1
|
Oyinloye BE, Shamaki DE, Agbebi EA, Onikanni SA, Ubah CS, Aruleba RT, Dao TNP, Owolabi OV, Idowu OT, Mathenjwa-Goqo MS, Esan DT, Ajiboye BO, Omotuyi OI. In Silico Comparison of Bioactive Compounds Characterized from Azadirachta indica with an FDA-Approved Drug against Schistosomal Agents: New Insight into Schistosomiasis Treatment. Molecules 2024; 29:1909. [PMID: 38731401 PMCID: PMC11084920 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29091909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The burden of human schistosomiasis, a known but neglected tropical disease in Sub-Saharan Africa, has been worrisome in recent years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to tackle schistosomiasis with praziquantel, a drug known to be effective against all Schistosoma species, due to reports of reduced efficacy and resistance. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the antischistosomal potential of phytochemicals from Azadirachta indica against proteins that have been implicated as druggable targets for the treatment of schistosomiasis using computational techniques. In this study, sixty-three (63) previously isolated and characterized phytochemicals from A. indica were identified from the literature and retrieved from the PubChem database. In silico screening was conducted to assess the inhibitory potential of these phytochemicals against three receptors (Schistosoma mansoni Thioredoxin glutathione reductase, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, and Arginase) that may serve as therapeutic targets for schistosomiasis treatment. Molecular docking, ADMET prediction, ligand interaction, MMGBSA, and molecular dynamics simulation of the hit compounds were conducted using the Schrodinger molecular drug discovery suite. The results show that Andrographolide possesses a satisfactory pharmacokinetic profile, does not violate the Lipinski rule of five, binds with favourable affinity with the receptors, and interacts with key amino acids at the active site. Importantly, its interaction with dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible for the catalysis of the de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthetic pathway rate-limiting step, shows a glide score and MMGBSA of -10.19 and -45.75 Kcal/mol, respectively. In addition, the MD simulation shows its stability at the active site of the receptor. Overall, this study revealed that Andrographolide from Azadirachta indica could serve as a potential lead compound for the development of an anti-schistosomal drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye
- Phytomedicine, Biochemical Toxicology and Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
- Institute of Drug Research and Development, S.E. Bogoro Center, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
| | - David Ezekiel Shamaki
- Phytomedicine, Biochemical Toxicology and Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel Ayodeji Agbebi
- Institute of Drug Research and Development, S.E. Bogoro Center, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
| | - Sunday Amos Onikanni
- Phytomedicine, Biochemical Toxicology and Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
- College of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chukwudi Sunday Ubah
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19121, USA
| | | | - Tran Nhat Phong Dao
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Traditional Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
| | - Olutunmise Victoria Owolabi
- Medical Biochemistry Unit, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
| | - Olajumoke Tolulope Idowu
- Industrial Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
| | - Makhosazana Siduduzile Mathenjwa-Goqo
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Deborah Tolulope Esan
- Faculty of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo 232102, Nigeria
| | - Basiru Olaitan Ajiboye
- Institute of Drug Research and Development, S.E. Bogoro Center, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
- Phytomedicine and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti 371104, Nigeria
| | - Olaposi Idowu Omotuyi
- Institute of Drug Research and Development, S.E. Bogoro Center, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tukwarlba I, Aninagyei E, Mavis PD, Attoh J, Duedu KO, Kumi J, Ampem-Danso E, Acheampong DO. Point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen positivity and associated factors in school children one year after mass praziquantel administration in an endemic district in Ghana. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28529. [PMID: 38596068 PMCID: PMC11002594 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mass drug administration of praziquantel is expected to reduce Schistosome carriage in treated children in endemic communities. However, the effectiveness of this annual exercise has not been assessed in Ghana. Therefore, this study aimed to detect viable Schistosoma mansoni infection using point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) positivity as proxy and associated factors in children previously treated with praziquantel in an endemic municipality in Ghana. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was done in the Assin Central municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. School children, less than 16 years of age, treated with 40 mg/kg of praziquantel (treatment period: February-March 2019), provided early morning urine (∼40 mL) and stool (∼4 g) samples. Immediately, POC-CCA (ICT International, South Africa) was done, while S. mansoni ova were detected in formalin fixed samples using microscopy later. Additionally, participant's socio-demographic information and factors associated with S, mansoni infection transmission were collected from each child. Results A total of 520 children participated in the study (males-51.9%, majority age range [9-11 years, 34.4%]). Overall, 244 (46.9%) were positive for urinary CCA with no S. mansoni detected by microscopy. POC-CCA positivity was higher in females (48.4%), children with 2-3 siblings (49.3%), children aged 6-8-year range (55.4%) and residents of Brofoyedur (52%). However, age (x2 = 16.1, p = 0.0003) and town of residence (x2 = 11.7, p = 0.019) associated with CCA positivity. Further, location of water body (x2 = 16.4, p = 0.008), frequency of water contact (x2 = 12.3, p = 0.015) and handling of the Biomphalaria intermediate host (x2 = 5.1, p = 0.024) associated with POC-CCA outcome. Conclusion About 47% of the school children were positive for CCA, one year after mass praziquantel administration in the Assin Central municipality. Varied factors associated with the post-praziquantel administration POC-CCA positivity. This study should be replicated in other endemic areas to identify groups at risk of parasite persistence or reinfection to inform modification of control and preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Tukwarlba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Enoch Aninagyei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Puopelle Dakorah Mavis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Juliana Attoh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Obeng Duedu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
- College of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, City South Campus, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Justice Kumi
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eunice Ampem-Danso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Desmond Omane Acheampong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang Z, Silva EB, Liu C, Fajtová P, Liu LJ, El-Sakkary N, Skinner DE, Syed A, Wang SC, Caffrey CR, O’Donoghue AJ. Development of subunit selective proteasome substrates for Schistosoma species. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580161. [PMID: 38405969 PMCID: PMC10888821 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma spp. blood flukes that infects over 200 million people worldwide. Just one partially effective drug is available, and new drugs and drug targets would be welcome. The 20S proteasome is a validated drug target for many parasitic infections, including those caused by Plasmodium and Leishmania. We previously showed that anticancer proteasome inhibitors that act through the Schistosoma mansoni 20S proteasome (Sm20S) kill the parasite in vitro. To advance these initial findings, we employed Multiplex Substrate Profiling by Mass Spectrometry (MSP-MS) to define the substrate cleavage specificities of the three catalytic β subunits of purified Sm20S. The profiles in turn were used to design and synthesize subunit-specific optimized substrates that performed two to eight fold better than the equivalent substrates used to measure the activity of the constitutive human proteasome (c20S). These specific substrates also eliminated the need to purify Sm20S from parasite extracts - a single step enrichment was sufficient to accurately measure substrate hydrolysis and its inhibition with proteasome inhibitors. Finally, we show that the substrate and inhibition profiles for the 20S proteasome from the three medically important schistosome species are similar, suggesting that data arising from an inhibitor development campaign that focuses on Sm20S can be extrapolated to the other two targets with consequent time and cost savings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenze Jiang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | | | - Chenxi Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Lawrence J. Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Danielle E. Skinner
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Ali Syed
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Steven C Wang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Anthony J. O’Donoghue
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de Souza Neto LR, Montoya BO, Brandão-Neto J, Verma A, Bowyer S, Moreira-Filho JT, Dantas RF, Neves BJ, Andrade CH, von Delft F, Owens RJ, Furnham N, Silva-Jr FP. Fragment library screening by X-ray crystallography and binding site analysis on thioredoxin glutathione reductase of Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1582. [PMID: 38238498 PMCID: PMC10796382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, which infect more than 200 million people. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the main drug for controlling schistosomiasis for over four decades, but despite that it is ineffective against juvenile worms and size and taste issues with its pharmaceutical forms impose challenges for treating school-aged children. It is also important to note that PZQ resistant strains can be generated in laboratory conditions and observed in the field, hence its extensive use in mass drug administration programs raises concerns about resistance, highlighting the need to search for new schistosomicidal drugs. Schistosomes survival relies on the redox enzyme thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), a validated target for the development of new anti-schistosomal drugs. Here we report a high-throughput fragment screening campaign of 768 compounds against S. mansoni TGR (SmTGR) using X-ray crystallography. We observed 49 binding events involving 35 distinct molecular fragments which were found to be distributed across 16 binding sites. Most sites are described for the first time within SmTGR, a noteworthy exception being the "doorstop pocket" near the NADPH binding site. We have compared results from hotspots and pocket druggability analysis of SmTGR with the experimental binding sites found in this work, with our results indicating only limited coincidence between experimental and computational results. Finally, we discuss that binding sites at the doorstop/NADPH binding site and in the SmTGR dimer interface, should be prioritized for developing SmTGR inhibitors as new antischistosomal drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Ribeiro de Souza Neto
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bogar Omar Montoya
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Brandão-Neto
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
| | - Anil Verma
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sebastian Bowyer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - José Teófilo Moreira-Filho
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rafael Ferreira Dantas
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol - Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- CRAFT - Center for Research and Advancement of Fragments and Molecular Targets, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frank von Delft
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, UK
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Raymond J Owens
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell, UK.
