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Araújo JAA, Gomes TC, Lima VCN, Silva YBD, Lino Junior RDS, Vinaud MC. Oxfendazole Nitazoxanide combination in experimental neurocysticercosis - Anti-inflammatory and cysticidal effects. Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108764. [PMID: 38677580 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. The complications of NCC include seizures, headaches, cognitive impairment, and focal neurological deficits. In addition to antiparasitic drugs and surgery, the management of NCC includes the use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. The traditional treatment with albendazole and praziquantel has not been altered over 30 years and present several side effects. There are other anti-helminthic drugs such as oxfendazole and nitazoxanide that may show efficacy in NCC treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the histopathologic aspects of experimental NCC after in vivo treatment with the combination of oxfendazole and nitazoxanide. Balb/c mice were infected with T. crassiceps cysticerci and divided into groups of 10 animals each that received a single dose through gavage as follows: group treated with NaCl 0.9% (control group); group treated by monotherapy of the anti-helminthic drugs, 30 mg/kg in single dose of oxfendazole (OXF) or nitazoxanide (NTZ); and groups treated with the combination of the drugs (OXF/NTZ group). Macroscopic and microscopic analysis were performed. There was greater presence of final stage cysticerci after treatment. The microscopic analysis of the general pathological processes showed that the monotherapy with all treatment groups induced higher perivasculitis than what was observed in the control group. In contrast, the combination treatment showed a lower observation of PMN and MN inflammatory infiltration in comparison to the other treatments and to the control one. These results show that indeed the association of benzimidazole derivatives which present both anti-helminthic and anti-inflammatory properties with other cysticidal drugs are beneficial for the NCC treatment in which the aim is to destroy parasite without inducing inflammatory damage in the brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Aber Alves Araújo
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Taynara Cristina Gomes
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cindy Neres Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Yngrid Batista da Silva
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Ruy de Souza Lino Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil.
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Espinosa-Cerón A, Méndez A, Hernández-Aceves J, Juárez-González JC, Villalobos N, Hernández M, Díaz G, Soto P, Concha L, Pérez-Osorio IN, Ortiz-Retana JJ, Bobes RJ, Parkhouse RM, Hamamoto Filho PT, Fragoso G, Sciutto E. Standardizing an Experimental Murine Model of Extraparenchymal Neurocysticercosis That Immunologically Resembles Human Infection. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1021. [PMID: 37508953 PMCID: PMC10377049 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071021] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is endemic in non-developed regions of the world. Two forms of NCC have been described, for which neurological morbidity depends on the location of the lesion, which can be either within the cerebral parenchyma or in extraparenchymal spaces. The extraparenchymal form (EXP-NCC) is considered the most severe form of NCC. EXP-NCC often requires several cycles of cysticidal treatment and the concomitant use of glucocorticoids to prevent increased inflammation, which could lead to intracranial hypertension and, in rare cases, to death. Thus, the improvement of EXP-NCC treatment is greatly needed. METHODS An experimental murine model of EXP-NCC, as an adequate model to evaluate new therapeutic approaches, and the parameters that support it are described. EXP-NCC was established by injecting 30 Taenia crassiceps cysticerci, which are less than 0.5 mm in diameter, into the cisterna magna of male and female Wistar rats. RESULTS Cyst implantation and infection progression were monitored by detecting the HP10 antigen and anti-cysticercal antibodies in the serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of infected rats and by magnetic resonance imaging. Higher HP10 levels were observed in CSF than in the sera, as in the case of human EXP-NCC. Low cell recruitment levels were observed surrounding established cysticerci in histological analysis, with a modest increase in GFAP and Iba1 expression in the parenchyma of female animals. Low cellularity in CSF and low levels of C-reactive protein are consistent with a weak inflammatory response to this infection. After 150 days of infection, EXP-NCC is accompanied by reduced levels of mononuclear cell proliferation, resembling the human disease. EXP-NCC does not affect the behavior or general status of the rats. CONCLUSIONS This model will allow the evaluation of new approaches to control neuroinflammation and immunomodulatory treatments to restore and improve the specific anti-cysticercal immunity in EXP-NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Espinosa-Cerón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Méndez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan Hernández-Aceves
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan C Juárez-González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Nelly Villalobos
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Marisela Hernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Georgina Díaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Paola Soto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Luis Concha
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Iván N Pérez-Osorio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan J Ortiz-Retana
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Raúl J Bobes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Robert M Parkhouse
- Instituto Gulbekian de Ciência, Portugal. R. Q.ta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - P T Hamamoto Filho
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Gladis Fragoso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Edda Sciutto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
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da Silva Santana RC, Prudente TP, de Sousa Guerra CH, de Lima NF, de Souza Lino Junior R, Vinaud MC. Albendazole - Ivermectin combination decreases inflammation in experimental neurocysticercosis. Exp Parasitol 2023:108568. [PMID: 37327965 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a public health issue in endemic regions and is considered the main preventable cause of neurologic disease. It is caused by the presence of Taenia solium cysticercus in the central nervous system. The current treatment is performed with anthelminthic drugs - albendazole (ABZ) or praziquantel - associated with anti-inflammatory and corticosteroids in order to prevent the negative effects of the inflammatory reaction to the parasite's death. Ivermectin (IVM) is an anthelminthic drug that has been shown to present an anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to was to evaluate the histopathologic aspects of experimental NCC after in vivo treatment with a combination of ABZ-IVM. Balb/c mice were intracranially inoculated with T. crassiceps cysticerci and after 30 days of infection were treated with a single dose of NaCl 0.9% (control group), ABZ monotherapy (40 mg/kg), IVM monotherapy (0.2 mg/kg) or a combination of ABZ-IVM. 24h after the treatment the animals were euthanized and the brain was removed for histopathologic analysis. The IVM monotherapy and ABZ-IVM combination showed more degenerated cysticerci, less inflammatory infiltration, meningitis and hyperemia than the other groups. Therefore, it is possible to recommend the combination of albendazole and ivermectin as alternative chemotherapy for NCC due to its antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects, with potential to decrease the negative effects of the inflammatory burst when the parasite is killed within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiago Paiva Prudente
- Medicine School, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil
| | | | - Nayana Ferreira de Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Ruy de Souza Lino Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP: 74605-050, Brazil.
