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Mohammad Rahimi H, Hesari Z, Mirsamadi ES, Nemati S, Mirjalali H. Anti- Toxoplasma gondii activity of rose hip oil-solid lipid nanoparticles. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:3725-3734. [PMID: 38726453 PMCID: PMC11077205 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent pathogen, reported from almost all geographical regions of the world. Current anti-T. gondii drugs are not effective enough in immunocompromised patients, encephalitis, chorioretinitis, and congenital toxoplasmosis. Therefore, the prescription of these drugs has been limited. Rose hip oil (RhO) is a natural plant compound, which shows antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current study, the anti-T. gondii and cell toxicity effects of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded by RhO (RhO-SLNs) were evaluated. Emulsification sonicated-homogenization method was used to prepare SLNs. RhO-SLNs were characterized, and their anti-T. gondii and cell toxicity effects were evaluated using in vitro analyses. The particle size and the zeta potential of the nanoparticles were 152.09 nm and -15.3 mV nm, respectively. The entrapment efficiency percentage was 79.1%. In the present study, the inhibitory concentration (IC)50 against T. gondii was >1 μg/mL (p-value <.0001). The cell toxicity assay showed cytotoxicity concentration (CC)50 >10 mg/mL (p-value = .017). In addition, at least 75% of T. gondii-infected Vero cells remained alive at concentrations >10 mg/mL. The concentration of 1 mg/mL showed highest anti-Toxoplasma activity and lowest cell toxicity against the Vero cell. Our findings suggest that carrying natural plant compounds with SLNs could be considered an effective option for treatment strategies against T. gondii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research CenterResearch Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zahra Hesari
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Elnaz Sadat Mirsamadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of MedicineTehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research CenterResearch Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research CenterResearch Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Duysak T, Jeong JH, Kim K, Kim JS, Choy HE. Analysis of random mutations in Salmonella Gallinarum dihydropteroate synthase conferring sulfonamide resistance. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:363. [PMID: 37906281 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03696-5] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
In bacteria and primitive eukaryotes, sulfonamide antibiotics block the folate pathway by inhibiting dihydropteroate synthase (FolP) that combines para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) and dihydropterin pyrophosphate (DHPP) to form dihydropteroic acid (DHP), a precursor for tetrahydrofolate synthesis. However, the emergence of resistant strains has severely compromised the use of pABA mimetics as sulfonamide drugs. Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum (S. Gallinarum) is a significant source of antibiotic-resistant infections in poultry. Here, a sulfonamide-resistant FolP mutant library of S. Gallinarum was generated through random mutagenesis. Among resistant strains, substitution of amino acid Arginine 171 with Proline (R171P) in the FolP protein conferred the highest resistance against sulfonamide. Substitution of Phe28 with Leu or Ile (F28L/I) led to modest sulfonamide resistance. Structural modeling indicates that R171P and Phenylalanine 28 with leucine or isoleucine (F28L/I) substitution mutations are located far from the substrate-binding site and cause insignificant conformational changes in the FolP protein. Rather, in silico studies suggest that the mutations altered the stability of the protein, potentially resulting in sulfonamide resistance. Identification of specific mutations in FolP that confer resistance to sulfonamide would contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taner Duysak
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, 61468, Korea
- Basic Medical Research Building, Odysseus Bio, Chonnam National University Medical College, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun, 58128, Jeonnam, Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Jeong
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, 61468, Korea
| | - Kwangsoo Kim
- Basic Medical Research Building, Odysseus Bio, Chonnam National University Medical College, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun, 58128, Jeonnam, Korea
| | - Jeong-Sun Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea.
| | - Hyon E Choy
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, 61468, Korea.
- Basic Medical Research Building, Odysseus Bio, Chonnam National University Medical College, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun, 58128, Jeonnam, Korea.
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3
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Chu KB, Quan FS. Recent progress in vaccine development targeting pre-clinical human toxoplasmosis. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2023; 61:231-239. [PMID: 37648228 PMCID: PMC10471472 DOI: 10.3347/phd.22097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasitic organism affecting all warm-blooded vertebrates. Due to the unavailability of commercialized human T. gondii vaccine, many studies have been reported investigating the protective efficacy of pre-clinical T. gondii vaccines expressing diverse antigens. Careful antigen selection and implementing multifarious immunization strategies could enhance protection against toxoplasmosis in animal models. Although none of the available vaccines could remove the tissue-dwelling parasites from the host organism, findings from these pre-clinical toxoplasmosis vaccine studies highlighted their developmental potential and provided insights into rational vaccine design. We herein explored the progress of T. gondii vaccine development using DNA, protein subunit, and virus-like particle vaccine platforms. Specifically, we summarized the findings from the pre-clinical toxoplasmosis vaccine studies involving T. gondii challenge infection in mice published in the past 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Back Chu
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, Core Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, Core Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
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Eid RK, Arafa MF, Ashour DS, Essa EA, El-Wakil ES, Younis SS, El Maghraby GM. Surfactant vesicles for enhanced antitoxoplasmic effect of norfloxacin: in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Int J Pharm 2023; 638:122912. [PMID: 37015296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
The goal was to scrutinize niosomes as potential carriers for enhanced efficacy of norfloxacin against Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. This was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Standard niosomes of Span 60 and cholesterol were prepared. Gelucire 48/16 or Tween 80 was incorporated as hydrophilic fluidizer. The prepared vesicles were characterized for shape, size, viscosity and norfloxacin release. The in vitro anti-Toxoplasma was assessed by monitoring tachyzoites viability after incubation with niosomes. In vivo efficacy of niosomes encapsulated norfloxacin was evaluated on infected mice. Transmission electron micrographs showed nano-sized spherical vesicles. Norfloxacin release varied with niosomal composition to show faster liberation in presence of fluidizing agent. The half maximum effective concentration of norfloxacin against tachyzoites (EC50) was significantly reduced after niosomal encapsulation compared with simple drug solution with no significant difference between vesicular formulations. Tachyzoite count in the peritoneal fluid of infected mice was reduced by 45.2, 90.8, 88.3 and 84% after treatment with simple drug dispersion, standard niosomes, Gelucire containing and Tween containing vesicles, respectively compared to infected untreated mice. These results correlate with the in vitro data and reflects the efficacy of niosomes. The study introduced surfactant vesicles as a tool for enhanced efficacy of norfloxacin against toxoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania K Eid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Mona F Arafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Dalia S Ashour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Ebtessam A Essa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Eman S El-Wakil
- Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, 12411, Egypt.
| | - Salwa S Younis
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Gamal M El Maghraby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
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Celi K, Guzmán L, Rey-Valeirón C. Apicomplexans in Goat: Prevalence of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Risk Factors in Farms from Ecuador. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172224. [PMID: 36077944 PMCID: PMC9454992 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium and Eimeria species are parasites of phylum Apicomplexa, which includes several protozoa affecting animals and humans. In Ecuador, the maintenance of goat health is a matter of utmost importance because it affects the economic welfare of the breeders. N. caninum and T. gondii cause reproductive problems in goats, leading to abortions or weak offspring. Severe diarrhea in kids and delays in growth are due to the Cryptosporidium and Eimeria species. Moreover, T. gondii and Cryptosporidium are zoonotic parasites with serious consequences for human health. The aim of this work was to determine, by serological and parasitological tests, the prevalence of these parasites and the risk factors for goat populations in Southern Ecuador. On some farms, the prevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii reached more than 50%; up to 17% of the kids were positive for Cryptosporidium and 90% of the goats were positive for the Eimeria species. The analysis of risk factors revealed differences according to the parasite species. Considering the zoonotic significance of these results, control and prevention measures are essential and constitute a warning to veterinarians and governmental institutions. Abstract Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium and Eimeria cause severe impacts on the productivity of goat herds. The objectives of the present study were to establish the prevalence of these apicomplexans in goat farms from Ecuador; to evaluate a rapid test for Cryptosporidium diagnosis and to identify the risk factors associated with the infections. A questionnaire was designed to obtain information from 24 goat farms from Zapotillo, Garza Real, Cazaderos, Limones and Paletillas parishes in Ecuador. Blood (n = 388) and feces (n = 391) samples were collected. Indirect ELISA and standard parasitological assays were carried out to evaluate the seroprevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii and to detect oocysts of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria. The overall prevalence values of N. caninum and T. gondii were 12.11% and 18.20%, Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. oocysts were detected in 10.49% and 89.51% of the total samples. A low correlation value was found between the results obtained by Ziehl-Nielsen and the rapid test. The multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that vitamin supplementation, age of diarrhea, frequency of deworming, pasture area, presence of artiodactyls, domestic fowl, administration of sulfas, age group, body condition, abortions, type of pastures and the presence of cattle were risk factors according to the parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Celi
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Maestría en Biotecnología Agropecuaria, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto s/n, Loja 1101608, Ecuador
| | - Lucía Guzmán
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto s/n, Loja 1101608, Ecuador
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (C.R.-V.)
| | - Catalina Rey-Valeirón
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Parasitología Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda, Coro 4101, Venezuela
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (C.R.-V.)
