1
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Yang H, Song P, Li B, Li S, Yang J. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of Nrf2 modulators for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 103:117684. [PMID: 38493731 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a prevalent primary brain tumor. However, no specific therapeutic drug has been developed for it. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a crucial transcription factor involved in the cellular response to oxidative stress. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in GBM angiogenesis, and inhibiting Nrf2 can significantly enhance patient prognosis. Using virtual screening technology, we examined our in-house library and identified pinosylvin as a potential compound with high activity. Pinosylvin exhibited robust hydrogen bond and Π-Π interaction with Nrf2. Cell experiments revealed that pinosylvin effectively reduced the proliferation of U87 tumor cells by regulating Nrf2 and demonstrated greater inhibitory activity than temozolomide. Consequently, we believe that this study will offer valuable guidance for the future development of highly efficient therapeutic drugs for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Yang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266001, China
| | - Peilu Song
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266001, China
| | - Baohu Li
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shutang Li
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266001, China
| | - Jinfei Yang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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2
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Yeh YT, Del Álamo JC, Caffrey CR. Biomechanics of parasite migration within hosts. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:164-175. [PMID: 38172015 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.001] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The dissemination of protozoan and metazoan parasites through host tissues is hindered by cellular barriers, dense extracellular matrices, and fluid forces in the bloodstream. To overcome these diverse biophysical impediments, parasites implement versatile migratory strategies. Parasite-exerted mechanical forces and upregulation of the host's cellular contractile machinery are the motors for these strategies, and these are comparably better characterized for protozoa than for helminths. Using the examples of the protozoans, Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium, and the metazoan, Schistosoma mansoni, we highlight how quantitative tools such as traction force and reflection interference contrast microscopies have improved our understanding of how parasites alter host mechanobiology to promote their migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Yeh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Juan C Del Álamo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 93093, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0657, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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3
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Ndungu K, Thuita J, Murilla G, Kagira J, Auma J, Mireji P, Ngae G, Okumu P, Gitonga P, Guya S, Mdachi R. The pathogenicity of blood stream and central nervous system forms of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense trypanosomes in laboratory mice: a comparative study. F1000Res 2023; 11:260. [PMID: 38162635 PMCID: PMC10755267 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.75518.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) develops in two stages namely early stage when trypanosomes are found in the blood and late stage when trypanosomes are found in the central nervous system (CNS). The two environments are different with CNS environment reported as being hostile to the trypanosomes than the blood environment. The clinical symptoms manifested by the disease in the two environments are different. Information on whether blood stream are pathologically different from CNS trypanosomes is lacking. This study undertook to compare the inter-isolate pathological differences caused by bloodstream forms (BSF) and central nervous system (CNS) of five Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense ( Tbr) isolates in Swiss white mice. Methods: Donor mice infected with each of the five isolates were euthanized at 21 days post infection (DPI) for recovery of BSF trypanosomes in heart blood and CNS trypanosomes in brain supernatants. Groups of Swiss white mice (n = 10) were then infected with BSF or CNS forms of each isolate and monitored for parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight, survivorship, trypanosome length, gross and histopathology characteristics. Results: Amplification of SRA gene prior to trypanosome morphology and pathogenicity studies confirmed all isolates as T. b. rhodesiense. At 21 DPI, CNS trypanosomes were predominantly long slender (LS) while BSF were a mixture of short stumpy and intermediate forms. The density of BSF trypanosomes was on average 2-3 log-scales greater than that of CNS trypanosomes with isolate KETRI 2656 having the highest CNS trypanosome density. Conclusions: The pathogenicity study revealed clear differences in the virulence/pathogenicity of the five (5) isolates but no distinct and consistent differences between CNS and BSF forms of the same isolate. We also identified KETRI 2656 as a suitable isolate for acute menigo- encephalitic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kariuki Ndungu
- Biochemistry, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, P.O. Box 362 -00902, Kenya
| | - John Thuita
- Animal Science, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, P.O Box, 972-60200, Kenya
| | - Grace Murilla
- Administration, KAG East University, Nairobi, P.O.BOX 46328-00100, Kenya
| | - John Kagira
- Animal Science, Jomo Keyatta University of Science and Technology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000–00200, Kenya
| | - Joanna Auma
- Biochemistry, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, P.O. Box 362 -00902, Kenya
| | - Paul Mireji
- Bioinformatics, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Kilifi, P. O. Box 428-80108, Kenya
| | - Geoffrey Ngae
- Food Crops Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, P. O. Box 30148-00200, Kenya
| | - Paul Okumu
- Veterinary Pathology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
| | - Purity Gitonga
- Biochemistry, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, P.O. Box 362 -00902, Kenya
| | - Samuel Guya
- Biochemistry, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, P.O. Box 362 -00902, Kenya
| | - Raymond Mdachi
- Biochemistry, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, P.O. Box 362 -00902, Kenya
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4
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Thomas M, McGonagle K, Rowland P, Robinson DA, Dodd PG, Camino-Díaz I, Campbell L, Cantizani J, Castañeda P, Conn D, Craggs PD, Edwards D, Ferguson L, Fosberry A, Frame L, Goswami P, Hu X, Korczynska J, MacLean L, Martin J, Mutter N, Osuna-Cabello M, Paterson C, Peña I, Pinto EG, Pont C, Riley J, Shishikura Y, Simeons FRC, Stojanovski L, Thomas J, Wrobel K, Young RJ, Zmuda F, Zuccotto F, Read KD, Gilbert IH, Marco M, Miles TJ, Manzano P, De Rycker M. Structure-Guided Design and Synthesis of a Pyridazinone Series of Trypanosoma cruzi Proteasome Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10413-10431. [PMID: 37506194 PMCID: PMC10424187 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for new treatments for Chagas disease, a parasitic infection which mostly impacts South and Central America. We previously reported on the discovery of GSK3494245/DDD01305143, a preclinical candidate for visceral leishmaniasis which acted through inhibition of the Leishmania proteasome. A related analogue, active against Trypanosoma cruzi, showed suboptimal efficacy in an animal model of Chagas disease, so alternative proteasome inhibitors were investigated. Screening a library of phenotypically active analogues against the T. cruzi proteasome identified an active, selective pyridazinone, the development of which is described herein. We obtained a cryo-EM co-structure of proteasome and a key inhibitor and used this to drive optimization of the compounds. Alongside this, optimization of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties afforded a suitable compound for mouse efficacy studies. The outcome of these studies is discussed, alongside future plans to further understand the series and its potential to deliver a new treatment for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael
G. Thomas
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Kate McGonagle
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Paul Rowland
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - David A. Robinson
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Peter G. Dodd
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Isabel Camino-Díaz
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Discovery DMPK, IVIVT, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Lorna Campbell
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Juan Cantizani
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Pablo Castañeda
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Discovery DMPK, IVIVT, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Daniel Conn
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Peter D. Craggs
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Darren Edwards
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Liam Ferguson
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Andrew Fosberry
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Laura Frame
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Panchali Goswami
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Xiao Hu
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Justyna Korczynska
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Lorna MacLean
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Julio Martin
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Nicole Mutter
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Maria Osuna-Cabello
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Christy Paterson
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Imanol Peña
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Erika G. Pinto
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Caterina Pont
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Jennifer Riley
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Yoko Shishikura
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Frederick R. C. Simeons
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Laste Stojanovski
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - John Thomas
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Karolina Wrobel
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | | | - Filip Zmuda
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Maria Marco
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Timothy J. Miles
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Pilar Manzano
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Manu De Rycker
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
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5
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Abstract