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Floriano Paes Silva-Jr
- LaBECFar - Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bottieau E, Mbow M, Brosius I, Roucher C, Gueye CT, Mbodj OT, Faye BT, De Hondt A, Smekens B, Arango D, Burm C, Tsoumanis A, Paredis L, Van Herrewege Y, Potters I, Richter J, Rosanas-Urgell A, Cissé B, Mboup S, Polman K. Antimalarial artesunate-mefloquine versus praziquantel in African children with schistosomiasis: an open-label, randomized controlled trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:130-137. [PMID: 38177851 PMCID: PMC10803269 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02719-4] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis treatment entirely relies on a single drug, praziquantel, prompting research into alternative therapeutics. Here we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the antimalarial combination artesunate-mefloquine for the treatment of schistosomiasis in a proof-of-concept, pragmatic, open-label, randomized controlled trial in primary schools of six villages endemic for schistosomiasis in northern Senegal. Children (6-14 years) were eligible if Schistosoma eggs were detected by microscopy in urine and/or stool. In total, 726 children were randomized 1:1 to praziquantel (standard care: 40 mg kg-1 single dose; n = 364) or to artesunate-mefloquine (antimalarial dosage: artesunate 4 mg kg-1 and mefloquine 8 mg kg-1 daily for three consecutive days; n = 362). Eight children not meeting the inclusion criteria were excluded from efficacy analysis. Median age of the remaining 718 participants was 9 years; 399 (55.6%) were male, and 319 (44.4%) female; 99.3% were infected with Schistosoma haematobium and 15.2% with S. mansoni. Primary outcomes were cure rate, assessed by microscopy, and frequency of drug-related adverse effects of artesunate-mefloquine versus praziquantel at 4 weeks after treatment. Cure rate was 59.6% (208/349) in the artesunate-mefloquine arm versus 62.1% (211/340) in the praziquantel arm. The difference of -2.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) -9.8 to 4.8) met the predefined criteria of noninferiority (margin set at 10%). All drug-related adverse events were mild or moderate, and reported in 28/361 children receiving artesunate-mefloquine (7.8%; 95% CI 5.4 to 11.0) versus 8/363 (2.2%; 95% CI 1.1 to 4.3) receiving praziquantel (P < 0.001). Artesunate-mefloquine at antimalarial dosage was moderately safe and noninferior to standard-care praziquantel for the treatment of schistosomiasis, predominantly due to S. haematobium. Multicentric trials in different populations and epidemiological settings are needed to confirm these findings. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03893097 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Moustapha Mbow
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
- Department of Immunology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Isabel Brosius
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Clémentine Roucher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Cheikh Tidiane Gueye
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ousmane Thiam Mbodj
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Babacar Thiendella Faye
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Annelies De Hondt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart Smekens
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Diana Arango
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Burm
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Achilleas Tsoumanis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Linda Paredis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yven Van Herrewege
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Idzi Potters
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joachim Richter
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Rosanas-Urgell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Badara Cissé
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Katja Polman
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kabatende J, Ntirenganya L, Mugisha M, Barry A, Ruberanziza E, Bienvenu E, Bergman U, Aklillu E. Efficacy of Single-Dose Praziquantel for the Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni Infections among School Children in Rwanda. Pathogens 2023; 12:1170. [PMID: 37764978 PMCID: PMC10536561 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Preventive chemotherapy with single-dose praziquantel is the WHO-recommended intervention strategy to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem in endemic countries. Surveillance of drugs used in mass drug administration (MDA) programs is recommended to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing transmissions. After a decade-long implementation of a school-based MDA program in Rwanda, we conducted efficacy surveillance of single-dose praziquantel MDA against S. mansoni infection. Two weeks before MDA, stool examinations were performed to screen MDA-eligible school children (n = 4998) for S. mansoni infection using the Kato-Katz technique, and 265 (6.5%) children tested positive for the infection. All children received praziquantel and albendazole as preventive chemotherapy through the MDA campaign. Infected children were enrolled and followed for efficacy monitoring, and stool examination was repeated after three weeks post-MDA (n = 188). Before treatment, 173 (92%) had a light infection, and 15 (8%) had a moderate infection intensity. The primary and secondary outcomes were parasitological cure and egg reduction rates at three weeks post-treatment. The overall cure and egg reduction rates for S. mansoni infection were 97.9% (95% CI = 94.6-99.4) and 97.02%, respectively. Among the 173 children with light infection intensity, 170 (98.3%, 95% CI = 95.0-99.6) were cured, and among the 15 children who had moderate infection intensity, 14 (93.3%) were cured. No significant association between cure rate and pre-treatment infection intensity was observed. We conclude that single-dose praziquantel is efficacious against light-to-moderate S. mansoni infection. Preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel effectively reduces schistosome reservoirs and transmission among school-age children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kabatende
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Widerströmska Huset, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lazare Ntirenganya
- Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali P.O. Box 1948, Rwanda
| | - Michael Mugisha
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, KK 737 St., Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda
| | - Abbie Barry
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Widerströmska Huset, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eugene Ruberanziza
- Neglected Tropical Disease and Other Parasitic Disease Unit, Rwanda Biomedical Center, KG 17 Ave., Kigali P.O. Box 4285, Rwanda
| | - Emile Bienvenu
- Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali P.O. Box 1948, Rwanda
| | - Ulf Bergman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Widerströmska Huset, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Detoni MB, Bortoleti BTDS, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Concato VM, Gonçalves MD, Silva TF, Ortiz LSF, Gomilde AC, Rodrigues ACJ, de Matos RLN, Bracarense APFRL, de Matos AMRN, Simão ANC, Endo TH, Kobayashi RKT, Nakazato G, Costa IN, Conchon-Costa I, Oliveira FJDA, Pavanelli WR, Miranda-Sapla MM. Biogenic silver nanoparticle exhibits schistosomicidal activity in vitro and reduces the parasitic burden in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105145. [PMID: 37120010 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease that affects millions of people, being the second most prevalent parasitic disease worldwide. The current treatment has limited effectiveness, drug-resistant strains, and is not effective in different stages of the disease. This study investigated the antischistosomal activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNp) against Schistosoma mansoni. Bio-AgNp presented direct schistosomicidal activity on newly transformed schistosomula causing plasma membrane permeabilization. In S. mansoni adult worms, reduced the viability and affected the motility, increasing oxidative stress parameters, and inducing plasma membrane permeabilization, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid bodies accumulation, and autophagic vacuoles formation. During the experimental schistosomiasis mansoni model, Bio AgNp restored body weight, reduced hepatosplenomegaly, and decrease the number of eggs and worms in feces and liver tissue. The treatment also ameliorates liver damage and reduces macrophage and neutrophil infiltrates. A reduction in count and size was evaluated in the granulomas, as well as a change to an exudative-proliferative phase, with a local increase of IFN-γ. Together our results showed that Bio-AgNp is a promising therapeutic candidate for studies of new therapeutic strategies against schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Barbosa Detoni
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Bruna Taciane da Silva Bortoleti
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology, Carlos Chagas Institute, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tomiotto-Pellissier
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology, Carlos Chagas Institute, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Marcia Concato
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biotransformation and Phytochemistry, Department of Chemistry, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Taylon Felipe Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luryan Silvério Fidélis Ortiz
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Amanda Caroliny Gomilde
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Jacob Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Luís Nascimento de Matos
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Andréa Name Colado Simão
- Clinical Analysis and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Thiago Hideo Endo
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Gerson Nakazato
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Milena Menegazzo Miranda-Sapla
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, University of Vale Do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rangel LS, Gomes KNF, Santos JAA, Faria RX. Bioactivity of substances isolated from natural products on mollusks Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) (Planorbidae): a review. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 83:e266526. [PMID: 37283371 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.266526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms of several species of the genus Schistosoma. Transmission occurs by parasitic larvae that stay in freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria. Thus, the search for new products that are biodegradable has increased the interest in products of plant origin. The aim of this article is to review the isolated substances from natural products that showed molluscicidal activity against the species Biomphalaria glabrata in order to reevaluate the most promising prototypes and update the progress of research to obtain a new molluscicide. We perform searches using scientific databases, such as Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Google schoolar, PUBMED, Web of Science and Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS). From 2000 to 2022, using the keywords "isolated substances", "molluscicidal activity" and "Biomphalaria glabrata". In the present study, it was possible to observe 19 promising molluscicidal molecules with a lethal concentration below 20 µg/mL. Of these promising isolates, only 5 isolates had the CL90 calculated and within the value recommended by WHO: Benzoic acid, 2',4',6'-Trihydroxydihydrochalcone, Divaricatic acid, Piplartine and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (Lapachol). We conclude that beyond a few results in the area, the researches don't follow the methodological pattern (exposure time and measure units, toxicity test), in this way, as they don't follow a pattern on the result's exposure (LC), not following, in sum, the recommended by WHO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L S Rangel
- Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - K N F Gomes
- Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - J A A Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - R X Faria
- Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Valli A, Achilonu I. Molecular dynamics-derived pharmacophores of Schistosoma glutathione transferase in complex with bromosulfophthalein: Screening and analysis of potential inhibitors. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 122:108457. [PMID: 37004419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma glutathione transferases (GSTs) have been identified as attractive drug targets for the design of novel antischistosomals. Here, we used in silico methods to validate the discriminative inhibitory properties of bromosulfophthalein (BSP) against the 26-kDa GST from S. japonicum (Sj26GST), and the 28-kDa GST from S. haematobium (Sh28GST), versus human GST (hGST) isoforms alpha (hGSTA), mu (hGSTM) and pi (hGSTP). The use of BSP as an archetypal selective inhibitor was harnessed to produce molecular dynamics-derived pharmacophores of the two targets. Pharmacophore-based screening using a large dataset of experimental and approved drug compounds was performed to produce a shortlist of candidates. The top candidate for each target was prioritised via molecular docking, yielding guanosine-3'-monophosphate-5'-diphosphate (G3D) for Sj26GST, and quercetin-3'-O-phosphate (Q3P) for Sh28GST. Comparative molecular dynamics studies of both candidates compared to BSP showed similar characteristics of binding stability and strength, suggesting their potential to emulate the inhibitory effects of BSP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akeel Valli
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Summers S, Bhattacharyya T, Allan F, Stothard JR, Edielu A, Webster BL, Miles MA, Bustinduy AL. A review of the genetic determinants of praziquantel resistance in Schistosoma mansoni: Is praziquantel and intestinal schistosomiasis a perfect match? FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.933097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by parasitic trematodes belonging to the Schistosoma genus. The mainstay of schistosomiasis control is the delivery of a single dose of praziquantel (PZQ) through mass drug administration (MDA) programs. These programs have been successful in reducing the prevalence and intensity of infections. Due to the success of MDA programs, the disease has recently been targeted for elimination as a public health problem in some endemic settings. The new World Health Organization (WHO) treatment guidelines aim to provide equitable access to PZQ for individuals above two years old in targeted areas. The scale up of MDA programs may heighten the drug selection pressures on Schistosoma parasites, which could lead to the emergence of PZQ resistant schistosomes. The reliance on a single drug to treat a disease of this magnitude is worrying should drug resistance develop. Therefore, there is a need to detect and track resistant schistosomes to counteract the threat of drug resistance to the WHO 2030 NTD roadmap targets. Until recently, drug resistance studies have been hindered by the lack of molecular markers associated with PZQ resistance. This review discusses recent significant advances in understanding the molecular basis of PZQ action in S. mansoni and proposes additional genetic determinants associated with PZQ resistance. PZQ resistance will also be analyzed in the context of alternative factors that may decrease efficacy within endemic field settings, and the most recent treatment guidelines recommended by the WHO.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ogongo P, Nyakundi RK, Chege GK, Ochola L. The Road to Elimination: Current State of Schistosomiasis Research and Progress Towards the End Game. Front Immunol 2022; 13:846108. [PMID: 35592327 PMCID: PMC9112563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.846108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The new WHO Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases targets the global elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem. To date, control strategies have focused on effective diagnostics, mass drug administration, complementary and integrative public health interventions. Non-mammalian intermediate hosts and other vertebrates promote transmission of schistosomiasis and have been utilized as experimental model systems. Experimental animal models that recapitulate schistosomiasis immunology, disease progression, and pathology observed in humans are important in testing and validation of control interventions. We discuss the pivotal value of these models in contributing to elimination of schistosomiasis. Treatment of schistosomiasis relies heavily on mass drug administration of praziquantel whose efficacy is comprised due to re-infections and experimental systems have revealed the inability to kill juvenile schistosomes. In terms of diagnosis, nonhuman primate models have demonstrated the low sensitivity of the gold standard Kato Katz smear technique. Antibody assays are valuable tools for evaluating efficacy of candidate vaccines, and sera from graded infection experiments are useful for evaluating diagnostic sensitivity of different targets. Lastly, the presence of Schistosomes can compromise the efficacy of vaccines to other infectious diseases and its elimination will benefit control programs of the other diseases. As the focus moves towards schistosomiasis elimination, it will be critical to integrate treatment, diagnostics, novel research tools such as sequencing, improved understanding of disease pathogenesis and utilization of experimental models to assist with evaluating performance of new approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ogongo
