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Hasanpour H, Falak R, Mokhtarian K, Sadeghi F, Masoumi E, Asadollahi P, Badirzadeh A, Azami SJ, Gholami MD, Pashangzadeh S, Gharagozlou MJ, Naserifar R, Mowlavi G. The effects of Fasciola hepatica recombinant proteins (peroxiredoxin and cathepsin L1) on Crohn's disease experimental model. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13019. [PMID: 38275199 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13019] [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: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory potential of the excretory-secretory (E/S) proteins of the helminths has been shown in previous investigations. This study evaluated the effects of the recombinants and excretory-secretory proteins of the Fasciola hepatica on induced colitis in Balb/c mice. The F. hepatica Recombinant proteins, Cathepsin L1 and Peroxiredoxin, and E/S proteins were intraperitoneally injected into the three mice groups as the case groups, while the control groups received PBS. Colitis was induced in mice by intraluminal administration of the 2, 4, 6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution (TNBS). After 8 h, the case groups received the second dosage of the treatments, and it was repeated 24 h later. The immunological, pathological, and macroscopic changes were evaluated 3 days after colitis induction. The macroscopic evaluation revealed significantly lower inflammatory scores in the mice treated with recombinant Peroxiredoxin (rPRX) and recombinant Cathepsin L1 (rCL1). Despite the macroscopic observation, the pathological finding was insignificant between the groups. IFN-γ secretion was significantly lower in splenocytes of the groups that received rPRX, rCL1, and E/S than the controls. IL-10 showed significantly higher levels in groups treated with rPRX and rCL1 than controls, whereas the level of IL-4 was not statistically significant. Excretory-secretory proteins of the F. hepatica showed immunomodulatory potency and the main effects observed in this study were through the reduction of inflammatory cytokine and inflammation manifestation as well as induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Hasanpour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kobra Mokhtarian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Elham Masoumi
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Parisa Asadollahi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Alireza Badirzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Salar Pashangzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Razi Naserifar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Mowlavi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Siahkal KR, Keshavarz H, Shojaee S, Mohebali M, Zeraati H, Azami SJ, Behkar A, Salimi M. The Therapeutic Efficacy of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Acute Toxoplasmosis in BALB/c Mice. Iran J Parasitol 2023; 18:505-513. [PMID: 38169550 PMCID: PMC10758080 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i4.14259] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii infects nearly one-third of the world's population. Due to the significant side effects of current treatment options, identifying safe and effective therapies seems crucial. Nanoparticles (NPs) are new promising compounds in treating pathogenic organisms. Currently, no research has investigated the effects of zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NPs) on Toxoplasma parasite. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ZnO-NPs against tachyzoite forms of T. gondii, RH strain in BALB/c mice. Methods In an experiment with 35 female BALB/c mice infected with T. gondii tachyzoites, colloidal ZnO-NPs at concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 ppm, as well as a 50 ppm ZnO solution and a control group, were orally administered four hours after inoculation and continued daily until the mices' death. Survival rates were calculated and tachyzoite counts were evaluated in the peritoneal fluids of infected mice. Results The administration of ZnO-NPs resulted in the reduction of tachyzoite counts in infected mice compared to both the ZnO-treated and control group (P<0.001). Intervention with ZnO-NPs significantly increased the survival time compared to the control group (6.2±0.28 days, P-value <0.05), additionally, the highest dose of ZnO-NPs (50 ppm) showed the highest mice survival time (8.7±0.42 days). Conclusion ZnO-NPs were effective in decreasing the number of tachyzoites and increasing mice survival time in vivo. Moreover, there were no significant differences in survival time between the untreated control group and the group treated with zinc oxide, suggesting that, bulk ZnO is not significantly effective in comparison with ZnONPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Rafei Siahkal
- 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
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, 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
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojjat Zeraati
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, 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
