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De Silva NL, De Silva VNH, Weerasooriya MV, Takagi H, Itoh M, Kato H, Yahathugoda TC. A real-time PCR for quantification of parasite burden and its correlations with clinical characteristics and anti-rKRP42 IgG level in cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102865. [PMID: 38341021 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In visceral and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, humoral immune response can reflect disease severity and parasite burden. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka is caused by a usually visceralizing parasite, Leishmania donovani. We assessed the parasite burden (relative quantity-RQ) in 190 CL patients using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR-with primers designed for this study) and smear microscopy, then correlated it with clinical parameters and IgG response. RQ of parasite DNA was determined with human-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the internal control. The qPCR sensitivity was tested with serially diluted DNA from cultured L. donovani parasites. Smears were assigned a score based on number of parasites per high power field. Data from previous studies were used for comparison and correlation; nested Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) PCR as reference standard (RS) and IgG antibody titers to the Leishmania rKRp42 antigen as the immune response. The qPCR amplified and quantified 86.8% of the samples while demonstrating a fair and significant agreement with ITS1-PCR and microscopy. Parasite burden by qPCR and microscopy were highly correlated (r = 0.76; p = 0.01) but showed no correlation with the IgG response (r = 0.056; p = 0.48). Corresponding mean RQs of IgG titers grouped by percentiles, showed no significant difference (p = 0.93). Mean RQ was higher in early lesions (p = 0.04), decreased with lesion size (p = 0.12) and slightly higher among papules, nodules and wet ulcers (p = 0.72). Our study established qPCR's efficacy in quantifying parasite burden in Sri Lankan CL lesions but no significant correlation was observed between the parasite burden and host IgG response to the Leishmania rKRP42 antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hidekazu Takagi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.
| | - Makoto Itoh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Kato
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
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Rezende Ribeiro N, Magno Oliveira Santos L, Silva Costa S, Kei Myasaki C, Pagliara Lage D, Tamietti Martins V, Cristiane Fortes De Brito R, Chaves Freire L, Maria Ravena Severino Carvalho A, Victor Serafim Brigido B, José Alves R, Antonio Ferraz Coelho E, Mendes Roatt B, Menezes-Souza D, Costa Duarte M. Development of a topical treatment for tegumentary leishmaniasis using 8-hydroxyquinoline. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 199:114306. [PMID: 38679213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In the context of neglected diseases, tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) presents an emerging and re-emerging character in the national territory and in the world. The treatment of TL has limitations, such as intravenous administration route, high toxicity, and high treatment costs. Thus, several researchers work on new therapeutic strategies to improve the effectiveness of the treatment of leishmaniasis. In this light, the present study used a topical formulation, containing 8-hydroquinoline (8-HQN), for the treatment of Balb/c mice infected with L. amazonensis. After the treatment, the mean diameter of the lesion was measured, as well as the parasite load in organs and immunological parameters associated with the treatment. The results showed that the animals treated with 8-HQN 5%, when compared to controls, showed a reduction in the mean diameter of the lesion and in the parasite load. The animals treated with the ointment showed a type 1 cellular immune response profile associated with the production of cytokines such as INF-γ and TNF-α. In addition, the treatment did not demonstrate toxicity to mice. Therefore, the topical formulation containing 8-HQN 5% is a promising candidate in the topical treatment and could be considered, in the future, as an alternative for the treatment of TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naianda Rezende Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucas Magno Oliveira Santos
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Scarleth Silva Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina Kei Myasaki
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pagliara Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vivian Tamietti Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rory Cristiane Fortes De Brito
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Chaves Freire
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Ravena Severino Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bryan Victor Serafim Brigido
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo José Alves
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas/CiPharma, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Costa Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Niroumand U, Motazedian MH, Ahmadi F, Asgari Q, Bahreini MS, Ghasemiyeh P, Mohammadi-Samani S. Preparation and characterization of artemether-loaded niosomes in Leishmania major-induced cutaneous leishmaniasis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10073. [PMID: 38698123 PMCID: PMC11065877 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60883-0] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis worldwide. Although various anti-leishmanial regimens have been considered, due to the lack of efficacy or occurrence of adverse reactions, design and development of novel topical delivery systems would be essential. This study aimed to prepare artemether (ART)-loaded niosomes and evaluate their anti-leishmanial effects against Leishmania major. ART-loaded niosomes were prepared through the thin-film hydration technique and characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, morphology, differential scanning calorimetry, drug loading, and drug release. Furthermore, anti-leishmanial effect of the preparation was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The prepared ART-loaded niosomes were spherical with an average diameter of about 100 and 300 nm with high encapsulation efficiencies of > 99%. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity revealed that ART-loaded niosomes had significantly higher anti-leishmanial activity, lower general toxicity, and higher selectivity index (SI). Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ART, ART-loaded niosomes, and liposomal amphotericin B were 39.09, 15.12, and 20 µg/mL, respectively. Also, according to the in vivo study results, ART-loaded niosomes with an average size of 300 nm showed the highest anti-leishmanial effects in animal studies. ART-loaded niosomes would be promising topical drug delivery system for the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uranous Niroumand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz-Marvdasht Hwy, Karafarin St, Shiraz, 71468 64685, Fars, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Motazedian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahmadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saleh Bahreini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Parisa Ghasemiyeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soliman Mohammadi-Samani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz-Marvdasht Hwy, Karafarin St, Shiraz, 71468 64685, Fars, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Menezes SA, Tasca T. Extracellular vesicles in parasitic diseases - from pathogenesis to future diagnostic tools. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105310. [PMID: 38316376 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are still a major public health problem especially among individuals of low socioeconomic status in underdeveloped countries. In recent years it has been demonstrated that parasites can release extracellular vesicles that participate in the host-parasite communication, immune evasion, and in governing processes associated with host infection. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound structures released into the extracellular space that can carry several types of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites, which directly impact the target cells. Extracellular vesicles have attracted wide attention due to their relevance in host-parasite communication and for their potential value in applications such as in the diagnostic biomarker discovery. This review of the literature aimed to join the current knowledge on the role of extracellular vesicles in host-parasite interaction and summarize its molecular content, providing information for the acquisition of new tools that can be used in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. These findings shed light to the potential of extracellular vesicle cargo derived from protozoan parasites as novel diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo Almeida Menezes
- Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
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Uribe-Querol E, Rosales C. Neutrophils versus Protozoan Parasites: Plasmodium, Trichomonas, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Entameoba. Microorganisms 2024; 12:827. [PMID: 38674770 PMCID: PMC11051968 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant polymorphonuclear granular leukocytes in human blood and are an essential part of the innate immune system. Neutrophils are efficient cells that eliminate pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but their role in dealing with protozoan parasitic infections remains controversial. At sites of protozoan parasite infections, a large number of infiltrating neutrophils is observed, suggesting that neutrophils are important cells for controlling the infection. Yet, in most cases, there is also a strong inflammatory response that can provoke tissue damage. Diseases like malaria, trichomoniasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and amoebiasis affect millions of people globally. In this review, we summarize these protozoan diseases and describe the novel view on how neutrophils are involved in protection from these parasites. Also, we present recent evidence that neutrophils play a double role in these infections participating both in control of the parasite and in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Uribe-Querol
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Carlos Rosales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Khairnar P, Saathoff JM, Cook DW, Hochstetler SR, Pandya U, Robinson SJ, Satam V, Donsbach KO, Gupton BF, Jin LM, Shanahan CS. Practical Synthesis of 6-Amino-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane: A Key Intermediate of DNDI-6148. Org Process Res Dev 2024; 28:1213-1223. [PMID: 38660377 PMCID: PMC11036395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.4c00031] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a parasitic, poverty-linked, neglected disease, is endemic across multiple regions of the world and fatal if untreated. There is an urgent need for a better and more affordable treatment for VL. DNDI-6148 is a promising drug candidate being evaluated for the treatment of VL; however, the current process for producing the key intermediate of DNDI-6148, 6-amino-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane, is expensive and difficult to scale up. Herein, we describe two practical approaches to synthesizing 6-amino-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane from inexpensive and readily available raw materials. Starting with 4-tolunitrile, the first approach is a five-step sequence involving a Hofmann rearrangement, resulting in an overall yield of 40%. The second approach utilizes 2-methyl-5-nitroaniline as the starting material and features borylation of aniline and continuous flow hydrogenation as the key steps, with an overall yield of 46%. Both routes bypass the nitration of 1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane, which is challenging and expensive to scale. In particular, the second approach is more practical and scalable because of the mild operating conditions and facile isolation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj
V. Khairnar
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - John M. Saathoff
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Daniel W. Cook
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Samuel R. Hochstetler
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Urvish Pandya
- Drugs
for Neglected Diseases initiative, 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephen J. Robinson
- Drugs
for Neglected Diseases initiative, 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vijay Satam
- Drugs
for Neglected Diseases initiative, 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kai O. Donsbach
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - B. Frank Gupton
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Li-Mei Jin
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
| | - Charles S. Shanahan
- Medicines
for All Institute, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-3068, United States
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Ullah W, Khan A, Niaz S, Al-Garadi MA, Nasreen N, Swelum AA, Ben Said M. Epidemiological survey, molecular profiling and phylogenetic analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:273-286. [PMID: 38055843 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad086] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), an emerging vector-borne ailment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, exhibits diverse spread patterns and outbreaks. METHODS To comprehend its epidemiology and identify parasite species, we conducted an active survey on suspected CL cases (n=8845) in KPK. RESULTS Microscopy and internal transcribed spacer-1 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) molecular techniques detected Leishmania spp. in blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis gauged genetic affinities with other areas. District Bannu displayed the highest CL impact (14.58%), while Swat had the lowest impact (4.33%) among cases. Annual blood examination rate, parasite incidence and slide positivity rate were 4.96 per 1000 people, 0.0233 and 0.047%, respectively. CL infections were prevalent in 1- to 20-y-olds, with males (57.17%) more vulnerable than females (42.82%). Single lesions occurred in 43.73% of patients, while 31.2% people had two lesions, 17.31% had three lesions and 7.74% had more than three lesions. Most had sand-fly exposure but lacked preventive measures like repellents and bed nets. Leishmania tropica was confirmed via RFLP analysis in amplified samples. Phylogenetic analysis unveiled genetic parallels between L. tropica of KPK and isolates from China, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Syria and Morocco. CONCLUSIONS Urgent comprehensive control measures are imperative. Early detection, targeted interventions and raising awareness of CL and sand-fly vectors are vital for reducing the disease's impact. International collaboration and monitoring are crucial to tackle Leishmania spp.'s genetic diversity and curtail its cross-border spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasia Ullah
