups according to the treatment used as follows: (GI): control negative; (GII): control infected; (GIII): spiramycin; (GIV): Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs); (GV): Human platelet-rich plasma (HPRP); (GVI): combined spiramycin and AgNPs; (GVII): combined spiramycin and HPRP. Obtained results demonstrated that (spiramycin and AgNPs) treated group showed significant reduction of T. gondii tissue cysts number, the lowest level of serum malondialdehyde, remarkable improvement in pathological changes in different tissues of mice e.g. brain and liver and weak expression of EGFR in brain tissues of mice compared to control infected group. Moreover, AgNPs administered alone produced minimal anti-Toxoplasma results, whereas their combination with spiramycin exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, combination therapy of spiramycin and AgNPs may represent a unique possible adjuvant therapy for reducing the pathogenic, toxic, and inflammatory consequences of toxoplasmosis on the brain and liver tissues in immunocompetent mice, and the expression of EGFR in brain tissues of mice is a good tool for evaluating the therapeutic improvement of murine toxoplasmosis.
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de Araújo SA, Silva CMP, Costa CS, Ferreira CSC, Ribeiro HS, da Silva Lima A, Quintino da Rocha C, Calabrese KDS, Abreu-Silva AL, Almeida-Souza F. Leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory activity of Terminalia catappa in Leishmania amazonensisin vitro infection. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24622. [PMID: 38312642 PMCID: PMC10835263 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are infectious-parasitic diseases that impact public health around the world. Antileishmanial drugs presented toxicity and increase in parasitic resistance. Studies with natural products show an alternative to this effect, and several metabolites have demonstrated potential in the treatment of various diseases. Terminalia catappa is a plant species with promising pharmaceutical properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of extracts and fractions of T. catappa on Leishmania amazonensis and investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms associated with its action. In anti-Leishmania assays, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited activity against promastigotes (IC50 86.07 ± 1.09 μg/mL) and low cytotoxicity (CC50 517.70 ± 1.68 μg/mL). The ethyl acetate fraction also inhibited the intracellular parasite (IC50 25.74 ± 1.08 μg/mL) with a selectivity index of 20.11. Treatment with T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction did not alter nitrite production by peritoneal macrophages stimulated with L. amazonensis, although there was a decrease in unstimulated macrophages treated at 50 μg/mL (p = 0.0048). The T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction at 100 μg/mL increased TNF-α levels (p = 0.0238) and downregulated HO-1 (p = 0.0030) and ferritin (p = 0.0002) gene expression in L. amazonensis-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, the total flavonoid and ellagic acid content for ethyl acetate fraction was 13.41 ± 1.86 mg QE/g and 79.25 mg/g, respectively. In conclusion, the T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction showed leishmanicidal activity against different forms of L. amazonensis and displayed immunomodulatory mechanisms, including TNF-α production and expression of pro and antioxidant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Alves de Araújo
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, 65080-805, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Aldilene da Silva Lima
- Laboratório de Química dos Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, 65080-805, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Quintino da Rocha
- Laboratório de Química dos Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, 65080-805, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Kátia da Silva Calabrese
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Abreu-Silva
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, 65080-805, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
- Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
| | - Fernando Almeida-Souza
- Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-250, Brazil
- Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
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Thakur A, Sharma B, Parashar A, Sharma V, Kumar A, Mehta V. 2D-QSAR, molecular docking and MD simulation based virtual screening of the herbal molecules against Alzheimer's disorder: an approach to predict CNS activity. