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Siddiqui SA, Li C, Aidoo OF, Fernando I, Haddad MA, Pereira JA, Blinov A, Golik A, Câmara JS. Unravelling the potential of insects for medicinal purposes - A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15938. [PMID: 37206028 PMCID: PMC10189416 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomotherapy, the use of insects for medicinal purposes, has been practised for centuries in many countries around the world. More than 2100 edible insect species are eaten by humans, but little is known about the possibility of using these insects as a promising alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for treating diseases. This review offers a fundamental understanding of the therapeutic applications of insects and how they might be used in medicine. In this review, 235 insect species from 15 orders are reported to be used as medicine. Hymenoptera contains the largest medicinal insect species, followed by Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Blattodea. Scientists have examined and validated the potential uses of insects along with their products and by-products in treating various diseases, and records show that they are primarily used to treat digestive and skin disorders. Insects are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds, explaining their therapeutic features such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and so on. Challenges associated with the consumption of insects (entomophagy) and their therapeutic uses include regulation barriers and consumer acceptance. Moreover, the overexploitation of medicinal insects in their natural habitat has led to a population crisis, thus necessitating the investigation and development of their mass-rearing procedure. Lastly, this review suggests potential directions for developing insects used in medicine and offers advice for scientists interested in entomotherapy. In future, entomotherapy may become a sustainable and cost-effective solution for treating various ailments and has the potential to revolutionize modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Prof.-von-Klitzing Str. 7, 49610 D-Quakenbrück, Germany
- Corresponding author. Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany.
| | - Chujun Li
- Guangzhou Unique Biotechnology Co., Ltd, 510663, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Owusu Fordjour Aidoo
- Department of Biological, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, 00233, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Ito Fernando
- Department of Plant Pest and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Moawiya A. Haddad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, 19117, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Jorge A.M. Pereira
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Andrey Blinov
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Andrey Golik
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - José S. Câmara
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Corresponding author. CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal.
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Lema C, Baidouri H, Sun M, Pohl S, Cookson S, Redfern R, McDermott AM. Anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential of medicinal maggot excretions/secretions at the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2022; 26:244-254. [PMID: 36130696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the skin, Lucilia sericata maggot excretions/secretions (ES) accelerate wound healing and limit inflammation. This study aimed to determine whether ES have similar beneficial effects at the ocular surface. METHODS Human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) were cultured with ES and cell viability was determined by the MTT assay. Additionally, mRNA expression of growth factors, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and cytokines was assessed by qPCR. ES ability to modulate TLR-induced IL-6 and IL-8 expression was determined by qPCR and ELISA. ES potential to promote corneal healing was evaluated in vitro by a migration assay in HCEC, and in vivo using a mouse model. RESULTS ES did not impair HCEC viability up to 25 μg/ml. Among the factors evaluated, only hBD-2 was upregulated (2.5-fold) by 1.5 μg/ml ES after 6 hrs (P = 0.04). In HCEC, ES reduced Poly I:C-induced IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA (P ≤ 0.001) and protein (P ≤ 0.0001) expression. A similar effect was observed with Flagellin (TLR5 agonist) but it was less robust for FSL-1 (TLR2/6 agonist) and Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2 agonist). The greatest in vitro migration effect was observed with 6.2 μg/ml ES after 44 hrs where gap area compared to vehicle was 53.3 ± 3.7% vs. 72.6 ± 5.4% (P = 0.001). In the mouse model, the maximum healing effect was present with 1.5 μg/ml ES after 12 hrs with a wound area of 19.0 ± 2.7% vs. 60.1 ± 21.6% (P = 0.003) or 77% reduction of the wound area compared to the negative control. CONCLUSIONS ES significantly reduce in vitro TLR-induced production of inflammatory cytokines and promote corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lema
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Hasna Baidouri
