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Wangchuk P, Yeshi K, Loukas A. Metabolomics and lipidomics studies of parasitic helminths: molecular diversity and identification levels achieved by using different characterisation tools. Metabolomics 2023; 19:63. [PMID: 37356029 PMCID: PMC10290966 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Helminths are parasitic worms that infect millions of people worldwide and secrete a variety of excretory-secretory products (ESPs), including proteins, peptides, and small molecules. Despite this, there is currently no comprehensive review article on cataloging small molecules from helminths, particularly focusing on the different classes of metabolites (polar and lipid molecules) identified from the ESP and somatic tissue extracts of helminths that were studied in isolation from their hosts. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the metabolomics and lipidomics studies of parasitic helminths using all available analytical platforms. METHOD To achieve this objective, we conducted a meta-analysis of the identification and characterization tools, metabolomics approaches, metabolomics standard initiative (MSI) levels, software, and databases commonly applied in helminth metabolomics studies published until November 2021. RESULT This review analyzed 29 studies reporting the metabolomic assessment of ESPs and somatic tissue extracts of 17 helminth species grown under ex vivo/in vitro culture conditions. Of these 29 studies, 19 achieved the highest level of metabolite identification (MSI level-1), while the remaining studies reported MSI level-2 identification. Only 155 small molecule metabolites, including polar and lipids, were identified using MSI level-1 characterization protocols from various helminth species. Despite the significant advances made possible by the 'omics' technology, standardized software and helminth-specific metabolomics databases remain significant challenges in this field. Overall, this review highlights the potential for future studies to better understand the diverse range of small molecules that helminths produce and leverage their unique metabolomic features to develop novel treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
| | - Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
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Han Y, Quan X, Chuang Y, Liang Q, Li Y, Yuan Z, Bian Y, Wei L, Wang J, Zhao Y. A multi-omics analysis for the prediction of neurocognitive disorders risk among the elderly in Macao. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e909. [PMID: 35696554 PMCID: PMC9191869 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the increasing ageing population, neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) have been a global public health issue, and its prevention and early diagnosis are crucial. Our previous study demonstrated that there is a significant correlation between specific populations and NCDs, but the biological characteristics of the vulnerable group predispose to NCDs are unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the predictors for the vulnerable group by a multi-omics analysis. METHODS Multi-omics approaches, including metagenomics, metabolomic and proteomic, were used to detect gut microbiota, faecal metabolites and urine exosome of 8 normal controls and 13 vulnerable elders after a rigorous screening of 400 elders in Macao. The multi-omics data were analysed using R and Bioconductor. The two-sided Wilcoxon's rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and the linear discriminant analysis effective size were applied to investigate characterized features. Moreover, a 2-year follow-up was conducted to evaluate cognitive function change of the elderly. RESULTS Compared with the control elders, the metagenomics of gut microbiota showed that Ruminococcus gnavus, Lachnospira eligens, Escherichia coli and Desulfovibrio piger were increased significantly in the vulnerable group. Carboxylates, like alpha-ketoglutaric acid and d-saccharic acid, and levels of vitamins had obvious differences in the faecal metabolites. There was a distinct decrease in the expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 1 (eIF2α) and amine oxidase A (MAO-A) according to the proteomic results of the urine exosomes. Moreover, the compound annual growth rate of neurocognitive scores was notably decreased in vulnerable elders. CONCLUSIONS The multi-omics characteristics of disturbed glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (bacteria), vitamin digestion and absorption and tricarboxylic acid cycle in vulnerable elders can serve as predictors of NCDs risk among the elderly of Macao. Intervention with them may be effective therapeutic approaches for NCDs, and the underlying mechanisms merit further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SARChina
| | - Xingping Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SARChina
| | | | - Qiaoxing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgerySecond Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SARChina
| | - Ying Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SARChina
| | - Lai Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ji Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Yonghua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SARChina
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Arai T, Lopes F. Potential of human helminth therapy for resolution of inflammatory bowel disease: The future ahead. Exp Parasitol 2021; 232:108189. [PMID: 34848244 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a dysregulated mucosal immune response in the gastrointestinal tract. The number of patients with IBD has increased worldwide, especially in highly industrialized western societies. The population of patients with IBD in North America is forecasted to reach about four million by 2030; meanwhile, there is no definitive therapy for IBD. Current anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, or biological treatment may induce and maintain remission, but not all patients respond to these treatments. Recent studies explored parasitic helminths as a novel modality of therapy due to their potent immunoregulatory properties in humans. Research using IBD animal models infected with a helminth or administered helminth-derived products such as excretory-secretory products has been promising, and helminth-microbiota interactions exert their anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the host immunity. Recent studies also indicate that evidence that helminth-derived metabolites may play a role in anticolitic effects. Thus, the helminth shows a potential benefit for treatment against IBD. Here we review the current feasibility of "helminth therapy" from the laboratory for application in IBD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Arai
- Institution of Parasitology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada; Department of Gastroenterology, Hashimoto Municipal Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Fernando Lopes
- Institution of Parasitology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.
