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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Khosravi A, Aflatoonian MR, Agha Kuchak Afshari S, Salarkia E, Sharifi F, Aflatoonian B, Gharachorloo F, Khamesipour A, Mohebali M, Zamani O, Shirzadi MR, Gouya MM. Global Dilemma and Needs Assessment Toward Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Controlling Leishmaniasis. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024; 14:22-34. [PMID: 38466368 PMCID: PMC11043315 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00190-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease of poverty that imposes a devastating medical, social, and economic burden on over 1 billion people nationwide. To date, no in-depth study to analyze the major global challenges and needs assessment has been carried out. This investigation aimed to explore a comprehensive narrative review of leishmaniasis's main challenges and initially highlight obstacles that might impede the implementation of control measures. Also, we propose a specific list of priorities for needs assessment. The presence of socioeconomic factors, multiple clinical and epidemiological forms, various Leishmania species, the complexity of the life cycle, the absence of effective drugs and vaccines, and the lack of efficient vector and reservoir control make this organism unique and sophisticated in playing a tangled role to react tricky with its surrounding environments, despite extensive efforts and implementation of all-inclusive former control measures. These facts indicate that the previous strategic plans, financial support, and basic infrastructures connected to leishmaniasis surveillance are still insufficient. Strengthening the leishmaniasis framework in a context of accelerated programmatic action and intensification of cross-cutting activities along with other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is confidently expected to result in greater effectiveness, cost-benefit, and fruitful management. Sensitive diagnostics, effective therapeutics, and efficacious vaccines are vital to accelerating advancement toward elimination, and reducing morbidity/mortality and program costs. Collective actions devoted by all sectors and policy-makers can hopefully overcome technical and operational barriers to guarantee that effective and coordinated implementation plans are sustained to meet the road map for NTDs 2021- 2030 goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Behnaz Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Faranak Gharachorloo
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Zamani
- Universal Health Coverage for Communicable Diseases (UHC: CD), World Health Organization, Country Office, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shirzadi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Gouya
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Shafiei Bafti M, Agha Kuchak Afshari S, Aflatoonian MR, Karamoozian A, Jafarzadeh A, Amirzadeh R, Khosravi A, Babaei Z, Safa F, Sharifi F, Heshmatkhah A. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Hampers COVID-19: A Controlled Cross-Sectional Study in High-Burden Endemic Areas of Iran. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024; 14:142-153. [PMID: 38190050 PMCID: PMC11043327 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00179-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 can cause pandemics and create a critical risk for humans. In a previous pilot study, we reported that the immunological responses induced by cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) could decrease the incidence and severity of COVID-19. In this large-scale case-control study, we assessed the possible relationship between mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 in healed CL persons suffering scars compared to cases without CL history. METHODS This controlled cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 and December 2022 in the endemic and high-burden areas of CL in southeastern Iran. In the study, 1400 previous CL cases with scars and 1,521,329 subjects who had no previous CL were analyzed. We used R 4.0.2 to analyze the data. Firth's bias reduction approach corresponding to the penalization of likelihood logistic regression by Jeffreys was also employed to influence the variables in the dataset. Also, a Bayesian ordinal logistic regression model was performed to explore the COVID-19 severity in both case and referent groups. RESULTS The occurrence and severity rate of COVID-19 in CL scar cases are significantly less than in the non-CL control group, while in the CL scar subjects, patients with critical conditions and mortality were not observed. The morbidity (OR = 0.11, CI 0.06-0.20 and P < 0.001) and severity of COVID-19 in previous cases with CL scars were significantly diminished than that in the control group (credible interval - 2.57, - 1.62). CONCLUSIONS The results represented a durable negative relationship between cured CL and COVID-19 incidence and severity. Additional studies seem necessary and should be designed to further validate the true impact and underlying mechanistic action of CL on COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Shafiei Bafti
- Institute for Studies in Medicine History, Persian and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Deputy for Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Ali Karamoozian
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Raheleh Amirzadeh
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farzane Safa
- Deputy for Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Amireh Heshmatkhah
- Dadbin Health Clinic, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Aflatoonian MR, Salarkia E, Agha Kuchak Afshari S, Pourkhosravani M, Karamoozian A, Khosravi A, Aflatoonian B, Sharifi F, Divsalar H, Amiri B, Shirzadi MR. A prospective longitudinal study on the elimination trend of rural cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeastern Iran: Climate change, population displacement, and agricultural transition from 1991 to 2021. Sci Total Environ 2024; 913:169684. [PMID: 38160824 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a complex disease. Any change in weather conditions affects the humans' social and agricultural expansion and, consequently, the parasite's life cycle in terms of ecology, biodiversity, social stigma, and exclusion. This population-based prospective longitudinal investigation was conducted between 1991 and 2021 in a well-defined CL (cutaneous leishmaniasis) focus in Bam County, southeastern Iran. A robust health clinic and health surveillance system were responsible for the ongoing systematic documentation, detection, identification, and management of CL cases. The exponential smoothing method via the state space model was used in the univariate time series. The TTR, smooth, and forecast packages were used in R software. Landsat satellite images from 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021 were employed in the physical development. During this period, the temperature increased while the rainfall and humidity decreased. The findings showed a downward trend in the standardized drought index. Also, the results showed that climate warming and ecological changes profoundly affected the area's agricultural patterns and topographical features. Furthermore, the last three decades witnessed an elimination trend for zoonotic CL (ZCL) and the predominance of anthroponotic CL (ACL). The present findings showed that the critical factors in the predominance of ACL and elimination of ZCL were rising temperature, drought, migration, unplanned urbanization, earthquake, and agrarian reform. The wall-enclosed palm tree gardens excluded the primary ZCL reservoir host. They controlled the disease while providing suitable conditions for the emergence/re-emergence of ACL in the newly established settlements and the unplanned ecozone. Therefore, robust health infrastructures, sustained financial support, and evidence-based research studies are crucial to facilitating the necessary surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation to control and eliminate the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | | | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Ali Karamoozian
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Behnaz Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hassan Divsalar
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Behzad Amiri
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shirzadi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
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Jafarzadeh A, Gurjar D, Bodhale N, Jafarzadeh S, Nemati M, Sharifi I, Saha B. Aberrant expression of SOCS impairs the anti-leishmanial immune response. Cytokine 2024; 174:156461. [PMID: 38065046 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Establishing a balance between Th1 and Th2 subsets and M1- and M2-type macrophages is essential for the control of Leishmania infection. The suppressors of cytokine secretion (SOCS) proteins, particularly SOCS1 and SOCS3, play a significant role in regulating cytokine-triggered signaling pathways, thereby impacting the macrophage-and effector T-cell mediated antileishmanial immune response. In addition to the pro-inflammatory cytokines, Leishmania-derived lipophosphoglycan (LPG) and CpG-DNA interact with TLR2 and TLR9 to trigger SOCS expression. The aberrant levels of SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in Leishmania-infected macrophages impair macrophage-T-cell interaction perturbing the balance in macrophage subsets polarization. This hinders macrophage apoptosis and macrophage-mediated leishmanicidal activity, both support the establishment of infection and parasite replication. Furthermore, aberrant SOCS3 levels in T-cells disrupt Th1 differentiation and aid in parasite replication, lesion development, and pathological immune responses. Strategically, selective modulation of SOCS expression and function in immune effector cells may reduce parasite survival and prevent disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
| | - Dhiraj Gurjar
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune 411007, India
| | | | - Sara Jafarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Hematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune 411007, India; Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Seyedi F, Sharifi I, Khosravi A, Molaakbari E, Tavakkoli H, Salarkia E, Bahraminejad S, Bamorovat M, Dabiri S, Salari Z, Kamali A, Ren G. Comparison of cytotoxicity of Miltefosine and its niosomal form on chick embryo model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2482. [PMID: 38291076 PMCID: PMC10827708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Various drugs have been used for the treatment of leishmaniasis, but they often have adverse effects on the body's organs. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of one type of drug, Miltefosine (MIL), and its analogue or modifier, liposomal Miltefosine (NMIL), on several fetal organs using both in silico analysis and practical tests on chicken embryos. Our in silico approach involved predicting the affinities of MIL and NMIL to critical proteins involved in leishmaniasis, including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A), the Kinase insert domain receptor (KDR1), and apoptotic-regulator proteins (Bcl-2-associate). We then validated and supported these predictions through in vivo investigations, analyzing gene expression and pathological changes in angiogenesis and apoptotic mediators in MIL- and NMIL-treated chicken embryos. The results showed that NMIL had a more effective action towards VEGF-A and KDR1 in leishmaniasis, making it a better candidate for potential operative treatment during pregnancy than MIL alone. In vivo, studies also showed that chicken embryos under MIL treatment displayed less vascular mass and more degenerative and apoptotic changes than those treated with NMIL. These results suggest that NMIL could be a better treatment option for leishmaniasis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Seyedi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Elaheh Molaakbari
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Hadi Tavakkoli
- Department of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sina Bahraminejad
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Afzalipour School of Medicine and Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zohreh Salari
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Kamali
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Guogang Ren
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
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Ghatee MA, Sharifi I, Mohammadi N, Moghaddam BE, Kohansal MH. Geographical and climatic risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the hyper-endemic focus of Bam County in southeast Iran. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1236552. [PMID: 38026324 PMCID: PMC10680988 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1236552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a prevalent debilitating disease in many countries, particularly in Iran, the Middle East, North Africa, and South America. Bam County is the most important highly endemic focus of anthropometric CL in Iran and has been under consideration by WHO. This study investigated the environmental and geographic factors affecting the occurrence and distribution of CL in this focus. Methods Demographic data and the home addresses of CL patients diagnosed from 2015 to 2020 were retrieved from the Leishmaniasis Center of Bam in southeast Iran. The effects of mean annual rainfall (MAR), mean annual humidity (MAH), mean annual temperature (MAT), maximum annual temperature (MaxMAT), minimum annual temperature (MinMAT), mean annual humidity (MAH), mean annual evaporation (MAE), mean annual frosty days (MAFD), mean annual snowy hours (MASH), elevation, and land cover on the distribution of CL were analyzed using geographical information systems (GIS) and univariate and multivariate regression models. Results Of 847 patients studied, 50.9% (n = 431) were female and 49.1% (n = 416) were male. The age classes 0-10 (n = 246) and 11-20 (n = 145) showed the highest frequency of patients, respectively. Leishmaniasis patients were reported from 66 villages/cities (11.8%) out of 561 residential areas in Bam County. Univariate analysis showed that urban settings (OR = 21.66), agriculture (OR = 5.73), orchards (OR = 5), salty land (OR = 1.05), and temperatures (OR = 2.37, 2.79 and 3.47) had positive effects on CL occurrence (p < 0.05), while altitude, precipitation, humidity, evaporation, and the number of frozen days had negative effects. Multivariate analysis identified urban settings (OR = 13.6), orchards (OR = 6.29), agriculture (OR = 5.82), and minimum temperature (OR = 2.38) as the most significant determinants of CL occurrence in this region. Conclusion Environmental and ecological factors play an important role in the distribution of CL in Bam County. The high-risk zones for CL are cities/large villages, agricultural and orchard areas in lower altitudes and with warmer climates and lower rainfall and humidity. This model can guide researchers and health managers to properly conduct CL control programs and allocate budgets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Ghatee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Niloufar Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hasan Kohansal
