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Ain QT, Saleem N, Munawar N, Nawaz R, Naseer F, Ahmed S. Quest for malaria management using natural remedies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1359890. [PMID: 39011507 PMCID: PMC11247327 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1359890] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria, transmitted through the bite of a Plasmodium-infected Anopheles mosquito, remains a significant global health concern. This review examines the complex life cycle of Plasmodium, emphasizing the role of humans and mosquitoes in its transmission and proliferation. Malarial parasites are transmitted as sporozoites to the human body by biting an infected female Anopheles mosquito. These sporozoites then invade liver cells, multiply, and release merozoites, which infect red blood cells, perpetuating the cycle. As this cycle continues, the affected person starts experiencing the clinical symptoms of the disease. The current treatments for malaria, including chloroquine, artemisinin-based combination therapy, and quinine, are discussed alongside the challenges of drug resistance and misdiagnosis. Although efforts have been made to develop a malarial vaccine, they have so far been unsuccessful. Additionally, the review explores the potential of medicinal plants as remedies for malaria, highlighting the efficacy of compounds derived from Artemisia annua, Cinchona species, and Helianthus annuus L., as well as exploration of plants and phytocompounds like cryptolepine, and isoliquiritigenin against drug-resistant Plasmodium species. Moreover, studies from Pakistan further highlight the diverse vegetal resources utilized in malaria treatment, emphasizing the need for further research into natural remedies. Despite the advantages of herbal medicines, including cost-effectiveness, and fewer side effects; their limitations must be taken into account, including variations in potency and potential drug interactions. The review concludes by advocating for a balanced approach to malaria treatment and prevention, emphasizing the importance of early detection, accurate diagnosis, and integrated efforts to combat the disease in the endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qura Tul Ain
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nida Saleem
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nayla Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rukhsana Nawaz
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faiza Naseer
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Biosciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sagheer Ahmed
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Nandal R, Kumar D, Aggarwal N, Kumar V, Narasimhan B, Marwaha RK, Sharma PC, Kumar S, Bansal N, Chopra H, Deep A. Recent advances, challenges and updates on the development of therapeutics for malaria. EXCLI JOURNAL 2024; 23:672-713. [PMID: 38887396 PMCID: PMC11180964 DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Malaria has developed as a serious worldwide health issue as a result of the introduction of resistant Plasmodium species strains. Because of the common chemo resistance to most of the existing drugs on the market, it poses a severe health problem and significant obstacles in drug research. Malaria treatment has evolved during the last two decades in response to Plasmodium falciparum drug sensitivity and a return of the disease in tropical areas. Plasmodium falciparum is now highly resistant to the majority of antimalarial drugs. The parasite resistance drew focus to developing novel antimalarials to combat parasite resistance. The requirement for many novel antimalarial drugs in the future year necessitates adopting various drug development methodologies. Different innovative strategies for discovering antimalarial drugs are now being examined here. This review is primarily concerned with the description of newly synthesized antimalarial compounds, i.e. Tafenoquine, Cipargamin, Ferroquine, Artefenomel, DSM265, MMV390048 designed to improve the activity of pure antimalarial enantiomers. In this review, we selected the representative malarial drugs in clinical trials, classified them with detailed targets according to their action, discussed the relationship within the human trials, and generated a summative discussion with prospective expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimmy Nandal
- Shri Baba MastNath Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Baba Mast Nath University, Asthal Bohar, Rohtak-124001, Haryana, India
| | - Davinder Kumar
- College of Pharmacy, PGIMS University of Health Sciences, Rohtak-124001, Haryana, India
| | - Navidha Aggarwal
- MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala 133207, India
| | - Virender Kumar
- College of Pharmacy, PGIMS University of Health Sciences, Rohtak-124001, Haryana, India
| | | | - Rakesh Kumar Marwaha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001 Haryana, India
| | - Prabodh Chander Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Surender Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani-127021, India
| | - Nitin Bansal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani-127021, Haryana, India
| | - Hitesh Chopra
- Department of Biosciences, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai - 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aakash Deep
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani-127021, Haryana, India
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Ribeiro GDJG, Rei Yan SL, Palmisano G, Wrenger C. Plant Extracts as a Source of Natural Products with Potential Antimalarial Effects: An Update from 2018 to 2022. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1638. [PMID: 37376086 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria kills more than 500,000 people yearly, mainly affecting Africa and Southeast Asia. The disease is caused by the protozoan parasite from the genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum being the main species that cause the disease in humans. Although substantial progress has been observed in malaria research in the last years, the threat of the spread of Plasmodium parasites persists. Artemisinin-resistant strains of this parasite have been reported mainly in Southeast Asia, highlighting the urgent need to develop more effective and safe antimalarial drugs. In this context, natural sources, mainly from flora, remain underexplored antimalarial spaces. The present mini-review explores this space focusing on plant extracts and some of their isolated natural products with at least in vitro antiplasmodial effects reported in the literature comprising the last five years (2018-2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovane de Jesus Gomes Ribeiro
