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Ikewaki N, Ikeue Y, Nagataki M, Kurosawa G, Dedeepiya VD, Rajmohan M, Vaddi S, Senthilkumar R, Preethy S, Abraham SJK. Beneficial effects of 1,3-1,6 β-glucans produced by Aureobasidium pullulans on non-esterified fatty acid levels in diabetic KKAy mice and their potential implications in metabolic dysregulation. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:487-494. [PMID: 37255831 PMCID: PMC10225397 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-022-01170-5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Objectives In this study, we used an obese and diabetic mouse model to compare two strains of Aureobasidium pullulans (AFO-202 and N-163) produced beta-glucans (β-glucans), which alleviate lipotoxicity. Methods Four groups of KK-Ay mice were used, with six subjects in each group. Group 1: sacrificed on day 0 for baseline values; Group 2: control (drinking water); Group 3: AFO-202 beta glucan-200 mg/kg/day; Group 4: N-163 beta glucan-300 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days. Results Group 4 (N-163) had the lowest non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels and marginally decreased triglyceride levels compared to the other groups. There were no significant differences in blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. N-163 β-glucans decreased NEFA levels after 28 days. Conclusion These results, although modest, warrant further in-depth research into lipotoxicity and associated inflammatory cascades in both healthy and diseased subjects for the prevention and management of metabolic dysregulation and associated diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobunao Ikewaki
- Department of Medical Life Science, Kyushu University of Health and Welfare, Nobeoka, Japan
- Institute of Immunology, Junsei Educational Institute, Nobeoka, Miyazaki Japan
| | | | | | - Gene Kurosawa
- Department of Academic Research Support Promotion Facility, Center for Research Promotion and Support, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- MabGenesis KK, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Mathaiyan Rajmohan
- Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
| | | | - Rajappa Senthilkumar
- Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
| | - Senthilkumar Preethy
- Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
| | - Samuel J. K. Abraham
- Sophy Inc., Kochi, Japan
- Mary-Yoshio Translational Hexagon (MYTH), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
- Centre for Advancing Clinical Research (CACR), University of Yamanashi - School of Medicine, Chuo, Japan
- Antony- Xavier Interdisciplinary Scholastics (AXIS), GN Corporation Co. Ltd., 3-8, Wakamatsu, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0866 Japan
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Preethy S, Raghavan K, Dedeepiya VD, Surya Prakash V, Ikewaki N, Ikeue Y, Nagataki M, Iwasaki M, Senthilkumar R, Abraham SJK. Beneficial Immune Regulation by Biological Response Modifier Glucans in COVID-19 and Their Envisaged Potentials in the Management of Sepsis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870632. [PMID: 35833122 PMCID: PMC9272021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870632] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an abnormal immune response induced by infection with no approved or specific therapeutic options. We present our perspectives for the therapeutic management of sepsis through a four-way approach: (1) infection control through immune enhancement; (2) immune suppression during the initial hyper-inflammatory phase; (3) balanced immune-modulation to counter the later immune-paralysis phase; and (4) advantageous effects on metabolic and coagulation parameters throughout. COVID-19 is a virus-triggered, accelerated sepsis-like reaction that is associated with the rapid progress of an inflammatory cascade involving a cytokine storm and multiorgan failure. Here, we discuss the potential of the biological response modifiers, β-glucans (BRMGs), in the management of sepsis based on their beneficial effects on inflammatory-immune events in COVID-19 clinical studies. In COVID-19 patients, apart from metabolic regulation, BRMGs, derived from a black yeast, Aureobasidium pullulans strain AFO-202, have been reported to stimulate immune responses. BRMGs, produced by another strain (N-163) of A. pullulans, have been implicated in the beneficial regulation of inflammatory markers and immunity, namely IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-Dimer, ferritin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), leucocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LeCR), and leukocyte-to-IL-6 ratio (LeIR). Agents such as these β-glucans, which are safe as they have been widely consumed by humans for decades, have potential as adjuncts for the prevention and management of sepsis as they exert their beneficial effects across the spectrum of processes and factors involved in sepsis pathology, including, but not limited to, metabolism, infection, inflammation, immune modulation, immune enhancement, and gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilkumar Preethy
- Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
| | - Kadalraja Raghavan
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Sarvee Integra Private Limited, Chennai, India
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Jesuit Antonyraj memorial Inter-disciplinary Centre for Advanced Recovery and Education (JAICARE), Madurai, India
| | | | | | - Nobunao Ikewaki
- Department of Medical Life Science, Kyushu University of Health and Welfare, Nobeoka, Japan
- Institute of Immunology, Junsei Educational Institute, Nobeoka, Japan
| | | | | | - Masaru Iwasaki
- Centre for Advancing Clinical Research (CACR), University of Yamanashi - School of Medicine, Chuo, Japan
| | - Rajappa Senthilkumar
- Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
| | - Samuel J. K. Abraham
- Mary-Yoshio Translational Hexagon (MYTH), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
- Centre for Advancing Clinical Research (CACR), University of Yamanashi - School of Medicine, Chuo, Japan
- Antony-Xavier Interdisciplinary Scholastics (AXIS), GN Corporation Ltd., Kofu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Samuel J. K. Abraham, ;
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Wickramasinghe S, Yatawara L, Nagataki M, Agatsuma T. Arginine kinase in Toxocara canis: Exon-intron organization, functional analysis of site-directed mutants and evaluation of putative enzyme inhibitors. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:995-1001. [PMID: 27794395 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine exon/intron organization of the Toxocara canis (T. canis) AK (TCAK) and to test green and black tea and several other chemicals against the activity of recombinant TCAK in the guanidino-specific region by site-directed mutants. METHODS Amplification of genomic DNA fragments containing introns was carried out by PCRs. The open-reading frame (1200 bp) of TCAK (wild type) was cloned into the BamH1/SalI site of pMAL-c2X. The maltose-binding protein-TCAK fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli TB1 cells. The purity of the expressed enzyme was verified by SDS-PAGE. Mutations were introduced into the guanidino-specific region and other areas of pMAL/TCAK by PCR. Enzyme activity was measured with an NADH-linked assay at 25 °C for the forward reaction (phosphagen synthesis). RESULTS Arginine kinase in T. canis has a seven-exon/six-intron gene structure. The lengths of the introns ranged from 542 bp to 2 500 bp. All introns begin with gt and end with ag. Furthermore, we measured the enzyme activity of site-directed mutants of the recombinant TCAK. The Km value of the mutant (Alanine to Serine) decreased indicating a higher affinity for substrate arginine than the wild-type. The Km value of the mutant (Serine to Glycine) increased to 0.19 mM. The Km value (0.19 mM) of the double mutant (Alanine-Serine to Serine-Glycine) was slightly greater than in the wild-type (0.12 mM). In addition, several other chemicals were tested; including plant extract Azadiracta indica (A. indica), an aminoglycoside antibiotic (aminosidine), a citrus flavonoid glycoside (rutin) and a commercially available catechin mixture against TCAK. Green and black tea (1:10 dilution) produced 15% and 25% inhibition of TCAK, respectively. The extract of A. indica produced 5% inhibition of TCAK. Moreover, green and black tea produced a non-competitive type of inhibition and A. indica produced a mixed-type of inhibition on TCAK. CONCLUSIONS Arginine kinase in T. canis has a seven-exon/six-intron gene structure. However, further studies are needed to identify a specific compound within the extract causing the inhibitory effect and also to determine the molecular mechanisms behind inhibition of arginine kinase in T. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susiji Wickramasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka.