- School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Salarkia E, Mehdipoor M, Molaakbari E, Khosravi A, Sazegar MR, Salari Z, Rad I, Dabiri S, Joukar S, Sharifi I, Ren G. Exploring mesoporous silica nanoparticles as oral insulin carriers: In-silico and in vivo evaluation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20430. [PMID: 37810809 PMCID: PMC10556789 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The advancements in nanoscience have brought attention to the potential of utilizing nanoparticles as carriers for oral insulin administration. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of synthesized polymeric mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) as carriers for oral insulin and their interactions with insulin and IR through in-silico docking. Diabetic rats were treated with various MSN samples, including pure MSN, Amin-grafted MSN/PEG/Insulin (AMPI), Al-grafted MSN/PEG/Insulin (AlMPI), Zinc-grafted MSN/PEG/Insulin (ZNPI), and Co-grafted MSN/PEG/Insulin (CMPI). The nanocomposites were synthesized using a hybrid organic-inorganic method involving MSNs, graphene oxide, and insulin. Characterization of the nanocomposites was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo tests included the examination of blood glucose levels and histopathological parameters of the liver and pancreas in type 1 diabetic rats. The MSN family demonstrated a significant reduction in blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.001). The synthesized nanocomposites exhibited safety, non-toxicity, fast operation, self-repairing pancreas, cost-effectiveness, and high efficiency in the oral insulin delivery system. In the in-silico study, Zn-grafted MSN, Co-grafted MSN, and Al-grafted MSN were selected. Docking results revealed strong interactions between MSN compounds and insulin and IR, characterized by the formation of hydrogen bonds and high binding energy. Notably, Co-grafted MSN showed the highest docking scores of -308.171 kcal/mol and -337.608 kcal/mol to insulin and IR, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of polymeric MSN as effective carriers for oral insulin, offering promising prospects for diabetes treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahdis Mehdipoor
- Faculty of Chemistry, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hakimiyeh, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Molaakbari
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sazegar
- Faculty of Chemistry, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hakimiyeh, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Salari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iman Rad
- Afzalipour School of Medicine & Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Afzalipour School of Medicine & Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Siyavash Joukar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Guogang Ren
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
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Salarkia E, Sharifi I, Keyhani A, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Khosravi A, Sharifi F, Bamorovat M, Babaei Z. In silico and in vitro potentials of crocin and amphotericin B on Leishmania major: Multiple synergistic mechanisms of actions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291322. [PMID: 37682934 PMCID: PMC10490900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant barrier to optimal antileishmanial treatment is low efficacy and the emergence of drug resistance. Multiple approaches were used to monitor and assess crocin (a central component of saffron) mixed with amphotericin B (AmpB) potential in silico and in vitro consequences. The binding behavior of crocin and iNOS was the purpose of molecular docking. The results showed that crocin coupled with AmpB demonstrated a safe combination, extremely antileishmanial, suppressed Leishmania arginase absorption, and increased parasite death. This natural flower component is a robust antioxidant, significantly promoting the expression of the Th1-connected cytokines (IL12p40, IFN-γ, and TNF- α), iNOS, and transcription factors (Elk-1, c-Fos, and STAT-1). In comparison, the expression of the Th2-associated phenotypes (IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-β) was significantly reduced. The leishmanicidal effect of this combination was also mediated through programmed cell death (PCD), as confirmed by the manifestation of phosphatidylserine and cell cycle detention at the sub-GO/G1 phase. In conclusion, crocin with AmpB synergistically exerted in vitro antileishmanial action, generated nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, modulated Th1, and Th2 phenotypes and transfer factors, enhanced PCD profile and arrested the cell cycle of Leishmania major promastigotes. The main action of crocin and AmpB involved wide-ranging mechanistic insights for conducting other clinical settings as promising drug candidates for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Therefore, this combination could be esteemed as a basis for a potential bioactive component and a logical source for leishmanicidal drug development against CL in future advanced clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Derakhshani A, Sharifi I, Salarkia E, Keyhani A, Agha Kuchak Afshari S, Iranmanesh B, Lashkarizadeh M, Nejad Biglari H, Lari Najafi M, Bamorovat M. Antileishmanial potentials of azacitidine and along with meglumine antimoniate on Leishmania major: In silico prediction and in vitro analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291321. [PMID: 37682979 PMCID: PMC10490874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in silico antileishmanial activity of azacitidine (AZA) on Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes. The in silico method was used to evaluate the possibility of the interaction of AZA into the binding pocket of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a leading defensive oxidative metabolite. Following that, in vitro anti-promastigote, and anti-amastigote activity of AZA was determined using an MTT assay and a macrophage model, respectively. Cytotoxic effects of AZA and meglumine antimoniate (MA) were also assessed by MTT assay on murine macrophages. All experiments were performed in triplicate. The results showed that AZA interacted with Ser133, Gln134, and Lys13 amino acids of iNOS, and the molecular docking score was obtained at -241.053 kcal/mol. AZA in combination with MA significantly (P<0.001) inhibited the growth rate of nonclinical promastigote (IC50 247.6±7.3 μM) and 8.5-fold higher of clinical intramacrophage amastigote stage (29.8±5.3 μM), compared to the untreated group. A significant upsurge of Th1 subsets and transcription genes and a meaningful decline in Th2 cytokines subclasses at the equivalent concentrations of AZA and MA was observed (P<0.001). The apoptosis effect of AZA along with MA was significantly induced on L. major in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001). The present study demonstrated that AZA possesses antileishmanial activity in in vitro and in silico models. However, AZA combined with MA was more effective than AZA alone in inhibiting the growth rate of promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major. This study indicates that AZA in combination with MA demonstrated a potent antileishmanial mechanism, promoting immune response and enhancing an immunomodulatory role toward the Th1 pathway. This experimental study is a basic study for applying more knowledge about the mechanisms of AZA along with MA in animal models in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Derakhshani
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Iranmanesh
- Department of Dermatology, Afzalipour Hospital, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Lashkarizadeh
- Department of Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Nejad Biglari
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Moslem Lari Najafi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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10
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Hajhosseini M, Sharifi I, Bamorovat M, Karamoozian A, Amanizadeh A, Agha Kuchak Afshari S. Monitoring of airborne fungi during the second wave of COVID-19 in selected wards of the referral university hospital in southeastern Iran. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:1132. [PMID: 37653110 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11791-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Microbiological monitoring of the air hospital is essential for prevention and control, due to the possible airborne route of infection transmission, especially in high-risk wards. This study aimed to monitor the airborne fungi during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in selected wards of the biggest university educational hospital in Kerman, southeastern Iran. This study was conducted in 11 different wards, separated into the patient room and nursing station, of the Afzalipour hospital from May to August 2021. Fungal isolates were characterized to the species level by conventional and sequencing methods. Out of 93 obtained fungal colonies, 70 (75.3%) isolates were filamentous and 23 (24.7%) isolates were yeast. Aspergillus species were the predominant fungal isolates among the filamentous colonies (n=19; 27.1%), and Naganishia albida (formerly Cryptococcus albidus) was identified as the most common yeast isolate (n=13/23; 56.8%). The infectious ward was the most contaminated unit (n=19/93), while the least contaminated units were the neonatal intensive care unit (n=3/93), and oncology (n=3/93). The statistical findings displayed that the number of fungal isolates in patients' rooms is significantly higher than in nurses' stations (p-value=0.013). Our study demonstrated the presence of diverse fungal species in all wards of the hospital. Considering the presence of airborne fungi in hospitals and related public health problems is one of the critical issues for health systems management. In this regard, efficient monitoring of airborne fungi might play an influential role in hospital infection control and surveillance, particularly in high-risk hospitalization patients in critical wards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Hajhosseini
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Karamoozian
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Azam Amanizadeh
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Setareh Agha Kuchak Afshari
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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11
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Mirzaei M, Sharifi I, Mohammad-Rafi F, Anjomshoa M, Abiri A, Moqaddari AH, Nooshadokht M, Raiesi O, Amirheidari B. Antileishmanial effects and drugability characteristics of a heterocyclic copper complex: An in silico, in vitro and molecular study. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 245:112245. [PMID: 37167732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis caused by the protozoan Leishmania presents a severe illness, principally in tropical and subtropical areas. Antileishmanial metal complexes, like Glucantime®️ with proven activity, are routinely studied to probe their potency. We investigated the effects of a Cu (II) homoleptic complex coordinated by two dimethyl-bipyridine ligands against Leishmania major stages in silico and in vitro. The affinity of this heterocyclic Cu (II) complex (CuDMBP) towards a parasitic metacaspase was studied by molecular docking. Key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the complex were predicted using three web-based tools. CuDMBP was tested for in vitro antileishmanial activities using MTT assay, model murine macrophages, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Molecular docking confirmed the tendency between the target macromolecule and the complex. ADMET evaluations highlighted CuDMBP's key pharmacological features, including P-glycoprotein-associated GI absorption and lack of trans-BBB permeability. MTT showed significant inhibitory effects against promastigotes. CuDMBP significantly increased the level of cellular IL-12 expression (p < 0.05), while the upregulation observed in the expression of iNOS was considered not significant (p > 0.05). It decreased the expression of IL-10 significantly (p < 0.05). Findings demonstrated that CuDMBP deserves to be introduced as a leishmanicidal candidate provided further studies are carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mirzaei
- Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farrokh Mohammad-Rafi
- Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Marzieh Anjomshoa
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ardavan Abiri
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Amir Hossain Moqaddari
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Nooshadokht
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Extremophile and Productive Microorganisms Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran; Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Bagher Amirheidari
- Extremophile and Productive Microorganisms Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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12
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Mohebali M, Edrissian G, Akhoundi B, Shirzadi M, Hassanpour G, Behkar A, Rassi Y, Hajjaran H, Keshavarz H, Gouya MM, Arshi S, Zeinali M, Zarei Z, Sharifi I, Kakooei Z. Visceral Leishmaniasis in Iran: An Update on Epidemiological Features from 2013 to 2022. Iran J Parasitol 2023; 18:279-293. [PMID: 37886254 PMCID: PMC10597876 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i3.13751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. The zoonotic form of VL is endemic in some areas of Iran. We aimed to determine the status of VL identified in humans and canines in different parts of Iran from 2013 to 2022. Method A national representative cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 provinces of Iran, including the national leishmaniasis reference lab. We employed the direct agglutination test (DAT) as a reliable serological method to detect anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in humans and animal reservoir hosts. Additionally, a narrative literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies on VL seroprevalence in Iran from 2013 to 2023. Results The results of 21281 human and 5610 canine serum samples from 2013 to 2022 are reported. Altogether, 448 (2.1%, 95%CI: 2.0-2.3) human serum samples showed anti-L. infantum antibody levels of ≥1:3200. Of these samples, 13716 (64.5%) were collected actively, which showed a seroprevalence of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.5-0.8) and 7565 (35.5%) were collected passively, which showed a seroprevalence of 4.8% (95%CI: 4.3-5.3). Overall, 1035 (20.1%, 95%CI: 19.0-21.2) of 5160 domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) samples showed anti-L. infantum antibody levels of ≥1:320. Northwest (2.8%) and northeast (0.96%) regions had the highest human VL seroprevalence, while northwest (21.5%) and south (14.4%) regions had the highest canine VL seroprevalence. Conclusion Zoonotic VL, an endemic parasitic disease, is still present in several different distinct areas across Iran. While human VL cases have shown a declining trend over the last decade, the prevalence of canine VL remains significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Edrissian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammedreza Shirzadi
