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Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Khosravi A, Aflatoonian MR, Agha Kuchak Afshari S, Salarkia E, Sharifi F, Aflatoonian B, Gharachorloo F, Khamesipour A, Mohebali M, Zamani O, Shirzadi MR, Gouya MM. Global Dilemma and Needs Assessment Toward Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Controlling Leishmaniasis. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024; 14:22-34. [PMID: 38466368 PMCID: PMC11043315 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00190-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease of poverty that imposes a devastating medical, social, and economic burden on over 1 billion people nationwide. To date, no in-depth study to analyze the major global challenges and needs assessment has been carried out. This investigation aimed to explore a comprehensive narrative review of leishmaniasis's main challenges and initially highlight obstacles that might impede the implementation of control measures. Also, we propose a specific list of priorities for needs assessment. The presence of socioeconomic factors, multiple clinical and epidemiological forms, various Leishmania species, the complexity of the life cycle, the absence of effective drugs and vaccines, and the lack of efficient vector and reservoir control make this organism unique and sophisticated in playing a tangled role to react tricky with its surrounding environments, despite extensive efforts and implementation of all-inclusive former control measures. These facts indicate that the previous strategic plans, financial support, and basic infrastructures connected to leishmaniasis surveillance are still insufficient. Strengthening the leishmaniasis framework in a context of accelerated programmatic action and intensification of cross-cutting activities along with other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is confidently expected to result in greater effectiveness, cost-benefit, and fruitful management. Sensitive diagnostics, effective therapeutics, and efficacious vaccines are vital to accelerating advancement toward elimination, and reducing morbidity/mortality and program costs. Collective actions devoted by all sectors and policy-makers can hopefully overcome technical and operational barriers to guarantee that effective and coordinated implementation plans are sustained to meet the road map for NTDs 2021- 2030 goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Behnaz Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Faranak Gharachorloo
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Zamani
- Universal Health Coverage for Communicable Diseases (UHC: CD), World Health Organization, Country Office, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shirzadi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Gouya
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
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Sharifi F, Mohamadi N, Afgar A, Oliaee RT. Anti-leishmanial, immunomodulatory and additive potential effect of Piperine on Leishmania major: The in silico and in vitro study of Piperine and its combination. Exp Parasitol 2023; 254:108607. [PMID: 37666407 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108607] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Piperine (Pn), an indole alkaloid compound found in pepper, is an effective compound with anti-leishmanial medications that administered alone or in combination. This study aimed to use Pn for possible biochemical targets and to assess mechanisms of anti-leishmanial action and immunomodulatory roles. METHODS The ability of Pn to bind to interleukin-12P40 (IL-12P40) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was investigated using molecular docking. The leishmanicidal effect of Pn, meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®; MA), and Pn plus MA was assessed on Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes. A real-time PCR was applied to quantify cytokines gene expression in drug-treated murine macrophages. RESULTS The molecular docking findings indicated that Pn could bind to IL-12P40/IFN-γ. In silico analyses showed an affinity of Pn to IL-12P40/IFN-γ, with the MolDock score of -236.91 and -64.87 kcal/mol, respectively. Pn plus MA reduced the proliferation rate of promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major compared to each drug alone (IC50 = 43.22 and 19.41 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, the combination drug demonstrated no cytotoxicity as the selectivity index (SI) was 14.81. Also, Th1-related cytokines were upregulated, while Th2-related cytokines were downregulated in Pn combination-treated murine macrophages. CONCLUSIONS The superior effectiveness of combination therapy on L. major warrants further investigations on the clinical potential of this combination in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Neda Mohamadi
