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Behboudi E, Nooreddin Faraji S, Daryabor G, Mohammad Ali Hashemi S, Asadi M, Edalat F, Javad Raee M, Hatam G. SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of cell tropism in various organs considering host factors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26577. [PMID: 38420467 PMCID: PMC10901034 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A critical step in the drug design for SARS-CoV-2 is to discover its molecular targets. This study comprehensively reviewed the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2, exploring host cell tropism and interaction targets crucial for cell entry. The findings revealed that beyond ACE2 as the primary entry receptor, alternative receptors, co-receptors, and several proteases such as TMPRSS2, Furin, Cathepsin L, and ADAM play critical roles in virus entry and subsequent pathogenesis. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 displays tropism in various human organs due to its diverse receptors. This review delves into the intricate details of receptors, host proteases, and the involvement of each organ. Polymorphisms in the ACE2 receptor and mutations in the spike or its RBD region contribute to the emergence of variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, impacting the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. The challenge posed by mutations raises questions about the effectiveness of existing vaccines and drugs, necessitating consideration for updates in their formulations. In the urgency of these critical situations, repurposed drugs such as Camostat Mesylate and Nafamostat Mesylate emerge as viable pharmaceutical options. Numerous drugs are involved in inhibiting receptors and host factors crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry, with most discussed in this review. In conclusion, this study may provide valuable insights to inform decisions in therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Behboudi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
| | - Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Daryabor
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ali Hashemi
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Maryam Asadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fahime Edalat
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Raee
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Alishvandi M, Bahrami S, Rashidi S, Hatam G. Isoenzyme characterization of Leishmania infantum toward checking the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:208. [PMID: 38360592 PMCID: PMC10870465 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania infantum is the major causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Mediterranean regions. Isoenzyme electrophoresis (IE), as a biochemical technique, is applied in the characterization of Leishmania species. The current study attempted to investigate the isoenzyme patterns of logarithmic and stationary promastigotes and axenic amastigotes (amastigote-like) of L. infantum using IE. The antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was also checked in the aforementioned forms. METHOD After L. infantum cultivation and obtaining logarithmic and stationary promastigotes, axenic amastigotes were achieved by incubation of stationary promastigotes at 37 °C for 48 h. The lysate samples were prepared and examined for six enzymatic systems including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), nucleoside hydrolase 1 (NH1), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), glucose-phosphate isomerase (GPI), malic enzyme (ME), and phosphoglucomutase (PGM). Additionally, the antioxidant activity of SOD and GPX was measured. RESULTS GPI, MDH, NH1, and G6PD enzymatic systems represented different patterns in logarithmic and stationary promastigotes and axenic amastigotes of L. infantum. PGM and ME showed similar patterns in the aforementioned forms of parasite. The highest level of SOD activity was determined in the axenic amastigote form and GPX activity was not detected in different forms of L. infantum. CONCLUSION The characterization of leishmanial-isoenzyme patterns and the measurement of antioxidant activity of crucial antioxidant enzymes, including SOD and GPX, might reveal more information in the biology, pathogenicity, and metabolic pathways of Leishmania parasites and consequently drive to designing novel therapeutic strategies in leishmaniasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Alishvandi
- ¹Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Sajad Rashidi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Akbari M, Heli H, Oryan A, Hatam G. A novel outlook in the delivery of artemisinin: production and efficacy in experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:40-46. [PMID: 37183476 PMCID: PMC10769112 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2212347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The visceral form of leishmaniasis (VL), due to infection by Leishmania infantum, is a neglected tropical disease. The accessible therapeutic options are limited. Artemisinin is an efficient antileishmanial product with poor biological availability that requires high repetition of therapeutic doses in VL. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) provide targeted delivery, increase bioavailability and reduce toxicity of the traditional therapeutic strategy. The spherical shape artemisinin-loaded SLNs were prepared in a particle diameter of 222.0 ± 14.0 nm. The SLNs showed no particular toxic effect on the parasites, whereas the native artemisinin demonstrated a significant toxicity rate of 31% in viability of the promastigotes at the 250 µg/ml concentration. The therapeutic efficacy of the artemisinin-loaded SLNs was demonstrated in the experimental VL, using the L. infantum-infected BALB/c mice, in the present study. The 10 and 20 mg/kg doses of artemisinin-loaded SLNs showed higher level of antileishmanial efficacy compared with the free artemisinin. There was a significant diminishing of the parasite burden in liver (84.7 ± 4.9%) and spleen (85.0 ± 3.1%) and hepatosplenomegaly by the artemisinin-loaded SLNs treated at 20 mg/kg compared to the free artemisinin. Therefore, the present study supports the superior efficacy of artemisinin-loaded SLNs over the free artemisinin and could be considered as a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Akbari
- Department of Parasitology and mycology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Heli
- Department of Nanomedicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Oryan
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Asghari A, Banavand S, Akhlaghzadeh M, Shamsi L, Hatam G. First Molecular Identification and Subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in the Most Consumed Edible Marine Fish of Iran: A Foodborne Concern. Acta Parasitol 2024:10.1007/s11686-023-00769-9. [PMID: 38183610 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00769-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The presence of Blastocystis sp. is commonly observed in humans and different animals, displaying a wide range of genetic variations with the discovery of multiple subtypes (STs). However, the prevalence and distribution of these STs in edible marine fish and marine mammals remain uncertain. This study marks the first survey conducted in Iran and the second global molecular investigation to examine the occurrence and STs distribution of Blastocystis in various species of edible marine fish. METHODS This study screened 200 fresh intestinal contents from 10 well-known fish species (Narrow-barred mackerel, Indo-pacific king mackerel, Tigertooth croaker, Silver pomfret, Black pomfret, Longtail tuna, John's snapper, Blackspotted croaker, Four-finger threadfin, and Javelin grunter) in southern Iran, caught in the Persian Gulf. All collected samples were evaluated by microscopy and SSU-PCR methods. RESULTS Based on both microscopy and PCR, the overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in evaluated fish species was 2% (4/200). In brief, Blastocystis sp. was reported from Narrow-barred mackerel [10% (2/20)], Silver pomfret [5% (1/20)], and Tigertooth croaker [5% (1/20)]. Interestingly, among infected fish species three zoonotic STs (ST1, ST2, and ST7) were identified. ST2 was the most predominant ST [50% (2/4)], followed by ST1 and ST7, one sample each [5% (1/20)]. CONCLUSION Overall, the prevalence and STs distribution of Blastocystis in edible marine fish along with the possibility of its zoonotic transmission are still open to question and require extensive and more detailed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Shaghayegh Banavand
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhlaghzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Nanomedicine and Nanobiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Samsami S, Namavari S, Ataei S, Ghasemian A, Yazdanpanah A, Sepahi N, Hatam G, Faramarzi H, Mirzaei H, Ranjbar R, Ghanbariasad A. A Novel Multiplex LAMP Assay for the Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum from Iran. J Trop Med 2023; 2023:9326183. [PMID: 38028028 PMCID: PMC10676275 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9326183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is one of the neglected tropical diseases despite being responsible for serious clinical symptoms, some of which lead to fatal outcomes. Thus, there is a need to apply accurate, rapid, and specific diagnostic measurements in order to control the disease and reduce the mortality rate. We aimed to develop and validate a multiplex LAMP assay for the diagnosis of VL caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). Moreover, a thorough assessment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of multiplex LAMP in identifying various Leishmania species, such as Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) and Leishmania major (L. major) in comparison to Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). The diagnostic performance of the multiplex LAMP method for VL was compared to each LAMP assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and nested PCR technique. Two separated primers were set and used in a multiplex LAMP assay which was designed based on the ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer II) and were selected on the basis of conserved and high copy number region. Multiplex LAMP primers were designed using an online tool available at https://www.primerexplorer.jp/e. The alignment was performed using MEGA5, and the primers were further adjusted utilizing GENE Runner software. All molecular methods were tested on the serial dilution of cloned plasmid containing ITS region from standard strains of