| | - Lalani Yatawara
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Mitsuru Nagataki
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi Medical School, Oko, Nankoku City, Kochi Ken 783-8505, Japan
| | - Takeshi Agatsuma
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi Medical School, Oko, Nankoku City, Kochi Ken 783-8505, Japan
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Nagataki M, Tantrawatpan C, Agatsuma T, Sugiura T, Duenngai K, Sithithaworn P, Andrews RH, Petney TN, Saijuntha W. Mitochondrial DNA sequences of 37 collar-spined echinostomes (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in Thailand and Lao PDR reveals presence of two species: Echinostoma revolutum and E. miyagawai. Infect Genet Evol 2015. [PMID: 26205690 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The "37 collar-spined" or "revolutum" group of echinostomes is recognized as a species complex. The identification of members of this complex by morphological taxonomic characters is difficult and confusing, and hence, molecular analyses are a useful alternative method for molecular systematic studies. The current study examined the genetic diversity of those 37 collar-spined echinostomes which are recognized morphologically as Echinostoma revolutum in Thailand and Lao PDR using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) sequences. On the basis of molecular investigations, at least two species of 37 collar-spined echinostomes exist in Southeast Asia, namely E. revolutum and Echinostoma miyagawai. The specimens examined in this study, coming from ducks in Thailand and Lao PDR, were compared to isolates from America, Europe and Australia for which DNA sequences are available in public databases. Haplotype analysis detected 6 and 26 haplotypes when comparing the CO1 sequences of E. revolutum and E. miyagawai, respectively, from different geographical isolates from Thailand and Lao PDR. The phylogenetic trees, ND1 haplotype network and genetic differentiation (ɸST) analyses showed that E. revolutum were genetically different on a continental scale, i.e. Eurasian and American lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Nagataki
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko, Nankoku 783-8505, Japan
| | - Chairat Tantrawatpan
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Takeshi Agatsuma
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko, Nankoku 783-8505, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Sugiura
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko, Nankoku 783-8505, Japan
| | - Kunyarat Duenngai
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Science and Technology, Phetchabun Rajabhat University, Phetchabun 67000, Thailand
| | - Paiboon Sithithaworn
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center (LFCRC), Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Ross H Andrews
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center (LFCRC), Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, South Wharf Street, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom; Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen Univeristy, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Trevor N Petney
- Institute of Zoology 1: Ecology and Parasitology, University of Karlsruhe, Kornblumen Strasse 13, Karlsruhe, Germany; Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen Univeristy, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Weerachai Saijuntha
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute (WRBRI), Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand.
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Xiao JY, Lee JY, Tokuhiro S, Nagataki M, Jarilla BR, Nomura H, Kim TI, Hong SJ, Agatsuma T. Molecular cloning and characterization of taurocyamine kinase from Clonorchis sinensis: a candidate chemotherapeutic target. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2548. [PMID: 24278491 PMCID: PMC3836730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adult Clonorchis sinensis lives in the bile duct and causes endemic clonorchiasis in East Asian countries. Phosphagen kinases (PK) constitute a highly conserved family of enzymes, which play a role in ATP buffering in cells, and are potential targets for chemotherapeutic agents, since variants of PK are found only in invertebrate animals, including helminthic parasites. This work is conducted to characterize a PK from C. sinensis and to address further investigation for future drug development. Methology/Principal findings A cDNA clone encoding a putative polypeptide of 717 amino acids was retrieved from a C. sinensis transcriptome. This polypeptide was homologous to taurocyamine kinase (TK) of the invertebrate animals and consisted of two contiguous domains. C. sinensis TK (CsTK) gene was reported and found consist of 13 exons intercalated with 12 introns. This suggested an evolutionary pathway originating from an arginine kinase gene group, and distinguished annelid TK from the general CK phylogenetic group. CsTK was found not to have a homologous counterpart in sequences analysis of