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Gattan HS, Fouad SS, Ellisy RA, Elshazly H, El-kady AM. Eugenol: effective complementary treatment for cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected mice. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:370-380. [PMID: 38840881 PMCID: PMC11147982 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01676-0] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic, globally distributed parasitic disease. Whereas Cryptosporidium causes asymptomatic infection and diarrhea in healthy people, it may lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. Limited, effective therapeutic alternatives are available against cryptosporidiosis in those categories of patients. So, we are in urgent need of better drugs for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Fifty male Swiss albino mice were used. Mice were grouped into five groups of ten mice each. Group I was left uninfected, and four groups were infected with 1000 oocysts of cryptosporidium. The first infected group was left untreated. The remaining three-infected groups received nitazoxanide (NTZ), eugenol, and eugenol + NTZ, respectively, on the 6th day post infection (dpi) for five days. Mice were sacrificed on the 30th dpi. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated using parasitological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. Combination therapy of eugenol with NTZ caused a significant reduction of the number of oocysts secreted in stool and improved cryptosporidiosis-induced liver injury manifested by the restoration of normal levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST). Treatment with eugenol-NTZ combination maintained a well-balanced antioxidant status, as evidenced by a reduced level of nitric oxide (NO) and increased antioxidant Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity. Moreover, the combination of eugenol with NTZ resulted in the restoration of the normal morphology of intestinal villi, crypts, and muscularis mucosa. Based on the findings extracted from the present work, we can conclude that eugenol is a complementary therapeutic when used with NTZ in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. The addition of eugenol to NTZ in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis synergized the effect of NTZ, causing a greater reduction of the number of shedded oocysts, improving liver enzyme levels, and restoring normal intestinal pathology. Therefore, we presume that eugenol's antioxidant capacity accounts for the protective effect seen in the current study. We suggest eugenol as a supplemental chemotherapeutic agent with good therapeutic potential and high levels of safety in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis based on the findings of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattan S. Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samer S. Fouad
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523 Egypt
| | - Reham A. Ellisy
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences-Scientific Departments, Qassim University, 52571 Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62521 Egypt
| | - Asmaa M. El-kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523 Egypt
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2
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Oliveira LVF, Camilo FF, Soares MG, Cajas RA, Cirino ME, de Moraes J, Lago JHG. In Situ Preparation of Dehydrodieugenol-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles and their Antischistosomal Activity. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301929. [PMID: 38278761 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301929] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected disease that imposes a substantial worldwide health burden, affecting approximately 250 million people globally. As praziquantel is the only available drug to treat schistosomiasis, there is a critical need to identify new anthelmintic compounds, particularly from natural sources. To enhance the activity of different natural products, one potential avenue involves its combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Based on this approach, a one-step green method for the in situ preparation of dehydrodieugenol (DHDG) by oxidation coupling reaction using silver and natural eugenol is presented. AgNP formation was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy due to the appearance of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 430 nm which is characteristic of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were spherical with sizes in the range of 40 to 50 nm. Bioassays demonstrated that the silver nanoparticles loaded with DHDG exhibited significant anthelmintic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms without toxicity to mammalian cells and an in vivo animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans), contributing to the development of new prototypes based on natural products for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa V F Oliveira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, SP-09210-580, Santo Andre, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Camilo
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, SP-09913-030, Diadema, Brazil
| | - Marisi G Soares
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, MG-37130-001, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, SP-07030-010, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | - Maria E Cirino
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, SP-07030-010, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, SP-07030-010, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, SP-09210-580, Santo Andre, Brazil
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3
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Zhang G, Liu W, Yang S, Song S, Ma Y, Zhou G, Liang X, Miao C, Li J, Liu Y, Shao J, Chang H. Evaluation of humoral and cellular immune responses induced by a cocktail of recombinant African swine fever virus antigens fused with OprI in domestic pigs. Virol J 2023; 20:104. [PMID: 37237390 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02070-7] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African swine fever (ASF) is a highly fatal disease in domestic pigs caused by ASF virus (ASFV), for which there is currently no commercial vaccine available. The genome of ASFV encodes more than 150 proteins, some of which have been included in subunit vaccines but only induce limited protection against ASFV challenge. METHODS To enhance immune responses induced by ASFV proteins, we expressed and purified three fusion proteins with each consisting of bacterial lipoprotein OprI, 2 different ASFV proteins/epitopes and a universal CD4+ T cell epitope, namely OprI-p30-modified p54-TT, OprI-p72 epitopes-truncated pE248R-TT, and OprI-truncated CD2v-truncated pEP153R-TT. The immunostimulatory activity of these recombinant proteins was first assessed on dendritic cells. Then, humoral and cellular immunity induced by these three OprI-fused proteins cocktail formulated with ISA206 adjuvant (O-Ags-T formulation) were assessed in pigs. RESULTS The OprI-fused proteins activated dendritic cells with elevated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the O-Ags-T formulation elicited a high level of antigen-specific IgG responses and interferon-γ-secreting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after stimulation in vitro. Importantly, the sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from pigs vaccinated with the O-Ags-T formulation respectively reduced ASFV infection in vitro by 82.8% and 92.6%. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the OprI-fused proteins cocktail formulated with ISA206 adjuvant induces robust ASFV-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in pigs. Our study provides valuable information for the further development of subunit vaccines against ASF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
- Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd. (LIBP), a subsidiary company of China National Biotec Group Company Limited (CNBG), Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Sicheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunyun Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Guangqing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiaxia Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Chun Miao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Junhui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Junjun Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Huiyun Chang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, OIE/China National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China.