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Steyn TJS, Awala AN, de Lange A, Raimondo JV. What Causes Seizures in Neurocysticercosis? Epilepsy Curr 2022; 23:105-112. [PMID: 37122403 PMCID: PMC10131564 DOI: 10.1177/15357597221137418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most prevalent parasitic infection of the central nervous system. It is caused by the presence of larvae of the cestode Taenia solium in the brain. The most common symptom of NCC is seizures, and it is widely considered the world’s leading cause of preventable epilepsy. Despite the prevalence and impact of NCC, a thorough, mechanistic understanding of seizure generation is still lacking. In this review, we address the question “What causes seizures in NCC?” by summarizing and discussing the major theories that seek to explain the seizurogenic and epileptogenic processes in this disorder. In addition, we highlight the potential for recent advances in disease modeling to help accelerate progress in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Julieta Simões Steyn
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Amalia Naita Awala
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Anja de Lange
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Correia LTB, de Lima NF, Gomes TC, Guerra CHDS, Costa TL, Vinaud MC. Oxfendazole induces protein catabolism and gluconeogenesis in experimental neurocysticercosis. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106571. [PMID: 35752205 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106571] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an endemic public health disease of the central nervous system highly related to epilepsy and seizures. Taenia crassiceps is an experimental model used for NCC and biochemical studies of the host-parasite relationship. For the past 50 years the NCC therapeutic treatment is performed with albendazole (ABZ) and praziquantel which opens a gap for new therapies due to parasitic resistance and other adverse effects of the drugs. Oxfendazole (OXF) is an albendazole derivative with efficacy against tissue cestodes of veterinary importance. The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic impact of OXF on T. crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated in Balb/C mice. The animals were intracranially inoculated with T. crassiceps cysticerci and 30 days later received single dose oral treatment of OXF, ABZ and NaCl 0.9% (control group). The metabolic impact was quantified through the detection of metabolites from glycolysis, anaerobic fermentation of lactate and propionate, tricarboxylic acid cycle, protein catabolism, fatty acids oxidation. The differences observed in the concentrations of metabolites from the OXF treated group showed that the drug induced gluconeogenesis, increase in protein catabolism, fatty acids oxidation and propionate fermentation in comparison to the ABZ and control treated groups. In conclusion, OXF induced greater metabolic impact in T. crassiceps cysticerci than the standard NCC treatment, ABZ, showing that it may represent an alternative drug for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Timina Bueno Correia
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias. Brazil
| | - Nayana Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias. Brazil
| | - Taynara Cristina Gomes
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias. Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique De Sousa Guerra
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias. Brazil
| | - Tatiane Luiza Costa
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias. Brazil
| | - Marina C Vinaud
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias. Brazil.
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Ferreira de Lima N, de Andrade Picanço G, Costa TL, Vinaud MC. In vitro metabolic stress induced by nitazoxanide and flubendazole combination in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Exp Parasitol 2022; 238:108265. [PMID: 35525309 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108265] [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: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Taenia crassiceps is often used as experimental model for T. solium cysticercosis studies. Currently cysticercosis antiparasitic treatment is based on albendazole and praziquantel which may present side effects and parasitic resistance. The search for other antiparasitic drugs is necessary. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) and flubendazole (FLB) are broad spectrum antiparasitic drugs that present anti-cysticercosis effect. Metabolic analyses help to determine the impact of these drugs on parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the impact on the production and excretion of organic metabolites in T. crassiceps cysticerci after in vitro exposure to NTZ and FLB, isolated or in combination. T. crassiceps cysticerci were culture in RPMI medium and exposed to 10μg/mL of NTZ, 10μg/mL of FLB or 10μg/mL of NTZ +10μg/mL of FLB. 24h after exposure, the parasites were chromatographic analyzed to determine the impact of these drugs on glycolysis, homolactic fermentation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acids oxidation and proteins catabolism. It was possible to determine that the drugs combination induced greater metabolic impact on cysticerci in comparison to the isolated drugs exposure. The drugs combination induced gluconeogenesis, metabolic acidosis, increase in tricarboxylic acid cycle and in proteins catabolism. While the NTZ isolated exposure induced metabolic acidosis and protein catabolism and the FLB isolate exposure induced gluconeogenesis and protein catabolism. These results show that the combination of drugs with different modes of action increase the antiparasitic effect and may be indicated as alternative cysticercosis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Brazil
| | - Guaraciara de Andrade Picanço
- Laboratory of Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Luiza Costa
- Laboratory of Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Brazil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Laboratory of Studies of the Host-parasite Relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Brazil.
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de Andrade Picanço G, Ferreira de Lima N, Cristina Gomes T, de Sousa Mendes Moreira Alves D, Luísa da Costa T, Vinaud MC. Intraperitoneal and intracranial experimental cysticercosis present different metabolic preferences after treatment with isolated or combined albendazole and nitazoxanide. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106264. [PMID: 34919953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cysticercosis is a zoonotic public health issue especially severe when the parasite is in the central nervous system although it may be found all over the human organism. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci inoculated in mice is the experimental model used to study cysticercosis. The most used cysticercosis treatment is with albendazole (ABZ). Nitazoxanide (NTZ) has been experimentally tested against this parasite. Metabolic analysis has been used to determine drugs impact on the parasite. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo metabolic impact of the ABZ-NTZ combination in T. crassiceps cysticerci inoculated in mice peritoneal and intracranial cavities. Mice were experimentally inoculated with T. crassiceps cysticerci in the intraperitoneal cavity or in the intracranial one. Thirty days after the infection they were treated with NaCl 0.9% (control group), 50 mg/kg of ABZ, 50 mg/kg of NTZ or 50 mg/kg of NTZ and ABZ (ABZ/NTZ combination). 24 h after treatment the animals were euthanized and the cysticerci analyzed through high performance chromatography and spectrophotometry in order to detect the glycolytic, mitochondrial and protein catabolism pathways. The intracranial parasites used more intensely the homolactic fermentation while the intraperitoneal ones presented a greater use of the mitochondrial pathways and protein catabolism. Regarding the glycolytic pathways, it was possible to observe a significant impact induced by the drugs used, both isolated or in combination. It was possible to detect an increase in the fumarate reductase pathway after the drugs exposure and no impact in the protein's catabolism. Therefore, the cysticerci showed different uses of metabolic pathways regarding the site of inoculation due to the availability of nutrients inherent of each environment. This study showed the parasite metabolic resilience and capability of use of different biochemical pathways in order to ensure survival in spite of a hostile environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guaraciara de Andrade Picanço
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Nayana Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Taynara Cristina Gomes
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Daniella de Sousa Mendes Moreira Alves
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Tatiane Luísa da Costa
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Laboratory of studies of the host-parasite relationship, Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiania, Goias CEP 74605-050 Brazil.