L. infantum, L. tropica, and L. major. Moreover, multiplex LAMP assay was evaluated and compared based on both standard strains and 55 clinical samples from humans as well as dogs. Various approaches were applied to interpret the multiplex LAMP reaction which deciphered a higher sensitivity when compared to the RT-qPCR for L. infantum (one copy number of plasmid, equal to 0.85 femtograms (fg) of plasmid concentration, and 0.004 parasite DNA per μL) detection while these three standard strains of Leishmania were confirmed to contain 40 DNA copies using RT-qPCR. Additionally, the multiplex LAMP detection limit was approximately equivalent to RT-qPCR for L. major and L. tropica, which included 0.342 picograms (pg) and 342 femtograms (fg) of plasmid concentration, 4 × 103 and 4 × 102 copy number of plasmid, and 17.1 and 1.71 parasite DNA per μL for L. major and L. tropica, respectively. Nested PCR exhibited a lower detection limit for L. infantum of 4 × 106 plasmid copy number compared to multiplex LAMP and RT-qPCR. Multiplex LAMP has the potential for accurate and rapid detection of infectious disease, successful treatment, and finding and monitoring asymptomatic cases, especially in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Samsami
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sahar Namavari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Saeed Ataei
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ava Yazdanpanah
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Neda Sepahi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Faramarzi
- Department of Community Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Razie Ranjbar
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbariasad
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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Moradian N, Hatam G, Hamedi A, Pasdaran A. In-vitro and in-vivo anti-leishmanial activity of the hanging sedge flavonoids based on bio- guided fractionation assay. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:1425-1434. [PMID: 36892494 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
As a major public health issue, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has a number of complications, including drug resistance and poor response to conventional treatments. Over the last decade, research on natural sources for finding new anti-leishmanial agents has been a critical part of tropical disease research. Natural products also should be regarded as one of the most valuable applications for CL infection drug development. In this study, we assessed the in-vitro and in-vivo anti-leishmanial potential of Carex pendula Huds. (hanging sedge) methanolic extract and its fractions against Leishmania major produced cutaneous infection. Although the methanolic extract and its fractions exhibited suitable activity, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the best activity (with the half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 = 1.627±0.211 mg/mL). The toxicity and selectivity indices (SI) of all samples were determined in murine peritoneal macrophage cells (J774A.1) using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. The flavonoid components of the ethyl acetate fraction were identified using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI MS/MS). Nine chemical compounds were identified in this fraction, including three flavonols, four flavanonols, and two flavan derivatives. L. major infected mice were used as an in-vivo model because the methanolic extract was effective against L. major promastigotes in the mammalian cell line J774A.1 with SI = 2.514 (tail lesion size model). In-silico analysis of identified compounds also revealed a favorable interaction between compounds 2-5 and L. major protein targets (3UIB, 4JZX, 4JZB, 5L4N, 5L42). According to the findings of this study, the ethyl acetate fraction (as flavonoid fraction) exhibited considerable in-vitro anti-leishmanial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Moradian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azadeh Hamedi
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ardalan Pasdaran
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Abpeikar Z, Safaei M, Akbar Alizadeh A, Goodarzi A, Hatam G. The novel treatments based on tissue engineering, cell therapy and nanotechnology for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Int J Pharm 2023; 633:122615. [PMID: 36657555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a global public health issue. Conventional treatments have substantial costs, side effects, and parasite resistance. Due to easy application and inexpensive cost, topical treatment is the optimal approach for CL. It could be used alone or with systemic treatments. Electrospun fibers as drug release systems in treating skin lesions have various advantages such as adjustable drug release rate, maintaining appropriate humidity and temperature, gas exchange, plasticity at the lesion site, similarity with the skin extracellular matrix (ECM) and drug delivery with high efficiency. Hydrogels are valuable scaffolds in the treatment of skin lesions. The important features of hydrogels include preserving unstable drugs from degradation, absorption of wound secretions, high biocompatibility, improving the re-epithelialization of the wound and preventing the formation of scars. One of the issues in local drug delivery