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Hughes K, Le TB, Van Der Smissen P, Tyteca D, Mingeot-Leclercq MP, Quetin-Leclercq J. The Antileishmanial Activity of Eugenol Associated with Lipid Storage Reduction Rather Than Membrane Properties Alterations. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093871. [PMID: 37175277 PMCID: PMC10179746 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that still infects thousands of people per year throughout the world. The occurrence of resistance against major treatments for this disease causes a healthcare burden in low-income countries. Eugenol is a phenylpropanoid that has shown in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania mexicana mexicana (Lmm) promastigotes with an IC50 of 2.72 µg/mL and a high selectivity index. Its specific mechanism of action has yet to be studied. We prepared large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs), mimicking Lmm membranes, and observed that eugenol induced an increase in membrane permeability and a decrease in membrane fluidity at concentrations much higher than IC50. The effect of eugenol was similar to the current therapeutic antibiotic, amphotericin B, although the latter was effective at lower concentrations than eugenol. However, unlike amphotericin B, eugenol also affected the permeability of LUVs without sterol. Its effect on the membrane fluidity of Lmm showed that at high concentrations (≥22.5× IC50), eugenol increased membrane fluidity by 20-30%, while no effect was observed at lower concentrations. Furthermore, at concentrations below 10× IC50, a decrease in metabolic activity associated with the maintenance of membrane integrity revealed a leishmaniostatic effect after 24 h of incubation with Lmm promastigotes. While acidocalcisomes distribution and abundance revealed by Trypanosoma brucei vacuolar H+ pyrophosphatase (TbVP1) immunolabeling was not modified by eugenol, a dose-dependent decrease of lipid droplets assessed by the Nile Red assay was observed. We hereby demonstrate that the antileishmanial activity of eugenol might not directly involve plasma membrane sterols such as ergosterol, but rather target the lipid storage of Lmm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristelle Hughes
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 72, B1.72.03, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thanh Binh Le
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 72, B1.72.03, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Van Der Smissen
- CELL Unit and PICT Imaging Platform, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75, B1.75.05, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Donatienne Tyteca
- CELL Unit and PICT Imaging Platform, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75, B1.75.05, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Paule Mingeot-Leclercq
- Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Unit (FACM), Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 73, B1.73.05, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joëlle Quetin-Leclercq
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 72, B1.72.03, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Ahmad AA, Maurice MN, Monib MESM, Soliman M, Al-Thagfan SS, Huseein EAM. Eugenol Essential Oil and Nanoemulsion as Antihydatic Agents with Antifibrotic and Immunomodulatory Effects in Cystic Echinococcosis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050253. [PMID: 37235301 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional scolicidal agents are still unsatisfactory in combating hydatid disease due to their low efficacy and increased drug side effects. Therefore, novel scolicides are required. This study aimed to evaluate the antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of eugenol essential oil (Eug) and its nanoemulsion (Eug-NE) in cystic echinococcosis (CE). Eug and Eug-NE were administered orally to CE-infected rats and compared to albendazole (ABZ). Hydatid cyst development was assessed based on organ weight and hypertrophy indicators of the infected organs, along with a histopathological and histochemical evaluation of collagen content. The immunomodulatory effects of treatment on CE were evaluated by serum cytokine levels measurement of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-4 and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) markers. Eug-NE was the most effective in reducing the cyst weights, organ weights, and hypertrophy indicators and improving histopathological lesions with reduced collagen content. Eug and Eug-NE significantly increased the IFN-γ levels and decreased the IL-4 levels, while IHC analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in STAT4 and GATA3 expression in all treated groups. Eug and Eug-NE demonstrated antihydatic and preventative effects, with a substantial decrease in liver fibrosis compared to that of ABZ. Besides their promising immunomodulatory effects, their good treatment response suggests their use as alternatives or complementary scolicidal agents in hydatid cyst treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Naged Maurice
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud Soliman
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Sultan S Al-Thagfan
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
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Maksoud S, El Hokayem J. The cytokine/chemokine response in Leishmania/HIV infection and co-infection. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15055. [PMID: 37082641 PMCID: PMC10112040 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV infection progressively weakens the immune system by infecting and destroying cells involved in host defense. Viral infection symptoms are generated and aggravated as immunosuppression progresses, triggered by the presence of opportunistic infections: among these is leishmaniasis, a disease caused by the intracellular parasite Leishmania. The incidence of this co-infection is growing progressively due to the geographic distribution overlap. Both pathogens infect monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells, although they can also modulate the activity of other cells without co-infecting, such as T and B lymphocytes. Leishmania/HIV co-infection could be described as a system comprising modulations of cell surface molecule expression, production of soluble factors, and intracellular death activities, leading ultimately to the potentiation of infectivity, replication, and spread of both pathogens. This review describes the cytokine/chemokine response in Leishmania/HIV infection and co-infection, discussing how these molecules modulate the course of the disease and analyzing the therapeutic potential of targeting this network.
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Recombinant endonuclease III protein from Leishmania infantum associated with Th1-type adjuvants is immunogenic and induces protection against visceral leishmaniasis. Mol Immunol 2023; 155:79-90. [PMID: 36731193 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) should be considered as a safe and effective measure to disease control; however, few vaccines are available against canine VL and there is no an approved human vaccine. In this context, in the present study, we evaluated the endonuclease III (ENDO) protein, which was recently showed to be antigenic for human disease, as a vaccine candidate against Leishmania infantum infection. The recombinant protein (rENDO) was administered in BALB/c mice alone or associated with saponin (rENDO/Sap) or micelles (rENDO/Mic) as adjuvants. Controls received saline, saponin or empty micelles. Results showed that both rENDO/Sap and rENDO/Mic compositions induced higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, and GM-CSF cytokines, besides nitrite and IgG2a isotype antibodies, before and after challenge infection, which were related to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subtypes. The immunological results contributed to significant reductions in the parasite load found in the spleens, livers, bone marrows and draining lymph nodes of the vaccinated animals. In general, mice immunized with rENDO/Mic presented a slightly higher Th1-type cellular and humoral immune response, as compared to those receiving rENDO/Sap. In addition, saponin caused a slight to moderate inflammatory edema in their vaccinated footpads, which was not observed when micelles were used with rENDO. In addition, a preliminary analysis showed that the recombinant protein was immunogenic to human cells cultures, since PBMCs from treated VL patients and healthy subjects showed higher lymphoproliferation and IFN-γ production in the culture supernatants. In conclusion, data suggest that rENDO could be considered as a candidate to be evaluated in future studies as vaccine to protect against VL.