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:148-162. [PMID: 36970779 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2192805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is one of the key enzyme targets that have been used clinically for the management of Alzheimer's Disorder (AD). Numerous reports in the literature predict and demonstrate in-vitro, and in-silico anticholinergic activity of herbal molecules, however, majority of them failed to find clinical application. To address these issues, we developed a 2D-QSAR model that could efficiently predict the AChE inhibitory activity of herbal molecules along with predicting their potential to cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) to exert their beneficial effects during AD. Virtual screening of the herbal molecules was performed and amentoflavone, asiaticoside, astaxanthin, bahouside, biapigenin, glycyrrhizin, hyperforin, hypericin, and tocopherol were predicted as the most promising herbal molecules for inhibiting AChE. Results were validated through molecular docking, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and Molecular mechanics-Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) studies against human AChE (PDB ID: 4EY7). To determine whether or not these molecules can cross BBB to inhibit AChE within the central nervous system (CNS) for being beneficial for the management of AD, we determined a CNS Multi-parameter Optimization (MPO) score, which was found in the range of 1 to 3.76. Overall, the best results were observed for amentoflavone and our results demonstrated a PIC50 value of 7.377 nM, molecular docking score of -11.5 kcal/mol, and CNS MPO score of 3.76. In conclusion, we successfully developed a reliable and efficient 2D-QSAR model and predicted amentoflavone to be the most promising molecule that could inhibit human AChE enzyme within the CNS and could prove beneficial for the management of AD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Thakur
- DCO, Govt. of Rajasthan, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bhanu Sharma
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Parashar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Tauchen J, Frankova A, Manourova A, Valterova I, Lojka B, Leuner O. Garcinia kola: a critical review on chemistry and pharmacology of an important West African medicinal plant. PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS : PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF EUROPE 2023:1-47. [PMID: 37359709 PMCID: PMC10205037 DOI: 10.1007/s11101-023-09869-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) is a tree indigenous to West and Central Africa. All plant parts, but especially the seeds, are of value in local folklore medicine. Garcinia kola is used in treatment of numerous diseases, including gastric disorders, bronchial diseases, fever, malaria and is used to induce a stimulating and aphrodisiac effect. The plant is now attracting considerable interest as a possible source of pharmaceutically important drugs. Several different classes of compounds such as biflavonoids, benzophenones, benzofurans, benzopyran, vitamin E derivatives, xanthones, and phytosterols, have been isolated from G. kola, of which many appears to be found only in this species, such as garcinianin (found in seeds and roots), kolanone (fruit pulp, seeds, roots), gakolanone (stem bark), garcinoic acid, garcinal (both in seeds), garcifuran A and B, and garcipyran (all in roots). They showed a wide range of pharmacological activities (e.g. analgesic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects), though this has only been confirmed in animal models. Kolaviron is the most studied compound and is perceived by many studies as the active principle of G. kola. However, its research is associated with significant flaws (e.g. too high doses tested, inappropriate positive control). Garcinol has been tested under better conditions and is perhaps showing more promising results and should attract deeper research interest (especially in the area of anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective activity). Human clinical trials and mechanism-of-action studies must be carried out to verify whether any of the compounds present in G. kola may be used as a lead in the drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Tauchen
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adela Frankova
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Manourova
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Irena Valterova
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bohdan Lojka
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Leuner
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Lin F, Kennelly EJ, Linington RG, Long C. Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling of Two Edible Garcinia Species Based on UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS E Coupled with Bioactivity Assays. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:7604-7617. [PMID: 37154236 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In China, the endemic species Garcinia yunnanensis and native Garcinia xanthochymus are known as edible and medicinal plants. However, a systematic metabolomic and bioactivity evaluation of different plant parts from both species is lacking. In this study, comprehensive investigations of 11 plant parts of G. yunnanensis and 10 of G. xanthochymus employing UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MSE-based metabolomic analysis in conjunction with three bioactivity assays were undertaken. A customized chemotaxonomic-based in-house library containing 6456 compounds was constructed and coupled to the Progenesis QI informatic platform for metabolite annotations. From these two species, a total of 235 constituents were characterized using multiple criteria. Differences in metabolite profiles between the plant parts within each species were uncovered using multivariate analysis. Based on orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), 23 markers were identified as highly differential