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Mingxia Sun
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Susanne Pohl
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Sharon Cookson
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Rachel Redfern
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
| | - Alison M McDermott
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, 77204, USA; Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
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Análisis comparativo de la actividad antimicrobiana de secreciones y excreciones larvales de Calliphora vicina y Sarconesiopsis magellanica (Diptera: Calliphoridae). BIOMÉDICA 2022; 42:54-66. [PMID: 35471170 PMCID: PMC9048579 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introducción. La creciente resistencia bacteriana a los antibióticos representa una amenaza mundial de salud pública. Las excreciones y secreciones larvarias derivadas de moscas necrófagas de la familia Calliphoridae podrían configurar una fuente promisoria para contrarrestar sus efectos. Objetivo. Comparar la actividad antimicrobiana de las excreciones y secreciones larvarias nativas, y de las mayores y menores de 10 kDa de Calliphora vicina y Sarconesiopsis magellanica (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Materiales y métodos. El bioensayo se hizo a partir de la técnica de turbidimetría y en el caso de las excreciones y secreciones menores de 10 kDa se determinó la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM). Resultados. Las excreciones y secreciones nativas y las menores de 10 kDa de C. vicina y S. magellanica, evidenciaron una potente actividad antibacteriana contra tres cepas de Staphylococcus aureus y cuatro bacterias Gram negativas, siendo las menores de 10 kDa más efectivas que las nativas en las dos especies de moscas evaluadas. Además, las menores de 10 kDa presentaron la misma efectividad, aunque en las pruebas de CIM se observó que las de S. magellanica fueron más potentes en todas las bacterias evaluadas, excepto contra la cepa de S. aureus ATCC 25923. Las mayores de 10 kDa no inhibieron el crecimiento bacteriano. Conclusión. Los resultados validaron, en general, que estas sustancias son fuente importante para el aislamiento y la caracterización de agentes antimicrobianos.
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Gazi U, Taylan-Ozkan A, Mumcuoglu KY. The effect of Lucilia sericata larval excretion/secretion (ES) products on cellular responses in wound healing. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:257-266. [PMID: 33314340 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic wounds are still regarded as a serious public health concern, which are on the increase mainly due to the changes in life styles and aging of the human population. There are different types of chronic wounds, each of which requires slightly different treatment strategies. Nevertheless, wound bed preparation is included in treatment of all types of chronic wounds and involves tissue debridement, inflammation, and infection control, as well as moisture balance and epithelial edge advancement. Maggot therapy (MT) is a form of biological debridement which involves the application of live medical grade Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae. Whereas it was initially thought to act mainly through debridement, today MT is known to influence all four overlapping physiological phases of wound repair: homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling/maturing. During MT, medical-grade larvae are applied either freely or enclosed in tea-bag like devices (biobag) inside the wounds, which suggests that larva excretion/secretion (ES) products can facilitate the healing processes directly without the need of direct contact with the larvae. This review summarizes the relevant literature on ES-mediated effects on the cellular responses involved in wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Gazi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - A Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - K Y Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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Tombulturk FK, Kanigur-Sultuybek G. A molecular approach to maggot debridement therapy with Lucilia sericata and its excretions/secretions in wound healing. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:1051-1061. [PMID: 34343386 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wounds caused by underlying physiological causes such as diabetic wounds, pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers and infected wounds affect a significant portion of the population. In order to treat chronic wounds, a strong debridement, removal of necrotic tissue, elimination of infection and stimulation of granulation tissue are required. Maggot debridement therapy (MDT), which is an alternative treatment method based on history, has been used quite widely. MDT is an efficient, simple, cost-effective and reliable biosurgery method using mostly larvae of Lucilia sericata fly species. Larvae can both physically remove necrotic tissue from the wound site and stimulate wound healing by activating molecular processes in the wound area through the enzymes they secrete. The larvae can stimulate wound healing by activating molecular