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Communicable Diseases Management, Ministry of Health Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hassanpour
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Behkar
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yavar Rassi
- Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Gouya
- Center for Communicable Diseases Management, Ministry of Health Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahnam Arshi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Management, Ministry of Health Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zeinali
- Center for Communicable Diseases Management, Ministry of Health Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zabihollah Zarei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Meshkin-Shahr Health Station from the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Ardebil, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Kakooei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Sharifi I, Khosravi A, Aflatoonian MR, Salarkia E, Bamorovat M, Karamoozian A, Moghadam MN, Sharifi F, Afshar AA, Afshari SAK, Gharachorloo F, Shirzadi MR, Amiri B, Zainali M, Doosti S, Zamani O, Gouya MM. Cutaneous leishmaniasis situation analysis in the Islamic Republic of Iran in preparation for an elimination plan. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1091709. [PMID: 37188278 PMCID: PMC10176454 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1091709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Iran has invariably been under the growing public health threat of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a significant barrier to local development that hinders the prevention and control efforts toward eliminating the disease. So far, no comprehensive and in-depth epidemiological analysis of the CL situation has been carried out nationwide. This study aimed to employ advanced statistical models to analyze the data collected through the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention of Communicable Diseases during 1989-2020. However, we emphasized the current trends, 2013-2020, to study temporal and spatial CL patterns. In the country, the epidemiology of CL is incredibly intricate due to various factors. This fact indicates that the basic infrastructure, the preceding supports, and the implementation plan related to preventive and therapeutic measures need crucial support. The leishmaniasis situation analysis is consistent with desperate requirements for efficient information on the control program in the area. This review provides evidence of temporally regressive and spatially expanding incidence of CL with characteristic geographical patterns and disease hotspots, signifying an urgent need for comprehensive control strategies. This information could be a suitable model and practical experience in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, where over 80% of CL is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Karamoozian
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Nekoei Moghadam
- Research Center for Health Services Management, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Aghaei Afshar
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Faranak Gharachorloo
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shirzadi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Amiri
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zainali
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Doosti
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Zamani
- Universal Health Coverage for Communicable Diseases (UHC: CD), World Health Organization, Country Office, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Gouya
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Bahraminejad S, Pardakhty A, Sharifi I, Keyhani A, Salarkia E, Ranjbar M. Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as a delivery system for amphotericin B: In vitro and in silico antileishmanial study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15308. [PMID: 37096004 PMCID: PMC10122018 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis as a widespread neglected vector-borne protozoan disease is a major public health concern in endemic areas due to 12 million people affected worldwide and 60,000 deaths annually. Several problems and side effects in using current chemotherapies leads to progression of new drug delivery systems against leishmaniasis. For instance, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) so-called anionic clays due to their proper characteristics, have been considered recently. In the present study, LDH nanocarriers were prepared using co-precipitation method. Then, the intercalation reactions with amphotericin B were conducted via indirect ion exchange assay. Finally, after characterization of prepared LDHs, the anti-leishmanial effects of Amp-Zn/Al-LDH nanocomposites against Leishmania major were evaluated using an in vitro and in silico model. According to results, current study demonstrated that Zn/Al-NO3 LDH nanocarriers can be used as a new promising delivery system by intercalating amphotericin B into its interlayer space for leishmaniasis treatment by eliminating the L. major parasites by remarkable immunomodulatory, antioxidant and apoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Bahraminejad
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Pardakhty
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ranjbar
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Corresponding author. Pharmaceutics Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 76175-493, Kerman, 76169-11319, Iran.
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15
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Mohamadi N, Sharifi I, Afgar A, Sharififar F, Sharifi F. Antileishmanial Effects of Bunium Persicum Crude Extract, Essential Oil, and Cuminaldehyde on Leishmania Major: In Silico and In Vitro Properties. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:103-113. [PMID: 36434380 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00642-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cuminaldehyde (CA), an oxidized aldehyde monoterpene, is a major essential oil component in cumin seeds, which has shown different promising medical effects. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Bunium persicum (Boiss) B. Fedtsch (Apiaceae) and one of its main essential oil constituents, CA, focus on the mechanisms of action. METHODS We used a molecular docking approach to examine the capability of CA for binding to IL-12P40 and TNF-α. The colorimetric assay was performed to assess the effect of B. persicum crude extract, essential oil, and CA, against Leishmania major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. The expression of IFN-γ, IL-12P40, TNF-α, and IL-10 genes was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction qPCR. RESULTS Docking analyses in the current study indicated CA binds to IL-12P40 and TNF-α. These products were safe, extremely antileishmanial, and significantly promoted Th1-related cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12P40, TNF-α), while downregulating the Th2 phenotype (IL-10). CONCLUSION Cumin essential oil and its major component, CA, possessed powerful antileishmanial activity. The primary mechanism of activity involves an immunomodulatory role toward Th1 cytokine response. Therefore, cumin essential oil and CA deserve further explorations as promising medications for treating leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Mohamadi
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Afgar
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fariba Sharififar
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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16
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Sharifi F, Mohamadi N, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Sharifi I, Doostmohammadi M, Soltanian S, Sharififar F. The potential effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized with Coffea arabica green seeds on Leishmania major proliferation, cytotoxicity activity, and cytokines expression level. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:131-139. [PMID: 36910317 PMCID: PMC9998787 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01549-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to analyze the antileishmanial and antibacterial activity of Coffea arabica green seed biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (C. arabica AgNPs), as well as cytotoxicity and cytokine gene expression. UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and FESEM methods used to examine the C. arabica AgNPs. MTT test was used to assess the antileishmanial and cytotoxicity effects. The gene expression level was assessed in NPs-treated J774 cells by qPCR. The synthesized C. arabica AgNPs were in the size range of 20-70 nm, through FESEM pictures. The IC50 values of the NPs were 65. 4 and 47.70 μg/mL against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major, but these values were 580.1 and 171.1 μg/mL for Glucantime® as the control drug. C. arabica AgNPs represented a significant increase in IL-12P40, as a Th1 cytokine, in comparison to Glucantime® at high concentrations (P < 0.01), whilst IL-10 expression level showed a significant reduction between NPs-treated and Glucantime®-treated macrophages at 250-1000 μg/mL concentrations (P < 0.001). Moreover, the NPs were cytotoxic on cancer cell lines of Hek293, MCF7, and A172 with the CC50 values of 437.2, 116.8, and 72.9 µg/mL, respectively. It showed a significant effect of these NPs against A172 (P < 0.001). Also, the lowest MIC values of the NPs were obtained for Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (204 µg/mL). According to the antileishmanial, anticancer, and antibacterial activity of these NPs, it can considered a bio-agent drug in the future in endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Neda Mohamadi
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohsen Doostmohammadi
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Soltanian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fariba Sharififar
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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17
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Sharififar F, Sharifi F, Mohamadi N, Abiri A, Sharifi I, Harandi MF. Nature-derived alkaloids as a promising bioactive compound in drug discovery to meet global Leishmania needs. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2023. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180820666230220141636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Natural products have been important resources for potential drug development. Among the many classes of natural products, alkaloids have the most therapeutic applications. Treatment of leishmaniasis by chemical drugs remains a challenge because of toxic side effects, limited efficacy, and drug resistance. This review focuses to embrace all researches on leishmanicidal alkaloids over a specific range of time, with special consideration the molecular mechanism of action, and structure-related activity.
Methods:
All publications (in English) from Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2000-2021 using a variety of keywords such as natural alkaloids, herbal alkaloids, marine alkaloids along with leishmaniasis were included in the present study. In this summary, the focus is mainly on natural alkaloids of plant, mineral, marine origin, etc., which have empirically demonstrated the antileishmanial effect.
Results:
Fourteen categories of alkaloids with anti-leishmaniasis activity were extracted from the articles. The highest number of alkaloids belonged to isoquinoline, indole, and quinoline alkaloids (21.78%, 20.67%, and 16.48% respectively). This review indicated that the mentioned alkaloids are able to inhibit the proliferation of parasites, the respiratory chain and protein synthesis, arrest the cell cycle, disrupt the mitochondrial membrane integrity, inhibit leishmanial topoisomerase, induce mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in the parasite morphology.
Discussion:
The present study highlighted antileishmanial alkaloids that are active against different species of Leishmania in vitro and some of them are also active in visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis models. However, more clinical studies are needed to clarify the anti-leishmanial activity of alkaloids against leishmania in detail.
Conclusion:
Among the reported compounds, two main classes of alkaloids including isoquinoline and indole alkaloids cover a wider range of anti-parasitic compounds, and structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies of these molecular skeletons may be good lead compounds and afford the structural clues to develop novel medicines with more selective therapeutic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Sharififar
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Neda Mohamadi
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ardavan Abiri
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman,
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18
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Sharifi F, Sharifi I, Babaei Z, Alahdin S, Afgar A. Bioinformatics evaluation of anticancer properties of GP63 protein-derived peptides on MMP2 protein of melanoma cancer. J Pathol Inform 2023; 14:100190. [PMID: 36700237 PMCID: PMC9867975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background GP63, also known as Leishmanolysin, is a multifunctional virulence factor abundant on the surface of Leishmania spp. small peptides with anticancer capabilities that are selective and toxic to cancer cells are known as anticancer peptides. We aimed to demonstrate the activity of GP63 and its anticancer properties on melanoma using a range of in silico tools and screening methods to identify predicted and designed anticancer peptides. Methods Various in silico modeling methodologies are used to establish the three-dimensional (3D) structure of GP63. Refinement and re-evaluation of the modeled structures and the built models' quality evaluated using the different docking used to find the interacting amino acids between MMP2 and GP63 and its anticancer peptides. AntiCP2.0 is used for screening anticancer peptides. 2D interaction plots of protein-ligand complexes evaluated by Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler server. It is for the first time that used anticancer peptides of GP63 and the predicted and designed peptides. Results We used 3 peptides of GP63 based on the AntiCP 2.0 server with scores of 0.63, 0.53, and 0.49, and common peptides of GP63/MMP2 (continues peptide: mean the completely selected peptide after docking with non-anticancer effect, predicted with 0.58 score and designed peptides with 0.47 and 0.45 scores by AntiCP 2.0 server). Conclusions The antileishmanial and anticancer peptide research topics exemplify the multidisciplinary nature of peptide research. The advancement of therapeutics targeting cancer and/or Leishmania requires an interconnected research strategy shown in this work.