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Mante PK, Adomako NO, Antwi P, Kusi-Boadum NK. Chronic administration of cryptolepine nanoparticle formulation alleviates seizures in a neurocysticercosis model. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100040. [PMID: 34909669 PMCID: PMC8663984 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100040] [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: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, neurocysticercosis remains an important cause of acquired epilepsy. We therefore seek to investigate the effectiveness of the nanoparticle formulation of cryptolepine in alleviating seizures in a neurocysticercosis model. A solid-lipid nanoparticle formulation of extracted cryptolepine was prepared. The parasites were maintained in T. crassiceps metacestode (ORF strain) - infected female BALB/c mice. Cryp (5 mg/kg), SLN-CRYP (5 mg/kg), ABZ (50 mg/kg) DXM (0.5 mg/kg), and PHE (30 mg/kg). were assessed for in vitro cysticidal, in vivo cysticidal and/or antiseizure activity in 70 mice that had developed seizures from infection with T. crassiceps. General pathologic processes were studied in the host tissue and inflammatory mediators were quantified from isolated mice brains. All treatments (CRYP, SLN-CRYP and ABZ) caused significantly reduced viability of T. crassiceps cysts. Treatment with SLN-CRYP significantly shrunk cysticerci and resolved ventricular expansion and deviation similar to albendazole on examination of encephala. SLN-CRYP inhibited hyperemia but was more effective against microgliosis, calcification, edema and meningitis. Mean seizure score was significantly reduced in models administered with SLN-CRYP (p < 0.0001); as were frequency (p < 0.0001) and duration (p < 0.0001) of seizures. SLN-CRYP significantly reduced brain homogenate levels of IL-10 (p = 0.0016) and IFN-γ (p < 0.0001). Our study shows that the chronic administration of the nanoparticle formulation of cryptolepine is effective in alleviating seizures associated with neurocysticercosis in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Kolibea Mante
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nana Ofori Adomako
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Paulina Antwi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nana Kofi Kusi-Boadum
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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de Lange A, Prodjinotho UF, Tomes H, Hagen J, Jacobs BA, Smith K, Horsnell W, Sikasunge C, Hockman D, Selkirk ME, Prazeres da Costa C, Raimondo JV. Taenia larvae possess distinct acetylcholinesterase profiles with implications for host cholinergic signalling. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008966. [PMID: 33347447 PMCID: PMC7785214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Larvae of the cestodes Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps infect the central nervous system of humans. Taenia solium larvae in the brain cause neurocysticercosis, the leading cause of adult-acquired epilepsy worldwide. Relatively little is understood about how cestode-derived products modulate host neural and immune signalling. Acetylcholinesterases, a class of enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, are produced by a host of parasitic worms to aid their survival in the host. Acetylcholine is an important signalling molecule in both the human nervous and immune systems, with powerful modulatory effects on the excitability of cortical networks. Therefore, it is important to establish whether cestode derived acetylcholinesterases may alter host neuronal cholinergic signalling. Here we make use of multiple techniques to profile acetylcholinesterase activity in different extracts of both Taenia crassiceps and Taenia solium larvae. We find that the larvae of both species contain substantial acetylcholinesterase activity. However, acetylcholinesterase activity is lower in Taenia solium as compared to Taenia crassiceps larvae. Further, whilst we observed acetylcholinesterase activity in all fractions of Taenia crassiceps larvae, including on the membrane surface and in the excreted/secreted extracts, we could not identify acetylcholinesterases on the membrane surface or in the excreted/secreted extracts of Taenia solium larvae. Bioinformatic analysis revealed conservation of the functional protein domains in the Taenia solium acetylcholinesterases, when compared to the homologous human sequence. Finally, using whole-cell patch clamp recordings in rat hippocampal brain slice cultures, we demonstrate that Taenia larval derived acetylcholinesterases can break down acetylcholine at a concentration which induces changes in neuronal signalling. Together, these findings highlight the possibility that Taenia larval acetylcholinesterases can interfere with cholinergic signalling in the host, potentially contributing to pathogenesis in neurocysticercosis. Infection of the human nervous system with larvae of the parasite Taenia solium is a significant cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. Despite this, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis in neurocysticercosis remain unclear. Acetylcholinesterases are a family of enzymes widely produced by helminthic parasites. These enzymes facilitate the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is also a major neurotransmitter in the human nervous system. If T. solium larvae produce acetylcholinesterases, this could potentially disrupt host cholinergic signalling, which may in turn contribute to seizures and epilepsy. We therefore set out to investigate the presence and activity of acetylcholinesterases in T. solium larvae, as well as in Taenia crassiceps larvae, a species commonly used as a model parasite in neurocysticercosis research. We found that both T. crassiceps and T. solium larvae produce acetylcholinesterases with substantial activity and that the functional protein domains in the Taenia solium acetylcholinesterases have great similarity to those of human acetylcholinesterases. We further demonstrate that the acetylcholinesterase activity in the products of these parasites is sufficient to break down acetylcholine at a concentration which induces changes in neuronal signalling in an ex vivo brain slice model. This study provides evidence that Taenia larvae produce acetylcholinesterases and that these can potentially interfere with cholinergic signalling in the host and contribute to pathogenesis in neurocysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja de Lange
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ulrich Fabien Prodjinotho
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Centre for Global Health, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Hayley Tomes
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jana Hagen
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brittany-Amber Jacobs
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Smith
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - William Horsnell
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR 7355 CNRS-University of Orleans, Orleans, France
| | - Chummy Sikasunge
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Paraclinicals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Dorit Hockman
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Murray E. Selkirk
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Centre for Global Health, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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10
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Hamamoto Filho PT, Moreira CAA, Generoso D, Alves JÚnior AC, Zanini MA. Experimental neurocysticercosis and demyelination. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2020; 78:528-529. [PMID: 32725050 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20200034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alexandre Aguiar Moreira
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu SP, Brazil
| | - Diego Generoso
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu SP, Brazil
| | - Aderaldo Costa Alves JÚnior
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu SP, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Zanini
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu SP, Brazil
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11
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Nanodelivery of nitazoxanide: impact on the metabolism of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated in mice. Ther Deliv 2020; 11:329-339. [PMID: 32486970 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2020-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To formulate nanocapsules and nanoemulsions of nitazoxanide (NTZ) and evaluate the metabolic effect on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci inoculated intracranially into mice. Materials & methods: NTZ nanosystems were formulated through solvent diffusion methodology. These nanoformulations were administered perorally and their impact on glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and fatty acid metabolism in T. crassiceps cysticerci was investigated. Results: Gluconeogenesis and protein catabolism were significantly increased by the nanoformulations when compared with the control group and the NTZ-treated group. All the other metabolic pathways were inhibited by the nanoformulation treatments. Conclusion: The remarkable metabolic modifications that occur in this in vivo model through the application of these developed nanosystems confirm their capability to deliver NTZ into targeted tissues.
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12
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Metabolic effects of anthelminthic drugs in the larval stage of the cestode Taenia crassiceps, cysticercosis experimental model - A review. Acta Trop 2020; 206:105448. [PMID: 32194066 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Taenia crassiceps is an experimental model used for cysticercosis studies and has suffered metabolic analyzes regarding the effect of anthelminthic drugs. The metabolic analyses are useful tools to determine the drugs mode of action and the parasite`s survival mechanisms. The energetic pathways are good candidates for this kind of approach as they are essential for the parasite`s survival and adaptation to the environment. In this review we discuss the anthelminthic drugs mode of action and its metabolic impact on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci.
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13
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Histopathologic evaluation of experimental murine neurocysticercosis after treatment with albendazole/nitazoxanide combination. Parasitology 2020; 147:822-827. [PMID: 32234089 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common helminthic brain infection related to epilepsy. Only albendazole (ABZ) and praziquantel are used in its treatment. The development of new therapeutics has been encouraged. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranial infection is the experimental model used in NCC studies. This study evaluated the histopathology of the brains of BALB/c mice experimentally infected with T. crassiceps cysticerci after the treatment with the ABZ/nitazoxanide (NTZ) combination. Thirty days after the inoculation the mice received an oral single dose of the ABZ/NTZ combination (40 mg kg-1 each). The control groups were treated with: NaCl 0.9%; ABZ or NTZ. The histopathologic evaluation of the brains was performed 24 h after treatment. The ABZ treatment induced discrete mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, meningitis, gliosis, hyperaemia and hippocampus compression; moderate ependimitis and oedema. The NTZ treatment induced accentuated inflammatory infiltration, foamy macrophages, ependimitis, choroiditis, gliosis and hyperaemia and moderate oedema. The ABZ/NTZ combination treatment induced a significant decrease in the polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltration, ependimitis, choroiditis, gliosis, hyperaemia and ventriculomegaly in comparison with the other groups. The cysticerci showed destruction of the tegument not observed in other groups. The ABZ/NTZ combination is efficient as the parasite showed signs of destruction and lower damage to the host's tissue.