processes in the wound area through enzymes in their excretions/secretions (ES). Studies have shown that ES has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, proliferative, hemostatic and tissue-regenerating effects both in vivo and in vitro. It is suggested that these effects stimulate wound healing and accelerate wound healing by initiating a direct signal cascade with cells in the wound area. However, the enzymes and peptides in ES are mostly still undefined. Examining the molecular content of ES and the biological effects of these ingredients is quite important to illuminate the molecular mechanism underlying MDT. More importantly, ES has the potential to have positive effects on wound healing and to be used more as a therapeutic agent in the future, so it can be applied as an alternative to MDT in wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Kubra Tombulturk
- Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gonul Kanigur-Sultuybek
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Szczepanowski Z, Grabarek BO, Boroń D, Tukiendorf A, Kulik-Parobczy I, Miszczyk L. Microbiological effects in patients with leg ulcers and diabetic foot treated with Lucilia sericata larvae. Int Wound J 2021; 19:135-143. [PMID: 33942509 PMCID: PMC8684863 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lucilia sericata bottle fly worms can be used to heal infected, chronic, or necrotic wounds, including those associated with ulceration and diabetic foot. The study aimed to evaluate changes in the microflora in patients treated with L sericata larvae due to leg ulcers and diabetic foot. One hundred twenty-nine patients diagnosed with lower limb ulceration and diabetic foot were enrolled in the study, of which 80 of them met the eligibility criteria for maggot debridement therapy (MDT). On the contrary, 49 unqualified patients were offered ozone therapy (22 with leg ulcers; 27 with diabetic foot). In each of these patients, a microbiological swab was performed before and after the start of therapy. The group of 80 patients was further divided into four equal groups in terms of the treated area (lower leg vs foot) and the number of larvae/cm2 (5 vs 10). Twenty-three particular species of bacteria in the infected wound were studied microbiologically in terms of presence/absence within the wound environment before and after treatment of patients with diabetic foot and lower limb ulceration. It was noted that there was a more intensive bacterial accumulation in the feet of patients compared to legs; furthermore, this applies to almost all analysed species. Diabetes status is also a clinical factor that generates a lower chance of bacterial appearance in the wound environment. Densification of MDT larvae per wound area unit also reduced the chance of the presence of Corynebacterium species, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus MSSA, and Streptococcus coagulase negativa; however, it increased the likelihood of occurrence for Proteus mirabilis and the Proteus species. A microbiological analysis in this non-reference study shows the efficacy of larval therapy for leg and foot ulcers. Rearrangement of the microflora within the wound has been reported as a result of the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beniamin O Grabarek
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology in Zabrze, University of Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Zabrze, Poland.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Kraków, Poland.,BOG-JET BENIAMIN OSKAR GRABAREK, Chrzanów, Poland
| | - Dariusz Boroń
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology in Zabrze, University of Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Zabrze, Poland.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Tukiendorf
- Department of Public Health, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Iwona Kulik-Parobczy
- Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Opole, Poland
| | - Leszek Miszczyk
- Department of the Radiotherapy, National Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
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Isabela Avila-Rodríguez M, Meléndez-Martínez D, Licona-Cassani C, Manuel Aguilar-Yañez J, Benavides J, Lorena Sánchez M. Practical context of enzymatic treatment for wound healing: A secreted protease approach (Review). Biomed Rep 2020; 13:3-14. [PMID: 32440346 PMCID: PMC7238406 DOI: 10.3892/br.2020.1300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin wounds have been extensively studied as their healing represents a critical step towards achieving homeostasis following a traumatic event. Dependent on the severity of the damage, wounds are categorized as either acute or chronic. To date, chronic wounds have the highest economic impact as long term increases wound care costs. Chronic wounds affect 6.5 million patients in the United States with an annual estimated expense of $25 billion for the health care system. Among wound treatment categories, active wound care represents the fastest-growing category due to its specific actions and lower costs. Within this category, proteases from various sources have been used as successful agents in debridement wound care. The wound healing process is predominantly mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that, when