African trypanosomes are bloodstream protozoan parasites that infect mammals including humans, where they cause sleeping sickness. Long-lasting infection is required to favor parasite transmission between hosts. Therefore, trypanosomes have developed strategies to continuously escape innate and adaptive responses of the immune system, while also preventing premature death of the host. The pathology linked to infection mainly results from inflammation and includes anemia and brain dysfunction in addition to loss of specificity and memory of the antibody response. The serum of humans contains an efficient trypanolytic factor, the membrane pore-forming protein apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1). In the two human-infective trypanosomes, specific parasite resistance factors inhibit APOL1 activity. In turn, many African individuals express APOL1 variants that counteract these resistance factors, enabling them to avoid sleeping sickness. However, these variants are associated with chronic kidney disease, particularly in the context of virus-induced inflammation such as coronavirus disease 2019. Vaccination perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Pays
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium;
| | - Magdalena Radwanska
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Stefan Magez
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; .,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Saunders NR, Dziegielewska KM, Fame RM, Lehtinen MK, Liddelow SA. The choroid plexus: a missing link in our understanding of brain development and function. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:919-956. [PMID: 36173801 PMCID: PMC9678431 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00060.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of the choroid plexus lag behind those of the more widely known blood-brain barrier, despite a much longer history. This review has two overall aims. The first is to outline long-standing areas of research where there are unanswered questions, such as control of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secretion and blood flow. The second aim is to review research over the past 10 years where the focus has shifted to the idea that there are choroid plexuses located in each of the brain's ventricles that make specific contributions to brain development and function through molecules they generate for delivery via the CSF. These factors appear to be particularly important for aspects of normal brain growth. Most research carried out during the twentieth century dealt with the choroid plexus, a brain barrier interface making critical contributions to the composition and stability of the brain's internal environment throughout life. More recent research in the twenty-first century has shown the importance of choroid plexus-generated CSF in neurogenesis, influence of sex and other hormones on choroid plexus function, and choroid plexus involvement in circadian rhythms and sleep. The advancement of technologies to facilitate delivery of brain-specific therapies via the CSF to treat neurological disorders is a rapidly growing area of research. Conversely, understanding the basic mechanisms and implications of how maternal drug exposure during pregnancy impacts the developing brain represents another key area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman R Saunders
- Department of Neuroscience, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ryann M Fame
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria K Lehtinen
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shane A Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
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7
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Alloo J, Leleu I, Grangette C, Pied S. Parasite infections, neuroinflammation, and potential contributions of gut microbiota. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1024998. [PMID: 36569929 PMCID: PMC9772015 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many parasitic diseases (including cerebral malaria, human African trypanosomiasis, cerebral toxoplasmosis, neurocysticercosis and neuroschistosomiasis) feature acute or chronic brain inflammation processes, which are often associated with deregulation of glial cell activity and disruption of the brain blood barrier's intactness. The inflammatory responses of astrocytes and microglia during parasite infection are strongly influenced by a variety of environmental factors. Although it has recently been shown that the gut microbiota influences the physiology and immunomodulation of the central nervous system in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's, the putative link in parasite-induced neuroinflammatory diseases has not been well characterized. Likewise, the central nervous system can influence the gut microbiota. In parasite infections, the gut microbiota is strongly perturbed and might influence the severity of the central nervous system inflammation response through changes in the production of bacterial metabolites. Here, we review the roles of astrocytes and microglial cells in the neuropathophysiological processes induced by parasite infections and their possible regulation by the gut microbiota.
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8
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Mousavi A, Foroumadi P, Emamgholipour Z, Mäser P, Kaiser M, Foroumadi A. 2-(Nitroaryl)-5-Substituted-1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives with Antiprotozoal Activities: In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175559. [PMID: 36080325 PMCID: PMC9457997 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175559] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitro-containing compounds are a well-known class of anti-infective agents, especially in the field of anti-parasitic drug discovery. HAT or sleeping sickness is a neglected tropical disease caused by a protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma brucei. Following the approval of fexinidazole as the first oral treatment for both stages of T. b. gambiense HAT, there is an increased interest in developing new nitro-containing compounds against parasitic diseases. In our previous projects, we synthesized several megazole derivatives that presented high activity against Leishmania major promastigotes. Here, we screened and evaluated their trypanocidal activity. Most of the compounds showed submicromolar IC50 against the BSF form of T. b. rhodesiense (STIB 900). To the best of our knowledge, compound 18c is one of the most potent nitro-containing agents reported against HAT in vitro. Compound 18g revealed an acceptable cure rate in the acute mouse model of HAT, accompanied with noteworthy in vitro activity against T. brucei, T. cruzi, and L. donovani. Taken together, these results suggest that these compounds are promising candidates to evaluate their pharmacokinetic and biological profiles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mousavi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Parham Foroumadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Zahra Emamgholipour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Alireza Foroumadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (A.F.)
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9
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Martín-Escolano J, Marín C, Rosales MJ, Tsaousis AD, Medina-Carmona E, Martín-Escolano R. An Updated View of the Trypanosoma cruzi Life Cycle: Intervention Points for an Effective Treatment. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1107-1115. [PMID: 35652513 PMCID: PMC9194904 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Chagas disease (CD)
is a parasitic, systemic, chronic, and often
fatal illness caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma
cruzi. The World Health Organization classifies CD as the
most prevalent of poverty-promoting neglected tropical diseases, the
most important parasitic one, and the third most infectious disease
in Latin America. Currently, CD is a global public health issue that
affects 6–8 million people. However, the current approved treatments
are limited to two nitroheterocyclic drugs developed more than 50
years ago. Many efforts have been made in recent decades to find new
therapies, but our limited understanding of the infection process,
pathology development, and long-term nature of this disease has made
it impossible to develop new drugs, effective treatment, or vaccines.
This Review aims to provide a comprehensive update on our understanding
of the current life cycle, new morphological forms, and genetic diversity
of T. cruzi, as well as identify intervention points
in the life cycle where new drugs and treatments could achieve a parasitic
cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martín-Escolano
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, E41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María J. Rosales
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
| | - Encarnación Medina-Carmona
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
| | - Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
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10
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Idro R, Ogwang R, Barragan A, Raimondo JV, Masocha W. Neuroimmunology of Common Parasitic Infections in Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 13:791488. [PMID: 35222377 PMCID: PMC8866860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.791488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections of the central nervous system are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric sequelae of these infections result from a complex interplay between the parasites and the host inflammatory response. Here we review some of the diseases caused by selected parasitic organisms known to infect the nervous system including Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei spp., and Taenia solium species. For each parasite, we describe the geographical distribution, prevalence, life cycle, and typical clinical symptoms of infection and pathogenesis. We pay particular attention to how the parasites infect the brain and the interaction between each organism and the host immune system. We describe how an understanding of these processes may guide optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders. Finally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of disease pathophysiology and call for increased interrogation of these often-neglected disorders of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohann Le Govic
- Infectious Agents, Resistance and Chemotherapy (AGIR), University of Picardy Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Center for Human Biology, University Hospital of Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Baptiste Demey
- Infectious Agents, Resistance and Chemotherapy (AGIR), University of Picardy Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Virology Department, Center for Human Biology, University Hospital of Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Julien Cassereau
- Department of Neurology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- Univ Angers, Inserm, CNRS, MITOVASC, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Yong-Sun Bahn
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (Y-SB); (NP)
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
- * E-mail: (Y-SB); (NP)
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12