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14
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Moura VBL, Milhomem AC, Lima SB, Matos-Silva H, Sugita DM, Vinaud MC, Lino-Júnior RDS. Demyelination in experimental intraventricular neurocysticercosis. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2020; 78:103-111. [PMID: 32022135 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20190155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is classified as a neglected tropical disease, which affects mainly Latin America and Africa in spite of some reports in North America and Europe. NCC represents the cause of up to 30% of the reported cases of epilepsy in endemic countries. The NCC injuries present direct relation to the development stage, location, and number of parasites as well as to the host immune response. This study aimed the characterization of the inflammatory response and tissue injuries by means of the analyses of the periventricular and parenchymatous demyelination through the experimental intraventricular NCC infection. Therefore, BALB/c mice were submitted to experimental NCC inoculation with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Their brains were removed at 7, 30, 60, and 90 days after the inoculation (DAI), and analyzed after staining with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Luxol Fast Blue, and Nissl. It was possible to observe ventriculomegaly, inflammatory infiltration composed by polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells, and foamy macrophages. The presence of inflammatory cells was associated with neurodegeneration detected by the areas with demyelination observed initially in the periventricular area and lately in the parenchyma. In conclusion, the presence of cysticerci and the consequent inflammation were able to promote initial periventricular demyelination followed by parenchymatous demyelination as the infection progressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Analia Cirqueira Milhomem
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia GO, Brazil
| | - Sarah Buzaim Lima
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia GO, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mariana Clare Vinaud
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia GO, Brazil
| | - Ruy de Souza Lino-Júnior
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia GO, Brazil
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15
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Palomares-Alonso F, Toledo A, Palencia Hernández G, Jung-Cook H, Fleury A. Effect of dexamethasone on albendazole cysticidal activity in experimental cysticercosis by Taenia crassiceps in BALB/c mice: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. Exp Parasitol 2019; 208:107801. [PMID: 31730781 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Taenia solium is a parasite whose larvae (cysticerci) can locate in the central nervous system of humans and cause neurocysticercosis (NC). The introduction of cysticidal drugs such as albendazole (ABZ) for the treatment of NC has significantly improved its prognosis. However, treatment is not always effective, and the high levels of corticosteroids used to prevent inflammatory complications in this disease could be, partly, the cause of this observation. In this context, this study investigated, using the experimental mouse model of intraperitoneal infection with Taenia crassiceps, the influence of corticosteroid administration on the therapeutic efficacy of ABZ. We evaluated and compared the effects of ABZ, dexamethasone (DXM) and their combination (ABZ + DXM) on cyst viability, both in vitro and in vivo. Serum levels of IL-4, IFN-gamma, IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated in the in vivo study. Results showed that the treatment with ABZ, in vitro and in vivo, was associated with a high number of parasites deaths. Concomitant treatment with DXM did not alter ABZ in vitro cysticidal activity but reduced its effectiveness significantly in the in vivo experimental model. Cytokine serum levels did not change significantly in treated mice compared to the controls. The results of this study are relevant as they indicate a negative effect of corticosteroids on the efficacy of cysticidal therapy. In human neurocysticercosis, control of inflammation is of great importance to most patients in order to avoid complications. Corticosteroids are generally used for this purpose and the results of this study demonstrate the need to find other therapeutic strategies. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Palomares-Alonso
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, C.P. 14269, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Andrea Toledo
- Unidad de Neuroinflamación, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, C.P. 14269, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Palencia Hernández
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, C.P. 14269, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Helgi Jung-Cook
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, C.P. 14269, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Facultad de Química, Departamento de Farmacia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP. 04510, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Agnès Fleury
- Unidad de Neuroinflamación, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, C.P. 14269, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Clínica de Neurocisticercosis, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, CP. 14269, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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16
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Hamamoto Filho PT, Fogaroli MO, Oliveira MAC, Oliveira CC, Batah SS, Fabro AT, Vulcano LC, Bazan R, Zanini MA. A Rat Model of Neurocysticercosis-Induced Hydrocephalus: Chronic Progressive Hydrocephalus with Mild Clinical Impairment. World Neurosurg 2019; 132:e535-e544. [PMID: 31470163 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.08.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrocephalus is the most common complication of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis, combining obstructive and inflammatory mechanisms that impair cerebrospinal fluid circulation. METHODS We studied the long-term progression of neurocysticercosis-induced hydrocephalus in a rat model. We generated an experimental rat model of neurocysticercosis-induced hydrocephalus by cisternal inoculation of cysts or antigens of Taenia crassiceps and compared it with the classic model of kaolin-induced hydrocephalus. We used 52 animals divided into 4 groups: 1) control, 2) neurocysticercosis-induced hydrocephalus by cysts or 3) by antigens, and 4) kaolin-induced hydrocephalus. We studied behavioral, radiologic, and morphologic alterations at 1 and 6 months after inoculation by open field test, magnetic resonance imaging, and immunohistochemical localization of aquaporin-4 (AQP-4). RESULTS Behavioral changes were observed later in neurocysticercosis-induced than in kaolin-induced hydrocephalic rats (P = 0.023). The ventricular volume of hydrocephalus induced by experimental neurocysticercosis progressively evolved, with the magnetic resonance imaging changes being similar to those observed in humans. Periventricular inflammatory and astrocytic reactions were also observed. AQP-4 expression was higher in the sixth than in the first month after inoculation (P = 0.016) and also occurred in animals that received antigen inoculation but did not develop hydrocephalus, suggesting that AQP-4 may constitute an alternative route of cerebrospinal fluid absorption under inflammatory conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our neurocysticercosis-induced hydrocephalus model allows for the long-term maintenance of hydrocephalic animals, involving mild clinical performance impairments, including body weight and behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Ortolani Fogaroli
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sabrina Setembre Batah
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, USP-Univ São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Todorovic Fabro
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, USP-Univ São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Vulcano
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Bazan
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Zanini
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Partial inhibition of the main energetic pathways and its metabolic consequences after in vivo treatment with benzimidazole derivatives in experimental neurocysticercosis. Parasitology 2019; 146:1578-1582. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBenzimidazole derivatives such as albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole are important molecules used in helminthic treatment. Neurocysticercosis is the main cause of acquired epilepsy throughout the world and is currently treated with ABZ. New molecules have been studied in order to aid in the treatment of this neglected tropical disease, among them RCB15 and RCB20. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic impact of RCB15 and RCB20 on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated in Balb/c mice. Thirty days after the inoculation the mice were treated with 50 mg kg−1 of RCB15, RCB20, ABZ or NaCl 0.9%. The euthanasia and cysticerci removal were performed 24 h after the treatment. The cysticerci were analysed through high performance liquid chromatography. After the treatments, there was an impairment in the main energetic pathways such as glycolytic pathway, homolactic fermentation or in mitochondrion energy production detected through the decrease in pyruvate, lactate, oxaloacetate, malate and fumarate concentrations. This induced the parasite to resort to alternative energetic pathways such as proteins catabolism, propionate fermentation and fatty acids oxidation. Therefore, benzimidazole derivatives are a promising alternative to ABZ use as they also reach the brain tissue and induce a metabolic stress in the cysticerci.