dysregulated, result in defective wound healing. Therapeutic activity has been described for animal secretions including fish epithelial mucus, maggot secretory products and snake venom, which contain secreted proteases (SPs). No further alternatives for use, sources or types of proteases used for wound healing have been found in the literature to date. Through the present review, the context of enzymatic wound care alternatives will be discussed. In addition, substrate homology of SPs and human MMPs will be compared and contrasted. The purpose of these discussions is to identify and propose the stages of wound healing in which SPs may be used as therapeutic agents to improve the wound healing process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Meléndez-Martínez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64849, Mexico
| | | | - José Manuel Aguilar-Yañez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64849, Mexico
- Scicore Medical SAPI de CV, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64920, Mexico
| | - Jorge Benavides
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64849, Mexico
| | - Mirna Lorena Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Materiales Biotecnológicos, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes-Imbice-Conicet-Cicpba, Bernal, Buenos Aires B1876BXD, Argentina
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Alipour H, Raz A, Dinparast Djadid N, Zakeri S. Expression of a New Recombinant Collagenase Protein of Lucilia Sericata in SF9 Insect Cell as a Potential Method for Wound Healing. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 17:e2429. [PMID: 32671126 PMCID: PMC7357693 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2019.92707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today, the use of maggot therapy has become widespread due to the increase in chronic ulcers in the world. The recombinant production of secreted enzymes from these larvae is a novel non-invasive method for the treatment of chronic ulcers. Lucilia Sericata (L. sericata) collagenase (MMP-1) has been expressed in insect cells. Collagenase is an enzyme that is widely used in clinical therapy and industry. It has been indicated that collagenase is expressed and secreted in salivary glands of L. sericata while using for maggot debridement therapy. OBJECTIVES In the present study we decided to produce the recombinant form of collagenase enzyme in Spodoptera frugiperda (SF9) insect cells using the baculovirus expression system (Bac-to-Bac). MATERIALS AND METHODS cloned the coding sequences (residues 494-1705) of L. sericata collagenase into the pFastBacHTA as donor plasmid. After transposition in the bacmid of DH10Bac host, the bacmid was transfected into the Sf9 cell line, then the expressed recombinant collagenase (MMP-1) was purified using the Ni-NTA agarose. RESULTS The recombinant protein was verified by Western blotting. Furthermore, the biological activity of purified protein was measured in the presence of its specific substrate and its inhibitor, which was 67 IU.mL-1 based on our results, it was revealed that the characterized gene in our previous study codes L. sericata collagenesa enzyme. CONCLUSION Considering to the broad applications of collagenase in medical sciences, for the first time, we cloned the L. sericata collagenase (MMP-1) gene into the insect cell line to establish a method for the expression and purification of L. sericata collagenase (MMP-1). The result help for preparing and designing a safe and versatile recombinant drug in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzeh Alipour
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbasali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Bazaliński D, Kózka M, Karnas M, Więch P. Effectiveness of Chronic Wound Debridement with the Use of Larvae of Lucilia Sericata. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1845. [PMID: 31684038 PMCID: PMC6912827 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of successful wound healing depends on effective debridement and infection control. One method of wound debridement, known since antiquity, is based on the use of fly larvae. Solid scientific evidence proves that maggot debridement therapy (MDT), like surgical intervention, can be effectively and safely used to remove necrotic tissue. Based on a review of the related literature, this study was designed to assess the effectiveness of chronic wound cleansing with the use of larvae of Lucilia sericata (Phaenicia sericata). Maggot therapy, applied in wound debridement and treatment, is a safe and effective method. Its benefits are associated with debridement, disinfection and faster tissue growth. MDT may reduce the duration of antibiotic therapy and the need for hospitalization, or it may decrease the number of outpatient visits required. It is a relatively cost-effective method, and, in addition to financial gains, it may reduce the frequency of inpatient treatment. In the literature, an increasing amount of scientific evidence confirms that such treatment can effectively reduce the biofilm and bacterial load in a wound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Bazaliński
- Father B. Markiewicz Podkarpackie Specialist Oncology Centre, Specialist Hospital in Brzozów, 36-200 Brzozów, Poland.