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Key Words
- ACPs, anticancer peptides
- Anticancer
- CASTp, Computed Atlas of Surface Topography of proteins
- CL, cutaneous leishmaniasis
- GP63, Glycoprotein 63
- In silico
- Leishmania
- Leishmanolysin
- MD, molecular dynamics
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteases
- MSP, major surface protease
- Matrix metalloproteases
- PDB, Protein Data Bank
- PLIP, Protein–Ligand Interaction Profiler
- Peptide
- Protein–Ligand Interaction Profiler
- ROS, reactive oxygen species formation
- SVM, Support Vector Machine
- VL, visceral leishmaniasis
- kNN, k-Nearest Neighbors
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sodabeh Alahdin
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Afgar
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Corresponding author.
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19
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Salari Z, Khosravi A, Pourkhandani E, Molaakbari E, Salarkia E, Keyhani A, Sharifi I, Tavakkoli H, Sohbati S, Dabiri S, Ren G, Shafie’ei M. The inhibitory effect of 6-gingerol and cisplatin on ovarian cancer and antitumor activity: In silico, in vitro, and in vivo. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1098429. [PMID: 36937441 PMCID: PMC10020515 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1098429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial ovarian cancer is very common in women and causes hundreds of deaths per year worldwide. Chemotherapy drugs including cisplatin have adverse effects on patients' health. Complementary treatments and the use of herbal medicines can help improve the performance of medicine. 6-Gingerol is the major pharmacologically active component of ginger. In this study, we compared the effects of 6-gingerol, cisplatin, and their combination in apoptotic and angiogenetic activities in silico, in test tubes, and in in vivo assays against two ovarian cancer cell lines: OVCAR-3 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods The drug-treated cell lines were evaluated for their cytotoxicity, cell cycle, and apoptotic and angiogenetic gene expression changes. Results The proportion of apoptosis treated by 6-gingerol coupled with cisplatin was significantly high. In the evaluation of the cell cycle, the combination therapy also showed a significant promotion of a higher extent of the S sequence. The expression of p53 level, Caspase-8, Bax, and Apaf1 genes was amplified again with combination therapy. Conversely, in both cell lines, the cumulative drug concentrations reduced the expression of VEGF, FLT1, KDR, and Bcl-2 genes. Similarly, in the control group, combination treatment significantly decreased the expression of VEGF, FLT1, KDR, and Bcl-2 genes in comparison to cisplatin alone. Conclusions The findings of the present study demonstrated that the cisplatin and 6-gingerol combination is more effective in inducing apoptosis and suppressing the angiogenesis of ovarian cancer cells than using each drug alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Salari
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- *Correspondence: Ahmad Khosravi, ; Elham Pourkhandani,
| | - Elham Pourkhandani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- *Correspondence: Ahmad Khosravi, ; Elham Pourkhandani,
| | - Elaheh Molaakbari
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hadi Tavakkoli
- Department of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Samira Sohbati
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Afzalipour School of Medicine and Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Guogang Ren
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Shafie’ei
- Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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20
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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Agha Kuchak Afshari S, Karamoozian A, Tahmouresi A, Heshmatkhah A, Salarkia E, Khosravi A, Hakimi Parizi M, Barghi M. Poor adherence is a major barrier to the proper treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A case-control field assessment in Iran. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 21:21-27. [PMID: 36525935 PMCID: PMC9791244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an overlooked, poverty-stricken, and complex disease with growing social and public health problems. In general, leishmaniasis is a curable disease; however, there is an expansion of unresponsive cases to treatment in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). One of the effective and ignored determinants in the treatment outcome of CL is poor treatment adherence (PTA). PTA is an overlooked and widespread phenomenon to proper Leishmania treatment. This study aimed to explore the effect of poor adherence in unresponsiveness to treatment in patients with anthroponotic CL (ACL) by comparing conventional statistical modalities and machine learning analyses in Iran. Overall, 190 cases consisting of 50 unresponsive patients (case group), and 140 responsive patients (control group) with ACL were randomly selected. The data collecting form that included 25 queries (Q) was recorded for each case and analyzed by R software and genetic algorithm (GA) approaches. Complex treatment regimens (Q11), cultural and lay views about the disease and therapy (Q8), life stress, hopelessness and negative feelings (Q22), adverse effects of treatment (Q13), and long duration of the lesion (Q12) were the most prevalent significant variables that inhibited effective treatment adherence by the two methods, in decreasing order of significance. In the inherent algorithm approach, similar to the statistical approach, the most significant feature was complex treatment regimens (Q11). Providing essential knowledge about ACL and treatment of patients with chronic diseases and patients with misconceptions about chemical drugs are important issues directly related to the disease's unresponsiveness. Furthermore, early detection of patients to prevent the long duration of the disease and the process of treatment, efforts to minimize side effects of treatment, induction of positive thinking, and giving hope to patients with stress and anxiety by medical staff, and family can help patients adhere to the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Corresponding author. Leishmaniasis Research Center, 22 Bahman Boulevard, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Corresponding author. Leishmaniasis Research Center, 22 Bahman Boulevard, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Karamoozian
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Amireh Heshmatkhah
- Dadbin Health Clinic, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Hakimi Parizi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Barghi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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21
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Khaksar Baniasadi A, Ayatollahi Mosavi SA, Sharifi I, Bamorovat M, Salari S, Ahmadi A, Amanizadeh A, Agha Kuchak Afshari S. Vulvovaginal candidiasis in Iranian women: Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility pattern. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:3292-3303. [PMID: 36184563 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is a common fungal infection that remains a global concern. The objectives of this study were molecular identification and assessment of the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species, causing VVC in southeast Iran. METHODS A cross-sectional investigation was carried out on 119 nonpregnant females suspected of VVC between February 2019 and May 2021. Yeast samples were characterized to the species level by conventional and molecular methods. All Candida isolates were examined for in vitro susceptibility profile to six conventional antifungal drugs using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. RESULTS Out of 119 subjects, 52 (43.7%) cases were affected by VVC, out of whom 11 (21.15%) cases had recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). The species distribution was as follows; Candida albicans (n = 21; 40.4%), C. glabrata (n = 11; 21.2%), C. tropicalis (n = 9; 17.3%), C. parapsilosis (n = 5; 9.7%), C. africana (n = 3; 5.7%), C. famata (n = 1; 1.9%), C. lusitaniae (n = 1; 1.9%), and C. dubliniensis (n = 1; 1.9%). The resistance rate of Candida isolates to fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole were 15.38%, 11.5%, and 3.8%, respectively. Resistance to fluconazole was obtained in 46% (5/11) of RVVC cases but only in 7% (3/41) of VVC cases. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the majority of VVC cases were caused by non-albicans Candida species which also were resistant to some antifungal agents. Hence, our findings revealed the importance of conducting periodical epidemiological studies to determine changes in species distribution. Moreover, for effective management of treatment and infection, it is imperative to evaluate the susceptibility profiles of Candida species isolated from VVC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khaksar Baniasadi
- Student Research Committee, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Seyyed Amin Ayatollahi Mosavi
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Samira Salari
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Atefeh Ahmadi
- Nursing Research Center, Department of Counseling in Midwifery, Razi Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Azam Amanizadeh
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Setareh Agha Kuchak Afshari
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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22
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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Aflatoonian MR, Karamoozian A, Tahmouresi A, Jafarzadeh A, Heshmatkhah A, Sharifi F, Salarkia E, Khaleghi T, Khosravi A, Nooshadokht M, Zarandi MB, Barghi M. Prophylactic effect of cutaneous leishmaniasis against COVID-19: a case-control field assessment. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:155-161. [PMID: 34571149 PMCID: PMC8461267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We assessed the potential relationship between COVID-19 and laboratory-confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL)-registered cases with a history of scarring, compared with volunteer participants without history of CL. METHODS This case-control retrospective study was conducted in southeastern Iran with a high anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) burden. RESULTS Overall, n=1010 CL cases (n=479 male, n=531 female) were evaluated for infection with SARS-CoV-2. In the CL case group, 2 men and 1 woman (0.3% in total) had a mild form of COVID-19 disease; none were hospitalized or died. In contrast, of n=2020 participants without history of CL, n=57 (2.9%) contracted laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, including mild (66.7%), hospitalized (26.3%), critical (3.5%) and fatal (3.5%). There was a strong negative association between CL infection and COVID-19. The burden of COVID-19 in CL-cured participants significantly reduced the morbidity (odds ratio: 0.12; CI: 0.03-0.30; P <0.001) and mortality (percentile: -4.10, -0.02). CONCLUSION Participants with a history of CL scar had significantly reduced incidence of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The cross-protection mediated by CL may retard COVID-19 in endemic countries. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the potential profile and duration of this protection offered by CL against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Aflatoonian
- Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Karamoozian
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Amireh Heshmatkhah
- Dadbin Health Clinic, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Tabandeh Khaleghi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nooshadokht
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Borhani Zarandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Barghi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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23
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Sharifi F, Seyedi F, Mohamadi N, Sharifi I, Pardakhty A, Khosravi A, Kamali A. Cytotoxicity Effects of Miltefosine and Niosomal form on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells: Colorimetric Assay, Apoptosis, and Gene Expression Profiling. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180819666220816120305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Miltefosine (MIL), hexadecyl phosphocholine, is the only oral medicine used to
treat leishmaniasis. This drug has a major limitation and is expensive and potentially teratogenic. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effect of MIL and its niosomal form on human umbilical vein
endothelial cells (HUVECs), the expression genes, and the profile associated with apoptosis in the mitochondrial permeabilization regulated.
Method:
Miltefosine niosome (MN) prepared by the thin-film hydration method and characterized. HUVECs were treated with MIL (100–1000µg/ml), and MN (10-50µg/ml) for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the persistence was assessed by colorimetric assay flow cytometry and real-time PCR.
Results:
Lesser toxicity was detected on cell proliferation for MN while both forms decreased Bcl-2 and
elevated the expression of Bak/Bax and caspases-3, -8, and -9. The data demonstrated that MIL significantly exerted its cytotoxicity on HUVECs compared to MN.