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ruth K Nyakundi
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gerald K Chege
- Primate Unit & Delft Animal Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucy Ochola
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Environmental Health, School of Behavioural and Lifestyle Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pereira de Araújo M, Sato MO, Sato M, Bandara WM KM, Coelho LFL, Souza RLM, Kawai S, Marques MJ. Unbalanced relationships: insights into the interaction between gut microbiota, geohelminths, and schistosomiasis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13401. [PMID: 35539016 PMCID: PMC9080432 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hosts and their microbiota and parasites have co-evolved in an adaptative relationship since ancient times. The interaction between parasites and intestinal bacteria in terms of the hosts' health is currently a subject of great research interest. Therapeutic interventions can include manipulations of the structure of the intestinal microbiota, which have immunological interactions important for modulating the host's immune system and for reducing inflammation. Most helminths are intestinal parasites; the intestinal environment provides complex interactions with other microorganisms in which internal and external factors can influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Moreover, helminths and intestinal microorganisms can modulate the host's immune system either beneficially or harmfully. The immune response can be reduced due to co-infection, and bacteria from the intestinal microbiota can translocate to other organs. In this way, the treatment can be compromised, which, together with drug resistance by the parasites makes healing even more difficult. Thus, this work aimed to understand interactions between the microbiota and parasitic diseases caused by the most important geohelminths and schistosomiasis and the consequences of these associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Pereira de Araújo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil,Laboratory of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Marcello Otake Sato
- Laboratory of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Megumi Sato
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Satoru Kawai
- Laboratory of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Walker M, Freitas LT, Halder JB, Brack M, Keiser J, King CH, Levecke B, Ai-Lian Lim Y, Pieri O, Sow D, Stothard JR, Webster JP, Zhou XN, Terry RF, Guérin PJ, Basáñez MG. Improving anthelmintic treatment for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases through sharing and reuse of individual participant data. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:5. [PMID: 35493199 PMCID: PMC9020536 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17468.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO, https://www.iddo.org) has launched a clinical data platform for the collation, curation, standardisation and reuse of individual participant data (IPD) on treatments for two of the most globally important neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs). This initiative aims to harness the power of data-sharing by facilitating collaborative joint analyses of pooled datasets to generate robust evidence on the efficacy and safety of anthelminthic treatment regimens. A crucial component of this endeavour has been the development of a Research Agenda to promote engagement with the SCH and STH research and disease control communities by highlighting key questions that could be tackled using data shared through the IDDO platform. Here, we give a contextual overview of the priority research themes articulated in the Research Agenda-a 'living' document hosted on the IDDO website-and describe the three-stage consultation process behind its development. We also discuss the sustainability and future directions of the platform, emphasising throughout the power and promise of ethical and equitable sharing and reuse of clinical data to support the elimination of NTDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luzia T. Freitas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia B. Halder
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Brack
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles H. King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Yvonne Ai-Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Otavio Pieri
- Laboratory of Health and Environment Education, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
| | - Doudou Sow
- Service de Parasitologie, Université Gaston Berger de Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Senegal
| | - J. Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joanne P. Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert F. Terry
- Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Siddiqui AJ, Khan MF, Hamadou WS, Goyal M, Jahan S, Jamal A, Ashraf SA, Sharma P, Sachidanandan M, Badraoui R, Chaubey KK, Snoussi M, Adnan M. Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Revealed Ivermectin as Potential Drug against Schistosoma-Associated Bladder Cancer Targeting Protein Signaling: Computational Drug Repositioning Approach. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:1058. [PMID: 34684095 PMCID: PMC8539496 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57101058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Urogenital schistosomiasis is caused by Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infection, which has been linked to the development of bladder cancer. In this study, three repurposing drugs, ivermectin, arteether and praziquantel, were screened to find the potent drug-repurposing candidate against the Schistosoma-associated bladder cancer (SABC) in humans by using computational methods. The biology of most glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) proteins and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is complex and multifaceted, according to recent evidence, and these proteins actively participate in many tumorigenic processes such as cell proliferation, cell survival and drug resistance. The VEGF and GSTs are now widely acknowledged as an important target for antitumor therapy. Thus, in this present study, ivermectin displayed promising inhibition of bladder cancer cells via targeting VEGF and GSTs signaling. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis revealed that ivermectin efficiently targeted the binding pockets of VEGF receptor proteins and possessed stable dynamics behavior at binding sites. Therefore, we proposed here that these compounds must be tested experimentally against VEGF and GST signaling in order to control SABC. Our study lies within the idea of discovering repurposing drugs as inhibitors against the different types of human cancers by targeting essential pathways in order to accelerate the drug development cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arif Jamal Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.H.); (A.J.); (R.B.); (M.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohammad Faheem Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College, Era University, Lucknow 226003, India;
| | - Walid Sabri Hamadou
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.H.); (A.J.); (R.B.); (M.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Manish Goyal
- Molecular Parasitology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India; (M.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Sadaf Jahan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Arshad Jamal
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.H.); (A.J.); (R.B.); (M.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Syed Amir Ashraf
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medial Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Pankaj Sharma
- Molecular Parasitology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India; (M.G.); (P.S.)
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Manojkumar Sachidanandan
- Department of Oral Radiology, College of Dentistry, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Riadh Badraoui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.H.); (A.J.); (R.B.); (M.S.); (M.A.)
- Section of Histology-Cytology, Medicine Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1017, Tunisia
| | - Kundan Kumar Chaubey
- Department of Biotechnology, Academic Block VI, GLA University, Mathura 281406, India;
| | - Mejdi Snoussi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.H.); (A.J.); (R.B.); (M.S.); (M.A.)
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biodiversity and Valorization of Bio-Resources (LR11ES41), University of Monastir, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Avenue Tahar Haddas BP74, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.H.); (A.J.); (R.B.); (M.S.); (M.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Optimal single sampling time-point for monitoring of praziquantel exposure in children. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17955. [PMID: 34504222 PMCID: PMC8429641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97409-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel pharmacokinetics studies in schistosomiasis infected children are scarce partly due to the challenges/complexity of intensive blood sampling in the target population. This study was aimed to investigate the optimal single sampling time-point for monitoring praziquantel exposure. This was intensive pharmacokinetic study conducted among 32 Schistosoma mansoni infected children treated with an oral standard single-dose 40 mg/kg praziquantel. Plasma samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-praziquantel administration. Quantification of praziquantel and its enantiomers (R- and S-praziquantel) concentrations was done by Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). The correlation between area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 8 h (AUC8) and plasma concentrations at each specific sampling time-point was determined by Pearson's correlation coefficient (r2). The median age (range) of the study population was 12.5 years (10-17). The study participants were 17 males and 15 females. Both total praziquantel and its enantiomers (R- and S-praziquantel) displayed a wide inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability. Regression analysis indicated that, plasma concentrations collected at 4 h post-dose had a significantly highest correlation with the AUC8 for both total praziquantel (r2 = 0.81, p < 0.001) and S-praziquantel (r2 = 0.84, p < 0.001) than any other sampling time-point; while for R-praziquantel, plasma concentrations collected at 6 h sampling time-point had a significantly highest correlation with the AUC8 (r2 = 0.79, p < 0.001) than any other sampling time-point. Four hours sampling time-point post-praziquantel administration is ideal optimal single sampling time-point for therapeutic monitoring of total praziquantel exposure while 6 h sampling time-point is suitable for monitoring of a pharmacologically active R-praziquantel enantiomer.
Collapse
|
16
|
Berger DJ, Crellen T, Lamberton PHL, Allan F, Tracey A, Noonan JD, Kabatereine NB, Tukahebwa EM, Adriko M, Holroyd N, Webster JP, Berriman M, Cotton JA. Whole-genome sequencing of Schistosoma mansoni reveals extensive diversity with limited selection despite mass drug administration. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4776. [PMID: 34362894 PMCID: PMC8346512 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24958-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Control and elimination of the parasitic disease schistosomiasis relies on mass administration of praziquantel. Whilst these programmes reduce infection prevalence and intensity, their impact on parasite transmission and evolution is poorly understood. Here we examine the genomic impact of repeated mass drug administration on Schistosoma mansoni populations with documented reduced praziquantel efficacy. We sequenced whole-genomes of 198 S. mansoni larvae from 34 Ugandan children from regions with contrasting praziquantel exposure. Parasites infecting children from Lake Victoria, a transmission hotspot, form a diverse panmictic population. A single round of treatment did not reduce this diversity with no apparent population contraction caused by long-term praziquantel use. We find evidence of positive selection acting on members of gene families previously implicated in praziquantel action, but detect no high frequency functionally impactful variants. As efforts to eliminate schistosomiasis intensify, our study provides a foundation for genomic surveillance of this major human parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan J Berger
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK.
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, UK.
| | - Thomas Crellen
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, UK
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Poppy H L Lamberton
- Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, UK
- Institute for Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine, and Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fiona Allan
- The Natural History Museum, Department of Life Sciences, London, UK
| | - Alan Tracey
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Jennifer D Noonan
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Narcis B Kabatereine
- Vector Borne & Neglected Tropical Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edridah M Tukahebwa
- Vector Borne & Neglected Tropical Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Adriko
- Vector Borne & Neglected Tropical Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, UK.
- Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, UK.
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK.
| | - James A Cotton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abou-El-Naga IF, El-Temsahy MM, Mogahed NMFH, Sheta E, Makled S, Ibrahim EI. Effect of celecoxib against different developmental stages of experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. Acta Trop 2021; 218:105891. [PMID: 33773944 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to the high prevalence of schistosomiasis and the wide use of praziquantel solely for mass drug administration to control the disease, there is a great concern about the potential emergence of reduced susceptibility strains. This, together with the concern that praziquantel is ineffective against juvenile worms highlight the importance of developing an alternative anti-schistosomal drug. Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs against schistosome infection is considerable. The present study evaluated the effect of oral administration of five days celecoxib regimen (20 mg/kg/day) against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni infection. This regimen induced significant reduction in worm burden, tissue egg count, individual female fecundity and the mean percentage of immature and mature eggs with increased mean percentage of dead eggs. More importantly, celecoxib was more potent than praziquantel in all these parasitological parameters (except in the worm burden when given against the adult stage where the difference was statistically non-significant). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the adult worms revealed severe tegumental damage, laceration of the muscular layers and oedema of the syncytial layer. There was disruption of the testicular, ovarian and vitelline glandular tissues with signs of apoptosis and abnormalities of the spermatozoa and the oocytes. Additionally, celecoxib induced reduction in the number and the size of the hepatic granulomata and also amelioration of the hepatic tissue pathology.