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences of the University of Rzeszów, University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland.
| | - Maria Kózka
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, 31-501 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Karnas
- New Medical Technologies, Holy Family Specialist Hospital, 36-060 Rudna Mała, Poland.
| | - Paweł Więch
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences of the University of Rzeszów, University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland.
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Szczepanowski Z, Tukiendorf A, Krasowski G. Further Data on Wound Healing Rates After Application of Lucilia sericata. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2019; 20:47-54. [DOI: 10.1177/1534734619876840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Maggot therapy has recently received a special medical and public attention, and according to the specialists’ opinion, it takes us to the future of a wound care. Simultaneously, as new biomechanisms were discovered, statistical analyses of wound healing rates were conducted usually adopting simple parametric and nonparametric tests. In this study, based on a set of statistical methods, we performed an advanced analysis of wound surface reduction using Lucilia sericata larvae in different clinical aspects: status of diabetes mellitus, maggots’ density, and pain intensity. Particularly, we employed these factors because, in our statistical analysis, they are easy to obtain and they proved to be the possible risk factors of wound regeneration. Furthermore, these factors represent different clinical, biological, and neurological spectra of knowledge. In our study, we have found further and statistically significant correlations between the analyzed variables and skin regeneration together with different time periods of the healing rate using maggot therapy in patients with lower limb ulceration.
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Yakovlev AY, Kruglikova AA, Chernysh SI. Calliphoridae Flies in Medical Biotechnology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s0013873819030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Tombulturk FK, Soydas T, Sarac EY, Tuncdemir M, Coskunpinar E, Polat E, Sirekbasan S, Kanigur-Sultuybek G. Regulation of MMP 2 and MMP 9 expressions modulated by AP-1 (c-jun) in wound healing: improving role of Lucilia sericata in diabetic rats. Acta Diabetol 2019; 56:177-186. [PMID: 30302545 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-018-1237-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Lucilia sericata larvae have been successfully used on healing of wounds in the diabetics. However, the involvement of the extraction/secretion (ES) products of larvae in the treatment of diabetic wounds is still unknown. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription, composed of c-jun and c-Fos proteins, has been shown to be the principal regulator of multiple MMP transcriptions under a variety of conditions, also in diabetic wounds. Specifically, MMP-2 and MMP-9's transcriptions are known to be modulated by AP-1. c-jun has been demonstrated to be a repressor of p53 in immortalized fibroblasts. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of L. sericata ES on the expression of AP-1 (c-jun), p53, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in wound biopsies dissected from streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. METHODS The expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, c-jun and p53 in dermal tissues were determined at days 0, 3, 7 and 14 after wounding, using immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS The treatment with ES significantly decreased through inflammation-based induction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression levels in the wounds of diabetic groups, compared to control groups at the third day of wound healing. At the 14th day, there were dramatic decreases in expression of c-jun, MMP-9, and p53 in ES-treated groups, compared to the diabetic group (P < 0.001, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION ES products of L. sericata may enhance the process of wound healing in phases of inflammation, proliferation, and re-epithelization, essentially via regulating c-jun expression and modulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Kübra Tombulturk
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tugba Soydas
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Aydin University, Medical Faculty, Sefakoy-Kucukcekmece, 34295, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Yaprak Sarac
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Matem Tuncdemir
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ender Coskunpinar
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Saglik Bilimleri University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdal Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serhat Sirekbasan
- Department of Biotherapy Research and Development Laboratory, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gonul Kanigur-Sultuybek
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Aydin University, Medical Faculty, Sefakoy-Kucukcekmece, 34295, Istanbul, Turkey.