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Abstract
About half of the world's population and 80% of the world's biodiversity can be found in the tropics. Many diseases are specific to the tropics, with at least 41 diseases caused by endemic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Such diseases are of increasing concern, as the geographic range of tropical diseases is expanding due to climate change, urbanization, change in agricultural practices, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. While traditional medicines have been used for centuries in the treatment of tropical diseases, the active natural compounds within these medicines remain largely unknown. In this review, we describe infectious diseases specific to the tropics, including their causative pathogens, modes of transmission, recent major outbreaks, and geographic locations. We further review current treatments for these tropical diseases, carefully consider the biodiscovery potential of the tropical biome, and discuss a range of technologies being used for drug development from natural resources. We provide a list of natural products with antimicrobial activity, detailing the source organisms and their effectiveness as treatment. We discuss how technological advancements, such as next-generation sequencing, are driving high-throughput natural product screening pipelines to identify compounds with therapeutic properties. This review demonstrates the impact natural products from the vast tropical biome have in the treatment of tropical infectious diseases and how high-throughput technical capacity will accelerate this discovery process.
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Sloup V, Jankovská I, Štolcová M, Magdálek J, Karešová V, Lanková S, Langrová I. Effects of excessive dietary zinc or zinc/cadmium and tapeworm infection on the biochemical parameters in rats. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105:989-995. [PMID: 33772898 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to determine which biochemical blood parameters can serve as indicators of Zn or Zn/Cd burden and tapeworm infection. This study was performed on 44 Wistar male rats during a 6-week period, when rats were or were not fed a zinc/cadmium rich diet and were or were not infected with tapeworms (Hymenolepis diminuta). Total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, triacylglycerols, non-esterified fatty acids, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, Mg, Ca, P and Zn levels were analysed. Control rats with tapeworm infection had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) total protein, urea and phosphorus concentrations than did rats unaffected by any experimental factor. Rats given overdoses of zinc lactate exhibited significantly lower glucose levels than did the other rats, especially those infected with tapeworms. Low glucose level in uninfected rats indicate a Zn overdose; high doses of zinc lactate likely decrease levels of glucose via cortisol, which is released during stress. Rats fed the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulating plant Arabidopsis halleri and infected with tapeworms had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) cholesterol and urea levels but lower zinc, triacylglycerol, and alkaline phosphatase levels than did rats fed the same diet but free of tapeworms. The increase of alkaline phosphatase level in uninfected rats may indicate both Zn/Cd burden and rat liver damage. Overall, this study not only supports the theory that H. diminuta can serve as a promising model for helminth therapy of the host mammal but also confirmed that this tapeworm is capable to protect somehow the host organism from the harmful effects of heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Sloup
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Jankovská
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Štolcová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Magdálek
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Karešová
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sylva Lanková
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Langrová
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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The in vitro and in vivo anti-virulent effect of organic acid mixtures against Eimeria tenella and Eimeria bovis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16202. [PMID: 34376718 PMCID: PMC8355357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Eimeria tenella and Eimeria bovis are complex parasites responsible for the condition of coccidiosis, that invade the animal gastrointestinal intestinal mucosa causing severe diarrhoea, loss of appetite or abortions, with devastating impacts on the farming industry. The negative impacts of these parasitic infections are enhanced by their role in promoting the colonisation of the gut by common foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to test the anti-Eimeria efficacy of maltodextrin, sodium chloride, citric acid, sodium citrate, silica, malic acid, citrus extract, and olive extract individually, in vitro and in combination, in vivo. Firstly, in vitro infection models demonstrated that antimicrobials reduced (p < 0.05), both singly and in combination (AG), the ability of E. tenella and E. bovis to infect MDBK and CLEC-213 epithelial cells, and the virulence reduction was similar to that of the anti-coccidial drug Robenidine. Secondly, using an in vivo broiler infection model, we demonstrated that AG reduced (p = 0.001) E. tenella levels in the caeca and excreted faeces, reduced inflammatory oxidative stress, improved the immune response through reduced ROS, increased Mn-SOD and SCFA levels. Levels of IgA and IgM were significantly increased in caecal tissues of broilers that received 0.5% AG and were associated with improved (p < 0.0001) tissue lesion scores. A prophylactic approach increased the anti-parasitic effect in vivo, and results indicated that administration from day 0, 5 and 10 post-hatch reduced tissue lesion scores (p < 0.0001) and parasite excretion levels (p = 0.002). Conclusively, our in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the natural antimicrobial mixture (AG) reduced parasitic infections through mechanisms that reduced pathogen virulence and attenuated host inflammatory events.