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Rojas-Pirela M, Medina L, Rojas MV, Liempi AI, Castillo C, Pérez-Pérez E, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Araneda S, Kemmerling U. Congenital Transmission of Apicomplexan Parasites: A Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:751648. [PMID: 34659187 PMCID: PMC8519608 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.751648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexans are a group of pathogenic protists that cause various diseases in humans and animals that cause economic losses worldwide. These unicellular eukaryotes are characterized by having a complex life cycle and the ability to evade the immune system of their host organism. Infections caused by some of these parasites affect millions of pregnant women worldwide, leading to various adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. Unfortunately, the exact pathogenesis of congenital apicomplexan diseases is far from being understood, including the mechanisms of how they cross the placental barrier. In this review, we highlight important aspects of the diseases caused by species of Plasmodium, Babesia, Toxoplasma, and Neospora, their infection during pregnancy, emphasizing the possible role played by the placenta in the host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ana Isabel Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastian Araneda
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Salud y Odontología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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13
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Dinh-Hung N, Sangpo P, Kruangkum T, Kayansamruaj P, Rung-Ruangkijkrai T, Senapin S, Rodkhum C, Dong HT. Dissecting the localization of Tilapia tilapinevirus in the brain of the experimentally infected Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2021; 44:1053-1064. [PMID: 33724491 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tilapia tilapinevirus or tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging virus that inflicts significant mortality on farmed tilapia globally. Previous studies reported detection of the virus in multiple organs of the infected fish; however, little is known about the in-depth localization of the virus in the central nervous system. Herein, we determined the distribution of TiLV in the entire brain of experimentally infected Nile tilapia. In situ hybridization (ISH) using TiLV-specific probes revealed that the virus was broadly distributed throughout the brain. The strongest positive signals were dominantly detected in the forebrain (responsible for learning, appetitive behaviour and attention) and the hindbrain (involved in controlling locomotion and basal physiology). The permissive cell zones for viral infection were observed mostly to be along the blood vessels and the ventricles. This indicates that the virus may productively enter into the brain through the circulatory system and widen broad regions, possibly through the cerebrospinal fluid along the ventricles, and subsequently induce the brain dysfunction. Understanding the pattern of viral localization in the brain may help elucidate the neurological disorders of the diseased fish. This study revealed the distribution of TiLV in the whole infected brain, providing new insights into fish-virus interactions and neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Dinh-Hung
- Fish Infectious Diseases Research Unit (FID RU), Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- The International Graduate Course of Veterinary Science and Technology (VST), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattiya Sangpo
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanapong Kruangkum
- Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattanapon Kayansamruaj
- Center of Excellence in Aquatic Animal Health Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tilladit Rung-Ruangkijkrai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Saengchan Senapin
- Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Channarong Rodkhum
- Fish Infectious Diseases Research Unit (FID RU), Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- The International Graduate Course of Veterinary Science and Technology (VST), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ha Thanh Dong
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand
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14
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Elsheikha HM, Marra CM, Zhu XQ. Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e00115-19. [PMID: 33239310 PMCID: PMC7690944 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00115-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is known to infect a considerable number of mammalian and avian species and a substantial proportion of the world's human population. The parasite has an impressive ability to disseminate within the host's body and employs various tactics to overcome the highly regulatory blood-brain barrier and reside in the brain. In healthy individuals, T. gondii infection is largely tolerated without any obvious ill effects. However, primary infection in immunosuppressed patients can result in acute cerebral or systemic disease, and reactivation of latent tissue cysts can lead to a deadly outcome. It is imperative that treatment of life-threatening toxoplasmic encephalitis is timely and effective. Several therapeutic and prophylactic regimens have been used in clinical practice. Current approaches can control infection caused by the invasive and highly proliferative tachyzoites but cannot eliminate the dormant tissue cysts. Adverse events and other limitations are associated with the standard pyrimethamine-based therapy, and effective vaccines are unavailable. In this review, the epidemiology, economic impact, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of cerebral toxoplasmosis are discussed, and critical areas for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Christina M Marra
- Departments of Neurology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
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15
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Participation of Central Muscarinic Receptors on the Nervous Form of Chagas Disease in Mice Infected via Intracerebroventricular with Colombian Trypanosoma cruzi Strain. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020121. [PMID: 33503848 PMCID: PMC7922850 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute chagasic encephalitis is a clinically severe central nervous system (CNS) manifestation. However, the knowledge of the nervous form of Chagas disease is incomplete. The role of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) on mice behavior and brain lesions induced by Trypanosoma cruzi (Colombian strain) was herein investigated in mice treated with the mAChR agonist and antagonist (carbachol and atropine), respectively. Immunosuppressed or non-immunosuppressed mice were intracerebroventricularly (icv) or intraperitoneally (ip) infected. All groups were evaluated 15 d.p.i. (days post infection). Intraperitoneally infected animals had subpatent parasitemia. Patent parasitemia occurred only in icv infected mice. The blockade of mAChR increased the parasitemia, parasitism and lesions compared to its activation. Infected not treated (INT ip) mice did not present meningitis and encephalitis, regardless of immunosuppression. INT icv brains presented higher cellularity, discrete signs of cellular degeneration, frequent presence of parasites and focal meningitis. The immunosuppressed atropine + icv mice presented increased intracellular parasitism associated with degenerative parenchymal changes, while carbachol + icv mice presented discrete meningitis, preservation of the cortex and absence of relevant parasitism. Cholinergic receptor blockage increased impairment of coordination vs. receptor activation. Muscarinic cholinergic pathway seems to be involved in immune mediated cell invasion events while its blockade favored infection evolution, brain lesions, and behavioral alterations.
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16
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Martín-Escolano J, Medina-Carmona E, Martín-Escolano R. Chagas Disease: Current View of an Ancient and Global Chemotherapy Challenge. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2830-2843. [PMID: 33034192 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease and a global public health issue. In terms of treatment, no progress has been made since the 1960s, when benznidazole and nifurtimox, two obsolete drugs still prescribed, were used to treat this disease. Hence, currently, there are no effective treatments available to tackle Chagas disease. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increasing interest in the disease. However, parasite genetic diversity, drug resistance, tropism, and complex life cycle, along with the limited understanding of the disease and inadequate methodologies and strategies, have resulted in the absence of new insights in drugs development and disappointing outcomes in clinical trials so far. In summary, new drugs are urgently needed. This Review considers the relevant aspects related to the lack of drugs for Chagas disease, resumes the advances in tools for drug discovery, and discusses the main features to be taken into account to develop new effective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martín-Escolano
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios De Granada/University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios De Granada/University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
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17
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Ogunleye OO, Jatau ID, Natala AJ, Ola-Fadunsin SD. Effects of aqueous extract of fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata L. on the oxidative stress profile against Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in albino rats. CLINICAL PHYTOSCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s40816-020-00203-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Chemotherapy is the most widely used means of controlling trypanosomosis, however, effectiveness of the drugs available is limited by a number of factors. This study investigates the oxidative stress profile of aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata on some organs in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei.
Methods
Thirty-five male albino rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Groups B, C, D, E, F and G were inoculated with 0.20 ml of suspension containing 106 T. b. brucei. Group A were neither infected nor treated. Group B were infected but not treated. At onset of parasitaemia, rats in group C were treated with diminazene aceturate at 3.5 mg/kg body weight once, while rats in group D were treated with vitamin C at 200 mg/kg body weight for 3 days consecutively. Rats in groups E, F and G were treated orally for 3 days with the aqueous extract of fruit pulp of A. digitata at a dosage of 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg body weight respectively. Liver and kidney tissues of the rats were collected at necropsy (10 days PI) for oxidative stress analysis.
Results
There was a significant (p < 0.05) effect in the concentration levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase among the different groups treated with aqueous extract of fruit pulp of A. digitata.
Conclusion
The extract of A. digitata exert protective effects against tissue peroxidation in albino rats experimentally infected with T. b. brucei.