Collapse
|
18
|
Minzi OM, Mnkugwe RH, Ngaimisi E, Kinung’hi S, Hansson A, Pohanka A, Kamuhabwa A, Aklillu E. Effect of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine on the Pharmacokinetics of Praziquantel for Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni Infection. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050400. [PMID: 33922522 PMCID: PMC8145331 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) combination recently showed superior effectiveness than PZQ alone to treat intestinal schistosomiasis. In this follow-up study, we investigated the effect of DHP co-administration on the pharmacokinetics of PZQ and its enantiomers among 64 Schistosoma mansoni infected children treated with PZQ alone (n = 32) or PZQ + DHP combination (n = 32). Plasma samples collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h post-dose were quantified using UPLCMS/MS. The geometric mean (GM) of AUCs for total PZQ, R-PZQ and S-PZQ were significantly higher among children who received PZQ + DHP than PZQ alone. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) and (90% CI) of AUC0–∞ for PZQ + DHP to PZQ for total PZQ, R-PZQ, and S-PZQ were 2.18 (1.27, 3.76), 3.98 (2.27, 7.0) and 1.86 (1.06, 3.28), respectively. The GMR and (90% CI) of AUC0–8 for total PZQ, R-PZQ, and S-PZQ were 1.73 (1.12, 2.69), 2.94 (1.75, 4.92), and 1.50 (0.97, 2.31), respectively. The GM of Cmax for total PZQ, R-PZQ and S-PZQ were significantly higher among those who received PZQ + DHP than PZQ alone. The GMR (90% CI) of Cmax of PZQ + DHP to PZQ for total PZQ, R-PZQ, and S-PZQ were 1.75 (1.15, 2.65), 3.08 (1.91, 4.96), and 1.50 (1.0, 2.25%), respectively. The 90% CI of the GMRs for both AUCs and Cmax for total PZQ, R-PZQ, and S-PZQ were outside the acceptable 0.80–1.25 range, indicating that the two treatment arms were not bioequivalent. DHP co-administration significantly increases systemic PZQ exposure, and this may contribute to increased effectiveness of PZQ + DHP combination therapy than PZQ alone to treat schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omary Mashiku Minzi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 11103 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; (O.M.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Rajabu Hussein Mnkugwe
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (R.H.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 11103 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eliford Ngaimisi
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Division of Pharmacometrics, Food and Drugs Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA;
| | - Safari Kinung’hi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, 33104 Mwanza, Tanzania;
| | - Anna Hansson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Anton Pohanka
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (R.H.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Appolinary Kamuhabwa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 11103 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; (O.M.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (R.H.M.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-73-511-6131
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mawa PA, Kincaid-Smith J, Tukahebwa EM, Webster JP, Wilson S. Schistosomiasis Morbidity Hotspots: Roles of the Human Host, the Parasite and Their Interface in the Development of Severe Morbidity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635869. [PMID: 33790908 PMCID: PMC8005546 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most important human parasitic disease in terms of socioeconomic impact, causing great morbidity and mortality, predominantly across the African continent. For intestinal schistosomiasis, severe morbidity manifests as periportal fibrosis (PPF) in which large tracts of macro-fibrosis of the liver, visible by ultrasound, can occlude the main portal vein leading to portal hypertension (PHT), sequelae such as ascites and collateral vasculature, and ultimately fatalities. For urogenital schistosomiasis, severe morbidity manifests as pathology throughout the urinary system and genitals, and is a definitive cause of squamous cell bladder carcinoma. Preventative chemotherapy (PC) programmes, delivered through mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel (PZQ), have been at the forefront of schistosomiasis control programmes in sub-Saharan Africa since their commencement in Uganda in 2003. However, despite many successes, 'biological hotspots' (as distinct from 'operational hotspots') of both persistent high transmission and morbidity remain. In some areas, this failure to gain control of schistosomiasis has devastating consequences, with not only persistently high infection intensities, but both "subtle" and severe morbidity remaining prevalent. These hotspots highlight the requirement to revisit research into severe morbidity and its mechanisms, a topic that has been out of favor during times of PC implementation. Indeed, the focality and spatially-structured epidemiology of schistosomiasis, its transmission persistence and the morbidity induced, has long suggested that gene-environmental-interactions playing out at the host-parasite interface are crucial. Here we review evidence of potential unique parasite factors, host factors, and their gene-environmental interactions in terms of explaining differential morbidity profiles in the human host. We then take the situation of schistosomiasis mansoni within the Albertine region of Uganda as a case study in terms of elucidating the factors behind the severe morbidity observed and the avenues and directions for future research currently underway within a new research and clinical trial programme (FibroScHot).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrice A. Mawa
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council-Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Kincaid-Smith
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences (PPS), Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joanne P. Webster
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences (PPS), Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, United Kingdom
| | - Shona Wilson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schistosoma mansoni alter transcription of immunomodulatory gene products following in vivo praziquantel exposure. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009200. [PMID: 33657133 PMCID: PMC7959349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis relies almost entirely on praziquantel (PZQ) monotherapy. How PZQ clears parasite infections remains poorly understood. Many studies have examined the effects of PZQ on worms cultured in vitro, observing outcomes such as muscle contraction. However, conditions worms are exposed to in vivo may vary considerably from in vitro experiments given the short half-life of PZQ and the importance of host immune system engagement for drug efficacy in animal models. Here, we investigated the effects of in vivo PZQ exposure on Schistosoma mansoni. Measurement of pro-apoptotic caspase activation revealed that worm death occurs only after parasites shift from the mesenteric vasculature to the liver, peaking 24 hours after drug treatment. This indicates that PZQ is not directly schistocidal, since PZQ’s half-life is ~2 hours in humans and ~30 minutes in mice, and focuses attention on parasite interactions with the host immune system following the shift of worms to the liver. RNA-Seq of worms harvested from mouse livers following sub-lethal PZQ treatment revealed drug-evoked changes in the expression of putative immunomodulatory and anticoagulant gene products. Several of these gene products localized to the schistosome esophagus and may be secreted into the host circulation. These include several Kunitz-type protease inhibitors, which are also found in the secretomes of other blood feeding animals. These transcriptional changes may reflect mechanisms of parasite immune-evasion in response to chemotherapy, given the role of complement-mediated attack and the host innate/humoral immune response in parasite elimination. One of these isoforms, SmKI-1, has been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-coagulant properties. These data provide insight into the effect of in vivo PZQ exposure on S. mansoni, and the transcriptional response of parasites to the stress of chemotherapy. The disease schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms that live within the circulatory system. While this disease infects over 200 million people worldwide, treatment relies almost entirely on one drug, praziquantel, whose mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the effects of praziquantel treatment on the gene expression of parasites harvested from mice treated with praziquantel chemotherapy. Despite the rapid action of the drug on worms in vitro, we found that key outcomes in vivo (measurement of cell death and changes in gene expression) occurred relatively late (12+ hours after drug administration). We found that worms increased the expression of immunomodulatory gene products in response to praziquantel, including a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor that localized to the worm esophagus and may be secreted to the external host environment. These are an intriguing class of proteins, because they display anti-coagulant and immunomodulatory properties. Up-regulation of these gene products may reflect a parasite mechanism of immune-evasion in response to chemotherapy. This research provides insight into the mechanism of praziquantel by observing the effect of this drug on worms within the context of the host immune system.
Collapse
|
21
|
Ghazy RM, Tahoun MM, Abdo SM, El-Badry AA, Hamdy NA. Evaluation of Praziquantel Effectivenss After Decades of Prolonged Use in an Endemic Area in Egypt. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:81-90. [PMID: 32729003 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Praziquantel (PZQ) is the preferred drug for schistomiasis treatment because of its safety. As PZQ is used for mass drug administration (MDA) in schistosomiasis endemic areas, the effectiveness of the drug, used solely for decades, should be continuously monitored to detect drug resistance. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of PZQ to cure Schistosoma mansoni infection and to reduce the intensity of infection in an endemic area by estimating the cure rate (CR), egg reduction rate (ERR), and comparing these estimates to the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). METHODS A total of 342 children aged 5-15 years living in Kafr-El-Sheikh were screened for S. mansoni infection. Stool samples were examined microscopically using Kato-Katz (KK) technique. Among the screened children, 106 children had S. mansoni ova in stool, 100 of them received the first dose of PZQ (40 mg/kg). Four weeks later, 96 of 100 children received the second dose of PZQ. Stool samples, collected 4 weeks after each dose of PZQ, were examined using KK. The effectiveness of PZQ was assessed based on ERR and CR. RESULTS CR after the first dose of PZQ was 66.7%, increased to 79.12% after second dose (X2 = 3.05, P = 0.08). Median egg count before treatment was 30.00 (6.00-744), that significantly decreased after two doses of PZQ to 0.00 (0.00-221.33) (Z = 8.29, P = 0.001). Children aged 10-15 years showed higher CR (91.3%) than those aged 5-9 years (OR = 5.25, CI 1.58-17.40). CONCLUSIONS PZQ is still an effective agent against S. mansoni in endemic areas, achieving a high CR and ERR with predominantly low intensity of infection. Age is a main predictor of response to PZQ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mostafa Tahoun
- Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah Mohamed Abdo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ayman A El-Badry
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noha Alaa Hamdy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Antischistosomal properties of aurone derivatives against juvenile and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105741. [PMID: 33159900 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease caused by helminth flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, affecting over 240 million people in more than 70 countries. The treatment relies on a single drug, praziquantel, making urgent the discovery of new compounds. Aurones are a natural type of flavonoids that display interesting pharmacological activities, particularly as chemotherapeutic agents against parasites. In pursuit of treatment alternatives, the present work conducted an in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal investigation with aurone derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni. After preparation of aurone derivatives and their in vitro evaluation on adult schistosomes, the three most active aurones were evaluated in cytotoxicity and haemolytic assays, as well as in confocal laser-scanning microscope studies, showing tegumental damage in parasites in a concentration-dependent manner with no haemolytic or cytotoxic potential toward mammalian cells. In a mouse model of schistosomiasis, at a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg, the selected aurones showed worm burden reductions of 35% to 65.0% and egg reductions of 25% to 70.0%. The most active thiophenyl aurone derivative 18, unlike PZQ, had efficacy in mice harboring juvenile S. mansoni, also showing significant inhibition of oviposition by parasites, giving support for the antiparasitic potential of aurones as lead compounds for novel antischistosomal drugs.