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Cajazeiro DC, Toledo PPM, de Sousa NF, Scotti MT, Reimão JQ. Drug Repurposing Based on Protozoan Proteome: In Vitro Evaluation of In Silico Screened Compounds against Toxoplasma gondii. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081634. [PMID: 36015260 PMCID: PMC9414507 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081634] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan that infects up to a third of the world’s population. This parasite can cause serious problems, especially if a woman is infected during pregnancy, when toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage, or serious complications to the baby, or in an immunocompromised person, when the infection can possibly affect the patient’s eyes or brain. To identify potential drug candidates that could counter toxoplasmosis, we selected 13 compounds which were pre-screened in silico based on the proteome of T. gondii to be evaluated in vitro against the parasite in a cell-based assay. Among the selected compounds, three demonstrated in vitro anti-T. gondii activity in the nanomolar range (almitrine, bortezomib, and fludarabine), and ten compounds demonstrated anti-T. gondii activity in the micromolar range (digitoxin, digoxin, doxorubicin, fusidic acid, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, mycophenolic acid, ribavirin, trimethoprim, and valproic acid). Almitrine demonstrated a Selectivity Index (provided by the ratio between the Half Cytotoxic Concentration against human foreskin fibroblasts and the Half Effective Concentration against T. gondii tachyzoites) that was higher than 47, whilst being considered a lead compound against T. gondii. Almitrine showed interactions with the Na+/K+ ATPase transporter for Homo sapiens and Mus musculus, indicating a possible mechanism of action of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Chaves Cajazeiro
- Laboratory of Preclinical Assays and Research of Alternative Sources of Innovative Therapy for Toxoplasmosis and Other Sicknesses (PARASITTOS), Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí, Jundiaí 13202-550, Brazil
| | - Paula Pereira Marques Toledo
- Laboratory of Preclinical Assays and Research of Alternative Sources of Innovative Therapy for Toxoplasmosis and Other Sicknesses (PARASITTOS), Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí, Jundiaí 13202-550, Brazil
| | - Natália Ferreira de Sousa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos (PgPNSB), Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos (IPeFarM), Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I, Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos (PgPNSB), Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos (IPeFarM), Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I, Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Quero Reimão
- Laboratory of Preclinical Assays and Research of Alternative Sources of Innovative Therapy for Toxoplasmosis and Other Sicknesses (PARASITTOS), Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí, Jundiaí 13202-550, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Hajj RE, Tawk L, Itani S, Hamie M, Ezzeddine J, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Toxoplasmosis: Current and Emerging Parasite Druggable Targets. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122531. [PMID: 34946133 PMCID: PMC8707595 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent disease affecting a wide range of hosts including approximately one-third of the human population. It is caused by the sporozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which instigates a range of symptoms, manifesting as acute and chronic forms and varying from ocular to deleterious congenital or neuro-toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may cause serious health problems in fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised patients. Recently, associations between toxoplasmosis and various neuropathies and different types of cancer were documented. In the veterinary sector, toxoplasmosis results in recurring abortions, leading to significant economic losses. Treatment of toxoplasmosis remains intricate and encompasses general antiparasitic and antibacterial drugs. The efficacy of these drugs is hindered by intolerance, side effects, and emergence of parasite resistance. Furthermore, all currently used drugs in the clinic target acute toxoplasmosis, with no or little effect on the chronic form. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview on the currently used and emergent drugs and their respective parasitic targets to combat toxoplasmosis. We will also abridge the repurposing of certain drugs, their targets, and highlight future druggable targets to enhance the therapeutic efficacy against toxoplasmosis, hence lessening its burden and potentially alleviating the complications of its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Jana Ezzeddine
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
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Toxoplasma gondii in South America: a differentiated pattern of spread, population structure and clinical manifestations. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3065-3076. [PMID: 34390383 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07282-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. It has a worldwide distribution and can infect a wide variety of intermediate hosts, including humans. In South America, toxoplasmosis shows high health impacts, and the incidence of the disease is frequently reported and more severe than in other regions, such as Europe. Although most T. gondii infections are asymptomatic, severe manifestations can occur in cases of congenital toxoplasmosis and immunocompromised individuals. In South America, the ocular disease in immunocompetent individuals is also frequently reported. Treatment for any clinical manifestation of toxoplasmosis consists of the combination of sulfadiazine (SDZ) and pyrimethamine (PYR). However, failures in the treatment of toxoplasmosis have been reported, especially in South America, suggesting the acquisition of resistance against SDZ and PYR. Another paradigm present in the literature is that once infected with T. gondii, the host is immunologically protected from further reinfections. However, some studies indicate cases of congenital transmission of T. gondii from immunocompetent pregnant women with chronic infection, suggesting the possibility of reinfection in humans. Thus, in this review, we will cover several aspects of South American T. gondii isolates, such as genetic characterization, disease manifestation, host reinfection and drug resistance.
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Abdullahi SA, Unyah NZ, Nordin N, Basir R, Nasir WM, Alapid AA, Hassan Y, Mustapha T, Majid RA. Phytochemicals and Potential Therapeutic Targets on Toxoplasma gondii Parasite. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 20:739-753. [PMID: 31660810 DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666191029105736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Identification of drug target in protozoan T. gondii is an important step in the development of chemotherapeutic agents. Likewise, exploring phytochemical compounds effective against the parasite can lead to the development of new drug agent that can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of toxoplasmosis. In this review, we searched for the relevant literature on the herbs that were tested against T. gondii either in vitro or in vivo, as well as different phytochemicals and their potential activities on T. gondii. Potential activities of major phytochemicals, such as alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoids and tannins on various target sites on T. gondii as well as other related parasites was discussed. It is believed that the phytochemicals from natural sources are potential drug candidates for the treatment of toxoplasmosis with little or no toxicity to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Alhassan Abdullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Ngah Zasmy Unyah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noshariza Nordin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rusliza Basir
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wana Mohammed Nasir
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Ashraf Ahmad Alapid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science-Alassaba, University of Gharyan, Gharyan, Libya
| | - Yahaya Hassan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
| | - Tijjani Mustapha
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yobe State University, Damaturi, Nigeria
| | - Roslaini Abd Majid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
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10
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El-Shafey AAM, Hegab MHA, Seliem MME, Barakat AMA, Mostafa NE, Abdel-Maksoud HA, Abdelhameed RM. Curcumin@metal organic frameworks nano-composite for treatment of chronic toxoplasmosis. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2020; 31:90. [PMID: 33089411 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-020-06429-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic protozoal disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular opportunistic protozoan parasite that can infect any warm-blooded vertebrate cell. In this study, zirconium, and iron-based metal-organic framework was prepared according to the solvothermal method. New nanocomposite (Curcumin@MOFs) was prepared by reacting curcumin with amino-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOF and UiO-66-NH2). Besides characterizations of the composite by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, nano-Curcumin@MOFs was used as a new novel structure as atrial for treatment of chronic toxoplasmosis. Results showed a reduced number of brain cysts, high levels of serum Toxo IgG, and normal histo-morphology with preserved parenchymal, and stromal tissues in rats groups treated with curcumin and Curcumin@MOFs nanocomposite.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammed H A Hegab
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Ashraf M A Barakat
- Zoonotic Diseases Department, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth str. Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nahed E Mostafa
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Hanem A Abdel-Maksoud
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Reda M Abdelhameed
- Applied Organic Chemistry Department, Chemical Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth str. Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
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11
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Aygün C, Mutlu Ö. Computational characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii FabG (3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase): a combined virtual screening and all-atom molecular dynamics simulation study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:1952-1969. [PMID: 33063633 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1834456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic obligate parasite, ubiquitous around the globe with seropositivity rates that range from 10% to 90% and infection by the parasite of pregnant women causes pre-natal death of the foetus in most cases and severe neurodegenerative syndromes in some. No vaccine is currently available, and since drug-resistance is common among T. gondii strains, discovering lead compounds for drug design using diverse tactics is necessary. In this study, the sole constituent isoform of an enzymatic 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reduction step in an apicoplast-located fatty acid biosynthesis pathway was chosen as a possible drug target. FASII is prokaryotic therefore, targeting it would pose fewer side-effects to human hosts. After a homology 3D modelling of TgFabG, a high-throughput virtual screening of 9867 compounds, the elimination of ligands was carried out by a flexible ligand molecular docking and 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations, with additional DCCM and PC plot analyses. Molecular Dynamics and related post-MD analyses of the top 3 TgFabG binders selected for optimal free binding energies, showed that L2 maintained strong H-bonds with TgFabG and facilitated structural reorientation expected of FabGs, namely an expansion of the Rossmann Fold and a flexible lid capping. The most flexible TgFabG sites were the α7 helix (the flexible lid region) and the β4-α4 and β5-α6 loops. For TgFabG-L2, the movements of these regions toward the active site enabled greater ligand stability. Thus, L2 ("Skimmine"; PubChem ID: 320361), was ultimately selected as the optimal candidate for the discovery of lead compounds for rational drug design.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Aygün
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Biology Department, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özal Mutlu
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Biology Department, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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12
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Al-Malki ES, Abdelsater N. In vitro Scolicidal effects of Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) venom against the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:1760-1765. [PMID: 32565693 PMCID: PMC7296479 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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13
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Capela R, Moreira R, Lopes F. An Overview of Drug Resistance in Protozoal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5748. [PMID: 31731801 PMCID: PMC6888673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases continue to be a worldwide social and economic health problem. Increased drug resistance, emerging cross resistance, and lack of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action significantly reduce the effectiveness of current antiprotozoal therapies. While drug resistance associated to anti-infective agents is a reality, society seems to remain unaware of its proportions and consequences. Parasites usually develops ingenious and innovative mechanisms to achieve drug resistance, which requires more research and investment to fight it. In this review, drug resistance developed by protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Capela
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.M.); (F.L.)
