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El-Refaiy AI, Amer NS, Alhejely A, Qahl SH, Shaban AM, Mohamed AE, Saleh AA, Badawy AA, El-Magd MA. Impact of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf aqueous extract on immunological response of mice after Schistosoma mansoni infection. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2025; 262:111673. [PMID: 39875026 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2025.111673] [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: 11/07/2024] [Revised: 01/16/2025] [Accepted: 01/23/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf aqueous extract (DLE) on the immunological response of mice following infection with Schistosoma mansoni. Mice (in groups of 7) were first experimentally infected with S. mansoni and, 6 weeks later, were treated with praziquantel (PZQ) and/or DLE. Control mice were uninfected. In contrast to the untreated group, animals given PZQ and/or DLE exhibited an enhanced immunological response, as indicated by increased serum IFNγ, TNFα, IL4 and IL10 levels, increased numbers of CD4 + and CD25 + cells in blood and spleen and altered expression of apoptosis-related genes (low Bax and caspase3 and high Bcl2) in the spleen. DLE treatment had a significantly bigger impact in all these parameters compared with PZQ alone and combined DLE/PZQ treatment have the largest effect. While DLE treatment alone significantly decreased parasite burden, it did not improve upon the greater protective effect of PZQ, even when given in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal I El-Refaiy
- Department of Agricultural Zoology and Nematology, Faculty of Agriculture (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Nahed S Amer
- Department of Agricultural Zoology and Nematology, Faculty of Agriculture (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Amani Alhejely
- Department of Biology, University College in Darb, Jazan University, Al-Darb, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safa H Qahl
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira M Shaban
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University 62511, Egypt
| | - Amro E Mohamed
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Amira A Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Abdelnaser A Badawy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A El-Magd
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt.
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Douti FV, Katawa G, Arndts K, Bara FD, Awesso ER, Karou SD, Hoerauf A, Ritter M. Potential of Aframomum melegueta and Xylopia aethiopica Against Taenia spp.: Plant-Based Remedies as Novel Anthelmintics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2025; 18:749. [PMID: 40430566 PMCID: PMC12115246 DOI: 10.3390/ph18050749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2025] [Revised: 05/05/2025] [Accepted: 05/13/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Taeniasis, a zoonotic infection, is a common foodborne disease. Niclosamide and praziquantel have proven to be effective in treating it, but the use of the same drugs can lead to resistance, so alternative drugs need to be explored. This study investigated the anthelmintic potential of derived fractions from hydroethanolic extracts (HEs) of Aframomum melegueta (AM) and Xylopia aethiopica (XA), two medicinal plants known for their diverse bioactive properties. Methods: AM-HE fractions (dichloromethane fraction (DCMF), ether fraction (EF), aqueous fraction (AF)) and XA-HE fractions (chloroform fraction (CF), ether fraction (EF), and aqueous fraction (AF)) were used, and in vitro anthelmintic activity was assessed against Taenia spp. by using an adult motility assay for the worm's paralysis time determination. The parasiticidal and parasitostatic activity was also tested on Taenia spp. adult worms. Cell viability was further evaluated using propidium iodide (PI) staining, with albendazole (20 mg/mL) as the reference drug. Results: The three fractions of each plant exhibited significant, dose-dependent anthelmintic activity, with AM-HE and XA-CF showing the greatest effects at 20 mg/mL. AM-EF demonstrated significant activity at 0.4% and 0.8%. Irreversibility tests revealed that most of the treated worms remained paralysis, except those exposed to the AF of both plants. PI staining confirmed the dose-dependent mortality of Taenia cells treated with HE, DCMF, and AF of AM. Conclusions: These results underscore the potential of AM and XA extracts and fractions as alternative treatments for helminth infections. Further, in vivo studies are warranted to confirm their safety and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fekandine V. Douti
- Unité de Recherche en Immunologie et Immuno-Modulation (UR2IM), Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Contrôle de Qualité des Denrées Alimentaires, École Supérieure des Techniques Biologiques et Alimentaires (ESTBA), Université de Lomé, Lomé 01 BP 1515, Togo; (F.V.D.); (F.D.B.); (E.R.A.); (S.D.K.)
| | - Gnatoulma Katawa
- Unité de Recherche en Immunologie et Immuno-Modulation (UR2IM), Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Contrôle de Qualité des Denrées Alimentaires, École Supérieure des Techniques Biologiques et Alimentaires (ESTBA), Université de Lomé, Lomé 01 BP 1515, Togo; (F.V.D.); (F.D.B.); (E.R.A.); (S.D.K.)
| | - Kathrin Arndts
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany; (K.A.); (A.H.)
- German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC), Partner Site Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Fagdéba D. Bara
- Unité de Recherche en Immunologie et Immuno-Modulation (UR2IM), Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Contrôle de Qualité des Denrées Alimentaires, École Supérieure des Techniques Biologiques et Alimentaires (ESTBA), Université de Lomé, Lomé 01 BP 1515, Togo; (F.V.D.); (F.D.B.); (E.R.A.); (S.D.K.)
| | - Essimanam R. Awesso
- Unité de Recherche en Immunologie et Immuno-Modulation (UR2IM), Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Contrôle de Qualité des Denrées Alimentaires, École Supérieure des Techniques Biologiques et Alimentaires (ESTBA), Université de Lomé, Lomé 01 BP 1515, Togo; (F.V.D.); (F.D.B.); (E.R.A.); (S.D.K.)
| | - Simplice D. Karou
- Unité de Recherche en Immunologie et Immuno-Modulation (UR2IM), Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Contrôle de Qualité des Denrées Alimentaires, École Supérieure des Techniques Biologiques et Alimentaires (ESTBA), Université de Lomé, Lomé 01 BP 1515, Togo; (F.V.D.); (F.D.B.); (E.R.A.); (S.D.K.)
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany; (K.A.); (A.H.)
- German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC), Partner Site Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany; (K.A.); (A.H.)
- German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC), Partner Site Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Lorenz E, Razafindrakoto R, Rausche P, Rasolojaona ZT, Razafindralava NM, Zerbo A, Höppner Y, von Thien H, Rakotozandrindrainy N, Doumbia CO, Klein P, Kutz JM, Corstjens PLAM, de Dood C, Hoekstra PT, van Dam GJ, Jaeger A, Schwarz NG, Tannich E, Andrianarivelo MR, Rakotozandrindrainy R, Rakotoarivelo RA, May J, Rasamoelina T, Fusco D. Detecting Schistosoma infections in endemic countries: a diagnostic accuracy study in rural Madagascar. Infect Dis Poverty 2025; 14:20. [PMID: 40098012 PMCID: PMC11912594 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-025-01292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2025] [Accepted: 03/04/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni are endemic in Madagascar, but reliable diagnostic tools are often lacking, contributing to exacerbate transmission and morbidity. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of three tests for schistosome infection in Malagasy adults from areas of medium to high endemicity. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled adults from three primary health care centres in Madagascar. Urine and blood samples were tested for schistosome infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), up-converting reporter particle lateral flow for the circulating anodic antigen (UCP-LF CAA), and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) tests. Bayesian latent class models were used to assess diagnostic accuracies and disease prevalence. RESULTS Of 1339 participants, 461 were from S. haematobium and 878 from S. mansoni endemic areas. Test detection rates were 52% (POC-CCA), 60% (UCP-LF CAA), and 66% (PCR) in the S. haematobium area, and 54%, 55%, and 59% respectively in the S. mansoni area. For S. haematobium, PCR and UCP-LF CAA showed high sensitivity (Se, median 95.2% and 87.8%) but moderate specificity (Sp, 60.3% and 66.2%), while POC-CCA performed moderately (Se: 64.5%; Sp: 59.6%). For S. mansoni, PCR and POC-CCA demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (Se > 90%, Sp > 80%), while UCP-LF CAA showed good sensitivity (79.9%) but moderate specificity (69.7%). CONCLUSIONS While population-level prevalence estimates were similar across tests, individual-level agreement was only low to moderate. Our findings suggest that optimal diagnostic strategies should be tailored to specific endemic settings, continued development of accurate diagnostics suitable for highly endemic settings remains a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Lorenz
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ravo Razafindrakoto
- Centre d'Infectiologie Charles Mérieux, University of Antananarivo, 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Pia Rausche
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- Research Group: Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Alexandre Zerbo
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yannick Höppner
- Department of Cellular Parasitology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heidrun von Thien
- Department of Cellular Parasitology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Njary Rakotozandrindrainy
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Antananarivo, 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Cheick Oumar Doumbia
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Philipp Klein
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jean-Marc Kutz
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- Research Group: Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul L A M Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia de Dood
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pytsje T Hoekstra
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Govert J van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Jaeger
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Georg Schwarz
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Rivo Andry Rakotoarivelo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Fianarantsoa Andrainjato, 301, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
| | - Jürgen May
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Tropical Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Daniela Fusco
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg, Germany.