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ali Afgar
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Salarkia E, Sharifi I, Keyhani A, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Khosravi A, Sharifi F, Bamorovat M, Babaei Z. In silico and in vitro potentials of crocin and amphotericin B on Leishmania major: Multiple synergistic mechanisms of actions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291322. [PMID: 37682934 PMCID: PMC10490900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant barrier to optimal antileishmanial treatment is low efficacy and the emergence of drug resistance. Multiple approaches were used to monitor and assess crocin (a central component of saffron) mixed with amphotericin B (AmpB) potential in silico and in vitro consequences. The binding behavior of crocin and iNOS was the purpose of molecular docking. The results showed that crocin coupled with AmpB demonstrated a safe combination, extremely antileishmanial, suppressed Leishmania arginase absorption, and increased parasite death. This natural flower component is a robust antioxidant, significantly promoting the expression of the Th1-connected cytokines (IL12p40, IFN-γ, and TNF- α), iNOS, and transcription factors (Elk-1, c-Fos, and STAT-1). In comparison, the expression of the Th2-associated phenotypes (IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-β) was significantly reduced. The leishmanicidal effect of this combination was also mediated through programmed cell death (PCD), as confirmed by the manifestation of phosphatidylserine and cell cycle detention at the sub-GO/G1 phase. In conclusion, crocin with AmpB synergistically exerted in vitro antileishmanial action, generated nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, modulated Th1, and Th2 phenotypes and transfer factors, enhanced PCD profile and arrested the cell cycle of Leishmania major promastigotes. The main action of crocin and AmpB involved wide-ranging mechanistic insights for conducting other clinical settings as promising drug candidates for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Therefore, this combination could be esteemed as a basis for a potential bioactive component and a logical source for leishmanicidal drug development against CL in future advanced clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Derakhshani A, Sharifi I, Salarkia E, Keyhani A, Agha Kuchak Afshari S, Iranmanesh B, Lashkarizadeh M, Nejad Biglari H, Lari Najafi M, Bamorovat M. Antileishmanial potentials of azacitidine and along with meglumine antimoniate on Leishmania major: In silico prediction and in vitro analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291321. [PMID: 37682979 PMCID: PMC10490874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in silico antileishmanial activity of azacitidine (AZA) on Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes. The in silico method was used to evaluate the possibility of the interaction of AZA into the binding pocket of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a leading defensive oxidative metabolite. Following that, in vitro anti-promastigote, and anti-amastigote activity of AZA was determined using an MTT assay and a macrophage model, respectively. Cytotoxic effects of AZA and meglumine antimoniate (MA) were also assessed by MTT assay on murine macrophages. All experiments were performed in triplicate. The results showed that AZA interacted with Ser133, Gln134, and Lys13 amino acids of iNOS, and the molecular docking score was obtained at -241.053 kcal/mol. AZA in combination with MA significantly (P<0.001) inhibited the growth rate of nonclinical promastigote (IC50 247.6±7.3 μM) and 8.5-fold higher of clinical intramacrophage amastigote stage (29.8±5.3 μM), compared to the untreated group. A significant upsurge of Th1 subsets and transcription genes and a meaningful decline in Th2 cytokines subclasses at the equivalent concentrations of AZA and MA was observed (P<0.001). The apoptosis effect of AZA along with MA was significantly induced on L. major in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001). The present study demonstrated that AZA possesses antileishmanial activity in in vitro and in silico models. However, AZA combined with MA was more effective than AZA alone in inhibiting the growth rate of promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major. This study indicates that AZA in combination with MA demonstrated a potent antileishmanial mechanism, promoting immune response and enhancing an immunomodulatory role toward the Th1 pathway. This experimental study is a basic study for applying more knowledge about the mechanisms of AZA along with MA in animal models in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Derakhshani