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14
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Miyata N, Yoshimura Y, Hikosaka K, Norose K, Tachikawa N. Desensitization to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in a toxoplasmic encephalitis patient who was intolerant to conventional treatments. J Infect Chemother 2019; 26:289-293. [PMID: 31711832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that causes toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) in immunocompromised patients. We describe a case of a 29-year-old Japanese man presenting with headache and vomiting. He had previously been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Magnetic resonance imaging identified some nodules in his brain. We suspected TE and began treatment successively with parenteral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) plus clindamycin. After that, we switched to pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine (PMT/SDZ) because these drugs are the first-line treatment for TE. Because the patient experienced nausea and vomiting, PMT/SDZ was replaced with TMP/SMX, atovaquone, and clindamycin. However, the patient could not tolerate them owing to their adverse reactions. Thus, we attempted oral desensitization to TMP/SMX to treat his TE. We began desensitization with 0.4/2 mg of TMP/SMX. The patient experienced morbilliform rash and elevated aminotransferase levels. Therefore, we administered a glycyrrhizin and an antihistamine and continued the last tolerable dose until these symptoms improved. After 37 days, we achieved desensitization to 160/800 mg of TMP/SMX, and the patient's symptoms improved. After using nested-polymerase chain reaction to identify T. gondii DNA in his frozen cerebrospinal fluid, which was collected at admission, his diagnosis was confirmed as TE. This might be the first case to attempt desensitization to TMP/SMX to treat TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Miyata
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Japan.
| | - Yukihiro Yoshimura
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Kazumi Norose
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Natsuo Tachikawa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Japan
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15
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Ahmadpour E, Ebrahimzadeh MA, Sharif M, Edalatian S, Sarvi S, Montazeri M, Mehrzadi S, Akbari M, Rahimi MT, Daryani A. Anti-Toxoplasma Activities of Zea Mays and Eryngium Caucasicum Extracts, In Vitro and In Vivo. J Pharmacopuncture 2019; 22:154-159. [PMID: 31673445 PMCID: PMC6820479 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2019.22.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide health problem that caused by intracellular apicomplexan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Considering that the available drugs for toxoplasmosis have serious host toxicity, the aim of the current study was to survey the in vitro and in vivo anti-Toxoplasma activity of Zea mays (Z. mays) and Eryngium caucasicum (E. caucasicum) extracts. METHODS Four concentrations (5, 10, 25, and 50 mg mL-1) of Z. mays and E. caucasicum methanolic extracts for 30, 60, 120, and 180 min were incubated with infected macrophages and then the viability of RH strain of T. gondii tachyzoites was evaluated by trypan blue staining method. Also, we evaluated the survival rate of acutely infected mice with the extracts (100 and 200 mg kg-1 day-1) intraperitoneally for 5 days after infection with 2× 104 tachyzoites of T. gondii. RESULTS The anti-Toxoplasma effect of the methanolic extracts were extremely significant compared to the negative control group in all exposure times (P < 0.05). The Z. mays (10, 25 and 50 mg mL-1) killed 100% of the parasites after 180 and 120 min exposure, respectively. Also, high toxoplasmacidal activity was observed with E. caucasicum extract. Furthermore, treatment of experimentally infected mice with the Z. mays (100, 200 mg kg-1 day-1) and E. caucasicum (100 mg kg-1 day-1) significantly increased their survival rate compared to untreated infected control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION These extracts are promising candidates for further medicine development on toxoplasmosis. However, further investigations are necessary to clarify effective fractions of the Z. mays and E. caucasicum extracts and the mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz,
Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic AZAD University, Sari,
Iran
| | - Sara Edalatian
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
- Parasitology and Mycology Department, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
- Parasitology and Mycology Department, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Mohammad Akbari
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
- Parasitology and Mycology Department, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,
Iran
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Silva LA, Fernandes MD, Machado AS, Reis-Cunha JL, Bartholomeu DC, Almeida Vitor RW. Efficacy of sulfadiazine and pyrimetamine for treatment of experimental toxoplasmosis with strains obtained from human cases of congenital disease in Brazil. Exp Parasitol 2019; 202:7-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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In vitro therapeutic effect of Hemiscorpius lepturus venom on tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. J Parasit Dis 2019; 43:472-478. [PMID: 31406413 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01113-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrimethamine which is a main anti-Toxoplasma gondii drug has a serious side and toxic effects on the host. Accordingly, the development of new treatment options for toxoplasmosis with less toxic effects, low teratogenicity and parasiticidal effect against the various stage of T. gondii are dramatically crucial. Currently, natural molecules from scorpion and snake venoms are widely used as an alternative treatment against human disease, these compounds considered to be safe and to have low toxicity in comparison with synthetic drugs. Therefore, the goal of our study was to investigate the anti-Toxoplasma gondii activities of Hemiscorpius lepturus venom. We measured cytotoxicity of H. lepturus whole venom on Vero cells as well as effectiveness of this compound on viability of T. gondii applying colorimetric assay, according to mitochondrial oxidation of the MTT reagent (Methylthiazol tetrazolium 98%). The results of this study indicated that the H. lepturus whole venom has an anti-Toxoplasma effects with less toxic effect on Vero cells. Also, the T. gondii tachyzoites were treated with H. lepturus venom reached better results in comparison with Pyrimethamine-treated group. This research will serve as a base for future studies on toxoplasmosis and suggest a role for scorpion venom in promoting natural drugs.
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Direct and Indirect Inhibition Effects of Resveratrol against Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites In Vitro. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.01233-18. [PMID: 30530601 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01233-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread obligatory parasitic protozoa and infects nearly all warm-blooded animals, leading to toxoplasmosis. The therapeutic drugs currently administered, like the combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, show high rates of toxic side effects, and drug resistance is encountered in some cases. Resveratrol is a natural plant extract with multiple functions, such as antibacterial, anticancer, and antiparasite activities. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on tachyzoites of the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain extracellularly and intracellularly. We demonstrate that resveratrol possesses direct antitoxoplasma activity by reducing the population of extracellularly grown tachyzoites, probably by disturbing the redox homeostasis of the parasites. Moreover, resveratrol was also able to release the burden of cellular stress, promote apoptosis, and maintain the autophagic status of macrophages, which turned out to be regulated by intracellular parasites, thereby functioning indirectly in eliminating T. gondii In conclusion, resveratrol has both direct and indirect antitoxoplasma effects against RH tachyzoites and may possess the potential to be further evaluated and employed for toxoplasmosis treatment.