| | - Mahboobeh Salimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hashemi-Hafshejani S, Amani A, Jafarpour Azami S, Keshavarz Valian H, Mohebali M, Salimi M, Lafmejan Pour HH, Shojaee S. Nanoemulsion of Spiramycin against Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii, RH Strain: Preparation, Toxicology, and Efficacy Studies. Iran J Public Health 2023; 52:1495-1503. [PMID: 37593518 PMCID: PMC10430407 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i7.13252] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma infection is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is an intracellular protozoan parasite. This infection consequently lead various congenital disabilities during pregnancy in patients. Spiramycin (Spi), a macrolide antibiotic, is typically recommended for T. gondii infection in pregnant women. We aimed to prepare the nanoemulsion of spiramycin (NE-Spi) and to evaluate the activity of this formulation in tachyzoites of T. gondii, RH strain. Methods This study was conducted in 2019-2021 at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. NE-Spi was prepared by spontaneous emulsification. The effects of this nanoemulsion on the viability of cultured cells were measured using MTT assay. To estimate the effects of NE-Spi on tachyzoites of T. gondii, RH strain, different concentrations of NE-Spi, S-Spi (suspension of spiramycin), and NE (nanoemulsion without any spiramycin) were added to tachyzoites and then stored for 30, 60, 90, 120 min and 24 h in 250 µg/ml concentration at room temperature. Finally, Tachyzoites mortality rates were evaluated by trypan blue staining. Of note, flow cytometry was conducted to confirm the obtained results. Results The final particle size of NE-Spi was calculated to be 11.3 nm by DLS and TEM. Thereafter, using MTT assay, in 62.5 µg/ml concentration of NE-Spi, the Vero cells viability was obtained as 82%. The highest mortality rates of tachyzoites of T.gondii, RH strain were observed at 250 µg/ml concentration and after 120 min of exposure, but it was not significantly different from 24 h of exposure. Conclusion NE-Spi has lethal efficacy on T. gondii RH strain in-vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Hashemi-Hafshejani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Amani
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Science, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossien Keshavarz Valian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, 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
| | - Mahboobeh Salimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossien Hassani Lafmejan Pour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Teimouri A, Jafarpour Azami S, Hashemi Hafshejani S, Ghanimatdan M, Bahreini MS, Alimi R, Sadjjadi SM. Protoscolicidal effects of curcumin nanoemulsion against protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:124. [PMID: 37072845 PMCID: PMC10111725 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03927-8] [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: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to assess in vitro protoscolicidal effects of curcumin nanoemulsion (CUR-NE) against protoscoleces of cystic echinococcosis (CE)/hydatid cysts. METHODS The CUR-NE was prepared via spontaneous emulsification of soybean as the oil phase, a mixture of Tween 80 and Tween 85 as the surfactant, ethanol as the co-surfactant and distilled water. Various concentrations of CUR-NE (156, 312, 625 and 1250 µg/ml) were exposed to collected protoscoleces of infected sheep liver hydatid cysts for 10, 20, 30, 60 and 120 min. Viability of the protoscoleces were assessed using eosin exclusion test. Morphological changes of the protoscoleces were observed using differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. RESULTS The mean particle size and zeta potential of CUR-NE included 60.4 ± 14.8 nm and - 16.1 ± 1.1 mV, respectively. Results showed that the viability of the protoscoleces decreased significantly with increases in CUR-NE concentrations (p < 0.001). The mortality rates of protoscoleces with exposure to concentrations of 1250 and 625 µg/ml of CUR-NE for 60 min were 94 and 73.33%, respectively. Mortality of the protoscoleces was 100% after 120 min of exposure to 1250 and 625 µg/ml concentrations of CUR-NE. Using NIC microscopy, extensively altered tegumental surface protoscoleces was observed after protoscoleces exposure to CUR-NE. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study revealed the in vitro protoscolicidal potential of CUR-NE. Therefore, CUR-NEs are addressed as novel protoscolicidal agents, which can be used as an alternative natural medicine to kill the protoscoleces, owing to their low toxicity and significant inhibition potency. However, further studies are necessary to investigate pharmacologic and pharmacokinetics of CUR-NEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Teimouri
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Hashemi Hafshejani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghanimatdan
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saleh Bahreini
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rasoul Alimi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Jafarpour Azami S, Mohammad Rahimi H, Mirjalali H, Zali MR. Unravelling Toxoplasma treatment: conventional drugs toward nanomedicine. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:48. [PMID: 33566198 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03000-x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide protozoan parasite that infects almost all warm-blooded animals. Although human toxoplasmosis is mostly latent, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients need effective treatment. There are drugs of choice for treatment of toxoplasmosis; however, due to their side effects and/or their disease stage-specificity, prescription of them is limited. During recent years, nanomedicine has been employed to overcome limitations of conventional drugs. Here, we provided a state-of-the-art review of experimental toxoplasmosis treatment using nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Azami SJ, Teimouri A, Keshavarz H, Amani A, Esmaeili F, Hasanpour H, Elikaee S, Salehiniya H, Shojaee S. Curcumin nanoemulsion as a novel chemical for the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in mice. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:7363-7374. [PMID: 30519020 PMCID: PMC6233476 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s181896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to prepare curcumin nanoemulsion (CR-NE) to solve the problems associated with poor water solubility and low bioavailability of CR and to test its efficiency in the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in mouse models. Materials and methods CR-NE 1% was prepared using spontaneous emulsification by soybean as oil phase; a mixture of Tween 80 and Tween 85 as surfactant; ethanol as cosurfactant and distilled water. Particle size and zeta potential of NE were assessed using Nano-ZS90 dynamic light scattering. Stability testing of NE was assessed after storage for 2 months at room temperature. In vivo experiments were carried out using 50 BALB/c mice inoculated with virulent RH strain (type I) and 50 BALB/c mice inoculated with avirulent Tehran strain (type II) of Toxoplasma gondii and treated with CR-NE (1% w/v), CR suspension (CR-S, 1% w/v), and NE without CR (NE-no CR). Results The mean particle size and zeta potential of CR-NE included 215.66±16.8 nm and −29.46±2.65 mV, respectively, and were stable in particle size after a three freeze–thaw cycle. In acute phase experiment, the survival time of mice infected with RH strain of T. gondii and treated with CR-NE extended from 8 to 10 days postinoculation. The differences were statistically significant between the survival time of mice in CR-NE-treated group compared with negative control group (P<0.001). Furthermore, CR-NE significantly decreased the mean counts of peritoneum tachyzoites from 5,962.5±666 in negative control group to 627.5±73 in CR-NE-treated mice (P<0.001). Growth inhibition rates of tachyzoites in peritoneum of mice receiving CR-NE, CR-S, and NE-no CR included 90%, 21%, and 11%, respectively, compared with negative control group. In chronic phase experiment, the average number and size of tissue cysts significantly decreased to 17.2±15.6 and 31.5±6.26 µm, respectively, in mice inoculated with bradyzoites of T. gondii Tehran strain and treated with CR-NE compared with that in negative control group (P<0.001). Decrease of cyst numbers was verified by downregulation of BAG1 in treatment groups compared with negative control group with a minimum relative expression in CR-NE (1.12±0.28), CR-S (11.76±0.87), and NE-no CR (14.67±0.77), respectively, (P<0.001). Conclusion Results from the current study showed the potential of CR-S and CR-NE in treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in mouse models for the first time. However, CR-NE was more efficient than CR-S, and it seems that CR-NE has a potential formula for the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis, especially in those with latent bradyzoites in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Aref Teimouri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, .,Students Scientific Research Center, 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,
| | - Amir Amani
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Fariba Esmaeili
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Hasanpour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, .,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Samira Elikaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Hamid Salehiniya
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
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Shojaee S, Teimouri A, Keshavarz H, Azami SJ, Nouri S. The relation of secondary sex ratio and miscarriage history with Toxoplasma gondii infection. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:307. [PMID: 29976155 PMCID: PMC6034284 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3228-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution, infecting a broad-range of humans and warm-blooded animals. In the current study, role of this parasite on secondary sex ratio and risk of miscarriage was investigated. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 850 cord blood samples were collected in Tehran, Iran, 2014–2015. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess anti-Toxoplasma IgG in samples. Information such as sex of the neonates and age, number of previous pregnancies and history of miscarriage of the mothers were recorded in questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the possible relationship between the latent toxoplasmosis and the highlighted parameters. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of having a male neonate in seropositive women is nearly 64% higher than that in seronegative women (OR = 1.64, CI95 = 1.16–2.33, P = 0.005). The odds ratio of having male neonate increased to 2.10 (CI95 = 1.24–3.57, P = 0.006) in high-titer seropositive women, compared to that in seronegative control group. The odds of having a miscarriage history was approximately two and a half times greater in seropositive women than in seronegative ones (OR = 2.45, CI95 = 1.56–3.87, P < 0.001). The odds ratio of having miscarriage increased to 2.76 (CI95 = 1.61–4.73, P < < .001) in low-titer seropositive women, compared to that in seronegative control group. Conclusion Results of the current study have shown that T. gondii infection affects secondary sex ratio in human offspring and can be addressed as one of the major miscarriage causes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613191, Pour Sina Street, Ghods Avenue, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Aref Teimouri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613191, Pour Sina Street, Ghods Avenue, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran, Iran.,Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613191, Pour Sina Street, Ghods Avenue, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613191, Pour Sina Street, Ghods Avenue, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Nouri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Teimouri A, Azami SJ, Keshavarz H, Esmaeili F, Alimi R, Mavi SA, Shojaee S. Anti- Toxoplasma activity of various molecular weights and concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles on tachyzoites of RH strain. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:1341-1351. [PMID: 29563791 PMCID: PMC5849388 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s158736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural polysaccharides such as chitosan (CS) are widely used as antimicrobial agents. In recent years, and considering that CS has a strong antimicrobial potential, interest has been focused on antimicrobial activity of chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs). The main factors affecting the antibacterial activity of chitosan include molecular weight (MW) and concentration. In this regard, the aim of this study was to produce various MWs and concentrations of CS NPs, through the ionic gelation method, and investigate their potential anti-parasitic activity against tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MWs and degree of deacetylation of the CS were characterized using viscometric and acid-base titration methods, respectively. The efficacy of various MWs and concentrations of NPs was assessed by performing in vitro experiments for tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain, such as MTT assay, scanning electron microscopy, bioassay in mice and PCR. In vivo experiment was carried out in BALB/c mice which were inoculated with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain and treated with various MWs of CS NPs. RESULTS The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that anti-Toxoplasma activity strengthened as the CS NPs concentration increased and the MW decreased. In vitro experiment showed 100% mortality of tachyzoites at 500 and 1,000 ppm concentrations of low molecular weight (LMW) CS NPs after 180 min and at 2,000 ppm after 120 min. Furthermore, a 100% mortality of tachyzoites was observed at 1,000 and 2,000 ppm concentrations of medium molecular weight (MMW) CS NPs and at 2,000 ppm concentration of high molecular weight (HMW) CS NPs after 180 min. Growth inhibition rates of tachyzoites in peritoneal exudates of mice receiving low, medium and high MWs of CS NPs were found to be 86%, 84% and 79% respectively, compared to those of mice in sulfadiazine treatment group (positive control). CONCLUSION Various MWs of CS NPs exhibited great anti-Toxoplasma efficiency against tachyzoites of RH strain, with the greatest efficacy shown by LMW CS NPs in both experiments. It seems that CS NPs can be used as an alternative natural medicine in the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Teimouri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Esmaeili
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Alimi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Ayazian Mavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Azami SJ, Amani A, Keshavarz H, Najafi-Taher R, Mohebali M, Faramarzi MA, Mahmoudi M, Shojaee S. Nanoemulsion of atovaquone as a promising approach for treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 117:138-146. [PMID: 29452213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of toxoplasmosis is necessary in congenital form and immunocompromised patients. Atovaquone is a powerful suppressor of protozoan parasites with a broad-spectrum activity, but an extremely low water solubility and bioavailability. In this study, nanoemulsion of this drug was prepared with grape seed oil using spontaneous emulsification method to increase bioavailability and efficacy of atovaquone for treatment of toxoplasmosis. In vitro activity of atovaquone nanoemulsion against T. gondii, RH and Tehran strains, was assessed in HeLa cell culture. For in vivo assessment, BALB/c mice were infected with RH and Tehran strains and then treated with nanoemulsion of atovaquone, compared to that treated with free atovaquone. Concentration of atovaquone nanoemulsion showed in vitro anti-parasitic effects in both strains of T. gondii. Furthermore, oral administration of atovaquone nanoemulsion increased oral bioavailability, tissue distribution and mice survival time and reduced parasitemia and number and size of the brain cysts. Decrease of cyst numbers was verified by down regulation of BAG1 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) assay. Effective therapeutic activity of atovaquone at a reduced dose is the major achievement of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Amani
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Medical Biomaterials Research Center, 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
| | - Roqya Najafi-Taher
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, 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
| | - Mohammad Ali Faramarzi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Mahmoudi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hasanpour H, Najafi F, Gharagozlou MJ, Jafarpour Azami S, Fadavi A, Paknezhad N, Mowlavi G. Cysticercus fasciolaris (Taenia taeniaeformis Larval Stage) in Urban Rats with Illustration of Histopathological Changes in the Liver. JoMMID 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/jommid.5.3.4.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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