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Sun Liu Rei Yan
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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Zehra A, Wani KI, Choudhary S, Naeem M, Khan MMA, Aftab T. Involvement of abscisic acid in silicon-mediated enhancement of copper stress tolerance in Artemisia annua. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 195:37-46. [PMID: 36599274 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal (HM) toxicity is a well-known hazard which causes deleterious impact on the growth and development of plants. The impact of abscisic acid (ABA) in presence of silicon (Si) on plant development and quality traits has largely gone unexplored. The effects of ABA and Si on the growth, yield, and quality characteristics of Artemisia annua L. plants growing under copper (Cu) stress (20 and 40 mg kg-1) were investigated in a pot experiment. During this investigation, Cu stress caused severe damage to the plants but exogenous administration of Si and ABA ameliorated the harmful effects of Cu toxicity, and the plants displayed higher biomass and improved physio-biochemical attributes. Copper accumulated in the roots and shoots and its toxicity caused oxidative stress as demonstrated by the increased 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) content. It also resulted in the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, however, the exogenous Si and ABA supplementation decreased the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, alleviating the oxidative damage produced by HM stress. Copper toxicity had a considerable negative impact on glandular trichome density, ultrastructure as well as artemisinin production. However, combined Si and ABA enhanced the size and density of glandular trichomes, resulting in higher artemisinin production. Taken together, our results demonstrated that exogenous ABA and Si supplementation protect A. annua plants against Cu toxicity by improving photosynthetic characteristics, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, protecting leaf structure and integrity, avoiding excess Cu deposition in shoot and root tissues, and helping in enhanced artemisinin biosynthesis. Our results indicate that the combined application of Si and ABA improved the overall growth of plants and may thus be used as an effective approach for the improvement of growth and yield of A. annua in Cu-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andleeb Zehra
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202 002, India
| | - Kaiser Iqbal Wani
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202 002, India
| | - Sadaf Choudhary
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202 002, India
| | - M Naeem
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202 002, India
| | - M Masroor A Khan
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202 002, India
| | - Tariq Aftab
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202 002, India.
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Mianda SM, Invernizzi L, van der Watt ME, Reader J, Moyo P, Birkholtz LM, Maharaj VJ. In vitro dual activity of Aloe marlothii roots and its chemical constituents against Plasmodium falciparum asexual and sexual stage parasites. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 297:115551. [PMID: 35850311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aloe marlothii A.Berger (Xanthorrhoeaceae) is indigenous to southern African countries where its aqueous preparations are used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments including hypertension, respiratory infections, venereal diseases, chest pain, sore throat and malaria. AIM OF THE STUDY The aims of this study were as follows: (i) isolate and identify the antiplasmodial active compounds in A. marlothii roots. As the water extract was previously inactive, the dichloromethane:methanol (DCM:MeOH) (1:1) was used, (ii) examine the activity of the isolated compounds against Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood stage (ABS) parasites as well as for transmission-blocking activity against gametocytes and gametes, and (iii) to use in silico tools to predict the target(s) of the active molecules. MATERIALS AND METHODS The crude DCM:MeOH (1:1) extract of A. marlothii roots was fractionated on a reverse phase C8 column, using a positive pressure solid-phase extraction (ppSPE) workstation to produce seven fractions. The resulting fractions and the crude DCM:MeOH extract were tested in vitro against P. falciparum (NF54) ABS parasites using the malaria SYBR Green I based-fluorescence assay. Flash silica chromatography and mass-directed preparative high-performance liquid chromatography were utilised to isolate the active compounds. The isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro against P. falciparum asexual (NF54 and K1 strains) and sexual (gametocytes and gametes) stage parasites. Molecular docking was then used for the in silico prediction of targets for the isolated active compounds in P. falciparum. RESULTS The crude extract and two SPE fractions displayed good antiplasmodial activity with >97% and 100% inhibition of ABS parasites proliferation at 10 and 20 μg/mL, respectively. Following UPLC-MS analysis of these active fractions, a targeted purification resulted in the isolation of six compounds identified as aloesaponol I (1), aloesaponarin I (2), aloesaponol IV (3), β-sorigenin-1-O-methylether (4), emodin (5), and chrysophanol (6). Aloesaponarin I (2) was the most bioactive, compared to other isolated constituents, against P. falciparum ABS parasites exhibiting equipotency against the drug-sensitive (NF54) (IC50 = 1.54 μg/mL (5 μM)) and multidrug-resistant (K1) (IC50 = 1.58 μg/mL (5 μM)) strains. Aloesaponol IV (3) showed pronounced activity against late-stage (>90% stage IV/V) gametocytes (IC50 = 6.53 μg/mL (22.6 μM)) demonstrating a 3-fold selective potency towards these sexual stages compared to asexual forms of the parasite (IC50 = 19.77 ± 6.835 μg/mL (68 μM)). Transmission-blocking potential of aloesaponol IV (3) was validated by in vitro inhibition of exflagellation of male gametes (94% inhibition at 20 μg/mL). In silico studies identified β-hematin and DNA topoisomerase II as potential biological targets of compounds 2 and 3, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings from our study substantiate the traditional use of A. marlothii to treat malaria. To our knowledge, this study has provided the first report on the isolation and identification of antiplasmodial compounds from A. marlothii roots. Furthermore, our study has provided the first report on the transmission-blocking potential of one of the compounds from the genus Aloe, motivating for the investigation of other species within this genus for their potential P. falciparum transmission-blocking activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sephora Mutombo Mianda
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Luke Invernizzi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Mariëtte E van der Watt
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa; Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Gezina, Pretoria, 0031, South Africa.
| | - Janette Reader
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Phanankosi Moyo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Lyn-Marié Birkholtz
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Vinesh J Maharaj
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
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Chaves JB, Portugal Tavares de Moraes B, Regina Ferrarini S, Noé da Fonseca F, Silva AR, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque CF. Potential of nanoformulations in malaria treatment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:999300. [PMID: 36386185 PMCID: PMC9645116 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.999300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is caused by the protozoan Plasmodium sp and affects millions of people worldwide. Its clinical form ranges from asymptomatic to potentially fatal and severe. Current treatments include single drugs such as chloroquine, lumefantrine, primaquine, or in combination with artemisinin or its derivatives. Resistance to antimalarial drugs has increased; therefore, there is an urgent need to diversify therapeutic approaches. The disease cycle is influenced by biological, social, and anthropological factors. This longevity and complexity contributes to the records of drug resistance, where further studies and proposals for new therapeutic formulations are needed for successful treatment of malaria. Nanotechnology is promising for drug development. Preclinical formulations with antimalarial agents have shown positive results, but only a few have progressed to clinical phase. Therefore, studies focusing on the development and evaluation of antimalarial formulations should be encouraged because of their enormous therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Braga Chaves
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bianca Portugal Tavares de Moraes
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stela Regina Ferrarini
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Laboratory, Federal University of Mato Grosso of Sinop Campus—UFMT, Cuiabá, Brazil
| | - Francisco Noé da Fonseca
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Parque Estação Biológica—PqEB, EMBRAPA, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Adriana Ribeiro Silva
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cassiano Felippe Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Cassiano Felippe Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque,
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Aljawdah HMA, Abdel-Gaber R, Al-Shaebi EM, Thagfan FA, Al-Quraishy S, Qasem MAA, Murshed M, Mares MM, Al-Otaibi T, Hawsah MA, Dkhil MA. Hepatoprotective activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract in murine malaria mediated by suppression of oxidative and inflammatory processes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:955042. [PMID: 36034714 PMCID: PMC9412018 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.955042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal extracts are promising agents against various parasitic diseases, such as malaria. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative action of Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract (ECE) against hepatic damage caused by Plasmodium chabaudi infection. Mice were allocated into five groups as follows: two groups served as the control non-infected groups that received distilled water and ECE, respectively; subsequent three groups were infected with 106 P. chabaudi parasitized erythrocytes; the last two groups were infected with the parasite and then treated with ECE and chloroquine. On day 8 post-infection, the parasite count increased inside erythrocytes (59.4% parasitemia in the infected group). Parasitemia was successfully reduced to 9.4% upon ECE treatment. Phytochemical screening using GC mass spectrometry revealed that ECE contained 23 phytochemical components. Total phenolics and flavonoids in ECE were 104 ± 2 and 7.1± 3 µg/mL, respectively, with 57.2% antioxidant activity. ECE ameliorated changes in liver histopathology and enzymatic activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, ECE prevented oxidative damage induced by the parasite in the liver, as evidenced by the change in the liver concentrations of glutathione, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and catalase. Moreover, ECE was able to regulate the expression of liver cytokines, interleukins-1β and 6, as well as IFN-γ mRNA. ECE possesses antiplasmodial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity against liver injury induced by the parasite P. chabaudi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam M. A. Aljawdah