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18
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Chen KY, Chen YJ, Cheng CJ, Jhan KY, Wang LC. Excretory/secretory products of Angiostrongylus cantonensis fifth-stage larvae induce endoplasmic reticulum stress via the Sonic hedgehog pathway in mouse astrocytes. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:317. [PMID: 32552877 PMCID: PMC7301976 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04189-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important food-borne zoonotic parasite. Humans are non-permissive hosts, and this parasite develops into fifth-stage larvae (L5) in the brain and subarachnoid cavity and then induces eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. Excretory/secretory products (ESPs) are valuable targets for the investigation of host-parasite interactions. These products contain a wide range of molecules for penetrating defensive barriers and avoiding the immune response of the host. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been found to be associated with a wide range of parasitic infections and inflammation. ER stress can increase cell survival via the activation of downstream signalling. However, the mechanisms of ER stress in A. cantonensis infection have not yet been clarified. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ER stress in astrocytes after treatment with the ESPs of A. cantonensis L5. RESULTS The results demonstrated that A. cantonensis infection activated astrocytes in the mouse hippocampus and induced the expression of ER stress-related molecules. Next, the data showed that the expression of ER stress-related molecules and the Ca2+ concentration were significantly increased in activated astrocytes after treatment with the ESPs of L5 of A. cantonensis. Ultimately, we found that ESPs induced GRP78 expression via the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that in astrocytes, the ESPs of A. cantonensis L5 induce ER stress and that the Shh signalling pathway plays an important role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Ju Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ju Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yuan Jhan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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19
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Chen KY, Cheng CJ, Cheng CC, Jhan KY, Chen YJ, Wang LC. The excretory/secretory products of fifth-stage larval Angiostrongylus cantonensis induces autophagy via the Sonic hedgehog pathway in mouse brain astrocytes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008290. [PMID: 32479527 PMCID: PMC7289448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongyliasis is induced by the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis and leads to eosinophilic meningitis and meningoencephalitis in humans. Excretory-secretory products (ESPs) are important investigation targets for studying the relationship between hosts and nematodes. These products assist worms in penetrating the blood-brain barrier and avoiding the host immune response. Autophagy is a catabolic process that is responsible for digesting cytoplasmic organelles, proteins, and lipids and removing them through lysosomes. This process is essential to cell survival and homeostasis during nutritional deficiency, cell injury and stress. In this study, we investigated autophagy induction upon treatment with the ESPs of the fifth-stage larvae (L5) of A. cantonensis and observed the relationship between autophagy and the Shh pathway. First, the results showed that A. cantonensis infection induced blood-brain barrier dysfunction and pathological changes in the brain. Moreover, A. cantonensis L5 ESPs stimulated autophagosome formation and the expression of autophagy molecules, such as LC3B, Beclin, and p62. The data showed that upon ESPs treatment, rapamycin elevated cell viability through the activation of the autophagy mechanism in astrocytes. Finally, we found that ESPs induced the activation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway and that the expression of autophagy molecules was increased through the Shh signaling pathway. Collectively, these results suggest that A. cantonensis L5 ESPs stimulate autophagy through the Shh signaling pathway and that autophagy has a protective effect in astrocytes. In helminthes, Excretory-secretory products (ESPs) contains a wide range of molecules, including proteins, lipids, glycans, and nucleic acids, that assist in the penetration of host defensive barriers, reduction of oxidative stress, and avoid the host immune attack. It has been known as a key factor for parasite development, including feeding, invasion and molting. Therefore, ESPs is a valuable target for the investigation of the host-parasite relationships. However, only a few researches about the function of Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis ESPs have been verified to date. Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis, a blood-feeding nematode, and it is an important causative agent of eosinophilic meningitis and meningoencephalitis in human. Recent our studies have demonstrated that the A. cantonensis ESPs can induce oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immune response. In this study, we will use a mouse astrocytes as a model to investigate the signaling mechanisms of autophagy induction by ESPs treatment. First, the Microarray, Western blotting, and Transmission electron microscopy data demonstrated that A. cantonensis ESPs can induce autophagy generation in astrocytes. Next, ESPs-induced autophagy was activated via Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, and it has a protective potential for astrocytes. These finding will provide new insights into the mechanisms and effects of the A. cantonensis ESPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ju Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chieh Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yuan Jhan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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20
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Solár P, Zamani A, Kubíčková L, Dubový P, Joukal M. Choroid plexus and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in disease. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:35. [PMID: 32375819 PMCID: PMC7201396 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00196-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) forming the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (B-CSF) barrier is among the least studied structures of the central nervous system (CNS) despite its clinical importance. The CP is an epithelio-endothelial convolute comprising a highly vascularized stroma with fenestrated capillaries and a continuous lining of epithelial cells joined by apical tight junctions (TJs) that are crucial in forming the B-CSF barrier. Integrity of the CP is critical for maintaining brain homeostasis and B-CSF barrier permeability. Recent experimental and clinical research has uncovered the significance of the CP in the pathophysiology of various diseases affecting the CNS. The CP is involved in penetration of various pathogens into the CNS, as well as the development of neurodegenerative (e.g., Alzheimer´s disease) and autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis). Moreover, the CP was shown to be important for restoring brain homeostasis following stroke and trauma. In addition, new diagnostic methods and treatment of CP papilloma and carcinoma have recently been developed. This review describes and summarizes the current state of knowledge with regard to the roles of the CP and B-CSF barrier in the pathophysiology of various types of CNS diseases and sets up the foundation for further avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Solár
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne´s University Hospital Brno, Pekařská 53, CZ-656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alemeh Zamani
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Kubíčková
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dubový
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Joukal
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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21
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Namyanja M, Xu ZS, Mugasa CM, Lun ZR, Matovu E, Chen Z, Lubega GW. Preliminary evaluation of a Trypanosoma brucei FG-GAP repeat containing protein of mitochondrial localization. AAS Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12986.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Trypanosoma brucei, a causative agent of African Trypanosomiasis, is known to cross the blood brain barrier during the second stage of the disease. It was previously suggested that this parasite crosses the blood brain barrier in a manner similar to that of lymphocytes. This would imply that trypanosomes possess integrins that are required to interact with adhesion molecules located on the blood brain barrier microvascular endothelial cells, as a first step in traversal. To date, no T. brucei integrin has been described. However, one T. brucei putative FG-GAP repeat containing protein (typical of integrins) encoded by the Tb927.11.720 gene, was predicted to be involved in cell-cell/cell-matrix adhesion. Therefore, this study sought to characterize a putative FG-GAP repeat containing protein (FG-GAP RCP) and to determine its cellular localization as a basis for further exploration of its potential role in cell-cell or cell-matrix adhesion. Methods: In this study, we successfully cloned, characterized, expressed and localized this protein using antibodies we produced against its VCBS domain in T. brucei. Results: Contrary to what we initially suspected, our data showed that this protein is localized to the mitochondria but not the plasma membrane. Our data showed that it contains putative calcium binding motifs within the FG-GAP repeats suggesting it could be involved in calcium signaling/binding in the mitochondrion of T. brucei. Conclusion: Based on its localization we conclude that this protein is unlikely to be a trypanosomal integrin and thus that it may not be involved in traversal of the blood brain barrier. However, it could be involved in calcium signaling in the mitochondrion.
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22
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Del Giudice M. Invisible Designers: Brain Evolution Through the Lens of Parasite Manipulation. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1086/705038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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23
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Bogorad MI, DeStefano JG, Linville RM, Wong AD, Searson PC. Cerebrovascular plasticity: Processes that lead to changes in the architecture of brain microvessels. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019; 39:1413-1432. [PMID: 31208241 PMCID: PMC6681538 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x19855875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic demands of the brain are met by oxygen and glucose, supplied by a complex hierarchical network of microvessels (arterioles, capillaries, and venules). Transient changes in neural activity are accommodated by local dilation of arterioles or capillaries to increase cerebral blood flow and hence nutrient availability. Transport and communication between the circulation and the brain is regulated by the brain microvascular endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier. Under homeostatic conditions, there is very little turnover in brain microvascular endothelial cells, and the cerebrovascular architecture is largely static. However, changes in the brain microenvironment, due to environmental factors, disease, or trauma, can result in additive or subtractive changes in cerebrovascular architecture. Additions occur by angiogenesis or vasculogenesis, whereas subtractions occur by vascular pruning, injury, or endothelial cell death. Here we review the various processes that lead to changes in the cerebrovascular architecture, including sustained changes in the brain microenvironment, development and aging, and injury, disease, and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max I Bogorad
- 1 Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,2 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jackson G DeStefano
- 1 Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,2 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raleigh M Linville
- 1 Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,3 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew D Wong
- 1 Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,2 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- 1 Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,2 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,3 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Leishmania hide-and-seek: Parasite amastigotes in the choroid plexus of a dog with neurological signs in an endemic municipality in Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 17:100291. [PMID: 31303241 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A female adult mixed-breed stray dog presented with hind limb paraparesis and clinical signs of visceral leishmaniasis. The cerebrospinal fluid presented signs of blood-brain barrier disruption. Both spleen and brain were positive for Leishmania spp. DNA. Besides inflammation, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed the presence of intracellular amastigotes in the choroid plexus (CP). Despite other studies that revealed parasite DNA, the current study describes the presence of Leishmania within the brain of a naturally infected dog, specifically in CP, with no previous reports in the Americas, and suggests the CP as a possible pathway to parasite entry into the brain.