- Depart ment of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany/Zoology, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Department of Biology, Mountain Allison university, Sackville, new Brunswick, Canada
| | - Sadaf Niaz
- Depart ment of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Maged A Al-Garadi
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Depart ment of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
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Mule SN, Saad JS, Sauter IP, Fernandes LR, de Oliveira GS, Quina D, Tano FT, Brandt-Almeida D, Padrón G, Stolf BS, Larsen MR, Cortez M, Palmisano G. The protein map of the protozoan parasite Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum during growth phase transition and temperature stress. J Proteomics 2024; 295:105088. [PMID: 38237666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites cause a spectrum of diseases termed leishmaniasis, which manifests in two main clinical forms, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Leishmania promastigotes transit from proliferative exponential to quiescent stationary phases inside the insect vector, a relevant step that recapitulates early molecular events of metacyclogenesis. During the insect blood meal of the mammalian hosts, the released parasites interact initially with the skin, an event marked by temperature changes. Deep knowledge on the molecular events activated during Leishmania-host interactions in each step is crucial to develop better therapies and to understand the pathogenesis. In this study, the proteomes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (La), Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (Lb), and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (syn L. L. chagasi) (Lc) were analyzed using quantitative proteomics to uncover the proteome modulation in three different conditions related to growth phases and temperature shifts: 1) exponential phase (Exp); 2) stationary phase (Sta25) and; 3) stationary phase subjected to heat stress (Sta34). Functional validations were performed using orthogonal techniques, focusing on α-tubulin, gp63 and heat shock proteins (HSPs). Species-specific and condition-specific modulation highlights the plasticity of the Leishmania proteome, showing that pathways related to metabolism and cytoskeleton are significantly modulated from exponential to stationary growth phases, while protein folding, unfolded protein binding, signaling and microtubule-based movement were differentially altered during temperature shifts. This study provides an in-depth proteome analysis of three Leishmania spp., and contributes compelling evidence of the molecular alterations of these parasites in conditions mimicking the interaction of the parasites with the insect vector and vertebrate hosts. SIGNIFICANCE: Leishmaniasis disease manifests in two main clinical forms according to the infecting Leishmania species and host immune responses, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. In Brazil, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is associated with L. braziliensis and L. amazonensis, while visceral leishmaniasis, also called kala-azar, is caused by L. infantum. Leishmania parasites remodel their proteomes during growth phase transition and changes in their mileu imposed by the host, including temperature. In this study, we performed a quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to compare the proteome of three New world Leishmania species, L. amazonensis (La), L. braziliensis (Lb) and L. infantum (syn L. chagasi) (Lc) in three conditions: a) exponential phase at 25 °C (Exp); b) stationary phase at 25 °C (Sta25) and; c) stationary phase subjected to temperature stress at 34 °C (Sta34). This study provides an in-depth proteome analysis of three Leishmania spp. with varying pathophysiological outcomes, and contributes compelling evidence of the molecular alterations of these parasites in conditions mimicking the interaction of the parasites with the insect vector and vertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ngao Mule
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Silva Saad
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ismael Pretto Sauter
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Livia Rosa Fernandes
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Quina
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabia Tomie Tano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deborah Brandt-Almeida
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Padrón
- Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Beatriz Simonsen Stolf
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mauro Cortez
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Analytical Glycoimmunology Group, Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia.
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Ghayour AH, Delavari M, Arbabi M. Antileishmanial effect of podophyllotoxin and podophyllin on Leishmania major in vitro and in vivo. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:157-162. [PMID: 38440762 PMCID: PMC10908768 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01654-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic research is very important in the prevention and treatment of leishmaniasis due to problems such as drug resistance, scarring and disease recurrence. The aim of this study was to determine how Leishmania major responds to the anti-leishmaniasis properties of podophyllotoxin and podophyllin. Cultured Leishmania promastigotes were exposed to different concentrations of podophyllotoxin and podophyllin for 24 and 48 h. Then, during the animal phase, Balb/c mice were experimentally injected with Leishmania promastigotes. After wounding, the effects of 0.5% podophyllotoxin and 25% podophyllin on reducing wound diameter and the number of amastigotes in the wound were evaluated. Podophyllotoxin and podophyllin were 83% and 59% lethal to Leishmania major promastigotes at the highest concentrations (200 µg/ml) and time (48 h). In the in vivo study, the mean lesion diameter at the end of treatment in the negative control group was 15.10 mm compared to 14.21 mm and 11.55 mm in the 25% podophyllin and 0.5% podophyllotoxin groups, respectively. Although both agents reduced the size of mice wounds and the number of amastigotes in the wounds, podophyllotoxin was more effective in this regard. Based on the results, podophyllotoxin and podophyllin can be used as leishmaniasis drugs after further research. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir hossein Ghayour
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mahdi Delavari
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohsen Arbabi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
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10
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Patel A, Bandino F, Achanta M, Walker SL, Joseph JA. Ear, nose and throat manifestations of leishmaniasis: Case series from a tertiary centre in the United Kingdom. Clin Otolaryngol 2024; 49:258-263. [PMID: 37997482 DOI: 10.1111/coa.14127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Patel
- Department of Rhinology, Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - F Bandino
- Department of Rhinology, Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - M Achanta
- Department of Rhinology, Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S L Walker
- Department of Dermatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - J A Joseph
- Department of Rhinology, Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Shmueli M, Ben-Shimol S. Review of Leishmaniasis Treatment: Can We See the Forest through the Trees? PHARMACY 2024; 12:30. [PMID: 38392937 PMCID: PMC10892631 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There are three known clinical syndromes of leishmaniasis: cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (MCL), and visceral disease (VL). In MCL and VL, treatment must be systemic (either oral or intravenous), while CL treatment options vary and include observation-only localized/topical treatment, oral medications, or parenteral drugs. Leishmaniasis treatment is difficult, with several factors to be considered. First, the efficacy of treatments varies among different species of parasites prevalent in different areas on the globe, with each species having a unique clinical presentation and resistance profile. Furthermore, leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), resulting in a lack of evidence-based knowledge regarding treatment. Therefore, physicians often rely on case reports or case series studies, in the absence of randomized controlled trials (RCT), to assess treatment efficacy. Second, defining cure, especially in CL and MCL, may be difficult, as death of the parasite can be achieved in most cases, while the aesthetic result (e.g., scars) is hard to predict. This is a result of the biological nature of the disease, often diagnosed late in the course of disease (with possible keloid formation, etc.). Third, physicians must consider treatment ease of use and the safety profile of possible treatments. Thus, topical or oral treatments (for CL) are desirable and promote adherence. Fourth, the cost of the treatment is an important consideration. In this review, we aim to describe the diverse treatment options for different clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis. For each currently available treatment, we will discuss the various considerations mentioned above (efficacy, ease of use, safety, and cost).
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Shmueli
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Shalom Ben-Shimol
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 8410115, Israel
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12
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Han XY, Li HB, Wei JH, Xu XY, Li Y, Che YQ. Serological characteristics and clinical implications of IgG subclasses in visceral leishmaniasis. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:152-160. [PMID: 38158790 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13960] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) represents the most severe form of Leishmaniasis infection, often resulting in fatality without timely treatment. Previous studies have found that immunosuppression increases the risk of VL disease progression and mortality, and the total immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in peripheral blood vary before and after treatment. However, the distinct levels and roles of IgG subclasses in VL have not been documented yet. This study aims to elucidate the characteristics and clinical significance of IgG subclasses in VL. METHODS A total of 43 cases newly-diagnosed with VL were enrolled in the cohort. We measured the levels of IgG subclasses before and after standard treatment and conducted assessments of bone marrow features. In addition, we analysed other haematological indices and examined the variations in IgG subclasses, as well as their correlation with clinical and laboratory factors. RESULTS The levels of total IgG, IgG1, and the ratios of both IgG1/IgG and IgG1/IgG2 decreased significantly after treatment, whereas the ratios of IgG2/ IgG showed an obvious increase. The VL patients without hyperglobulinemia displayed significant lower IgG1/IgG2 ratios, but higher IgG2/IgG ratios compared with those with hyperglobulinemia. In addition, VL patients with positive bone marrow amastigotes had significant higher IgG1/IgG and IgG1/IgG2 ratios, but lower IgG2/IgG ratios. IgG subclasses were correlated with abnormal blood test results, particularly immunological elements including IgM and Complement 4 (C4). CONCLUSIONS IgG1 and IgG2 exhibited contrasting changes after treatment in VL patients. The features of bone marrow and laboratory tests indicated that IgG1 and IgG2 serve different roles in the progression of VL. The ratios of IgG subclasses may be more precise indicators to evaluate immune reaction in VL than traditional total IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Han
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Bing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Hao Wei
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yong Xu
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Qun Che