metabolites from G. xanthochymus and 20 from G. yunnanensis. Comparative assessment of the biological assays revealed the activity variations among different plant parts. The seeds of both species and G. yunnanensis latex exhibited excellent cytotoxic and antibacterial activities, while G. xanthochymus roots and G. yunnanensis arils showed strong anti-inflammatory effects. S-plot analysis identified 26 potential biomarkers for the observed activities, including the known cytotoxic agent cycloxanthochymol and the anti-inflammatory compound garcimultiflorone B, which likely explains some of the potent observed bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengke Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, Minzu University of China, National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Minzu University of China, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Edward J Kennelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, New York, New York 10468, United States
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Roger G Linington
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Chunlin Long
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, Minzu University of China, National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Minzu University of China, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Metabolomics, Minzu University of China, National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing 100081, China
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Tuli HS, Joshi H, Vashishth K, Ramniwas S, Varol M, Kumar M, Rani I, Rani V, Sak K. Chemopreventive mechanisms of amentoflavone: recent trends and advancements. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:865-876. [PMID: 36773053 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02416-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
In parallel to the continuous rise of new cancer cases all over the world, the interest of scientific community in natural anticancer agents has steadily been increased. In the past decades, numerous phytochemicals have been shown to possess a strong anticancer potential in preclinical conditions. One of such interesting compounds, derived from different plants such as ginkgo, hinoki, and St. John`s wort, is amentoflavone. In this review article, a wide range of anticancer properties of this natural biflavone are described, revealing its ability to suppress the malignant growth and lead tumor cells to apoptotic death, besides impeding also angiogenic and metastatic processes. Therefore, amentoflavone can be considered a potential lead compound for the development of novel anticancer drug candidates, definitely deserving further in vivo studies and also initiation of clinical trials. It is expected that this plant biflavone might be important, either alone or in combination with the current standard chemotherapeutics, in providing some alleviation for the continuous rise of global cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Ambala, Mullana, 133207, India
| | - Hemant Joshi
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Kanupriya Vashishth
- Advance Cardiac Centre Department of Cardiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Mehmet Varol
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar University Sadopur, Ambala, 134007, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar College of Medical Sciences and Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, 134007, Ambala, India
| | - Vibha Rani
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, A-10, Sector-62, Noida, 201307, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Structural Insights into Plasticity and Discovery of Flavonoid Allosteric Inhibitors of Flavivirus NS2B–NS3 Protease. BIOPHYSICA 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/biophysica3010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are among the most critical pathogens in tropical regions; they cause various severe diseases in developing countries but are not restricted to these countries. The development of antiviral therapeutics is crucial for managing flavivirus outbreaks. Ten proteins are encoded in the flavivirus RNA. The N2B–NS3pro protein complex plays a fundamental role in flavivirus replication and is a promising drug target; however, no flavivirus protease inhibitors have progressed to the preclinical stage. This study analyzed the structural models and plasticity of the NS2B–NS3pro protein complex of five medically important non-dengue flaviviruses (West Nile, Rocio, Ilhéus, yellow fever, and Saint Louis encephalitis). The flavonoids amentoflavone, tetrahydrorobustaflavone, and quercetin were selected for their exceptional binding energies as potential inhibitors of the NS2B–NS3pro protein complex. AutoDock Vina results ranged from −7.0 kcal/mol to −11.5 kcal/mol and the compounds preferentially acted non-competitively. Additionally, the first structural model for the NS2B–NS3pro protein complex was proposed for Ilhéus and Rocio viruses. The NS2B–NS3pro protease is an attractive molecular target for drug development. The three identified natural flavonoids showed great inhibitory potential against the viral species. Nevertheless, further in silico and in vitro studies are required to obtain more information regarding NS2B–NS3pro inhibition by these flavonoids and their therapeutic potential.