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Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in the central nervous system in non-human mammals: a systematic review. Parasitology 2019; 146:983-1005. [PMID: 30873928 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the types and distribution of the lesions induced in the central nervous system (CNS) by Trypanosoma cruzi remain unclear as the available evidence is based on fragmented data. Therefore, we developed a systematic review to analyse the main characteristics of the CNS lesions in non-human hosts infected. From a structured search on the PubMed/Medline and Scopus platforms, 32 studies were retrieved, subjected to data extraction and methodological bias analysis. Our results show that the most frequent alterations in the CNS are the presence of different forms of T. cruzi and intense lymphocytes infiltrates. The encephalon is the main target of T. cruzi, and inflammatory changes in the CNS are more frequent and severe in the acute phase of infection. The parasite's genotype and phenotype are associated with the tropism and severity of the CNS lesions. The methodological limitations found in the studies were divergences in inoculation pathways, under-reporting of animal age and weight, sample calculation strategies and histopathological characterization. Since the changes were dependent on the pathogenicity and virulence of the T. cruzi strains, the genotype and phenotype characterization of the parasite are extremely relevant to predict changes in the CNS and the neurological manifestations associated with Chagas' disease.
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The Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and Their Tissue Inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-3) in the Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124128. [PMID: 30572657 PMCID: PMC6321078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological process occurring within the central nervous system (CNS) as a result of the infection by Acanthamoeba spp. is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Acanthamoeba spp. may affect the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2,-9), their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1,-3) and MMP-9/TIMP-1, MMP-2/TIMP-3 ratios in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, in relation to the host’s immunological status. Our results showed that Acanthamoeba spp. infection can change the levels of MMP and TIMP in the CNS and may be amenable targets for limiting amoebic encephalitis. The increase in the activity of matrix metalloproteinases during acanthamoebiasis may be primarily the result of inflammation process, probably an increased activity of proteolytic processes, but also (to a lesser extent) a defense mechanism preventing the processes of neurodegeneration.
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Hasby Saad M, Safwat O, El-Guindy D, Raafat R, Elgendy D, Hasby E. Biomolecular Changes and Cortical Neurodegenerative Lesions in Trichinella Spiralis Infected BALB/c Mice: A Preliminary Study Elucidating a Potential Relationship Between Systemic Helminthic Infections and Idiopathic Parkinson's. Helminthologia 2018; 55:261-274. [PMID: 31662657 PMCID: PMC6662001 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2018-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic Parkinson's (IP) is a neurodegenerative disease that is suspected to be due to exposure to infections during early life. Toxoplasmosishas been the only suspected parasitic infection in IP (Celik et al., 2010). Recently, some non-central nervous system bacterial and viral infections have been incriminated in IP (Çamcı & Oğuz, 2016). So in the current study, we tried to explore if the systemic inflammatory reactions triggered by some helminths like Trichinella spiralis can induce Parkinsonian lesions in the brain, especially that the cerebral complications have been reported in 10-20% of Trichinella spiralis infected patients . An experimental study was designed to assess the neurodegenerative and biomolecular changes that may occur in Trichinella spiralis infected BALB/C mice in comparison to rotenone induced PD model and apparently healthy ones. The motor affection was significantly lesser in the Trichinella infected mice than the Parkinson's model, but when the catalepsy score was calculated (through the grid and bar tests) it was found to be significantly higher in the infected mice than in the healthy ones. A significant increase in the blood advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), IFN-γ, TGF-β, and brain DNA fragmentation was also detected in the Trichinella spiralis infected mice. After histopathological examination, a significant increase in the cortical apoptotic neurons and Lewy's body were observed in the Trichinella infected and the rotenone induced Parkinson's model sections. A significant decrease in the immunohistochemical expression of the tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the brain sections and the ELISA measured dopamine level in the brain homogenate was also reported in the infected mice group. This study findings may collectively suggest that the systemic inflammatory reactions and the oxidative stresses associated with some systemic helminthic infections like trichinellosis are possible to precipitate neurodegenerative lesions and biomolecular changes in the brain , and manifest with IPD later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Hasby Saad
- Medical Parasitology, Tanta University, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - O. Safwat
- Biochemistry, Tanta University, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - D. El-Guindy
- Pathology, Tanta University, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - R. Raafat
- Biochemistry, Tanta University, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - D. Elgendy
- Medical Parasitology, Tanta University, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - E. Hasby
- Pathology, Tanta University, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
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Abstract
Endothelins were discovered more than thirty years ago as potent vasoactive compounds. Beyond their well-documented cardiovascular properties, however, the contributions of the endothelin pathway have been demonstrated in several neuroinflammatory processes and the peptides have been reported as clinically relevant biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies report that endothelin-1 significantly contributes to the progression of neuroinflammatory processes, particularly during infections in the central nervous system (CNS), and is associated with a loss of endothelial integrity at the blood brain barrier level. Because of the paucity of clinical trials with endothelin-1 antagonists in several infectious and non-infectious neuroinflammatory diseases, it remains an open question whether the 21 amino acid peptide is a mediator/modulator rather than a biomarker of the progression of neurodegeneration. This review focuses on the potential roles of endothelins in the pathology of neuroinflammatory processes, including infectious diseases of viral, bacterial or parasitic origin in which the synthesis of endothelins or its pharmacology have been investigated from the cell to the bedside in several cases, as well as in non-infectious inflammatory processes such as neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimers Disease or central nervous system vasculitis.
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Neuro-Immune Mechanisms of Anti-Cryptococcal Protection. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 4:jof4010004. [PMID: 29371497 PMCID: PMC5872307 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a life-threatening fungal disease affecting both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent people. The main causative agent of CM is Cryptococcus neoformans, a basidiomycete fungus prevalent in the environment. Our understanding of the immune mechanisms controlling C. neoformans growth within the central nervous system (CNS) is poor. However, there have been several recent advances in the field of neuroimmunology regarding how cells resident within the CNS, such as microglia and neurons, can participate in immune surveillance and control of infection. In this mini-review, the cells of the CNS are discussed with reference to what is currently known about how they control C. neoformans infection.
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Protective effect of aspirin treatment on mouse behavior in the acute phase of experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:189-200. [PMID: 29196837 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5693-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a potentially fatal disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which can in some cases affect the central nervous system. The objective was to evaluate the effect of aspirin (ASA) in the behavior of mice infected with T. cruzi during the acute phase. This was an experimental study with random assignation. Twenty four BALB/c mice were divided into four groups of six animals each as follows: only ASA (OA), ASA before infection (BI), ASA after infection (AI) and only infection (OI). The strain used for infection was M/HOM/Bra/53/Y. An ASA dose of 100 mg/kg per day was administered 72 h before infection to BI group and the same dose 48 h after infection to AI group. Mice behavior in the open field test, mortality, and brain histopathology was evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi square test, and Kaplan-Meier with long-rank for survival analysis. In the open field test, the OA group has similar results with the BI group, in the variables of immobility and escape. Also, the OA group displayed significantly higher rates of micturition (p < 0.001) and defecation (p < 0.001) compared to infected groups. Mortality was higher in BI group (p = 0.02). The presence of T. cruzi amastigotes were higher in brain tissues of the AI and OI groups (p = 0.008). In conclusion, the administration of ASA before infection seemed to prevent behavioral changes induced by the acute infection, but it led to accelerated mortality. The study highlighted the potential importance of the pathways inhibited by ASA in the early hours of acute infection with T. cruzi.