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Amani S, Alinejad S, Asadi N, Yousefi E, Khademvatan S, Howarth GS. Anti-Leishmania major activity of Calotropis procera extract by increasing ROS production and upregulating TNF-α, IFN-γ and iNOS mRNA expression under in vitro conditions. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:16. [PMID: 38303082 PMCID: PMC10832188 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00578-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, is a neglected tropical disease with 700,000 to 1,000,000 global new cases annually. Adverse effects associated with expense, long-term treatment and drug resistance have made conventional therapies unfavorable, encouraging the search for alternative drugs based on plant products. In this study, the effect of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) extract against viability of promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major was evaluated in vitro. METHODS The extract from the leaves of C. procera seedlings was prepared using a methanol maceration method. The colorimetric cell viability 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the growth-inhibitory effect of the extract on promastigotes. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in promastigote cultures was determined after treatment with the extract using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method and compared with untreated cultures (control). After exposure to the extract the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes were determined and compared to control in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected with L. major. RESULTS Based on the MTT assay, the C. procera extract significantly reduced the proliferation of L. major promastigotes with IC50 values of 377.28 and 222.44 μg/mL for 24 and 72 h, respectively (p < 0.01). After treatment with 222.44 and 377.28 μg/mL of C. procera extract, ROS production in L. major promastigote cultures increased 1.2- to 1.65-fold and 2- to 4-fold compared to the control, respectively (p < 0.05). C. procera extract induced significant increases in gene expression of TNF-α (2.76-14.83 fold), IFN-γ (25.63-threefold) and iNOS (16.32-3.97 fold) in infected PBMCs compared to control (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS On the basis of its anti-leishmanial activity, C. procera can be considered as a promising new plant source for the potential treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Amani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Soheila Alinejad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Negar Asadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Elham Yousefi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shahram Khademvatan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Gordon Stanley Howarth
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
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Khodabandeh M, Moradian E, Sarvari M, Khiabani MS. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) Clinical Presentation, Laboratory Findings, Treatment Options and Outcome. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2024; 19:28-37. [PMID: 38654944 PMCID: PMC11033536 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v19i1.15190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Black disease, also known as visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is a parasitic illness caused by various Leishmania species. The risk of morbidity and mortality increases with delayed diagnosis and treatment. Early VL diagnosis and fast appropriate treatment are critical issues in endemic areas. Methods This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study to investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic course of patients admitted with the diagnosis of VL in the Children's Medical Center (CMC) Hospital, Tehran, Iran. All cases of VL in patients under the age of 18 hospitalized between the years 2012 to 2022 were enrolled. Results Twenty-seven patients were enrolled with an average age of 28.13 months with the majority of females (51.8%). Common clinical signs were fever (96.2%) and splenomegaly (92.59%). However, lymphadenopathy was rare. The largest number of patients was from Tehran Province, followed by Ardabil, Khuzestan, Gilan, and Alborz provinces. The most common hematological abnormalities were anemia (85.1%) and thrombocytopenia (44.4%). In accordance with the treatment strategy, liposomal amphotericin B and amphotericin B deoxycholate were given to 11 and 5 patients, respectively. Eleven of them received glucantime. The average length of hospitalization for liposomal amphotericin B was 15.36 ± 12.49 days. In comparison with glucantime (18.38 ±10.26 days) and amphotericin B deoxycholate (20.20± 6.18 days), liposomal amphotericin B group hospitalization was shorter than others were. Conclusion VL should be included in the differential diagnosis of any child who presents with fever, splenomegaly, and anemia. Concerning the treatment strategy in this study, liposomal amphotericin B had more efficiency and shorter hospitalization duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Khodabandeh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Moradian
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maedeh Sarvari
- School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mahsa Soti Khiabani
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Karunathilake C, Alles N, Dewasurendra R, Weerasinghe I, Chandrasiri N, Piyasiri SB, Samaranayake N, Silva H, Manamperi N, Karunaweera N. The use of recombinant K39, KMP11, and crude antigen-based indirect ELISA as a serological diagnostic tool and a measure of exposure for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:77. [PMID: 38157062 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08103-y] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka is caused by Leishmania donovani, a parasite widely known to cause visceral leishmaniasis. Despite the fact that CL is not generally believed to elicit serological immune responses, recent studies show the presence of antibody responses against this atypical form of CL. This study assesses the potential of using recombinant K39 (rK39), KMP11, and crude parasite antigen-based indirect ELISAs as serological diagnostic tools and measures of exposure for CL in Sri Lanka. The study used serum samples from confirmed CL patients (n = 266) and apparently healthy individuals from endemic settings (n = 411). Serum samples from individuals residing in non-endemic areas were used as negative controls. In-house indirect ELISAs were optimized and validated for recombinant antigens. Previously validated crude parasite extract-based indirect ELISA was performed for comparison. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v26.0. The rK39 (sensitivity = 71.2%, specificity = 64%) and KMP11 (sensitivity = 79.2%, specificity = 71.4%) based indirect ELISA were shown to be less suitable for the diagnosis of CL, while crude parasite extract-based indirect ELISA (sensitivity = 82.4%, specificity = 85.7%) might be a better method of diagnosis. All 03 ELISAs seemed to be good methods as measures of exposure since correlations were observed between the seropositivity of all 03 ELISAs (rK39: p = 0.037, KMP11: p = 0.007, CrudeAg: p = 0.000) with provincial case incidences. The findings will be important in identifying the disease hotspots in order to design the control measures for CL induced by L. donovani in Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charani Karunathilake
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Narmadha Alles
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Rajika Dewasurendra
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Isurika Weerasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nipuni Chandrasiri
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sachee Bhanu Piyasiri
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nilakshi Samaranayake
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Hermali Silva
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nuwani Manamperi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Nadira Karunaweera
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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16
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Volpedo G, Oljuskin T, Cox B, Mercado Y, Askwith C, Azodi N, Bernier M, Nakhasi HL, Gannavaram S, Satoskar AR. Leishmania mexicana promotes pain-reducing metabolomic reprogramming in cutaneous lesions. iScience 2023; 26:108502. [PMID: 38125023 PMCID: PMC10730346 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is characterized by extensive skin lesions, which are usually painless despite being associated with extensive inflammation. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this analgesia have not been identified. Through untargeted metabolomics, we found enriched anti-nociceptive metabolic pathways in L. mexicana-infected mice. Purines were elevated in infected macrophages and at the lesion site during chronic infection. These purines have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties by acting through adenosine receptors, inhibiting TRPV1 channels, and promoting IL-10 production. We also found arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism enriched in the ear lesions compared to the non-infected controls. AA is a metabolite of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endocannabinoids act on cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 and TRPV1 channels to exert anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Our study provides evidence of metabolic pathways upregulated during L. mexicana infection that may mediate anti-nociceptive effects experienced by CL patients and identifies macrophages as a source of these metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Volpedo
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Timur Oljuskin
- Animal Parasitic Disease Lab, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Blake Cox
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yulian Mercado
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Candice Askwith
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nazli Azodi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Matthew Bernier
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hira L. Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Abhay R. Satoskar
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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17
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de Sá FAP, Andrade JFM, Miranda TC, Cunha-Filho M, Gelfuso GM, Lapteva M, Kalia YN, Gratieri T. Enhanced topical paromomycin delivery for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment: Passive and iontophoretic approaches. Int J Pharm 2023; 648:123617. [PMID: 37977289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Conventional treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected vector-borne infectious disease, can frequently lead to serious adverse effects. Paromomycin (PAR), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been suggested for the topical treatment of disease-related lesions, but even when formulated in high drug-loading dosage forms, presents controversial efficacy. The presence of five ionizable amino groups hinder its passive cutaneous penetration but make PAR an excellent candidate for iontophoretic delivery. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of using iontophoresis for cutaneous PAR delivery and to propose a topical passive drug delivery system that could be applied between iontophoretic treatments. For this, in vitro iontophoretic experiments evaluated different application durations (10, 30, and 360 min), current densities (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mA/cm2), PAR concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 %), and skin models (intact and impaired porcine skin). In addition, 1 % PAR hydrogel had its penetration profile compared to 15 % PAR ointment in passive transport. Results showed iontophoresis could deliver suitable PAR amounts to dermal layers, even in short times and with impaired skin. Biodistribution assays showed both iontophoretic transport and the proposed hydrogel delivered higher PAR amounts to deeper skin layers than conventional ointment, even though applying 15 times less drug. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PAR drug delivery enhancement by iontophoresis. In summary, the association of iontophoresis with a topical application of PAR gel seems appropriate for improving cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A P de Sá
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jayanaraian F M Andrade
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Thamires C Miranda
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcilio Cunha-Filho
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Gelfuso
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria Lapteva
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yogeshvar N Kalia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Taís Gratieri
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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18
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Katiyar S, Ramalingam K, Kumar A, Ansari A, Bisen AC, Mishra G, Sanap SN, Bhatta RS, Purkait B, Goyal N, Sashidhara KV. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of quinoline-piperazine/pyrrolidine derivatives as possible antileishmanial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115863. [PMID: 37837672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
In pursuance of our efforts to expand the scope of novel antileishmanial entities, a series of thirty-five quinoline-piperazine/pyrrolidine, and other heterocyclic amine derivatives were synthesized via a molecular hybridization approach and examined against intracellular amastigotes of luciferase-expressing Leishmania donovani. The preliminary in vitro screening suggests that twelve compounds in the series exhibited better inhibition against amastigote form with good IC50 values ranging from 2.09 to 8.89 μM and lesser cytotoxicity in contrast to the standard drug miltefosine (IC50 9.25 ± 0.17 μM). Based on the satisfactory selectivity index (SI), two compounds were tested for in vivo leishmanicidal efficacy against Leishmania donovani/golden hamster model. Compounds 33 and 46 have shown significant inhibition of 56.32%, and 49.29%, respectively, in vivo screening at a daily dose of 50 mg/kg for 5 days. The pharmacokinetic results confirmed that 33 and 46 have satisfactory IP exposure with adequate parameters. Collectively, Compound 33 was identified as the most significant potential lead that could be employed as a prototype for future optimizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Katiyar
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, U.P., India
| | - Karthik Ramalingam
- Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Alisha Ansari
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, U.P., India
| | - Amol Chhatrapati Bisen
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, U.P., India
| | - Garvita Mishra
- Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Sachin Nashik Sanap
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, U.P., India
| | - Rabi Sankar Bhatta
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Bidyut Purkait
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, U.P., India; Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Neena Goyal
- Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India.
| | - Koneni V Sashidhara
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India; Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility & Research, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, U.P., India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, U.P., India.