Collapse
|
23
|
King CH, Binder S, Shen Y, Whalen CC, Campbell CH, Wiegand RE, Olsen A, Secor WE, Montgomery SP, Musuva R, Mwinzi PNM, Magnussen P, Kinung'hi S, Andrade GN, Ezeamama AE, Colley DG. SCORE Studies on the Impact of Drug Treatment on Morbidity due to Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium Infection. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:30-35. [PMID: 32400348 PMCID: PMC7351303 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research (SCORE) was funded in 2008 to improve the evidence base for control and elimination of schistosomiasis—better understanding of the systemic morbidities experienced by children in schistosomiasis-endemic areas and the response of these morbidities to treatment, being essential for updating WHO guidelines for mass drug administration (MDA) in endemic areas. This article summarizes the SCORE studies that aimed to gauge the impact of MDA-based treatment on schistosomiasis-related morbidities. Morbidity cohort studies were embedded in the SCORE’s larger field studies of gaining control of schistosomiasis in Kenya and Tanzania. Following MDA, cohort children had less undernutrition, less portal vein dilation, and increased quality of life in Year 5 compared with baseline. We also conducted a pilot study of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-2) in conjunction with the Kenya gaining control study, which demonstrated beneficial effects of treatment on classroom behavior. In addition, the SCORE’s Rapid Answers Project performed systematic reviews of previously available data, providing two meta-analyses related to morbidity. The first documented children’s infection-related deficits in school attendance and achievement and in formal tests of learning and memory. The second showed that greater reductions in egg output following drug treatment correlates significantly with reduced odds of most morbidities. Overall, these SCORE morbidity studies provided convincing evidence to support the use of MDA to improve the health of school-aged children in endemic areas. However, study findings also support the need to use enhanced metrics to fully assess and better control schistosomiasis-associated morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles H King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Sue Binder
- Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Christopher C Whalen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Carl H Campbell
- Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ryan E Wiegand
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Parasitic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Annette Olsen
- Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Pathobiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - William Evan Secor
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Parasitic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan P Montgomery
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Parasitic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rosemary Musuva
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Pauline N M Mwinzi
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Safari Kinung'hi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Gisele N Andrade
- Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Amara E Ezeamama
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Daniel G Colley
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.,Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Schiff bases of 4-Phenyl-2-Aminothiazoles as hits to new antischistosomals: Synthesis, in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 150:105371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
25
|
Abstract
While disease and outbreaks are mainly clonal for bacteria and other asexually reproducing organisms, sexual reproduction in schistosomes and other helminths usually results in unique individuals. For sexually reproducing organisms, the traits conserved in clones will instead be conserved in the group of organisms that tends to breed together, the population. While the same tools are applied to characterize DNA, how results are interpreted can be quite different at times (see another article in this collection, http://www.asmscience.org/content/journal/microbiolspec/10.1128/microbiolspec.AME-0002-2018). It is difficult to know what the real effect any control program has on the parasite population without assessing the health of this population, how they respond to the control measure, and how they recover, if they do. This review, part of the Microbiology Spectrum Curated Collection: Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, concentrates on one approach using pooled samples to study schistosome populations and shows how this and other approaches have contributed to our understanding of this parasite family's biology and epidemiology. *This article is part of a curated collection.
Collapse
|
26
|
Efficacy and Safety of Praziquantel for Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni Infection among School Children in Tanzania. Pathogens 2019; 9:pathogens9010028. [PMID: 31892235 PMCID: PMC7168679 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-dose targeted praziquantel preventive chemotherapy is the WHO-recommended intervention for schistosomiasis control in endemic countries. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of single-dose praziquantel among Schistosoma mansoni-infected children in north-western Tanzania. A prospective safety and efficacy surveillance study was conducted among 341 school-going children treated with a single-dose praziquantel 40 mg/kg body weight. Socio-demographic, pre-treatment, and post-treatment stool examination and safety data were collected. The primary and secondary outcomes were treatment efficacy (parasitological cure and egg reduction rates at three weeks post-treatment) and treatment-related adverse events, respectively. The overall cure rate and egg reduction rate were 81.2% (76.8–85.3%) and 95.0% (92.7–97.3%), respectively. There was no significant association between cure rate and pre-treatment infection intensity. The incidence of treatment-associated adverse events was 28.5% (23.7–33.3%), with abdominal pain being the most common. Post-treatment abdominal pain and vomiting were significantly associated with pre-treatment infection intensity (p < 0.001) and anemia (p = 0.03), respectively. Praziquantel single-dose is still safe and efficacious against Schistosoma mansoni infection. However, the lack of cure in about one-fifth and adverse events in a quarter, of the infected children indicate the need for close praziquantel safety monitoring and treatment optimization research to improve efficacy.
Collapse
|
27
|
Insufficiency of annual praziquantel treatment to control Schistosoma mansoni infections in adult women: A longitudinal cohort study in rural Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007844. [PMID: 31751333 PMCID: PMC6894890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend annual mass drug administration using praziquantel in areas with high schistosome endemicity. Yet little is known about incidence and reinfection rates after treatment in women with frequent exposure to schistosomes. We sought to quantify response to anti-schistosome treatment and incident S. mansoni infections in a cohort of rural women living in a schistosome-endemic area of northwest Tanzania. Methods and principal findings We enrolled women with and without S. mansoni infection into a 12-month longitudinal cohort. Every 3 months, women were tested for schistosome infection using microscopic examinations for ova on filtered urine, Kato Katz slides, and serum Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA). Those with schistosome infection received treatment with praziquantel 40 mg/kg according to the standard of care. We studied 35 women who were S. mansoni positive by stool microscopy and 46 women without schistosome infection who returned for at least one follow-up. Of the women who were initially infected, 14 (40%) were schistosome-positive at a follow-up visit. Four women developed incident infections, for a cumulative incidence of 8.7% and incidence rate of 0.99 per 100 person-months throughout the year among initially uninfected women. Only 3 women were egg-positive at any follow-up. Women with persistent, recurrent, or incident infection during the study period were significantly younger (p = 0.032) and had fewer children than women who remained uninfected or those who cleared the infection and did not experience recurrence (p = 0.003). Having fewer children remained significant after controlling for age (p = 0.023). There was no difference in initial intensity of infection by CAA or stool egg count, HIV status, or socioeconomic status. Although most water contact behaviors were comparable between the two groups, women with recurrent or incident schistosome infections were significantly more likely to have recently swum in the lake (p = 0.023). Conclusions Our data suggests that annual praziquantel treatment reduces intensity of schistosome infections but is insufficient in providing stable parasite eradication in over a third of women in endemic communities. Furthermore, microscopy lacks adequate sensitivity to evaluate efficacy of treatment in this population. Our work demonstrates that further investigation into treatment efficacy and reinfection rates is warranted and suggests that increased frequency of praziquantel treatment is needed to improve cure rates in high-risk populations. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated water that primarily affects the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Previous studies in Tanzania have shown that adult women infected with schistosomes also have a higher risk of contracting HIV. Although it is recommended that people living in areas where they are exposed to schistosomes be treated with praziquantel once a year, the rate of new infections or reinfection after treatment in adult women is not known. We followed a group of schistosome-infected women and an uninfected control group for 12 months. They were tested for schistosomes every 3 months, and treated with praziquantel if they were infected. Over 40% of the women tested positive for schistosome infection at some point during the follow-up period, and the majority of them were from the group that was infected at the beginning of the study. These women may not have fully cleared the infection after one treatment, or they may be more susceptible to reinfection due to variations in their immune systems. Further studies are recommended to investigate whether a higher frequency of treatment is needed to control schistosome infection in adult women, especially given that reducing schistosome infection may help to reduce HIV risk in populations similar to ours.
Collapse
|
28
|
Non-sedating benzodiazepines cause paralysis and tissue damage in the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007826. [PMID: 31730614 PMCID: PMC6881066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic flatworm infections (e.g. tapeworms and fluke worms) are treated by a limited number of drugs. In most cases, control is reliant upon praziquantel (PZQ) monotherapy. However, PZQ is ineffective against sexually immature parasites, and there have also been several concerning reports on cestode and trematode infections with poor PZQ cure-rates, emphasizing the need for alternative therapies to treat these infections. We have revisited a series of benzodiazepines given the anti-schistosomal activity of meclonazepam (MCLZ). MCLZ was discovered in the 1970's but was not brought to market due to dose-limiting sedative side effects. However, in the decades since there have been advances in our understanding of the benzodiazepine GABAA receptor sub-types that drive sedation and the development of sub-type selective, non-sedating ligands. Additionally, the sequencing of flatworm genomes reveals that parasitic trematodes and cestodes have lost GABAAR-like ligand gated anion channels, indicating that MCLZ's anti-parasitic target is distinct from the human receptors that drive sedation. Therefore, we have screened a library of classical and non-sedating 1,4-benzodiazepines against Schistosoma mansoni and identified a series of imidazobenzodiazepines that immobilize worms in vitro. One of these hits, Xhe-II-048 also disrupted the parasite tegument, resulting in extensive vacuole formation beneath the apical membrane. The hit compound series identified has a dramatically lower (~1000×) affinity for the human central benzodiazepine binding site and is a promising starting point for the development of novel anti-schistosomal benzodiazepines with minimal host side-effects.
Collapse
|
29
|
Rando DG, da Costa MO, Pavani TF, Oliveira T, dos Santos PF, Amorim CR, Pinto PL, de Brito MG, Silva MP, Roquini DB, de Moraes J. Vanillin-Related N-Acylhydrazones: Synthesis, Antischistosomal Properties and Target Fishing Studies. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1241-1251. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190620163237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease, which affects millions of people in developing
countries. Its treatment relies on a single therapeutic alternative, the praziquantel. This situation
may lead to drug resistance which, in turn, made urgent the need for new antischistosomal agents. Nacylhydrazones
are usually explored as good antimicrobial agents, but the vanillin-related N-acylhydrazones
have never been tested by their antiparasitic potential.
Objective:
Herein, we report the synthesis of seven analogues, three of them unpublished, their biological
investigation against Schistosoma mansoni and Target Fishing studies.
Methods:
The compounds were synthesized following classical synthetical approaches. The anthelmintic
potential was assessed as well as their cytotoxicity profile. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and target
fishing study were performed to better understand the observed antischistosomal activity.
Results:
Compound GPQF-407 exhibited good antischistosomal activity (47.91 µM) with suitable selectivity
index (4.14). Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that it triggered severe tegumental destruction
and tubercle disintegration. Target fishing studies pointed out some probable targets, such as the
serine-threonine kinases, dihydroorotate dehydrogenases and carbonic anhydrase II.