Conclusion:
This drug should be considered embryotoxic during pregnancy, while in niosomal form, it
released slowly and remained safe. The mechanism of action of MIL associated with programmed cell
death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Seyedi
- Department of anatomical sciences, faculty of medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Neda Mohamadi
- Herbal and
Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Pardakhty
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of
Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Kamali
- Department of infectious disease, faculty of
medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
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24
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Jafarzadeh A, Nemati M, Aminizadeh N, Bodhale N, Sarkar A, Jafarzadeh S, Sharifi I, Saha B. Bidirectional cytokine-microRNA control: A novel immunoregulatory framework in leishmaniasis. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010696. [PMID: 35925884 PMCID: PMC9351994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
As effector innate immune cells and as a host to the protozoan parasite Leishmania, macrophages play a dual role in antileishmanial immunoregulation. The 2 key players in this immunoregulation are the macrophage-expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and the macrophage-secreted cytokines. miRNAs, as small noncoding RNAs, play vital roles in macrophage functions including cytokines and chemokines production. In the reverse direction, Leishmania-regulated cytokines alter miRNAs expression to regulate the antileishmanial functions of macrophages. The miRNA patterns vary with the time and stage of infection. The cytokine-regulated macrophage miRNAs not only help parasite elimination or persistence but also regulate cytokine production from macrophages. Based on these observations, we propose a novel immunoregulatory framework as a scientific rationale for antileishmanial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- * E-mail: (AJ); (BS)
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Haematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Najmeh Aminizadeh
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University Branch of Kerman, Kerman
| | | | - Arup Sarkar
- Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sara Jafarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre For Cell Science, Pune, India
- Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- * E-mail: (AJ); (BS)
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25
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Bahrami F, Masoudzadeh N, Van Veen S, Persson J, Lari A, Sarvnaz H, Taslimi Y, Östensson M, Andersson B, Sharifi I, Goyonlo VM, Ottenhoff TH, Haks MC, Harandi AM, Rafati S. Blood transcriptional profiles distinguish different clinical stages of cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. Mol Immunol 2022; 149:165-173. [PMID: 35905592 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease with severe morbidity and socioeconomic sequelae. A better understanding of underlying immune mechanisms that lead to different clinical outcomes of CL could inform the rational design of intervention measures. While transcriptomic analyses of CL lesions were recently reported by us and others, there is a dearth of information on the expression of immune-related genes in the blood of CL patients. Herein, we investigated immune-related gene expression in whole blood samples collected from individuals with different clinical stages of CL along with healthy volunteers in an endemic CL region where Leishmania (L.) tropica is prevalent. Study participants were categorized into asymptomatic (LST+) and healthy uninfected (LST-) groups based on their leishmanin skin test (LST). Whole blood PAXgene samples were collected from volunteers, who had healed CL lesions, and patients with active L. tropica cutaneous lesions. Quality RNA extracted from 57 blood samples were subjected to Dual-color reverse-transcription multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (dcRT-MLPA) assay for profiling 144 immune-related genes. Results show significant changes in the expression of genes involved in interferon signaling pathway in the blood of active CL patients, asymptomatics and healed individuals. Nonetheless, distinct profiles for several immune-related genes were identified in the healed, the asymptomatic, and the CL patients compared to the healthy controls. Among others, IFI16 and CCL11 were found as immune transcript signatures for the healed and the asymptomatic individuals, respectively. These results warrant further exploration to pinpoint novel blood biomarkers for different clinical stages of CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariborz Bahrami
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Masoudzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Suzanne Van Veen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Josefine Persson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Arezou Lari
- Systems Biomedicine Unit, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Sarvnaz
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Taslimi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malin Östensson
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Björn Andersson
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Tom Hm Ottenhoff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle C Haks
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ali M Harandi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Salari S, Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Almani PGN. Global distribution of treatment resistance gene markers for leishmaniasis. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24599. [PMID: 35808933 PMCID: PMC9396204 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pentavalent antimonials (Sb(V)) such as meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®) and sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam®) are used as first‐line treatments for leishmaniasis, either alone or in combination with second‐line drugs such as amphotericin B (Amp B), miltefosine (MIL), methotrexate (MTX), or cryotherapy. Therapeutic aspects of these drugs are now challenged because of clinical resistance worldwide. Methods We reviewedthe recent original studies were assessed by searching in electronic databases such as Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Results Studies on molecular biomarkers involved in drug resistance are essential for monitoring the disease. We reviewed genes and mechanisms of resistance to leishmaniasis, and the geographical distribution of these biomarkers in each country has also been thoroughly investigated. Conclusion Due to the emergence of resistant genes mainly in anthroponotic Leishmania species such as L. donovani and L. tropica, as the causative agents of ACL and AVL, respectively, selection of an appropriate treatment modality is essential. Physicians should be aware of the presence of such resistance for the selection of proper treatment modalities in endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Salari
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Javadi A, Khamesipour A, Ghoorchi M, Bahrami M, Khatami A, Sharifi I, Eskandari SE, Fekri A, Aflatoonian MR, Firooz A. Efficacy of intra-lesional injections of meglumine antimoniate once a week vs. twice a week in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. tropica in Iran: A randomized controlled clinical trial. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010569. [PMID: 35802749 PMCID: PMC9328501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is based on using antimoniate derivatives; patients’ compliance for systemic injections is low due to the pain and systemic complications. In this randomized open trial, the efficacy of intra-lesional (IL) injections of meglumine antimoniate (MA) once a week vs. twice a week in the treatment of Anthrpoponothic CL caused by L. tropica was studied. Eligible volunteer patients were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. The included patients were randomly allocated to receive IL-MA injections once a week or twice a week. The primary outcome was set as complete healing of the lesion(s), and defined as complete re-epithelialization and absence of induration in the lesions. A total of 180 parasitologicaly proven CL patients caused by L. tropica were recruited, 90 patients were treated with weekly IL-MA and 90 patients received IL-MA twice a week. The complete cure was 87.9% vs. 89.2% in the group received weekly and twice a week IL-MA injections, respectively (P = 0.808). Patients’ compliance was acceptable and side effects were limited to a few local allergic reactions to MA. Median time to healing was significantly shorter in patients who received IL-MA twice a week (median ± SE) 37±3.8, (CI: 29.6–44.4) days compared to whom received IL-MA once a week 60±2.3, (CI: 55.6–64.5) days (P< 0.001), however the number of injections was higher in group who received IL-MA twice a week (12 vs. 9 injections). In conclusion, the rate of cure in the group of CL patients with IL-MA twice a week was not significantly different from the group who received IL-MA once a week shorten, but the duration of healing was shorter in the group who received IL-MA twice a week while the group received more injections so is recommended to use IL-MA once a week due to the fact the compliance is acceptable with limited side effects. Clinical Trial Registration: IRCT20081130001475N13; https://en.irct.ir/. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an emerging uncontrolled neglected tropical disease which annually affecting millions of people in more than 80 countries. Currently available control strategy measures of CL showed not to be fully effective. Although, antimoniate derivatives are in use to treat CL for the last 80 years, but treatment of CL is a dilemma. Systemic use of antimonite derivatives is painful, with limited compliance and accompanies severe adverse events. Efficacy of intra-lesional injections (IL) of antimoniate derivatives is similar to systemic treatment, but there is no agreement how to use IL antimonite derivatives. In the present study efficacy of IL use once a week was compared with twice a week in the treatment of ACL caused by L. tropica in 180 parasitologically proven CL patients. The results showed that the duration of healing is shorter in those who received Glucantime twice a week, but overall treatment of CL using IL once a week is superior to twice a week and more practical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Javadi
- Community Medicine Department, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Ghoorchi
- Mashhad Health Network, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Bahrami
- Bam Health Network, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Khatami
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Seyed Ebrahim Eskandari
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Fekri
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohamad Reza Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Firooz
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Clinical Trial Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Khosravi A, Sharifi I, Tavakkoli H, Molaakbari E, Bahraminegad S, Salarkia E, Seyedi F, Keyhani A, Salari Z, Sharifi F, Bamorovat M, Afgar A, Dabiri S. Cytotoxicity of Amphotericin B and AmBisome: In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation Employing the Chick Embryo Model. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:860598. [PMID: 35754489 PMCID: PMC9214246 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.860598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis has been identified as a significant disease in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with Iran being one of the disease-endemic areas. Various treatments have been applied for this disease, and amphotericin B (Amp B) is the second line of treatment. Side effects of this drug have been reported in various organs. The present study investigated the effects of different types of Amp B on fetal organs using in silico and in vivo assays (chicken embryos). In vivo analysis was done by checking pathological changes, angiogenesis, and apoptosis alterations on eggs treated by Amp B and AmBisome. In silico approach was employed to predict the affinity of Amp B and AmBisome to the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), its receptor (KDR1), apoptotic-regulator proteins (Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Caspase-8. The ADME-toxicity prediction reveals that AmBisome possesses a superior pharmacological effect to Amp B. The best result of all the dockings in the Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) was obtained between Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-8, KDR1, and VEGF-A targets. Due to the lower Egap (HOMO–LUMO) of AmBisome, the chemical reactivity of AmBisome was higher than that of Amp B. In vivo analysis showed that embryos that received Amp B exhibited less vascular density than AmBisome. Amp B alone significantly increased the expression of apoptosis and decreased angiogenesis genes compared to AmBisome. The histopathology analysis of the treated embryos showed a reduction in the blood vessel collapse and an increase in degenerative and apoptotic–necrotic changes in the embryonic tissues. Overall, the results suggest the potential benefits of AmBisome over Amp B, which might be a better treatment strategy to treat leishmaniasis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hadi Tavakkoli
- Department of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elaheh Molaakbari
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sina Bahraminegad
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Seyedi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical, Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zohreh Salari
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Afgar
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Afzalipour School of Medicine and Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Mohseni F, Sharifi I, Oliaee RT, Babaei Z, Mostafavi M, Almani PGN, Keyhani A, Salarkia E, Sharifi F, Nave HH, Bamorovat M, Alahdin S, Sarlak M, Tavakoly R. Antiproliferative properties of Turmerone on Leishmania major: Modes of action confirmed by antioxidative and immunomodulatory roles. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 84:101797. [PMID: 35325685 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of leishmaniasis by conventional synthetic compounds has faced a serious challenge worldwide. This study was performed to evaluate the effect and modes of action of aromatic Turmerone on the Leishmania major intra-macrophage amastigotes, the causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World. In the findings, the mean numbers of L. major amastigotes in macrophages were significantly decreased in exposure to Turmerone plus meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®; MA) than MA alone, especially at 50 µg/mL. In addition, Turmerone demonstrated no cytotoxicity as the selectivity index (SI) was 21.1; while it induced significant apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner on L. major promastigotes. In silico molecular docking analyses indicated an affinity of Turmerone to IL-12, with the MolDock score of - 96.8 kcal/mol; which may explain the increased levels of Th1 cytokines and decreased level of IL-10. The main mechanism of action is more likely associated with stimulating a powerful antioxidant and promoting the immunomodulatory roles in the killing of the target organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Mohseni
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | | | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahshid Mostafavi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseini Nave
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sodabeh Alahdin
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Meysam Sarlak
- Department of Biotechnology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahele Tavakoly
