1
|
Siddiqui SA, Li C, Aidoo OF, Fernando I, Haddad MA, Pereira JA, Blinov A, Golik A, Câmara JS. Unravelling the potential of insects for medicinal purposes - A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15938. [PMID: 37206028 PMCID: PMC10189416 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomotherapy, the use of insects for medicinal purposes, has been practised for centuries in many countries around the world. More than 2100 edible insect species are eaten by humans, but little is known about the possibility of using these insects as a promising alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for treating diseases. This review offers a fundamental understanding of the therapeutic applications of insects and how they might be used in medicine. In this review, 235 insect species from 15 orders are reported to be used as medicine. Hymenoptera contains the largest medicinal insect species, followed by Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Blattodea. Scientists have examined and validated the potential uses of insects along with their products and by-products in treating various diseases, and records show that they are primarily used to treat digestive and skin disorders. Insects are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds, explaining their therapeutic features such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and so on. Challenges associated with the consumption of insects (entomophagy) and their therapeutic uses include regulation barriers and consumer acceptance. Moreover, the overexploitation of medicinal insects in their natural habitat has led to a population crisis, thus necessitating the investigation and development of their mass-rearing procedure. Lastly, this review suggests potential directions for developing insects used in medicine and offers advice for scientists interested in entomotherapy. In future, entomotherapy may become a sustainable and cost-effective solution for treating various ailments and has the potential to revolutionize modern medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Prof.-von-Klitzing Str. 7, 49610 D-Quakenbrück, Germany
- Corresponding author. Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany.
| | - Chujun Li
- Guangzhou Unique Biotechnology Co., Ltd, 510663, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Owusu Fordjour Aidoo
- Department of Biological, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, 00233, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Ito Fernando
- Department of Plant Pest and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Moawiya A. Haddad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, 19117, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Jorge A.M. Pereira
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Andrey Blinov
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Andrey Golik
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - José S. Câmara
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Corresponding author. CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gazi U, Taylan-Ozkan A, Mumcuoglu KY. The effect of Lucilia sericata larval excretion/secretion (ES) products on cellular responses in wound healing. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:257-266. [PMID: 33314340 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic wounds are still regarded as a serious public health concern, which are on the increase mainly due to the changes in life styles and aging of the human population. There are different types of chronic wounds, each of which requires slightly different treatment strategies. Nevertheless, wound bed preparation is included in treatment of all types of chronic wounds and involves tissue debridement, inflammation, and infection control, as well as moisture balance and epithelial edge advancement. Maggot therapy (MT) is a form of biological debridement which involves the application of live medical grade Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae. Whereas it was initially thought to act mainly through debridement, today MT is known to influence all four overlapping physiological phases of wound repair: homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling/maturing. During MT, medical-grade larvae are applied either freely or enclosed in tea-bag like devices (biobag) inside the wounds, which suggests that larva excretion/secretion (ES) products can facilitate the healing processes directly without the need of direct contact with the larvae. This review summarizes the relevant literature on ES-mediated effects on the cellular responses involved in wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Gazi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - A Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - K Y Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nezakati E, Hasani MH, Zolfaghari P, Rashidan M, Sohrabi MB. Effects of Lucilia sericata Maggot Therapy in Chronic Wound Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial . CHRONIC WOUND CARE MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.2147/cwcmr.s248149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
4
|
Yakovlev AY, Kruglikova AA, Chernysh SI. Calliphoridae Flies in Medical Biotechnology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s0013873819030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
5
|
Wilson MR, Nigam Y, Knight J, Pritchard DI. What is the optimal treatment time for larval therapy? A study on incubation time and tissue debridement by bagged maggots of the greenbottle fly, Lucilia sericata. Int Wound J 2019; 16:219-225. [PMID: 30379404 PMCID: PMC7948740 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The effective use of larvae of the greenbottle fly, Lucilia sericata, in wound debridement requires a working knowledge of how feeding changes over time. Using a laboratory assay and bagged larval dressings, the effect of incubation time on larval feeding rates and body mass was investigated for up to 120 hours at 32°C. The mass of tissue digested increased significantly in incremental 24-hour periods up to 72 hours, with no significant consumption occurring afterwards. Larval mass increased only up to 48 hours. A further test comparing the efficacy of a single 96-hour application of larvae against two consecutive 48-hour applications found that the mass of tissue digested in the latter was 14.3% higher than the former, a difference that was statistically significant. Current clinical guidance suggests a 4-day application period for bagged larvae. Based on these results, an incubation time of 72 hours (3 days) for bagged larvae would be the most effective at the study temperature. However, it is acknowledged that wound temperature can vary, whereby feeding rates would likely differ. In view of this, we conclude that a period of 3 to 4 days is optimum for the application of larvae, and current guidelines should be adhered to.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yamni Nigam