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Sánchez-Sánchez R, Vázquez P, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM. Treatment of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Farm Ruminants: State of Knowledge and Future Trends. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 18:1304-1323. [PMID: 30277158 PMCID: PMC6340160 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666181002113617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are closely related protozoan diseases that lead to important economic impacts in farm ruminants. Toxoplasma gondii infection mainly causes reproductive failure in small ruminants and is a widespread zoonosis, whereas Neospora caninum infection is one of the most important causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. Vaccination has been considered the most economic measure for controlling these diseases. However, despite vaccine development efforts, only a live-attenuated T. gondii vaccine has been licensed for veterinary use, and no promising vaccines against ne-osporosis have been developed; therefore, vaccine development remains a key goal. Additionally, drug therapy could be a valuable strategy for disease control in farm ruminants, as several drugs that limit T. gondii and N. caninum proliferation and dissemination have been evaluated. This approach may also be relevant to performing an initial drug screening for potential human therapy for zoonotic parasites. Treat-ments can be applied against infections in adult ruminants to minimize the outcomes of a primo-infection or the reactivation of a chronic infection during gestation or in newborn ruminants to avoid infection chronification. In this review, the current status of drug development against toxoplasmosis and neosporo-sis in farm ruminants is presented, and in an effort to promote additional treatment options, prospective drugs that have shown efficacy in vitro and in laboratory animal models of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are examined
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Vázquez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Pramanik PK, Alam MN, Roy Chowdhury D, Chakraborti T. Drug Resistance in Protozoan Parasites: An Incessant Wrestle for Survival. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2019; 18:1-11. [PMID: 30685461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, drug resistance in parasites is considered to be one of the foremost concerns in health and disease management. It is interconnected worldwide and undermines the health of millions of people, threatening to grow worse. Unfortunately, it does not receive serious attention from every corner of society. Consequently, drug resistance in parasites is gradually complicating and challenging the treatment of parasitic diseases. In this context, we have dedicated ourselves to review the incidence of drug resistance in the protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Entamoeba and Toxoplasma gondii. Moreover, understanding the role of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in drug resistance is essential in the control of parasitic diseases. Therefore, we also focused on the involvement of ABC transporters in drug resistance, which will be a superior approach to find ways for better regulation of diseases caused by parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pijush Kanti Pramanik
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Md Nur Alam
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Dibyapriya Roy Chowdhury
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Tapati Chakraborti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India.
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Gas-Pascual E, Ichikawa HT, Sheikh MO, Serji MI, Deng B, Mandalasi M, Bandini G, Samuelson J, Wells L, West CM. CRISPR/Cas9 and glycomics tools for Toxoplasma glycobiology. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:1104-1125. [PMID: 30463938 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a major health risk owing to birth defects, its chronic nature, ability to reactivate to cause blindness and encephalitis, and high prevalence in human populations. Unlike most eukaryotes, Toxoplasma propagates in intracellular parasitophorous vacuoles, but like nearly all other eukaryotes, Toxoplasma glycosylates many cellular proteins and lipids and assembles polysaccharides. Toxoplasma glycans resemble those of other eukaryotes, but species-specific variations have prohibited deeper investigations into their roles in parasite biology and virulence. The Toxoplasma genome encodes a suite of likely glycogenes expected to assemble N-glycans, O-glycans, a C-glycan, GPI-anchors, and polysaccharides, along with their precursors and membrane transporters. To investigate the roles of specific glycans in Toxoplasma, here we coupled genetic and glycomics approaches to map the connections between 67 glycogenes, their enzyme products, the glycans to which they contribute, and cellular functions. We applied a double-CRISPR/Cas9 strategy, in which two guide RNAs promote replacement of a candidate gene with a resistance gene; adapted MS-based glycomics workflows to test for effects on glycan formation; and infected fibroblast monolayers to assess cellular effects. By editing 17 glycogenes, we discovered novel Glc0-2-Man6-GlcNAc2-type N-glycans, a novel HexNAc-GalNAc-mucin-type O-glycan, and Tn-antigen; identified the glycosyltransferases for assembling novel nuclear O-Fuc-type and cell surface Glc-Fuc-type O-glycans; and showed that they are important for in vitro growth. The guide sequences, editing constructs, and mutant strains are freely available to researchers to investigate the roles of glycans in their favorite biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Gas-Pascual
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Athens, Georgia 30602; Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | | | | | | | - Bowen Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Athens, Georgia 30602; Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Msano Mandalasi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Athens, Georgia 30602; Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Giulia Bandini
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - John Samuelson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Lance Wells
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Athens, Georgia 30602; Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Christopher M West
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Athens, Georgia 30602; Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, Georgia 30602; Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602.
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Montazeri M, Mehrzadi S, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Tanzifi A, Aghayan SA, Daryani A. Drug Resistance in Toxoplasma gondii. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2587. [PMID: 30420849 PMCID: PMC6215853 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a global protozoan parasite infecting up to one-third of the world population. Pyrimethamine (PYR) and sulfadiazine (SDZ) are the most widely used drugs for treatment of toxoplasmosis; however, several failure cases have been recorded as well; suggesting the existence of drug resistant strains. This review aims to give a systematic and comprehensive understanding of drug resistance in T. gondii including mechanisms of resistance and sites of drug action in parasite. Analogous amino acid substitutions in the Toxoplasma enzyme were identified to confer PYR resistance. Moreover, resistance to clindamycin, spiramycin, and azithromycin is encoded in the rRNA genes of T. gondii. However, T. gondii SDZ resistance mechanism has not been proved yet. Recently there has been a slight increase in SDZ resistance. That is why the majority of studies were carried out using SDZ. Six strains resistant to SDZ were found in clinical cases between 2013 and 2017 which among Brazilian T. gondii isolates, TgCTBr11, Ck3, and Pg1 were identified in human toxoplasmosis, as well as in livestock intended for human consumption. In conclusion, recent experimental studies in clinical cases have clearly shown that drug resistance in Toxoplasma is ongoing. Thus, establishing a more effective therapeutic scheme in the treatment of toxoplasmosis is critically needed. The emergence of T. gondii strains resistant to current drugs, reviewed here, represents a concern not only for treatment failure but also for increased clinical severity in immunocompromised patients. To improve the therapeutic outcome in patients, a greater understanding of the exact mechanisms of drug resistance in T. gondii should be developed. Thus, monitoring the presence of resistant parasites, in food products, would seem a prudent public health program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asal Tanzifi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sargis A Aghayan
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Choi WH, Lee IA. Evaluation of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Effect of Ursolic Acid as a Novel Toxoplasmosis Inhibitor. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:E43. [PMID: 29747388 PMCID: PMC6026977 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020043] [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: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-parasitic effect of ursolic acid against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) that induces toxoplasmosis, particularly in humans. The anti-parasitic effects of ursolic acid against T. gondii-infected cells and T. gondii were evaluated through different specific assays, including immunofluorescence staining and animal testing. Ursolic acid effectively inhibited the proliferation of T. gondii when compared with sulfadiazine, and consistently induced anti-T. gondii activity/effect. In particular, the formation of parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) in host cells was markedly decreased after treating ursolic acid, which was effectively suppressed. Moreover, the survival rate of T. gondii was strongly inhibited in T. gondii group treated with ursolic acid, and then 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) against T. gondii was measured as 94.62 μg/mL. The T. gondii-infected mice treated with ursolic acid indicated the same survival rates and activity as the normal group. These results demonstrate that ursolic acid causes anti-T. gondii action and effect by strongly blocking the proliferation of T. gondii through the direct and the selective T. gondii-inhibitory ability as well as increases the survival of T. gondii-infected mice. This study shows that ursolic acid has the potential to be used as a promising anti-T. gondii candidate substance for developing effective anti-parasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Hyung Choi
- Marine Bio Research & Education Center, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehak-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do 54150, Korea.
| | - In Ah Lee
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehak-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do 54150, Korea.