Conclusion:
The GPQF-407 was revealed to be a promising antischistosomal agent which, besides presenting
the N-acylhydrazone privileged scaffold, also could be easily synthesized on large scales from
commercially available materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela G.G. Rando
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela O.L. da Costa
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais F.A. Pavani
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Oliveira
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Paloma F. dos Santos
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Carina R. Amorim
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro L.S. Pinto
- Nucleo de Enteroparasitas, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana G. de Brito
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos P.N. Silva
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel B. Roquini
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
El-Beshbishi SN, Saleh NE, Abd el-mageed SA, El-nemr HEDE, Abdalla HA, Shebl AM, Taman A. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids administered as monotherapy or combined with artemether on experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. Acta Trop 2019; 194:62-68. [PMID: 30910394 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is on the top list of endemic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment of human schistosomiasis. Yet, the sole dependence on the drug raises concerns about the potential for increased drug resistance, which would subsequently result in searching for alternative preventive chemotherapy options, ideally among natural compounds. Therefore, we conducted this work to assess the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [(ω-3) PUFAs] monotherapy or combined therapy with artemether (ART) against Schistosoma mansoni infection in a mouse model. A total of 42 mice were divided into 4 groups and infected with 50 ± 5 S. mansoni cercariae for 10 weeks. Mice were treated orally with either (ω-3) PUFAs as 273 mg/ kg, 4 times/ week throughout the experiment, ART as a single dose of 400 mg/ kg, 3 weeks post-infection, or combined ART + (ω-3) PUFAs using the same respective treatment regimen, while infected untreated mice were served as controls. The study explored that combined administration of (ω-3) PUFAs and ART has the best schistosomicidal efficacy as it significantly reduced liver and spleen indices, worm count, egg burdens, and granulomas count as well as diameter. Besides, the combined regimen was associated with a significant decrease in both hepatic nitric oxide and serum interleukin-4 level. The results highlighted the possibility of using (ω-3) PUFA combined with ART as a novel anti-schistosomal combination therapy. However, further researches should be conducted to clarify the possible synergistic mechanism/s between the two natural compounds.
Collapse
|
31
|
In vitro schistosomicidal activity of tamoxifen and its effectiveness in a murine model of schistosomiasis at a single dose. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1625-1631. [PMID: 30798369 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting 220 million people worldwide. Praziquantel has proven to be effective against this parasitic disease, though there are increasing concerns regarding tolerance/resistance that calls for new drugs. Repurposing already existing and well-known drugs has been a desirable approach since it reduces time, costs, and ethical concerns. The anti-cancer drug tamoxifen (TAM) has been used worldwide for several decades to treat and prevent breast cancer. Previous reports stated that TAM affects Schistosoma hormonal physiology; however, no controlled schistosomicidal in vivo assays have been conducted. In this work, we evaluated the effect of TAM on female and male Schistosoma mansoni morphology, motility, and egg production. We further assessed worm survival and egg production in S. mansoni-infected mice. TAM induced morphological alterations in male and female parasites, as well as in eggs in vitro. Furthermore, in our in vivo experiments, one single dose of intraperitoneal TAM citrate reduced the total worm burden by 73% and led to a decrease in the amount of eggs in feces and low percentages of immature eggs in the small intestine wall. Eggs obtained from TAM citrate-treated mice were reduced in size and presented hyper-vacuolated structures. Our results suggest that TAM may be repurposed as a therapeutic alternative against S. mansoni infections.
Collapse
|
32
|
Botros SS, William S, Sabra ANA, El-Lakkany NM, Seif El-Din SH, García-Rubia A, Sebastián-Pérez V, Blaazer AR, de Heuvel E, Sijm M, Zheng Y, Salado IG, Munday JC, Maes L, de Esch IJP, Sterk GJ, Augustyns K, Leurs R, Gil C, De Koning HP. Screening of a PDE-focused library identifies imidazoles with in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 9:35-43. [PMID: 30669086 PMCID: PMC6350229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We report the evaluation of 265 compounds from a PDE-focused library for their antischistosomal activity, assessed in vitro using Schistosoma mansoni. Of the tested compounds, 171 (64%) displayed selective in vitro activity, with 16 causing worm hypermotility/spastic contractions and 41 inducing various degrees of worm killing at 100 μM, with the surviving worms displaying sluggish movement, worm unpairing and complete absence of eggs. The compounds that did not affect worm viability (n = 72) induced a complete cessation of ovipositing. 82% of the compounds had an impact on male worms whereas female worms were barely affected. In vivo evaluation in S. mansoni-infected mice with the in vitro 'hit' NPD-0274 at 20 mg/kg/day orally for 5 days resulted in worm burden reductions of 29% and intestinal tissue egg load reduction of 35% at 10 days post-treatment. Combination of praziquantel (PZQ) at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 days with NPD-0274 or NPD-0298 resulted in significantly higher worm killing than PZQ alone, as well as a reduction in intestinal tissue egg load, disappearance of immature eggs and an increase in the number of dead eggs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Nasser A Sabra
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Sayed H Seif El-Din
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | | | | | - Antoni R Blaazer
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Erik de Heuvel
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Sijm
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Yang Zheng
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | | | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | | | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Geert J Sterk
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob Leurs
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Corrêa SDAP, de Oliveira RN, Mendes TMF, Dos Santos KR, Boaventura S, Garcia VL, Jeraldo VDLS, Allegretti SM. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of six artemisinin derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:505-516. [PMID: 30617587 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical neglected disease whose socioeconomic impact is surpassed only by malaria. Until recently, praziquantel (PZQ) has been the only available drug, raising concerns that tolerant/resistant strains may appear. Since the discovery of the schistosomicidal potential of artemisinin (ART), new derivatives have been produced and evaluated. In this work, we evaluated the activity of ART derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni, both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro assay, worm survival, oviposition, and morphological alterations were evaluated. Further analysis of morphological alterations and membrane integrity was conducted using scanning electron microscopy and a cell-permeable, benzimidazole dye (Hoescht 33258) that binds to the minor groove of double stranded DNA. For the in vivo assay, artesunic acid (AcART) and dihydroartemisinin acetate (AcDQHS) were selected, since they showed the best in vitro results. Infected mice treated 21, 45, or 60 days post-infection (dpi), with a concentration of 100 mg/kg of either AcART or AcDQHS, showed a significant worm reduction (particularly in females), fewer eggs eliminated in feces, and a decrease of immature eggs in the intestinal tissues. Our results indicate that AcART and AcDQHS have some schistosomicidal activity against juvenile and adult stages of S. mansoni.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila de A P Corrêa
- Animal Biology Department, Biology Institute, Campinas State University (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosimeire N de Oliveira
- Animal Biology Department, Biology Institute, Campinas State University (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago M F Mendes
- Animal Biology Department, Biology Institute, Campinas State University (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Sinésio Boaventura
- Multidisciplinary Center of Chemical Biological and Agricultural Research (CPQBA), Campinas State University (UNICAMP), Paulínia, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Garcia
- Multidisciplinary Center of Chemical Biological and Agricultural Research (CPQBA), Campinas State University (UNICAMP), Paulínia, SP, Brazil
| | - Verónica de L S Jeraldo
- ITP, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Technology and Research, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Silmara M Allegretti
- Animal Biology Department, Biology Institute, Campinas State University (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Guidi A, Saccoccia F, Gennari N, Gimmelli R, Nizi E, Lalli C, Paonessa G, Papoff G, Bresciani A, Ruberti G. Identification of novel multi-stage histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors that impair Schistosoma mansoni viability and egg production. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:668. [PMID: 30587243 PMCID: PMC6307185 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3268-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel anti-schistosomal multi-stage drugs are needed because only a single drug, praziquantel, is available for the treatment of schistosomiasis and is poorly effective on larval and juvenile stages of the parasite. Schistosomes have a complex life-cycle and multiple developmental stages in the intermediate and definitive hosts. Acetylation and deacetylation of histones play pivotal roles in chromatin structure and in the regulation of transcription in eukaryotic cells. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors modulate acetylation of several other proteins localized both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm and therefore impact on many signaling networks and biological processes. Histone post-translational modifications may provide parasites with the ability to readily adapt to changes in gene expression required for their development and adaptation to the host environment. The aim of the present study was to screen a HDAC class I inhibitor library in order to identify and characterize novel multi-stage hit compounds. Methods We used a high-throughput assay based on the quantitation of ATP in the Schistosoma mansoni larval stage (schistosomula) and screened a library of 1500 class I HDAC inhibitors. Subsequently, a few hits were selected and further characterized by viability assays and phenotypic analyses on adult parasites by carmine red and confocal microscopy. Results Three compounds (SmI-124, SmI-148 and SmI-558) that had an effect on the viability of both the schistosomula larval stage and the adult worm were identified. Treatment with sub-lethal doses of SmI-148 and SmI-558 also decreased egg production. Moreover, treatment of adult parasites with SmI-148, and to a lesser extent Sm-124, was associated with histone hyperacetylation. Finally, SmI-148 and SmI-558 treatments of worm pairs caused a phenotype characterized by defects in the parasite reproductive system, with peculiar features in the ovary. In addition, SmI-558 induced oocyte- and vitelline cell-engulfment and signs of degeneration in the uterus and/or oviduct. Conclusions We report the screening of a small HDAC inhibitor library and the identification of three novel compounds which impair viability of the S. mansoni larval stage and adult pairs. These compounds are useful tools for studying deacetylase activity during parasite development and for interfering with egg production. Characterization of their specificity for selected S. mansoni versus human HDAC could provide insights that can be used in optimization and compound design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | - Nadia Gennari
- Biology Department, IRBM Science Park SpA, Pomezia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | - Emanuela Nizi
- Chemistry Department, IRBM Science Park SpA, Pomezia, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lalli
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | | | - Giuliana Papoff
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | | | - Giovina Ruberti
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Phytochemical Molluscicides and Schistosomiasis: What We Know and What We Still Need to Learn. Vet Sci 2018; 5:vetsci5040094. [PMID: 30404145 PMCID: PMC6313863 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci5040094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide schistosomiasis remains a serious public health problem with approximately 67 million people infected and 200 million at risk of infection from inhabiting or transiting endemically active regions. Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East are the main transmission regions of Schistosoma mansoni. The fight against transmission through the use of molluscicides is not recent and has been advocated as the only activity with the possibility of interruption of transmission in small, epidemiologically active outbreaks. Euphorbia milii var. hislopii (syn. splendens) (Des Moulins, 1826) is the most promising for use in official schistosomiasis control programs according to the WHO. In this review, we show that an understanding of some how E. milii latex affects the snail vector and their parasites from a molecular level to field conditions is lacking. On the other hand, this type of treatment could also provide a rationale for the control of schistosomiasis and other parasitosis. Several publications contribute to enforcing the use of E. milii latex in endemic countries as a cheap alternative or complement to mass drug treatment with praziquantel, the only available drug to cure the patients (without preventing re-infection).