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam M. Al-Shaebi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Felwa A. Thagfan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmood A. A. Qasem
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mutee Murshed
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M. Mares
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahani Al-Otaibi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Science and Technology, Al-Nairiyah University College, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maysar Abu Hawsah
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Dkhil
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Mohamed A. Dkhil,
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Effects of Gymnema inodorum Leaf Extract on the Alteration of Blood Coagulation Parameters and Platelet Count in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice. J Parasitol Res 2022; 2022:4225682. [PMID: 35310010 PMCID: PMC8933115 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4225682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains highly prevalent and one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical regions. Alteration of blood coagulation and platelets has played an important role and attributed to increased morbidity in malaria. Hence, this study was performed to investigate the efficacy of Gymnema inodorum leaf extract on Plasmodium berghei-induced alteration of blood coagulation parameters and platelet numbers in mice. Groups of ICR mice were inoculated with 1 × 107 parasitized red blood cells of P. berghei ANKA (PbANKA) and given orally by gavage with 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of G. inodorum leaf extract (GIE). Chloroquine (10 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. Platelet count and blood coagulation parameters were measured. The results showed that PbANKA induced thrombocytopenia in mice as indicated by markedly decreased platelet count. Decreased platelet count had a negative correlation with the degree of parasitemia with R2 value of 0.6668. Moreover, significantly (p < 0.05) shortened activated partial thromboplastin time was found in PbANKA-infected group, while prothrombin time and thrombin time were still normal. GIE gave significantly (p < 0.05) good results with respect to platelet count, compared with the results obtained from positive and healthy controls. Additionally, GIE reversed the alteration of blood coagulation parameters when compared to untreated mice. The highest efficacy of GIE was observed at a dose of 500 mg/kg. It was concluded that GIE exerted a protective effect on thrombocytopenia and altered blood coagulation parameters induced by PbANKA infection in mice. This plant may be a future candidate for alternative antimalarial development.
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9
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Yu S, Wang J, Luo X, Zheng H, Wang L, Yang X, Wang Y. Transmission-Blocking Strategies Against Malaria Parasites During Their Mosquito Stages. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:820650. [PMID: 35252033 PMCID: PMC8889032 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.820650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is still the most widespread parasitic disease and causes the most infections globally. Owing to improvements in sanitary conditions and various intervention measures, including the use of antimalarial drugs, the malaria epidemic in many regions of the world has improved significantly in the past 10 years. However, people living in certain underdeveloped areas are still under threat. Even in some well-controlled areas, the decline in malaria infection rates has stagnated or the rates have rebounded because of the emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria parasites. Thus, new malaria control methods must be developed. As the spread of the Plasmodium parasite is dependent on the part of its life cycle that occurs in mosquitoes, to eliminate the possibility of malaria infections, transmission-blocking strategies against the mosquito stage should be the first choice. In fact, after the gametocyte enters the mosquito body, it undergoes a series of transformation processes over a short period, thus providing numerous potential blocking targets. Many research groups have carried out studies based on targeting the blocking of transmission during the mosquito phase and have achieved excellent results. Meanwhile, the direct killing of mosquitoes could also significantly reduce the probability of malaria infections. Microorganisms that display complex interactions with Plasmodium, such as Wolbachia and gut flora, have shown observable transmission-blocking potential. These could be used as a biological control strategy and play an important part in blocking the transmission of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Yu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Luo
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luhan Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuesen Yang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Wang,
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Frasse PM, Miller JJ, Polino AJ, Soleimani E, Zhu JS, Jakeman DL, Jez JM, Goldberg DE, Odom John AR. Enzymatic and structural characterization of HAD5, an essential phosphomannomutase of malaria-causing parasites. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101550. [PMID: 34973333 PMCID: PMC8808168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for over 200 million infections and 400,000 deaths per year. At multiple stages during its complex life cycle, P. falciparum expresses several essential proteins tethered to its surface by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors, which are critical for biological processes such as parasite egress and reinvasion of host red blood cells. Targeting this pathway therapeutically has the potential to broadly impact parasite development across several life stages. Here, we characterize an upstream component of parasite GPI anchor biosynthesis, the putative phosphomannomutase (PMM) (EC 5.4.2.8), HAD5 (PF3D7_1017400). We confirmed the PMM and phosphoglucomutase activities of purified recombinant HAD5 by developing novel linked enzyme biochemical assays. By regulating the expression of HAD5 in transgenic parasites with a TetR-DOZI-inducible knockdown system, we demonstrated that HAD5 is required for malaria parasite egress and erythrocyte reinvasion, and we assessed the role of HAD5 in GPI anchor synthesis by autoradiography of radiolabeled glucosamine and thin layer chromatography. Finally, we determined the three-dimensional X-ray crystal structure of HAD5 and identified a substrate analog that specifically inhibits HAD5 compared to orthologous human PMMs in a time-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that the GPI anchor biosynthesis pathway is exceptionally sensitive to inhibition in parasites and that HAD5 has potential as a specific, multistage antimalarial target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Frasse
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Justin J Miller
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexander J Polino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ebrahim Soleimani
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Jian-She Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - David L Jakeman
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Joseph M Jez
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel E Goldberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Audrey R Odom John
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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11
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Hien DFDS, Paré PSL, Cooper A, Koama BK, Guissou E, Yaméogo KB, Yerbanga RS, Farrell IW, Ouédraogo JB, Gnankiné O, Ignell R, Cohuet A, Dabiré RK, Stevenson PC, Lefèvre T. Contrasting effects of the alkaloid ricinine on the capacity of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii to transmit Plasmodium falciparum. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:479. [PMID: 34526119 PMCID: PMC8444468 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04992-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Besides feeding on blood, females of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae sensu lato readily feed on natural sources of plant sugars. The impact of toxic secondary phytochemicals contained in plant-derived sugars on mosquito physiology and the development of Plasmodium parasites remains elusive. The focus of this study was to explore the influence of the alkaloid ricinine, found in the nectar of the castor bean Ricinus communis, on the ability of mosquitoes to transmit Plasmodium falciparum. Methods Females of Anopheles gambiae and its sibling species Anopheles coluzzii were exposed to ricinine through sugar feeding assays to assess the effect of this phytochemical on mosquito survival, level of P. falciparum infection and growth rate of the parasite. Results Ricinine induced a significant reduction in the longevity of both Anopheles species. Ricinine caused acceleration in the parasite growth rate with an earlier invasion of the salivary glands in both species. At a concentration of 0.04 g l−1 in An. coluzzii, ricinine had no effect on mosquito infection, while 0.08 g l−1 ricinine-5% glucose solution induced a 14% increase in An. gambiae infection rate. Conclusions Overall, our findings reveal that consumption of certain nectar phytochemicals can have unexpected and contrasting effects on key phenotypic traits that govern the intensity of malaria transmission. Further studies will be required before concluding on the putative role of ricinine as a novel control agent, including the development of ricinine-based toxic and transmission-blocking sugar baits. Testing other secondary phytochemicals in plant nectar will provide a broader understanding of the impact which plants can have on the transmission of vector-borne diseases. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04992-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domonbabele F D S Hien
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. .,Laboratoire Mixte International Sur Les Vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. .,MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Prisca S L Paré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ougadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Amanda Cooper
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Benjamin K Koama
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Institut Des Sciences Et Techniques, Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Edwige Guissou
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Laboratoire Mixte International Sur Les Vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Koudraogo B Yaméogo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Laboratoire Mixte International Sur Les Vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Rakiswendé S Yerbanga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Laboratoire Mixte International Sur Les Vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Iain W Farrell
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Jean B Ouédraogo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Rickard Ignell
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Unit of Chemical Ecology, Disease Vector Group, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Cohuet
- Laboratoire Mixte International Sur Les Vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Roch K Dabiré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Laboratoire Mixte International Sur Les Vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Philip C Stevenson
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK.,Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Thierry Lefèvre
- Laboratoire Mixte International Sur Les Vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,Centre de Recherche en Écologie Et Évolution de La Santé (CREES), Montpellier, France
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12
