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El-Sayed SAES, El-Alfy ES, Baghdadi HB, Sayed-Ahmed MZ, Alqahtani SS, Alam N, Ahmad S, Ali MS, Igarashi I, Rizk MA. Antiparasitic activity of FLLL-32 against four Babesia species, B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens and B. caballi, and one Theileria species, Theileria equi in vitro, and Babesia microti in mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1278451. [PMID: 38027032 PMCID: PMC10651744 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1278451] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: FLLL-32, a synthetic analog of curcumin, is a potent inhibitor of STAT3's constitutive activation in a variety of cancer cells, and its anticancer properties have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. It is also suggested that it might have other pharmacological activities including activity against different parasites. Aim: This study therefore investigated the in vitro antiparasitic activity of FLLL-32 against four pathogenic Babesia species, B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. caballi, and one Theileria species, Theileria equi. In vivo anti-Babesia microti activity of FLLL-32 was also evaluated in mice. Methods: The FLLL-32, in the growth inhibition assay with a concentration range (0.005-50 μM), was tested for it's activity against these pathogens. The reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay was used to evaluate the possible effects of FLLL-32 treatment on the mRNA transcription of the target B. bovis genes including S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and histone deacetylase. Results: The in vitro growth of B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi, and T. equi was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (in all cases, p < 0.05). FLLL-32 exhibits the highest inhibitory effects on B. bovis growth in vitro, and it's IC50 value against this species was 9.57 μM. The RT-PCR results showed that FLLL-32 inhibited the transcription of the B. bovis S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase gene. In vivo, the FLLL-32 showed significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of B. microti parasitemia in infected mice with results comparable to that of diminazene aceturate. Parasitemia level in B. microti-infected mice treated with FLLL-32 from day 12 post infection (pi) was reduced to reach zero level at day 16 pi when compared to the infected non-treated mice. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the antibabesial properties of FLLL-32 and suggested it's usage in the treatment of babesiosis especially when utilized in combination therapy with other antibabesial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hanadi B. Baghdadi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Basic and Applied Scientific Research Center (BASRC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Z. Sayed-Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad S. Alqahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawazish Alam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Sajid Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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El-Sayed SAES, El-Alfy ES, Sayed-Ahmed MZ, Mohanta UK, Alqahtani SS, Alam N, Ahmad S, Ali MS, Igarashi I, Rizk MA. Evaluating the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on the multiplication of several Babesia species and Theileria equi on in vitro cultures, and Babesia microti in mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1192999. [PMID: 37324476 PMCID: PMC10267976 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1192999] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Histone post-translational modification is one of the most studied factors influencing epigenetic regulation of protozoan parasite gene expression, which is mediated by histone deacetylases (KDACs) and acetyltransferases (KATs). Objective and methods: The present study investigated the role of resveratrol (RVT) as an activator of histone deacetylases in the control of various pathogenic Babesia sp. and Theileria equi in vitro, as well as B. microti infected mice in vivo using fluorescence assay. Its role in mitigating the side effects associated with the widely used antibabesial drugs diminazene aceturate (DA) and azithromycin (AZM) has also been investigated. Results: The in vitro growth of B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi and Theileria equi (T. equi) was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) by RVT treatments. The estimated IC50 values revealed that RVT has the greatest inhibitory effects on B. bovis growth in vitro, with an IC50 value of 29.51 ± 2.46 µM. Reverse transcription PCR assay showed that such inhibitory activity might be attributed to resveratrol's stimulatory effect on B. bovis KDAC3 (BbKADC3) as well as its inhibitory effect on BbKATS. RVT causes a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels in heart tissue of B. microti- infected mice, thereby indicating that RVT may play a part in reducing the cardiotoxic effects of AZM. Resveratrol showed an additive effect with imidocarb dipropionate in vivo. Treatment of B. microti-infected mice with a combined 5 mg/kg RVT and 8.5 mg/kg ID resulted in an 81.55% inhibition at day 10 postinoculation (peak of parasitemia). Conclusion: Our data show that RVT is a promising antibabesial pharmacological candidate with therapeutic activities that could overcome the side effects of the currently used anti-Babesia medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z. Sayed-Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Uday Kumar Mohanta