its mammalian hosts from public databases. Individual domains of CsTK, as well as the whole two-domain enzyme, showed enzymatic activity and specificity toward taurocyamine substrate. Of the CsTK residues, R58, I60 and Y84 of domain 1, and H60, I63 and Y87 of domain 2 were found to participate in binding taurocyamine. CsTK expression was distributed in locomotive and reproductive organs of adult C. sinensis. Developmentally, CsTK was stably expressed in both the adult and metacercariae stages. Recombinant CsTK protein was found to have low sensitivity and specificity toward C. sinensis and platyhelminth-infected human sera on ELISA. Conclusion CsTK is a promising anti-C. sinensis drug target since the enzyme is found only in the C. sinensis and has a substrate specificity for taurocyamine, which is different from its mammalian counterpart, creatine. The food-borne clonorchiasis imposes public health problems on inhabitants in endemic areas. Praziquantel has been employed as an efficacious anthelminthic in large-scale campaigns as well as for individual treatment of Clonorchis sinensis human infections. Although praziquantel continues to have good efficacy, new drug development for this parasite has been recognized as a crucial issue to be investigated intensively. Clonorchis sinensis adults generate energy through glycolysis, actively utilizing exogenous glucose, and produce a large amount of eggs each day. Taurocyamine kinase (CsTK) is distributed abundantly in the locomotive and reproductive organs, and is an important enzyme in energy generation and homeostasis in adult C. sinensis. Enzymes of the glycolytic pathway are also expressed abundantly in these organs and in tegument, implying these organs play central roles which are essential for survival and reproduction of C. sinensis. The TK enzymes, including CsTK, are found only among invertebrate organisms and have substrate specificity for taurocyamine, which are significantly different from phosphagen kinases of vertebrate animals. With these molecular biological, enzymatic, and evolutionary characteristics, we propose here that CsTK could be a target for development of chemotherapeutic agents against C. sinensis and be a biomolecular model for other human-infecting trematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ying Xiao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan ; Department of Parasitology, Basic Medical College, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
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Jarilla BR, Tokuhiro S, Nagataki M, Uda K, Suzuki T, Acosta LP, Agatsuma T. The role of Y84 on domain 1 and Y87 on domain 2 of Paragonimus westermani taurocyamine kinase: Insights on the substrate binding mechanism of a trematode phosphagen kinase. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:695-700. [PMID: 24184078 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The two-domain taurocyamine kinase (TK) from Paragonimus westermani was suggested to have a unique substrate binding mechanism. We performed site-directed mutagenesis on each domain of this TK and compared the kinetic parameters Km(Tc) and Vmax with that of the wild-type to determine putative amino acids involved in substrate recognition and binding. Replacement of Y84 on domain 1 and Y87 on domain 2 with R resulted in the loss of activity for the substrate taurocyamine. Y84E mutant has a dramatic decrease in affinity and activity for taurocyamine while Y87E has completely lost catalytic activity. Substituting H and I on the said positions also resulted in significant changes in activity. Mutation of the residues A59 on the GS region of domain 1 also caused significant decrease in affinity and activity while mutation on the equivalent position on domain 2 resulted in complete loss of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca R Jarilla
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi University, Kochi 783-8505, Japan; Department of Immunology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa 1781, Philippines
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Jarilla BR, Tokuhiro S, Nagataki M, Uda K, Suzuki T, Acosta LP, Agatsuma T. Gene structure of the two-domain taurocyamine kinase from Paragonimus westermani: evidence for a distinct lineage of trematode phosphagen kinases. FEBS Lett 2013; 587:2278-83. [PMID: 23751729 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Taurocyamine kinase (TK) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transfer of a phosphate between ATP and taurocyamine. Annelid TKs were suggested to have evolved from a CK ancestor. However, TKs from the lung fluke Paragonimus westermani comprised another lineage. Construction of phylogenetic tree and comparison of exon/intron organization showed that P. westermani TK and other trematode TKs evolved from a molluscan arginine kinase (AK) gene. Exon shuffling probably caused the changes in amino acid sequence thereby changing the affinity from AK to TK. The present study provides new insights on the evolution of phosphagen kinases found in trematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca R Jarilla