- College of Human and Health SciencesSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
| | - John Knight
- College of Human and Health SciencesSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pickles SF, Pritchard DI. Quality control of a medicinal larval (Lucilia sericata) debridement device based on released gelatinase activity. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 31:200-206. [PMID: 28117913 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae are manufactured worldwide for the treatment of chronic wounds. Published research has confirmed that the primary clinical effect of the product, debridement (the degradation of non-viable wound tissue), is accomplished by a range of enzymes released by larvae during feeding. The quality assessment of larval activity is currently achieved during production using meat-based assays, which monitor insect growth and/or the reduction in substrate mass. To support this, the present authors developed a complementary radial diffusion enzymatic assay to produce a visual and measureable indication of the activity of larval alimentary products (LAP) collected under standardized conditions, against a gelatin substrate. Using basic laboratory equipment and reagents, the assay is rapid and suited to high throughput. Assay reproducibility is high (standard deviation: 0.06-0.27; coefficient of variation: 0.75-4.31%) and the LAP collection procedure does not adversely affect larval survival (mortality: < 2%). Because it is both cost- and time-effective, this method is suited to both academic and industrial use and supports good manufacturing and laboratory practice as a quality control assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S F Pickles
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, U.K
| | - D I Pritchard
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Brodie BS, Wong WHL, VanLaerhoven S, Gries G. Is aggregated oviposition by the blow flies Lucilia sericata and Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) really pheromone-mediated? INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 22:651-660. [PMID: 25099558 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
When female blow flies Lucilia sericata and Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) oviposit in aggregations on carrion, even-aged larval offspring reportedly develop faster, and fewer are parasitized or preyed upon. The benefits of aggregated oviposition equally affect con- and heterospecific larvae sharing a resource. The benefits imply that female blow flies engage in coordinated, pheromone-mediated oviposition behavior. Yet, repeated attempts to identify oviposition pheromones have failed invoking doubt that they exist. Simply by regurgitating and feeding on carrion, flies may produce attractive semiochemicals. If flies were to aggregate in response to feeding flies rather than ovipositing flies, then the semiochemical cue(s) may be associated with the salivary gland. Working with L. sericata and P. regina and using liver as a surrogate oviposition medium, we test the hypotheses, and present data in their support, that (i) gravid or nongravid females ovipositing and/or feeding on liver enhance its attractiveness to gravid and nongravid females; (ii) females respond to semiochemicals from feeding heterospecific females; (iii) females respond equally well to semiochemicals from feeding con- and heterospecific females; (iv) macerated head tissues of females applied to liver enhance its attractiveness; and (v) females in direct contact with and feeding on liver, but not when next to yet physically separated from liver, enhance attraction of flies. We conclude that oviposition site-seeking females do not respond to an oviposition pheromone. Instead, they appear to coopt semiochemicals associated with feeding flies as resource indicators, taking chances that resources are suitable for oviposition, and that ovipositing flies are present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bekka S Brodie
- Simon Fraser University, Dept. of Biological Sciences Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Warren H L Wong
- Simon Fraser University, Dept. of Biological Sciences Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | | | - Gerhard Gries
- Simon Fraser University, Dept. of Biological Sciences Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Evaluation of larval density Cochliomyia macellaria F. (Diptera: Calliphoridae) for therapeutic use in the recovery of tegumentar injuries. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3255-60. [PMID: 26022143 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4542-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Larval therapy (LT) is the application of carrion flies (Diptera) sterile larvae on chronic or infected wounds to promote or accelerate the healing process. High cost and the development of resistance by certain groups of pathogenic bacteria to these drugs encouraged the resurgence of LT, currently used in approximately 20 countries and more recently in Brazil. This study evaluated the behavior and larval density of Cochliomyia macellaria F. (Calliphoridae), one of the most appropriate species for debridement of injuries with necrotic tissue. Tegumentar lesions were induced in Wistar rats by subcutaneously application of 0.2 ml of a 1:4 hydrochloric acid and sterile distilled water in the dorsal region. Five experimental groups were set up: (LT 5) treatment with 5 larvae/cm(2); (LT 15) 15 larvae/cm(2); (LT 25) 25 larvae/cm(2); (DEB) mechanical debridement, and (NUL) animals that did not receive any treatment. In the LT groups, larvae used were sterilized with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and maintained for 12 h in the lesions. The healing process was assessed qualitatively (macroscopically and microscopically) and quantitatively (time interval to complete healing). It was observed that the immature fed only on necrotic tissue, thus C. macellaria is an excellent candidate for use in LT. There was no significant difference in healing time between experimental groups. However, it was observed that in LT 25, there was greater vascularization in tissues when compared to the other treatments. The mechanisms involved in this process are unknown, but it is evident that the larvae have an important role in modulating the host immune response. It is essential that future applications of larval therapy consider using a higher density of larvae (minimum of 25 larvae/cm(2)) than is currently recommended.