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18
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Hydrocephalus in Neurocysticercosis: Challenges for Clinical Practice and Basic Research Perspectives. World Neurosurg 2019; 126:264-271. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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19
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Lima NF, Picanço GA, Alves DDSMM, Silva LD, Isac E, Costa TL, Lino Junior RDS, Vinaud MC. Oral nitazoxanide treatment of experimental neurocysticercosis induces gluconeogenesis in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Acta Trop 2019; 190:361-364. [PMID: 30553893 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent helminthiasis of the central nervous system and is caused by the presence of Taenia solium cysticerci. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is an antifolate containing the pyrrolopyrimidine-based nucleus that exerts its antiprotozoal activity due to interference with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme which is essential to anaerobic energy metabolism. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of NTZ on the energetic metabolism of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated BALB /c mice. The infected animals were treated with a single oral dose of NTZ 30 days after the inoculation. Analysis of the organic acids was performed through high performance liquid chromatography. Glucose was detected only in the treated groups, alongside with a significant decrease in lactate, pyruvate and oxaloacetate concentrations which indicate an increase in gluconeogenesis. The non-detection of alpha-ketoglutarate indicated the use of the fumarate reductase pathway in all groups. It was possible to confirm the drugs mode of action due to the non-detection of acetate in the treated groups. There was an increase in the fatty acids oxidation. Therefore it was possible to observe that NTZ induces gluconeogenesis as well as the increase of alternative energetic pathways such as fatty acids oxidation in T. crassiceps cysticerci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana F Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Guaraciara A Picanço
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Daniella de S M M Alves
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Luciana D Silva
- State University of Goias, Br 153, Km 99, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Eliana Isac
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Tatiane L Costa
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Ruy de S Lino Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Marina C Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, CEP: 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil.
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20
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In vivo treatment of experimental neurocysticercosis with praziquantel nanosuspensions-a metabolic approach. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2018; 8:1265-1273. [PMID: 30117119 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0576-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the nervous system and currently represents a serious public health issue in many regions of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. To date, praziquantel is one of the chosen drugs for the treatment of neurocysticercosis. Its mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of different biochemical pathways within the parasite which contribute to its death. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze, for the first time, whether the nanoformulations of praziquantel would modify the energetic pathway of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci, after an intracranial inoculation in BALB/c mice. Praziquantel nanosuspensions were formulated with polyvinyl alcohol, poloxamer 188, and poloxamer 407, as stabilizers. These formulations exhibited particle size in a range of 74-285 nm and zeta potential values in a range of - 8.1/- 13.2 depending on the type of stabilizer. Physical stability study at both 4 ± 2 and 25 ± 2 °C indicated that praziquantel (PZQ) nanoparticles were stable in terms of solubility and particle size after 120-day storage. In vivo studies demonstrated that those nanosystems were able to produce significant modifications on the concentrations of oxaloacetate, citrate, pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate, malate, succinate, lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, fumarate, and propionate involved in the metabolism of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Therefore, these nanoformulations may be considered as a promising tool to deliver praziquantel to the brain for the effective management of neurocysticercosis.
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21
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Mejia Maza A, Carmen-Orozco RP, Carter ES, Dávila-Villacorta DG, Castillo G, Morales JD, Mamani J, Gavídia CM, Alroy J, Sterling CR, Gonzalez AE, García HH, Woltjer RL, Verástegui MR, Gilman RH. Axonal swellings and spheroids: a new insight into the pathology of neurocysticercosis. Brain Pathol 2018; 29:425-436. [PMID: 30368965 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic brain disease caused by the larval form (Cysticercus cellulosae) of Taenia solium and is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy worldwide. However, the pathophysiology and relation to the wide range of clinical features remains poorly understood. Axonal swelling is emerging as an important early pathological finding in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and as a cause of brain injury, but has not been well described in neurocysticercosis. Histological analysis was performed on human, rat and porcine NCC brain specimens to identify axonal pathology. Rat infection was successfully carried out via two routes of inoculation: direct intracranial injection and oral feeding. Extensive axonal swellings, in the form of spheroids, were observed in both humans and rats and to a lesser extent in pigs with NCC. Spheroids demonstrated increased immunoreactivity to amyloid precursor protein and neurofilament indicating probable impairment of axonal transport. These novel findings demonstrate that spheroids are present in NCC which is conserved across species. Not only is this an important contribution toward understanding the pathogenesis of NCC, but it also provides a model to analyze the association of spheroids with specific clinical features and to investigate the reversibility of spheroid formation with antihelminthic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Mejia Maza
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Rogger P Carmen-Orozco
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Emma S Carter
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Danitza G Dávila-Villacorta
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Gino Castillo
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Jemina D Morales
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Javier Mamani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar M Gavídia
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Joseph Alroy
- Department of Pathology, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Charles R Sterling
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Héctor H García
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Randy L Woltjer
- Department of Pathology, Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Manuela R Verástegui
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,The Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.,Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú
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22
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Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) occurs following brain infection by larvae of the cestode Taenia solium. It is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy worldwide and therefore constitutes a critical health challenge with significant global relevance. Despite this, much is still unknown about many key pathogenic aspects of the disease, including how cerebral infection with T. solium results in the development of seizures. Over the past century, valuable mechanistic insights have been generated using both clinical studies and animal models. In this review, we critically assess model systems for investigating disease processes in NCC. We explore the respective strengths and weaknesses of each model and summarize how they have contributed to current knowledge of the disease. We call for the continued development of animal models of NCC, with a focus on novel strategies for understanding this debilitating but often neglected disorder.