Collapse
|
36
|
Pereira ASA, Amaral MS, Vasconcelos EJR, Pires DS, Asif H, daSilva LF, Morales-Vicente DA, Carneiro VC, Angeli CB, Palmisano G, Fantappie MR, Pierce RJ, Setubal JC, Verjovski-Almeida S. Inhibition of histone methyltransferase EZH2 in Schistosoma mansoni in vitro by GSK343 reduces egg laying and decreases the expression of genes implicated in DNA replication and noncoding RNA metabolism. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006873. [PMID: 30365505 PMCID: PMC6221359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The possibility of emergence of praziquantel-resistant Schistosoma parasites and the lack of other effective drugs demand the discovery of new schistosomicidal agents. In this context the study of compounds that target histone-modifying enzymes is extremely promising. Our aim was to investigate the effect of inhibition of EZH2, a histone methyltransferase that is involved in chromatin remodeling processes and gene expression control; we tested different developmental forms of Schistosoma mansoni using GKS343, a selective inhibitor of EZH2 in human cells. Methodology/Principal findings Adult male and female worms and schistosomula were treated with different concentrations of GSK343 for up to two days in vitro. Western blotting showed a decrease in the H3K27me3 histone mark in all three developmental forms. Motility, mortality, pairing and egg laying were employed as schistosomicidal parameters for adult worms. Schistosomula viability was evaluated with propidium iodide staining and ATP quantification. Adult worms showed decreased motility when exposed to GSK343. Also, an approximate 40% reduction of egg laying by GSK343-treated females was observed when compared with controls (0.1% DMSO). Scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of bulges and bubbles throughout the dorsal region of GSK343-treated adult worms. In schistosomula the body was extremely contracted with the presence of numerous folds, and growth was markedly slowed. RNA-seq was applied to identify the metabolic pathways affected by GSK343 sublethal doses. GSK343-treated adult worms showed significantly altered expression of genes related to transmembrane transport, cellular homeostasis and egg development. In females, genes related to DNA replication and noncoding RNA metabolism processes were downregulated. Schistosomula showed altered expression of genes related to cell adhesion and membrane synthesis pathways. Conclusions/Significance The results indicated that GSK343 presents in vitro activities against S. mansoni, and the characterization of EZH2 as a new potential molecular target establishes EZH2 inhibitors as part of a promising new group of compounds that could be used for the development of schistosomicidal agents. Schistosomiasis is a chronic and debilitating disease caused by a trematode of the genus Schistosoma. The current strategy for the control of the disease involves treatment with praziquantel, the only available drug. The development of new drugs is therefore a top priority. Drugs that inhibit histone modifying enzymes have been used in cancer, altering gene expression, replication, repair and DNA recombination. Schistosoma parasites have some characteristics similar to malignant tumors, such as intense cell division and high levels of metabolic activity. Here we evaluate in Schistosoma mansoni the effect of GSK343, an inhibitor of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 that had been shown to arrest or reduce the growth of human cancer cells. We show that GSK343 causes damage to the parasite tegument and reduces egg laying in vitro, concomitant with a decrease in levels of H3K27me3, the histone mark put in place by EZH2. RNA-seq and proteomic analyses of treated parasites showed changes in the expression of hundreds of genes involved in important metabolic processes. In females, a marked decrease was observed in the expression of genes related to processes such as DNA replication and noncoding RNA metabolism. In conclusion, the histone methyltransferase EZH2 seems to be a promising novel drug target against schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana S. A. Pereira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Murilo S. Amaral
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Elton J. R. Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - David S. Pires
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Huma Asif
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Lucas F. daSilva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - David A. Morales-Vicente
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Vitor C. Carneiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Claudia B. Angeli
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Glicoproteômica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Glicoproteômica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo R. Fantappie
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, CNRS UMR 8204, Inserm U1019, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - João C. Setubal
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Calcium Ion Channels: Roles in Infection and Sepsis Mechanisms of Calcium Channel Blocker Benefits in Immunocompromised Patients at Risk for Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092465. [PMID: 30134544 PMCID: PMC6164603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression may occur for a number of reasons related to an individual's frailty, debility, disease or from therapeutic iatrogenic intervention or misadventure. A large percentage of morbidity and mortality in immunodeficient populations is related to an inadequate response to infectious agents with slow response to antibiotics, enhancements of antibiotic resistance in populations, and markedly increased prevalence of acute inflammatory response, septic and infection related death. Given known relationships between intracellular calcium ion concentrations and cytotoxicity and cellular death, we looked at currently available data linking blockade of calcium ion channels and potential decrease in expression of sepsis among immunosuppressed patients. Notable are relationships between calcium, calcium channel, vitamin D mechanisms associated with sepsis and demonstration of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that may utilize channels sensitive to calcium channel blocker. We note that sepsis shock syndrome represents loss of regulation of inflammatory response to infection and that vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor, and klotho interact with sepsis defense mechanisms in which movement of calcium and phosphorus are part of the process. Given these observations we consider that further investigation of the effect of relatively inexpensive calcium channel blockade agents of infections in immunosuppressed populations might be worthwhile.
Collapse
|
38
|
Hailu T, Abera B, Mulu W, Alemu M, Yizengaw E, Genanew A. Efficacy of single dose albendazole and praziquantel drugs among helminth-infected school children at Rural Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia. Trop Doct 2018; 48:270-272. [PMID: 30001683 DOI: 10.1177/0049475518786835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The resistance of anthelminthic drugs makes helminth control difficult. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of single dose albendazole and praziquantel drugs among helminth-infected children. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June, 2017. Stool examination was done by the Formol-Ether concentration technique. Students infected with geohelminths and s chistosoma mansoni were treated with a single dose of albendazole and praziquantel, respectively. Post-treatment stool examination was performed after two weeks. The magnitude of parasite infection, percentage of egg count reduction and cure rate following treatment were calculated using descriptive statistics. A total of 409 Sebatamet primary school students were included. The total prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 58%. The cure rate of albendazole against hookworm was only 76.8%. Praziquantel had a 91.4% cure rate against Schistosoma mansoni. Therefore, periodic evaluation of the efficacy of anthelminthic drugs is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadesse Hailu
- 1 Associate Professor of Medical Parasitology, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
| | - Bayeh Abera
- 2 Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
| | - Wondemagegn Mulu
- 2 Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
| | - Megbaru Alemu
- 3 Assistant Professor of Medical Parasitology, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
| | - Endalew Yizengaw
- 4 Lecturer of Immunology, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
| | - Ashenafi Genanew
- 5 Lecturer of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
A single dose of the antineoplastics hydroxyurea or cisplatin has praziquantel-like effects on Schistosoma mansoni worms and host mouse liver. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 99:570-575. [PMID: 29902867 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing resistance to praziquantel, the only available antischistosomal drug, is always developed by schistosomes. The recent description of stem cell-like neoblasts in schistosomes led to the idea of applying antineoplastic drugs as antischistosomal agents that may inhibit stem cell divisions and retard worm regeneration. Here, we explored the in vitro and in vivo effect of some antineoplastic drugs on S. mansoni worm and the host mouse liver. S. mansoni worms' viability was tested after exposure to either praziquantel or one of the antitumor drugs (hydroxyurea, cisplatin, methotrexate, and colchicine) in vitro for 24 and 48 h. The effect of two of them (hydroxyurea and cisplatin) on worm burden, tegument ultrastructure, and host liver structure and function was tested in vivo in S. mansoni-infected mouse model. All drugs affected variably the worm burden in vitro. Hydroxyurea and cisplatin, like praziquantel, damaged the worm tegument, reduced worm burden, and viable schistosome eggs, decreased anti-schistosome IgG, reduced egg-induced hepatic granuloma size and cellularity, restored liver organization and improved liver function as represented by serum alanine aminotransferase and albumin. In conclusions, a single dose of hydroxyurea and cisplatin had anti-schistosome effects and may offer a safe promising alternative to control of schistosomiasis. A direct link between antitumor drugs and inhibition of schistosome neoblasts remains to be proven.