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Lauer AN, Tenenbaum T, Schroten H, Schwerk C. The diverse cellular responses of the choroid plexus during infection of the central nervous system. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2017; 314:C152-C165. [PMID: 29070490 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00137.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) is responsible for the production of a large amount of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). As a highly vascularized structure, the CP also presents a significant frontier between the blood and the central nervous system (CNS). To seal this border, the epithelium of the CP forms the blood-CSF barrier, one of the most important barriers separating the CNS from the blood. During the course of infectious disease, cells of the CP can experience interactions with intruding pathogens, especially when the CP is used as gateway for entry into the CNS. In return, the CP answers to these encounters with diverse measures. Here, we will review the distinct responses of the CP during infection of the CNS, which include engaging of signal transduction pathways, the regulation of gene expression in the host cells, inflammatory cell response, alterations of the barrier, and, under certain circumstances, cell death. Many of these actions may contribute to stage an immunological response against the pathogen and subsequently help in the clearance of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa N Lauer
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Tobias Tenenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Horst Schroten
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Christian Schwerk
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University , Mannheim , Germany
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Macau WL, Cortez de Sá J, da Silva APDC, Rocha AL, Mondêgo-Oliveira R, de Andrade FHE, Cunha CM, Calabrese KDS, Abreu-Silva AL. Main lesions in the central nervous system of dogs due to Leishmania infantum infection. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:255. [PMID: 28821261 PMCID: PMC5563018 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic in São Luís Maranhão/Brazil and it leads a varied clinical picture, including neurological signs. Results Histopathological evaluation showed that 14 dogs exhibited pathological alterations in at least one of the analyzed areas. Of these, mononuclear inflammatory reaction was the most frequent, although other lesions, such as hemorrhage, chromatolysis and gliosis were also observed. The presence of L. infantum amastigotes was confirmed in eight dogs, identified in four regions: telencephalon, hippocampus, thalamus and caudal colliculus, but only one presented neurological signs. Polymerase chain reaction results detected the DNA of the parasite in 11 samples from seven dogs. The positive areas were the telencephalon, thalamus, hippocampus, cerebellum, caudal and rostral colliculus. Conclusion These results reveal that during canine visceral leishmaniasis, the central nervous system may display some alterations, without necessarily exhibiting clinical neurological manifestations. In addition, the L. infantum parasite has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and penetrate the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weline Lopes Macau
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luis, MA, CEP 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Joicy Cortez de Sá
- Medicine Coordination, Universidade CEUMA, São Luís, MA, CEP 65055-000, Brazil
| | | | - Alessandra Lima Rocha
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, CEP 65055-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Mondêgo-Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, CEP 65055-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Lucia Abreu-Silva
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, CEP 65055-000, Brazil.
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Heggie TW, Küpper T. Surviving Naegleria fowleri infections: A successful case report and novel therapeutic approach. Travel Med Infect Dis 2017; 16:49-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Garg N, Luzzatto-Knaan T, Melnik AV, Caraballo-Rodríguez AM, Floros DJ, Petras D, Gregor R, Dorrestein PC, Phelan VV. Natural products as mediators of disease. Nat Prod Rep 2017; 34:194-219. [PMID: 27874907 PMCID: PMC5299058 DOI: 10.1039/c6np00063k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2016Humans are walking microbial ecosystems, each harboring a complex microbiome with the genetic potential to produce a vast array of natural products. Recent sequencing data suggest that our microbial inhabitants are critical for maintaining overall health. Shifts in microbial communities have been correlated to a number of diseases including infections, inflammation, cancer, and neurological disorders. Some of these clinically and diagnostically relevant phenotypes are a result of the presence of small molecules, yet we know remarkably little about their contributions to the health of individuals. Here, we review microbe-derived natural products as mediators of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Garg
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Tal Luzzatto-Knaan
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Alexey V. Melnik
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | | | - Dimitrios J. Floros
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Daniel Petras
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Rachel Gregor
- Department of Chemistry and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Pieter C. Dorrestein
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Vanessa V. Phelan
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
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Cooper C, Clode PL, Peacock C, Thompson RCA. Host-Parasite Relationships and Life Histories of Trypanosomes in Australia. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 97:47-109. [PMID: 28325373 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomes constitute a group of flagellate protozoan parasites responsible for a number of important, yet neglected, diseases in both humans and livestock. The most significantly studied include the causative agents of African sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei) and Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) in humans. Much of our knowledge about trypanosome host-parasite relationships and life histories has come from these two human pathogens. Recent investigations into the diversity and life histories of wildlife trypanosomes in Australia highlight that there exists a great degree of biological and behavioural variation within and between trypanosomes. In addition, the genetic relationships between some Australian trypanosomes show that they are unexpectedly more closely related to species outside Australia than within it. These findings have led to a growing focus on the importance of understanding parasites occurring naturally in wildlife to (1) better document parasite biodiversity, (2) determine evolutionary relationships and degree of host specificity, (3) understand host-parasite interactions and the role of parasites in the natural ecosystem and (4) identify biosecurity issues of emerging disease in both wildlife and human populations. Here we review what is known about the diversity, life histories, host-parasite interactions and evolutionary relationships of trypanosomes in Australian wildlife. In this context, we focus upon the genetic proximity of key Australian species to the pathogenic T. cruzi and discuss similarities in their biology and behaviour that present a potential risk of human disease transmission by Australian vectors and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cooper
- The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - P L Clode
- The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - C Peacock
- The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Subiaco, WA, Australia
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Jin JH, Park EB, Kim KJ, Kim M, Lee S, Lee KT, Yang G, Byun SY, Lee N, Goo J, No JH, Choo DJ, Lee JY. In VitroEvaluation of s-Triazine Derivatives for African Trypanosomiasis. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.10447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Ho Jin
- Research Institute for Basic Sciences and Department of Chemistry; College of Sciences, Kyung Hee University; Seoul 130-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Beul Park
- Research Institute for Basic Sciences and Department of Chemistry; College of Sciences, Kyung Hee University; Seoul 130-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Jong Kim
- Research Institute for Basic Sciences and Department of Chemistry; College of Sciences, Kyung Hee University; Seoul 130-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Minju Kim
- Research Institute for Basic Sciences and Department of Chemistry; College of Sciences, Kyung Hee University; Seoul 130-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhoe Lee
- Research Institute for Basic Sciences and Department of Chemistry; College of Sciences, Kyung Hee University; Seoul 130-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Tae Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science; Kyung Hee University; Seoul 130-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Gyongseon Yang
- Leishmania Research Laboratory (LRL); Institut Pasteur Korea; Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Young Byun
- Leishmania Research Laboratory (LRL); Institut Pasteur Korea; Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Nakyung Lee
- Leishmania Research Laboratory (LRL); Institut Pasteur Korea; Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Junghyun Goo
- Leishmania Research Laboratory (LRL); Institut Pasteur Korea; Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hwan No
- Leishmania Research Laboratory (LRL); Institut Pasteur Korea; Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Joon Choo
- Research Institute for Basic Sciences and Department of Chemistry; College of Sciences, Kyung Hee University; Seoul 130-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yeol Lee
- Research Institute for Basic Sciences and Department of Chemistry; College of Sciences, Kyung Hee University; Seoul 130-701 Republic of Korea
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Activation of Sonic Hedgehog Leads to Survival Enhancement of Astrocytes via the GRP78-Dependent Pathway in Mice Infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:674371. [PMID: 25961032 PMCID: PMC4415671 DOI: 10.1155/2015/674371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection may cause elevation of ROS and antioxidants in the CSF of infected mice. Astrocytes may protect the surrounding neurons from oxidative stress-induced cell death by secreting Sonic hedgehog (Shh) via the PI3-K/AKT/Bcl-2 pathway. This study was conducted to determine the role of the Shh signaling pathway in A. cantonensis-infected BABL/c mice by coculturing astrocytes with living fifth-stage larvae or soluble antigens. The Shh pathway was activated with corresponding increases in the level of the Shh. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Shh were increased in astrocyte cocultured with living fifth-stage larvae or soluble antigens. The survival of astrocytes pretreated with Shh was significantly elevated in cocultures with the antigens but reduced by its inhibitor cyclopamine. The expression of GRP78 and Bcl-2 was significantly higher in astrocytes pretreated with recombinant Shh. These findings suggest that the expression of Shh may inhibit cell death by activating Bcl-2 through a GRP78-dependent pathway.