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Carmen-Orozco RP, Dávila-Villacorta DG, Cauna Y, Bernal-Teran EG, Bitterfeld L, Sutherland GL, Chile N, Céliz RH, Ferrufino-Schmidt MC, Gavídia CM, Sterling CR, García HH, Gilman RH, Verástegui MR. Blood-brain barrier disruption and angiogenesis in a rat model for neurocysticercosis. J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:137-148. [PMID: 30315659 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a helminth infection affecting the central nervous system caused by the larval stage (cysticercus) of Taenia solium. Since vascular alteration and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption contribute to NCC pathology, it is postulated that angiogenesis could contribute to the pathology of this disease. This study used a rat model for NCC and evaluated the expression of two angiogenic factors called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF2). Also, two markers for BBB disruption, the endothelial barrier antigen and immunoglobulin G, were evaluated using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. Brain vasculature changes, BBB disruption, and overexpression of angiogenesis markers surrounding viable cysts were observed. Both VEGF-A and FGF2 were overexpressed in the tissue surrounding the cysticerci, and VEGF-A was overexpressed in astrocytes. Vessels showed decreased immunoreactivity to endothelial barrier antigen marker and an extensive staining for IgG was found in the tissues surrounding the cysts. Additionally, an endothelial cell tube formation assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed that excretory and secretory antigens of T. solium cysticerci induce the formation of these tubes. This in vitro model supports the hypothesis that angiogenesis in NCC might be caused by the parasite itself, as opposed to the host inflammatory responses alone. In conclusion, brain vasculature changes, BBB disruption, and overexpression of angiogenesis markers surrounding viable cysts were observed. This study also demonstrates that cysticerci excretory-secretory processes alone can stimulate angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogger P Carmen-Orozco
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Danitza G Dávila-Villacorta
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Yudith Cauna
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Edson G Bernal-Teran
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Leandra Bitterfeld
- The Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Hygiene and Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Graham L Sutherland
- The Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Hygiene and Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nancy Chile
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Rensson H Céliz
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - María C Ferrufino-Schmidt
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Cesar M Gavídia
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Charles R Sterling
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Héctor H García
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto de Nacional Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Perú
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,The Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Hygiene and Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú
| | - Manuela Renee Verástegui
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
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Milhomem AC, Souza AJSD, Silva HM, Vinaud MC, Oliveira MAPD, Machado JR, Lino Júnior RDS. Histopathologic aspects of experimental cysticercosis and in situ cytokines profile in C57BL/6 mice. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2018; 76:339-345. [DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20180032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the parasitic infections that most affects the central nervous system. The knowledge regarding its immunopathogenesis and pathophysiology needs broadening. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci are used as the NCC experimental model. The aim of this work was to describe the general pathological processes and the in situ cytokine profile in C57BL/6 mice inoculated intracranially with viable T. crassiceps cysticerci. The histopathology analysis showed cysticerci in the extraparenchymal and intraventricular region, mononuclear inflammatory infiltration surrounding the parasite, microgliosis and meningitis. The analysis of the in situ immune profiles showed a predominance of the Th2 response. The IL-4 and IL-10 dosages were significantly increased in the infected group. The decrease in the INF-gamma dosage reflects the immunomodulation from the cysticerci. In conclusion, a T. crassiceps NCC infection in C57BL/6 mice triggers an inflammatory response, a predominance of Th2 type in situ profile, with mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, meningitis and microgliosis.
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Souza AJ, Milhomem AC, Rezende HH, Matos-Silva H, Vinaud MC, Oliveira MA, Castro AM, Lino-Júnior RS. Taenia crassiceps antigens induce a Th2 immune response and attenuate injuries experimentally induced by neurotoxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:16-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Understanding host-parasite relationship: the immune central nervous system microenvironment and its effect on brain infections. Parasitology 2017; 145:988-999. [PMID: 29231805 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) has been recognized as an immunologically specialized microenvironment, where immune surveillance takes a distinctive character, and where delicate neuronal networks are sustained by anti-inflammatory factors that maintain local homeostasis. However, when a foreign agent such as a parasite establishes in the CNS, a set of immune defences is mounted and several immune molecules are released to promote an array of responses, which ultimately would control the infection and associated damage. Instead, a host-parasite relationship is established, in the context of which a close biochemical coevolution and communication at all organization levels between two complex organisms have developed. The ability of the parasite to establish in its host is associated with several evasion mechanisms to the immune response and its capacity for exploiting host-derived molecules. In this context, the CNS is deeply involved in modulating immune functions, either protective or pathogenic, and possibly in parasitic activity as well, via interactions with evolutionarily conserved molecules such as growth factors, neuropeptides and hormones. This review presents available evidence on some examples of CNS parasitic infections inducing different morbi-mortality grades in low- or middle-income countries, to illustrate how the CNS microenvironment affect pathogen establishment, growth, survival and reproduction in immunocompetent hosts. A better understanding of the influence of the CNS microenvironment on neuroinfections may provide relevant insights into the mechanisms underlying these pathologies.
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de Andrade Picanço G, de Lima NF, Fraga CM, da Costa TL, Isac E, Ambrosio J, Castillo R, Vinaud MC. A benzimidazole derivative (RCB15) in vitro induces the alternative energetic metabolism and glycolysis in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Acta Trop 2017; 176:288-292. [PMID: 28865900 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to albendazole has encouraged the search for effective alternatives for cysticercosis and other parasitosis treatment. RCB15 is a benzimidazole derivative that may be used against such diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro effect of RCB15 on the alternative energetic pathways of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. The cysticerci were in vitro exposed to albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) or RCB15 at different concentrations during 24h. The cysticerci extract and the culture medium were analyzed through spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography as to detect glucose, urea, creatinine and organic acids of the energetic metabolism. The drugs did not influence the protein catabolism. Fatty acids oxidation was enhanced through significantly higher acetate concentrations in the groups treated with RCB15 and ABZSO. Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were decreased which indicates the use of fatty acids towards acetyl-CoA synthesis. There was a decrease in glucose uptake and pyruvate concentrations. The absence of lactate indicates the use of pyruvate in gluconeogenesis. Therefore it is possible to conclude that RCB15 enhanced the alternative energetic pathways of cysticerci in vitro exposed to different concentration, with emphasis on the fatty acids catabolism.
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Effect of Transforming Growth Factor-β upon Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps Cysticerci. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12345. [PMID: 28955045 PMCID: PMC5617888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Taeniids exhibit a great adaptive plasticity, which facilitates their establishment, growth, and reproduction in a hostile inflammatory microenvironment. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ), a highly pleiotropic cytokine, plays a critical role in vertebrate morphogenesis, cell differentiation, reproduction, and immune suppression. TGFβ is secreted by host cells in sites lodging parasites. The role of TGFβ in the outcome of T. solium and T. crassiceps cysticercosis is herein explored. Homologues of the TGFβ family receptors (TsRI and TsRII) and several members of the TGFβ downstream signal transduction pathway were found in T. solium genome, and the expression of Type-I and -II TGFβ receptors was confirmed by RT-PCR. Antibodies against TGFβ family receptors recognized cysticercal proteins of the expected molecular weight as determined by Western blot, and different structures in the parasite external tegument. In vitro, TGFβ promoted the growth and reproduction of T. crassiceps cysticerci and the survival of T. solium cysticerci. High TGFβ levels were found in cerebrospinal fluid from untreated neurocysticercotic patients who eventually failed to respond to the treatment (P = 0.03) pointing to the involvement of TGFβ in parasite survival. These results indicate the relevance of TGFβ in the infection outcome by promoting cysticercus growth and treatment resistance.
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Nasareth JM, Fraga CM, Lima NF, Picanço GA, Costa TL, Lino-Junior RS, Vinaud MC. In vivo treatment with nitazoxanide induces anaerobic metabolism in experimental intraperitoneal cysticercosis. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:3037-3041. [PMID: 28914356 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Taenia crassiceps cysticerci are used as experimental model to study the host-parasite relationship and treatment of cysticercosis. One of the described mode of actions of nitazoxanide (NTZ) is to block the pyruvate ferredoxine oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme which is an essential enzyme to the parasite metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo influence of one dosage of NTZ on the energetic metabolism of T. crassiceps cysticerci. Thirty days after the intraperitoneal inoculation of T. crassiceps cysticerci, BALB/c mice were orally treated with 7.5 mg/kg of NTZ. The control group was treated with physiologic solution (NaCl 0.9%). After 24 h, the animals were euthanized and the cysticerci were removed, washed, and processed for biochemical analysis. The organic acids detection occurred through high-performance liquid chromatographic and spectrophotometric analysis. While there was no difference in the glucose dosages, it was possible to observe a significant increase in the lactate concentrations and a decrease in the pyruvate concentrations of the NTZ-treated groups when compared to the control group. Also, there was a decrease in the urea and alpha-ketoglutarate concentrations. This probably occurred due to the impairment of the parasite's PFOR and nitroreductases leading an impairment of the mitochondrial aerobic pathways. In conclusion, the in vivo NTZ treatment leads to an increase in the lactic fermentation and to a decrease in the protein catabolism in T. crassiceps cysticerci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelma M Nasareth
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Carolina M Fraga
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Nayana F Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Guaraciara A Picanço
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Tatiane L Costa
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Ruy S Lino-Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goias, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil.