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Iranmanesh
- Department of Dermatology, Afzalipour Hospital, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Lashkarizadeh
- Department of Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Nejad Biglari
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Moslem Lari Najafi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Venmathi Maran BA, Palaniveloo K, Mahendran T, Chellappan DK, Tan JK, Yong YS, Lal MTM, Joning EJ, Chong WS, Babich O, Sukhikh S, Shah MD. Antimicrobial Potential of Aqueous Extract of Giant Sword Fern and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Analysis. Molecules 2023; 28:6075. [PMID: 37630329 PMCID: PMC10460075 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibriosis and parasitic leech infestations cause the death of various farmed fish, such as groupers, hybrid groupers, sea bass, etc., in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. In the absence of natural control agents, aquaculture operators rely on toxic chemicals to control Vibrio infections and parasitic leeches, which can have a negative impact on the environment and health. In the present study, we investigated the antivibrio and antiparasitic activities of the aqueous extract of giant sword fern (GSF) (Nephrolepis biserrata, Nephrolepidaceae, locally known as "Paku Pedang") against four Vibrio spp. and the parasitic leech Zeylanicobdella arugamensis, as well as its metabolic composition using the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry system (UHPLC-HRMS). The data show that the aqueous extract of GSF at a concentration of 100 mg/mL exhibits potent bactericidal activity against V. parahaemolyticus with a zone of inhibition of 19.5 mm. In addition, the extract showed dose-dependent activity against leeches, resulting in the complete killing of the parasitic leeches within a short period of 11-43 min when tested at concentrations ranging from 100 to 25 mg/mL. The UHPLC-HRMS analysis detected 118 metabolites in the aqueous extract of GSF. Flavonoids were the primary metabolites, followed by phenolic, aromatic, fatty acyl, terpenoid, vitamin and steroidal compounds. Notably, several of these metabolites possess antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, apigenin, quercetin, cynaroside, luteolin, naringenin, wogonin, 6-gingerol, nicotinamide, abscisic acid, daidzein, salvianolic acid B, etc. Overall, our study shows the significant antibacterial and antiparasitic potential of the GSF aqueous extract, which demonstrates the presence of valuable secondary metabolites. Consequently, the aqueous extract is a promising natural alternative for the effective control of Vibrio infections and the treatment of parasitic leeches in aquaculture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88450, Malaysia; (B.A.V.M.); (M.T.M.L.); (E.J.J.); (W.S.C.)
| | - Kishneth Palaniveloo
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (K.P.); (T.M.)
- Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery (CENAR), Level 3, Research Management & Innovation Complex, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Thivyalaxmi Mahendran
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (K.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Jen Kit Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Yoong Soon Yong
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Mohammad Tamrin Mohamad Lal
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88450, Malaysia; (B.A.V.M.); (M.T.M.L.); (E.J.J.); (W.S.C.)
| | - Elliecpearl Jasca Joning
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88450, Malaysia; (B.A.V.M.); (M.T.M.L.); (E.J.J.); (W.S.C.)
| | - Wei Sheng Chong
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88450, Malaysia; (B.A.V.M.); (M.T.M.L.); (E.J.J.); (W.S.C.)
| | - Olga Babich
- Research and Education Center “Industrial Biotechnologies”, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, A. Nevskogo Street 14, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia; (O.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Stanislav Sukhikh
- Research and Education Center “Industrial Biotechnologies”, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, A. Nevskogo Street 14, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia; (O.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Muhammad Dawood Shah
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88450, Malaysia; (B.A.V.M.); (M.T.M.L.); (E.J.J.); (W.S.C.)