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Gopu B, Kour P, Pandian R, Singh K. Insights into the drug screening approaches in leishmaniasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109591. [PMID: 36700771 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a tropically neglected disease, is responsible for the high mortality and morbidity ratio in poverty-stricken areas. Currently, no vaccine is available for the complete cure of the disease. Current chemotherapeutic regimens face the limitations of drug resistance and toxicity concerns indicating a great need to develop better chemotherapeutic leads that are orally administrable, potent, non-toxic, and cost-effective. The anti-leishmanial drug discovery process accelerated the desire for large-scale drug screening assays and high-throughput screening (HTS) technology to identify new chemo-types that can be used as potential drug molecules to control infection. Using the HTS approach, about one million compounds can be screened daily within the shortest possible time for biological activity using automation tools, miniaturized assay formats, and large-scale data analysis. Classical and modern in vitro screening assays have led to the progression of active compounds further to ex vivo and in vivo studies. In the present review, we emphasized on the HTS approaches employed in the leishmanial drug discovery program. Recent in vitro screening assays are widely explored to discover new chemical scaffolds. Developing appropriate experimental animal models and their related techniques is necessary to understand the pathophysiological processes and disease host responses, paving the way for unraveling novel therapies against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boobalan Gopu
- Animal House Facility, Pharmacology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Parampreet Kour
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Ramajayan Pandian
- Animal House Facility, Pharmacology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Kovač Tomas M, Jurčević I, Šamec D. Tissue-Specific Profiling of Biflavonoids in Ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba L.). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:147. [PMID: 36616276 PMCID: PMC9824678 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biflavonoids are flavonoid dimers that are much less studied than monomeric flavonoids. Their precise distribution among plants and their role in plants is still unknown. Here, we have developed a HPLC-DAD method that allows us to separate and simultaneously determine the five major biflavonoids (amentoflavone, bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, and sciadopitysin) in ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.). We performed tissue-specific profiling of biflavonoids in ten different plant parts: tree bark, twigs bark, twigs without bark, buds, leaf petioles, leaf blades, seed stalks, sarcotesta, nutshells, and kernels. We did not detect biflavonoids in plant parts not in direct contact with the environment (twigs without bark, nutshells, and kernels). We found the highest total biflavonoids content in leaves, where sciadopitysin was predominant. In contrast, in the bark, amentoflavone was the predominant biflavonoid, suggesting that more methylated biflavonoids accumulate in leaves and seeds. This is probably related to their biological function, which remains to be determined.
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Huang M, Cao X, Jiang Y, Shi Y, Ma Y, Hu D, Song X. Evaluation of the Combined Effect of Artemisinin and Ferroptosis Inducer RSL3 against Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010229. [PMID: 36613672 PMCID: PMC9820390 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread intracellular pathogen that infects humans and a variety of animals. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an effective anti-malarial drug, has potential anti-T. gondii activity that induces ferroptosis in tumor cells, but the mechanism by which it kills T. gondii is not fully understood. In this study, the mechanism of DHA inhibiting T. gondii growth and its possible drug combinations are described. DHA potently inhibited T. gondii with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.22 μM. DHA significantly increased the ROS level of parasites and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, which could be reversed by ferroptosis inhibitors (DFO). Moreover, the ferroptosis inducer RSL3 inhibited T. gondii with an EC50 of 0.75 μM. In addition, RSL3 enhanced the DHA-induced ROS level, and the combination of DHA and RSL3 significantly increased the anti-Toxoplasma effect as compared to DHA alone. In summary, we found that DHA-induced ROS accumulation in tachyzoites may be an important cause of T. gondii growth inhibition. Furthermore, we found that the combination of DHA and RSL3 may be an alternative to toxoplasmosis. These results will provide a new strategy for anti-Toxoplasma drug screening and clinical medication guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xinru Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yucong Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yuehong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yazhen Ma
- 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 Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, 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 Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning 530004, China
- Correspondence:
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11