- Research Group: Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
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Gebremedhin DM, Teka H, Tsehaye KF. Female Genital Schistosomiasis as a Cause of Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Case Report. Case Rep Pathol 2025; 2025:7652671. [PMID: 40223846 PMCID: PMC11991787 DOI: 10.1155/crip/7652671] [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: 01/20/2025] [Accepted: 02/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis is a widespread parasitic disease that affects various organs, including the female genital tract. Female genital schistosomiasis can lead to significant reproductive morbidity, such as ectopic pregnancies and infertility. Case Presentation: A 27-year-old woman with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions presented with acute abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with a ruptured left ectopic pregnancy. Histopathologic examination of the resected tissue revealed numerous Schistosoma haematobium eggs within the ovarian parenchyma and fallopian tube, surrounded by granulomatous inflammation. The patient was treated with praziquantel and informed about the possible effects of schistosomiasis on her reproductive health. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of considering female genital schistosomiasis in women from endemic areas with ectopic pregnancies and recurrent pregnancy loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term reproductive sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirar Medhanie Gebremedhin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Hale Teka
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Kidan Fssaha Tsehaye
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
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Eastham G, Fausnacht D, Becker MH, Gillen A, Moore W. Praziquantel resistance in schistosomes: a brief report. FRONTIERS IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 3:1471451. [PMID: 39817170 PMCID: PMC11732111 DOI: 10.3389/fpara.2024.1471451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a group of both acute and chronic parasitic trematode infections of the genus Schistosoma. Research into schistosomiasis has been minimal, leading to its classification as a neglected tropical disease, yet more than 140 million people are infected with schistosomes globally. There are no treatments available for early-stage infections, schistosomal dermatitis, or Katayama syndrome, other than symptomatic control with steroids and antihistamines, as the maturing organisms seem to be mostly resistant to typical antiparasitics. However, praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice for schistosomiasis for decades in the latter stages of the disease. Though it is effective against all three clinically relevant species, heavy reliance on PZQ has led to concerns of schistosome resistance, especially in areas that have implemented this drug in mass drug administration (MDA) programs. This article summarizes the available literature concerning the available evidence for and against a warranted concern for PZQ resistance, genomic studies in schistosomes, proposed mechanisms of resistance, and future research in alternative methods of schistosomiasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Eastham
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, United States
| | - Dane Fausnacht
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Agriculture, Ferrum College, Ferrum, VA, United States
| | - Matthew H. Becker
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, United States
| | - Alan Gillen
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, United States
| | - William Moore
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, United States
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Abera MT, Abdela AF, Yaynishet YA, Tefera TG. Arborized pattern of MRI enhancement in spinal cord schistosomiasis: A report of 2 successful case outcomes. Radiol Case Rep 2024; 19:4190-4194. [PMID: 39101020 PMCID: PMC11295448 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.06.060] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This case report describes 2 patients with spinal cord schistosomiasis diagnosed based on a magnetic resonance imaging finding of a unique arborized type of postcontrast enhancement. Both patients presented with back pain and lower limb weakness, and prompt treatment with an anti-schistomal agent and steroid resulted in significant neurological and radiological improvement. The report emphasizes the role of imaging in the early diagnosis of spinal cord schistosomiasis, as well as the importance of early treatment for the best clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yodit A. Yaynishet
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Radiology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye G. Tefera
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Radiology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Dannenhaus TA, Winkelmann F, Reinholdt C, Bischofsberger M, Dvořák J, Grevelding CG, Löbermann M, Reisinger EC, Sombetzki M. Intra-specific variations in Schistosoma mansoni and their possible contribution to inconsistent virulence and diverse clinical outcomes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012615. [PMID: 39466851 PMCID: PMC11542895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 11/07/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mansoni was introduced from Africa to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade and remains a major public health problem in parts of South America and the Caribbean. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of three S. mansoni strains with different geographical origins-from Liberia, Belo Horizonte and Puerto Rico. We demonstrated significant variation in virulence and host-parasite interactions. METHODS We investigated the phenotypic characteristics of the parasite and its eggs, as well as the immunopathologic effects on laboratory mouse organ systems. RESULTS Our results show significant differences in worm morphology, worm burden, egg size, and pathologic organ changes between these strains. The Puerto Rican strain showed the highest virulence, as evidenced by marked liver and spleen changes and advanced liver fibrosis indicated by increased collagen content. In contrast, the strains from Liberia and Belo Horizonte had a less pathogenic profile with less liver fibrosis. We found further variations in granuloma formation, cytokine expression and T-cell dynamics, indicating different immune responses. CONCLUSION Our study emphasizes the importance of considering intra-specific variations of S. mansoni for the development of targeted therapies and public health strategies. The different virulence patterns, host immune responses and organ pathologies observed in these strains provide important insights for future research and could inform region-specific interventions for schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim A. Dannenhaus
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany
| | - Franziska Winkelmann
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany
| | - Cindy Reinholdt
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany
| | - Miriam Bischofsberger
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany
| | - Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Ecology, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Czechia Institute of Parasitology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Christoph G. Grevelding
- Biomedizinisches Forschungszentrum Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Micha Löbermann
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany
| | - Emil C. Reisinger
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany
| | - Martina Sombetzki
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany
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8
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Soto-Sánchez J, Garza-Treviño G. Combination Therapy and Phytochemical-Loaded Nanosytems for the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1239. [PMID: 39458571 PMCID: PMC11510106 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16101239] [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: 08/06/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and schistosomiasis, impose a significant public health burden, especially in developing countries. Despite control efforts, treatment remains challenging due to drug resistance and lack of effective therapies. Objective: This study aimed to synthesize the current research on the combination therapy and phytochemical-loaded nanosystems, which have emerged as promising strategies to enhance treatment efficacy and safety. Methods/Results: In the present review, we conducted a systematic search of the literature and identified several phytochemicals that have been employed in this way, with the notable efficacy of reducing the parasite load in the liver and spleen in cases of visceral leishmaniasis, as well as lesion size in cutaneous leishmaniasis. Furthermore, they have a synergistic effect against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense rhodesain; reduce inflammation, parasitic load in the myocardium, cardiac hypertrophy, and IL-15 production in Chagas disease; and affect both mature and immature stages of Schistosoma mansoni, resulting in improved outcomes compared to the administration of phytochemicals alone or with conventional drugs. Moreover, the majority of the combinations studied demonstrated enhanced solubility, efficacy, and selectivity, as well as increased immune response and reduced cytotoxicity. Conclusions: These formulations appear to offer significant therapeutic benefits, although further research is required to validate their clinical efficacy in humans and their potential to improve treatment outcomes in affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Soto-Sánchez
- Section for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera #239, Fracc. La Escalera, Ticomán, Ciudad de México 07320, Mexico
| | - Gilberto Garza-Treviño
- Section for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera #239, Fracc. La Escalera, Ticomán, Ciudad de México 07320, Mexico
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Dewi DAR, Irawati Tjahjo Widuri L, Allatib A, Athallah AA, Balga AI, Arkania N, Nadhira F, Wiliantari NM, Ulfa F. Effectiveness of the Antiparasitic Combination of Albendazole and Praziquantel As Compared With Albendazole Monotherapy in the Treatment of Neurocysticercosis in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2024; 16:e64617. [PMID: 39149676 PMCID: PMC11324961 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64617] [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] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis, caused by the tapeworm Taenia solium, is a neglected tropical illness that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease leads to seizures and epilepsy as the larvae invade the nervous system. Treatment with albendazole and praziquantel is common, but the comparative effectiveness of combination therapy versus monotherapy is unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of albendazole and praziquantel combination therapy versus albendazole monotherapy for lesion resolution in pediatric neurocysticercosis. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the antiparasitic combination of albendazole and praziquantel as compared with albendazole monotherapy in the treatment of neurocysticercosis in children. This study is based on a systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Randomized controlled trials on pediatric patients receiving the mentioned therapies were included. The risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials assessed the study quality once data extraction and analysis were completed. This study included randomized research in neurocysticercosis pediatric patients diagnosed with neuroimaging outcomes, using albendazole and praziquantel combination therapy or albendazole monotherapy. We searched articles between September 30 and December 1, 2023. All terms followed the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) browser, and 13 articles were found. The data was quantitatively analyzed using RevMan 5.4.1 (The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). We applied the relative risk (RR) for the intervention and control groups before and after treatment, obtained from prior studies on lesion result resolution. The statistical method was Mantel-Haenszel. The model analysis we used was a fixed effect model (FEM) for heterogeneity (I2) < 50% and a random effect model (REM) for I2 ≥ 50%. The impact was measured using the risk difference (RD) by study and the overall 95% confidence interval (CI). The meta-analysis indicated that combination therapy was more effective in achieving complete lesion resolution after both three months (pooled RD = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.03-0.33, p= 0.02, I2 =0%) and six months (pooled RD = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.09-0.40, p = 0.002, I2 =0%) of therapy. However, calcification outcomes were also more significant in the combination therapy group. The study demonstrates that the albendazole and praziquantel combination therapy is superior in lesion resolution in pediatric neurocysticercosis. Clinical caution is advised to prevent calcification during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Andriani Ratna Dewi
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Military Medicine, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor, IDN
| | - Lila Irawati Tjahjo Widuri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Military Medicine, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor, IDN
| | - Arohid Allatib
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Military Medicine, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor, IDN
| | - Adristi A Athallah
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Military Medicine, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor, IDN
| | - Alessandro I Balga
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Military Medicine, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor, IDN
| | - Nabila Arkania
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Gadjah Mada University, Special Region of Yogyakarta, IDN
| | - Farrasila Nadhira
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Ratna Dewi Principal Clinic, Bekasi, IDN
| | - Ni Made Wiliantari
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Military Medicine, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor, IDN
| | - Farida Ulfa
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Ratna Dewi Principal Clinic, Bekasi, IDN
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10
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Rossi S, Tudino V, Carullo G, Butini S, Campiani G, Gemma S. Metalloenzyme Inhibitors against Zoonotic Infections: Focus on Leishmania and Schistosoma. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1520-1535. [PMID: 38669567 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00163] [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: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The term "zoonosis" denotes diseases transmissible among vertebrate animals and humans. These diseases constitute a significant public health challenge, comprising 61% of human pathogens and causing an estimated 2.7 million deaths annually. Zoonoses not only affect human health but also impact animal welfare and economic stability, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are two important neglected tropical diseases with a high prevalence in tropical and subtropical areas, imposing significant burdens on affected regions. Schistosomiasis, particularly rampant in sub-Saharan Africa, lacks alternative treatments to praziquantel, prompting concerns regarding parasite resistance. Similarly, leishmaniasis poses challenges with unsatisfactory treatments, urging the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Effective prevention demands a One Health approach, integrating diverse disciplines to enhance diagnostics and develop safer drugs. Metalloenzymes, involved in parasite biology and critical in different biological pathways, emerged in the last few years as useful drug targets for the treatment of human diseases. Herein we have reviewed recent reports on the discovery of inhibitors of metalloenzymes associated with zoonotic diseases like histone deacetylases (HDACs), carbonic anhydrase (CA), arginase, and heme-dependent enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Tudino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-7346, Iran
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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11
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Chen H, Huang S, Zhao Y, Sun R, Wang J, Yao S, Huang J, Yu Z. Metagenomic analysis of the intestinal microbiome reveals the potential mechanism involved in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in treating schistosomiasis japonica in mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0373523. [PMID: 38441977 PMCID: PMC10986500 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03735-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica is one of the neglected tropical diseases characterized by chronic hepatic, intestinal granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis, as well as dysbiosis of intestinal microbiome. Previously, the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens has been shown to alleviate the pathological injuries in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum by improving the disturbance of the intestinal microbiota. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. In this study, metagenomics sequencing and functional analysis were employed to investigate the differential changes in taxonomic composition and functional genes of the intestinal microbiome in S. japonicum-infected mice treated with B. amyloliquefaciens. The results revealed that intervention with B. amyloliquefaciens altered the taxonomic composition of the intestinal microbiota at the species level in infected mice and significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Moreover, the abundance of predicted genes in the intestinal microbiome was also significantly changed, and the abundance of xfp/xpk and genes translated to urease was significantly restored. Further analysis showed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri was positively correlated with several KEGG Orthology (KO) genes and metabolic reactions, which might play important roles in alleviating the pathological symptoms caused by S. japonicum infection, indicating that it has the potential to function as another effective therapeutic agent for schistosomiasis. These data suggested that treatment of murine schistosomiasis japonica by B. amyloliquefaciens might be induced by alterations in the taxonomic composition and functional gene of the intestinal microbiome in mice. We hope this study will provide adjuvant strategies and methods for the early prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis japonica. IMPORTANCE Targeted interventions of probiotics on gut microbiome were used to explore the mechanism of alleviating schistosomiasis japonica. Through metagenomic analysis, there were significant changes in the composition of gut microbiota in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum and significant increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria after the intervention of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. At the same time, the abundance of functional genes was found to change significantly. The abundance of genes related to urease metabolism and xfp/xpk related to D-erythrose 4-phosphate production was significantly restored, highlighting the importance of Limosilactobacillus reuteri in the recovery and abundance of predicted genes of the gut microbiome. These results indicated potential regulatory mechanism between the gene function of gut microbiome and host immune response. Our research lays the foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanism of probiotic intervention in alleviating schistosomiasis japonica, and provides potential adjuvant treatment strategies for early prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis japonica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuaiqin Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruizheng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingyan Wang