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Abstract
![]()
Helminths
represent a diverse category of parasitic organisms that
can thrive within a host for years, if not decades, in the absence
of treatment. As such, they must establish mechanisms to subsist off
their hosts, evade the immune system, and develop a niche among the
other cohabiting microbial communities. The complex interplay of biologically
small molecules (collectively known as the metabolome) derived from,
utilized by, or in response to the presence of helminths within a
host is an emerging field of study. In this Perspective, we briefly
summarize the current existing literature, categorize key host–pathogen–microbiome
interfaces that could be studied in the context of the metabolome,
and provide background on mass spectrometry-based metabolomic methodology.
Overall, we hope to provide a comprehensive guide for utilizing metabolomics
in the context of helminthic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D. Whitman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94110, United States
| | - Judy A. Sakanari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
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Yeshi K, Creek DJ, Anderson D, Ritmejerytė E, Becker L, Loukas A, Wangchuk P. Metabolomes and Lipidomes of the Infective Stages of the Gastrointestinal nematodes, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Trichuris muris. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10110446. [PMID: 33171998 PMCID: PMC7694664 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10110446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths, including hookworms and whipworms, infect billions of people worldwide. Their capacity to penetrate and migrate through their hosts’ tissues is influenced by the suite of molecules produced by the infective developmental stages. To facilitate a better understanding of the immunobiology and pathogenicity of human hookworms and whipworms, we investigated the metabolomes of the infective stage of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis third-stage larvae (L3) which penetrate the skin and Trichuris muris eggs which are orally ingested, using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We identified 55 polar metabolites through Metabolomics Standard Initiative level-1 (MSI-I) identification from N. brasiliensis and T. muris infective stages, out of which seven were unique to excretory/secretory products (ESPs) of N. brasiliensis L3. Amino acids were a principal constituent (33 amino acids). Additionally, we identified 350 putative lipids, out of which 28 (all known lipids) were unique to N. brasiliensis L3 somatic extract and four to T. muris embryonated egg somatic extract. Glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids were the major lipid groups. The catalogue of metabolites identified in this study shed light on the biology, and possible therapeutic and diagnostic targets for the treatment of these critical infectious pathogens. Moreover, with the growing body of literature on the therapeutic utility of helminth ESPs for treating inflammatory diseases, a role for metabolites is likely but has received little attention thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (K.Y.); (P.W.)
| | - Darren J. Creek
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.C.); (D.A.)
| | - Dovile Anderson
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.C.); (D.A.)
| | - Edita Ritmejerytė
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (K.Y.); (P.W.)
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Wangchuk P, Lavers O, Wishart DS, Loukas A. Excretory/Secretory Metabolome of the Zoonotic Roundworm Parasite Toxocara canis. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081157. [PMID: 32781793 PMCID: PMC7464424 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease affecting humans that is predominantly caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati, primarily parasites of dogs and cats, respectively. Toxocara generally establishes long-term infections by co-opting its host's physiological processes, while at the same time exploiting the nutritional environment. Adult stage T. canis reside in the gut of the definitive canine host where they employ a suite of strategies to combat intestinal immune responses by actively producing and releasing excretory-secretory products (ESPs). The protein component of T. canis ESPs has been widely studied, but characterisation of the non-protein ESP complement remains neglected. To characterize the secreted metabolome of Toxocara ESPs and to shed light on the parasite's metabolic processes, we profiled the ESPs of T. canis using both gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) mass spectrometry approaches. We successfully identified 61 small molecules, including 41 polar metabolites, 14 medium-long chain fatty acids (MLCFAs) and six short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). We identified talose, stearic acid and isovalerate as the major compounds belonging to the polar, MLCFA and SCFA chemical classes, respectively. Most of the 61 identified metabolites appear to have been produced by T. canis via three distinct metabolic pathways - fatty acid, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. The majority of the identified ESPs have known biological properties, especially as immunomodulators. However, there is limited/no information on the biological roles or applications of 31 ESP biomolecules, suggesting that these may have novel activities that merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Owen Lavers
- Earville Vets, 474 Mulgrave Road, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia;
| | - David S. Wishart
- Department of Biological Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada;
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