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19
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Yadav N, Sharma K, Sengupta S, Singh S. Triethyl phosphine decorated cerium oxide nanoparticles exhibit selective killing of the unicellular protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:413. [PMID: 38009165 PMCID: PMC10665285 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03813-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, Leishmaniasis affects underprivileged communities of the nations and chemotherapy remains one of the preferred treatment options. However, the cytotoxicity, side effects, and cost of the present chemotherapies limit their utilization. Auranofin [an organogold compound having significant structural similarity with triethyl-phosphine (TEP)] has been reported as an effective therapy for Leishmaniasis treatment. Considering the high cost of gold and the strong affinity of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) to phosphine ligands, we designed TEP-decorated CeNPs (CeNPs-TEP) and used them as a novel antileishmanial agent. The hydrodynamic size of synthesized CeNPs and CeNPs-TEP was observed to be 22.2 ± 3.7 nm and 92.11 ± 6.2 nm, respectively. CeNPs-TEP provided aqueous stability to TEP as TEP alone is extremely unstable in water. Exposure of CeNPs-TEP showed ~ 60 and ~ 82% cell death in Leishmania donovani Ag83 promastigotes after 24 and 48 h, respectively. The same concentration of CeNPs-TEP did not affect the cellular viability of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells significantly. The oxidative stress and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane were also observed after the treatment of CeNPs-TEP. Exposure of CeNPs-TEP induced a ~ 2.2-fold increase in ROS generation inside Leishmania donovani Ag83 cells. Dual staining with ethidium bromide and acridine orange reveals that these processes ultimately result in cell death. The results conclude that a combination of CeNPs and TEP could open the door for developing novel antileishmanial therapeutics in the future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03813-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Yadav
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009 India
| | - Kikku Sharma
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009 India
| | - Souvik Sengupta
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009 India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009 India
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Opposite Journalist Colony, Near Gowlidoddy, Extended Q-City Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 India
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20
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Al-Dhafiri M, Alhajri A, Alwayel ZA, Alturaiki JA, Bu Izran SA, Alhammad FA, Aljumaiah RM. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Prevalence and Clinical Overview: A Single Center Study from Saudi Arabia, Eastern Region, Al-Ahsa. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:507. [PMID: 38133439 PMCID: PMC10748161 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120507] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne parasitic disease that is transmitted via the bites of infected female sandflies. CL has been endemic in several countries worldwide for many decades, and numerous cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, particularly across six regions; one of which is AL-Ahsa. Our research aimed to evaluate the epidemiological situation of CL among the patients in Al-Ahsa, Eastern region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the period from 2017 to 2023. The data were collected from the patients' registries and included 245 patients who were diagnosed with CL in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Fewer than half of the cases (47.8%) were Saudi patients, with a significant number of them being males (84.5%). Over half of the cases (52.7%) were aged between 21 and 40 years, and about three-quarters (74.7%) of the cases resided in rural areas. Regarding the nature of the lesions, 38.4% of the cases had one lesion, which was mainly distributed on a lower extremity (62.0%) or an upper extremity (52.2%). A high percentage of the lesions (75.2%) were wet lesions and caused by L. major. Concerning risk factors, a greater number of patients (71.4%) had been in rural areas within the last three months. Additionally, more than half of the cases (54.3%) had close contact with rodents, followed by birds (28.2%), sheep (22.0%), dogs (16.3%), and other animals (1.2%). The results showed a low number of reported CL cases in 2020 and 2021, followed by a surge in 2022 and 2023. The study shows that cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a public health problem in Al-Ahsa and is primarily associated with rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Al-Dhafiri
- Department of Dermatology, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen Alhajri
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Hospital, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Zahraa Ali Alwayel
- General Practitioner, The Ministry of Health, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Shaima Ali Bu Izran
- Internal Medicine Resident, King Fahad Hospital, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia (R.M.A.)
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de Lima SKS, Cavallone ÍN, Serrano DR, Anaya BJ, Lalatsa A, Laurenti MD, Lago JHG, da Silva Souza DC, Marinsek GP, Lopes BS, de Britto Mari R, Passero LFD. Therapeutic Activity of a Topical Formulation Containing 8-Hydroxyquinoline for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2602. [PMID: 38004580 PMCID: PMC10675550 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis exhibits a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations; however, only a limited number of drugs are available and include Glucantime® and amphotericin B, which induce unacceptable side effects in patients, limiting their use. Thus, there is an urgent demand to develop a treatment for leishmaniasis. Recently, it was demonstrated that 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) showed significant leishmanicidal effects in vitro and in vivo. Based on that, this work aimed to develop a topical formulation containing 8-HQ and assess its activity in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. 8-HQ was formulated using a Beeler base at 1 and 2% and showed an emulsion size with a D50 of 25 and 51.3 µm, respectively, with a shear-thinning rheological behaviour. The creams were able to permeate artificial Strat-M membranes and excised porcine skin without causing any morphological changes in the porcine skin or murine skin tested. In BALB/c mice infected with L. (L.) amazonensis, topical treatment with creams containing 1 or 2% of 8-HQ was found to reduce the parasite burden and lesion size compared to infected controls with comparable efficacy to Glucantime® (50 mg/kg) administered at the site of the cutaneous lesion. In the histological section of the skin from infected controls, a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate with many heavily infected macrophages that were associated with areas of necrosis was observed. On the other hand, animals treated with both creams showed only moderate inflammatory infiltrate, characterised by few infected macrophages, while tissue necrosis was not observed. These histological characteristics in topically treated animals were associated with an increase in the amount of IFN-γ and a reduction in IL-4 levels. The topical use of 8-HQ was active in decreasing tissue parasitism and should therefore be considered an interesting alternative directed to the treatment of leishmaniasis, considering that this type of treatment is non-invasive, painless, and, importantly, does not require hospitalisation, improving patient compliance by allowing the treatment to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kymberly Santos de Lima
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases (LIM50), Department of Pathology, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ítalo Novaes Cavallone
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases (LIM50), Department of Pathology, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil;
| | - Dolores Remedios Serrano
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Plaza Ramon y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.S.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Brayan J. Anaya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Plaza Ramon y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.S.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Aikaterini Lalatsa
- CRUK Formulation Unit, Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK;
| | - Márcia Dalastra Laurenti
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases (LIM50), Department of Pathology, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil;
| | - João Henrique Ghilardi Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Science (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, SP, Brazil; (J.H.G.L.); (D.C.d.S.S.)
| | - Dalete Christine da Silva Souza
- Center for Natural and Human Science (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, SP, Brazil; (J.H.G.L.); (D.C.d.S.S.)
| | - Gabriela Pustiglione Marinsek
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
| | - Beatriz Soares Lopes
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
| | - Renata de Britto Mari
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
| | - Luiz Felipe Domingues Passero
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua João Francisco Bensdorp, 1178, São Vicente 11350-011, SP, Brazil
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22
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Alemu AY, Derseh L, Kaba M, Gadisa E, Alemu K. Treatment outcomes of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania aethiopica: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293529. [PMID: 37917604 PMCID: PMC10621858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania aethiopica is a unique species that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and studies evaluating treatment outcomes for this condition reported inconsistent findings. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on treatment outcomes of CL caused by L. aethiopica to support decisions or propose further study. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. In addition, we searched grey literature on Google Scholar and performed manual searching on the reference list of articles. Two authors did the screening, selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction. With the narrative synthesis of evidence, we performed a random effects model meta-analysis using the metaprop package in Stata 17. We did sensitivity and subgroup analyses after assessing heterogeneity using the I-squared test and forest plots. The funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS The review included 22 studies with 808 participants, and the meta-analysis included seven studies with 677 participants. Most studies documented treatment outcomes with antimonial monotherapy, and only one study reported outcomes with combination therapy. The overall pooled proportion of cure was 63% (95% CI: 38-86%). In the subgroup analysis, systemic antimonial monotherapy showed a cure rate of 61%, and the proportion of cure was 87% with topical therapy. Topical therapy showed a better cure for the localized clinical phenotype. A cohort study documented a cure rate of 94.8% with combination therapy for the localized, mucocutaneous, and diffuse clinical phenotypes. The pooled proportion of unfavourable outcomes was partial response (19%), relapse (17%), discontinuation (19%), and unresponsiveness (6%). CONCLUSIONS The pooled proportion of cure is low with antimonial monotherapy. Despite limited evidence, combination therapies are a promising treatment option for all clinical phenotypes of CL caused by L. aethiopica. Future high-quality randomized control trials are needed to identify effective monotherapies and evaluate the effectiveness of combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebaw Yeshambel Alemu
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lemma Derseh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mirgissa Kaba
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Kassahun Alemu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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23
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Singh R, Anand A, Mahapatra B, Saini S, Singh A, Singh S, Kumar V, Das P, Singh S, Singh RK. Adjuvantation of whole-killed Leishmania vaccine with anti-CD200 and anti-CD300a antibodies potentiates its efficacy and provides protection against wild-type parasites. Mol Immunol 2023; 163:136-146. [PMID: 37778149 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
One of the major reasons behind the limited success of vaccine candidates against all forms of leishmaniasis is the inability of parasitic antigens to induce robust cell-mediated immunity and immunological memory. Here we find, for the first time, that the adjuvantation of whole-killed Leishmania vaccine (Leishvacc) with anti-CD200 and anti-CD300a antibodies enhances CD4+ T cells mediated immunity in vaccinated mice and provides protection against wild-type parasites. The antibody adjuvantation, either alone or with a TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl A (MPL-A), induced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines viz., IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 by antigen experienced CD4+ T cells, and also enhanced their rate of conversion into their memory phenotypes against Leishvacc antigens. The antibody adjuvanted vaccine also promoted the generation of IgG2a-mediated protective humoral immunity in vaccinated mice. Further, the mice vaccinated with antibodies adjuvanted vaccine showed strong resilience against metacyclic forms of L. donovani parasites as we observed reduced clinical features such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, granulomatous tissues in the liver, and parasitic load in their spleen. The findings of this study demonstrate that the anti-CD200 and anti-CD300a antibodies have potential to increase the protective efficacy of the whole-killed Leishmania vaccine, and opens up a new gateway to diversify the roles of immune checkpoints in vaccine development against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Anshul Anand
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Baishakhi Mahapatra
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shashi Saini
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Abhishek Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Samer Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute, Patna 800007, Bihar, India
| | - Pradeep Das
- ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata 700010, WB, India
| | - Sangram Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Dr. RMLA University, Ayodhya 224001, India
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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Saayman M, Kannigadu C, Aucamp J, Janse van Rensburg HD, Joseph C, Swarts AJ, N'Da DD. Design, synthesis, electrochemistry and anti-trypanosomatid hit/lead identification of nitrofuranylazines. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2012-2029. [PMID: 37859713 PMCID: PMC10583827 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00220a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are vector-borne infectious diseases affecting both humans and animals. These neglected tropical diseases can be fatal if not treated. Hundreds to thousands of new Chagas disease and leishmaniasis cases are being reported by the WHO every year, and currently available treatments are insufficient. Severe adverse effects, impractical administrations and increased pathogen resistance against current clinical treatments underscore a serious need for the development of new drugs to curb these ailments. In search for such drugs, we investigated a series of nitrofuran-based azine derivatives. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, electrochemistry, and biological activity of these derivatives against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major, and L. donovani strains, as well as epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Two leishmanicidal early leads and one trypanosomacidal hit with submicromolar activity were uncovered and stand for further in vivo investigation in the search for new antitrypanosomatid drugs. Future objective will focus on the identification of involved biological targets with the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Saayman
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
| | - Christina Kannigadu
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
| | - Janine Aucamp
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
| | - Helena D Janse van Rensburg
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
| | - Cassiem Joseph
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg-Braamfontein 2050 South Africa
| | - Andrew J Swarts
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg-Braamfontein 2050 South Africa
| | - David D N'Da
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
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25
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Lage DP, Martins VT, Vale DL, Freitas CS, Pimenta BL, Moreira GJL, Ramos FF, Pereira IAG, Bandeira RS, de Jesus MM, Ludolf F, Tavares GSV, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Roatt BM, Christodoulides M, Coelho EAF. The association between rLiHyp1 protein plus adjuvant and amphotericin B is an effective immunotherapy against visceral leishmaniasis in mice. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106986. [PMID: 37453579 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is compromised by drug toxicity, high cost and/or the emergence of resistant strains. Though canine vaccines are available, there are no licensed prophylactic human vaccines. One strategy to improve clinical outcome for infected patients is immunotherapy, which associates a chemotherapy that acts directly to reduce parasitism and the administration of an immunogen-adjuvant that activates the host protective Th1-type immune response. In this study, we evaluated an immunotherapy protocol in a murine model by combining recombinant (r)LiHyp1 (a hypothetical amastigote-specific Leishmania protein protective against Leishmania infantum infection), with monophosphoryl-lipid A (MPLA) as adjuvant and amphotericin B (AmpB) as reference antileishmanial drug. We used this protocol to treat L. infantum infected-BALB/c mice, and parasitological, immunological and toxicological evaluations were performed at 1 and 30 days after treatment. Results showed that mice treated with rLiHyp1/MPLA/AmpB presented the lowest parasite burden in all organs evaluated, when both a limiting dilution technique and qPCR were used. In addition, these animals produced higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 cytokines and IgG2a isotype antibody, which were associated with lower production of IL-4 and IL-10 and IgG1 isotype. Furthermore, low levels of renal and hepatic damage markers were found in animals treated with rLiHyp1/MPLA/AmpB possibly reflecting the lower parasite load, as compared to the other groups. We conclude that the rLiHyp1/MPLA/AmpB combination could be considered in future studies as an immunotherapy protocol to treat against VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danniele L Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila S Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Breno L Pimenta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabriel J L Moreira
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabela A G Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel S Bandeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M de Jesus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Umacollo, Arequipa, 04000, Peru
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD England
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Fodor A, Hess C, Ganas P, Boros Z, Kiss J, Makrai L, Dublecz K, Pál L, Fodor L, Sebestyén A, Klein MG, Tarasco E, Kulkarni MM, McGwire BS, Vellai T, Hess M. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMP) in the Cell-Free Culture Media of Xenorhabdus budapestensis and X. szentirmaii Exert Anti-Protist Activity against Eukaryotic Vertebrate Pathogens including Histomonas meleagridis and Leishmania donovani Species. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1462. [PMID: 37760758 PMCID: PMC10525888 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091462] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial peptides provide a powerful toolkit for combating multidrug resistance. Combating eukaryotic pathogens is complicated because the intracellular drug targets in the eukaryotic pathogen are frequently homologs of cellular structures of vital importance in the host organism. The entomopathogenic bacteria (EPB), symbionts of entomopathogenic-nematode species, release a series of non-ribosomal templated anti-microbial peptides. Some may be potential drug candidates. The ability of an entomopathogenic-nematode/entomopathogenic bacterium symbiotic complex to survive in a given polyxenic milieu is a coevolutionary product. This explains that those gene complexes that are responsible for the biosynthesis of different non-ribosomal templated anti-microbial protective peptides (including those that are potently capable of inactivating the protist mammalian pathogen Leishmania donovanii and the gallinaceous bird pathogen Histomonas meleagridis) are co-regulated. Our approach is based on comparative anti-microbial bioassays of the culture media of the wild-type and regulatory mutant strains. We concluded that Xenorhabdus budapestensis and X. szentirmaii are excellent sources of non-ribosomal templated anti-microbial peptides that are efficient antagonists of the mentioned pathogens. Data on selective cytotoxicity of different cell-free culture media encourage us to forecast that the recently discovered "easy-PACId" research strategy is suitable for constructing entomopathogenic-bacterium (EPB) strains producing and releasing single, harmless, non-ribosomal templated anti-microbial peptides with considerable drug, (probiotic)-candidate potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Fodor
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter. sétány 1C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.V.)
| | - Claudia Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (P.G.)
| | - Petra Ganas
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (P.G.)
| | - Zsófia Boros
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter. sétány 1C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.V.)
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Applied Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly utca 1, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | - János Kiss
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Applied Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly utca 1, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | | | - Károly Dublecz
- Institute of Physiology and Nutrition, Georgikon Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Deák Ferenc utca 16, H-8360 Keszthely, Hungary; (K.D.); (L.P.)
| | - László Pál
- Institute of Physiology and Nutrition, Georgikon Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Deák Ferenc utca 16, H-8360 Keszthely, Hungary; (K.D.); (L.P.)
| | - László Fodor
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, H-1143 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Anna Sebestyén
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Michael G. Klein
- USDA-ARS & Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, 13416 Claremont Ave, Cleveland, OH 44130, USA;
| | - Eustachio Tarasco
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Manjusha M. Kulkarni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.M.K.); (B.S.M.)
| | - Bradford S. McGwire
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.M.K.); (B.S.M.)
| | - Tibor Vellai
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter. sétány 1C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.V.)
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (P.G.)
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Volpedo G, Pacheco-Fernandez T, Oljuskin T, Markle HL, Azodi N, Hamano S, Matlashewski G, Gannavaram S, Nakhasi HL, Satoskar AR. Leishmania mexicana centrin knockout parasites promote M1-polarizing metabolic changes. iScience 2023; 26:107594. [PMID: 37744404 PMCID: PMC10517399 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease prevalent in 90 countries. Presently, there is no approved vaccine for human use. We developed a live attenuated L. mexicana Cen-/-(LmexCen-/-) strain as a vaccine candidate that showed excellent efficacy, characterized by reduced Th2 and enhanced Th1 responses in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, respectively, compared to wild-type L. mexicana (LmexWT) infection. Toward understanding the immune mechanisms of protection, we applied untargeted mass spectrometric analysis to LmexCen-/- and LmexWT infections. Data showed enrichment of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in ears immunized with LmexCen-/-versus naive and LmexWT infection. PPP promotes M1 polarization in macrophages, suggesting a switch to a pro-inflammatory phenotype following LmexCen-/- inoculation. Accordingly, PPP inhibition in macrophages infected with LmexCen-/- reduced the production of nitric oxide and interleukin (IL)-1β, hallmarks of classical activation. Overall, our study revealed the immune regulatory mechanisms that may be critical for the induction of protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Volpedo
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Timur Oljuskin
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hannah L. Markle
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Nazli Azodi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Shinjiro Hamano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), The Joint Usage/Research Center on Tropical Disease, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Leadership Program, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Greg Matlashewski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hira L. Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Abhay R. Satoskar
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Aiman S, Ahmad A, Khan AA, Alanazi AM, Samad A, Ali SL, Li C, Ren Z, Khan A, Khattak S. Vaccinomics-based next-generation multi-epitope chimeric vaccine models prediction against Leishmania tropica - a hierarchical subtractive proteomics and immunoinformatics approach. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1259612. [PMID: 37781384 PMCID: PMC10540849 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania tropica is a vector-borne parasitic protozoa that is the leading cause of leishmaniasis throughout the global tropics and subtropics. L. tropica is a multidrug-resistant parasite with a diverse set of serological, biochemical, and genomic features. There are currently no particular vaccines available to combat leishmaniasis. The present study prioritized potential vaccine candidate proteins of L. tropica using subtractive proteomics and vaccinomics approaches. These vaccine candidate proteins were downstream analyzed to predict B- and T-cell epitopes based on high antigenicity, non-allergenic, and non-toxic characteristics. The top-ranked overlapping MHC-I, MHC-II, and linear B-cell epitopes were prioritized for model vaccine designing. The lead epitopes were linked together by suitable linker sequences to design multi-epitope constructs. Immunogenic adjuvant sequences were incorporated at the N-terminus of the model vaccine constructs to enhance their immunological potential. Among different combinations of constructs, four vaccine designs were selected based on their physicochemical and immunological features. The tertiary structure models of the designed vaccine constructs were predicted and verified. The molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation analyses indicated that the vaccine design V1 demonstrated robust and stable molecular interactions with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The top-ranked vaccine construct model-IV demonstrated significant expressive capability in the E. coli expression system during in-silico restriction cloning analysis. The results of the present study are intriguing; nevertheless, experimental bioassays are required to validate the efficacy of the predicted model chimeric vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Aiman
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Abbas Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer M. Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdus Samad
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Syed Luqman Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Chunhua Li
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiguang Ren
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Asifullah Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Saadullah Khattak
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