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi University, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
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Le TH, Le TB, Doan THT, Quyen DV, Le KXT, Pham VC, Nagataki M, Nomura H, Ikeue Y, Watanabe Y, Agatsuma T. The Adjuvant Effect of Sophy ¥-Glucan to the Antibody Response in Poultry Immunized by the Avian Influenza A H5N1 and H5N2 Vaccines. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2011. [DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1011.11024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Le T, Le T, Doan TH, Quyen D, Le KX, Pham V, Nagataki M, Nomura H, Ikeue Y, Watanabe Y, Agatsuma T. The adjuvant effect of Sophy β-glucan to the antibody response in poultry immunized by the avian influenza A H5N1 and H5N2 vaccines. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 21:405-411. [PMID: 21532325] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Avian influenza virus vaccines produced in oil-emulsified inactivated form with antigen content of at least 160 hemagglutinin units (HAU) induced immunity in birds. However, in addition to enhancing the effect of the adjuvant(s), other additional supplemented biological compounds included in inactivated vaccines could produce higher levels of antibody. We examined in chickens, Vietnamese ducks, and muscovy ducks the adjuvant effect of Sophy β-glucan (SBG), a β-1,3-1,6 glucan produced by the black yeast Aureobasidium pollulans strain AF0-202, when administered with an avian influenza H5 subtype vaccine. In Experiment 1, 40 chickens (ISA Brown hybrid), allocated to four groups of ten each, were immunized with Oil-H5N1(VN), Oil-H5N1(CN), Oil-H5N2(CN), and saline (control group), respectively. In Experiment 2, chickens (ISA Brown hybrid), muscovy ducks (French hybrid), and Vietnamese ducks (indigenous Vietnamese) were used to further assess the effect of SBG on immunogenicity of the Oil-H5N1(VN) Vietnamese vaccine. ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays were used to assess the antibody response. The H5 subtype vaccines initiated significantly higher immune responses in the animals dosed with SBG, with 1.0-1.5 log2 higher HI titers and 10-20% ELISA seroconversion, compared with those not dosed with β-glucan. Notably, some of the animals dosed with SBG induced HI titers higher than 9.0 log2 following boosting immunization. Taken together, our serial studies indicated that SBG is a potential effector, such as enhancing the immune response to the H5 vaccines tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Le
- Institute of Biotechnology, Hoang Quoc Viet Rd, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Devi KR, Narain K, Agatsuma T, Blair D, Nagataki M, Wickramasinghe S, Yatawara L, Mahanta J. Morphological and molecular characterization of Paragonimus westermani in northeastern India. Acta Trop 2010; 116:31-8. [PMID: 20493821 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Evidence for the presence of lung flukes of the Paragonimus westermani in India remains scant. In particular, evidence based on morphology of adult worms is lacking. Metacercariae of the genus Paragonimus, recovered from crabs in two regions of northeastern India, were raised to adulthood in laboratory rats. Morphologically, these worms appear to be P. westermani. DNA sequences from the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) and a portion of the ribosomal large subunit gene (28S) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene repeat, as well as fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes, all supported this identification. Molecular phylogenetic methods were used for studying the relatedness of these Indian flukes with counterparts from southeast and far-east Asia. Molecular data showed that Indian representatives of the P. westermani complex represent a distinct lineage. It is unclear whether the Indian form can cause disease in humans as some members of the complex do elsewhere.
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Rajapakse JRPV, Buddhika MDP, Nagataki M, Nomura H, Watanabe Y, Ikeue Y, Agatsuma T. Effect of Sophy β-glucan on immunity and growth performance in broiler chicken. J Vet Med Sci 2010; 72:1629-32. [PMID: 20651466 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.10-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the effect of Sophy β-glucan on immunity and growth performance in broilers. One group was treated with 1% β-glucan ad libitum with water and the other group was kept as the control. Vaccination for Infectious Bursal Disease was carried out on days 16 and 21. Blood samples were collected from birds, and antibody titres against IBD were measured. The mean body weight of the β-glucan treated group was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of the control group. The mean antibody titres measured on days 25, 36 and 42 were significantly (P<0.05) higher in 1% β-glucan treated group than that of the control group, suggesting the presence of immune stimulating effect of β-glucan.