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Vale DL, Freitas CS, Martins VT, Moreira GJL, Machado AS, Ramos FF, Pereira IAG, Bandeira RS, de Jesus MM, Tavares GSV, Ludolf F, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Galdino AS, Fujiwara RT, Bueno LL, Roatt BM, Christodoulides M, Coelho EAF, Lage DP. Efficacy of an Immunotherapy Combining Immunogenic Chimeric Protein Plus Adjuvant and Amphotericin B against Murine Visceral Leishmaniasis. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:851. [PMID: 37372136 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Americas is a chronic systemic disease caused by infection with Leishmania infantum parasites. The toxicity of antileishmanial drugs, long treatment course and limited efficacy are significant concerns that hamper adequate treatment against the disease. Studies have shown the promise of an immunotherapeutics approach, combining antileishmanial drugs to reduce the parasitism and vaccine immunogens to activate the host immune system. In the current study, we developed an immunotherapy using a recombinant T cell epitope-based chimeric protein, ChimT, previously shown to be protective against Leishmania infantum, with the adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and amphotericin B (AmpB) as the antileishmanial drug. BALB/c mice were infected with L. infantum stationary promastigotes and later they received saline or were treated with AmpB, MPLA, ChimT/Amp, ChimT/MPLA or ChimT/MPLA/AmpB. The combination of ChimT/MPLA/AmpB significantly reduced the parasite load in mouse organs (p < 0.05) and induced a Th1-type immune response, which was characterized by higher ratios of anti-ChimT and anti-parasite IgG2a:IgG1 antibodies, increased IFN-γ mRNA and IFN-γ and IL-12 cytokines and accompanied by lower levels of IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines, when compared to other treatments and controls (all p < 0.05). Organ toxicity was also lower with the ChimT/MPLA/AmpB immunotherapy, suggesting that the inclusion of the vaccine and adjuvant ameliorated the toxicity of AmpB to some degree. In addition, the ChimT vaccine alone stimulated in vitro murine macrophages to significantly kill three different internalized species of Leishmania parasites and to produce Th1-type cytokines into the culture supernatants. To conclude, our data suggest that the combination of ChimT/MPLA/AmpB could be considered for further studies as an immunotherapy for L. infantum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danniele L Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila S Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabriel J L Moreira
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Amanda S Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabela A G Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel S Bandeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M de Jesus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Alexsandro S Galdino
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lílian L Bueno
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, Colégio Técnico (COLTEC), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Afonso RC, Yien RMK, de Siqueira LBDO, Simas NK, Dos Santos Matos AP, Ricci-Júnior E. Promising natural products for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A review of in vitro and in vivo studies. Exp Parasitol 2023; 251:108554. [PMID: 37268108 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108554] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Although there are available treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the drugs used are far from ideal, toxic, and costly, in addition to the challenge faced by the development of resistance. Plants have been used as a source of natural compounds with antileishmanial action. However, few have reached the market and become phytomedicines with registration in regulatory agencies. Difficulties related to the extraction, purification, chemical identification, efficacy, safety, and production in sufficient quantity for clinical studies, hinder the emergence of new effective phytomedicines against leishmaniasis. Despite the difficulties reported, the major research centers in the world see that natural products are a trend concerning the treatment of leishmaniasis. The present work consists of a literature review of articles with in vivo studies, covering the period from January 2011 to December 2022, providing an overview of promising natural products for CL treatment. The papers show encouraging antileishmanial action of natural compounds with reduced parasite load and lesion size in animal models, suggesting new strategies for the treatment of the disease. The results reported in this review show advances in using natural products as safe and effective formulations, which can stimulate clinical studies to establish clinical therapy. In conclusion, the information in this review article serves as a preliminary basis for establishing a therapeutic protocol for future clinical trials that can validate the safety and efficacy of natural compounds, providing the development of affordable and safe phytomedicines for the treatment of CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhuane Coutinho Afonso
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Mara Kao Yien
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Natural Products and Biological Assays, Department of Natural Products and Food, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Naomi Kato Simas
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Biological Assays, Department of Natural Products and Food, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Dos Santos Matos