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Berhanu A, Dugassa S, Maru M, Animut A, Erko B, Hailu A, Gebresilassie A. Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kutaber District, Ethiopia: Prevalence, sand fly fauna and community knowledge, attitude and practices. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18286. [PMID: 37520994 PMCID: PMC10382297 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) affects 25% of the population living in the highlands of Ethiopia. CL intervention has not decreased the number of leishmaniasis patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine CL prevalence, community's knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), and the sand fly fauna in Kutaber district, northeast Ethiopia. Methods A retrospective, community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Boru Meda Hospital from December 2014-March 2021 to study CL prevalence of Kutaber district. A Pre-tested, well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, KAP towards CL and knowledge about sand fly vectors. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used in the study, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 (p < 0.05). Results A total of 10,002 (14.02%), of which 71,325 samples were confirmed as positive for CL. The infection rate of CL in females (7.1%) was a little bit higher than males (7.0%). More cases were recorded among 15-29 age category. The study also revealed that 77.1% of the respondents had poor knowledge about CL treatment, prevention, clinical presentation and disease transmission. Farmers tended to have poorer knowledge about sand flies than non-workers and students (32.7 vs. 35 and 44.1%; P = 0.049). Housewives had poorer knowledge about sand flies than farmers and workers (22.2 vs. 32.7 and 33.3%; P = 0.023). Phlebotomus longipes comprised the highest composition (80%) of the sand fly species identified in Kutaber district. Conclusions The data showed that the community had poor knowledge about CL, vector, and transmission mode. CL preventive measures were prevalent, implying the need to raise CL awareness. Phlebotomus longipes was identified as the most dominant sand fly species which accounted for CL. The findings can be used in developing an effective control strategy to reduce CL transmission in the study area and elsewhere in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abib Berhanu
- Addis Ababa University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Zoological Sciences, Insect Science Stream, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Dugassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Minwuyelet Maru
- Health Research and Technology Transfer Directorate, Amhara Public Health Institute, Dessie Branch, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Animut
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Araya Gebresilassie
- Addis Ababa University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Zoological Sciences, Insect Science Stream, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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30
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Pacheco-Fernandez T, Markle H, Verma C, Huston R, Gannavaram S, Nakhasi HL, Satoskar AR. Field-Deployable Treatments For Leishmaniasis: Intrinsic Challenges, Recent Developments and Next Steps. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:61-85. [PMID: 37492219 PMCID: PMC10364832 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s392606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease endemic primarily to low- and middle-income countries, for which there has been inadequate development of affordable, safe, and efficacious therapies. Clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis range from self-healing skin lesions to lethal visceral infection with chances of relapse. Although treatments are available, secondary effects limit their use outside the clinic and negatively impact the quality of life of patients in endemic areas. Other non-medicinal treatments, such as thermotherapies, are limited to use in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis but not with visceral infection. Recent studies shed light to mechanisms through which Leishmania can persist by hiding in cellular safe havens, even after chemotherapies. This review focuses on exploring the cellular niches that Leishmania parasites may be leveraging to persist within the host. Also, the cellular, metabolic, and molecular implications of Leishmania infection and how those could be targeted for therapeutic purposes are discussed. Other therapies, such as those developed against cancer or for manipulation of the ferroptosis pathway, are proposed as possible treatments against leishmaniasis due to their mechanisms of action. In particular, treatments that target hematopoietic stem cells and monocytes, which have recently been found to be necessary components to sustain the infection and provide a safe niche for the parasites are discussed in this review as potential field-deployable treatments against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Hannah Markle
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Chaitenya Verma
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Ryan Huston
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Hira L Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
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31
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Li LQ, He Y, Liu T, Zhou J, Chen EQ. Fever of unknown origin and splenomegaly: a case report of visceral leishmaniasis diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:699-705. [PMID: 37522175 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania spp., which is transmitted by sandflies. As China is not the main epidemic area and VL has complex and atypical clinical manifestations, it is easily misdiagnosed or even missed in clinical practice. Without prompt and efficient treatment, the mortality rate of VL is extremely high; therefore early diagnosis of VL is crucial. Herein we describe a case of fever and splenomegaly of unknown origin, which was finally diagnosed as VL by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Qing Li
- Center for Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, PR China
| | - Yiju He
- Department of Infectious Disease, People's Hospital of Aba Tibetan & Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Aba State, 624099, PR China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The People's Hospital of Jianyang City, Jianyang, 641499, PR China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Center for Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, PR China
| | - En-Qiang Chen
- Center for Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, PR China
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Silva JV, Sueyoshi S, Snape TJ, Lal S, Giarolla J. Pteridine reductase (PTR1): initial structure-activity relationships studies of potential leishmanicidal arylindole derivatives compounds. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 34:661-687. [PMID: 37606690 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2023.2247331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a public health concern, especially in Brazil and India. The drugs available for therapy are old, cause toxicity and have reports of resistance. Therefore, this paper aimed to carry out initial structure-activity relationships (applying molecular docking and dynamic simulations) of arylindole scaffolds against the pteridine reductase (PTR1), which is essential target for the survival of the parasite. Thus, we used a series of 43 arylindole derivatives as a privileged skeleton, which have been evaluated previously for different biological actions. Compound 7 stood out among its analogues presenting the best results of average number of interactions with binding site (2.00) and catalytic triad (1.00). Additionally, the same compound presented the best binding free energy (-32.33 kcal/mol) in dynamic simulations. Furthermore, with computational studies, it was possible to comprehend and discuss the influences of the substituent sizes, positions of substitutions in the aromatic ring and electronic influences. Therefore, this study can be a starting point for the structural improvements needed to obtain a good leishmanicidal drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Silva
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S Sueyoshi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - T J Snape
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - S Lal
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Gurugram, India
| | - J Giarolla
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Oliveira SSC, Correia CA, Santos VS, da Cunha EFF, de Castro AA, Ramalho TC, Devereux M, McCann M, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Silver(I) and Copper(II) 1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione Complexes as Promising Antivirulence Strategy against Leishmania: Focus on Gp63 (Leishmanolysin). Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:348. [PMID: 37505644 PMCID: PMC10384183 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, encompasses a group of neglected diseases with diverse clinical and epidemiological manifestations that can be fatal if not adequately and promptly managed/treated. The current chemotherapy options for this disease are expensive, require invasive administration and often lead to severe side effects. In this regard, our research group has previously reported the potent anti-Leishmania activity of two coordination compounds (complexes) derived from 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione): [Cu(phendione)3].(ClO4)2.4H2O and [Ag(phendione)2].ClO4. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of these complexes on leishmanolysin (gp63), a virulence factor produced by all Leishmania species that plays multiple functions and is recognized as a potential target for antiparasitic drugs. The results showed that both Ag-phendione (-74.82 kcal/mol) and Cu-phendione (-68.16 kcal/mol) were capable of interacting with the amino acids comprising the active site of the gp63 protein, exhibiting more favorable interaction energies compared to phendione alone (-39.75 kcal/mol) or 1,10-phenanthroline (-45.83 kcal/mol; a classical gp63 inhibitor) as judged by molecular docking assay. The analysis of kinetic parameters using the fluorogenic substrate Z-Phe-Arg-AMC indicated Vmax and apparent Km values of 0.064 µM/s and 14.18 µM, respectively, for the released gp63. The effects of both complexes on gp63 proteolytic activity were consistent with the in silico assay, where Ag-phendione exhibited the highest gp63 inhibition capacity against gp63, with an IC50 value of 2.16 µM and the lowest inhibitory constant value (Ki = 5.13 µM), followed by Cu-phendione (IC50 = 163 µM and Ki = 27.05 µM). Notably, pretreatment of live L. amazonensis promastigotes with the complexes resulted in a significant reduction in the expression of gp63 protein, including the isoforms located on the parasite cell surface. Both complexes markedly decreased the in vitro association indexes between L. amazonensis promastigotes and THP-1 human macrophages; however, this effect was reversed by the addition of soluble gp63 molecules to the interaction medium. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential use of these potent complexes in antivirulence therapy against Leishmania, offering new insights for the development of effective treatments for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone S C Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Claudyane A Correia
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Vanessa S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Elaine F F da Cunha
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandre A de Castro
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
| | - Teodorico C Ramalho
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
| | - Michael Devereux
- The Centre for Biomimetic & Therapeutic Research, Focas Research Institute, Technological University Dublin, D08 CKP1 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Malachy McCann
- Chemistry Department, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
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Kim HS, Ortiz D, Kadayat TM, Fargo CM, Hammill JT, Chen Y, Rice AL, Begley KL, Shoeran G, Pistel W, Yates PA, Sanchez MA, Landfear SM, Guy RK. Optimization of Orally Bioavailable Antileishmanial 2,4,5-Trisubstituted Benzamides. J Med Chem 2023; 66:7374-7386. [PMID: 37216489 PMCID: PMC10259451 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania species parasites, annually affects over 1 million individuals worldwide. Treatment options for leishmaniasis are limited due to high cost, severe adverse effects, poor efficacy, difficulty of use, and emerging drug resistance to all approved therapies. We discovered 2,4,5-trisubstituted benzamides (4) that possess potent antileishmanial activity but poor aqueous solubility. Herein, we disclose our optimization of the physicochemical and metabolic properties of 2,4,5-trisubstituted benzamide that retains potency. Extensive structure-activity and structure-property relationship studies allowed selection of early leads with suitable potency, microsomal stability, and improved solubility for progression. Early lead 79 exhibited an 80% oral bioavailability and potently blocked proliferation of Leishmania in murine models. These benzamide early leads are suitable for development as orally available antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Shin Kim
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Diana Ortiz
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - Tara Man Kadayat
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Corinne M. Fargo
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - Jared T. Hammill
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Yizhe Chen
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Amy L. Rice
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Kristin L. Begley
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Gaurav Shoeran
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - William Pistel
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Phillip A. Yates
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - Marco A. Sanchez
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - Scott M. Landfear
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - R. Kiplin Guy
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
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Dagenet CB, Davis MS, Murphy S, Thiede R, Culpepper KS, Fazel M. Limited Cutaneous Leishmaniasis as Ulcerated Verrucous Plaque on Leg, Tucson, Arizona, USA 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1268-1269. [PMID: 37209715 DOI: 10.3201/eid2906.230125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a 34-year-old man who had a nonhealing, verrucous plaque with central ulceration on the lower leg. This case-patient is a rare example of endemic limited cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Clinicians should be aware of this disease because its manifestations can vary for individual patients.