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Therapeutic potential of Indian medicinal plants against Leishmania donovani: a review. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL SCIENCE ACADEMY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s43538-023-00153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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9
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Keshav P, Goyal DK, Kaur S. In vitro and in vivo therapeutic antileishmanial potential of ellagic acid against Leishmania donovani in murine model. Med Microbiol Immunol 2023; 212:35-51. [PMID: 36399160 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-022-00754-5] [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: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Parasite of genus Leishmania viz. L. donovani and L. infantum cause visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar, systemic disease with significant enlargement of the liver and spleen, weight loss, anemia, fever and immunosuppression. The silent expansion of vectors, reservoir hosts and resistant strains is also of great concern in VL control. Considering all these issues, the present study focused on in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial screening of ellagic acid (EA) against L. donovani. The in vitro study was performed against the protozoan parasite L. donovani and a 50% inhibitory concentration was calculated. The DNA arrest in the sub-G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle was studied. In vivo studies included the assessment of parasite burden and immunomodulation in response to treatment of ellagic acid in BALB/c mice. The levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and isotype antibodies were assessed in different groups of mice. EA showed in vitro parasiticidal activity with IC50 18.55 µg/mL and thwarted cell-cycle progression at the sub-G0/G1 phase. Administration of ellagic acid to the BALB/c mice reported diminution of splenic and hepatic parasite burden coupled with an expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. EA further potentiated a protective immune response with augmentation of Th1 type immune response evidenced by elevation of serum IgG2a levels and DTH response. EA was reported to be safe and non-toxic to the THP-1 cell line as well as to the liver and kidneys of mice. These findings endorse the therapeutic potential of EA with significant immunomodulation and can serve as a promising agent against this debilitating parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Keshav
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Goyal
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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de Souza IMM, Novaes RD, Gonçalves RV, Fialho FLB, Carvalho DT, de Souza TB, Dias DF, Lavorato SN, Souza RLM, Marques MJ, Castro AP. In vitro and in silico evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity of eugenol derivatives using biochemical, molecular, and morphological tools. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210108. [PMID: 35854812 PMCID: PMC9258719 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0108] [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: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eugenol shows both antibacterial and antiparasitic activities, suggesting
that it might be evaluated as an option for the treatment of
praziquantel-resistant schistosome. Methods The in vitro activities of three eugenol derivatives (FB1,
FB4 and FB9) on adult worms from Schistosoma mansoni were
examined by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to analyze effects
on the excretory system and integument damage, respectively. Biochemical
tests with verapamil (a calcium channel antagonist) and ouabain (a
Na+/K+-ATPase pump inhibitor) were used to
characterize eugenol derivative interactions with calcium channels and the
Na+/K+-ATPase, while in silico
analysis identified potential Na+/K+-ATPase binding
sites. Results The compounds showed effective doses (ED50) of 0.324 mM (FB1),
0.167 mM (FB4), and 0.340 mM (FB9). In addition, FB4 (0.322 mM), which
showed the lowest ED50, ED90 and ED100 (p
< 0.05), caused the most damage to the excretory system and integument,
according to both fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy analysis.
The death of adult worms was delayed by ouabain treatment plus FB1 (192
versus 72 hours) and FB9 (192 versus
168 hours), but the response to FB4 was the same in the presence or absence
of ouabain. Besides, no changes were noted when all of the eugenol
derivatives were combined with verapamil. Moreover, FB1 and FB9 inhibited
Na+/K+-ATPase activity according to in
silico analysis but FB4 did not show a time-dependent
relationship and may act on targets other than the parasite Na+/K+-ATPase.
Conclusion Eugenol derivatives, mainly FB4 when compared to FB1 and FB9, seem to act
more effectively on the integument of adult S. mansoni
worms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Romulo Dias Novaes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Diogo Teixeira Carvalho
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Stefânia Neiva Lavorato
- Center of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Western Bahia (Ufob), Barreiras, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos José Marques
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Aline Pereira Castro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), Alfenas, MG, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, University Center of Lavras (Unilavras), Lavras, MG, Brazil
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11
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Machado AS, Lage DP, Vale DL, Freitas CS, Linhares FP, Cardoso JMO, Oliveira-da-Silva JA, Pereira IAG, Ramos FF, Tavares GSV, Ludolf F, Bandeira RS, Maia LGN, Menezes-Souza D, Duarte MC, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Roatt BM, Christodoulides M, Martins VT, Coelho EAF. Leishmania LiHyC protein is immunogenic and induces protection against visceral leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2022; 44:e12921. [PMID: 35437797 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Treatment against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) presents problems by toxicity of drugs, high cost and/or emergence of resistant strains. The diagnosis is hampered by variable sensitivity and/or specificity of tests. In this context, prophylactic vaccination could represent a control measure against disease. In this study, the protective efficacy from Leishmania LiHyC protein was evaluated in murine model against Leishmania infantum infection. METHODS AND RESULTS LiHyC was used as recombinant protein (rLiHyC) associated with saponin (rLiHyC/S) or Poloxamer 407-based polymeric micelles (rLiHyC/M) to immunize mice. Animals received also saline, saponin or empty micelles as controls. The immunogenicity was evaluated before and after challenge, and results showed that vaccination with rLiHyC/S or rLiHyC/M induced the production of high levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and GM-CSF in cell culture supernatants, as well as higher IFN-γ expression evaluated by RT-qPCR and involvement from CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subtypes producing IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2. A positive lymphoproliferative response was also found in cell cultures from vaccinated animals, besides high levels of rLiHyC- and parasite-specific nitrite and IgG2a antibodies. Immunological assays correlated with significant reductions in the parasite load in spleens, livers, bone marrows and draining lymph nodes from vaccinated mice, when compared to values found in the controls. The micellar composition showed slightly better immunological and parasitological data, as compared to rLiHyC/S. CONCLUSION Results suggest that rLiHyC associated with adjuvants could be considered for future studies as a vaccine candidate against VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danniele L Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila S Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia P Linhares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jamille M O Cardoso
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João A Oliveira-da-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabela A G Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel S Bandeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz G N Maia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Umacollo, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, England