- Student Research Committee, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Nooshadokht M, Mirzaei M, Sharifi I, Sharifi F, Lashkari M, Amirheidari B. In silico and in vitro antileishmanial effects of gamma-terpinene: Multifunctional modes of action. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 361:109957. [PMID: 35472413 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leishmaniasis denotes a significant health challenge worldwide with no ultimate treatment. The current study investigated the biological effects of gamma-terpinene (GT) on Leishmania major in putative antileishmanial action, cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, gene expression alteration, antioxidant activity, hemolysis, and ROS generation. METHODS GT and meglumine antimoniate (MA) were probed alone and in combination (GT/MA) for their anti-leishmanial potentials using the MTT biochemical colorimetric assay and a model macrophage cell. In addition, their immunomodulatory properties were assessed by analyzing their effect on the transcription of cytokines related to Th1 and Th2 responses. GT and MA, alone and in combination, were also assessed for their potential to alter metacaspase gene expression in L. major promastigotes by real-time RT-PCR. The hemolytic potential of GT and MA-treated promastigotes were also measured by routine UV absorbance reading. Electrophoresis on agarose gel was employed to analyze genomic DNA fragmentation. RESULTS GT demonstrated notable dose-dependent antileishmanial effects towards promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major. The IC50 values for GT against L. major promastigotes and amastigotes were 46.76 mM and 25.89 mM, respectively. GT was considerably safer towards murine macrophages than L. major amastigotes with an SI value of 3.17. Transcriptional expression of iNOS, JAK-1, Interleukin (IL-10), and TGF-β was meaningfully decreased, while the levels of metacaspase mRNA were increased. Results also confirmed GT antioxidant activities. Also, increased levels of intracellular ROS were observed upon treatment of promastigotes with GT. The gel electrophoresis result indicated slight DNA fragmentation in the treated promastigotes by both drugs. A weak hemolytic effect was also observed for GT. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that GT showed potent activity against L. major stages. It seems that its mechanism of action involves representing an immunomodulatory role towards upregulation of iNOS and JAK-1, while downregulation of IL-10 and TGF- β. Moreover, GT has an antioxidative potential and exerts its action through activating macrophages to kill the organism. Further in vivo and clinical studies are essential to explore its effect in future programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Nooshadokht
- Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran; Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mirzaei
- Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahla Lashkari
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Comprehensive Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bagher Amirheidari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Extremophile and Productive Microorganisms Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Aflatoonian M, Sharifi I, Aflatoonian B, Salarkia E, Khosravi A, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Bamorovat M, Aghaei Afshar A, Babaei Z, Sharifi F, Taheri Soodejani M, Shirzadi MR, Gouya MM, Nadim A, Sharifi H. Fifty years of struggle to control cutaneous leishmaniasis in the highest endemic county in Iran: A longitudinal observation inferred with interrupted time series model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010271. [PMID: 35486645 PMCID: PMC9053817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Negligible data are available following major social activities and environmental changes on leishmaniasis. Therefore, how interactions between these events influence cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) risk is not well-known. This longitudinal study was undertaken to explore the impact of interventions conducted between 1971 and 2020 in Bam county, which has had the highest disease burden in Iran. Only confirmed CL cases during this period were taken into account. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22 using the X2 test to assess the significance of the difference between proportions. Moreover, we used interrupted time series (ITS) to assess the impact of three environmental events during this period. Overall, 40,164 cases of CL occurred in the past five decades. Multiple complex factors were among the leading causes that synergistically induced the emergence/re-emergence of CL outbreaks in Bam. The main factors attributed negatively to CL control were cessation of malaria spraying activity, expansion of the city spaces, and a massive earthquake creating new breeding potentials for the vectors. The highest impact on CL incidence during these years was related to the earthquake [coefficient = 17.8 (95% CI: 11.3, 22.7); p-value < 0.001]. Many factors can contribute to CL outbreaks in endemic foci. They also can cause new foci in new areas. Since humans are the single reservoir for CL in this area, early detection and effective management significantly contribute to controlling CL to reduce the disease burden. However, essential evidence gaps remain, and new tools are crucial before the disease can ultimately be controlled. Nevertheless, sustained funding and more trained task forces are essential to strengthen surveillance and case management and monitor the interventions’ impact. We aimed to conduct this longitudinal observation to assess the impact of interventions applied between 1971 and 2020 in Bam county, Iran’s highest anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis burden. Only confirmed CL cases were taken into account. Overall, 40,164 cases of CL occurred in the past five decades. Multiple complex factors were among the leading causes that synergistically induced the emergence/re-emergence of CL outbreaks in Bam. The main factors attributed negatively to CL control were cessation of malaria spraying activity, expansion of the city spaces, and a massive earthquake creating new breeding potentials for the vectors. Since humans are the single reservoir host for CL in this area, early detection and effective management significantly contribute to controlling CL to reduce the disease burden. However, continuous funding and more trained forces are critical to strengthening surveillance and case management and monitoring the interventions’ impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Behnaz Aflatoonian
- Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Aghaei Afshar
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Moslem Taheri Soodejani
- Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Mehdi Gouya
- Center for Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolhassan Nadim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Jafarzadeh A, Kumar S, Bodhale N, Jafarzadeh S, Nemati M, Sharifi I, Sarkar A, Saha B. The expression of PD-1 and its ligands increases in Leishmania infection and its blockade reduces the parasite burden. Cytokine 2022; 153:155839. [PMID: 35276636 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The expression of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligands- PD-L1 and PD-L2- on T cells and macrophages', respectively, increases in Leishmania infection. The PD-1/PD-L1 interaction induces T cell anergy, T cell apoptosis and exhaustion, diversion of T cells toward TH2 and T-reg cells but inhibits M1 macrophage activities by suppression of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These changes exacerbate Leishmania infection. As PD-L1-deficient, but not PD-L2-deficient, mice were protected againstL. mexicanainfection, differential roles have been proposed for PD-L1 and PD-L2 in mouse models of leishmaniasis. Blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in various in vitro and Leishmania-infected mouse, hamster and dog models enhanced IFN-γ and NO production, reduced IL-10 and TGF-β generation, promoted T cell proliferation and reduced parasite burden. Therefore, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is being considered as a potential therapeutic strategy to restore protective immunity during leishmaniasis, particularly, in drug-resistant cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sunil Kumar
- National Centre For Cell Science, Pune 411007, India
| | | | - Sara Jafarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Haematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Arup Sarkar
- Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre For Cell Science, Pune 411007, India; Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
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Salim Abadi Y, Sanei-Dehkordi A, Hakimi Parizi M, Aghaei Afshar A, Sharifi I, Gorouhi MA, Shirani-Bidabadi L, Alizadeh I. Baseline susceptibility of a wild strain of main vectors of leishmaniasis to WHO-recommended insecticides in southeastern Iran. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:42. [PMID: 35101106 PMCID: PMC8802467 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05154-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Iran, both cutaneous leishmaniases (CL) and visceral leishmaniases (VL) are endemic, recording one of the 10 highest CL prevalence in the world. Parasites are transmitted by the bite of infected Phlebotomus sand fly females. Several sand fly species have been identified as vectors in the studied region of Kerman province. Residual spraying to control adult sand flies, is the only way to decrease the spreading of the diseases but, following control treatment against malaria vectors in endemic areas in Iran, resistance or tolerance to insecticides emerged in some sand fly species. The objective of this study was to survey insecticides susceptibility levels of 3 vector species in wild sand fly populations in different foci of the diseases in Kerman province. Ph. sergenti, and Ph. papatasi respectively vectors of anthroponotic and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniases and for the first time Ph. alexandri one of the anthroponotic visceral leishmaniases vector were tested against: deltamethrin 0.05%, malathion 5%, dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) 4%. MATERIALS AND METHODS In leishmaniases endemic areas species specific sand fly sites were selected in Kerman province, and specimens were collected by manual aspirators at different time intervals during the spring and summer 2019. All the susceptibility tests were performed according to the WHO tube test recommended procedure. RESULTS Twenty five blood-fed female sand flies from the region's prevalent species were used in each pooled test replicates. All wild specimens died within 60 min of exposure to DDT 4%, malathion 5%, and deltamethrin 0.05%, but the mortality rate for Ph. papatasi exposed to malathion and DDT was 91.6% and 66.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION According to current study results, Ph. sergenti and Ph. alexandri are highly susceptible to all the evaluated insecticides in the study areas. However, Ph. papatasi was susceptible to deltamethrin (100% mortality), possibly resistant or tolerant to malathion (91.6% mortality), and confirmed to be resistant to DDT (66.6% mortality).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Salim Abadi
- Department of Health Services and Health Promotion, School of Health, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Maryam Hakimi Parizi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Abass Aghaei Afshar
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Gorouhi
- Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Leila Shirani-Bidabadi
- Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ismaeil Alizadeh
- Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Shirani-Bidabadi L, Aghaei-Afshar A, Sharifi I, Khosravi A, Alizadeh I, Amiri Z, Gorouhi MA. Establishment and mass breeding of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera:Pshychodidae) in Orzouieh county in Kerman Province, Southeast of Iran. J Vector Borne Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.337509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Rashno Z, Sharifi I, Oliaee RT, Tajbakhsh S, Sharififar F, Sharifi F, Hatami A, Faridi A, Babaei Z. Anti-leishmanial activity of Avicennia marina (Avicenniaceae family) leaves hydroalcoholic extract and its possible cellular mechanisms. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 17:e00239. [PMID: 35146140 PMCID: PMC8801380 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products are the main source of potent antioxidants and anti-leishmanial agents. This study was aimed to evaluate Avicennia marina (Avicenniaceae family) extract inhibitory effect against Leishmania tropica by accessing apoptotic markers and arginase activity. The A. marina were extracted and phytochemical analysis conducted. The inhibitory effect of A. marina was evaluated on L. tropica promastigote and amastigote forms, compared to meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime, MA) as standard drug. The level of apoptosis, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and arginase activity was assessed in A. marina-treated cells compared to control group. Phytochemical screening of A. marina extract showed strong presence of tannins and saponins. We demonstrated the inhibitory effect of A. marina on promastigote stages in a dose dependent manner. Also, lower 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of amastigotes was indicated in A. marina group compared with the standard group of Glucantime (60.57 ± 1.46 vs. 73.19 ± 10.12 μg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). Besides, A. marina represented no cytotoxicity as the selectivity index (SI) was 10.7. Also, it showed the potential to induce early apoptosis of 46.5% in promastigotes at 125 μg/mL concentration. Significant reduction of arginase level was observed in both A. marina-treated cells and promastigotes. The promising results indicated higher effectiveness of A. marina in decreasing parasite growth, inducing apoptosis in promastigotes, increasing ROS production and decreasing arginase level. So, A. marina can be a native plant candidate for anti-leishmanial drug in tropical regions with cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. tropica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rashno
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Tajbakhsh
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fariba Sharififar
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Department of Pharmacognosy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Hatami
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ashkan Faridi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Corresponding author at: Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Keyhani A, Sharifi I, Salarkia E, Khosravi A, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Babaei Z, Ghasemi Nejad Almani P, Hassanzadeh S, Kheirandish R, Mostafavi M, Hakimi Parizi M, Alahdin S, Sharifi F, Dabiri S, Shamsi Meymandi S, Khamesipour A, Jafarzadeh A, Bamorovat M. In vitro and in vivo therapeutic potentials of 6-gingerol in combination with amphotericin B for treatment of Leishmania major infection: Powerful synergistic and multifunctional effects. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108274. [PMID: 34688150 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing conventional drugs for leishmaniasis treatment are insufficient. The present study aimed to assess 6-gingerol alone and in combination with amphotericin B on Leishmania major stages using experimental and in vivo murine models. Here, arrays of experimental approaches were designed to monitor and evaluate the 6-gingerol potential therapeutic outcomes. The binding affinity of 6-gingerol and IFN-γ was the basis for docking conformations. 6-Gingerol combined with amphotericin B represented a safe mixture, extremely leishmanicidal, a potent antioxidant, induced a remarkable apoptotic index, significantly increased the expression of the Th1-related cytokines (IL-12p40, IFN-γ, and TNF- α), iNOS, and transcription factors (STAT1, c-Fos, and Elk-1). In contrast, the expression of the Th2-related cytokines was significantly downregulated (p < 0.001). This combination was also potent when the lesion appearance was evaluated following three weeks of treatment. The histopathological and immunohistochemical patterns of the murine model represented clusters of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes which compressed and deteriorated the macrophages harboring Leishman bodies. The primary mode of action of 6-gingerol and amphotericin B involved broad mechanistic insights providing a coherent basis for further clinical study as a potential drug candidate for CL. In conclusion, 6-gingerol with amphotericin B synergistically exerted anti-leishmanial activity in vitro and in vivo and potentiated macrophages' leishmanicidal activity, modulated Th1- and Th2-related phenotypes improved the histopathological changes in the BALB/c mice infected with L. major. They elevated the leukocyte infiltration into the lesions. Therefore, this combination should be considered for treating volunteer patients with CL in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Hassanzadeh