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siqi Yao
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Yu
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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12
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Ghezellou P, von Bülow V, Luh D, Badin E, Albuquerque W, Roderfeld M, Roeb E, Grevelding CG, Spengler B. Schistosoma mansoni infection induces hepatic metallothionein and S100 protein expression alongside metabolic dysfunction in hamsters. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae104. [PMID: 38562583 PMCID: PMC10983833 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a widespread neglected tropical disease, presents a complex and multifaceted clinical-pathological profile. Using hamsters as final hosts, we dissected molecular events following Schistosoma mansoni infection in the liver-the organ most severely affected in schistosomiasis patients. Employing tandem mass tag-based proteomics, we studied alterations in the liver proteins in response to various infection modes and genders. We examined livers from female and male hamsters that were: noninfected (control), infected with either unisexual S. mansoni cercariae (single-sex) or both sexes (bisex). The infection induced up-regulation of proteins associated with immune response, cytoskeletal reorganization, and apoptotic signaling. Notably, S. mansoni egg deposition led to the down-regulation of liver factors linked to energy supply and metabolic processes. Gender-specific responses were observed, with male hamsters showing higher susceptibility, supported by more differentially expressed proteins than found in females. Of note, metallothionein-2 and S100a6 proteins exhibited substantial up-regulation in livers of both genders, suggesting their pivotal roles in the liver's injury response. Immunohistochemistry and real-time-qPCR confirmed strong up-regulation of metallothionein-2 expression in the cytoplasm and nucleus upon the infection. Similar findings were seen for S100a6, which localized around granulomas and portal tracts. We also observed perturbations in metabolic pathways, including down-regulation of enzymes involved in xenobiotic biotransformation, cellular energy metabolism, and lipid modulation. Furthermore, lipidomic analyses through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging identified extensive alterations, notably in cardiolipin and triacylglycerols, suggesting specific roles of lipids during pathogenesis. These findings provide unprecedented insights into the hepatic response to S. mansoni infection, shedding light on the complexity of liver pathology in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Ghezellou
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Verena von Bülow
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - David Luh
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Elisa Badin
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Wendell Albuquerque
- Institute of Food Chemistry and Food Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Roderfeld
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Elke Roeb
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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13
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Shinozaki K, Kirinoki M, Atcharaphan W, Watanabe KI, Ohari Y, Suguta S, Ona KAL, Ushio N, Macalanda AMC, Suganuma K, Inoue N, Kawazu SI. Expression profile analysis of the transient receptor potential (TRPM) channel, a possible target of praziquantel in Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Int 2024; 99:102833. [PMID: 38061487 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102833] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The WHO considers schistosomiasis, which is controlled by the mass administration of the drug praziquantel (PZQ), to be a neglected tropical disease. Despite its clinical use for over four decades, PZQ remains the only choice of chemotherapy against this disease. Regarding the previous studies that demonstrated that PZQ activates the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel in Schistosoma mansoni (Sm.TRPMPZQ), the expression profile of the ortholog of this channel gene (Smp_246790.5) in S. japonicum (EWB00_008853) (Sj.TRPMPZQ) was analyzed. The relative expression of this gene in various stages of the parasite lifecycle was analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), and the expression of Sj.TRPMPZQ was observed by immunohistochemical staining using anti-serum against the recombinant Sj.TRPMPZQ protein. qRT-PCR revealed the significantly lower mRNA expression in the snail stage in comparison to other stages (p < 0.01). The relative quantity of the Sj.TRPMPZQ expression for paired females, unpaired males, and eggs was 60%, 56%, and 68%, respectively, in comparison to paired males that showed the highest expression (p < 0.05). Interestingly, immunostaining demonstrated that Sj.TRPMPZQ is expressed in the parenchyma which contains muscle cells, neuronal cells and tegument cells in adult worms. This may support the two major effects of PZQ-worm paralysis and tegument disruption-induced by channel activation. Moreover, the channel was expressed in both the eggshell and the miracidia inside, but could not be observed in sporocyst. These results suggest that the expression of Sj.TRPMPQZ corresponds to the known sensitivity of S. japonicum to PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaho Shinozaki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masashi Kirinoki
- Laboratory of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Wanlop Atcharaphan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yuma Ohari
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan
| | - Saki Suguta
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kevin Austin L Ona
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, 1000 Manila, Philippines
| | - Nanako Ushio
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Adrian Miki C Macalanda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Cavite, Philippines
| | - Keisuke Suganuma
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Noboru Inoue
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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14
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Kołodziej P, Szostakowska B, Lass A, Sulima M, Sikorska K, Kocki J, Krupski W, Starownik D, Bojar P, Szumiło J, Kasztelan-Szczerbińska B, Cichoż-Lach H, Bogucki J, Szymańska M, Fota-Markowska H, Bogucka-Kocka A. Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis caused by co-infection with Schistosoma intercalatum and Schistosoma mansoni. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e196-e205. [PMID: 37783223 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00486-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The Grand Round concerns a 24-year-old man from Zimbabwe who was studying and living in Poland. The patient had been complaining of abdominal pain, fatigue, alternating diarrhoea and constipation, and presence of blood in his stool for 3 years. The patient had the following diagnostic tests: colonoscopy, CT scan, histopathology, and parasitological and molecular tests. Results of the examinations showed that the cause of the patient's complaints was chronic intestinal schistosomiasis due to the co-infection with Schistosoma intercalatum and Schistosoma mansoni. The patient had two cycles of praziquantel therapy (Biltricide) and responded well to the treatment. In the Grand Round, we describe full diagnostics as well as clinical and therapeutic management in the patient with S intercalatum and S mansoni co-infection. This case allows us to draw attention to cases of forgotten chronic tropical diseases (including rare ones) in patients from regions with a high endemic index staying in non-endemic regions of the world for a long time. Co-infection with S intercalatum and S mansoni should be considered as a very rare clinical case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Kołodziej
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Anna Lass
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sulima
- Division of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Division of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Witold Krupski
- Department of Medical Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Starownik
- Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Bojar
- Department of Pathomorphology, Beskid Oncology Centre-John Paul II Memorial City Hospital in Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biała, Poland
| | - Justyna Szumiło
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Szymańska
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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15
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Li X, Weth O, Haimann M, Möscheid MF, Huber TS, Grevelding CG. Rhodopsin orphan GPCR20 interacts with neuropeptides and directs growth, sexual differentiation, and egg production in female Schistosoma mansoni. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0219323. [PMID: 38047698 PMCID: PMC10783048 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02193-23] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Schistosomes cause schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases as defined by the WHO. For decades, the treatment of schistosomiasis relies on a single drug, praziquantel. Due to its wide use, there is justified fear of resistance against this drug, and a vaccine is not available. Besides its biological relevance in signal transduction processes, the class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is also well suited for drug design. Against this background, we characterized one GPCR of Schistosoma mansoni, SmGPCR20, at the molecular and functional level. We identified two potential neuropeptides (NPPs) as ligands, SmNPP26 and SmNPP40, and unraveled their roles, in combination with SmGPCR20, in neuronal processes controlling egg production, oogenesis, and growth of S. mansoni females. Since eggs are closely associated with the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis, our results contribute to the understanding of processes leading to egg production in schistosomes, which is under the control of pairing in this exceptional parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Li
- Institute for Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Weth
- Institute for Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Haimann
- Institute for Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Max F. Möscheid
- Institute for Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Theresa S. Huber
- Institute for Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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16
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Miller K, Choudry J, Mahmoud ES, Lodh N. Accurate Diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium from Filtered Urine Samples Collected in Tanzania, Africa. Pathogens 2024; 13:59. [PMID: 38251366 PMCID: PMC10820911 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010059] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a bloodborne, and waterborne parasitic disease caused by the human Schistosoma species, namely Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. The parasite requires an intermediate snail host, where they grow and develop, along with a human host (definitive). Schistosoma egg detection in feces (S. mansoni) and urine (S. haematobium) are the WHO-recommended confirmatory diagnostic tests. The goal of our research was to determine the efficacy of detecting single or dual Schistosome species from filtered human urine samples collected in Tanzania by amplifying species-specific cell-free repeat DNA fragments via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. In total, 104 filtered human urine samples were evaluated and collected from individuals residing in the village of Kayenze, Tanzania. All samples were detected with 100% accuracy and no cross-amplification was present. For a single infection of S. mansoni, 22 (21%) of the samples were positive, while 15 (14%) of the samples were negative via PCR. Moreover, for a single infection of S. haematobium, 7 (7%) of the samples were positive, while 15 (14%) of the samples were negative. Dual infections were found in a higher percentage, with 60 (58%) of the samples being positive. Thus, we have justified that PCR is more sensitive and specific by amplifying species-specific cell-free repeat DNA fragments from the same urine sample than WHO-recommended methods of processing stool and urine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nilanjan Lodh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53217, USA; (K.M.); (J.C.); (E.S.M.)
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17
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LoVerde PT. Schistosomiasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1454:75-105. [PMID: 39008264 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-60121-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major cause of morbidity in the world and almost 800 million people worldwide are at risk for schistosomiasis; it is second only to malaria as a major infectious disease. Globally, it is estimated that the disease affects more than 250 million people in 78 countries of the world and is responsible for some 280,000-500,000 deaths each year. The three major schistosomes infecting humans are Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium. This chapter covers a wide range of aspects of schistosomiasis, including basic biology of the parasites, epidemiology, immunopathology, treatment, control, vaccines, and genomics/proteomics. In this chapter, the reader will understand the significant toll this disease takes in terms of mortality and morbidity. A description of the various life stages of schistosomes is presented, which will be informative for both those unfamiliar with the disease and experienced scientists. Clinical and public health aspects are addressed that cover acute and chronic disease, diagnosis, current treatment regimens and alternative drugs, and schistosomiasis control programs. A brief overview of genomics and proteomics is included that details recent advances in the field that will help scientists investigate the molecular biology of schistosomes. The reader will take away an appreciation for general aspects of schistosomiasis and the current research advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T LoVerde
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Dos Santos Nascimento IJ, Albino SL, da Silva Menezes KJ, de Azevedo Teotônio Cavalcanti M, de Oliveira MS, Mali SN, de Moura RO. Targeting SmCB1: Perspectives and Insights to Design Antischistosomal Drugs. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2264-2284. [PMID: 37921174 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673255826231011114249] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries, and schistosomiasis is among the most relevant diseases worldwide. In addition, one of the two biggest problems in developing drugs against this disease is related to drug resistance, which promotes the demand to develop new drug candidates for this purpose. Thus, one of the drug targets most explored, Schistosoma mansoni Cathepsin B1 (SmCB1 or Sm31), provides new opportunities in drug development due to its essential functions for the parasite's survival. In this way, here, the latest developments in drug design studies targeting SmCB1 were approached, focusing on the most promising analogs of nitrile, vinyl sulphones, and peptidomimetics. Thus, it was shown that despite being a disease known since ancient times, it remains prevalent throughout the world, with high mortality rates. The therapeutic arsenal of antischistosomal drugs (ASD) consists only of praziquantel, which is widely used for this purpose and has several advantages, such as efficacy and safety. However, it has limitations, such as the impossibility of acting on the immature worm and exploring new targets to overcome these limitations. SmCB1 shows its potential as a cysteine protease with a catalytic triad consisting of Cys100, His270, and Asn290. Thus, design studies of new inhibitors focus on their catalytic mechanism for designing new analogs. In fact, nitrile and sulfonamide analogs show the most significant potential in drug development, showing that these chemical groups can be better exploited in drug discovery against schistosomiasis. We hope this manuscript guides the authors in searching for promising new antischistosomal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor José Dos Santos Nascimento
- Pharmacy Department, Cesmac University Center, Maceió, 57051-160, 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
| | - Sonaly Lima Albino
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Síntese de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Karla Joane da Silva Menezes
- 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
| | - Misael de Azevedo Teotônio Cavalcanti
- 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
| | - Mozaniel Santana de Oliveira
- Coordination of Botany-Laboratory Adolpho Ducke, Avenida Perimetral, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, 1901, Belém, 66077-530, PA Brazil
| | - Suraj N Mali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga East, Mumbai, 400019, India
| | - Ricardo Olimpio 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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19
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Abedi S, Tabari MA, Youssefi MR. Pivotal role of permeability-glycoprotein in absorption of praziquantel into Dicrocoelium dendriticum parasite. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:12. [PMID: 38057607 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08039-3] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Dicrocoelium dendriticum affects the livers of ruminants and causes several deleterious effects on animal health status. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of permeability-glycoprotein (P-gp) in absorption of praziquantel (PZQ) into D. dendriticum flukes by co-incubation with verapamil (VPL), an inhibitor of P-gp, under in vitro conditions. Mature flukes of D. dendriticum were collected from naturally infected sheep livers. The flukes were incubated with different concentrations of PZQ and VPL (50 and 100 μg/ml) in culture media and after several times of exposure (2, 6, 12, and 24 h), the concentration of PZQ absorbed in the parasites was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. At 2-h post-incubation, the highest concentration of PZQ was noted as 0.92 µg/ml in the flukes treated with 100 μg/ml of each PZQ and VPL. After 24-h of exposure, VPL at all tested concentrations resulted in significant increase in absorption of PZQ into the parasite. Co-incubation of lancet flukes with VPL and PZQ roughly doubled the absorption of PZQ into them. Results of tegumental structures analysis by light microscopy confirmed higher efficacy of combination of VPL and PZQ. In conclusion, co-administration of VPL, especially at the concentration of 100 μg/ml, was able to increase PZQ uptake in Dicrocoelium flukes at all time points of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soodeh Abedi
- Student Research Committee, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Youssefi
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.