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First report of Toxoplasma gondii sporulated oocysts and Giardia duodenalis in commercial green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) in New Zealand. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1453-1463. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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25
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Ebrahimzadeh MA, Taheri MM, Ahmadpour E, Montazeri M, Sarvi S, Akbari M, Daryani A. Anti- Toxoplasma Effects of Methanol Extracts of Feijoa sellowiana, Quercus castaneifolia, and Allium paradoxum. J Pharmacopuncture 2017; 20:220-226. [PMID: 30087799 PMCID: PMC5633675 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2017.20.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The currently available agents for use against toxoplasmosis have serious limitations. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) activities of methanol extracts of Feijoa sellowiana (F. sellowiana) (leaves and fruits), Quercus castaneifolia (Q. castaneifolia) (fruits), and Allium paradoxum (A. paradoxum) (leaves) in vitro and in vivo. Methods Vero cells were treated with different concentrations (from 0 to 400 μg/mL) of the above extracts or with pyrimethamine at a dose of 50 mg/mL (positive control). Then, the viabilities of the T. gondii-infected cells were measured by using colorimetric MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. In addition, the survival rates of mice acutely infected with 2 × 104 RH strain tachyzoites of T. gondii were examined in vivo after intraperitoneal injection of the extracts at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Results In the in vitro anti- T. gondii assay, the IC50 values were 12.77, 180.2, 74.73, 213.2 and 163.8 μg/mL, and the selectivity indices were 6.05, 1.31, 0.35, 0.69 and 1.30 for the F. sellowiana (leaves and fruits), Q. castaneifolia, and A. paradoxum extracts and pyrimethamine, respectively. Moreover, the mice treated with F. sellowiana (leaves and fruits) achieved better results in terms of survival than the others (P < 0.05). Conclusion The results of the current study indicate that methanol extract of F. sellowiana has significant anti-Toxoplasma activity. Further study should be conducted to investigate the potential bioactivity of this extract through bioactivity-guided fractionation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mohammad Taheri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Akbari
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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26
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Oliveira CB, Meurer YS, Andrade JM, Costa ME, Andrade MM, Silva LA, Lanza DC, Vítor RW, Andrade-Neto VF. Pathogenicity and phenotypic sulfadiazine resistance of Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from livestock in northeastern Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2017; 111:391-8. [PMID: 27276184 PMCID: PMC4909038 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative protozoan agent of toxoplasmosis,
which is a common infection that is widely distributed worldwide. Studies revealed
stronger clonal strains in North America and Europe and genetic diversity in South
American strains. Our study aimed to differentiate the pathogenicity and sulfadiazine
resistance of three T. gondiiisolates obtained from livestock
intended for human consumption. The cytopathic effects of the T.
gondii isolates were evaluated. The pathogenicity was determined by
polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using a
CS3 marker and in a rodent model in vivo. Phenotypic sulfadiazine resistance was
measured using a kinetic curve of drug activity in Swiss mice. IgM and IgG were
measured by ELISA, and the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene sequence was
analysed. The cytopathic effects and the PCR-RFLP profiles from chickens indicated a
different infection source. The Ck3 isolate displayed more cytopathic effects in
vitro than the Ck2 and ME49 strains. Additionally, the Ck2 isolate induced a
differential humoral immune response compared to ME49. The Ck3 and Pg1 isolates, but
not the Ck2 isolate, showed sulfadiazine resistance in the sensitivity assay. We did
not find any DHPS gene polymorphisms in the mouse samples. These atypical
pathogenicity and sulfadiazine resistance profiles were not previously reported and
served as a warning to local health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bs Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Ywlliane Sr Meurer
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Estudos da Memória, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Estudos da Memória, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Joelma Ma Andrade
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Maria Esm Costa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Aplicada, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Milena Mc Andrade
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte MG , Brasil, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Letícia A Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte MG , Brasil, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Daniel Cf Lanza
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Aplicada, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Wa Vítor
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte MG , Brasil, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Valter F Andrade-Neto
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Natal RN , Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose, Natal, RN, Brasil
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27
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Alday PH, Doggett JS. Drugs in development for toxoplasmosis: advances, challenges, and current status. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:273-293. [PMID: 28182168 PMCID: PMC5279849 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s60973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes fatal and debilitating brain and eye diseases. Medicines that are currently used to treat toxoplasmosis commonly have toxic side effects and require prolonged courses that range from weeks to more than a year. The need for long treatment durations and the risk of relapsing disease are in part due to the lack of efficacy against T. gondii tissue cysts. The challenges for developing a more effective treatment for toxoplasmosis include decreasing toxicity, achieving therapeutic concentrations in the brain and eye, shortening duration, eliminating tissue cysts from the host, safety in pregnancy, and creating a formulation that is inexpensive and practical for use in resource-poor areas of the world. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made in identifying and developing new compounds for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Unlike clinically used medicines that were repurposed for toxoplasmosis, these compounds have been optimized for efficacy against toxoplasmosis during preclinical development. Medicines with enhanced efficacy as well as features that address the unique aspects of toxoplasmosis have the potential to greatly improve toxoplasmosis therapy. This review discusses the facets of toxoplasmosis that are pertinent to drug design and the advances, challenges, and current status of preclinical drug research for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Holland Alday
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Joseph Stone Doggett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
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28
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Silva LA, Reis-Cunha JL, Bartholomeu DC, Vítor RWA. Genetic Polymorphisms and Phenotypic Profiles of Sulfadiazine-Resistant and Sensitive Toxoplasma gondii Isolates Obtained from Newborns with Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Minas Gerais, Brazil. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170689. [PMID: 28118394 PMCID: PMC5261777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous Toxoplasma gondii studies revealed that mutations in the dhps (dihydropteroate synthase) gene are associated with resistance to sulfonamides. Although Brazilian strains are genotypically different, very limited data are available regarding the susceptibility of strains obtained from human to sulfonamides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sulfadiazine (SDZ) against Brazilian isolates of T. gondii and verify whether isolates present polymorphisms in the dhps gene. We also investigated whether the virulence-phenotype and/or genotype were associated with the profile of susceptibility to SDZ. Methods Five T. gondii isolates obtained from newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis were used to verify susceptibility. Mice were infected with 104 tachyzoites and orally treated with different doses of SDZ. The mortality curve was evaluated by the Log-rank test. The presence of polymorphisms in the dhps gene was verified using sequencing. A descriptive analysis for 11 Brazilian isolates was used to assess the association between susceptibility, genotype, and virulence-phenotype. Results Statistical analysis showed that TgCTBr03, 07, 08, and 16 isolates were susceptible to SDZ, whereas TgCTBr11 isolate presented a profile of resistance to SDZ. Nineteen polymorphisms were identified in dhps exons. Seven polymorphisms corresponded to non-synonymous mutations, with four being new mutations, described for the first time in this study. No association was found between the profile of susceptibility and the virulence-phenotype or genotype of the parasite. Conclusions There is a high variability in the susceptibilities of Brazilian T. gondii strains to SDZ, with evidence of drug resistance. Despite the large number of polymorphisms identified, the profile of susceptibility to SDZ was not associated with any of the dhps variants identified in this study. Other genetic factors, not yet determined, may be associated with the resistance to SDZ; thus, further studies are needed as a basis for a more adequate toxoplasmosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Azevedo Silva
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - João Luís Reis-Cunha
- Laboratório de Genômica de Parasitos, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Daniella Castanheira Bartholomeu
- Laboratório de Genômica de Parasitos, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Wagner Almeida Vítor
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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29
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Eissa MM, Barakat AMA, Amer EI, Younis LK. Could miltefosine be used as a therapy for toxoplasmosis? Exp Parasitol 2015; 157:12-22. [PMID: 26112396 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic protozoal disease affecting more than a billion people worldwide. The shortfalls of the current treatment options necessitate the development of non-toxic and well-tolerated, efficient alternatives especially against the cyst form. The current study was undertaken to investigate, for the first time, the potential potency of miltefosine against Toxoplasma gondii infection in acute and chronic experimental toxoplasmosis. Results showed that there is no evidence of anti-parasitic activity of miltefosine against T. gondii tachyzoites in acute experimental toxoplasmosis. However, anti-parasitic activity of miltefosine against T. gondii cyst stage in chronic experimental toxoplasmosis could not be excluded as demonstrated by significant reduction in brain cyst burden. Moreover, considerable morphological changes in the cysts were revealed by light and electron microscopy study and also by amelioration of pathological changes in the brain. Future studies should focus on enhancement of anti-toxoplasma activity of miltefosine against chronic toxoplasmosis using formulation based nanotechnology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study highlighting efficacy of miltefosine against chronic toxoplasmosis, thus, increasing the list of diseases that can be targeted by this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Eglal I Amer
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Layla K Younis
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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30