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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12
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Islamuddin M, Ali A, Afzal O, Ali A, Ali I, Altamimi AS, Alamri MA, Kato K, Parveen S. Thymoquinone Induced Leishmanicidal Effect via Programmed Cell Death in Leishmania donovani. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:10718-10728. [PMID: 35382308 PMCID: PMC8973115 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is a vector-borne dreaded protozoal infection that is caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani. With increases in the dramatic infection rates, present drug toxicity, resistance, and the absence of an approved vaccine, the development of new antileishmanial compounds from plant sources remains the keystone for the control of visceral leishmaniasis. In this study, we evaluated the leishmanicidal effect of thymoquinone against L. donovani with an in vitro and ex vivo model. Thymoquinone exhibited potent antipromastigote activity with IC50 and IC90 concentrations achieved at 6.33 ± 1.21 and 20.71 ± 2.15 μM, respectively, whereas the IC50 and IC90 concentrations were found to be 7.83 ± 1.65 and 27.25 ± 2.20 μM against the intramacrophagic form of amastigotes, respectively. Morphological changes in promastigotes and growth reversibility study following treatment confirmed the leishmanicidal effect of thymoquinone. Further, thymoquinone exhibited leishmanicidal activities against L. donovani promastigote through cytoplasmic shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, cellular and nuclear shrinkage, and DNA fragmentation, as observed under scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The antileishmanial activity was exerted via programmed cell death as proved by exposure of phosphatidylserine, DNA nicking by TUNEL assay, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Thymoquinone at a concentration of 200 μM was devoid of any cytotoxic effects against mammalian macrophage cells. Thymoquinone showed strong leishmanicidal activity against L. donovani, which is mediated via an apoptosis mode of parasitic cell death, and accordingly, thymoquinone may be the source of a new lead molecule for the cure of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Islamuddin
- Molecular
Virology Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic
Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
- Laboratory
of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural
Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
| | - Abuzer Ali
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taif
University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Obaid Afzal
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amena Ali
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Intzar Ali
- Department
of Microbiology, Hamdard Institute of Medical
Sciences & Research, New Delhi 110062, India
| | | | - Mubarak A. Alamri
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kentaro Kato
- Laboratory
of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural
Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
| | - Shama Parveen
- Molecular
Virology Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic
Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
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13
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Maurice MN, Huseein EAM, Monib MESMM, Alsharif FM, Namazi NI, Ahmad AA. Evaluation of the scolicidal activities of eugenol essential oil and its nanoemulsion against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259290. [PMID: 34762675 PMCID: PMC8584737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic echinococcosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus remains a serious helminthic zoonosis affecting humans and animals in many endemic developing countries. Surgical intervention is the best management choice, although it is associated with high recurrence rates and serious complications. Also, the commonly used chemotherapeutics exhibited serious side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the protoscolicidal effects of eugenol (Eug) essential oil and its nanoemulsion (Eug-NE) against protoscoleces (PCs) of hydatid cysts in vitro. METHODS Eug-NE was prepared and characterized. Their cytotoxicity on macrophages was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. E. granulosus PCs were treated with various concentrations of Eug and Eug-NE at different exposure times. The viability of protoscoleces was evaluated by the eosin exclusion test, and the changes in the morphology of protoscoleces were assessed. Albendazole (ABZ) was used as a positive control. RESULTS The cellular cytotoxicity of Eug and Eug-NE on macrophage cells, in minimum and maximum concentrations (0.2 and 1 μl/mL), were nearly negligible ranging from 4.7% to 8.3% and 3.7% to 7.2%, respectively. The results showed highly significant activity of Eug-NE and Eug against hydatid PCs compared to ABZ (P < 0.05). Eug and Eug-NE have similar protoscolicidal effects at all used concentrations. Their highest scolicidal activity (100% mortality rate) was recorded at 1 μl/ml after 30 min incubation (LC50 = 0.298-LC90 = 0.521 and LC50 = 0.309-LC90 = 0.646, respectively). Both formulations showed time- and dose-dependent effects. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested the potent scolicidal activities of Eug and Eug-NE as promising alternative scolicidal agents. Future studies are recommended to explore the mechanism of action and treatment response in vivo and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Naged Maurice
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Parasitology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | | | - Fahd M. Alsharif
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics and Ind. Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nader Ibrahim Namazi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Network-Based Approaches Reveal Potential Therapeutic Targets for Host-Directed Antileishmanial Therapy Driving Drug Repurposing. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0101821. [PMID: 34668739 PMCID: PMC8528132 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01018-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania parasites are the causal agent of leishmaniasis, an endemic disease in more than 90 countries worldwide. Over the years, traditional approaches focused on the parasite when developing treatments against leishmaniasis. Despite numerous attempts, there is not yet a universal treatment, and those available have allowed for the appearance of resistance. Here, we propose and follow a host-directed approach that aims to overcome the current lack of treatment. Our approach identifies potential therapeutic targets in the host cell and proposes known drug interactions aiming to improve the immune response and to block the host machinery necessary for the survival of the parasite. We started analyzing transcription factor regulatory networks of macrophages infected with Leishmania major. Next, based on the regulatory dynamics of the infection and available gene expression profiles, we selected potential therapeutic target proteins. The function of these proteins was then analyzed following a multilayered network scheme in which we combined information on metabolic pathways with known drugs that have a direct connection with the activity carried out by these proteins. Using our approach, we were able to identify five host protein-coding gene products that are potential therapeutic targets for treating leishmaniasis. Moreover, from the 11 drugs known to interact with the function performed by these proteins, 3 have already been tested against this parasite, verifying in this way our novel methodology. More importantly, the remaining eight drugs previously employed to treat other diseases, remain as promising yet-untested antileishmanial therapies. IMPORTANCE This work opens a new path to fight parasites by targeting host molecular functions by repurposing available and approved drugs. We created a novel approach to identify key proteins involved in any biological process by combining gene regulatory networks and expression profiles. Once proteins have been selected, our approach employs a multilayered network methodology that relates proteins to functions to drugs that alter these functions. By applying our novel approach to macrophages during the Leishmania infection process, we both validated our work and found eight drugs already approved for use in humans that to the best of our knowledge were never employed to treat leishmaniasis, rendering our work as a new tool in the box available to the scientific community fighting parasites.