Collapse
|
9
|
Blenkiron C, Tsai P, Brown LA, Tintinger V, Askelund KJ, Windsor JA, Phillips AR. Characterisation of the small RNAs in the biomedically important green-bottle blowfly Lucilia sericata. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122203. [PMID: 25803701 PMCID: PMC4372549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The green bottle fly maggot, Lucilia sericata, is a species with importance in medicine, agriculture and forensics. Improved understanding of this species' biology is of great potential benefit to many research communities. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a short non-protein coding regulatory RNA, which directly regulate a host of protein coding genes at the translational level. They have been shown to have developmental and tissue specific distributions where they impact directly on gene regulation. In order to improve understanding of the biology of L. sericata maggots we have performed small RNA-sequencing of their secretions and tissue at different developmental stages. RESULTS We have successfully isolated RNA from the secretions of L. sericata maggots. Illumina small RNA-sequencing of these secretions and the three tissues (crop, salivary gland, gut) revealed that the most common small RNA fragments were derived from ribosomal RNA and transfer RNAs of both insect and bacterial origins. These RNA fragments were highly specific, with the most common tRNAs, such as GlyGCC, predominantly represented by reads derived from the 5' end of the mature maggot tRNA. Each library also had a unique profile of miRNAs with a high abundance of miR-10-5p in the maggot secretions and gut and miR-8 in the food storage organ the crop and salivary glands. The pattern of small RNAs in the bioactive maggot secretions suggests they originate from a combination of saliva, foregut and hindgut tissues. Droplet digital RT-PCR validation of the RNA-sequencing data shows that not only are there differences in the tissue profiles for miRNAs and small RNA fragments but that these are also modulated through developmental stages of the insect. CONCLUSIONS We have identified the small-RNAome of the medicinal maggots L. sericata and shown that there are distinct subsets of miRNAs expressed in specific tissues that also alter during the development of the insect. Furthermore there are very specific RNA fragments derived from other non-coding RNAs present in tissues and in the secretions. This new knowledge has applicability in diverse research fields including wound healing, agriculture and forensics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cherie Blenkiron
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter Tsai
- Bioinformatics Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa A. Brown
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vernon Tintinger
- Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn J. Askelund
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John A. Windsor
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anthony R. Phillips
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Maggot debridement therapy is used extensively in the UK in both community and hospital situations, but remains a potentially under-used modality in many wound care markets. It promotes wound healing by performing three key processes: debridement, disinfection and growth-promoting activity. It can be used for the debridement of non-healing necrotic skin and soft tissue wounds, including pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, neuropathic foot ulcers and non-healing traumatic of post-surgical wounds. With the increase in chronic diabetic foot wounds, maggot debridement therapy is a promising tool for health professionals dealing with difficult wounds. This article presents an overview of the research evidence surrounding maggot debridement therapy that serves as a guide to health professionals who may be users of this form of treatment now and in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Shi
- Podiatric Medical Student, Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine, Pomona, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Recent advances in developing insect natural products as potential modern day medicines. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:904958. [PMID: 24883072 PMCID: PMC4026837 DOI: 10.1155/2014/904958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Except for honey as food, and silk for clothing and pollination of plants, people give little thought to the benefits of insects in their lives. This overview briefly describes significant recent advances in developing insect natural products as potential new medicinal drugs. This is an exciting and rapidly expanding new field since insects are hugely variable and have utilised an enormous range of natural products to survive environmental perturbations for 100s of millions of years. There is thus a treasure chest of untapped resources waiting to be discovered. Insects products, such as silk and honey, have already been utilised for thousands of years, and extracts of insects have been produced for use in Folk Medicine around the world, but only with the development of modern molecular and biochemical techniques has it become feasible to manipulate and bioengineer insect natural products into modern medicines. Utilising knowledge gleaned from Insect Folk Medicines, this review describes modern research into bioengineering honey and venom from bees, silk, cantharidin, antimicrobial peptides, and maggot secretions and anticoagulants from blood-sucking insects into medicines. Problems and solutions encountered in these endeavours are described and indicate that the future is bright for new insect derived pharmaceuticals treatments and medicines.