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Ryan SM, Eichenberger RM, Ruscher R, Giacomin PR, Loukas A. Harnessing helminth-driven immunoregulation in the search for novel therapeutic modalities. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008508. [PMID: 32407385 PMCID: PMC7224462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths have coevolved with humans over millennia, intricately refining and developing an array of mechanisms to suppress or skew the host’s immune system, thereby promoting their long-term survival. Some helminths, such as hookworms, cause little to no overt pathology when present in modest numbers and may even confer benefits to their human host. To exploit this evolutionary phenomenon, clinical trials of human helminth infection have been established and assessed for safety and efficacy for a range of immune dysfunction diseases and have yielded mixed outcomes. Studies of live helminth therapy in mice and larger animals have convincingly shown that helminths and their excretory/secretory products possess anti-inflammatory drug-like properties and represent an untapped pharmacopeia. These anti-inflammatory moieties include extracellular vesicles, proteins, glycans, post-translational modifications, and various metabolites. Although the concept of helminth-inspired therapies holds promise, it also presents a challenge to the drug development community, which is generally unfamiliar with foreign biologics that do not behave like antibodies. Identification and characterization of helminth molecules and vesicles and the molecular pathways they target in the host present a unique opportunity to develop tailored drugs inspired by nature that are efficacious, safe, and have minimal immunogenicity. Even so, much work remains to mine and assess this out-of-the-box therapeutic modality. Industry-based organizations need to consider long-haul investments aimed at unraveling and exploiting unique and differentiated mechanisms of action as opposed to toe-dipping entries with an eye on rapid and profitable turnarounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Ryan
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ramon M. Eichenberger
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roland Ruscher
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul R. Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Yeshi K, Ruscher R, Hunter L, Daly NL, Loukas A, Wangchuk P. Revisiting Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pathology, Treatments, Challenges and Emerging Therapeutics Including Drug Leads from Natural Products. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1273. [PMID: 32354192 PMCID: PMC7288008 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and life-long disease characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation. It is caused by the interplay of the host's genetic predisposition and immune responses, and various environmental factors. Despite many treatment options, there is no cure for IBD. The increasing incidence and prevalence of IBD and lack of effective long-term treatment options have resulted in a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system worldwide. Biologics targeting inflammatory cytokines initiated a shift from symptomatic control towards objective treatment goals such as mucosal healing. There are seven monoclonal antibody therapies excluding their biosimilars approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for induction and maintenance of clinical remission in IBD. Adverse side effects associated with almost all currently available drugs, especially biologics, is the main challenge in IBD management. Natural products have significant potential as therapeutic agents with an increasing role in health care. Given that natural products display great structural diversity and are relatively easy to modify chemically, they represent ideal scaffolds upon which to generate novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the pathology, currently available treatment options for IBD and associated challenges, and the roles played by natural products in health care. It discusses these natural products within the current biodiscovery research agenda, including the applications of drug discovery techniques and the search for next-generation drugs to treat a plethora of inflammatory diseases, with a major focus on IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Roland Ruscher
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Luke Hunter
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
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Wangchuk P, Kouremenos K, Eichenberger RM, Pearson M, Susianto A, Wishart DS, McConville MJ, Loukas A. Metabolomic profiling of the excretory-secretory products of hookworm and whipworm. Metabolomics 2019; 15:101. [PMID: 31254203 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1561-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Soil-transmitted helminths infect billions of people, livestock and companion animals worldwide, and chronic infections with these nematodes represent a major health burden in many developing countries. On the other hand, complete elimination of parasitic helminths and other infectious pathogens has been implicated with rising rates of autoimmune and allergic disorders in developed countries. Given the enormous health impact of these parasites, it is surprising how little is known about the non-protein small metabolites of the excretory-secretory products (ESP), including their composition and pharmacological properties. OBJECTIVES We sought proof-of-concept that Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Trichuris muris, rodent models of two of the most important human soil-transmitted helminths, secrete small metabolites and that some of these metabolites may have specific pharmacological functions. METHODS N. brasiliensis and T. muris ESP were collected from adult worms and filtered using a 10 kDa cut-off membrane to produce excretory-secretory metabolites (ESM). The ESM were analysed using targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for polar and non-polar small metabolites. RESULTS ESM from both N. brasiliensis and T. muris contained small molecules. A total of 54 small molecules (38 polar metabolites and 16 fatty acids) were identified, 36 known polar metabolites from N. brasiliensis and 35 from T. muris. A literature review of the identified compounds revealed that 17 of them have various demonstrated pharmacological activities. CONCLUSION N. brasiliensis and T. muris secrete polar and non-polar small molecules with as many as 17 metabolites known to exhibit various pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia.
| | - Konstantinos Kouremenos
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ramon M Eichenberger
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Atik Susianto
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - David S Wishart
- Department of Biological Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Malcolm J McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia.
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