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20
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Macháček T, Fuchs CD, Winkelmann F, Frank M, Scharnagl H, Stojakovic T, Sombetzki M, Trauner M. Bsep/Abcb11 knockout ameliorates Schistosoma mansoni liver pathology by reducing parasite fecundity. Liver Int 2023; 43:2469-2478. [PMID: 37641872 PMCID: PMC10947390 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Schistosoma mansoni infection is one of the worldwide leading causes of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether polyhydroxylated bile acids (BAs), known to protect mice from the development of acquired cholestatic liver injury, counteract S. mansoni-induced inflammation and fibrosis. METHODS Adult FVB/N wild type (WT) and Abcb11/Bsep-/- mice were infected with either 25 or 50 S. mansoni cercariae. Eight weeks post infection, effects on liver histology, serum biochemistry, gene expression profile of proinflammatory cytokines and fibrotic markers, hepatic hydroxyproline content and FACS analysis were performed. RESULTS Bsep-/- mice infected with S. mansoni showed significantly less hepatic inflammation and tendentially less fibrosis compared to infected WT mice. Despite elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in infected Bsep-/- mice, inflammatory cells such as M2 macrophages and Mac-2/galectin-3+ cells were reduced in these animals. Accordingly, mRNA-expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) were increased in Bsep-/- mice upon infection. Furthermore, infected Bsep-/- mice exhibited decreased hepatic egg load and parasite fecundity, consequently affecting the worm reproduction rate. This outcome could arise from elevated serum BA levels and lower blood pH in Bsep-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS The loss of Bsep and the resulting changes in bile acid composition and blood pH are associated with the reduction of parasite fecundity, thus attenuating the development of S. mansoni-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Macháček
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious DiseasesCenter of Internal Medicine IIRostock University Medical CenterRostockGermany
- Department of ParasitologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzechia
| | - Claudia D. Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Franziska Winkelmann
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious DiseasesCenter of Internal Medicine IIRostock University Medical CenterRostockGermany
| | - Marcus Frank
- Medical Biology and Electron Microscopy CenterUniversity Medical Center RostockRostockGermany
- Department LifeLight and MatterUniversity of RostockRostockGermany
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsUniversity Hospital GrazGrazAustria
| | - Martina Sombetzki
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious DiseasesCenter of Internal Medicine IIRostock University Medical CenterRostockGermany
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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21
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Anwar FS, Abdel-Malek AR, Salem SH, Farouk M, Ali MF, Abdelrady YA, Sayed AM. In vitro and In silico assessment of antischistosomal activities of ethanolic extract of Cornulacamonacantha. Exp Parasitol 2023; 254:108631. [PMID: 37820894 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108631] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most prevailing parasitic disease worldwide. Although praziquantel is considered an effective drug in the treatment against schistosomiasis to some extent, there is an emerging drug resistance that widely recorded. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective and safe anti-schistosomal drugs. In this study, Cornulaca monacantha (C. monacantha), a sub-saharan plant, was extracted using aqueous ethanol and characterized by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Major constituents of the extract are belonging to flavonoids, tannins and phenolic glycosides. Worms' viability and surface morphology of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) adult worms treated with the extract were assessed using in vitro viability assay, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and histological examination. The extract (80-350 μg/ml) reduced viability percentage of worms by 40-60% and caused degeneration of both oral and ventral suckers, tegumental, sub-tegumental and muscular damage. Molecular docking approach was utilized to assess the binding affinities of the extracted compounds with S. mansoni alpha-carbonic anhydrase (SmCA), an essential tegument protein. Pharmacokinetic analysis using SwissADME showed that 7 compounds have high drug similarity. This study confirms the in vitro schistomicidal activity of C. monacantha extract against S. mansoni adult worms and suggests potential SmCA inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- FatmaA S Anwar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt
| | | | - Shimaa H Salem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farouk
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, New Valley University, 72511, Egypt
| | - Marwa F Ali
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Yousef A Abdelrady
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt; University of Hamburg, Institute of Pharmacy, 20146, Germany
| | - Ahmed M Sayed
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt.
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22
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Comelli A, Genovese C, Gobbi F, Brindicci G, Capone S, Corpolongo A, Crosato V, Mangano VD, Marrone R, Merelli M, Prato M, Santoro CR, Scarso S, Vanino E, Marchese V, Antinori S, Mastroianni C, Raglio A, Bruschi F, Minervini A, Donà D, Garazzino S, Galli L, Lo Vecchio A, Galli A, Dragoni G, Cricelli C, Colacurci N, Ferrazzi E, Pieralli A, Montresor A, Richter J, Calleri G, Bartoloni A, Zammarchi L. Schistosomiasis in non-endemic areas: Italian consensus recommendations for screening, diagnosis and management by the Italian Society of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (SIMET), endorsed by the Committee for the Study of Parasitology of the Italian Association of Clinical Microbiologists (CoSP-AMCLI), the Italian Society of Parasitology (SoIPa), the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy (SIGE), the Italian Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SIGO), the Italian Society of Colposcopy and Cervico-Vaginal Pathology (SICPCV), the Italian Society of General Medicine and Primary Care (SIMG), the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (SIMIT), the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), the Italian Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (SITIP), the Italian Society of Urology (SIU). Infection 2023; 51:1249-1271. [PMID: 37420083 PMCID: PMC10545632 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Comelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Genovese
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- II Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
- University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Brindicci
- AOU Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Infectious Diseases Unit, Bari, Italy
| | - Susanna Capone
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angela Corpolongo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Verena Crosato
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Dianora Mangano
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Programma Di Monitoraggio Delle Parassitosi e f.a.d, AOU Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosalia Marrone
- National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Merelli
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria del Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Prato
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Scarso
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Vanino
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Ospedale "Santa Maria delle Croci", AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Valentina Marchese
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Spinello Antinori
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annibale Raglio
- Committee for the Study of Parasitology of the Italian Association of Clinical Microbiologists (CoSP-AMCLI), Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Programma Di Monitoraggio Delle Parassitosi e f.a.d, AOU Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Minervini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Urology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Florence, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dragoni
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudio Cricelli
- Health Search-Istituto di Ricerca della SIMG (Italian Society of General Medicine and Primary Care), Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Colacurci
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Ferrazzi
- Department of Woman, New-Born and Child, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pieralli
- Ginecologia Chirurgica Oncologica, Careggi University and Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Richter
- Institute of International Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Corporate Member of Freie und Humboldt Universität Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Guido Calleri
- Amedeo Di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
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23
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Aboagye IF, Addison YAA. Praziquantel efficacy, urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis reinfection - a systematic review. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:623-630. [PMID: 36394218 PMCID: PMC10498796 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2145070] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) has been extensively used as the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis on account of its safety and effectiveness against all major forms of schistosomiasis. However, low cure rate, reduced susceptibility of Schistosoma mansoni to PZQ and treatment failures in S. haematobium infections have been reported, raising concerns about its efficacy. Using the search terms, 'praziquantel efficacy, schistosomiasis, school children, reinfection' as well as defined inclusion criteria, and guided by the PRISMA guidelines, articles from 2001 to 2022 were selected from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases and reviewed to assess their importance to the research question. This review assessed the efficacy of PZQ against schistosomiasis and reinfection rates following treatment of Schistosoma infections in children. Majority of both intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis studies reported comparable egg reduction rates (ERRs) of 94.2% to 99.9% and 91.9% to 98%, respectively. However, ERRs suggestive of sub-optimal PZQ efficacy as well as generally high and comparable cure rates for intestinal (81.2%-99.1%) and urinary (79%-93.7%) schistosomiasis studies were reported. Schistosomiasis reinfection rates varied widely for urinary (8.1%-39.6%) and intestinal (13.9%-63.4%) studies within eight to 28 weeks following PZQ treatment. Praziquantel treatment of urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis should be accompanied by the provision of potable water, toilet, and recreational facilities to reduce reinfection and egg reduction rates and increase cure rate to expedite schistosomiasis elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Frimpong Aboagye
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
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24
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Smith MM, Moran GR. Assigning function to active site residues of Schistosoma mansoni thioredoxin/glutathione reductase from analysis of transient state reductive half-reactions with variant forms of the enzyme. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1258333. [PMID: 37780207 PMCID: PMC10535113 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1258333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin/glutathione reductase (TGR) from the platyhelminthic parasitic worms has recently been identified as a drug target for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Schistosomes lack catalase, and so are heavily reliant on the regeneration of reduced thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione (GSH) to reduce peroxiredoxins that ameliorate oxidative damage from hydrogen peroxide generated by the host immune response. This study focuses on the characterization of the catalytic mechanism of Schistosoma mansoni TGR (SmTGR). Variant forms of SmTGR were studied to assign the function of residues that participate in the electron distribution chain within the enzyme. Using anaerobic transient state spectrophotometric methods, redox changes for the FAD and NADPH were observed and the function of specific residues was defined from observation of charge transfer absorption transitions that are indicative of specific complexations and redox states. The C159S variant prevented distribution of electrons beyond the flavin and as such did not accumulate thiolate-FAD charge transfer absorption. The lack of this absorption facilitated observation of a new charge transfer absorption consistent with proximity of NADPH and FAD. The C159S variant was used to confine electrons from NADPH at the flavin, and it was shown that NADPH and FAD exchange hydride in both directions and come to an equilibrium that yields only fractional FAD reduction, suggesting that both have similar reduction potentials. Mutation of U597 to serine resulted in sustained thiolate-FAD charge transfer absorption and loss of the ability to reduce Trx, indicating that the C596-U597 disulfide functions in the catalytic sequence to receive electrons from the C154 C159 pair and distribute them to Trx. No kinetic evidence for a loss or change in function associated with the distal C28-C31 disulfide was observed when the C31S variant reductive half-reaction was observed. The Y296A variant was shown to slow the rate of but increase extent of reduction of the flavin, and the dissociation of NADP+. The H571 residue was confirmed to be the residue responsible for the deprotonation of the C159 thiol, increasing its reactivity and generating the prominent thiolate-FAD charge transfer absorption that accumulates with oxidation of the flavin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham R. Moran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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25