Collapse
|
40
|
de Oliveira RN, Ferreira PM, Calado M, Belo S, Afonso A, Garcia VL, Oliveira ASS, de Lourdes Sierpe Jeraldo V, dos Santos KR, Allegretti SM. Sesquiterpenes effects on DNA of Schistosoma mansoni after in vivo treatment. GENE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
41
|
Xiao SH, Sun J, Chen MG. Pharmacological and immunological effects of praziquantel against Schistosoma japonicum: a scoping review of experimental studies. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:9. [PMID: 29409536 PMCID: PMC5801800 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy for schistosomiasis has been around for 100 years. During the past century, great efforts have been made to develop new antischistosomal drugs from antimonials to nonantimonials, and some of these have been used extensively in clinical treatment. With the exception of a few drugs, such as oxamniquine and metrifonate, most of the antischistosomals developed in the pre-praziquantel period have variable limitations with respect to safety and efficacy. Although oxamniquine and metrifonate have been used for schistosomiasis control, they are only effective against Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively. Currently, praziquantel is the only drug used for treatment of all five species of human schistosomes. In this review, the pharmacological and immunological effects of praziquantel against S. japonicum are summarized and discussed. MAIN TEXT From the end of the 1970s until the 2000s, scientists have conducted a series of experimental studies on the effects of praziquantel against S. japonicum. These have included examining its unique pharmacological action on schistosomes, the characteristics in susceptibility of the different developmental stages of schistosomes to the drug, the relationship between plasma concentration of the drug and efficacy, the impact of host factors on cidal action of the drug, prevention and early treatment of schistosomal infection, as well as praziquantel-resistant schistosomiasis. CONCLUSION The effects of praziquantel against S. japonicum, as elucidated by the experimental studies that are reviewed in this paper, may have some reference significance for the development of new antischistosomals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hua Xiao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Sun
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Gang Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Prada JM, Touloupou P, Adriko M, Tukahebwa EM, Lamberton PHL, Hollingsworth TD. Understanding the relationship between egg- and antigen-based diagnostics of Schistosoma mansoni infection pre- and post-treatment in Uganda. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:21. [PMID: 29310695 PMCID: PMC5759883 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a major socio-economic and public health problem in many sub-Saharan African countries. After large mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, prevalence of infection rapidly returns to pre-treatment levels. The traditional egg-based diagnostic for schistosome infections, Kato-Katz, is being substituted in many settings by circulating antigen recognition-based diagnostics, usually the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen test (CCA). The relationship between these diagnostics is poorly understood, particularly after treatment in both drug-efficacy studies and routine monitoring. RESULTS We created a model of schistosome infections to better understand and quantify the relationship between these two egg- and adult worm antigen-based diagnostics. We focused particularly on the interpretation of "trace" results after CCA testing. Our analyses suggest that CCA is generally a better predictor of prevalence, particularly after treatment, and that trace CCA results are typically associated with truly infected individuals. CONCLUSIONS Even though prevalence rises to pre-treatment levels only six months after MDAs, our model suggests that the average intensity of infection is much lower, and is probably in part due to a small burden of surviving juveniles from when the treatment occurred. This work helps to better understand CCA diagnostics and the interpretation of post-treatment prevalence estimations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín M. Prada
- Department of Mathematics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Moses Adriko
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Poppy H. L. Lamberton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - T. Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Department of Mathematics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Weinrauch LA, Liu J, Claggett B, Finn PV, Weir MR, D’Elia JA. Calcium channel blockade and survival in recipients of successful renal transplant: an analysis of the FAVORIT trial results. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 2017; 11:1-7. [PMID: 29317843 PMCID: PMC5743121 DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s148517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Single-center and observational studies have suggested that calcium channel blocking agents may decrease the expression of sepsis in individual populations. In the renal transplant population, a role for calcium channel blockers in allograft protection and in prevention of sepsis has been postulated. We hypothesized that any important survival benefit or risk related to chronic use of calcium channel blocking agents should be discernable through an analysis of a large database of stable recipients of renal allografts who had enrolled in a large international trial. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 4,110 renal transplant recipients who enrolled in the international Folic Acid for Vascular Outcome Reduction in Transplantation trial between 2002 and 2007 and were followed until 2010 was undertaken comparing cohorts (FAVORIT) of patients either taking (n=1,436) or not taking (n=2,674) calcium channel blocking medications. The endpoint was all-cause mortality (cardiovascular, noncardiovascular mortality, or unknown). Results were adjusted for country, age, race, sex, smoker, systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, low-density lipoprotein, and chronic kidney disease status. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in incidence rates of cardiovascular, noncardiovascular, and all-cause mortality between patients taking or not taking calcium channel blocking medications. CONCLUSION Although physiologic reasoning and small series results suggest a benefit for calcium channel blocking agents for allograft protection and sepsis prevention in immunosuppressed patients, we find no clear survival benefit in a large international renal transplant trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larry A Weinrauch
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jiankang Liu
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
| | | | - Peter V Finn
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
| | - Matthew R Weir
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John A D’Elia
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Schistosoma mansoni : In vivo evaluation of Phyllanthus amarus hexanic and ethanolic extracts. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:56-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
45
|
Guidi A, Lalli C, Gimmelli R, Nizi E, Andreini M, Gennari N, Saccoccia F, Harper S, Bresciani A, Ruberti G. Discovery by organism based high-throughput screening of new multi-stage compounds affecting Schistosoma mansoni viability, egg formation and production. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005994. [PMID: 28985236 PMCID: PMC5646872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, one of the most prevalent neglected parasitic diseases affecting humans and animals, is caused by the Platyhelminthes of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosomes are the only trematodes to have evolved sexual dimorphism and the constant pairing with a male is essential for the sexual maturation of the female. Pairing is required for the full development of the two major female organs, ovary and vitellarium that are involved in the production of different cell types such as oocytes and vitellocytes, which represent the core elements of the whole egg machinery. Sexually mature females can produce a large number of eggs each day. Due to the importance of egg production for both life cycle and pathogenesis, there is significant interest in the search for new strategies and compounds not only affecting parasite viability but also egg production. Here we use a recently developed high-throughput organism-based approach, based on ATP quantitation in the schistosomula larval stage of Schistosoma mansoni for the screening of a large compound library, and describe a pharmacophore-based drug selection approach and phenotypic analyses to identify novel multi-stage schistosomicidal compounds. Interestingly, worm pairs treated with seven of the eight compounds identified show a phenotype characterized by defects in eggshell assemblage within the ootype and egg formation with degenerated oocytes and vitelline cells engulfment in the uterus and/or oviduct. We describe promising new molecules that not only impair the schistosomula larval stage but also impact juvenile and adult worm viability and egg formation and production in vitro. Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes. The disease affects hundreds of millions of people in developing countries in the poorest tropical and subtropical regions of the world and it represents a major public health and socio-economical problem in several countries. In humans, these blood flukes reside in the mesenteric and vesicle venules. They have a life span of many years and produce hundreds of eggs daily, which are able to pass through the gut lumen or the bladder to be finally excreted into the environment for maintaining the life cycle. Part of the eggs can be trapped in host tissues inducing immunologically mediated granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis leading eventually to severe sequelae such as hepatosplenomegaly and even death. Importantly, schistosome infections increase susceptibility to other parasitic, bacterial and viral diseases. To date, essentially a single drug, praziquantel, is available to treat this parasitic disease. Despite its high tolerability and efficacy against adult parasites it has an incomplete efficacy across all stages of the S. mansoni life cycle and it does not prevent reinfection. Moreover the potential risk of drug resistance is an increasing concern. In search of novel schistosomicidal molecules we screened a large compound collection using the schistosomula, larval stage of the parasite. We identified eight novel molecules able to impair viability of schistosomula, juvenile and adult worms and also egg formation and production, two important features required for both disease transmission and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | - Cristiana Lalli
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | - Emanuela Nizi
- IRBM Science Park SpA Chemistry Department, Pomezia, Italy
| | | | - Nadia Gennari
- IRBM Science Park SpA, Biology Department, Pomezia, Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
| | - Steven Harper
- IRBM Science Park SpA Chemistry Department, Pomezia, Italy
| | | | - Giovina Ruberti
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Recent debates about deworming school-aged children in East Africa have been described as the 'Worm Wars'. The stakes are high. Deworming has become one of the top priorities in the fight against infectious diseases. Staff at the World Health Organization, the Gates Foundation and the World Bank (among other institutions) have endorsed the approach, and school-based treatments are a key component of large-scale mass drug administration programmes. Drawing on field research in Uganda and Tanzania, and engaging with both biological and social evidence, this article shows that assertions about the effects of school-based deworming are over-optimistic. The results of a much-cited study on deworming Kenyan school children, which has been used to promote the intervention, are flawed, and a systematic review of randomized controlled trials demonstrates that deworming is unlikely to improve overall public health. Also, confusions arise by applying the term deworming to a variety of very different helminth infections and to different treatment regimes, while local-level research in schools reveals that drug coverage usually falls below target levels. In most places where data exist, infection levels remain disappointingly high. Without indefinite free deworming, any declines in endemicity are likely to be reversed. Moreover, there are social problems arising from mass drug administration that have generally been ignored. Notably, there are serious ethical and practical issues arising from the widespread practice of giving tablets to children without actively consulting parents. There is no doubt that curative therapy for children infected with debilitating parasitic infections is appropriate, but overly positive evaluations of indiscriminate deworming are counter-productive.
Collapse
|
47
|
Aly I, Taher EE, EL-Sayed H, Mohammed FA, ELnain G, Hamad RS, Bayoumy EM. Efficacy of soluble glycoprotein fraction from Allium sativum purified by size exclusion chromatography on murine Schistosomiasis mansoni. Microb Pathog 2017; 107:243-248. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
48
|
Praziquantel for Schistosomiasis: Single-Drug Metabolism Revisited, Mode of Action, and Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02582-16. [PMID: 28264841 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02582-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a major neglected tropical disease, affects more than 250 million people worldwide. Treatment of schistosomiasis has relied on the anthelmintic drug praziquantel (PZQ) for more than a generation. PZQ is the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis; it is effective against all major forms of schistosomiasis, although it is less active against juvenile than mature parasites. A pyrazino-isoquinoline derivative, PZQ is not considered to be toxic and generally causes few or transient, mild side effects. Increasingly, mass drug administration targeting populations in sub-Saharan Africa where schistosomiasis is endemic has led to the appearance of reduced efficacy of PZQ, which portends the selection of drug-resistant forms of these pathogens. The synthesis of improved derivatives of PZQ is attracting attention, e.g., in the (i) synthesis of drug analogues, (ii) rational design of pharmacophores, and (iii) discovery of new compounds from large-scale screening programs. This article reviews reports from the 1970s to the present on the metabolism and mechanism of action of PZQ and its derivatives against schistosomes.
Collapse
|
49
|
Eissa MM, Mossallam SF, Amer EI, Younis LK, Rashed HA. Repositioning of chlorambucil as a potential anti-schistosomal agent. Acta Trop 2017; 166:58-66. [PMID: 27836498 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As parasites and cancer cells share many lifestyle and behavioral resemblances, repositioning of anti-cancerous agents as anti-parasitic is quite trendy, especially those sharing the same therapeutic targets. Therefore, the current study investigated the in vitro efficacy of ascending concentrations of chlorambucil (0.5-20μg/ml) against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms, over 72h. Additionally, its in vivo effects against the different developmental stages of the worm were assessed, after an oral dose of 2.5mg/kg/day for five successive days, through evaluating the worm load reduction and worms' morphological alterations and oogram changes. In addition to tissue egg count, a histopathological study of the liver was conducted. In vitro, chlorambucil demonstrated noticeable anti-schistosomal effects in the form of progressive reductions of the worms' viability in a dose dependent manner. Complete worm death was achieved at 72h incubation with 5μg/ml drug concentration. In vivo, chlorambucil induced a significant reduction in the total worm load against all developmental stages. Its highest impact was evident against the juvenile stage, where it induced 75.8% total worm load reduction, and 89.2% and 86.7% intestinal and hepatic egg counts reduction, respectively, along with ogram alterations. Besides, it induced significant shortening of both male and female worms and promoted an amelioration of hepatic histopathology. Results show that chlorambucil possesses favorable in vitro and in vivo anti-schistosomal activity. The highest in vivo efficacy was against the juvenile stage of S. mansoni, significantly superior to praziquantel, with extended potency to the adult stage. Further studies are recommended for chlorambucil target verification and to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
|
50
|
D'Elia JA, Gleason RE, Monaco AP, Weinrauch LA. Does calcium channel blockade have a role in prevention of expression of sepsis in renal transplant recipients? Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 2016; 9:291-295. [PMID: 27920569 PMCID: PMC5125997 DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many antihypertensive agents have been demonstrated to assist in preservation of kidney function, among them those that modulate calcium channels. Calcium channel blockers may also be of value in protecting hemodialysis patients from complications of sepsis. In diabetic recipients of kidney transplant allografts treated with cyclosporine, calcium channel blockade has been retrospectively linked to improved graft preservation and to fewer episodes of sepsis. This brief review outlines clinical and experimental publications on potential protection from sepsis by addition of calcium channel blockers to standard antibiotic therapy in individuals who may or may not have normal kidney function, or in the presence or absence of immunosuppression. Such mechanisms include blockade of antibiotic cytosolic extrusion in the cases of Pneumococci, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, or Schistosoma mansoni; blockade of the calcineurin/calmodulin pathway (in immunosuppressed patients allowing for lower dosage of cyclosporine); stabilization of calcium movement at the level of sarcoplasmic reticulum by which shock (vasopressor instability) is prevented; or of cytosolic calcium influx and cell death (in the case of allograft acute tubular necrosis). Given the high cost of development of new antibiotics, a role for generic calcium channel blockade in sepsis prevention should be pursued by additional studies to investigate potential links between blockade of calcium channels and expression of sepsis in at-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A D'Elia
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA; Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | | | - Anthony P Monaco
- Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - Larry A Weinrauch
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA; Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston MA; Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|