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Afonso RC, Yien RMK, de Siqueira LBDO, Simas NK, Dos Santos Matos AP, Ricci-Júnior E. Promising natural products for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A review of in vitro and in vivo studies. Exp Parasitol 2023; 251:108554. [PMID: 37268108 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Although there are available treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the drugs used are far from ideal, toxic, and costly, in addition to the challenge faced by the development of resistance. Plants have been used as a source of natural compounds with antileishmanial action. However, few have reached the market and become phytomedicines with registration in regulatory agencies. Difficulties related to the extraction, purification, chemical identification, efficacy, safety, and production in sufficient quantity for clinical studies, hinder the emergence of new effective phytomedicines against leishmaniasis. Despite the difficulties reported, the major research centers in the world see that natural products are a trend concerning the treatment of leishmaniasis. The present work consists of a literature review of articles with in vivo studies, covering the period from January 2011 to December 2022, providing an overview of promising natural products for CL treatment. The papers show encouraging antileishmanial action of natural compounds with reduced parasite load and lesion size in animal models, suggesting new strategies for the treatment of the disease. The results reported in this review show advances in using natural products as safe and effective formulations, which can stimulate clinical studies to establish clinical therapy. In conclusion, the information in this review article serves as a preliminary basis for establishing a therapeutic protocol for future clinical trials that can validate the safety and efficacy of natural compounds, providing the development of affordable and safe phytomedicines for the treatment of CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhuane Coutinho Afonso
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Mara Kao Yien
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Natural Products and Biological Assays, Department of Natural Products and Food, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Naomi Kato Simas
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Biological Assays, Department of Natural Products and Food, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Dos Santos Matos
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ricci-Júnior
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Santana Filho PC, Brasil da Silva M, Malaquias da Silva BN, Fazolo T, Dorneles GP, Braun de Azeredo J, Alf da Rosa M, Rodrigues Júnior LC, Peres A, Santos Canto RF, Torres Romão PR. Seleno-indoles trigger reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction in Leishmania amazonensis. Tetrahedron 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2023.133329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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Albino SL, da Silva Moura WC, dos Reis MML, Sousa GLS, da Silva PR, de Oliveira MGC, Borges TKDS, Albuquerque LFF, de Almeida SMV, de Lima MDCA, Kuckelhaus SAS, Nascimento IJDS, Junior FJBM, da Silva TG, de Moura RO. ACW-02 an Acridine Triazolidine Derivative Presents Antileishmanial Activity Mediated by DNA Interaction and Immunomodulation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:204. [PMID: 37259353 PMCID: PMC9967605 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study proposed the synthesis of a novel acridine derivative not yet described in the literature, chemical characterization by NMR, MS, and IR, followed by investigations of its antileishmanial potential. In vitro assays were performed to assess its antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis strains and cytotoxicity against macrophages through MTT assay and annexin V-FITC/PI, and the ability to perform an immunomodulatory action using CBA. To investigate possible molecular targets, its interaction with DNA in vitro and in silico targets were evaluated. As results, the compound showed good antileishmanial activity, with IC50 of 6.57 (amastigotes) and 94.97 (promastigotes) µg mL-1, associated with non-cytotoxicity to macrophages (CC50 > 256.00 µg mL-1). When assessed by flow cytometry, 99.8% of macrophages remained viable. The compound induced an antileishmanial effect in infected macrophages and altered TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-6 expression, suggesting a slight immunomodulatory activity. DNA assay showed an interaction with the minor grooves due to the hyperchromic effect of 47.53% and Kb 1.17 × 106 M-1, and was sustained by docking studies. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA calculations propose cysteine protease B as a possible target. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the new compound is a promising molecule and contributes as a model for future works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonaly Lima Albino
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Síntese de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Willian Charles da Silva Moura
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Síntese de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Malu Maria Lucas dos Reis
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Síntese de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Gleyton Leonel Silva Sousa
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Síntese de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Pablo Rayff da Silva
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Produtos Naturais, Sintéticos e Bioativos, Universidade Federal da Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiana Karla dos Santos Borges
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular, Área de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lucas Fraga Friaça Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular, Área de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima
- Laboratório de Química e Inovação Terapêutica, Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Selma Aparecida Souza Kuckelhaus
- Área de Morfologia, Faculdade de Medicina—UnB, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro/Asa Norte, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Igor José dos Santos Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Síntese de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ricardo Olímpio de Moura
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Síntese de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
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Medenica S, Miladinović-Tasić N, Stojanović NM, Lakićević N, Rakočević B. Climate Variables Related to the Incidence of Human Leishmaniosis in Montenegro in Southeastern Europe during Seven Decades (1945-2014). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1656. [PMID: 36767024 PMCID: PMC9914530 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniosis (or leishmaniasis) is a neglected parasitosis most commonly transmitted by the sandfly bite. Changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity can greatly affect the vectors and reservoir hosts. This study aimed to determine the association between temperature, air humidity, and weather conditions with the incidence of leishmaniasis in Montenegro during a seven-decade period (1945-2014) and to statistically compare and correlate the obtained data. In the studied period, there were 165 registered cases of leishmaniosis, 96.4%, in the coastal and central region of Montenegro, with an average incidence rate of 0.45/100.000. The visceral form of leishmaniosis predominated (99% of the cases), with only one case of cutaneous disease. Climate factors (average temperature, air humidity, and precipitation) had an impact on the occurrence of leishmaniosis in Montenegro. Air temperature elevated by 1 °C in all regions of Montenegro was significantly correlated with an increased incidence of leishmaniosis, by 0.150 (0.013 to 0.287; p < 0.05). In order to improve prevention and control of this disease, it is also necessary to investigate other factors with a possible impact on the number of cases of this neglected parasitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Medenica
- Public Health Institute Podgorica, 81110 Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Nataša Miladinović-Tasić
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
- Center of Microbiology, Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Nikola M. Stojanović
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
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Comparative Proteomics and Genome-Wide Druggability Analyses Prioritized Promising Therapeutic Targets against Drug-Resistant Leishmania tropica. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010228. [PMID: 36677520 PMCID: PMC9860978 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania tropica is a tropical parasite causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in humans. Leishmaniasis is a serious public health threat, affecting an estimated 350 million people in 98 countries. The global rise in antileishmanial drug resistance has triggered the need to explore novel therapeutic strategies against this parasite. In the present study, we utilized the recently available multidrug resistant L. tropica strain proteome data repository to identify alternative therapeutic drug targets based on comparative subtractive proteomic and druggability analyses. Additionally, small drug-like compounds were scanned against novel targets based on virtual screening and ADME profiling. The analysis unveiled 496 essential cellular proteins of L. tropica that were nonhomologous to the human proteome set. The druggability analyses prioritized nine parasite-specific druggable proteins essential for the parasite's basic cellular survival, growth, and virulence. These prioritized proteins were identified to have appropriate binding pockets to anchor small drug-like compounds. Among these, UDPase and PCNA were prioritized as the top-ranked druggable proteins. The pharmacophore-based virtual screening and ADME profiling predicted MolPort-000-730-162 and MolPort-020-232-354 as the top hit drug-like compounds from the Pharmit resource to inhibit L. tropica UDPase and PCNA, respectively. The alternative drug targets and drug-like molecules predicted in the current study lay the groundwork for developing novel antileishmanial therapies.
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Cowan R, Varadarajan S, Wei A, Salim T, DallaPiazza M. Microbial perils of the tropics: A case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in an immigrant from South America. IDCases 2022; 31:e01669. [PMID: 36747913 PMCID: PMC9898636 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an important cause of nonhealing lesions in those recently immigrated to the United States from endemic areas. The lesions can present with various characteristics such as ulcerations, macules, or papules, and may be painful or painless. Several diagnostic modalities, including polymerase chain reaction testing, should be performed to identify the causative Leishmania species which is important in determining appropriate treatment. We describe a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania panamensis in a patient who recently traveled through South and Central America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Cowan
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
| | | | - Abraham Wei
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Division of Infectious Diseases, Newark, NJ 07101, USA,Correspondence to: Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB I-689, Newark, NJ 07101, USA.
| | - Tanzila Salim
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Division of Infectious Diseases, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
| | - Michelle DallaPiazza
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Division of Infectious Diseases, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
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An RNA Interference (RNAi) Toolkit and Its Utility for Functional Genetic Analysis of Leishmania ( Viannia). Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:genes14010093. [PMID: 36672832 PMCID: PMC9858808 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool whose efficacy against a broad range of targets enables functional genetic tests individually or systematically. However, the RNAi pathway has been lost in evolution by a variety of eukaryotes including most Leishmania sp. RNAi was retained in species of the Leishmania subgenus Viannia, and here we describe the development, optimization, and application of RNAi tools to the study of L. (Viannia) braziliensis (Lbr). We developed vectors facilitating generation of long-hairpin or "stem-loop" (StL) RNAi knockdown constructs, using GatewayTM site-specific recombinase technology. A survey of applications of RNAi in L. braziliensis included genes interspersed within multigene tandem arrays such as quinonoid dihydropteridine reductase (QDPR), a potential target or modulator of antifolate sensitivity. Other tests include genes involved in cell differentiation and amastigote proliferation (A600), and essential genes of the intraflagellar transport (IFT) pathway. We tested a range of stem lengths targeting the L. braziliensis hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) and reporter firefly luciferase (LUC) genes and found that the efficacy of RNAi increased with stem length, and fell off greatly below about 128 nt. We used the StL length dependency to establish a useful 'hypomorphic' approach not possible with other gene ablation strategies, with shorter IFT140 stems yielding viable cells with compromised flagellar morphology. We showed that co-selection for RNAi against adenine phosphoryl transferase (APRT1) using 4-aminopyrazolpyrimidine (APP) could increase the efficacy of RNAi against reporter constructs, a finding that may facilitate improvements in future work. Thus, for many genes, RNAi provides a useful tool for studying Leishmania gene function with some unique advantages.