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15
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Keshav P, Goyal DK, Kaur S. Antileishmanial potential of immunomodulator gallic acid against experimental murine visceral leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12875. [PMID: 34347892 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12875] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The menace of the enfeebling disease leishmaniasis prevails due to the inaccessibility of effective vaccine and chemotherapy. Hence in the pursuit of finding novel alternative options with reasonable efficacy, immunomodulation, leishmanicidal activity and fewer side effects, screening of compounds from natural sources is needed. This study was focused on in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial screening of gallic acid (GA) against Leishmania donovani infection in BALB/c mice. GA showed in vitro parasiticidal activity and IC50 value of 19.59 ± 0.74 µg/ml and is able to arrest cell cycle at the sub-G0/G1 phase. The therapeutic potential of gallic acid was assessed in the L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice. GA reported a reduction in parasite burden and augmentation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Also, the polarization of mouse immune status to protective Th1 response was evidenced by increased delayed-type hypersensitivity response and levels of IgG2a, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. GA was reported to be safe and non-toxic to human cell line THP-1 and also to the liver and kidney of mice. Hence, the findings of the present study indicate the possible role of GA in the strengthening of host immune system and thus facilitating the clearance of leishmanial infection and conferring protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Keshav
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Goyal
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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16
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Zhang J, He J, Liao X, Xiao Y, Liang C, Zhou Q, Chen H, Zheng Z, Qin H, Chen D, Chen Q, Li J, Chen J. Development of dominant epitope-based vaccines encoding Gp63, Kmp-11 and Amastin against visceral leishmaniasis. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152085. [PMID: 33910113 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152085] [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: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The most dangerous form of leishmaniasis is Visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The elimination of VL depends not only on agent treatments but also on effective vaccines against Leishmania parasites. Epitope-based vaccines composed of alternative short antigenic epitopes have the advantages of MHC epitope easy designing, which has broad application prospects. In a previous study, we analyzed Leishmania Gp63, Kmp-11 and Amastin protein sequence in silico, and found that the amino acid fragments of Gp63 (138-360aa), Kmp-11 (1-91aa) and Amastin (1-72aa) were rich in dominant epitopes. In this study, we used the three amino acid fragments as multi-epitope vaccine candidates to construct DNA and protein vaccines. BALB/c mice were vaccinated with the DNA and protein vaccines by DNA prime-protein boost strategy and challenged with Leishmania promastigotes. To evaluate vaccine immunogenicity and immunoprotection, serum specific antibody titers and cytokines were detected using ELISA, splenic CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, livers were made into pathological sections to observe pathological changes, and splenic parasitic loads were quantified using qPCR. The results showed that the increased specific IgG titers from vaccinated mice supported the vaccine immunogenicity. The increased cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12 and TNF-α), splenic CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and hepatic granulomas, and the decreased splenic parasitic loads (parasite reduction rates of Gp63, Kmp-11 and Amatin groups were 89%, 86% and 79%, respectively) from immunized mice post-infection were suggested the good immunoprotection of the vaccines. Our study demonstrated that vaccines based on the dominant epitopes of Gp63, Kmp-11 and Amastin with DNA prime-protein boost vaccination strategy showed significant immune effects against Leishmania, especially the Gp63 group showed a nearly 90% parasites reduction rate. This study will provide references for visceral leishmaniasis epitope vaccine design and immune strategy selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlei He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuechun Liao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuying Xiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chang Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwan Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanxiao Qin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dali Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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17
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Kar A, Jayaraman A, Charan Raja MR, Srinivasan S, Debnath J, Mahapatra SK. Synergic effect of eugenol oleate with amphotericin B augments anti-leishmanial immune response in experimental visceral leishmaniasis in vitro and in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 91:107291. [PMID: 33360084 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Present treatment regimen on visceral leishmaniasis has multiple limitations including severe side effects, toxicity, and resistance of Leishmania strains. Amphotericin B is a well-established pharmacologically approved drug; however, mainly toxicity is a foremost issue with that drug. Recently, our group identified eugenol oleate as an anti-leishmanial immunomodulatory compound. The important objectives of this present study was to evaluate the possible synergistic effect of eugenol oleate with amphotericin B to reduce the toxicity of this approved drug. Results obtained from this study signified that combination of eugenol oleate and amphotericin B showed indifferent combinatorial effect against promastigotes with xΣFIC 1.015, while, moderate synergistic activity with xΣFIC 0.456 against amastigotes. It was also notable that eugenol oleate (2.5 μM) with low concentrations of amphotericin B (0.3125 μM) showed 96.45% parasite reduction within L. donovani-infected murine macrophages. Furthermore, eugenol oleate and amphotericin B significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced the nitrite generation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α) in infected macrophages in vitro and in BALB/c mice in vivo. Eugenol oleate (10 mg/Kg b. wt.) with amphotericin B (1 mg/Kg b.wt.) significantly (p < 0.01) controlled the parasite burden in liver by 96.2% and in spleen by 93.12%. Hence, this study strongly suggested the synergic potential of eugenol oleate with low concentration of amphotericin B in experimental visceral leishmaniasis through anti-leishmanial immune response.
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MESH Headings
- Amphotericin B/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Synergism
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Host-Parasite Interactions
- Inflammation Mediators/metabolism
- Leishmania donovani/drug effects
- Leishmania donovani/immunology
- Leishmania donovani/pathogenicity
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/drug therapy
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/immunology
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/metabolism
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/parasitology
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/immunology
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/parasitology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/drug effects
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/immunology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/metabolism
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/parasitology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Nitrites/metabolism
- Parasite Load
- Spleen/drug effects
- Spleen/immunology
- Spleen/metabolism
- Spleen/parasitology
- Th1 Cells/drug effects
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Th1 Cells/metabolism
- Th1 Cells/parasitology
- Th1-Th2 Balance
- Th2 Cells/drug effects
- Th2 Cells/immunology
- Th2 Cells/metabolism
- Th2 Cells/parasitology
- Trypanocidal Agents/pharmacology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Kar
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Adithyan Jayaraman
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Mamilla R Charan Raja
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Joy Debnath
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India.
| | - Santanu Kar Mahapatra
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India.
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18
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Tiwari R, Banerjee S, Tyde D, Saha KD, Ethirajan A, Mukherjee N, Chattopadhy S, Pramanik SK, Das A. Redox-Responsive Nanocapsules for the Spatiotemporal Release of Miltefosine in Lysosome: Protection against Leishmania. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:245-253. [PMID: 33438999 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease, is caused by intracellular parasite Leishmania donovani. Unlike most intracellular pathogens, Leishmania donovani are lodged in parasitophorous vacuoles and replicate within the phagolysosomes in macrophages. Effective vaccines against this disease are still under development, while the efficacy of the available drugs is being questioned owing to the toxicity for nonspecific distribution in human physiology and the reported drug-resistance developed by Leishmania donovani. Thus, a stimuli-responsive nanocarrier that allows specific localization and release of the drug in the lysosome has been highly sought after for addressing two crucial issues, lower drug toxicity and a higher drug efficacy. We report here a unique lysosome targeting polymeric nanocapsules, formed via inverse mini-emulsion technique, for stimuli-responsive release of the drug miltefosine in the lysosome of macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. A benign polymeric backbone, with a disulfide bonding susceptible to an oxidative cleavage, is utilized for the organelle-specific release of miltefosine. Oxidative rupture of the disulfide bond is induced by intracellular glutathione (GSH) as an endogenous stimulus. Such a stimuli-responsive release of the drug miltefosine in the lysosome of macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line over a few hours helped in achieving an improved drug efficacy by 200 times as compared to pure miltefosine. Such a drug formulation could contribute to a new line of treatment for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwari Tiwari
- CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar 364002, Gujarat, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saswati Banerjee
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Deepak Tyde
- CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar 364002, Gujarat, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Krishna Das Saha
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Anitha Ethirajan
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Niladri Mukherjee
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
| | | | - Sumit Kumar Pramanik
- CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar 364002, Gujarat, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amitava Das
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata; Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India
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19
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Oral administration of eugenol oleate cures experimental visceral leishmaniasis through cytokines abundance. Cytokine 2020; 145:155301. [PMID: 33127258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic fatal infectious disease in tropical and subtropical nations. The limited treatment options, long treatment regimens, invasive mode of administration of drugs, and lack of effective vaccination are the main reasons for the search of new alternative therapeutics against VL. On this quest, from a series of eugenol derivatives, we had demonstrated eugenol oleate as a lead immunomodulatory anti-VL molecule earlier. In this report, the oral efficacy and mechanism of eugenol oleate in inducing immunomodulatory anti-VL activity has been studied in BALB/c mice model. The plasma pharmacokinetic and acute toxicity studies suggested that the eugenol oleate is safe with an appreciable pharmacokinetic profile. Eugenol oleate (30 mg/kg B.W.) showed 86.5% of hepatic and 84.1% of splenic parasite clearance. The increased Th1 cytokine profile and decreased Th2 cytokine profile observed from ELISA and qRTPCR suggested that the eugenol oleate induced the parasite clearance through the activation of the host immune system. Subsequently, the mechanistic insights behind the anti-leishmanial activity of eugenol oleate were studied in peritoneal macrophages in vitro by inhibitor response study and immunoblotting. The results inferred that eugenol oleate activated the PKC-βII-p38 MAPK and produced IL-12 and IFN-γ which intern activated the iNOS2 to produce NO free radicals that cleared the intracellular parasite.