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13
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Pharmacological Properties of the Medical Maggot: A Novel Therapy Overview. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:4934890. [PMID: 29853956 PMCID: PMC5960508 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4934890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, maggot has been hailed as the miraculous “medicinal maggot” for its diverse properties, including antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities. The fact that maggots show so many beneficial properties has increased the interest in these tiny larvae dramatically. Whilst there is relatively abundant clinical evidence to demonstrate the success of maggots as debridement agents, not so much emphasis has been placed on the basic science evidence, which was a combination of physical and biochemical actions. This review differs from those earlier works in that it is undertaken to provide an update of the latest scientific basis published on maggot, particularly active ingredients within maggot excretions/secretions (ES). Further investigations should focus on the isolation, identification, recombination, transgenosis, and mass production of the beneficial molecules within maggots.
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14
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Talmann L, Wiesner J, Vilcinskas A. Strategies for the construction of insect P450 fusion enzymes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 72:405-415. [PMID: 28866653 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2017-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are ubiquitous enzymes with a broad substrate spectrum. Insect P450s are known to catalyze reactions such as the detoxification of insecticides and the synthesis of hydrocarbons, which makes them useful for many industrial processes. Unfortunately, it is difficult to utilize P450s effectively because they must be paired with cytochrome P450 reductases (CPRs) to facilitate electron transfer from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Furthermore, eukaryotic P450s and CPRs are membrane-anchored proteins, which means they are insoluble and therefore difficult to purify when expressed in their native state. Both challenges can be addressed by creating fusion proteins that combine the P450 and CPR functions while eliminating membrane anchors, allowing the production and purification of soluble multifunctional polypeptides suitable for industrial applications. Here we discuss several strategies for the construction of fusion enzymes combining insect P450 with CPRs.
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15
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Sığ AK. Biosurgery: utility in chronic wound. JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.32322/jhsm.396256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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16
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Dauros Singorenko P, Rosario R, Windsor JA, Phillips AR, Blenkiron C. The transcriptional responses of cultured wound cells to the excretions and secretions of medicinal Lucilia sericata larvae. Wound Repair Regen 2018; 25:51-61. [PMID: 27868332 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Maggots, through their excretions and secretions (ES), promote wound healing by removing necrotic tissue, counter bacterial infection, and activate wound associated cells. We investigated the effects of a physiological dose of maggot ES on four wound-associated cell types in vitro with Affymetrix gene expression arrays; keratinocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and monocytes. Keratinocytes showed the fewest (n = 5; p < 0.05, fold-change ±2) and smallest fold-changes (up to 2.32×) in gene expression and conversely THP1 monocytes had the most (n = 233) and greatest magnitude (up to 44.3×). There were no genes that were altered in all four cell-lines. Gene pathway analysis identified an enrichment of immune response pathways in three of the treated cell-lines. Analyses by quantitative RT-PCR found many genes dynamically expressed in ES dose dependent manner during the three day treatments. Phenotype analyses, however, found no effects of ES on cell viability, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. ES was 100× less potent at triggering IL-8 secretion than fibroblasts treated with purified bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; in equivalent amounts to that found in ES; ∼40 EU/ml). Furthermore, co-treatment with LPS and ES decreased the LPS-alone triggered IL-8 secretion by 13%. Although ES had no direct effect on wound cell phenotypes it did partially reduce the immune response to bacterial LPS exposure. These observations were consistent with the profile of transcriptional responses that were dominated by modulation of immune response genes. Maggot therapy may therefore improve wound healing through the secondary effects of these gene changes in the wound cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Dauros Singorenko
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
| | - John A Windsor
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Auckland
| | - Anthony R Phillips
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Auckland.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cherie Blenkiron
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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17