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Brioschi MBC, Coser EM, Coelho AC, Gadelha FR, Miguel DC. Models for cytotoxicity screening of antileishmanial drugs: what has been done so far? Int J Antimicrob Agents 2022; 60:106612. [PMID: 35691601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2022.106612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of studies have demonstrated the in vitro potential of an impressive number of antileishmanial candidates in the past years. However, the lack of uniformity regarding the choice of cell types for cytotoxicity assays may lead to uncomparable and inconclusive data. In vitro assays relying solely on non-phagocytic cell models may not represent a realistic result as the effect of an antileishmanial agent should ideally be presented based on its cytotoxicity profile against reticuloendothelial system cells. In the present review, we have assembled studies published in the scientific literature from 2015 to 2021 that explored leishmanicidal candidates, emphasising the main host cell models used for cytotoxicity assays. The pros and cons of different host cell types as well as primary cells and cell lines are discussed in order to draw attention to the need to establish standardised protocols for preclinical testing when assessing new antileishmanial candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana B C Brioschi
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth M Coser
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano C Coelho
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Gadelha
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Characterization, solubility and stability of amentoflavone polymorphs. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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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] [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
- *Correspondence: Daniel A. Abugri,
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Soto-Sánchez J. Bioactivity of Natural Polyphenols as Antiparasitic Agents and their Biochemical Targets. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:2661-2677. [PMID: 35379147 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220404090429] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are diseases that affect public health worldwide due to their high incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Available treatments are costly, prolonged, and toxic, not to mention the problem of parasite resistance. The development of alternative treatments is justified and polyphenols show promising activity. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this mini-review was to analyze the most promising phenolic compounds with reported antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity as well as their mechanisms of action. RESULTS We found that the mode of action of these natural compounds mainly lignans, neolignans, and flavonoids depends on the organism they act on and includes, macrophage activation, induction of morphological changes such as chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, accumulation of acidocalcisomes, and glycosomes, Golgi damage and mitochondrial dysfunction as well as negative regulation of mitochondrial enzymes and other essential enzymes for parasite survival such as arginase. This gives a wide scope for future research towards the rational development of anti-kinetoplastid drugs. CONCLUSION Although the specific molecular targets, bioavailability, route of administration, and dosages of some of these natural compounds need to be determined, polyphenols and their combinations represent a very promising and safe strategy to be considered for use against Leishmania spp and Trypanosoma spp. In addition, these compounds may provide a scaffold for developing new, more potent, and more selective antiprotozoal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Soto-Sánchez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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15
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Xiong X, Tang N, Lai X, Zhang J, Wen W, Li X, Li A, Wu Y, Liu Z. Insights Into Amentoflavone: A Natural Multifunctional Biflavonoid. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:768708. [PMID: 35002708 PMCID: PMC8727548 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.768708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amentoflavone is an active phenolic compound isolated from Selaginella tamariscina over 40 years. Amentoflavone has been extensively recorded as a molecule which displays multifunctional biological activities. Especially, amentoflavone involves in anti-cancer activity by mediating various signaling pathways such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and emerges anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect via binding towards the main protease (Mpro/3CLpro), spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, amentoflavone is considered to be a promising therapeutic agent for clinical research. Considering the multifunction of amentoflavone, the current review comprehensively discuss the chemistry, the progress in its diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-microorganism, metabolism regulation, neuroprotection, radioprotection, musculoskeletal protection and antidepressant, specially the fascinating role against various types of cancers. In addition, the bioavailability and drug delivery of amentoflavone, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activities of amentoflavone, the molecular docking simulation of amentoflavone through in silico approach and anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect of amentoflavone are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xifeng Xiong
- Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Tang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xudong Lai
- Department of Infectious Disease, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinli Zhang
- Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weilun Wen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aiguo Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihe Liu
- Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Spiegel M, Krzyżek P, Dworniczek E, Adamski R, Sroka Z. In Silico Screening and In Vitro Assessment of Natural Products with Anti-Virulence Activity against Helicobacter pylori. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010020. [PMID: 35011255 PMCID: PMC8746548 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most frequent human pathogens and a leading etiological agent of various gastric diseases. As stringent response, coordinated by a SpoT protein, seems to be crucial for the survivability of H. pylori, the main goal of this article was to use in silico computational studies to find phytochemical compounds capable of binding to the active site of SpoT from H. pylori and confirm the ability of the most active candidates to interfere with the virulence of this bacterium through in vitro experiments. From 791 natural substances submitted for the virtual screening procedure, 10 were chosen and followed for further in vitro examinations. Among these, dioscin showed the most interesting parameters (the lowest MIC, the highest anti-biofilm activity in static conditions, and a relatively low stimulation of morphological transition into coccoids). Therefore, in the last part, we extended the research with a number of further experiments and observed the ability of dioscin to significantly reduce the formation of H. pylori biofilm under Bioflux-generated flow conditions and its capacity for additive enhancement of the antibacterial activity of all three commonly used antibiotics (clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin). Based on these results, we suggest that dioscin may be an interesting candidate for new therapies targeting H. pylori survivability and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Spiegel
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicines, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Paweł Krzyżek
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 4, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Ewa Dworniczek
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 4, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Ryszard Adamski
- Laboratory of Microscopic Techniques, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, 50-001 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Zbigniew Sroka
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicines, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Kumari D, Singh K. Exploring the paradox of defense between host and Leishmania parasite. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 102:108400. [PMID: 34890999 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, still remains a global concern for the healthcare sector. The primary causative agents of the disease comprise diverse leishmanial species, leading to recurring failures in disease diagnosis and delaying the initiation of appropriate chemotherapy. Various species of the Leishmania parasite cause diverse clinical manifestations ranging from skin ulcers to systemic infections. Therefore, host immunity in response to different forms of infecting species of Leishmania becomes pivotal in disease progression or regression. Thus, understanding the paradox of immune arsenals during host and parasite interface becomes crucial to eliminate this deadly disease. In the present review, we have elaborated on the immunological perspectives of the disease and discussed primary host immune cells that form a defense line to counteract parasite infection. Furthermore, we also have shed light on the immune cells and effector molecules responsible for parasite survival in host lethal milieu/ environment. Next, we have highlighted recent molecules/compounds showing potent leishmanicidal activities pertaining to their pro-oxidant and immuno-modulatory mechanisms. This review addresses an immuno-biological overview of the factors influencing the parasitic disease, as this knowledge can aid in the unraveling/ identification of potential biomarkers, novel therapeutics, and vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Kumari
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Amentoflavone isolated from Selaginella sellowii Hieron induces mitochondrial dysfunction in Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. Parasitol Int 2021; 86:102458. [PMID: 34509671 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102458] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis chemotherapy is a bottleneck in disease treatment. Although available, chemotherapy is limited, toxic, painful, and does not lead to parasite clearance, with parasite resistance also being reported. Therefore, new therapeutic options are being investigated, such as plant-derived anti-parasitic compounds. Amentoflavone is the most common biflavonoid in the Selaginella genus, and its antileishmanial activity has already been described on Leishmania amazonensis intracellular amastigotes but its direct action on the parasite is controversial. In this work we demonstrate that amentoflavone is active on L. amazonensis promastigotes (IC50 = 28.5 ± 2.0 μM) and amastigotes. Transmission electron microscopy of amentoflavone-treated promastigotes showed myelin-like figures, autophagosomes as well as enlarged mitochondria. Treated parasites also presented multiple lipid droplets and altered basal body organization. Similarly, intracellular amastigotes presented swollen mitochondria, membrane fragments in the lumen of the flagellar pocket as well as autophagic vacuoles. Flow cytometric analysis after TMRE staining showed that amentoflavone strongly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. In silico analysis shows that amentoflavone physic-chemical, drug-likeness and bioavailability characteristics suggest it might be suitable for oral administration. We concluded that amentoflavone presents a direct effect on L. amazonensis parasites, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and parasite killing. Therefore, all results point for the potential of amentoflavone as a promising candidate for conducting advanced studies for the development of drugs against leishmaniasis.
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