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Jarilla BR, Tokuhiro S, Nagataki M, Hong SJ, Uda K, Suzuki T, Agatsuma T. Corrigendum to “Molecular cloning and characterization and kinetic properties of a novel two-domain taurocyamine kinase from the lung fluke Paragonimus westermani” [FEBS Lett. 583 (2009) 2218-2224]. FEBS Lett 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.02.014] [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: 11/16/2022]
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Kubo M, Kawachi T, Murakami M, Kubo M, Tokuhiro S, Agatsuma T, Ito K, Okano T, Asano M, Fukushi H, Nagataki M, Sakai H, Yanai T. Meningoencephalitis associated with Sarcocystis spp. in a free-living Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus). J Comp Pathol 2010; 143:185-9. [PMID: 20163802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2009.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2009] [Revised: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 12/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A free-living, young adult, male Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) was rescued in Gifu, Japan in March 2009. The animal was weak and emaciated with neurological signs that included head tilt, tremor and tic. The brain showed no gross abnormality at necropsy, but microscopically there was severe meningoencephalitis associated with protozoa, which were morphologically consistent with the asexual developmental stage of Sarcocystis spp. The protozoa were immunohistochemically negative for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, but reacted weakly with antiserum specific for Sarcocystis cruzi. Analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the protozoa were most closely related to an unidentified Sarcocystis species that was isolated from the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kubo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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Kubo M, Nagataki M, Agatsuma T, Sakai H, Masegi T, Panciera RJ, Yanai T. Parasitological and Molecular Features of the Hepatozoon Species in the Myocardium of Japanese Martens (Martes melampus melampus). J Parasitol 2009; 95:1496-502. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-2187.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Yatawara L, Wickramasinghe S, Nagataki M, Takamoto M, Nomura H, Ikeue Y, Watanabe Y, Agatsuma T. Aureobasidium-derived soluble branched (1,3-1,6) beta-glucan (Sophy beta-glucan) enhances natural killer activity in Leishmania amazonensis-infected mice. Korean J Parasitol 2009; 47:345-51. [PMID: 19967081 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2009.47.4.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2008] [Revised: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 08/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The beta-glucans derived from yeast cell walls have been reported for having many immunomodulatory activities in vivo and in vitro. In this study, Aureobasidium-derived soluble branched (1,3-1,6) beta-glucan (Sophy beta-glucan) was checked for natural killer (NK) activity and for the production of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in Leishmania amazonensis infection. The main experiment was performed with a group of female C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, orally supplemented with 5% of Sophy beta-glucan and infected with promastogotes of L. amazonensis (1 x 10(7)) into the footpad. Increase in the footpad thickness with time was observed in BALB/c mice in spite of the oral Sophy beta-glucan supplement, but it was less in C57BL/6 mice. The difference in overall mean footpad thickness between 'infection only' versus 'infection + glucan' groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). High NK activity in C57BL/6 than BALB/c mice was observed in 'glucan only' group compared to the control group and also in 'infection + glucan' group compared to 'infection only' group. The difference in the NK activity among these groups was significant (P < 0.05). The IFN-gamma level increased at weeks 7 and 8 post-infection in C57BL/6 mice and was significantly high in 'infection + glucan' group compared to the 'infection only' group (P < 0.05). IL-4 levels did not increase up to detectable levels throughout the study. The results led a conclusion that Sophy beta-glucan enhances NK activity and cellular immunity in L. amazonensis-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalani Yatawara
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi Medical School, Oko, Nankoku City, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
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Jarilla BR, Tokuhiro S, Nagataki M, Hong SJ, Uda K, Suzuki T, Agatsuma T. Molecular characterization and kinetic properties of a novel two-domain taurocyamine kinase from the lung flukeParagonimus westermani. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:2218-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2009] [Revised: 05/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wickramasinghe S, Uda K, Nagataki M, Yatawara L, Rajapakse RPVJ, Watanabe Y, Suzuki T, Agatsuma T. Toxocara canis: Molecular cloning, characterization, expression and comparison of the kinetics of cDNA-derived arginine kinase. Exp Parasitol 2007; 117:124-32. [PMID: 17574244 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 11/26/2006] [Revised: 03/26/2007] [Accepted: 03/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Arginine kinase (AK) is a member of a highly conserved family of phosphagen kinases. We determined the cDNA sequence of Toxocara canis AK, cloned it in pMAL plasmid and expressed it in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with maltose-binding protein. The protein has a theoretical molecular mass of 45,376 Da and an estimated isoelectric point (pI) of 8.38. Alignment of the cDNA-derived amino acid sequence of T. canis AK with other phosphagen kinase sequences showed high amino acid identity with other nematode AKs, and phylogenetic analysis placed it as a distinct branch within a nematode AK cluster. Analysis of the N-terminus sequence of T. canis AK revealed the presence of a signal targeting peptide presumably targeting this protein to cytosol or endoplasmic reticulum (ER). T. canis AK showed high activity for l-arginine. The kinetic constants (K(m) = 0.12 mM, K(cat) = 29.18, and K(d) = 0.23 mM) and V(max) (43.76 micromolPi/min/mg protein) of T. canis recombinant-AK were determined for the forward reaction. It also exhibited a synergism for substrate binding (K(d)(Arg)/K(m)(Arg)=1.96). Comparison of K(cat)/K(m)(Arg) values in various arginine kinases indicates that T. canis AK has a high catalytic efficiency (248.19s(-1)mM(-1)). The present study contains the first description of arginine kinase in a zoonotic nematode. The determination of T. canis AK and its phosphagen biosynthetic pathway, which is completely different from those in mammalian host tissues, suggests this enzyme as a possible novel chemotherapy target for VLM syndrome in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susiji Wickramasinghe
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi Medical School, Oko, Nankoku City, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
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Yatawara L, Wickramasinghe S, Nagataki M, Rajapakse RPVJ, Agatsuma T. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Setaria digitata of Sri Lanka based on CO1 and 12S rDNA genes. Vet Parasitol 2007; 148:161-5. [PMID: 17614204 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 12/28/2006] [Revised: 05/09/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present research is to determine the phylogenetic position of Setaria digitata of Sri Lanka in the evolutionary tree of filarial worms. DNA sequences of portions of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and small subunit ribosomal RNA (12S rDNA) were analysed. Intra-specific variation was observed in CO1 but not in 12S rDNA. Phylogenetic trees inferred from these two genes resembled one another in recognizing monophyly of Setaria. S. digitata and Setaria labiatopapillosa appear to be sister species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalani Yatawara
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kochi Medical School, Oko, Nankoku City, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
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Kuboki T, Nomura S, Wada M, Akabayashi A, Nagataki M, Suematsu H, Yokoyama K, Araki S. Multidimensional assessment of mental state in occupational health care--combined application of three questionnaires: Tokyo University Egogram (TEG), Time Structuring Scale (TSS), and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Environ Res 1993; 61:285-298. [PMID: 8495670 DOI: 10.1006/enrs.1993.1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We attempted to develop a brief test battery to assess mental state for use in occupational health care settings. As a first step, we focused on the following three psychosocial aspects: ego state, behavioral pattern, and mood state which were considered to be closely related to mental state. To evaluate these parameters, we selected three established self-rating questionnaires: the Tokyo University Egogram for ego state, the Time Structuring Scale for behavioral pattern, and the Profile of Mood States for mood state. The combination of these three questionnaires was applied on 300 healthy company employees and school teachers (170 males and 130 females). Five ego-state factors (Critical Parents, Nurturing Parents, Adult, Free Child, and Adapted Child), five behavioral pattern factors (Withdrawal, Rituals and Pastimes, Activities, Intimacy, and Games), and six mood state factors (Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Vigor-Activity, Fatigue-Inertia, and Confusion-Bewilderment) were scored. Of 85 correlations between test factors, 49 in males and 61 in females were not significant, indicating that each test in this battery assessed aspects of mental state rather independent of those assessed by the others. However, significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed for remaining pairs of test factors, indicating that these three parameters were also interrelated with each other, indicating that mental state could be elucidated more comprehensively by assessing all three psychosocial parameters than by assessing only one. The possibility that this battery could be used in the future in worksite health promotion programs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kuboki
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Branch Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan
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Anjo M, Nagataki M, Matsuda R, Hirano S. [On the practice of ambulatory nursing: a survey]. Kangogaku Zasshi 1986; 50:286-8. [PMID: 3637265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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