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Corman HN, Ross JN, Fields FR, Shoue DA, McDowell MA, Lee SW. Rationally Designed Minimal Bioactive Domains of AS-48 Bacteriocin Homologs Possess Potent Antileishmanial Properties. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0265822. [PMID: 36342284 PMCID: PMC9769502 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02658-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a category I neglected tropical disease, is a group of diseases caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania species with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Current treatment options can be highly toxic and expensive, with drug relapse and the emergence of resistance. Bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides ribosomally produced by bacteria, are a relatively new avenue for potential antiprotozoal drugs. Particular interest has been focused on enterocin AS-48, with previously proven efficacy against protozoan species, including Leishmania spp. Sequential characterization of enterocin AS-48 has illustrated that antibacterial bioactivity is preserved in linearized, truncated forms; however, minimal domains of AS-48 bacteriocins have not yet been explored against protozoans. Using rational design techniques to improve membrane penetration activity, we designed peptide libraries using the minimal bioactive domain of AS-48 homologs. Stepwise changes to the charge (z), hydrophobicity (H), and hydrophobic dipole moment (μH) were achieved through lysine and tryptophan substitutions and the inversion of residues within the helical wheel, respectively. A total of 480 synthetic peptide variants were assessed for antileishmanial activity against Leishmania donovani. One hundred seventy-two peptide variants exhibited 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values below 20 μM against axenic amastigotes, with 60 peptide variants in the nanomolar range. Nine peptide variants exhibited potent activity against intracellular amastigotes with observed IC50 values of <4 μM and limited in vitro host cell toxicity, making them worthy of further drug development. Our work demonstrates that minimal bioactive domains of naturally existing bacteriocins can be synthetically engineered to increase membrane penetration against Leishmania spp. with minimal host cytotoxicity, holding the promise of novel, potent antileishmanial therapies. IMPORTANCE Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. There are three primary clinical forms, cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral, with visceral leishmaniasis being fatal if left untreated. Current drug treatments are less than ideal, especially in resource-limited areas, due to the difficult administration and treatment regimens as well as the high cost and the emergence of drug resistance. Identifying potent antileishmanial agents is of the utmost importance. We utilized rational design techniques to synthesize enterocin AS-48 and AS-48-like bacteriocin-based peptides and screened these peptides against L. donovani using a fluorescence-based phenotypic assay. Our results suggest that bacteriocins, specifically these rationally designed AS-48-like peptides, are promising leads for further development as antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N. Corman
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica N. Ross
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Douglas A. Shoue
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Shaun W. Lee
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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Srivarasat S, Brownell N, Siriyasatien P, Noppakun N, Asawanonda P, Rattanakorn K, Preativatanyou K, Kumtornrut C. Case Report: Autochthonous Disseminated Cutaneous, Mucocutaneous, and Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania martiniquensis in a Patient with HIV/AIDS from Northern Thailand and Literature Review. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:1196-1202. [PMID: 36375453 PMCID: PMC9768252 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autochthonous leishmaniasis cases have been increasing continuously in Thailand over the years. We report multiple presentations of leishmaniasis in a 47-year-old patient with HIV/AIDS from Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand. Physical examination showed multiple ulcerated papules, nodules, and plaques in a sporotrichoid distribution. Firm mucosal nodules on the hard palate and nasal opening, hepatosplenomegaly, and bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy were found. Histopathological examination of the biopsies revealed an inflammatory infiltrate containing intramacrophage amastigotes compatible with Leishmania infection. In addition, Leishmania promastigotes were isolated successfully from the palatal biopsy and assigned the code MHOM/TH/2022/CULE6. Using internal transcribed spacer 1 polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis, the causative parasite was identified as Leishmania martiniquensis. A definitive diagnosis of multiform leishmaniasis with disseminated cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral involvement was established. The patient was administered intravenous amphotericin B 1 mg/kg/d for 2 weeks, followed by oral itraconazole 400 mg daily. At the 2-month follow-up, the cutaneous and mucosal lesions had improved significantly. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mucocutaneous involvement caused by L. martiniquensis in an immunocompromised patient with HIV/AIDS. In addition, we provide a literature review of leishmaniasis cases, reported formally in Thailand, resulting from this autochthonous parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Srivarasat
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Narisa Brownell
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nopadon Noppakun
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pravit Asawanonda
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Kanok Preativatanyou
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanat Kumtornrut
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Akkuzu G, Ozkara S, Ozgur DS, Karaalioglu B, Yıldırım F, Ayer M, Bes C. Visceral leishmaniasis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Dilemma in diagnosis and management. Int J Rheum Dis 2022; 26:769-773. [PMID: 36502503 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patients with systemic lupus erythemasus (SLE) have an increased risk of bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections, especially if they are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by intracellular flagellate protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. We present a 48-year-old female patient, diagnosed with SLE many years ago, who presented with high fever and pancytopenia. We thought that the patient's hematologic findings were related to SLE hematologic involvement. However, we investigated other possible causes when there was no response to drugs for the treatment of SLE. A second bone marrow biopsy showed Leishmania amastigotes and the patient was diagnosed with leishmaniasis. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin-B (treatment completed at 40 days). She showed rapid clinical improvement and showed no signs of disease after 4 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Akkuzu
- Department of Rheumatology Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences İstanbul Turkey
| | - Selvinaz Ozkara
- Department of Pathology Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences İstanbul Turkey
| | - Duygu Sevinc Ozgur
- Department of Rheumatology Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences İstanbul Turkey
| | - Bilgin Karaalioglu
- Department of Rheumatology Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences İstanbul Turkey
| | - Fatih Yıldırım
- Department of Rheumatology Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences İstanbul Turkey
| | - Mesut Ayer
- Department of Hematology Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences İstanbul Turkey
| | - Cemal Bes
- Department of Rheumatology Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences İstanbul Turkey
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Centrin-deficient Leishmania mexicana confers protection against Old World visceral leishmaniasis. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:157. [DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00574-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLeishmaniasis is one of the top neglected tropical diseases with significant morbidity and mortality in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). However, this disease is also spreading in the developed world. Currently, there is a lack of effective strategies to control this disease. Vaccination can be an effective measure to control leishmaniasis and has the potential to achieve disease elimination. Recently, we have generated centrin gene-deleted new world L. mexicana (LmexCen−/−) parasites using CRISPR/Cas9 and showed that they protect mice against a homologous L. mexicana infection that causes cutaneous disease. In this study, we tested whether LmexCen−/− parasites can also protect against visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. donovani in a hamster model. We showed that immunization with LmexCen−/− parasites is safe and does not cause lesions. Furthermore, such immunization conferred protection against visceral leishmaniasis caused by a needle-initiated L. donovani challenge, as indicated by a significant reduction in the parasite burdens in the spleen and liver as well as reduced mortality. Similar control of parasite burden was also observed against a sand fly mediated L. donovani challenge. Importantly, immunization with LmexCen−/− down-regulated the disease promoting cytokines IL-10 and IL-4 and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ resulting in higher IFN-γ/IL-10 and IFN-γ/IL4 ratios compared to non-immunized animals. LmexCen−/− immunization also resulted in long-lasting protection against L. donovani infection. Taken together, our study demonstrates that immunization with LmexCen−/− parasites is safe and efficacious against the Old World visceral leishmaniasis.
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Dhingra N, Kapoor K, Sharma S, Saxena A. Towards further understanding the structural insights of isoxazoles analogues against leishmaniasis using QSAR, molecular docking and molecular dynamics model. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2022.100847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Chemical Composition and In Vitro and In Silico Antileishmanial Evaluation of the Essential Oil from Croton linearis Jacq. Stems. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121712. [PMID: 36551370 PMCID: PMC9774621 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Croton linearis Jacq. is an aromatic shrub that has been utilized in traditional medicine in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba. Recent studies have revealed the antiprotozoal potential of its leaves. The present work is aimed to identify the volatile constituents of essential oil from the stems of C. linearis (CLS-EO) and evaluate its in vitro antileishmanial activity. In addition, an in silico study of the molecular interactions was performed using molecular docking. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of CLS-EO identified 1,8-cineole (27.8%), α-pinene (11.1%), cis-sabinene (8.1%), p-cymene (5.7%), α-terpineol (4.4%), epi-γ-eudesmol (4.2%), linalool (3.9%), and terpinen-4-ol (2.6%) as major constituents. The evaluation of antileishmanial activity showed that CLS-EO has good activity on both parasite forms (IC50Promastigote = 21.4 ± 0.1 μg/mL; IC50Amastigote = 18.9 ± 0.3 μg/mL), with a CC50 of 49.0 ± 5.0 μg/mL on peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice (selectivity index = 2 and 3 using the promastigote and amastigote results). Molecular docking showed good binding of epi-γ-eudesmol with different target enzymes of Leishmania. This study is the first report of the chemical composition and anti-Leishmania evaluation of CLS-EO. These findings provide support for further studies of the antileishmanial effect of this product.
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Assouab A, El Filaly H, Akarid K. Inhibiting Human and Leishmania Arginases Using Cannabis sativa as a Potential Therapy for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Molecular Docking Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120400. [PMID: 36548655 PMCID: PMC9783378 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania protozoan, is a serious public health problem in Morocco. The treatment of this disease is still based on pentavalent antimonials as the primary therapy, but these have associated side effects. Thus, the development of effective, risk-free alternative therapeutics based on natural compounds against leishmaniasis is urgent. Arginase, the key enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, plays a critical role in leishmaniasis outcome and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. The objective of this study was to test Cannabis sativa's phytochemical components (cannabinoids and terpenoids) through molecular docking against Leishmania and human arginase enzymes. Our results showed that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) possessed the best binding energies of -6.02 and -6.35 kcal/mol with active sites of Leishmania and human arginases, respectively. Delta-9-THC interacted with Leishmania arginase through various amino acids including His139 and His 154 and linked to human arginase via His 126. In addition to delta-9-THC, caryophyllene oxide and cannabidiol (CBD) also showed a good inhibition of Leishmania and human arginases, respectively. Overall, the studied components were found to inhibit both arginases active sites via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. These components may serve as therapeutic agents or in co-administrated therapy for leishmaniasis.
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Jürgens FM, Robledo SM, Schmidt TJ. Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Parameters of Arnica Tincture after Dermal Application In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2379. [PMID: 36365196 PMCID: PMC9695956 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. As the standard drugs for the treatment of this disease suffer from severe unwanted effects, new effective and safe therapeutic options are required. In our previous work, Arnica tincture showed promising antileishmanial effects in vitro and in vivo. For the potential treatment of human CL patients with Arnica tincture, data on the pharmacokinetic properties of the bioactive, antileishmanial compounds (the sesquiterpene lactone (STL) helenalin and its derivatives) are needed. Therefore, we studied the in vivo absorption of the bioactive compounds after the dermal application of Arnica tincture in rats. Moreover, we analyzed the blood plasma, urine, and feces of the animals by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Although the majority (84%) of the applied STLs (1.0 mg) were absorbed, the concentrations in the plasma, urine, and feces were below the limit of detection (0.3 ng/mL) in the samples for UHPLC-HRMS analysis. This result may be explained by extensive metabolism and slow permeation accompanied by the accumulation of STLs in the skin, as described in our previous work. Accordingly, the plasma concentration of STLs after the topical application of Arnica tincture was very far from a dose where toxicity could be expected. Additionally, tests for corrosive or irritant activity as well as acute and repeated-dose dermal toxicity did not show any positive results after the administration of the amounts of Arnica tincture that would be needed for the treatment of CL. Consequently, in the treatment of CL patients with Arnica tincture, no toxic effects are expected, other than the known sensitization potential of the STLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M. Jürgens
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sara M. Robledo
- PECET-School of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellin 0500100, Colombia
| | - Thomas J. Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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