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Afifi MA, Al-Rabia MW. The immunomodulatory effects of rolipram abolish drug-resistant latent phase of Toxoplasma gondii infection in a murine model. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2015; 3:86-91. [PMID: 30023187 PMCID: PMC6014187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Latent toxoplasmosis always has the risk of reactivation leading to significant sequelae. The available medications, for chronic toxoplasmosis, are awfully limited by resistance of Toxoplasma cysts. Therefore, there is a growing necessity for novel therapeutic approaches. Agents increasing cAMP levels and downregulating proinflammatory cytokine could inhibit Toxoplasma conversion to the bradyzoite stage. This study explores a potential immunomodulatory effect of rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor, on the course of experimental toxoplasmosis and links this role to deterrence of the resistant chronic phase of the disease. Materials and methods: Mice infected with low pathogenic strain of Toxoplasma gondii were treated with rolipram for three weeks. The effect of rolipram was evaluated through tissue injury scoring, brain cyst count, specific IgG titers as well as TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-12 assays. Results: Rolipram was partially able to prevent the progression to chronic toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma brain cyst burden showed a 74% reduction while Toxoplasma-induced inflammatory foci per liver area and nucleated cells per inflammatory focus were significantly reduced: 57.14% and 61.3% respectively. Significant reduction of TNF-α (84.6%), IFN-γ (76.7%) and IL-12 (71%) levels was demonstrated along with significant inhibition of anti-Toxoplasma antibody response. Conclusion: Rolipram efficiently modulated the Toxoplasma-induced immunological changes with a consequent remission of chronic toxoplasmosis. This study is the first to report the utilization of PDE4 inhibitors as possible immune modulators of chronic phase of Toxoplasma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Afifi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
| | - Mohammed W Al-Rabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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31
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Diphenyl diselenide and sodium selenite associated with chemotherapy in experimental toxoplasmosis: influence on oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers and cytokine modulation. Parasitology 2014; 141:1761-8. [PMID: 25111395 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014001073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (ST) supplemented with diphenyl diselenide and sodium selenite in experimental toxoplasmosis, on oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers and cytokine levels. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were divided in seven groups: group A (negative control), and groups B to G (infected). Blood and liver samples were collected on days 4 and 20 post infection (p.i.). Levels of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactive substances and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were assessed in liver samples. Both biomarkers were significantly increased in infected groups on day 4 p.i., while they were reduced on day 20 p.i., compared with group A. Glutathione reductase (GR) activity significantly (P<0·01) increased on day 4 p.i., in group G, compared with group A. INF-γ was significantly increased (P<0·001) in both periods, day 4 (groups B, C, F and G) and 20 p.i. (groups C, F and G). IL-10 significantly reduced (P<0·001) on day 4 p.i. in group B; however, in the same period, it was increased (P<0·001) in groups C and G, compared with group A. On day 20 p.i., IL-10 increased (P<0·001) in groups F and G. Therefore, our results highlighted that these forms of selenium, associated with the chemotherapy, were able to reduce lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, providing a beneficial immunological balance between the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
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32
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Repurposing the open access malaria box to discover potent inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii and Entamoeba histolytica. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:5848-54. [PMID: 25049259 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02541-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and amebiasis are important public health concerns worldwide. The drugs currently available to control these diseases have proven limitations. Therefore, innovative approaches should be adopted to identify and develop new leads from novel scaffolds exhibiting novel modes of action. In this paper, we describe results from the screening of compounds in the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) open access Malaria Box in a search for new anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Entamoeba agents. Standard in vitro phenotypic screening procedures were adopted to assess their biological activities. Seven anti-Toxoplasma compounds with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of <5 μM and selectivity indexes (SI) of >6 were identified. The most interesting compound was MMV007791, a piperazine acetamide, which has an IC50 of 0.19 μM and a selectivity index of >157. Also, we identified two compounds, MMV666600 and MMV006861, with modest activities against Entamoeba histolytica, with IC50s of 10.66 μM and 15.58 μM, respectively. The anti-Toxoplasma compounds identified in this study belong to scaffold types different from those of currently used drugs, underscoring their novelty and potential as starting points for the development of new antitoxoplasmosis drugs with novel modes of action.
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Dzitko K, Paneth A, Plech T, Pawełczyk J, Stączek P, Stefańska J, Paneth P. 1,4-Disubstituted thiosemicarbazide derivatives are potent inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii proliferation. Molecules 2014; 19:9926-43. [PMID: 25010466 PMCID: PMC6290556 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19079926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 4-arylthiosemicarbazides substituted at the N1 position with a 5-membered heteroaryl ring was synthesized and evaluated in vitro for T. gondii inhibition proliferation and host cell cytotoxicity. At non-toxic concentrations for the host cells all studied compounds displayed excellent anti-parasitic effects when compared to sulfadiazine, indicating a high selectivity of their anti-T. gondii activity. The differences in bioactivity investigated by DFT calculations suggest that the inhibitory activity of 4-aryl-thiosemicarbazides towards T. gondii proliferation is connected with the electronic structure of the molecule. Further, these compounds were tested as potential antibacterial agents. No growth-inhibiting effect on any of the test microorganisms was observed for all the compounds, even at high concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Dzitko
- Department of Immunoparasitology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agata Paneth
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Jakub Pawełczyk
- Institute for Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Paweł Stączek
- Department of Genetics of Microorganisms, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Joanna Stefańska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Oczki 3, 02-007 Warszawa, Poland.
| | - Piotr Paneth
- Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
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34
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Metabolic reconstruction identifies strain‐specific regulation of virulence in
Toxoplasma gondii. Mol Syst Biol 2013; 9:708. [PMID: 24247825 PMCID: PMC4039375 DOI: 10.1038/msb.2013.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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35
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Zaware N, Sharma H, Yang J, Devambatla RKV, Queener SF, Anderson KS, Gangjee A. Discovery of potent and selective inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii thymidylate synthase for opportunistic infections. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:1148-1151. [PMID: 24470841 DOI: 10.1021/ml400208v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (tg) can lead to toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients such as organ transplant, cancer and HIV/AIDS patients. The bifunctional thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase (TS-DHFR) enzyme is crucial for nucleotide synthesis in T. gondii, and represents a potential target to combat T. gondii infection. While species selectivity with drugs has been attained for DHFR, TS is much more conserved across species and specificity is significantly more challenging. We discovered novel substituted-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles 1-3 with single-digit nanomolar Ki for tgTS, two of which, 2 and 3, are 28- and 122-fold selective over human TS (hTS). The synthesis of these compounds, and their structures in complex with tgTS-DHFR are presented along with binding measurements and cell culture data. These results show, for the very first time, that in spite of the high degree of conservation of active site residues between hTS and the parasite TS, specificity has been accomplished via novel structures and provides a new target (TS) for selective drug development against parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Zaware
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Hitesh Sharma
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Jie Yang
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Ravi Kumar Vyas Devambatla
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Sherry F. Queener
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Karen S. Anderson
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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36
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Doliwa C, Escotte-Binet S, Aubert D, Sauvage V, Velard F, Schmid A, Villena I. Sulfadiazine resistance in Toxoplasma gondii: no involvement of overexpression or polymorphisms in genes of therapeutic targets and ABC transporters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:19. [PMID: 23707894 PMCID: PMC3718540 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2013020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Several treatment failures have been reported for the treatment of toxoplasmic encephalitis, chorioretinitis, and congenital toxoplasmosis. Recently we found three Toxoplasma gondii strains naturally resistant to sulfadiazine and we developed in vitro two sulfadiazine resistant strains, RH-R(SDZ) and ME-49-R(SDZ), by gradual pressure. In Plasmodium, common mechanisms of drug resistance involve, among others, mutations and/or amplification within genes encoding the therapeutic targets dhps and dhfr and/or the ABC transporter genes family. To identify genotypic and/or phenotypic markers of resistance in T. gondii, we sequenced and analyzed the expression levels of therapeutic targets dhps and dhfr, three ABC genes, two Pgp, TgABC.B1 and TgABC.B2, and one MRP, TgABC.C1, on sensitive strains compared to sulfadiazine resistant strains. Neither polymorphism nor overexpression was identified. Contrary to Plasmodium, in which mutations and/or overexpression within gene targets and ABC transporters are involved in antimalarial resistance, T. gondii sulfadiazine resistance is not related to these toxoplasmic genes studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Doliwa
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, EA 3800, SFR CAP-Santé FED 4231, UFR Médecine, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51 rue Cognacq-Jay, 51095 Reims Cedex, France
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Abstract
We induced sulfadiazine resistance in two sulfadiazine sensitive strains of Toxoplasma gondii, RH (Type I) and ME-49 (Type II) in vitro by using drug pressure. At first, sulfadiazine susceptibility of the two sensitive strains and two naturally resistant strains of T. gondii was evaluated on Vero cells using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The IC(50) values of sulfadiazine were 77 μg/mL for RH, 51 μg/mL for ME-49 and higher than 1000 μg/mL for the two natural resistant strains. Secondly, induced resistance of the strains by gradually increase sulfadiazine concentration was verified by this test, which resulted IC(50) values at higher than 1000 μg/mL. In conclusion we developed in vitro two sulfadiazine resistant strains called RH-R(SDZ) and ME-49-R(SDZ). These strains resistant to sulfadiazine would be useful to characterize resistance mechanisms to sulfadiazine.