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20
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Immunomodulatory Activities of Selected Essential Oils. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081139. [PMID: 32756359 PMCID: PMC7464830 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the application of herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases has gained increasing attention. Essential oils (EOs) are generally known to exert various pharmacological effects, such as antiallergic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Current literature involving in vitro and in vivo studies indicates the potential of various herbal essential oils as suitable immunomodulators for the alternative treatment of infectious or immune diseases. This review highlights the cellular effects induced by EOs, as well as the molecular impacts of EOs on cytokines, immunoglobulins, or regulatory pathways. The results reviewed in this article revealed a significant reduction in relevant proinflammatory cytokines, as well as induction of anti-inflammatory markers. Remarkably, very little clinical study data involving the immunomodulatory effects of EOs are available. Furthermore, several studies led to contradictory results, emphasizing the need for a multiapproach system to better characterize EOs. While immunomodulatory effects were reported, the toxic potential of EOs must be clearly considered in order to secure future applications.
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21
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Synergistic Effect of Eugenol and Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum Zs2058 Against Salmonella Infection in C57bl/6 Mice. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061611. [PMID: 32486242 PMCID: PMC7352263 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we showed the preventive effects of Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058 (ZS2058) on Salmonella infection in murine models. In this work, we found that eugenol has a selective antibacterial effect, which inhibited Salmonella more than probiotics ZS2058 in vitro. It suggested a synergistic effect of them beyond their individual anti-Salmonella activity. We verified the conjecture in murine models. The results showed that the combination of ZS2058 and eugenol (CLPZE) significantly increased (p = 0.026) the survival rate of Salmonella-infected mice from 60% to 80% and the effect of CLPZE on preventing Salmonella-infection was 2-fold that of ZS2058 alone and 6-fold that of eugenol alone. CLPZE had a synergistic effect on inhibiting ST growth (the coefficient drug interaction ((CDI) = 0.829), reducing its invasiveness (CDI = 0.373) and downregulating virulence genes’ expression in vitro. CLPZE helped the host form a healthier gut ecosystem. CLPZE also elicited a stronger and earlier immune response to systemic infection. In conclusion, these obtained results suggest that ZS2058 and eugenol have a synergistic effect on preventing Salmonella infection and open new perspectives in the strategies of controlling the prevalence of Salmonella by combination of probiotics and functional food components.
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22
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Majumder N, Ganguly S, Ghosh AK, Kundu S, Banerjee A, Saha S. Chlorogenic acid acts upon
Leishmania donovani
arresting cell cycle and modulating cytokines and nitric oxide in vitro. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12719. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shreetoma Kundu
- Department of Biotechnology Visva‐Bharati Santiniketan India
| | | | - Samiran Saha
- Department of Biotechnology Visva‐Bharati Santiniketan India
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23
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de Oliveira AS, Gazolla PAR, Oliveira AFCDS, Pereira WL, de S. Viol LC, Maia AFDS, Santos EG, da Silva ÍEP, Mendes TADO, da Silva AM, Dias RS, da Silva CC, Polêto MD, Teixeira RR, de Paula SO. Discovery of novel West Nile Virus protease inhibitor based on isobenzonafuranone and triazolic derivatives of eugenol and indan-1,3-dione scaffolds. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223017. [PMID: 31557229 PMCID: PMC6762200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The West Nile Virus (WNV) NS2B-NS3 protease is an attractive target for the development of therapeutics against this arboviral pathogen. In the present investigation, the screening of a small library of fifty-eight synthetic compounds against the NS2-NB3 protease of WNV is described. The following groups of compounds were evaluated: 3-(2-aryl-2-oxoethyl)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones; eugenol derivatives bearing 1,2,3-triazolic functionalities; and indan-1,3-diones with 1,2,3-triazolic functionalities. The most promising of these was a eugenol derivative, namely 4-(3-(4-allyl-2-methoxyphenoxy)-propyl)-1-(2-bromobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole (35), which inhibited the protease with IC50 of 6.86 μmol L-1. Enzyme kinetic assays showed that this derivative of eugenol presents competitive inhibition behaviour. Molecular docking calculations predicted a recognition pattern involving the residues His51 and Ser135, which are members of the catalytic triad of the WNV NS2B-NS3 protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- André S. de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais, Fazenda Biribiri, MG, Brazil
| | - Poliana A. R. Gazolla
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais, Fazenda Biribiri, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia C. da S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais, Fazenda Biribiri, MG, Brazil
| | - Wagner L. Pereira
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais, Fazenda Biribiri, MG, Brazil
| | - Lívia C. de S. Viol
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais, Fazenda Biribiri, MG, Brazil
| | - Angélica F. da S. Maia
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais, Fazenda Biribiri, MG, Brazil
| | - Edjon G. Santos
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Ítalo E. P. da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Adalberto M. da Silva
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brazil
| | - Roberto S. Dias
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Cynthia C. da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo D. Polêto
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Róbson R. Teixeira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
- * E-mail: (SOP); (RRT)
| | - Sergio O. de Paula
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
- * E-mail: (SOP); (RRT)
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24
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Banerjee S, Mukherjee N, Gajbhiye RL, Mishra S, Jaisankar P, Datta S, Das Saha K. Intracellular anti-leishmanial effect of Spergulin-A, a triterpenoid saponin of Glinus oppositifolius. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:2933-2942. [PMID: 31571946 PMCID: PMC6756365 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s211721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many of present chemotherapeutics are inadequate and also resistant against visceral leishmaniasis (VL), an immunosuppressive ailment caused by Leishmania donovani. Despite the interest in plant-based drug development, no antileishmanial drugs from plant source are currently available. Glinus oppositifolius had been reported in favor of being immune modulators along with other traditional uses. Novel anti-VL therapies can rely on host immune-modulation with associated leishmanicidal action. Objective Discovery of novel plant-based antileishmanial compound from G. oppositifolius having permissible side effects. Methods With this rationale, an n-BuOH fraction of the methanolic extract of the plant and obtained triterpenoid saponin Spergulin-A were evaluated against acellular and intracellular L. donovani. Immunostimulatory activity of them was confirmed by elevated TNF-α and extracellular NO production from treated MФs and was found nontoxic to the host cells. Identification and structure confirmation for isolated Spergulin-A was performed by ESI-MS,13C, and 1H NMR. Results Spergulin-A was found ineffective against the acellular forms while, against the intracellular parasites at 30 μg/mL, the reduction was 92.6% after 72 hrs. Spergulin-A enhanced ROS and nitric oxide (NO) release and changes in Gp91-phox, i-NOS, and pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines elaborated its intracellular anti-leishmanial activity. Conclusion The results supported that G. oppositifolius and Spergulin-A can potentiate new lead molecules for the development of alternative drugs against VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saswati Banerjee