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Zhu P, Wu K, Zhang C, Batool SS, Li A, Yu Z, Huang J. Advances in new target molecules against schistosomiasis: A comprehensive discussion of physiological structure and nutrient intake. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011498. [PMID: 37498810 PMCID: PMC10374103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a severe parasitic disease, is primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, or Schistosoma haematobium. Currently, praziquantel is the only recommended drug for human schistosome infection. However, the lack of efficacy of praziquantel against juvenile worms and concerns about the emergence of drug resistance are driving forces behind the research for an alternative medication. Schistosomes are obligatory parasites that survive on nutrients obtained from their host. The ability of nutrient uptake depends on their physiological structure. In short, the formation and maintenance of the structure and nutrient supply are mutually reinforcing and interdependent. In this review, we focus on the structural features of the tegument, esophagus, and intestine of schistosomes and their roles in nutrient acquisition. Moreover, we introduce the significance and modes of glucose, lipids, proteins, and amino acids intake in schistosomes. We linked the schistosome structure and nutrient supply, introduced the currently emerging targets, and analyzed the current bottlenecks in the research and development of drugs and vaccines, in the hope of providing new strategies for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kaijuan Wu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaobin Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Syeda Sundas Batool
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Anqiao Li
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Yu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
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26
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Carabajal MPA, Fernández Salom MJ, Olivera S, Cantiello HF. Effect of Temperature and Ionic Substitutions on the Tegumental Potentials of Protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:303. [PMID: 37368721 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8060303] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The protoscolex (PSC) is generated by asexual reproduction at the larval stage of taeniid Echinococcus granulosus that causes cystic echinococcosis or hydatidosis, a worldwide zoonosis. The PSC is enveloped by a complex cellular syncytial tegument responsible for ionic movements and the hydroelectrolytic balance of the parasite. We recently reported on two electrical potentials in bovine lung protoscoleces (PSCs) that reflect differences in ionic movements between the parasite's invaginated and evaginated developmental stages. Here, we explored the effect of temperature and ionic substitutions on the tegumental potentials of bovine lung PSCs of Echinococcus granulosus by microelectrode impalements. We observed that the transient peak potential was temperature-dependent, consistent with an active transport component in the invaginated state only. Further changes in the electrical potentials by high K+ depolarization, low external Ca2+, and addition of the diuretic amiloride are in agreement with the presence of a Ca2+-sensitive cation-selective electrodiffusional pathway in the outer surface of the parasite. Variations in electrical potential differences through the tegument provide an accessible and valuable parameter for studying ionic transport mechanisms and, therefore, potential targets for developing novel antiparasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Patricia Antonella Carabajal
- Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo (IMSaTeD, CONICET-UNSE), Santiago del Estero 4206, Argentina
| | - María José Fernández Salom
- Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo (IMSaTeD, CONICET-UNSE), Santiago del Estero 4206, Argentina
| | - Santiago Olivera
- Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo (IMSaTeD, CONICET-UNSE), Santiago del Estero 4206, Argentina
| | - Horacio F Cantiello
- Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo (IMSaTeD, CONICET-UNSE), Santiago del Estero 4206, Argentina
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Diemert DJ, Correa-Oliveira R, Fraga CG, Talles F, Silva MR, Patel SM, Galbiati S, Kennedy JK, Lundeen JS, Gazzinelli MF, Li G, Hoeweler L, Deye GA, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, El Sahly HM, Keitel WA, Bethony J, Atmar RL. A randomized, controlled Phase 1b trial of the Sm-TSP-2 Vaccine for intestinal schistosomiasis in healthy Brazilian adults living in an endemic area. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011236. [PMID: 36996185 PMCID: PMC10089325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant Schistosoma mansoni Tetraspanin-2 formulated on Alhydrogel (Sm-TSP-2/Alhydrogel) is being developed to prevent intestinal and hepatic disease caused by S. mansoni. The tegumentary Sm-TSP-2 antigen was selected based on its unique recognition by cytophilic antibodies in putatively immune individuals living in areas of ongoing S. mansoni transmission in Brazil, and preclinical studies in which vaccination with Sm-TSP-2 protected mice following infection challenge. METHODS A randomized, observer-blind, controlled, Phase 1b clinical trial was conducted in 60 healthy adults living in a region of Brazil with ongoing S. mansoni transmission. In each cohort of 20 participants, 16 were randomized to receive one of two formulations of Sm-TSP-2 vaccine (adjuvanted with Alhydrogel only, or with Alhydrogel plus the Toll-like receptor-4 agonist, AP 10-701), and 4 to receive Euvax B hepatitis B vaccine. Successively higher doses of antigen (10 μg, 30 μg, and 100 μg) were administered in a dose-escalation fashion, with progression to the next dose cohort being dependent upon evaluation of 7-day safety data after all participants in the preceding cohort had received their first dose of vaccine. Each participant received 3 intramuscular injections of study product at intervals of 2 months and was followed for 12 months after the third vaccination. IgG and IgG subclass antibody responses to Sm-TSP-2 were measured by qualified indirect ELISAs at pre- and post-vaccination time points through the final study visit. RESULTS Sm-TSP-2/Alhydrogel administered with or without AP-10-701 was well-tolerated in this population. The most common solicited adverse events were mild injection site tenderness and pain, and mild headache. No vaccine-related serious adverse events or adverse events of special interest were observed. Groups administered Sm-TSP-2/Alhydrogel with AP 10-701 had higher post-vaccination levels of antigen-specific IgG antibody. A significant dose-response relationship was seen in those administered Sm-TSP-2/Alhydrogel with AP 10-701. Peak anti-Sm-TSP-2 IgG levels were observed approximately 2 weeks following the third dose, regardless of Sm-TSP-2 formulation. IgG levels fell to low levels by Day 478 in all groups except the 100 μg with AP 10-701 group, in which 50% of subjects (4 of 8) still had IgG levels that were ≥4-fold higher than baseline. IgG subclass levels mirrored those of total IgG, with IgG1 being the predominant subclass response. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination of adults with Sm-TSP-2/Alhydrogel in an area of ongoing S. mansoni transmission was safe, minimally reactogenic, and elicited significant IgG and IgG subclass responses against the vaccine antigen. These promising results have led to initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial of this vaccine in an endemic region of Uganda. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03110757.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Diemert
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo Correa-Oliveira
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz em Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlo Geraldo Fraga
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz em Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Frederico Talles
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz em Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcella Rezende Silva
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz em Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Shital M Patel
- Departments of Molecular Virology & Microbiology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shirley Galbiati
- The Emmes Company, LLC, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jessie K Kennedy
- The Emmes Company, LLC, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jordan S Lundeen
- The Emmes Company, LLC, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Maria Flavia Gazzinelli
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz em Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Guangzhao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Lara Hoeweler
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Gregory A Deye
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID), National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious, Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), United States of America
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hana M El Sahly
- Departments of Molecular Virology & Microbiology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wendy A Keitel
- Departments of Molecular Virology & Microbiology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Robert L Atmar
- Departments of Molecular Virology & Microbiology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Pandya N, Kumar A. Immunoinformatics analysis for design of multi-epitope subunit vaccine by using heat shock proteins against Schistosoma mansoni. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:1859-1878. [PMID: 35040367 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2025430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of T cell and B cell that able provide long-term immune response against the schistosomiasisis to the people belongs to the epidemic area. Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are up-regulated in schistosomes as their environment changes owing to the developmental cycle, assisting the parasite in living with the adverse circumstances related with its life cycle. Schistosomiasis is still a severe health problem in the people of many countries in worldwide. In this work, to develop a chimeric antigen, we used an advanced and powerful immunoinformatics technique that targeted Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) Heat shock protein (HSPs). Antigenicity, immunogenicity, allergenicity, and physicochemical characteristics were all assessed in silico for the developed subunit vaccine. The 3D structure of the vaccine was constructed and the stability of the vaccine construct was increased by using disulphide engineering. The protein-protein docking and simulation were performed between the vaccine construct and Toll-like receptor-4. The antigenicity probability value obtained for the vaccine construct was 0.93, which indicates that vaccine is non-allergenic and safe for human consumption. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Pandya
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Coelho FS, Gava SG, Andrade LF, Geraldo JA, Tavares NC, Lunkes FMN, Neves RH, Machado-Silva JR, Pierce RJ, Oliveira G, Mourão MM. Schistosoma mansoni coactivator associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (SmCARM1) effect on parasite reproduction. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1079855. [PMID: 36910171 PMCID: PMC9998485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1079855] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The human blood fluke parasite Schistosoma mansoni relies on diverse mechanisms to adapt to its diverse environments and hosts. Epigenetic mechanisms play a central role in gene expression regulation, culminating in such adaptations. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) promote posttranslational modifications, modulating the function of histones and non-histone targets. The coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1/PRMT4) is one of the S. mansoni proteins with the PRMT core domain. Methods We carried out in silico analyses to verify the expression of SmPRMTs in public datasets from different infection stages, single-sex versus mixed-worms, and cell types. The SmCARM1 function was evaluated by RNA interference. Gene expression levels were assessed, and phenotypic alterations were analyzed in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. Results The scRNAseq data showed that SmPRMTs expression is not enriched in any cell cluster in adult worms or schistosomula, except for Smcarm1 expression which is enriched in clusters of ambiguous cells and Smprmt1 in NDF+ neurons and stem/germinal cells from schistosomula. Smprmt1 is also enriched in S1 and late female germ cells from adult worms. After dsRNA exposure in vitro, we observed a Smcarm1 knockdown in schistosomula and adult worms, 83 and 69%, respectively. Smcarm1-knockdown resulted in reduced oviposition and no significant changes in the schistosomula or adult worm phenotypes. In vivo analysis after murine infection with Smcarm1 knocked-down schistosomula, showed no significant change in the number of worms recovered from mice, however, a significant reduction in the number of eggs recovered was detected. The ex vivo worms presented a significant decrease in the ovary area with a lower degree of cell differentiation, vitelline glands cell disorganization, and a decrease in the testicular lobe area. The worm tegument presented a lower number of tubercles, and the ventral sucker of the parasites presented a damaged tegument and points of detachment from the parasite body. Discussion This work brings the first functional characterization of SmCARM1 shedding light on its roles in S. mansoni biology and its potential as a drug target. Additional studies are necessary to investigate whether the reported effects of Smcarm1 knockdown are a consequence of the SmCARM1-mediated methylation of histone tails involved in DNA packaging or other non-histone proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Sales Coelho