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Reza Kheirandish
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mashid Mostafavi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Hakimi Parizi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sodabeh Alahdin
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Department of Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Simin Shamsi Meymandi
- Department of Dermatology, Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Bahraminegad S, Pardakhty A, Sharifi I, Ranjbar M. Therapeutic effects of the as-synthesized polylactic acid/chitosan nanofibers decorated with amphotricin B for in vitro treatment of Leishmaniasis. Journal of Saudi Chemical Society 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jscs.2021.101362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Akhtardanesh B, Mostafavi M, Khedri J, Fakhri A, Sharifi I, Shahraki MK. Seroepidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis among free-roaming dogs and children in Zahedan city, southeast of Iran, 2018-2020. Microb Pathog 2021; 161:105234. [PMID: 34653543 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is an endemic zoonotic disease in Iran. Domestic dogs are the primary reservoir host and source of VL infection. The high-risk populations are children and immune-deficient adults. OBJECTIVE Based on the lack of published reports about the VL in Sistan and Baluchestan province in the southeast of Iran, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of diseae in free-roaming dogs and children under 12 years old using indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed between 2018 and 2020 in Zahedan city, Sistan, and Baluchestan province. Blood samples were taken from 400 children under 12 years old with a fever history accompanied by at least another specific clinical presentation. In the same period, blood samples were collected from 150 stray dogs. Demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations in both humans and dogs were recorded. The IFA test examined all blood samples for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. RESULTS Overall, the IFA test results were positive in 8 dogs (5.33%). Only two seropositive dogs (25%) showed obvious clinical symptoms. There was a significant correlation between the positive cases, clinical signs (P = 0.046), and age (P = 0.037) in infected dogs. None of the collected sera from 400 febrile children were positive. CONCLUSION According to the present finding, it seems that VL is not endemic in Zahedan city, Sistan, and Baluchestan province, but the domestic cycle of L. infantum has been established in this area. Further investigations would be needed to estimate the status of VL infection in wild canines as a secondary potential reservoir host. Furthermore, periodic monitoring of disease must not be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baharak Akhtardanesh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran; Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mahshid Mostafavi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Javad Khedri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ayoob Fakhri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khoshsima Shahraki
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Science, Zabol, Iran
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Mostafavi M, Sharifi I, Asadikaram G, Nakhaee N, Kakooei S, Aflatoonian MR, Bamorovat M, Oliaee RT, Karamoozian A. The impact of diabetes on cutaneous leishmaniasis: a case-control field assessment. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3865-3874. [PMID: 34604933 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07255-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the associated-risk determinants for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to patients without DM. This case-control study was performed between 2017 and 2019 in southeastern Iran. Overall, 206 participants were selected from patients with DM without CL (11.2%), patients with CL without DM (6.2%), and DM patients concomitance with CL (27.6%) as case groups and healthy individuals as a control group 64 (76%). These cases were compared for parasitological, immunological, biochemical, and hematological parameters. The findings demonstrated that parasitological factors regarding the number, duration, and size of the lesion in CL patients showed a significant difference among patients with and without DM (p < 0.05). Data analysis showed that six major risk factors, including female (odds ratio (OR) = 3.47, confidence interval (CI) = 1.84-6.53, p < 0.001), total protein in CL group (OR = 4.9, CI = 2.3-10.44, p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration in CL group (OR = 0.87, CI = 0.81-0.93, p < 0.001) and DM co-infected with CL group (OR = 0.8, CI = 0.72-0.88, p < 0.001) than healthy group, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration in DM group (OR = 0.86, CI = 0.76-0.98, p = 0.02), transforming growth factor beta)TGF-β( level in the CL group (OR = 1.03, CI = 1.003-1.05, p = 0.02), and presence of diabetes disease (OR = 2.07, CI = 1.16-3.7, p < 0.05), were significantly linked with the induction of CL lesion. The findings demonstrated a significant relationship between DM and CL in distinct risk determinants. Also, the study revealed that DM enhanced the severity of active CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Mostafavi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Area Code 76169-14115, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Area Code 76169-14115, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Asadikaram
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nozar Nakhaee
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sina Kakooei
- Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Area Code 76169-14115, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Area Code 76169-14115, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Karamoozian
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Albalawi AE, Alanazi AD, Sharifi I, Ezzatkhah F. A Systematic Review of Curcumin and its Derivatives as Valuable Sources of Antileishmanial Agents. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:797-811. [PMID: 33770343 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, antimonial agents and other synthetic antileishmanial drugs, such as amphotericin B, paromomycin, and many other drugs, have restrictions in use due to the toxicity risk, high cost, and emerging resistance to these drugs. The present study aimed to review the antileishmanial effects of curcumin, its derivatives, and other relevant pharmaceutical formulations on leishmaniasis. METHODS The present study was carried out according to the 06-preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Facility (SyRF) database. Some English-language databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, EBSCO, Science Direct, and Scopus were searched for publications worldwide related to antileishmanial effects of curcumin, its derivatives, and other relevant pharmaceutical formulations, without date limitation, to identify all the published articles (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies). Keywords included "curcumin", "Curcuma longa", "antileishmanial", "Leishmania", "leishmaniasis", "cutaneous leishmaniasis", "visceral leishmaniasis", "in vitro", and "in vivo". RESULTS Out of 5492 papers, 29 papers including 20 in vitro (69.0%), 1 in vivo (3.4%), and 8 in vitro/in vivo (27.6%) studies conducted up to 2020, met the inclusion criteria for discussion in this systematic review. The most common species of the Leishmania parasite used in these studies were L. donovani (n = 13, 44.8%), L. major (n = 10, 34.5%), and L. amazonensis (n = 6, 20.7%), respectively. The most used derivatives in these studies were curcumin (n = 15, 33.3%) and curcuminoids (n = 5, 16.7%), respectively. CONCLUSION In the present review, according to the studies in the literature, various forms of drugs based on curcumin and their derivatives exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity against different Leishmania spp. The results revealed that curcumin and its derivatives could be considered as an alternative and complementary source of valuable antileishmanial components against leishmaniasis, which had no significant toxicity. However, further studies are required to elucidate this concluding remark, especially in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Ad-Dawadimi 11911, Saudi Arabia
- Alghad International Colleges for Applied Medical Science, Tabuk 47913, Saudi Arabia
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ezzatkhah
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran.
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Sharifi F, Sharifi I, Keyhani A, Asadi-Khanuki A, Sharififar F, Pournamdari M. Leishmanicidal, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Gossypium hirsutum bulb extract and its separated fractions on Leishmania major. J Vector Borne Dis 2021; 56:330-338. [PMID: 33269733 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.302036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Leishmaniasis is a major global health problem with no safe and effective therapeutic drugs. This study evaluated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of crude extract and fractions of Gossypium hirsutum bulb on Leishmania major stages using advanced experimental models. METHODS Bulbs of G. hirsutum were collected from the Kerman province of Iran. The bulb was extracted using Soxhlet apparatus and different fractions were obtained by column chromatography (CC). Different concentrations of the extract and the fractions were evaluated against L. major and compared with Glucantime®. The cytotoxicity and apoptotic values were analysed by flow cytometry. The fractions obtained in CC were monitored by thin layer chromatography, and fractions with similar chromatographic patterns were mixed. RESULTS The extract and two fractions, F4 and F5 inhibited the proliferation of L. major promastigotes and amastigotes in a dose-dependent manner at 72 h post-treatment. No significant cytotoxic effects were observed for extract and fractions, as the selectivity index was over 1000, far beyond >10. The mean apoptotic values for L. major were superior to those of Glucantime®. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Both the crude extract and fractions (F4 and F5) had significant antileishmanial effects on L. major stages, and were were superior relative to Glucantime®. No cytotoxic effects were associated with the extract or fractions and they showed excellent apoptotic index, a possible mechanism behind inducing parasite death. Further investigations are essential to study the effect of G. hirsutum bulb fractions in animal model and clinical settings for planning strategies for the prevention and control of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sharifi
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology; Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Ezatkhah F, Sharifi I, Babaei Z, Baneshi MR, Zolala F, Kermanizadeh A, Keyhani A, Sharifi M, Dezaki ES, Aflatoonian MR, Aflatoonian B, Khatami M, Bamorovat M. Clinical and laboratory evaluation of cured and non-cured patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis treated by Glucantime. J Vector Borne Dis 2021; 56:351-359. [PMID: 33269736 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.302039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Insufficient treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) by conventional drugs is a major barrier in control strategies. This study was aimed to evaluate Glucantime efficacy and the susceptibility of Glucantime unresponsive and responsive CL isolates in the field and laboratory. METHODS Chi-square test (x[2]) was used to determine the significance of difference between proportions in Glucantime-treated patients. The inhibitory activity of various concentrations of Glucantime against Leishmenia tropica stages was evaluated by a colorimetric cell viability MTT and macrophage assays. Mixed model, t-test and ANOVA were performed to determine the significance of difference between various concentrations of Glucantime unresponsive or responsive isolates and untreated control group and p <0.05 was defined as significant level. Altogether, 89.8% of the patients were cured by Glucantime, whilst 10.2% remained non-cured. RESULTS The overall Glucantime efficacy in different age groups and genders was similar. The IC50 values of promastigotes and amastigotes for Glucanime unresponsive isolates were 2.1 and 2.6 times higher than the equivalent rates obtained for responsive cases, respectively. The overall mean number of amastigotes within macrophages in unresponsive isolates was significantly higher (32.68 ± 1.24) than that in responsive ones (18.68 ± 1.52, p <0.001). Glucantime unresponsive and responsive field isolates of anthroponotic CL (ACL) caused by L. tropica strongly correlated to in vitro assays. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Monitoring of Glucantime unresponsiveness by the health surveillance system is extremely important, where anthroponotic transmission occurs in humans. Hence, physicians should be aware of such clinical unresponsive presentations with ACL for antimonial therapeutic failure to improve management of disease in endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ezatkhah
- Leishmaniasis Research Center; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - I Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Z Babaei
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - M R Baneshi
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - F Zolala
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - A Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman, Iran
| | - M Sharifi
- Kerman Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman, Iran
| | - E S Dezaki
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - M R Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - B Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - M Khatami