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Pereira ÍM, Lima SB, Freitas ADA, Vinaud MC, Junior RDSL. EXPERIMENTAL SUBCUTANEOUS CYSTICERCOSIS BY Taenia crassiceps IN BALB/c AND C57BL/6 MICE. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2017; 58:55. [PMID: 27410915 PMCID: PMC4964324 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cysticercosis is one of the most severe parasitic infections affecting tissues. Experimental models are needed to understand the host-parasite dynamics involved throughout the course of the infection. The subcutaneous experimental model is the closest to what is observed in human cysticercosis that does not affect the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate macroscopically and microscopically the experimental subcutaneous cysticercosis caused by Taenia crassiceps cysticerci in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Animals were inoculated in the dorsal subcutaneous region and macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the inflammatory process in the host-parasite interface were evaluated until 90 days after the inoculation (DAI). All the infected animals presented vesicles containing cysticerci in the inoculation site, which was translucent at 7 DAI and then remained opaque throughout the experimental days. The microscopic analysis showed granulation tissue in BALB/c mice since the acute phase of infection evolving to chronicity without cure, presenting 80% of larval stage cysticerci at 90 DAI. While C57BL/6 mice presented 67% of final stage cysticerci at 90 DAI, the parasites were surrounded by neutrophils evolving to the infection control. It is possible to conclude that the genetic features of susceptibility (BALB/c) or resistance (C57BL/6) were confirmed in an experimental subcutaneous model of cysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íria Márcia Pereira
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute (UFG), rua 235 s/n, Setor Universitario 74650-050 Goiânia, GO, Brasil. E-mails: ; ; ; ;
| | - Sarah Buzaim Lima
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute (UFG), rua 235 s/n, Setor Universitario 74650-050 Goiânia, GO, Brasil. E-mails: ; ; ; ;
| | - Aline de Araújo Freitas
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute (UFG), rua 235 s/n, Setor Universitario 74650-050 Goiânia, GO, Brasil. E-mails: ; ; ; ;
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute (UFG), rua 235 s/n, Setor Universitario 74650-050 Goiânia, GO, Brasil. E-mails: ; ; ; ;
| | - Ruy de Souza Lino Junior
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute (UFG), rua 235 s/n, Setor Universitario 74650-050 Goiânia, GO, Brasil. E-mails: ; ; ; ;
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Silva HM, Vinaud MC, Lino RDS. Experimental neurocysticercosis: absence of IL-4 induces lower encephalitis. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2017; 75:96-102. [PMID: 28226078 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20160194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Methods BALB/c (WT) and BALB/c (IL-4-KO) mice were inoculated intracranially with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci and euthanized at 7, 30, 60 and 90 days later, the encephala removed and histopathologically analyzed. Results The absence of IL-4 induced greater parasitism. In the initial phase of the infection, IL-4-KO showed a lower intensity in the inflammatory infiltration of polimorphonuclear cells in the host-parasite interface and intra-parenquimatous edema. The IL-4-KO animals, in the late phase of the infection, showed lower intensity of ventriculomegaly, encephalitis, and meningitis, and greater survival of the parasites in comparison with the WT animals. Conclusion The absence of IL-4 induced lower inflammatory infiltration, ventriculomegaly and perivasculitis in experimental NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidelberto Matos Silva
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia GO, Brasil.,Centro Universitário UNIRG, Faculdade de Medicina, Gurupi TO, Brasil
| | - Marina Clare Vinaud
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia GO, Brasil
| | - Ruy de Souza Lino
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia GO, Brasil
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Hamamoto Filho PT, Fabro AT, Rodrigues MV, Bazan R, Vulcano LC, Biondi GF, Zanini MA. Taenia crassiceps injection into the subarachnoid space of rats simulates radiological and morphological features of racemose neurocysticercosis. Childs Nerv Syst 2017; 33:119-123. [PMID: 27613638 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-016-3239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neurocysticercosis is a major public health concern. Although its eradication appears feasible, the disease remains endemic in developing countries and has emerged again in Europe and in the USA. Basic studies on neurocysticercosis are needed to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms and, consequently, to improve treatment perspectives. Much has been published on experimental parenchymal neurocysticercosis, but there are no experimental models of racemose neurocysticercosis. METHODS Cysts of Taenia crassiceps were injected into the subarachnoid space of 11 rats. After 4 months, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to verify the occurrence of ventricular dilatation and the distribution of cysts in the cerebrospinal fluid compartments. The histologic assessment was done focusing on changes in the ependyma, choroid plexus, and brain parenchyma. RESULTS MRI and histologic assessment confirmed the findings similar to those seen in human racemose neurocysticercosis including enlargement of the basal cisterns, hydrocephalus, and inflammatory infiltration through the ependyma and choroid plexus into cerebrospinal fluid spaces. CONCLUSIONS We developed a simple model of racemose neurocysticercosis by injecting cysts of T. crassiceps into the subarachnoid space of rats. This model can help understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry; Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Todorovic Fabro
- Unit of Experimental Research; Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marianna Vaz Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Bazan
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry; Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Vulcano
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Germano Francisco Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Zanini
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry; Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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IFN-gamma role in granuloma formation in experimental subcutaneous cysticercosis. Exp Parasitol 2016; 168:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Verastegui MR, Mejia A, Clark T, Gavidia CM, Mamani J, Ccopa F, Angulo N, Chile N, Carmen R, Medina R, García HH, Rodriguez S, Ortega Y, Gilman RH. Novel rat model for neurocysticercosis using Taenia solium. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016. [PMID: 26216286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is caused by Taenia solium infecting the central nervous system and is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy and convulsive conditions worldwide. Research into the pathophysiology of the disease and appropriate treatment is hindered by lack of cost-effective and physiologically similar animal models. We generated a novel rat neurocysticercosis model using intracranial infection with activated T. solium oncospheres. Holtzman rats were infected in two separate groups: the first group was inoculated extraparenchymally and the second intraparenchymally, with different doses of activated oncospheres. The groups were evaluated at three different ages. Histologic examination of the tissue surrounding T. solium cysticerci was performed. Results indicate that generally infected rats developed cysticerci in the brain tissue after 4 months, and the cysticerci were observed in the parenchymal, ventricle, or submeningeal brain tissue. The route of infection did not have a statistically significant effect on the proportion of rats that developed cysticerci, and there was no dependence on infection dose. However, rat age was crucial to the success of the infection. Epilepsy was observed in 9% of rats with neurocysticercosis. In histologic examination, a layer of collagen tissue, inflammatory infiltrate cells, perivascular infiltrate, angiogenesis, spongy change, and mass effect were observed in the tissue surrounding the cysts. This study presents a suitable animal model for the study of human neurocysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela R Verastegui
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | - Alan Mejia
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Taryn Clark
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Cesar M Gavidia
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Public Health Section, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Javier Mamani
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Fredy Ccopa
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Noelia Angulo
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Nancy Chile
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Rogger Carmen
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Roxana Medina
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Department of Biology Science, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, Peru
| | - Hector H García
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Silvia Rodriguez
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Ynes Ortega
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Department of Food Science & Technology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, San Miguel, Lima, Peru