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ricci-Júnior
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Mohamadi N, Sharifi I, Afgar A, Sharififar F, Sharifi F. Antileishmanial Effects of Bunium Persicum Crude Extract, Essential Oil, and Cuminaldehyde on Leishmania Major: In Silico and In Vitro Properties. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:103-113. [PMID: 36434380 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00642-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cuminaldehyde (CA), an oxidized aldehyde monoterpene, is a major essential oil component in cumin seeds, which has shown different promising medical effects. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Bunium persicum (Boiss) B. Fedtsch (Apiaceae) and one of its main essential oil constituents, CA, focus on the mechanisms of action. METHODS We used a molecular docking approach to examine the capability of CA for binding to IL-12P40 and TNF-α. The colorimetric assay was performed to assess the effect of B. persicum crude extract, essential oil, and CA, against Leishmania major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. The expression of IFN-γ, IL-12P40, TNF-α, and IL-10 genes was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction qPCR. RESULTS Docking analyses in the current study indicated CA binds to IL-12P40 and TNF-α. These products were safe, extremely antileishmanial, and significantly promoted Th1-related cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12P40, TNF-α), while downregulating the Th2 phenotype (IL-10). CONCLUSION Cumin essential oil and its major component, CA, possessed powerful antileishmanial activity. The primary mechanism of activity involves an immunomodulatory role toward Th1 cytokine response. Therefore, cumin essential oil and CA deserve further explorations as promising medications for treating leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Mohamadi
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Afgar
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fariba Sharififar
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Salari Z, Khosravi A, Pourkhandani E, Molaakbari E, Salarkia E, Keyhani A, Sharifi I, Tavakkoli H, Sohbati S, Dabiri S, Ren G, Shafie’ei M. The inhibitory effect of 6-gingerol and cisplatin on ovarian cancer and antitumor activity: In silico, in vitro, and in vivo. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1098429. [PMID: 36937441 PMCID: PMC10020515 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1098429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial ovarian cancer is very common in women and causes hundreds of deaths per year worldwide. Chemotherapy drugs including cisplatin have adverse effects on patients' health. Complementary treatments and the use of herbal medicines can help improve the performance of medicine. 6-Gingerol is the major pharmacologically active component of ginger. In this study, we compared the effects of 6-gingerol, cisplatin, and their combination in apoptotic and angiogenetic activities in silico, in test tubes, and in in vivo assays against two ovarian cancer cell lines: OVCAR-3 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods The drug-treated cell lines were evaluated for their cytotoxicity, cell cycle, and apoptotic and angiogenetic gene expression changes. Results The proportion of apoptosis treated by 6-gingerol coupled with cisplatin was significantly high. In the evaluation of the cell cycle, the combination therapy also showed a significant promotion of a higher extent of the S sequence. The expression of p53 level, Caspase-8, Bax, and Apaf1 genes was amplified again with combination therapy. Conversely, in both cell lines, the cumulative drug concentrations reduced the expression of VEGF, FLT1, KDR, and Bcl-2 genes. Similarly, in the control group, combination treatment significantly decreased the expression of VEGF, FLT1, KDR, and Bcl-2 genes in comparison to cisplatin alone. Conclusions The findings of the present study demonstrated that the cisplatin and 6-gingerol combination is more effective in inducing apoptosis and suppressing the angiogenesis of ovarian cancer cells than using each drug alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Salari
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- *Correspondence: Ahmad Khosravi, ; Elham Pourkhandani,
| | - Elham Pourkhandani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- *Correspondence: Ahmad Khosravi, ; Elham Pourkhandani,
| | - Elaheh Molaakbari
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hadi Tavakkoli
- Department of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Samira Sohbati
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Afzalipour School of Medicine and Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Guogang Ren
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Shafie’ei
- Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Karampetsou K, Koutsoni OS, Badounas F, Angelis A, Gogou G, Skaltsounis LA, Halabalaki M, Dotsika E. Exploring the Immunotherapeutic Potential of Oleocanthal against Murine Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. PLANTA MEDICA 2022; 88:783-793. [PMID: 35803258 PMCID: PMC9343937 DOI: 10.1055/a-1843-9788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a major tropical disease with increasing global incidence. Due to limited therapeutic options with severe drawbacks, the discovery of alternative treatments based on natural bioactive compounds is important. In our previous studies we have pointed out the antileishmanial activities of olive tree-derived molecules. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial as well as the in vivo immunomodulatory effects of oleocanthal, a molecule that has recently gained increasing scientific attention. Pure oleocanthal was isolated from extra virgin olive oil through extraction and chromatography techniques. The in vitro antileishmanial effects of oleocanthal were examined with a resazurin-based assay, while its in vivo efficacy was evaluated in Leishmania major-infected BALB/c mice by determining footpad induration, parasite load in popliteal lymph nodes, histopathological outcome, antibody production, cytokine profile of stimulated splenocytes and immune gene expression, at three weeks after the termination of treatment. Oleocanthal demonstrated in vitro antileishmanial effect against both L. major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. This effect was further documented in vivo as demonstrated by the suppressed footpad thickness, the decreased parasite load and the inflammatory cell influx at the infection site. Oleocanthal treatment led to the dominance of a Th1-type immunity linked with resistance against the disease. This study establishes strong scientific evidence for olive tree-derived natural products as possible antileishmanial agents and provides an adding value to the scientific research of oleocanthal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Karampetsou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga S. Koutsoni
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Fotis Badounas
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Transgenic Technology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolis Angelis
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Gogou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Leandros-Alexios Skaltsounis
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Halabalaki
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Associate Professor Maria Halabalaki Department of PharmacyDivision of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product
ChemistryNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens15771 Athens,
PanepistimiopolisGreece+ 30 21 07 27 47 81+ 30 21 07 27 45 94
| | - Eleni Dotsika
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Correspondence Dr. Eleni Dotsika Department of MicrobiologyLaboratory of Cellular ImmunologyHellenic
Pasteur Institute127 Vass. Sofias Av.11521
AthensGreece+ 30 21 06 47 88 28+ 30 21 06 47 88 28
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Santoso P, Minamihata K, Ishimine Y, Taniguchi H, Komada T, Sato R, Goto M, Takashima T, Taira T, Kamiya N. Enhancement of the Antifungal Activity of Chitinase by Palmitoylation and the Synergy of Palmitoylated Chitinase with Amphotericin B. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1051-1061. [PMID: 35471825 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Combinations of antifungal drugs can have synergistic antifungal activity, achieving high therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the side effects. Amphotericin B (AMB) has been used as a standard antifungal drug for fungal infections; however, because of its high toxicity, new strategies to minimize the required dose are desirable. Chitinases have recently received attention as alternative safe antifungal agents. Herein, we report the combination of palmitoylated chitinase domains with AMB to enhance the antifungal activity. The chitin-binding domain (LysM) from Pteris ryukyuensis chitinase was site-specifically palmitoylated by conjugation reaction catalyzed by microbial transglutaminase. The palmitoylated LysM (LysM-Pal) exhibited strong antifungal activity against Trichoderma viride, inhibiting the growth completely at a concentration of 2 μM. This antifungal effect of LysM-Pal was mainly due to the effect of anchoring of palmitic acid motif to the plasma membrane of fungi. A combination of AMB with LysM-Pal resulted in synergistic enhancement of the antifungal activity. Intriguingly, LysM-Pal exhibited higher level of antifungal activity enhancement than palmitoylated catalytic domain (CatD) and fusion of LysM and CatD. Addition of 0.5 μM LysM-Pal to AMB reduced the minimal inhibition concentration of AMB to 0.31 μM (2.5 μM without LysM-Pal). The possible mechanism of the synergistic effect of AMB and LysM-Pal is destabilization of the plasma membrane by anchoring of palmitic acid and ergosterol extraction by AMB and destabilization of the chitin layer by LysM binding. The combination of LysM-Pal with AMB can drastically reduce the dose of AMB and may be a useful strategy to treat fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pugoh Santoso
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Kosuke Minamihata
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yugo Ishimine
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukyu University, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Taniguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Takuya Komada
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Ryo Sato
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Masahiro Goto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Division of Biotechnology, Center for Future Chemistry, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Tomoya Takashima
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukyu University, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Toki Taira
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukyu University, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Noriho Kamiya
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Division of Biotechnology, Center for Future Chemistry, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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