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Saad S. Alqahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawazish Alam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Sajid Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Identification of benzamide inhibitors of histone deacetylase 1 from Babesia and Theileria species via high-throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2175-2187. [PMID: 33987736 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07158-z] [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: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Theileria and Babesia species are eukaryotic protozoan parasites classified under the order Piroplasmida of the phylum Apicomplexa. Tick vectors transmit these microorganisms in tropical and subtropical regions to a wide range of animals, including ruminants, causing fatal and life-threatening diseases such as bovine babesiosis and theileriosis. Resistance to commercially available drugs requires the search for new drug candidates. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) has a potential to be utilized as a drug target; therefore, it may be considered as an effective alternative. Previous studies revealed that HDAC inhibitors, identified for human use, show promising anti-parasitic effects. We have herein focused on the class I HDAC enzyme, HDAC1, of the Babesia and Theileria species to discover potential benzamide inhibitors by following a streamlined workflow of computer-aided drug design methodology. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that benzamide derivatives stably interacted with the HDAC1 active site in both parasites as hypothesized. Furthermore, specific residue insertions at the entry point of the active site cleft of parasitic HDAC1 could enable ways to design parasite-specific drugs without adversely affecting host enzymes.
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Nawaz M, Malik I, Hameed M, Hussain Kuthu Z, Zhou J. Modifications of histones in parasites as drug targets. Vet Parasitol 2020; 278:109029. [PMID: 31978703 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of histones and histone modifying enzymes play important roles in gene regulations and other physiological processes in parasites. Inhibitors of such modifying enzymes could be useful as novel therapeutics against parasitic diseases or as chemical probes for investigation of epigenetics. Development of parasitic histone modulators has got rapid expansion in the last few years. A number of highly potent and selective compounds have been reported, together with extensive preclinical studies of their biological activity. Some of these compounds have been widely used in humans targeting cancer and are found non-toxic. This review summarizes the antiparasitic activities of histone and histone modifying enzymes inhibitors evaluated in last few years. As the current chemotherapy against parasites is still not satisfactory, therefore, such compounds represents good starting points for the discovery of effective antiparasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Nawaz
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Irfan Malik
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mudassar Hameed
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zulfiqar Hussain Kuthu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China.
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Evolutionary relationships among protein lysine deacetylases of parasites causing neglected diseases. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 53:175-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Munkhjargal T, Ishizaki T, Guswanto A, Takemae H, Yokoyama N, Igarashi I. Molecular and biochemical characterization of methionine aminopeptidase of Babesia bovis as a potent drug target. Vet Parasitol 2016; 221:14-23. [PMID: 27084466 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aminopeptidases are increasingly being investigated as therapeutic targets in various diseases. In this study, we cloned, expressed, and biochemically characterized a member of the methionine aminopeptidase (MAP) family from Babesia bovis (B. bovis) to develop a potential molecular drug target. Recombinant B. bovis MAP (rBvMAP) was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-fusion protein, and we found that it was antigenic. An antiserum against the rBvMAP protein was generated in mice, and then a native B. bovis MAP was identified in B. bovis by Western blot assay. Further, an immunolocalization assay showed that MAP is present in the cytoplasm of the B. bovis merozoite. Analysis of the biochemical properties of rBvMAP revealed that it was enzymatically active, with optimum activity at pH 7.5. Enhanced enzymatic activity was observed in the presence of divalent manganese cations and was effectively inhibited by a metal chelator, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Moreover, the enzymatic activity of BvMAP was inhibited by amastatin and bestatin as inhibitors of MAP (MAPi) in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, MAPi was also found to significantly inhibit the growth of Babesia parasites both in vitro and in vivo; additionally, they induced high levels of cytokines and immunoglobulin (IgG) titers in the host. Therefore, our results suggest that BvMAP is a molecular target of amastatin and bestatin, and those inhibitors may be drug candidates for the treatment of babesiosis, though more studies are required to confirm this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tserendorj Munkhjargal
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Zaisan 17042, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Takahiro Ishizaki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Azirwan Guswanto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Takemae
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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