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Hamamoto Filho PT, Zanini MA, Botta FP, Rodrigues MV, Bazan R, Vulcano LC, Biondi GF. Development of an experimental model of neurocysticercosis-induced hydrocephalus. Pilot study. Acta Cir Bras 2016; 30:819-23. [PMID: 26735053 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020150120000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop an experimental model of neurocysticercosis-induced hydrocephalus METHODS There were used 17 rats. Ten animals were inoculated with Taenia crassiceps cysts into the subarachnoid. Five animals were injected with 0. ml of 25% kaolin (a standard solution for the development of experimental hydrocephalus) and two animals were injected with saline. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate enlargement of the ventricles after one or three months of inoculation. Volumetric study was used to quantify the ventricle enlargement. RESULTS Seven of the 10 animals in the cyst group developed hydrocephalus, two of them within one month and five within three months after inoculation. Three of the five animals in the kaolin group had hydrocephalus and none in the saline group. Ventricle volumes were significantly higher in the 3-months MRI cyst subgroup than in the 1-month cyst subgroup. Differences between cyst subgroups and kaolin group did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION The developed model may reproduce the human condition of neurocysticercosis-related hydrocephalus, which exhibits a slowly progressive chronic course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Antônio Zanini
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marianna Vaz Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Bazan
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Vulcano
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Germano Francisco Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene ad Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Vinaud MC, de Andrade LCM, Alves PFM, Fraga CM, Bezerra JCB, de Souza Lino Junior R. In vitro stressing factors altering the TCA cycle and morphology of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(15)60984-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Abstract
SUMMARYNeurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered a neglected parasitic infection of the human central nervous system. Its pathogenesis is due to the host immune response, stage of evolution and location of the parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate thein situand systemic immune response through cytokines dosage (IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IFN-γ) as well as the local inflammatory response of the experimental NCC withTaenia crassiceps. Thein situand systemic cellular and inflammatory immune response were evaluated through the cytokines quantification at 7, 30, 60 and 90 days after inoculation and histopathological analysis. All cysticerci were found within the cerebral ventricles. There was a discrete intensity of inflammatory cells of mixed immune profile, polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells, at the beginning of the infection and predominance of mononuclear cells at the end. The systemic immune response showed a significant increase in all the analysed cytokines and predominance of the Th2 immune profile cytokines at the end of the infection. These results indicate that the location of the cysticerci may lead to ventriculomegaly. The acute phase of the infection showed a mixed Th1/Th17 profile accompanied by high levels of IL-10 while the late phase showed a Th2 immune profile.
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Fleury A, Trejo A, Cisneros H, García-Navarrete R, Villalobos N, Hernández M, Villeda Hernández J, Hernández B, Rosas G, Bobes RJ, S. de Aluja A, Sciutto E, Fragoso G. Taenia solium: Development of an Experimental Model of Porcine Neurocysticercosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003980. [PMID: 26252878 PMCID: PMC4529300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neurocysticercosis (NC) is caused by the establishment of Taenia solium larvae in the central nervous system. NC is a severe disease still affecting the population in developing countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. While great improvements have been made on NC diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, the management of patients affected by extraparenchymal parasites remains a challenge. The development of a T. solium NC experimental model in pigs that will allow the evaluation of new therapeutic alternatives is herein presented. Activated oncospheres (either 500 or 1000) were surgically implanted in the cerebral subarachnoid space of piglets. The clinical status and the level of serum antibodies in the animals were evaluated for a 4-month period after implantation. The animals were sacrificed, cysticerci were counted during necropsy, and both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of cysts were described. Based on the number of established cysticerci, infection efficiency ranged from 3.6% (1000 oncospheres) to 5.4% (500 oncospheres). Most parasites were caseous or calcified (38/63, 60.3%) and were surrounded by an exacerbated inflammatory response with lymphocyte infiltration and increased inflammatory markers. The infection elicited specific antibodies but no neurological signs. This novel experimental model of NC provides a useful tool to evaluate new cysticidal and anti-inflammatory approaches and it should improve the management of severe NC patients, refractory to the current treatments. Neurocysticercosis (NC) is caused by the implantation of the larval stage of Taenia solium in the human central nervous system. Although NC diagnosis, treatment, and prevention have clearly improved in the last 40 years, the disease still causes significant morbidity and mortality in endemic regions of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. In industrialized countries, the number of diagnosed cases has increased in recent years due to immigration. In this paper, we introduce a new experimental model of T. solium neurocysticercosis in pigs. Activated oncospheres were surgically implanted in the subarachnoid space of the cerebral convexity in piglets. Then, the animals were observed during 4 months. An increase in anti-cysticercal antibodies was detected, along with an inflammatory reaction surrounding the established parasites. This experimental model of T. solium NC will improve our knowledge on the pathogenesis of the disease; additionally, it will let us evaluate new promising treatments for inflammation and improve the effectiveness of cysticidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Fleury
- Unidad Periférica del Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Secretaría de Salud, México D.F., México
- * E-mail:
| | - Armando Trejo
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Humberto Cisneros
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Roberto García-Navarrete
- Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, México D.F., México
- Hospital General Naval de Alta Especialidad, Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), México D.F., México
| | - Nelly Villalobos
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Marisela Hernández
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | | | - Beatriz Hernández
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Gabriela Rosas
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, México
| | - Raul J. Bobes
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Aline S. de Aluja
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Edda Sciutto
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Gladis Fragoso
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
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de Almeida Leandro L, Fraga CM, de Souza Lino R, Vinaud MC. Partial reverse of the TCA cycle is enhanced in Taenia crassiceps experimental neurocysticercosis after in vivo treatment with anthelminthic drugs. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1313-7. [PMID: 24481905 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3770-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common helminthic infection and neglected disease of the central nervous system. It is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy and seizures worldwide. Therefore, to study this important neglected disease, it is important to use experimental models. There is no report in the literature on how the parasite's metabolism reacts to antihelminthic treatment when it is still within the central nervous system of the host. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the energetic metabolism of cysticerci experimentally inoculated in the encephala of BALB/c mice after treatment with low dosages (not sufficient to kill the parasite) of albendazole (ABDZ) and praziquantel (PZQ). BALB/c mice were intracranially inoculated with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci and, after 30 days, received treatment with low dosages of ABDZ and PZQ. After 24 h of treatment, the mice were euthanized, and the cysticerci were removed and analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify the organic acids related to the energetic metabolism of the parasite. The partial reverse of the TCA cycle was enhanced by the ABDZ and PZQ treatments both with the higher dosage, as the organic acids of this pathway were significantly increased when compared to the control group and to the other dosages. In conclusion, it was possible to detect the increase of this pathway in the parasites that were exposed to low dosages of ABDZ and PZQ, as it is a mechanism that would amplify the energy production in a hostile environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia de Almeida Leandro
- Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Rua 235 s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiás, 74650-050, Brazil
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Bueno EC. Cysticercosis and the immunossupression: what are the mechanisms involved? ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2012; 70:243-4. [PMID: 22510733 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2012000400002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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