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Schwerk C, Tenenbaum T, Kim KS, Schroten H. The choroid plexus-a multi-role player during infectious diseases of the CNS. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:80. [PMID: 25814932 PMCID: PMC4357259 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) is the source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and location of the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB), which is constituted by the epithelial cells of the CP. Several infectious pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites cross the BCSFB to enter the central nervous system (CNS), ultimately leading to inflammatory infectious diseases like meningitis and meningoencephalitis. The CP responds to this challenge by the production of chemokines and cytokines as well as alterations of the barrier function of the BCSFB. During the course of CNS infectious disease host immune cells enter the CNS, eventually contributing to the cellular damage caused by the disease. Additional complications, which are in certain cases caused by choroid plexitis, can arise due to the response of the CP to the pathogens. In this review we will give an overview on the multiple functions of the CP during brain infections highlighting the CP as a multi-role player during infectious diseases of the CNS. In this context the importance of tools for investigation of these CP functions and a possible suitability of the CP as therapeutic target will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schwerk
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Tenenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kwang Sik Kim
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Horst Schroten
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany
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Mogk S, Meiwes A, Boßelmann CM, Wolburg H, Duszenko M. The lane to the brain: how African trypanosomes invade the CNS. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:470-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Van Reet N, Van de Vyver H, Pyana PP, Van der Linden AM, Büscher P. A panel of Trypanosoma brucei strains tagged with blue and red-shifted luciferases for bioluminescent imaging in murine infection models. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3054. [PMID: 25144573 PMCID: PMC4140678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic engineering with luciferase reporter genes allows monitoring Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.) infections in mice by in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Until recently, luminescent T.b. models were based on Renilla luciferase (RLuc) activity. Our study aimed at evaluating red-shifted luciferases for in vivo BLI in a set of diverse T.b. strains of all three subspecies, including some recently isolated from human patients. Methodology/Principal findings We transfected T.b. brucei, T.b. rhodesiense and T.b. gambiense strains with either RLuc, click beetle red (CBR) or Photinus pyralis RE9 (PpyRE9) luciferase and characterised their in vitro luciferase activity, growth profile and drug sensitivity, and their potential for in vivo BLI. Compared to RLuc, the red-shifted luciferases, CBR and PpyRE9, allow tracking of T.b. brucei AnTaR 1 trypanosomes with higher details on tissue distribution, and PpyRE9 allows detection of the parasites with a sensitivity of at least one order of magnitude higher than CBR luciferase. With CBR-tagged T.b. gambiense LiTaR1, T.b. rhodesiense RUMPHI and T.b. gambiense 348 BT in an acute, subacute and chronic infection model respectively, we observed differences in parasite tropism for murine tissues during in vivo BLI. Ex vivo BLI on the brain confirmed central nervous system infection by all luminescent strains of T.b. brucei AnTaR 1, T.b. rhodesiense RUMPHI and T.b. gambiense 348 BT. Conclusions/Significance We established a genetically and phenotypically diverse collection of bioluminescent T.b. brucei, T.b. gambiense and T.b. rhodesiense strains, including drug resistant strains. For in vivo BLI monitoring of murine infections, we recommend trypanosome strains transfected with red-shifted luciferase reporter genes, such as CBR and PpyRE9. Red-shifted luciferases can be detected with a higher sensitivity in vivo and at the same time they improve the spatial resolution of the parasites in the entire body due to the better kinetics of their substrate D-luciferin. Research on African trypanosomes heavily relies on rodent infection models. One way to reduce the number of laboratory rodents used in each experiment and effectively follow the progression of the infection in the same animals is to use genetically modified trypanosomes that allow monitoring of the infection over time with bioluminescence technology, without having to sacrifice the animals at multiple time points. In this study, we were able to establish a collection of bioluminescent strains of all three subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.), including T.b. gambiense and T.b. rhodesiense that cause human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness. Making use of bioluminescence assays, we demonstrate the diversity of our collection in terms of in vitro and in vivo growth, drug sensitivity and in vivo parasite distribution, including central nervous system tropism. Growth characteristics and drug sensitivity are not affected by the genetic modification with luciferase reporter genes. Trypanosome strains transfected with red-shifted luciferase reporter genes have several advantages compared to the corresponding blue luciferase modified strains. Red light is less absorbed in the blood than blue light, which should lead to higher sensitivity of detection. Furthermore, the substrates that drive the light reaction are better distributed through the body for the red luciferase than for the blue luciferase, which greatly improves spatial resolution of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Van Reet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Hélène Van de Vyver
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Patient Pati Pyana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Département de Parasitologie, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa Gombe, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Anne Marie Van der Linden
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Philippe Büscher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Tryps and trips: cell trafficking across the 100-year-old blood-brain barrier. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:325-33. [PMID: 24780507 PMCID: PMC4045197 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) was discovered one century ago by the use of trypan dyes. The discovery initiated the targeted brain delivery of drugs. Trypan dyes were developed to kill African trypanosomes that cause sleeping sickness. Trypanosomes disclose cell trafficking in and out of the BBB. Disturbed gating at the BBB may cause neurodegeneration.
One hundred years ago, Edwin E. Goldmann discovered the blood–brain barrier (BBB) using trypan dyes. These dyes were developed and named by Paul Ehrlich during his search for drugs to kill African trypanosomes (extracellular parasites that cause sleeping sickness) while sparing host cells. For Ehrlich, this was the first strategy based on the ‘chemotherapy’ concept he had introduced. The discovery of the BBB revealed, however, the difficulties in drug delivery to the brain. Mechanisms by which parasites enter, dwell, and exit the brain currently provide novel views on cell trafficking across the BBB. These mechanisms also highlight the role of pericytes and endocytosis regulation in BBB functioning and in disrupted BBB gating, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration.
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Mogk S, Meiwes A, Shtopel S, Schraermeyer U, Lazarus M, Kubata B, Wolburg H, Duszenko M. Cyclical appearance of African trypanosomes in the cerebrospinal fluid: new insights in how trypanosomes enter the CNS. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91372. [PMID: 24618708 PMCID: PMC3950183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It is textbook knowledge that human infective forms of Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of sleeping sickness, enter the brain across the blood-brain barrier after an initial phase of weeks (rhodesiense) or months (gambiense) in blood. Based on our results using an animal model, both statements seem questionable. As we and others have shown, the first infection relevant crossing of the blood brain border occurs via the choroid plexus, i.e. via the blood-CSF barrier. In addition, counting trypanosomes in blood-free CSF obtained by an atlanto-occipital access revealed a cyclical infection in CSF that was directly correlated to the trypanosome density in blood infection. We also obtained conclusive evidence of organ infiltration, since parasites were detected in tissues outside the blood vessels in heart, spleen, liver, eye, testis, epididymis, and especially between the cell layers of the pia mater including the Virchow-Robin space. Interestingly, in all organs except pia mater, heart and testis, trypanosomes showed either a more or less degraded appearance of cell integrity by loss of the surface coat (VSG), loss of the microtubular cytoskeleton and loss of the intracellular content, or where taken up by phagocytes and degraded intracellularly within lysosomes. This is also true for trypanosomes placed intrathecally into the brain parenchyma using a stereotactic device. We propose a different model of brain infection that is in accordance with our observations and with well-established facts about the development of sleeping sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mogk
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meiwes
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Swetlana Shtopel
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Michael Lazarus
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | - Hartwig Wolburg
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Duszenko
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Lim PJ, Chu JJH. A polarized cell model for Chikungunya virus infection: entry and egress of virus occurs at the apical domain of polarized cells. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2661. [PMID: 24587455 PMCID: PMC3930524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has resulted in several outbreaks in the past six decades. The clinical symptoms of Chikungunya infection include fever, skin rash, arthralgia, and an increasing incidence of encephalitis. The re-emergence of CHIKV with more severe pathogenesis highlights its potential threat on our human health. In this study, polarized HBMEC, polarized Vero C1008 and non-polarized Vero cells grown on cell culture inserts were infected with CHIKV apically or basolaterally. Plaque assays, viral binding assays and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated apical entry and release of CHIKV in polarized HBMEC and Vero C1008. Drug treatment studies were performed to elucidate both host cell and viral factors involved in the sorting and release of CHIKV at the apical domain of polarized cells. Disruption of host cell myosin II, microtubule and microfilament networks did not disrupt the polarized release of CHIKV. However, treatment with tunicamycin resulted in a bi-directional release of CHIKV, suggesting that N-glycans of CHIKV envelope glycoproteins could serve as apical sorting signals. Polarized cells are found in many parts of the human body and are characterized by the presence of two distinct plasma membrane domains: the apical domain facing the lumen and the basolateral domain facing the underlying tissues. Polarized epithelial cells line the major cavities of our body, while polarized endothelial cells line the blood-tissue interface, both of which protect our body against the invasion of biological pathogens. Thus, many pathogens have to invade the monolayer of epithelial or endothelial cells in order to establish infection. During infection with Chikungunya virus, a mosquito vector bites a human host and inoculates the virus into the host's bloodstream. In recent epidemics of Chikungunya infection, more severe clinical manifestations such as neurological complications were observed. As such, we studied the infection of Chikungunya virus in polarized cells in an aim to provide explanations for the more severe pathogenesis observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Jin Lim
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
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Identification of trans-sialidases as a common mediator of endothelial cell activation by African trypanosomes. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003710. [PMID: 24130501 PMCID: PMC3795030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding African Trypanosomiasis (AT) host-pathogen interaction is the key to an "anti-disease vaccine", a novel strategy to control AT. Here we provide a better insight into this poorly described interaction by characterizing the activation of a panel of endothelial cells by bloodstream forms of four African trypanosome species, known to interact with host endothelium. T. congolense, T. vivax, and T. b. gambiense activated the endothelial NF-κB pathway, but interestingly, not T. b. brucei. The parasitic TS (trans-sialidases) mediated this NF-κB activation, remarkably via their lectin-like domain and induced production of pro-inflammatory molecules not only in vitro but also in vivo, suggesting a considerable impact on pathogenesis. For the first time, TS activity was identified in T. b. gambiense BSF which distinguishes it from the subspecies T. b. brucei. The corresponding TS were characterized and shown to activate endothelial cells, suggesting that TS represent a common mediator of endothelium activation among trypanosome species with divergent physiopathologies.