Collapse
|
12
|
van der Plas MJA, Andersen AS, Nazir S, van Tilburg NH, Oestergaard PR, Krogfelt KA, van Dissel JT, Hensbergen PJ, Bertina RM, Nibbering PH. A novel serine protease secreted by medicinal maggots enhances plasminogen activator-induced fibrinolysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92096. [PMID: 24647546 PMCID: PMC3960166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maggots of the blowfly Lucilia sericata are used for the treatment of chronic wounds. As haemostatic processes play an important role in wound healing, this study focused on the effects of maggot secretions on coagulation and fibrinolysis. The results showed that maggot secretions enhance plasminogen activator-induced formation of plasmin and fibrinolysis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. By contrast, coagulation was not affected by secretions. Biochemical studies indicated that a novel serine protease within secretions, designated Sericase, cleaved plasminogen to several fragments. Recombinant Sericase degraded plasminogen leading amongst others to the formation of the mini-plasminogen like fragment Val454-plasminogen. In addition, the presence of a non-proteolytic cofactor in secretions was discovered, which plays a role in the enhancement of plasminogen activator-induced fibrinolysis by Sericase. We conclude from our in vitro studies that the novel serine protease Sericase, with the aid of a non-proteolytic cofactor, enhances plasminogen activator-induced fibrinolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariena J. A. van der Plas
- Department of Infectious Disease, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anders S. Andersen
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark
- Copenhagen Wound Healing Center, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sheresma Nazir
- Department of Infectious Disease, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nico H. van Tilburg
- Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Karen A. Krogfelt
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jaap T. van Dissel
- Department of Infectious Disease, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Hensbergen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier M. Bertina
- Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter H. Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Disease, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Teh CH, Nazni WA, Lee HL, Fairuz A, Tan SB, Sofian-Azirun M. In vitro antibacterial activity and physicochemical properties of a crude methanol extract of the larvae of the blow fly Lucilia cuprina. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 27:414-420. [PMID: 23650928 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains has prompted the reintroduction of maggot therapy in the treatment of chronic, infected wounds. Many previous studies have demonstrated the potent antibacterial activity of larval excretions/secretions of the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera:Calliphoridae) against bacteria. However, the antibacterial activity of its sibling species, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera:Calliphoridae) against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria has never been determined. The aim of this study was to develop a new procedure to produce whole body extract of larvae of L. cuprina via methanol extraction as well as to demonstrate the in vitro antibacterial activity of this extract against seven selected wound pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The turbidimetric assay demonstrated that L. cuprina larval extract was significantly potent against all bacteria tested (P < 0.001). Additionally, colony-forming unit (CFU), agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays have confirmed the apparent potency of larval extract against P. aeruginosa. The reconstituted larval extract was highly robust and thermally stable. These observations substantiated the feasibility of the methanol extraction method in the production of larval extract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C H Teh
- Method and Statistics Section, Institute for Public Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cazander G, Pritchard DI, Nigam Y, Jung W, Nibbering PH. Multiple actions ofLucilia sericatalarvae in hard-to-heal wounds. Bioessays 2013; 35:1083-92. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201300071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn Cazander
- Department of Surgery; Bronovo Hospital; The Hague The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery; Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden The Netherlands
| | | | - Yamni Nigam
- College of Human and Health Sciences; Swansea University; Swansea UK
| | | | - Peter H. Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Diseases; Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pritchard DI, Brown AP. Degradation of MSCRAMM target macromolecules in VLU slough by Lucilia sericata chymotrypsin 1 (ISP) persists in the presence of tissue gelatinase activity. Int Wound J 2013; 12:414-21. [PMID: 23834475 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Venous leg ulcer slough is unpleasant to the patient and difficult to manage clinically. It harbours infection, also preventing wound management materials and dressings from supporting the underlying viable tissues. In other words, slough has significant nuisance value in the tissue viability clinic. In this study, we have sought to increase our knowledge of slough by building upon a previous but limited analysis of this necrotic tissue. In particular, slough has been probed using Western blotting for the presence of proteins with the capacity to engage microbial surface components recognising adhesive matrix macromolecules. Although the samples were difficult to resolve, we detected fibrinogen, fibronectin, IgG, collagen, human serum albumin and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Furthermore, the effect of a maggot-derived debridement enzyme, chymotrypsin 1 on macromolecules in slough was confirmed across seven patient samples. The effect of chymotrypsin 1 on slough confirms our thesis that this potential debridement enzyme could be effective in removing slough along with its associated bacteria, given its observed resistance to intrinsic gelatinase activity. In summary, we believe that the data provide scientists and clinicians with further insights into the potential molecular interactions between bacteria, wound tissue and Lucilia sericata in a clinically problematic yet scientifically interesting wound ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David I Pritchard
- Immune Modulation Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alan P Brown
- Immune Modulation Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|