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Tombulturk FK, Kasap M, Tuncdemir M, Polat E, Sirekbasan S, Kanli A, Kanigur-Sultuybek G. Effects of Lucilia sericata on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and analysis of its secretome at the proteome level. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327117714041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of Lucilia sericata larvae on the healing of wounds in diabetics has been reported. However, the role of the excretion/secretion (ES) products of the larvae in treatment of diabetic wounds remains unknown. This study investigated whether application of the ES products of L. sericata on the wound surface could improve the impaired wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additional analysis was performed to understand proteome content of L. sericata secretome to understand ES contribution at the molecular level. For this purpose, full-thickness skin wounds were created on the backs of diabetic and control rats. A study was conducted to assess the levels of the ES-induced collagen I/III expression and to assay nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) (p65) activity in wound biopsies and ES-treated wounds of diabetic rat skin in comparison to the controls. The expression levels of collagen I/III and NF-κB (p65) activity were determined at days 3, 7, and 14 after wounding using immunohistological analyses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The results indicated that treatment with the ES extract increased collagen I expressions of the wound control and diabetic tissue. But the increase in collagen I expression in the controls was higher than the one in the diabetics. NF-κB (p65) activity was also increased in diabetic wounds compared to the controls, whereas it was decreased in third and seventh days upon ES treatment. The results indicated that ES products of L. sericata may enhance the process of wound healing by influencing phases such as inflammation, NF-κB (p65) activity, collagen synthesis, and wound contraction. These findings may provide new insights into understanding of therapeutic potential of ES in wound healing in diabetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- FK Tombulturk
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M Kasap
- Department of Medical Biology/Proteomics Laboratory, Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - M Tuncdemir
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - S Sirekbasan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biotherapy Research and Development Laboratory, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A Kanli
- Department of Medical Biology/Proteomics Laboratory, Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - G Kanigur-Sultuybek
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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18
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Anstead CA, Perry T, Richards S, Korhonen PK, Young ND, Bowles VM, Batterham P, Gasser RB. The Battle Against Flystrike - Past Research and New Prospects Through Genomics. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 98:227-281. [PMID: 28942770 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Flystrike, or cutaneous myiasis, is caused by blow fly larvae of the genus Lucilia. This disease is a major problem in countries with large sheep populations. In Australia, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) is the principal fly involved in flystrike. While much research has been conducted on L. cuprina, including physical, chemical, immunological, genetic and biological investigations, the molecular biology of this fly is still poorly understood. The recent sequencing, assembly and annotation of the draft genome and analyses of selected transcriptomes of L. cuprina have given a first global glimpse of its molecular biology and insights into host-fly interactions, insecticide resistance genes and intervention targets. The present article introduces L. cuprina, flystrike and associated issues, details past control efforts and research foci, reviews salient aspects of the L. cuprina genome project and discusses how the new genomic and transcriptomic resources for this fly might accelerate fundamental molecular research of L. cuprina towards developing new methods for the treatment and control of flystrike.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trent Perry
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Neil D Young
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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19
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Baumann A, Skaljac M, Lehmann R, Vilcinskas A, Franta Z. Urate Oxidase produced by Lucilia sericata medical maggots is localized in Malpighian tubes and facilitates allantoin production. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 83:44-53. [PMID: 28235562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lucilia sericata maggots are the only species currently approved for maggot debridement therapy (MDT), an alternative treatment for chronic and recalcitrant wounds. Maggots promote wound debridement, disinfection and healing by producing a complex mixture of proteins, peptides and low-molecular-weight compounds in their secretions and excretions, but the individual components are not well characterized at the molecular level. Here we investigated the purine catabolism pathway in L. sericata, focusing on the production of allantoin by Urate Oxidase (UO), which is thought to promote wound healing. We produced recombinant L. sericata UO in Escherichia coli, and characterized the properties of the pure enzyme in terms of the optimum pH (7-10) and temperature (20-25 °C), its stability, sensitivity to inhibition and ion dependency. We used quantitative RT-PCR and RNA in situ hybridization to monitor the expression of the UO gene, and we used a guinea pig anti-UO antibody to detect the native enzyme by western blot and by florescence immunohistochemistry in larval tissues. We found that L. sericata UO is exclusively present in the larval excretion organ (the Malpighian tubes) and is freely available in the cytoplasm rather than restricted to a specific subcellular compartment. Allantoin is a final product of L. sericata purine catabolism. It is produced by UO in the Malpighian tubes to remove uric acid from the hemolymph and is consequently excreted via the hindgut. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that both actively secreted molecules and excretion products contribute to the beneficial effects of MDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Baumann
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marisa Skaljac
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Lehmann
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany; Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Zdenӗk Franta
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany.