- School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam; Nanomedicine and Nanobiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Nikpour S, Tabatabaie F, Sharifi I, Mostafavi M, Oliaee RT, Sharifi F, Babaei Z, Jafari E, Salarkia E, Shahbazzadeh D. The Fraction of the Snake Venom, Its Leishmanicidal Effect, and the Stimulation of an Anti- Leishmania Response in Infected Macrophages. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 21:1115-1124. [PMID: 33176669 DOI: 10.2174/1871530320999201110211222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Due to the lack of an effective vaccine and complexity of the control measures against vectors and reservoir hosts, the control of leishmaniasis depends primarily on chemotherapy. This study was aimed to assess the snake venom, Naja naja oxiana fraction 11(NNOVF11) on Leishmania infantum and its broad mode of action. METHODS A wide range of in vitro advanced assays including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), MTT (3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5diphenyltetrazolium bromide; Thiazolyl blue), macrophage assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), flow cytometry and enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on L. infantum promastigote and amastigote stages were used. IC50 values of L. infantum stages, CC50 value, and apoptosis were also analyzed. RESULTS The NNOV-F11 demonstrated strong antileishmanial activity against L. infantum stages in a dose-dependent manner compared to the untreated control group. Interleukin (IL)-12, TNF-α, and iNOS genes expression as the indicators of T helper(h)1 response significantly increased; in contrast, the expression level of IL-10, as the representative of Th2 response significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) after treatment with different concentrations of NNOV-F11, unlike arginase (ARG) activity, which displayed a significant reduction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION NNOV-F11 possessed a potent inhibitory effect on L. infantum stages with the multifunctional and broad mode of actions, which promoted the immunomodulatory role, induced ROS production, stimulated apoptotic-like mechanisms, and inhibited L-ARG activity, which collectively led to the parasite death. Further studies are crucial to assess the effect of the NNOV-F11 on animal models or clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Nikpour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tabatabaie
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahshid Mostafavi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh T Oliaee
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Jafari
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Laboratory of Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Sharifi F, Sharififar F, Pournamdari M, Ansari M, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Bamorovat M, Khosravi A, Keyhani AR, Salarkia E, Mortazaeizdeh A, Dabiri S, Khamesipour A, Sharifi I. Leishmanicidal potentials of Gossypium hirsutum extract and its fractions on Leishmania major in a murine model: parasite burden, gene expression, and histopathological profile. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70. [PMID: 34115583 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical and subtropical disease caused by over 20 protozoan species.Hypothesis. Treatment of this complex disease with traditional synthetic drugs is a major challenge worldwide. Natural constituents are unique candidates for future therapeutic development.Aim. This study aimed to assess the in vivo anti-leishmanial effect of the Gossypium hirsutum extract, and its fractions compared to the standard drug (Glucantime, MA) in a murine model and explore the mechanism of action.Methodology. Footpads of BALB/c mice were infected with stationary phase promastigotes and treated topically and intraperitoneally with G. hirsutum extract, its fractions, or Glucantime, 4 weeks post-infection. The extract and fractions were prepared using the Soxhlet apparatus with chloroform followed by the column procedure.Results. The crude extract significantly decreased the footpad parasite load and lesion size compared to the untreated control group (P<0.05), as revealed by dilution assay, quantitative real-time PCR, and histopathological analyses. The primary mode of action involved an immunomodulatory role towards the Th1 response in the up-regulation of IFN-γ and IL-12 and the suppression of IL-10 gene expression profiling against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major.Conclusion. This finding suggests that the extract possesses multiple combinatory effects of diverse bioactive phytochemical compositions that exert its mechanisms of action through agonistic-synergistic interactions. The topical extract formulation could be a suitable and unique candidate for future investigation and pharmacological development. Further studies are crucial to evaluate the therapeutic potentials of the extract alone and in combination with conventional drugs using clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fariba Sharififar
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Department of Pharmacognosy, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mostafa Pournamdari
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Mortazaeizdeh
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Pathology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Pathology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Jafarzadeh A, Nair A, Jafarzadeh S, Nemati M, Sharifi I, Saha B. Immunological role of keratinocytes in leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12870. [PMID: 34028815 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Following inoculation of Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, into the skin of a mammal, the epidermal keratinocytes recognize the parasite and influence the local immune response that can give rise to different outcomes of leishmaniasis. The early keratinocyte-derived cytokines and keratinocytes-T cells interactions shape the anti-leishmanial immune responses that contribute to the resistance or susceptibility to leishmaniasis. The keratinocyte-derived cytokines can directly potentiate the leishmanicidal activity of monocytes and macrophages. As keratinocytes express MHC-II and enhance the expression of costimulatory molecules, these cells act as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Depending on the epidermal microenvironment, the keratinocytes induce various types of effector CD4+ T cells. Keratinocyte apoptosis and necrosis have been also implicated in ulceration in CL. Further, keratinocytes contribute to the healing of Leishmania-related cutaneous wounds. However, keratinocyte-derived IL-10 may play a key role in the development of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). In this review, a comprehensive discussion regarding the multiple roles played by keratinocytes during leishmaniasis was provided, while highlighting novel insights concerning the immunological and pathological roles of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Arathi Nair
- Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sara Jafarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Department of Haematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.,National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
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46
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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Jafarzadeh A, Khosravi A. Determinants of Unresponsiveness to Treatment in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Focus on Anthroponotic Form Due to Leishmania tropica. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:638957. [PMID: 34140933 PMCID: PMC8203913 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.638957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a curable disease; however, due to various risk factors, unresponsiveness to CL treatments is inevitable. The treatment of CL has been firmly correlated with multiple determinants, such as demographical, clinical, and environmental factors, the host’s immune response, poor treatment adherence, the parasite’s genetic make-up, and Leishmania RNA virus. This study primarily focuses on the risk factors associated with different therapeutic outcomes following meglumine antimoniate (MA; Glucantime®) treatment and policy approaches to prevent unresponsiveness in CL patients with a focus on anthroponotic form (ACL). Findings suggest that effective preventive and therapeutic measures should be more vigorously implemented, particularly in endemic areas. Accordingly, extensive training is essential to monitor drug unresponsiveness regularly, especially in tropical regions where the disease is prevalent. Since humans are the fundamental reservoir host of ACL due to L. tropica, prompt detection, early diagnosis, and timely and effective treatment could help control this disease. Furthermore, major challenges and gaps remain: efficacious vaccine, new tools, and expert staff are crucial before CL can be definitively controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Mirzaei M, Nadushan AS, Nooshadokht M, Abiri A, Anjomshoa M, Sharifi I, Amirheidari B. In silico and in vitro inhibitory potential of an organometallic Cu (II) complex on Leishmania major stages. Ann Parasitol 2021; 67:45-54. [PMID: 34021979 DOI: 10.17420/ap6701.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniosis results in a serious complication, principally in the tropical and subtropical areas. Metalcored complexes, like meglumine antimoniate (MA) have proven antileishmanial activity. Similarly, in this research, we investigated the effects of Cu (II) dimethoxy bipyridine (CuDMOBP) against Leishmania major stages in silico and in vitro. Molecular docking analysis was carried out on the complex and a protozoan metacaspase. The complex's antipromastigote and its cytotoxicity towards macrophages were assayed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method to calculate relative Inhibitory Concentration 50% (IC50), Cytotoxic Concentration 50% (CC50), and Selectivity Index (SI). Expression of TNF-α and IL-10 in intracellular amastigotes and induction of apoptosis was also investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. The complex interacted effectively with four amino acid residues including lysine (Lys171), histidine (His193), arginine (Arg44 and Arg243) of the targeted metacaspase. This indicates a potential affinity between the target macromolecule and the complex. MTT results showed significant in vitro inhibitory effects against promastigotes. Reduction in cellular expression of IL-10 and TNF-α was also significant, p<0.05 and p<0.005, respectively. CuDMOBP showed powerful in vitro anti-leishmanial activity and could be introduced as a new leishmanicidal candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mirzaei
- Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbasali Salimi Nadushan
- Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nooshadokht
- Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.,Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ardavan Abiri
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Marzieh Anjomshoa
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Insitute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bagher Amirheidari
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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48
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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Rashedi E, Shafiian A, Sharifi F, Khosravi A, Tahmouresi A. A novel diagnostic and prognostic approach for unresponsive patients with anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis using artificial neural networks. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250904. [PMID: 33951081 PMCID: PMC8099060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) imposes a major health burden throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. Unresponsive cases are common phenomena occurred upon exposure to the standard drugs. Therefore, rapid detection, prognosis and classification of the disease are crucial for selecting the proper treatment modality. Using machine learning (ML) techniques, this study aimed to detect unresponsive cases of ACL, caused by Leishmania tropica, which will consequently be used for a more effective treatment modality. This study was conducted as a case-control setting. Patients were selected in a major ACL focus from both unresponsive and responsive cases. Nine unique and relevant features of patients with ACL were selected. To categorize the patients, different classifier models such as k-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machines (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP), learning vector quantization (LVQ) and multipass LVQ were applied and compared for this supervised learning task. Comparison of the receiver operating characteristic graphs (ROC) and confusion plots for the above models represented that MLP was a fairly accurate prediction model to solve this problem. The overall accuracy in terms of sensitivity, specificity and area under ROC curve (AUC) of MLP classifier were 87.8%, 90.3%, 86% and 0.88%, respectively. Moreover, the duration of the skin lesion was the most influential feature in MLP classifier, while gender was the least. The present investigation demonstrated that MLP model could be utilized for rapid detection, accurate prognosis and effective treatment of unresponsive patients with ACL. The results showed that the major feature affecting the responsiveness to treatments is the duration of the lesion. This novel approach is unique and can be beneficial in developing diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic measures against the disease. This attempt could be a preliminary step towards the expansion of ML application in future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- * E-mail: (IS); (AT)
| | - Esmat Rashedi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Shafiian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Tahmouresi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- * E-mail: (IS); (AT)
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Bahraminegad S, Pardakhty A, Sharifi I, Ranjbar M. The assessment of apoptosis, toxicity effects and anti-leishmanial study of Chitosan/CdO core-shell nanoparticles, eco-friendly synthesis and evaluation. ARAB J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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50
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Naderi A, Sharifi I, Aflatoonian MR, Mostafavi M, Hakimi Parizi M, Mashayekhi J, Mashayekhi M, Nikpour S, Bamorovat M. Dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis in the south of Kerman province, Iran. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104863. [PMID: 33775854 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilariosis due to Dirofilaria immitis is endemic in various areas of Iran. Domestic dogs are the main reservoirs and represent a major potential infection source for the vector and humans. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the prevalence of dirofilariosis due to D.immitis and its public health importance in domestic dogs in the Jiroft district, south of Kerman province, Iran, by serological and parasitological methods. METHODS This descriptive study was carried out as a cross-sectional investigation. A questionnaire was completed for 100 domestic dogs from May 2017 to February 2018 and recorded their age, sex, and clinical features. Also, we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify antigens of heartworms in the bloodstream, with 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and parasitological techniques (Knott's test) to detect microfilariae in canine blood in Jiroft district, south of Kerman province, Iran. RESULTS Overall, 10 (10%) and 4 (4%) domestic dogs were infected as confirmed by ELISA and modified Knott's tests, respectively. The rate of occult infections in the ELISA test than Knott's test was 60%. No significant difference was found between dirofilariosis and gender. In contrast, there was a significant difference between dirofilariosis infection and age (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The present findings could help understand the epidemiological aspects of D. immitis for future control programs and take appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Naderi
- Iranian Social Security Organization, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahshid Mostafavi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Hakimi Parizi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Saeideh Nikpour
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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