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Grossi Gava
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiza Freire Andrade
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Assis Geraldo
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Naiara Clemente Tavares
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Felipe Miguel Nery Lunkes
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renata Heisler Neves
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Machado-Silva
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raymond J Pierce
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marina Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Batista ICA, Gava SG, Tavares NC, Calzavara-Silva CE, Mourão MM. Hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferases SmHGPRTases functional roles in Schistosoma mansoni. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1064218. [PMID: 36578572 PMCID: PMC9791060 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1064218] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Extracellular/environmental stimuli trigger cellular responses to allow Schistosoma sp. parasites adaptation and decide development and survival fate. In this context, signal transduction involving eukaryotic protein kinases (ePKs) has an essential role in regulatory mechanisms. Functional studies had shown the importance of MAPK pathway for Schistosoma mansoni development. In addition, early studies demonstrated that Smp38 MAPK regulates the expression of a large set of genes, among them the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (SmHGPRTase 1, Smp_103560), a key enzyme in the purine salvage pathway that is part of a family comprising five different proteins. Methods First, the regulation of this gene family by the MAPKs pathways was experimentally verified using Smp38-predicted specific inhibitors. In silico analysis showed significant differences in the predicted structure and the domain sequence among the schistosomal HGPRTase family and their orthologs in humans. In order to interrogate the HGPRTases (Smp_103560, Smp_148820, Smp_168500, Smp_312580 and Smp_332640, henceforth SmHGPRTase -1, -2, -3, -4, -5) functional roles, schistosomula, sporocysts, and adult worms were knocked-down using specific dsRNAs. Results Our results suggest that SmHGPRTases activity has an essential role in sporocysts and schistosomula development since significant differences in viability, size, and/ or shape were observed after the in vitro knockdown. Also, the knockdown of SmHGPRTases in schistosomula influenced the ovary development and egg maturation in female adult worms during mammalian infection. We also observed alterations in the movement of female adult worms knocked-down in vitro. Most of these results were shown when all gene family members were knocked-down simultaneously, suggesting a redundant function among them. Discussion Thus, this study helps to elucidate the functional roles of the SmHGPRTase gene family in the S. mansoni life cycle and provides knowledge for future studies required for schistosomiasis treatment and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Cristina Andrade Batista
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,Grupo de Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sandra Grossi Gava
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Naiara Clemente Tavares
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Marina Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,*Correspondence: Marina Moraes Mourão,
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Qadeer A, Ullah H, Sohail M, Safi SZ, Rahim A, Saleh TA, Arbab S, Slama P, Horky P. Potential application of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1013354. [PMID: 36568300 PMCID: PMC9780462 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1013354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Globally, it affects economically poor countries, typically due to a lack of proper sanitation systems, and poor hygiene conditions. Currently, no vaccine is available against schistosomiasis, and the preferred treatment is chemotherapy with the use of praziquantel. It is a common anti-schistosomal drug used against all known species of Schistosoma. To date, current treatment primarily the drug praziquantel has not been effective in treating Schistosoma species in their early stages. The drug of choice offers low bioavailability, water solubility, and fast metabolism. Globally drug resistance has been documented due to overuse of praziquantel, Parasite mutations, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with other strains of parasites, and overall parasitic load. The existing diagnostic methods have very little acceptability and are not readily applied for quick diagnosis. This review aims to summarize the use of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. It also explored safe and effective substitute approaches against parasitosis. At this stage, various nanomaterials are being used in drug delivery systems, diagnostic kits, and vaccine production. Nanotechnology is one of the modern and innovative methods to treat and diagnose several human diseases, particularly those caused by parasite infections. Herein we highlight the current advancement and application of nanotechnological approaches regarding the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Qadeer
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hanif Ullah
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Muhammad Sohail
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Sher Zaman Safi
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore, Pakistan
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdur Rahim
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tawfik A Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safia Arbab
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pavel Horky
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Production, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
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Khalil RG, Ibrahim AM, Bakery HH. Juglone: “A novel immunomodulatory, antifibrotic, and schistosomicidal agent to ameliorate liver damage in murine schistosomiasis mansoni”. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109415. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Nogueira RA, Lira MGS, Licá ICL, Frazão GCCG, Dos Santos VAF, Filho ACCM, Rodrigues JGM, Miranda GS, Carvalho RC, Nascimento FRF. Praziquantel: An update on the mechanism of its action against schistosomiasis and new therapeutic perspectives. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 252:111531. [PMID: 36375598 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of all forms of schistosomiasis, although its mechanisms of action are not completely understood. PZQ acts largely on adult worms. This narrative literature review describes what is known about the mechanisms of action of PZQ against schistosomes from in vitro and in vivo studies and highlights the molecular targets in parasites and immune responses induced in definitive hosts by this drug. Moreover, new therapeutic uses of PZQ are discussed. Studies have demonstrated that in addition to impacting voltage-operated Ca2 + channels, PZQ may interact with other schistosome molecules, such as myosin regulatory light chain, glutathione S-transferase, and transient receptor potential channels. Following PZQ administration, increased T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cell differentiation and decreased inflammation were observed, indicating that PZQ promotes immunoregulatory pathways. Although PZQ is widely used in mass drug administration schemes, the existence of resistant parasites has not been proven; however, it is a concern that should be constantly investigated in human populations. In addition, we discuss studies that evaluate health applications of PZQ (other than helminth infection), such as its effect in cancer therapy and its adjuvant action in vaccines against viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranielly Araujo Nogueira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Maria Gabriela Sampaio Lira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil; Department of Education, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, Zé Doca, MA, Brazil
| | - Irlla Correia Lima Licá
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | | | - Vitor Augusto Ferreira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | | | - João Gustavo Mendes Rodrigues
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Silva Miranda
- Department of Education, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, MA, Brazil
| | - Rafael Cardoso Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Flávia Raquel Fernandes Nascimento
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil; Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
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Cook AK. Schistosomiasis in the United States. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1283-1303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Effectiveness of antimalarial drug combinations in treating concomitant urogenital schistosomiasis in malaria patients in Lambaréné, Gabon: A non-randomised event-monitoring study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010899. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Urogenital schistosomiasis is prevalent in many malaria endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa and can lead to long-term health consequences if untreated. Antimalarial drugs used to treat uncomplicated malaria have shown to exert some activity against Schistosoma haematobium. Here, we explore the efficacy on concomitant urogenital schistosomiasis of first-line recommended artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and investigational second-generation ACTs when administered for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Gabon.
Methods
Microscopic determination of urogenital schistosomiasis was performed from urine samples collected from patients with confirmed uncomplicated malaria. Egg excretion reduction rate and cure rate were determined at 4-weeks and 6-weeks post-treatment with either artesunate-pyronaridine, artemether-lumefantrine, artesunate-amodiaquine or artefenomel-ferroquine.
Results
Fifty-two (16%) out of 322 malaria patients were co-infected with urogenital schistosomiasis and were treated with antimalarial drug combinations. Schistosoma haematobium egg excretion rates showed a median reduction of 100% (interquartile range (IQR), 17% to 100%) and 65% (IQR, -133% to 100%) at 4-weeks and 6-weeks post-treatment, respectively, in the artesunate-pyronaridine group (n = 20) compared to 35% (IQR, −250% to 70%) and 65% (IQR, -65% to 79%) in the artemether-lumefantrine group (n = 18). Artesunate-amodiaquine (n = 2) and artefenomel-ferroquine combination (n = 3) were not able to reduce the rate of eggs excreted in this limited number of patients. In addition, cure rates were 56% and 37% at 4- and 6-weeks post-treatment, respectively, with artesunate-pyronaridine and no cases of cure were observed for the other antimalarial combinations.
Conclusions
Antimalarial treatments with artesunate-pyronaridine and artemether-lumefantrine reduced the excretion of S. haematobium eggs, comforting the hypothesis that antimalarial drugs could play a role in the control of schistosomiasis.
Trial Registration
This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, under the Identifier NCT04264130.
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In Vitro Cercaricidal and Schistosomicidal Activities of the Raffia Wine and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Pedilanthus tithymaloides Linn (Poit). Stem Barks. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2672150. [PMID: 36159554 PMCID: PMC9507742 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2672150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis control remains a public health concern, and there is a need to evaluate new strategies for targeting larval and adult stages of the parasite. As Pedilanthus tithymaloides is empirically used to treat schistosomiasis, it becomes essential to know its effective action scientifically. This study assessed the cercaricidal and schistosomicidal activity of P. tithymaloides stem barks raffia wine extract (RwPt) and hydroethanolic extract (HePt). Different concentrations of these extracts were tested against cercariae (31.25–1000 μg/mL) and adult worms (62.5–2000 μg/mL) of Schistosoma mansoni. Niclosamide-olamine 5% (1 μg/mL) and praziquantel (10 μg/mL) were used as pharmacological controls. Cercariae viability was determined every 30 min for 180 min, and adult worms’ motor activity and viability after 24 and 48 h incubation. In addition, cytotoxicity and phytochemical analysis were performed. HePt was lethal to cercariae and adult worms with LC50 of 73.91 μg/mL after 60 min of incubation and 731.17 μg/mL after 48 h of incubation, respectively. Furthermore, a significant reduction of 94.44% in motor activity was observed in surviving worms at the concentration of 2000 μg/mL. RwPt was less effective on S. mansoni cercariae with an LC50 of 617.86 μg/mL after 180 min and on adult worms with a mortality rate of 9.83% at 2000 μg/mL for 48 h incubation. Both extracts showed a weak cytotoxicity profile with an IC50 of 983.50 μg/mL for HePt and more than 1000 μg/mL for RwPt. The LC-MS analysis of HePt allowed the detection of two annotated diterpenoids. Based on the selectivity index, the hydroethanolic extract of P. tithymaloides stem barks disclosed an intense cercaricidal activity and a moderate schistosomicidal effect with low cytotoxicity. These findings may support the potential use of Pedilanthus tithymaloides as a natural product or a source of natural-derived compounds for interrupting schistosomiasis transmission.