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Bolstad DB, Bolstad ES, Wright DL, Anderson AC. Dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors: developments in antiparasitic chemotherapy. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2012; 18:143-57. [PMID: 20553119 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.18.2.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections caused by parasitic protozoa present a growing health concern, particularly in developing parts of the world. Although malaria is clearly the most well-known and deadly of these diseases, infections caused by other parasites, such as Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidia and Trypanosoma are emerging infectious threats. The success of inhibitors of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) against malaria has encouraged further exploration of this strategy against other parasites. OBJECTIVE This review presents antifolate inhibitors that have appeared in the patent literature and elaborates on their potency and selectivity against the DHFR enzyme from parasitic protozoa. METHODS The patent literature since 1994 was surveyed for antiparasitic DHFR inhibitors. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Over the past several years, there have been a variety of novel, potent and selective inhibitors disclosed in patents, primarily from academic researchers. This review summarizes the recent development of antifolates as specific agents against parasitic protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Bolstad
- University of Connecticut, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 69 N Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA +1 860 486 6145 ; +1 860 486 6857 ;
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Butt AM, Nasrullah I, Tahir S, Tong Y. Comparative genomics analysis of Mycobacterium ulcerans for the identification of putative essential genes and therapeutic candidates. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43080. [PMID: 22912793 PMCID: PMC3418265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, is the third most common mycobacterial disease after tuberculosis and leprosy. The present treatment options are limited and emergence of treatment resistant isolates represents a serious concern and a need for better therapeutics. Conventional drug discovery methods are time consuming and labor-intensive. Unfortunately, the slow growing nature of M. ulcerans in experimental conditions is also a barrier for drug discovery and development. In contrast, recent advancements in complete genome sequencing, in combination with cheminformatics and computational biology, represent an attractive alternative approach for the identification of therapeutic candidates worthy of experimental research. A computational, comparative genomics workflow was defined for the identification of novel therapeutic candidates against M. ulcerans, with the aim that a selected target should be essential to the pathogen, and have no homology in the human host. Initially, a total of 424 genes were predicted as essential from the M. ulcerans genome, via homology searching of essential genome content from 20 different bacteria. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that the most essential genes are associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Among these, 236 proteins were identified as non-host and essential, and could serve as potential drug and vaccine candidates. Several drug target prioritization parameters including druggability were also calculated. Enzymes from several pathways are discussed as potential drug targets, including those from cell wall synthesis, thiamine biosynthesis, protein biosynthesis, and histidine biosynthesis. It is expected that our data will facilitate selection of M. ulcerans proteins for successful entry into drug design pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azeem Mehmood Butt
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- * E-mail: (AMB); (YT)
| | - Izza Nasrullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shifa Tahir
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yigang Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (AMB); (YT)
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Zhao Y, Hammoudeh D, Yun MK, Qi J, White SW, Lee RE. Structure-based design of novel pyrimido[4,5-c]pyridazine derivatives as dihydropteroate synthase inhibitors with increased affinity. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:861-70. [PMID: 22416048 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201200049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) is the validated drug target for sulfonamide antimicrobial therapy. However, due to widespread drug resistance and poor tolerance, the use of sulfonamide antibiotics is now limited. The pterin binding pocket in DHPS is highly conserved and is distinct from the sulfonamide binding site. It therefore represents an attractive alternative target for the design of novel antibacterial agents. We previously carried out the structural characterization of a known pyridazine inhibitor in the Bacillus anthracis DHPS pterin site and identified a number of unfavorable interactions that appear to compromise binding. With this structural information, a series of 4,5-dioxo-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimido[4,5-c]pyridazines were designed to improve binding affinity. Most importantly, the N-methyl ring substitution was removed to improve binding within the pterin pocket, and the length of the side chain carboxylic acid was optimized to fully engage the pyrophosphate binding site. These inhibitors were synthesized and evaluated by an enzyme activity assay, X-ray crystallography, isothermal calorimetry, and surface plasmon resonance to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the binding interactions from structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic perspectives. This study clearly demonstrates that compounds lacking the N-methyl substitution exhibit increased inhibition of DHPS, but the beneficial effects of optimizing the side chain length are less apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhao
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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Gautam B, Singh G, Wadhwa G, Farmer R, Singh S, Singh AK, Jain PA, Yadav PK. Metabolic pathway analysis and molecular docking analysis for identification of putative drug targets in Toxoplasma gondii: novel approach. Bioinformation 2012; 8:134-41. [PMID: 22368385 PMCID: PMC3283885 DOI: 10.6026/97320630008134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite that can infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals including humans. In humans and other intermediate hosts, toxoplasma develops into chronic infection that cannot be eliminated by host's immune response or by currently used drugs. In most cases, chronic infections are largely asymptomatic unless the host becomes immune compromised. Thus, toxoplasma is a global health problem and the situation has become more precarious due to the advent of HIV infections and poor toleration of drugs used to treat toxoplasma infection, having severe side effects and also resistance have been developed to the current generation of drugs. The emergence of these drug resistant varieties of T. gondii has led to a search for novel drug targets. We have performed a comparative analysis of metabolic pathways of the host Homo sapiens and the pathogen T. gondii. The enzymes in the unique pathways of T. gondii, which do not show similarity to any protein from the host, represent attractive potential drug targets. We have listed out 11 such potential drug targets which are playing some important work in more than one pathway. Out of these, one important target is Glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme; it plays crucial part in oxidation reduction, metabolic process and amino acid metabolic process. As this is also present in the targets of tropical diseases of TDR (Tropical disease related Drug) target database and no PDB and MODBASE 3D structural model is available, homology models for Glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme were generated using MODELLER9v6. The model was further explored for the molecular dynamics simulation study with GROMACS, virtual screening and docking studies with suitable inhibitors against the NCI diversity subset molecules from ZINC database, by using AutoDock-Vina. The best ten docking solutions were selected (ZINC01690699, ZINC17465979, ZINC17465983, ZINC18141294_03, ZINC05462670, ZINC01572309, ZINC18055497_01, ZINC18141294, ZINC05462674 and ZINC13152284_01). Further the Complexes were analyzed through LIGPLOT. On the basis of Complex scoring and binding ability it is deciphered that these NCI diversity set II compounds, specifically ZINC01690699 (as it has minimum energy score and one of the highest number of interactions with the active site residue), could be promising inhibitors for T. gondii using Glutamate dehydrogenase as Drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budhayash Gautam
- Department of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Jacob School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom
Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences-Deemed to be University, Allahabad-211007, India
| | - Gurmit Singh
- Department of Computer
Science and Information Technology, Shepherd School of Engineering and Technology, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture,
Technology and Sciences-Deemed to be University, Allahabad-211007, India
| | - Gulshan Wadhwa
- Apex Bioinformatics Centre, Department of
Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, CGO complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003, India
| | - Rohit Farmer
- Department of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Jacob School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom
Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences-Deemed to be University, Allahabad-211007, India
| | - Satendra Singh
- Department of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Jacob School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom
Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences-Deemed to be University, Allahabad-211007, India
| | - Atul Kumar Singh
- Apex Bioinformatics Centre, Department of
Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, CGO complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003, India
| | - Prashant Ankur Jain
- Department of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Jacob School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom
Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences-Deemed to be University, Allahabad-211007, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Yadav
- Department of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Jacob School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom
Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences-Deemed to be University, Allahabad-211007, India