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20
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Tamura T, Cazander G, Rooijakkers SHM, Trouw LA, Nibbering PH. Excretions/secretions from medicinal larvae (Lucilia sericata) inhibit complement activation by two mechanisms. Wound Repair Regen 2017; 25:41-50. [PMID: 28019718 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Larvae of the blowfly Lucilia sericata facilitate wound healing by removing dead tissue and biofilms from non-healing and necrotic wounds. Another beneficial action of larvae and their excretions/secretions (ES) is down-regulation of excessive inflammation. As prolonged complement activation is key to excessive inflammation, the aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the anti-complement activities of ES. Results revealed that heat sensitive serine proteases in ES degrade multiple complement proteins in all steps of the three complement activation pathways. Importantly, C3a and C5a-major activators of inflammation-were also degraded by ES and pretreatment of these factors with ES completely blocked their ability to induce activation of human neutrophils. Pre-exposure of the neutrophils to ES did not affect their responsiveness to C3a/C5a and fMLP, indicating that the receptors for these activators on neutrophils were not affected by ES. Surprisingly, heat and serine protease inhibitor pretreatment did not affect the ability of ES to inhibit C5b-9 complex formation despite degrading complement proteins, indicating a second complement-inhibiting molecule in ES. Heated ES was as effective as intact ES in inhibiting C3 deposition upon activation of the alternative pathway, but was significantly less effective in wells with a classical or lectin pathway-specific coating. Unfortunately, the molecules affecting the complement system could not be identified due to an insufficient database for L. sericata. Together, larval ES inhibit complement activation by two different mechanisms and down-regulate the C3a/C5a-mediated neutrophil activation. This attenuates the inflammatory process, which may facilitate wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Tamura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Gwendolyn Cazander
- Department of Surgery, Medical Center Haaglanden/Bronovo Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Suzan H M Rooijakkers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leendert A Trouw
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter H Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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21
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Anstead CA, Batterham P, Korhonen PK, Young ND, Hall RS, Bowles VM, Richards S, Scott MJ, Gasser RB. A blow to the fly — Lucilia cuprina draft genome and transcriptome to support advances in biology and biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 34:605-620. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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22
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Next Generation Sequencing Identifies Five Major Classes of Potentially Therapeutic Enzymes Secreted by Lucilia sericata Medical Maggots. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:8285428. [PMID: 27119084 PMCID: PMC4826915 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8285428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Lucilia sericata larvae are used as an alternative treatment for recalcitrant and chronic wounds. Their excretions/secretions contain molecules that facilitate tissue debridement, disinfect, or accelerate wound healing and have therefore been recognized as a potential source of novel therapeutic compounds. Among the substances present in excretions/secretions various peptidase activities promoting the wound healing processes have been detected but the peptidases responsible for these activities remain mostly unidentified. To explore these enzymes we applied next generation sequencing to analyze the transcriptomes of different maggot tissues (salivary glands, gut, and crop) associated with the production of excretions/secretions and/or with digestion as well as the rest of the larval body. As a result we obtained more than 123.8 million paired-end reads, which were assembled de novo using Trinity and Oases assemblers, yielding 41,421 contigs with an N50 contig length of 2.22 kb and a total length of 67.79 Mb. BLASTp analysis against the MEROPS database identified 1729 contigs in 577 clusters encoding five peptidase classes (serine, cysteine, aspartic, threonine, and metallopeptidases), which were assigned to 26 clans, 48 families, and 185 peptidase species. The individual enzymes were differentially expressed among maggot tissues and included peptidase activities related to the therapeutic effects of maggot excretions/secretions.
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