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Edinoff AN, Nix CA, Odisho AS, Babin CP, Derouen AG, Lutfallah SC, Cornett EM, Murnane KS, Kaye AM, Kaye AD. Novel Designer Benzodiazepines: Comprehensive Review of Evolving Clinical and Adverse Effects. Neurol Int 2022; 14:648-663. [PMID: 35997362 PMCID: PMC9397074 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint14030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As tranquilizers, benzodiazepines have a wide range of clinical uses. Recently, there has been a significant rise in the number of novel psychoactive substances, including designer benzodiazepines. Flubromazolam(8-bromo-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazeZpine) is a triazolo-analogue of flubromazepam. The most common effects noted by recreational users include heavy hypnosis and sedation, long-lasting amnesia, and rapid development of tolerance. Other effects included anxiolysis, muscle-relaxing effects, euphoria, loss of control, and severe withdrawals. Clonazolam, or 6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-8-nitro-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-α]-[1,4]-benzodiazepine, is a triazolo-analog of clonazepam. It is reported to be over twice as potent as alprazolam. Deschloroetizolam (2-Ethyl-9-methyl-4-phenyl-6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine) is part of the thienodiazepine drug class, which, like benzodiazepines, stimulates GABA-A receptors. Meclonazepam ((3S)-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-7-nitro-1,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one) is a designer benzodiazepine with additional anti-parasitic effects. Although it has proven to be an efficacious therapy for schistosomiasis, its sedative side effects have prevented it from being marketed as a therapeutic agent. The use of DBZs has been a subject of multiple recent clinical studies, likely related to increasing presence and availability on the internet drug market and lack of regulation. Many studies have aimed to identify the prevalence of DBZs and their effects on those using them. This review discussed these designer benzodiazepines and the dangers and adverse effects that the clinician should know.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber N. Edinoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(617)-726-2000
| | - Catherine A. Nix
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Amira S. Odisho
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Caroline P. Babin
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Alyssa G. Derouen
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Salim C. Lutfallah
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Elyse M. Cornett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Kevin S. Murnane
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Adam M. Kaye
- Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Alan D. Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
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Hassan MM, Sedighi A, Olaoye OO, Häberli C, Merz A, Ramos-Morales E, de Araujo ED, Romier C, Jung M, Keiser J, Gunning PT. Phenotypic Screening of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors against Schistosoma mansoni. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100622. [PMID: 35983937 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a prevalent yet neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by the Schistosoma genus of blood flukes. Praziquantel is the only currently available treatment, hence drug resistance poses a major threat. Recently, histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) selective inhibitors have been proposed as a viable treatment for schistosomiasis. Herein, we report the phenotypic screening of a focused library of small molecules of varying HDAC isozyme-inhibition profiles, including eight HDAC8 inhibitors with >10-fold selectivity in comparable functional inhibition assays and IC50 values against HDAC8<100 nM. HDAC8-selective inhibitors showed the lowest potency against Schistosoma mansoni newly transformed schistosomula (NTS). Pan-HDAC inhibitors MMH258, MMH259, and MMH373, as assessed by functional inhibition assays, with minimal or no-observed hHDAC8 and SmHDAC8 activities, were active against both NTS (MMH258, IC50 =1.5 μM; MMH259, IC50 =2.3 μM) and adult S. mansoni (MMH258, IC50 =2.1 μM; MMH373, IC50 =3.4 μM). Our results indicate that neither hHDAC8 nor SmHDAC8 activity were directly correlated to their NTS and adult S. mansoni activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Murtaza Hassan
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Abootaleb Sedighi
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Olasunkanmi O Olaoye
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annika Merz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Ramos-Morales
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 7104, U 1258, 67400, Illkirch, France.,Department of Integrated Structural Biology IGBMC, 1 rue Laurent Fries, B.P. 10142, 67404, Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Elvin D de Araujo
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Christophe Romier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 7104, U 1258, 67400, Illkirch, France.,Department of Integrated Structural Biology IGBMC, 1 rue Laurent Fries, B.P. 10142, 67404, Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick T Gunning
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
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Thiam F, Fall CB, Gaye PM, Senghor B, Diamanka A, Wotodjo AN, Abotsi K, Parola P, Faye B, Sokhna C, Sow D, Doucouré S. Study of the behavior of snails intermediate hosts of Schistosoma spp . under different maintenance conditions and their resistance to salinity in an african laboratory environment. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10289. [PMID: 36033271 PMCID: PMC9404331 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10289] [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: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The control of snails intermediate hosts remains an effective strategy to limit schistosomiasis transmission despite the widespread mass de-worming campaign based on praziquantel. Therefore, the study of snail biology could help to improve snails control strategies. This study evaluated the development of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus senegalensis and Bulinus truncatus in various water sources and their resistance to salinity. Methods Five day-old juveniles individuals issued from adult snails non-shedding Schistosoma spp cercariae were breed in distilled water, commercial mineral water, ground pump water and well water. Snail’s survival rate and size were measured over a period of 40 days. These two parameters were also measured over 30 days in increasing saline solutions (1 g/l, 3.5 g/l and 4 g/l) made of well water to which sodium chloride was added. Results B. truncatus growth was not hampered by any water sources with a survival rate between 68% and 84% (log rank X2 = 1.86, df = 3, p = 0.60). Despite a poor survival rate (8%) in distilled water, B. pfeifferi, has adapted to other water sources with a survival fraction between 88% and 96% (log rank X2 = 61.94, df = 3, p < 0.0001). B. senegalensis development was very delicate with low survival rate of 4% in distilled water, 20% in well water and 24% in commercial mineral water and ground pump water (log rank X2 = 13.24, df = 3, p = 0,004). For each species, even if the difference is not significant, the size of snails is larger with well water and pump water compared to distilled and commercial mineral water. B. pfeifferi survival rate was at 45% in both three saline solutions at day 30. B. senegalensis population collapsed at day 10 in 4 g/l saline solution and persisted until day 30 in both 1.5 g/l and 3.5 g/l solution. B. truncatus also persisted with a survival rate at 20% in 1.5 g/l but collapsed at day 5 and 15 in 4 g/l and 3.5 g/l solution, respectively. Conclusion The differences in adaptation between snails species show the need to take into account the water sources for snail breeding in the laboratory. Further studies could help to determine the optimal water quality for each snail species in order to standardize breeding conditions. This study could contribute to the understanding of the dynamics and distribution of snails in natural conditions. The knowledge of snail breeding conditions could represent a breakthrough for schistosomiasis control The survival rate of B. truncatus, B. senegalensis and B. pfeifferi depended on the origin of the water used for snails breeding Only B. truncatus displayed relatively high survival rate to both distilled water, commercial mineral water, ground pump water and well water The survival of B. pfeifferi is less hampered in saline water compared to B. truncatus and B. senegalensis
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatou Thiam
- VITROME, IRD-UCAD International Campus of the Institute of Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal.,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Bintou Fall
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal
| | - Papa M Gaye
- VITROME, IRD-UCAD International Campus of the Institute of Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal.,Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospital-University (IHU)-Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Senghor
- VITROME, IRD-UCAD International Campus of the Institute of Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Arfang Diamanka
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal
| | - Amélé N Wotodjo
- VITROME, IRD-UCAD International Campus of the Institute of Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Kokou Abotsi
- VITROME, IRD-UCAD International Campus of the Institute of Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Philippe Parola
- VITROME, IRD-UCAD International Campus of the Institute of Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal.,Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospital-University (IHU)-Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Babacar Faye
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- VITROME, IRD-UCAD International Campus of the Institute of Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal.,Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospital-University (IHU)-Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Doudou Sow
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal.,Department of Parasitology-Mycology, UFR Health Sciences, University Gaston Berger, Saint-Louis, Senegal
| | - Souleymane Doucouré
- VITROME, IRD-UCAD International Campus of the Institute of Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal
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Vianney TJ, Berger DJ, Doyle SR, Sankaranarayanan G, Serubanja J, Nakawungu PK, Besigye F, Sanya RE, Holroyd N, Allan F, Webb EL, Elliott AM, Berriman M, Cotton JA. Genome-wide analysis of Schistosoma mansoni reveals limited population structure and possible praziquantel drug selection pressure within Ugandan hot-spot communities. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010188. [PMID: 35981002 PMCID: PMC9426917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations within schistosomiasis control areas, especially those in Africa, are recommended to receive regular mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel (PZQ) as the main strategy for controlling the disease. The impact of PZQ treatment on schistosome genetics remains poorly understood, and is limited by a lack of high-resolution genetic data on the population structure of parasites within these control areas. We generated whole-genome sequence data from 174 individual miracidia collected from both children and adults from fishing communities on islands in Lake Victoria in Uganda that had received either annual or quarterly MDA with PZQ over four years, including samples collected immediately before and four weeks after treatment. Genome variation within and between samples was characterised and we investigated genomic signatures of natural selection acting on these populations that could be due to PZQ treatment. The parasite population on these islands was more diverse than found in nearby villages on the lake shore. We saw little or no genetic differentiation between villages, or between the groups of villages with different treatment intensity, but slightly higher genetic diversity within the pre-treatment compared to post-treatment parasite populations. We identified classes of genes significantly enriched within regions of the genome with evidence of recent positive selection among post-treatment and intensively treated parasite populations. The differential selection observed in post-treatment and pre-treatment parasite populations could be linked to any reduced susceptibility of parasites to praziquantel treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushabe John Vianney
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Duncan J. Berger
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen R. Doyle
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joel Serubanja
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Prossy Kabuubi Nakawungu
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Fred Besigye
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Richard E. Sanya
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Health and Systems for Health Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Allan
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily L. Webb
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison M. Elliott
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Cotton
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
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In Vivo Evaluation of an Antibody-Functionalized Lipoidal Nanosystem for Schistosomiasis Intervention. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081531. [PMID: 35893786 PMCID: PMC9332388 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study employed nanotechnological techniques to design and develop a praziquantel nanoliposomal (NLP) system and surface-functionalized the NLP with anti-calpain antibody (anti-calpain-NLP) for targeted praziquantel (PZQ) delivery in the treatment of schistosomiasis. Anti-calpain-NLPs were prepared and validated for their physicochemical parameters, in vitro and in vivo toxicity, drug entrapment efficiency (DEE), drug loading capacity (DLC), drug release, and parasitological cure rate. The particle sizes for the formulated nanoliposomes ranged from 88.3 to 92.7 nm (PDI = 0.17–0.35), and zeta potential ranged from −20.2 to −31.9 mV. The DLC and DEE ranged from 9.03 to 14.16 and 92.07 to 94.63, respectively. The functionalization of the nanoliposome surface was stable, uniform, and spherical. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), thermal behavior and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis confirmed that the anti-calpain antibody and PZQ were attached to the surface and the nanoliposomes inner core, respectively. The drug sustained release was shown to be 93.2 and 91.1% within 24 h for NLP and anti-calpain-NLP, respectively. In the in vitro analysis study, the nanoliposome concentrations range of 30 to 120 μg/mL employed revealed acceptable levels of cell viability, with no significant cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage as well as 3T3 human fibroblast cells. Biochemical markers and histopathological analysis showed that the formulated nanoliposomes present no or minimal oxidative stress and confer hepatoprotective effects on the animals. The cure rate of the anti-calpain-NLP and PZQ was assessed by parasitological analysis, and it was discovered that treatment with 250 mg/kg anti-calpain-NLP demonstrated greater activity on the total worm burden, and ova count for both the juvenile and adult schistosomes in the intestine and liver of infected mice. The findings so obtained supported the ability of oral anti-calpain-NLP to target young and adult schistosomes in the liver and porto-mesenteric locations, resulting in improved effectiveness of PZQ.