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Van Reet N, Pyana P, Rogé S, Claes F, Büscher P. Luminescent multiplex viability assay for Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:207. [PMID: 23856321 PMCID: PMC3728213 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New compounds for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) are urgently required. Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.) gambiense is the leading cause of HAT, yet T.b. gambiense is often not the prime target organism in drug discovery. This may be attributed to the difficulties in handling this subspecies and the lack of an efficient viability assay to monitor drug efficacy. METHODS In this study, a T.b. gambiense strain, recently isolated in the D.R. Congo, was made bioluminescent by transfection with Renilla luciferase (RLuc) without altering its in vitro and in vivo growth characteristics. A luminescent multiplex viability assay (LMVA), based on measurement of the Renilla luciferase activity and the ATP content of the cells within the same experiment, was investigated as an alternative to the standard fluorimetric resazurin viability assay for drug sensitivity testing of T.b. gambiense. RESULTS In a 96-well format, the RLuc transfected strain showed a detection limit of 2 × 10(4) cells ml(-1) for the Renilla luciferase measurement and 5 × 10(3) cells ml(-1) for the ATP measurement. Both assays of the LMVA showed linearity up to 10(6) cells ml(-1) and correlated well with the cell density during exponential growth of the long slender bloodstream forms. The LMVA was compared to the fluorimetric resazurin viability assay for drug sensitivity testing of pentamidine, eflornithine, nifurtimox and melarsoprol with both the wild type and the RLuc transfected population. For each drug, the IC50 value of the RLuc population was similar to that of the wild type when determined with either the fluorimetric resazurin method or the LMVA. For eflornithine, nifurtimox and melarsoprol we found no difference between the IC50 values in both viability assays. In contrast, the IC50 value of pentamidine was higher when determined with the fluorimetric resazurin method than in both assays of the LMVA. CONCLUSIONS LMVA has some advantages for viability measurement of T.b. gambiense: it requires less incubation time for viability detection than the fluorimetric resazurin assay and in LMVA, two sensitive and independent viability assays are performed in the same experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Van Reet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Mukherjee K, Hain T, Fischer R, Chakraborty T, Vilcinskas A. Brain infection and activation of neuronal repair mechanisms by the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in the lepidopteran model host Galleria mellonella. Virulence 2013; 4:324-32. [PMID: 23348912 PMCID: PMC3710335 DOI: 10.4161/viru.23629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes the causative agent of the foodborne disease listeriosis in humans often involves fatal brainstem infections leading to meningitis and meningoencephalitis. We recently established the larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) as a model host for the investigation of L. monocytogenes pathogenesis and as a source of peptides exhibiting anti-Listeria-activity. Here we show that G. mellonella can be used to study brain infection and its impact on larval development as well as the activation of stress responses and neuronal repair mechanisms. The infection of G. mellonella larvae with L. monocytogenes elicits a cellular immune response involving the formation of melanized cellular aggregates (nodules) containing entrapped bacteria. These form under the integument and in the brain, resembling the symptoms found in human patients. We screened the G. mellonella transcriptome with marker genes representing stress responses and neuronal repair, and identified several modulated genes including those encoding heat shock proteins, growth factors, and regulators of neuronal stress. Remarkably, we discovered that L. monocytogenes infection leads to developmental shift in larvae and also modulates the expression of genes involved in the regulation of endocrine functions. We demonstrated that L. monocytogenes pathogenesis can be prevented by treating G. mellonella larvae with signaling inhibitors such as diclofenac, arachidonic acid, and rapamycin. Our data extend the utility of G. mellonella larvae as an ideal model for the high-throughput in vivo testing of potential compounds against listeriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnendu Mukherjee
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Pai S, Danne KJ, Qin J, Cavanagh LL, Smith A, Hickey MJ, Weninger W. Visualizing leukocyte trafficking in the living brain with 2-photon intravital microscopy. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 6:67. [PMID: 23316136 PMCID: PMC3539661 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2012.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Intravital imaging of the superficial brain tissue in mice represents a powerful tool for the dissection of the cellular and molecular cues underlying inflammatory and infectious central nervous system (CNS) diseases. We present here a step-by-step protocol that will enable a non-specialist to set up a two-photon brain-imaging model. The protocol offers a two-part approach that is specifically optimized for imaging leukocytes but can be easily adapted to answer varied CNS-related biological questions. The protocol enables simultaneous visualization of fluorescently labeled immune cells, the pial microvasculature and extracellular structures such as collagen fibers at high spatial and temporal resolution. Intracranial structures are exposed through a cranial window, and physiologic conditions are maintained during extended imaging sessions via continuous superfusion of the brain surface with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF). Experiments typically require 1-2 h of preparation, which is followed by variable periods of immune cell tracking. Our methodology converges the experience of two laboratories over the past 10 years in diseased animal models such as cerebral ischemia, lupus, cerebral malaria, and toxoplasmosis. We exemplify the utility of this protocol by tracking leukocytes in transgenic mice in the pial vessels under steady-state conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saparna Pai
- Immune Imaging Program, The Centenary Institute Newtown, NSW, Australia ; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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D'Archivio S, Cosson A, Medina M, Lang T, Minoprio P, Goyard S. Non-invasive in vivo study of the Trypanosoma vivax infectious process consolidates the brain commitment in late infections. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1976. [PMID: 23301112 PMCID: PMC3536815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma vivax, one of the leading parasites responsible for Animal African Trypanosomosis (Nagana), is generally cyclically transmitted by Glossina spp. but in areas devoid of the tsetse flies in Africa or in Latin American countries is mechanically transmitted across vertebrate hosts by other haematophagous insects, including tabanids. We followed on from our recent studies on the maintenance of this parasite in vivo and in vitro, and its genetic manipulation, by constructing a West African IL1392 T. vivax strain that stably expresses firefly luciferase and is fully virulent for immunocompetent mice. We report here on a study where murine infection with this strain was monitored in vivo using a non-invasive method. Study findings fully support the use of this strain in the assessment of parasite dynamics in vivo since a strong correlation was found between whole body light emission measured over the course of the infection and parasitemia determined microscopically. In addition, parasitemia and survival rates were very similar for mice infected by the intraperitoneal and sub-cutaneous routes, except for a longer prepatent period following sub-cutaneous inoculation with the parasite. Our results clearly show that when administered by the subcutaneous route, the parasite is retained few days in the skin close to the inoculation site where it multiplies before passing into the bloodstream. Ex vivo bioluminescence analyses of organs isolated from infected mice corroborated our previous histopathological observations with parasite infiltration into spleen, liver and lungs. Finally, our study reinforces previous observations on the presence of the parasite in the central nervous system and consequently the brain commitment in the very late phases of the experimental infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D'Archivio
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosoma, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Paris, France
| | - Alain Cosson
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosoma, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Medina
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosoma, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Lang
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire d'Immunophysiologie et Parasitisme, Department of Parasitology, Paris, France
| | - Paola Minoprio
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosoma, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Goyard
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosoma, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Paris, France
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El Khoury J. The blood-brain barrier and pathogens: Hadrian's Wall or a Dardanian gate? Virulence 2012; 3:157-8. [PMID: 22460634 DOI: 10.4161/viru.19751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph El Khoury
- NeuroImmunology Laboratory, Center for Immunology & Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
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