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Muhseen ZT, Hameed AR, Al-Bhadly O, Ahmad S, Li G. Natural products for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria: An integrated computational approach. Comput Biol Med 2021; 134:104415. [PMID: 33910128 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease with an estimated 229 million cases in the year 2019 worldwide. Plasmodium falciparum 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) is one of the key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of isoprenoid, (required for parasite growth and survival) and considered as an attractive target for designing anti-malarial drugs. Fosmidomycin is an effective DXR inhibitor and has been proven effective and safe against P. falciparum in clinical trials. However, due to low bioavailability and inappropriate drug attributes, it is not a preferred option. The present study was performed to identify PfDXR inhibitors with improved pharmacology/safety. For this purpose, an integrated computational framework, comprising of pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MM/PBSA, was used. The binding free energy analysis was performed using a focused library of phytochemicals established from medicinal plants. The study identified four bioactive compounds namely, Myricetin 3-rhamnoside, 7-O-Galloyltricetiflavan, (25S)-5-beta-spirostan-3-beta-ol 3-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-beta-d-glucopyranoside, and Oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside as potential inhibitors of PfDXR. The selection of these four compounds was based on pharmacophore mapping, docking score, binding stability, molecular interactions with the residues of PfDXR active site, binding stability and free energy estimation. In conclusion, medicinal plant-based scaffolds were predicted with enhanced efficacy and adequate physiochemical/pharmacokinetic profile that might be helpful in controlling malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad Tariq Muhseen
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China; School of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Alaa R Hameed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, School of Life Sciences, Dijlah University College, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Ola Al-Bhadly
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, School of Life Sciences, Dijlah University College, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, 25000, Pakistan.
| | - Guanglin Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China; School of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
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13
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Chawla J, Oberstaller J, Adams JH. Targeting Gametocytes of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum in a Functional Genomics Era: Next Steps. Pathogens 2021; 10:346. [PMID: 33809464 PMCID: PMC7999360 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito transmission of the deadly malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is mediated by mature sexual forms (gametocytes). Circulating in the vertebrate host, relatively few intraerythrocytic gametocytes are picked up during a bloodmeal to continue sexual development in the mosquito vector. Human-to-vector transmission thus represents an infection bottleneck in the parasite's life cycle for therapeutic interventions to prevent malaria. Even though recent progress has been made in the identification of genetic factors linked to gametocytogenesis, a plethora of genes essential for sexual-stage development are yet to be unraveled. In this review, we revisit P. falciparum transmission biology by discussing targetable features of gametocytes and provide a perspective on a forward-genetic approach for identification of novel transmission-blocking candidates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Chawla
- Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, MDC 7, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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14
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Dkhil MA, Al-Quraishy S, Al-Shaebi EM, Abdel-Gaber R, Thagfan FA, Qasem MA. Medicinal plants as a fight against murine blood-stage malaria. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1723-1738. [PMID: 33732056 PMCID: PMC7938113 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Malaria is an infectious parasitic disease affecting most of countries worldwide. Due to antimalarial drug resistance, researchers are seeking to find another safe efficient source for treatment of malaria. Since many years ago, medicinal plants were widely used for the treatment of several diseases. In general, most application is done first on experimental animals then human. In this article, medicinal plants as antimalarial agents in experimental animals were reviewed from January 2000 until November 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this systematic review published articles were reviewed using the electronic databases NCBI, ISI Web of knowledge, ScienceDirect and Saudi digital library to check articles and theses for M.Sc/Ph.D. The name of the medicinal plant with its taxon ID and family, the used Plasmodium species, plant part used and its extract type and the country of harvest were described. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The reviewed plants belonged to 83 families. Medicinal plants of families Asteraceae, Meliaceae Fabaceae and Lamiaceae are the most abundant for use in laboratory animal antimalarial studies. According to region, published articles from 33 different countries were reviewed. Most of malaria published articles are from Africa especially Nigeria and Ethiopia. Leaves were the most common plant part used for the experimental malaria research. In many regions, research using medicinal plants to eliminate parasites and as a defensive tool is popular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Dkhil
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt
| | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam M. Al-Shaebi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Felwa Abdullah Thagfan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmood A.A. Qasem
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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