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Kadji Fassi JB, Boukeng Jatsa H, Membe Femoe U, Greigert V, Brunet J, Cannet C, Kenfack CM, Gipwe Feussom N, Tienga Nkondo E, Abou-Bacar A, Pfaff AW, Kamgang R, Kamtchouing P, Tchuem Tchuenté LA. Protein undernutrition reduces the efficacy of praziquantel in a murine model of Schistosoma mansoni infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010249. [PMID: 35839247 PMCID: PMC9328564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Undernutrition and schistosomiasis are public health problems and often occur in low and middle-income countries. Protein undernutrition can alter the host-parasite environment system and aggravate the course of schistosomiasis. This study aimed to assess the impact of a low-protein diet on the efficacy of praziquantel. Methodology/Principal findings Thirty-day-old mice were fed with a low-protein diet, and 40 days later, they were individually infected with fifty Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. A 28-day-treatment with praziquantel at 100 mg/kg for five consecutive days followed by distilled water begins on the 36th day post-infection. Mice were sacrificed on the 64th day post-infection. We determined the parasitological burden, liver and intestine histomorphometry, liver injury, and immunomodulation parameters. Praziquantel treatment of infected mice fed with a standard diet (IN-PZQ) resulted in a significant reduction of worm and egg burdens and a normalization of iron and calcium levels. The therapy also improved schistosomiasis-induced hepatopathy and oxidative stress. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of praziquantel were also significant in these mice. When infected mice receiving the low-protein diet were treated with praziquantel (ILP-PZQ), the body weight loss and hepatomegaly were not alleviated, and the worm and liver egg burdens were significantly higher than those of IN-PZQ mice (P < 0.001). The treatment did not reduce the increased activities of ALT and γ-GGT, the high malondialdehyde concentration, and the liver granuloma volume. The iron and calcium levels were not ameliorated and differed from those of IN-PZQ mice (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05). Moreover, in these mice, praziquantel treatment did not reverse the high level of IL-5 and the low mRNA expression of CCL3/MIP-1α and CXCL-10/IP-10 induced by S. mansoni infection. Conclusion/Significance These results demonstrated that a low-protein diet reduced the schistosomicidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities of praziquantel. Almost 90% of people requiring schistosomiasis preventive chemotherapy in 2018 lived in sub-Saharan Africa. Besides, 205.3 million children under five years suffer and die of undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries. The physiopathology of schistosomiasis mansoni involves liver damage, oxidative stress, and perturbation of the immune response. These disturbances are intensified by undernutrition. Praziquantel is used to treat schistosomiasis, but its efficacy on the comorbidity of S. mansoni infection and undernutrition has not been investigated. We conducted this study to assess the effectiveness of praziquantel on S. mansoni infection in mice fed with a low-protein diet. We recorded growth retardation, hepatomegaly, and high worm and egg burdens in mice fed with a low-protein diet and treated with PZQ. Moreover, the treatment did not reverse the liver function injury, oxidative stress, high iron level, and low calcium level. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-5 was still high, and the gene expression of some macrophage-associated chemokines was reduced. Therefore, this study demonstrated that in a murine model of a low-protein diet, the efficacy of praziquantel on S. mansoni infection was reduced. It also underlines the importance of targeting protein deficiency and malnutrition in populations living in schistosomiasis endemic areas for efficient disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Bertin Kadji Fassi
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Hermine Boukeng Jatsa
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- * E-mail:
| | - Ulrich Membe Femoe
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, Dynamic Host-Pathogen Interactions, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Greigert
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, Dynamic Host-Pathogen Interactions, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, Dynamic Host-Pathogen Interactions, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Cannet
- Laboratory of Histomorphometry, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christian Mérimé Kenfack
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nestor Gipwe Feussom
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Emilienne Tienga Nkondo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Ahmed Abou-Bacar
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, Dynamic Host-Pathogen Interactions, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander Wilhelm Pfaff
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, Dynamic Host-Pathogen Interactions, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - René Kamgang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Kamtchouing
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Ecology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Moreira BP, Batista ICA, Tavares NC, Armstrong T, Gava SG, Torres GP, Mourão MM, Falcone FH. Docking-Based Virtual Screening Enables Prioritizing Protein Kinase Inhibitors With In Vitro Phenotypic Activity Against Schistosoma mansoni. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:913301. [PMID: 35865824 PMCID: PMC9294739 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.913301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic neglected disease with praziquantel (PZQ) utilized as the main drug for treatment, despite its low effectiveness against early stages of the worm. To aid in the search for new drugs to tackle schistosomiasis, computer-aided drug design has been proved a helpful tool to enhance the search and initial identification of schistosomicidal compounds, allowing fast and cost-efficient progress in drug discovery. The combination of high-throughput in silico data followed by in vitro phenotypic screening assays allows the assessment of a vast library of compounds with the potential to inhibit a single or even several biological targets in a more time- and cost-saving manner. Here, we describe the molecular docking for in silico screening of predicted homology models of five protein kinases (JNK, p38, ERK1, ERK2, and FES) of Schistosoma mansoni against approximately 85,000 molecules from the Managed Chemical Compounds Collection (MCCC) of the University of Nottingham (UK). We selected 169 molecules predicted to bind to SmERK1, SmERK2, SmFES, SmJNK, and/or Smp38 for in vitro screening assays using schistosomula and adult worms. In total, 89 (52.6%) molecules were considered active in at least one of the assays. This approach shows a much higher efficiency when compared to using only traditional high-throughput in vitro screening assays, where initial positive hits are retrieved from testing thousands of molecules. Additionally, when we focused on compound promiscuity over selectivity, we were able to efficiently detect active compounds that are predicted to target all kinases at the same time. This approach reinforces the concept of polypharmacology aiming for “one drug-multiple targets”. Moreover, at least 17 active compounds presented satisfactory drug-like properties score when compared to PZQ, which allows for optimization before further in vivo screening assays. In conclusion, our data support the use of computer-aided drug design methodologies in conjunction with high-throughput screening approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Pereira Moreira
- Institut für Parasitologie, Biomedizinisches Forschungszentrum Seltersberg (BFS), Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Naiara Clemente Tavares
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tom Armstrong
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Grossi Gava
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Parreiras Torres
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marina Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Franco H. Falcone, ; Marina Moraes Mourão,
| | - Franco H. Falcone
- Institut für Parasitologie, Biomedizinisches Forschungszentrum Seltersberg (BFS), Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Franco H. Falcone, ; Marina Moraes Mourão,
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Yufen W, Xinru L, Jian X, Huolele, Zhihua J, Yu C, Mingyong L, Haobing Z. Metabolome alterations in Clonorchis sinensis after treatment with tribendimidine and praziquante in vivo. Acta Trop 2022; 230:106330. [PMID: 35090859 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tribendimidine (TBD) is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug that is also significantly effective in treating clonorchiasis. In this study, the altered metabolomes of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) in rats after TBD administration were quantified by using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to explore the possible active sites of TBD against clonorchiasis through altered metabolites and metabolic pathway analysis, and the results are expected to provide a target for the future design of anti-Clonorchis sinensis drugs. The worm burden reduction rate and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that praziquantel (PZQ, positive control drug) and TBD had significant effects on C. sinensis in rats after treatment at a single dose of 200 mg/kg for 24 h. For the MS-based metabolomic analysis, a total of 173 standard metabolites (126 amino acids, 10 phospholipids and 37 fatty acids) were utilized as a reference metabolite database for metabolome identification. In total, 32 amino acids, 71 phospholipids and 27 fatty acids were detected in the C. sinensis of each group. Among these metabolites, 10 amino acids were significantly decreased in both drug-treated groups. Four lysophosphatidyl cholines (LPCs), six lysophosphatidyl ethanolamines (LPEs) and one phosphatidyl inositol (PI) were significantly increased after treatment with TBD. There were no significant changes in fatty acids among the control group and the two drug-treated groups. The results indicated that TBD administration caused a decrease in amino acids involved in the metabolic pathways of energy consumption and an increase in lysophospholipids, which are the hydrolysis products of phospholipase2 (PLA2) in the phospholipid metabolic pathways. The increased lysophospholipid content can destroy the cell membrane, increase membrane permeability, and even cause exposure to internal antigens that can be attacked by host antibodies. Perhaps the destroyed membrane, the exposed internal antigens and the consumed energy are the cause of the damage and death of C. sinensis after TBD administration. This is an interesting problem that can be examined in future research.
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Schistosomicidal evaluation of synthesized bromo and nitro chalcone derivatives. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Angeli A, Ferraroni M, Carta F, Häberli C, Keiser J, Costantino G, Supuran CT. Development of Praziquantel sulphonamide derivatives as antischistosomal drugs. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1479-1494. [PMID: 35635137 PMCID: PMC9154761 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2078970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The almost empty armamentarium to treat schistosomiasis, a neglected parasitic disorder caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, except Praziquantel (PZQ), urged to find new alternatives to fight this infection. Carbonic Anhydrase from Schistosoma mansoni (SmCA) is a possible new target against this nematode. Here, we propose new PZQ derivatives bearing a primary sulphonamide group in order to obtain hybrid drugs. All compounds were evaluated for their inhibition profiles on both humans and Schistosoma CAs, X-ray crystal data of SmCA and hCA II in adduct with some inhibitors were obtained allowing the understanding of the main structural factors responsible of activity. The compounds showed in vitro inhibition of immature and adult S. mansoni, but further optimisation is required for improved activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angeli
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Ferraroni
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Costantino
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Electrical potentials of protoscoleces of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus from bovine origin. Exp Parasitol 2022; 238:108282. [PMID: 35636496 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Larval stages of taeniid Echinococcus granulosus are the infective forms of cystic echinococcosis or hydatidosis, a worldwide zoonosis. The protoscolex that develops into the adult form in the definitive host is enveloped by a complex cellular syncytial tegument, where all metabolic interchange takes place. Little information is available as to the electrical activity of the parasite in this developmental stage. To gain insight into the electrical activity of the parasite at the larval stage, we conducted microelectrode impalements of bovine lung protoscoleces (PSCs) of Echinococcus granulosus in standard saline solution. We observed two distinct intra-parasitic potentials, a transient peak potential, and a stable second potential, most likely representing tegumental and intra-parasitic extracellular space electrical potential differences. These values changed on the developmental status of the parasite, its anatomical regions, or time course after harvesting. Changes in electrical potential differences of the parasite provide an accessible and valuable parameter for the study of transport mechanisms and potential targets for developing novel antiparasitic therapeutics.
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Adel Madbouly N, Emam M, Ayman M, Ayman M, Rabia I, El Amir A. In vitro and in vivo impacts of nifedipine and diltiazem on praziquantel chemotherapy in murine Schistosoma mansoni. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Giboda M, Bergquist R, Utzinger J. Schistosomiasis at the Crossroad to Elimination: Review of Eclipsed Research with Emphasis on the Post-Transmission Agenda. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:55. [PMID: 35448830 PMCID: PMC9029828 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
While chronic schistosomiasis is pathologically well defined, the acute form of the disease is less well understood. It is generally agreed that early lesions, such as lung nodules and bladder polyps, are reversible, which impedes identification of the time elapsed since exposure. The intermediate stage between the acute and the chronic forms of schistosomiasis requires further investigation, as does the clinical stage due to lesions remaining after treatment. With current schistosomiasis control efforts gradually progressing to elimination, there is a need to focus on post-transmission schistosomiasis, which not only refers to remaining lesions from previous infections, but also accounts for the potential presence of surviving worms after treatment. This issue is particularly salient for migrants from endemic to non-endemic countries and should be kept in mind for returning expatriates from schistosomiasis-endemic countries. Negative stool examination or urine filtration are generally taken as indicative of cure since rectoscopy for Schistosoma mansoni infection, or cystoscopy for S. haematobium infection, are rarely performed. However, pathology of affected organs may persist indefinitely, while potentially remaining live worms could produce additional pathology. Hence, post-transmission schistosomiasis can prevail for years after elimination of the disease, and thus, warrant further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Giboda
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Science, CZ 370 01 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland;
- University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
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Bustinduy AL, Randriansolo B, Sturt AS, Kayuni SA, Leustcher PDC, Webster BL, Van Lieshout L, Stothard JR, Feldmeier H, Gyapong M. An update on female and male genital schistosomiasis and a call to integrate efforts to escalate diagnosis, treatment and awareness in endemic and non-endemic settings: The time is now. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 115:1-44. [PMID: 35249661 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The last decades have brought important insight and updates in the diagnosis, management and immunopathology of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) and male genital schistosomiasis (MGS). Despite sharing a common parasitic aetiological agent, FGS and MGS have typically been studied separately. Infection with Schistosoma haematobium manifests with gender-specific clinical manifestations and consequences of infection, albeit having a similar pathogenesis within the human genital tract. Schistosoma haematobium is a known urinary bladder carcinogen, but its potential causative role in other types of neoplasia, such as cervical cancer, is not fully understood. Furthermore, the impact of praziquantel treatment on clinical outcomes remains largely underexplored, as is the interplay of FGS/MGS with relevant reproductive tract infections such as HIV and Human Papillomavirus. In non-endemic settings, travel and immigrant health clinics need better guidance to correctly identify and treat FGS and MGS. Our review outlines the latest advances and remaining knowledge gaps in FGS and MGS research. We aim to pave a way forward to formulate more effective control measures and discuss elimination targets. With a growing community awareness in health practitioners, scientists and epidemiologists, alongside the sufferers from these diseases, we aspire to witness a new generation of young women and men free from the downstream disabling manifestations of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya L Bustinduy
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Amy S Sturt
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Seke A Kayuni
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; MASM Medi Clinics Limited, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter D C Leustcher
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Lisette Van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Margaret Gyapong
- Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
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