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Niladri Mukherjee
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Rahul L Gajbhiye
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Snehasis Mishra
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Parasuraman Jaisankar
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Sriparna Datta
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Krishna Das Saha
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, India
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25
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Afrin F, Chouhan G, Islamuddin M, Want MY, Ozbak HA, Hemeg HA. Cinnamomum cassia exhibits antileishmanial activity against Leishmania donovani infection in vitro and in vivo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007227. [PMID: 31071090 PMCID: PMC6529017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a pressing need for drug discovery against visceral leishmaniasis, a life-threatening protozoal infection, as the available chemotherapy is antiquated and not bereft of side effects. Plants as alternate drug resources has rewarded mankind in the past and aimed in this direction, we investigated the antileishmanial potential of Cinnamomum cassia. METHODOLOGY Dichloromethane, ethanolic and aqueous fractions of C. cassia bark, prepared by sequential extraction, were appraised for their anti-promastigote activity along with apoptosis-inducing potential. The most potent, C. cassia dichloromethane fraction (CBD) was evaluated for anti-amastigote efficacy in infected macrophages and nitric oxide (NO) production studied. The in vivo antileishmanial efficacy was assessed in L. donovani infected BALB/c mice and hamsters and various correlates of host protective immunity ascertained. Toxicity profile of CBD was investigated in vitro against peritoneal macrophages and in vivo via alterations in liver and kidney functions. The plant secondary metabolites present in CBD were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS CBD displayed significant anti-promastigote activity with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 33.6 μg ml-1 that was mediated via apoptosis. This was evidenced by mitochondrial membrane depolarization, increased proportion of cells in sub-G0-G1 phase, ROS production, PS externalization and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay). CBD also inhibited intracellular amastigote proliferation (IC50 14.06 μg ml-1) independent of NO production. The in vivo protection achieved was 80.91% (liver) and 82.92% (spleen) in mice and 75.61% (liver) and 78.93% (spleen) in hamsters indicating its profound therapeutic efficacy. CBD exhibited direct antileishmanial activity, as it did not specifically induce a T helper type (Th)-1-polarized mileu in cured hosts. This was evidenced by insignificant modulation of NO production, lymphoproliferation, DTH (delayed type hypersensitivity), serum IgG2a and IgG1 levels and production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) along with restoration of pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokines (INF-γ, IL-12p70) to the normal range. CBD was devoid of any toxicity in vitro as well as in vivo. The chemical constituents, cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives present in CBD may have imparted the observed antileishmanial effect. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the profound antileishmanial efficacy of C. cassia bark DCM fraction and merits its further exploration as a source of safe and effective antieishmanial compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhat Afrin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
| | - Garima Chouhan
- Parasite Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Islamuddin
- Parasite Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Muzamil Y. Want
- Parasite Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Hani A. Ozbak
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan A. Hemeg
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
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26
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Serine protease inhibitors rich Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt leaf extract induces protective immune responses in murine visceral leishmaniasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 111:224-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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27
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Immunotherapeutic potential of Codonopsis clematidea and naringenin against visceral leishmaniasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:1048-1061. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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28
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Varikuti S, Jha BK, Volpedo G, Ryan NM, Halsey G, Hamza OM, McGwire BS, Satoskar AR. Host-Directed Drug Therapies for Neglected Tropical Diseases Caused by Protozoan Parasites. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2655. [PMID: 30555425 PMCID: PMC6284052 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) caused by protozoan parasites are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatments using anti-parasitic drugs are toxic and prolonged with poor patient compliance. In addition, emergence of drug-resistant parasites is increasing worldwide. Hence, there is a need for safer and better therapeutics for these infections. Host-directed therapy using drugs that target host pathways required for pathogen survival or its clearance is a promising approach for treating infections. This review will give a summary of the current status and advances of host-targeted therapies for treating NTDs caused by protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Varikuti
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bijay Kumar Jha
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Greta Volpedo
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nathan M Ryan
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Gregory Halsey
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Omar M Hamza
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bradford S McGwire
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Keerti, Yadav NK, Joshi S, Ratnapriya S, Sahasrabuddhe AA, Dube A. Immunotherapeutic potential of Leishmania ( Leishmania ) donovani Th1 stimulatory proteins against experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Vaccine 2018; 36:2293-2299. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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30
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Mendonça DVC, Martins VT, Lage DP, Dias DS, Ribeiro PAF, Carvalho AMRS, Dias ALT, Miyazaki CK, Menezes-Souza D, Roatt BM, Tavares CAP, Barichello JM, Duarte MC, Coelho EAF. Comparing the therapeutic efficacy of different amphotericin B-carrying delivery systems against visceral leishmaniasis. Exp Parasitol 2018; 186:24-35. [PMID: 29448040 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Amphotericin B (Amp) has been well-successfully used to treat against Leishmania infection, although high toxicity has been found in patients. In the present study, Amp was administered in Leishmania infantum-infected BALB/c mice by three distinct delivery systems aiming to compare their efficacy against challenge infection, as well as their side effects in a murine visceral leishmaniasis (VL) model. This product was administered in a Poloxamer P407 (Pluronic® F127)-based polymeric micelle system (Amp/M), in the Ambisome® formulation (Lip-Amp) or in a free format (free Amp). Glucantime® (Gluc) was used as a comparative drug. Aiming to evaluate different endpoints of the treatments, the efficacy of the compounds was investigated one and 15-days after the therapeutic regimens, determining the parasite load by a limiting dilution assay and a quantitative PCR (qPCR) technique, as well as evaluating the immune response generated in the infected and treated animals. In the results, Amp/M or Lip-Amp-treated mice presented the best outcomes, since significant parasite load reductions were found in the evaluated organs, as well as a parasite-specific Th1 immune response was observed in the animals. In addition, no hepatic or renal damage was found in these mice. On the other hand, free Amp or Gluc induced toxicity in the animals, which was associated with a low Th1 immune response. Comparatively, Amp/M was the most effective drug in our experimental model, and results showed that the Amp-carrying system could be considered as a future alternative in studies against VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora V C Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Dias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A F Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria R S Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anna Letícia T Dias