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Morgan RE, Batot GO, Dement JM, Rao VA, Eadsforth TC, Hunter WN. Crystal structures of Burkholderia cenocepacia dihydropteroate synthase in the apo-form and complexed with the product 7,8-dihydropteroate. BMC STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2011; 11:21. [PMID: 21554707 PMCID: PMC3098144 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6807-11-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The enzyme dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) participates in the de novo synthesis of folate cofactors by catalyzing the formation of 7,8-dihydropteroate from condensation of p-aminobenzoic acid with 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropteroate pyrophosphate. DHPS is absent from humans, who acquire folates from diet, and has been validated as an antimicrobial therapeutic target by chemical and genetic means. The bacterium Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen and an infective agent of cystic fibrosis patients. The organism is highly resistant to antibiotics and there is a recognized need for the identification of new drugs against Burkholderia and related Gram-negative pathogens. Our characterization of the DHPS active site and interactions with the enzyme product are designed to underpin early stage drug discovery. Results An efficient recombinant protein expression system for DHPS from B. cenocepacia (BcDHPS) was prepared, the dimeric enzyme purified in high yield and crystallized. The structure of the apo-enzyme and the complex with the product 7,8-dihydropteroate have been determined to 2.35 Å and 1.95 Å resolution respectively in distinct orthorhombic crystal forms. The latter represents the first crystal structure of the DHPS-pterin product complex, reveals key interactions involved in ligand binding, and reinforces data generated by other structural studies. Comparisons with orthologues identify plasticity near the substrate-binding pocket and in particular a range of loop conformations that contribute to the architecture of the DHPS active site. These structural data provide a foundation for hit discovery. An intriguing observation, an artifact of the analysis, that of a potential sulfenamide bond within the ligand complex structure is mentioned. Conclusion Structural similarities between BcDHPS and orthologues from other Gram-negative species are evident as expected on the basis of a high level of sequence identity. The presence of 7,8-dihydropteroate in the binding site provides details about ligand recognition by the enzyme and the different states of the enzyme allow us to visualize distinct conformational states of loops adjacent to the active site. Improved drugs to combat infections by Burkholderia sp. and related Gram-negative bacteria are sought and our study now provides templates to assist that process and allow us to discuss new ways of inhibiting DHPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Morgan
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
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Holmes M, Crater AK, Dhudshia B, Thadani AN, Ananvoranich S. Toxoplasma gondii: inhibitory activity and encystation effect of securinine and pyrrolidine derivatives on Toxoplasma growth. Exp Parasitol 2010; 127:370-5. [PMID: 20833168 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Securinine, an alkaloid originally isolated from Securinega suffruticosa, exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including anti-malarial activity. Along with securinine, 10 pyrrolidine derivatives, generated via the retrosynthesis of (-)-securinine, were selected and tested for their inhibitory activity against Toxoplasma gondii growth in vitro. Anti-Toxoplasma activity correlated to hydrophobicity of the tested compounds. Three pyrrolidine derivatives along with securinine inhibit Toxoplasma proliferation at the micromolar range. These compounds act on parasite proliferation in different capacities, either by slowing the growth rate or inhibiting invasion of host cells. Securinine induces bradyzoite differentiation at comparable levels to treatment with alkali media in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Holmes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9B 3P4
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Liesen AP, de Aquino TM, Carvalho CS, Lima VT, de Araújo JM, de Lima JG, de Faria AR, de Melo EJ, Alves AJ, Alves EW. Synthesis and evaluation of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and antimicrobial activities of thiosemicarbazides, 4-thiazolidinones and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles. Eur J Med Chem 2010; 45:3685-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Revised: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Regulation of CD8+ T cell responses to infection with parasitic protozoa. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:318-25. [PMID: 20493842 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 05/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There are over 10,000 species of parasitic protozoa, a subset of which can cause considerable disease in humans. Here we examine in detail the complex immune response generated during infection with a subset of these parasites: Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania sp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Plasmodium sp. While these particular species perhaps represent the most studied parasites in terms of understanding how T cells function during infection, it is clear that the lessons learned from this body of work are also relevant to the other protozoa known to induce a CD8(+) T cell response. This review will highlight some of the key studies that established that CD8(+) T cells play a major role in protective immunity to protozoa, the factors that promote the generation as well as maintenance of the CD8(+) T cell response during these infections, and draw attention to some of the gaps in our knowledge. Moreover, the development of new tools, including MHC-Class I tetramer reagents and the use of TCR transgenic mice or genetically modified parasites, has provided a better appreciation of how parasite specific CD8(+) T cell responses are initiated and new insights into their phenotypic plasticity.
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Hevener KE, Yun MK, Qi J, Kerr ID, Babaoglu K, Hurdle JG, Balakrishna K, White SW, Lee RE. Structural studies of pterin-based inhibitors of dihydropteroate synthase. J Med Chem 2010; 53:166-77. [PMID: 19899766 DOI: 10.1021/jm900861d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) is a key enzyme in bacterial folate synthesis and the target of the sulfonamide class of antibacterials. Resistance and toxicities associated with sulfonamides have led to a decrease in their clinical use. Compounds that bind to the pterin binding site of DHPS, as opposed to the p-amino benzoic acid (pABA) binding site targeted by the sulfonamide agents, are anticipated to bypass sulfonamide resistance. To identify such inhibitors and map the pterin binding pocket, we have performed virtual screening, synthetic, and structural studies using Bacillus anthracis DHPS. Several compounds with inhibitory activity have been identified, and crystal structures have been determined that show how the compounds engage the pterin site. The structural studies identify the key binding elements and have been used to generate a structure-activity based pharmacophore map that will facilitate the development of the next generation of DHPS inhibitors which specifically target the pterin site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk E Hevener
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 847 Monroe Avenue, Room 327 Johnson Building, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA
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The role of DNA microarrays in Toxoplasma gondii research, the causative agent of ocular toxoplasmosis. J Ocul Biol Dis Infor 2009; 2:214-222. [PMID: 20157353 PMCID: PMC2816810 DOI: 10.1007/s12177-009-9040-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis, which is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is the leading cause of retinochoroiditis. Toxoplasma is an obligate intracellular pathogen that replicates within a parasitophorous vacuole. Infections are initiated by digestion of parasites deposited in cat feces or in undercooked meat. Parasites then disseminate to target tissues that include the retina where they then develop into long-lived asymptomatic tissue cysts. Occasionally, cysts reactivate and growth of newly emerged parasites must be controlled by the host’s immune system or disease will occur. The mechanisms by which Toxoplasma grows within its host cell, encysts, and interacts with the host’s immune system are important questions. Here, we will discuss how the use of DNA microarrays in transcriptional profiling, genotyping, and epigenetic experiments has impacted our understanding of these processes. Finally, we will discuss how these advances relate to ocular toxoplasmosis and how future research on ocular toxoplasmosis can benefit from DNA microarrays.
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Blader IJ, Saeij JP. Communication between Toxoplasma gondii and its host: impact on parasite growth, development, immune evasion, and virulence. APMIS 2009; 117:458-76. [PMID: 19400868 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2009.02453.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect most warm-blooded animals and cause severe and life-threatening disease in developing fetuses and in immune-compromised patients. Although Toxoplasma was discovered over 100 years ago, we are only now beginning to appreciate the importance of the role that parasite modulation of its host has on parasite growth, bradyzoite development, immune evasion, and virulence. The goal of this review is to highlight these findings, to develop an integrated model for communication between Toxoplasma and its host, and to discuss new questions that arise out of these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira J Blader
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Wasmuth J, Daub J, Peregrín-Alvarez JM, Finney CAM, Parkinson J. The origins of apicomplexan sequence innovation. Genome Res 2009; 19:1202-13. [PMID: 19363216 DOI: 10.1101/gr.083386.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Apicomplexa are a group of phylogenetically related parasitic protists that include Plasmodium, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma. Together they are a major global burden on human health and economics. To meet this challenge, several international consortia have generated vast amounts of sequence data for many of these parasites. Here, we exploit these data to perform a systematic analysis of protein family and domain incidence across the phylum. A total of 87,736 protein sequences were collected from 15 apicomplexan species. These were compared with three protein databases, including the partial genome database, PartiGeneDB, which increases the breadth of taxonomic coverage. From these searches we constructed taxonomic profiles that reveal the extent of apicomplexan sequence diversity. Sequences without a significant match outside the phylum were denoted as apicomplexan specialized. These were collated into 9134 discrete protein families and placed in the context of the apicomplexan phylogeny, identifying the putative origin of each family. Most apicomplexan families were associated with an individual genus or species. Interestingly, many genera-specific innovations were associated with specialized host cell invasion and/or parasite survival processes. Contrastingly, those families reflecting more ancestral relationships were enriched in generalized housekeeping functions such as translation and transcription, which have diverged within the apicomplexan lineage. Protein domain searches revealed 192 domains not previously reported in apicomplexans together with a number of novel domain combinations. We highlight domains that may be important to parasite survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Wasmuth
- Program in Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2L3, Canada.
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Adurthi S, Sahoo T, Chakka K, Radhika B, Appaji L, Bapsy P, Ramesh C, Jayshree R. Acute toxoplasmosis in nonstem cell transplant patients with haematological malignancies: a study from a regional cancer institute in South India. Hematol Oncol 2009; 26:229-33. [PMID: 18504773 DOI: 10.1002/hon.864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The frequency of Toxoplasma gondii (Tgondii) infections was investigated during febrile episodes in nonstem cell transplant patients with haematological malignancies (HM). One hundred and sixty-two febrile episodes in 125 HIV-negative patients with HM undergoing treatment at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India comprised the study group. Plasma from anticoagulated whole blood was used for amplifying the B1 gene of T. gondii by nPCR. Specific antibodies to T. gondii (IgM and IgG) were tested using commercial kits. Corticosteroid and cotrimoxazole usage during these episodes was 50 and 41%, respectively. Twenty-two of the febrile episodes (14%) were positive for T. gondii; nine of which did not have any other concomitant infecting pathogen and were seen in symptomatic patients. While majority of these (13%) were 'Toxoplasma infection', there was a single case of 'probable Toxoplasma disease' (0.6%). In four of the fatal febrile episodes, T. gondii was the causative agent; two of which did not have any other concomitant infection. None of the patients had undergone stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Adurthi
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore 560 029, India
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