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina K Miyazaki
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos A P Tavares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Mário Barichello
- Laboratório de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96900-010, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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31
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Fachinan R, Fagninou A, Nekoua MP, Amoussa AM, Adjagba M, Lagnika L, Lalèyè A, Moutairou K, Yessoufou A. Evidence of Immunosuppressive and Th2 Immune Polarizing Effects of Antidiabetic Momordica charantia Fruit Juice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:9478048. [PMID: 28812026 PMCID: PMC5547716 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9478048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of action of the antidiabetic capacity of Momordica charantia is still under investigation. Here, we assessed phytochemical compositions, antioxidant activity, and effects of total and filtered fruit and leafy stem juices of Momordica charantia on human T cell proliferation and differentiation through quantification of Th1/Th2 cytokines. In the absence of stimulation, total fruit and leafy stem juices induced significant T cell proliferation. Under PHA stimulation, both juices potentiated plant-induced T cell proliferation. However, the filtered fruit and leafy stem juices significantly inhibited PHA-stimulated T cell proliferation, while neither juice influenced T cell proliferation. Moreover, total and filtered fruit juice increased IL-4 secretion, while total and filtered leafy stem juice enhanced IFN-γ production. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, anthocyans, steroids, and triterpenoids in both juices. Alkaloids, quinone derivatives, cardenolides, and cyanogenic derivatives were undetectable. The saponins present in total juices were undetectable after filtration. Moreover, both juices had appreciable antioxidant capacity. Our study supports the type 1 antidiabetic effect of filtered fruit juice of M. charantia which may be related to its immunosuppressive and T-helper 2 cell inducing capacities. Due to their immune-stimulatory activities and their ability to increase T-helper 1 cell cytokines, total fruit and leafy stem juices may serve in the treatment of immunodeficiency and certain infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufine Fachinan
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST) and Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 918 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Adnette Fagninou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST) and Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 918 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Magloire Pandoua Nekoua
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST) and Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 918 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Abdou Madjid Amoussa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Bioactive Natural Substances, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Marius Adjagba
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics, UFR of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Latifou Lagnika
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Bioactive Natural Substances, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Anatole Lalèyè
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics, UFR of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Kabirou Moutairou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST) and Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 918 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Akadiri Yessoufou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST) and Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 918 Cotonou, Benin
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Le TB, Beaufay C, Nghiem DT, Mingeot-Leclercq MP, Quetin-Leclercq J. In Vitro Anti-Leishmanial Activity of Essential Oils Extracted from Vietnamese Plants. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22071071. [PMID: 28654013 PMCID: PMC6152080 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22071071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania mexicana is one of the pathogens causing cutaneous leishmaniasis which is associated with patient morbidity. In our researches for new safe and effective treatments, thirty-seven essential oils (EOs) extracted from Vietnamese plants were screened in vitro for the first time on Leishmania mexicana mexicana (Lmm) promastigotes at the maximum concentration of 50 nL/mL. Active EOs were also analyzed for cytotoxicity on mammalian cell lines (WI38, J774) and their selectivity indices (SI) were calculated. Their composition was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID. Our results indicated that EOs extracted from Cinnamomum cassia, Zingiber zerumbet, Elsholtzia ciliata and Amomum aromaticum, possessed a moderate anti-leishmanial activity, with IC50 values of 2.92 ± 0.08, 3.34 ± 0.34, 8.49 ± 0.32 and 9.25 ± 0.64 nL/mL respectively. However, they also showed cytotoxicity with SI < 10. The most promising EO was extracted from Ocimum gratissimum, displaying an IC50 of 4.85 ± 1.65 nL/mL and SI > 10. It contained 86.5% eugenol, which was demonstrated to be effective on Lmm with IC50 of 2.57 ± 0.57 nL/mL and not toxic on mammalian cells, explaining the observed activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Binh Le
- GNOS Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institue, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles 1200, Belgium.
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 13-15 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Claire Beaufay
- GNOS Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institue, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles 1200, Belgium.
| | - Duc Trong Nghiem
- Department of Botany, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 13-15 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | | | - Joëlle Quetin-Leclercq
- GNOS Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institue, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles 1200, Belgium.
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Artemisinin and its derivatives in treating protozoan infections beyond malaria. Pharmacol Res 2016; 117:192-217. [PMID: 27867026 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic protozoan diseases continue to rank among the world's greatest global health problems, which are also common among poor populations. Currently available drugs for treatment present drawbacks, urging the need for more effective, safer, and cheaper drugs. Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives are some of the most important classes of antimalarial agents originally derived from Artemisia annua L. However, besides the outstanding antimalarial and antischistosomal activities, ART and its derivatives also possess activities against other parasitic protozoa. In this paper we review the activities of ART and its derivatives against protozoan parasites in vitro and in vivo, including Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Eimeria tenella, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Naegleria fowleri, Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, and Babesia spp. We conclude that ART and its derivatives may be good alternatives for treating other non-malarial protozoan infections in developing countries, although more studies are necessary before they can be applied clinically.
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