systems for the skin is the low permeability of drugs in the skin. Polymeric scaffolds that are designed as microneedle patches can penetrate the skin and overcome this challenge. Also, drug delivery using nanocarriers increases the effectiveness of drugs in lower and more tolerable doses and reduces the toxicity of drugs. The application of cell therapy in the treatment of parasitic and infectious diseases has been widely investigated. The complexity of leishmaniasis treatment requires identifying new treatment options like cell therapy to overcome the disease. Topics investigated in this study include drug delivery systems based on tissue engineering scaffolds, nanotechnology and cell therapy-based studies to reduce the complications of CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abpeikar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohsen Safaei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Alizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arash Goodarzi
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran; Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Dousti M, Hosseinpour M, D Ghasemi N, Mirfakhraee H, Rajabi SK, Rashidi S, Hatam G. The potential role of protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) during parasitic infections: a focus on Leishmania spp. Pathog Dis 2023; 81:ftad032. [PMID: 38061803 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of vector-borne diseases caused by intracellular protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. Leishmania parasites can employ different and numerous sophisticated strategies, including modulating host proteins, cell signaling, and cell responses by parasite proteins, to change the infected host conditions to favor the parasite persistence and induce pathogenesis. In this sense, protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) have been described as crucial proteins that can be modulated during leishmaniasis and affect the pathogenesis process. The effect of modulated PDIs can be investigated in both aspects, parasite PDIs and infected host cell PDIs, during infection. The information concerning PDIs is not sufficient in parasitology; however, this study aimed to provide data regarding the biological functions of such crucial proteins in parasites with a focus on Leishmania spp. and their relevant effects on the pathogenesis process. Although there are no clinical trial vaccines and therapeutic approaches, highlighting this information might be fruitful for the development of novel strategies based on PDIs for the management of parasitic diseases, especially leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Dousti
- Firoozabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (FACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Hosseinpour
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nadia D Ghasemi
- Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hosna Mirfakhraee
- Firoozabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (FACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin K Rajabi
- Firoozabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (FACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Rashidi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Rashidi S, Faraji SN, Mamaghani AJ, Hatam S, Kazemi B, Bemani P, Tabaei SJS, Hatam G. Bioinformatics analysis for the purpose of designing a novel multi-epitope DNA vaccine against Leishmania major. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18119. [PMID: 36302830 PMCID: PMC9612607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the main infectious diseases worldwide. In the midst of all the different forms of the disease, Cutaneous Leishmania (CL) has the highest incidence in the world. Many trial vaccines have been developed with the purpose of generating long-term cell-mediated immunity to Leishmania(L) major. As there is not any multi-epitope DNA vaccine with high efficacy against L.major, the aim of this study is to design a new multi-epitope DNA vaccine in order to have effective control upon this infectious disease through the immune bioinformatics. The L.major antigens: Gp63, LACK, TSA, LmSTI1and KMP11 were selected to design a multi-epitope DNA vaccine. The initial structure of the DNA vaccine was designed, benefiting from Gen Bank's website information. Epitopes of MHC-I antigens were predicted through the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), and the selected epitopes were used to make vaccines construct along with linkers. New multi-epitope vaccine including 459 nucleic acids designed, and inserted between BamH1 and HindIII restriction sites of pCDNA3.1 mammalian expression vector. 12 epitopes among the chosen antigens were selected by two servers (IEDB and ANTIGEN). They had high stability and high antigenic power. Physicochemical features of vaccine measured by ProtParam server, and this structure was thermostable and hydrophilic. it's a suitable model to study on the animal and human phases. The designed vaccine is expected to be an effective candidate through development of (CL) vaccines. However, the effectiveness of this vaccine should also evaluate in vivo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sama Rashidi
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani
- grid.411600.2Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Hatam
- Science and Technology Park of Fars, ExirBitanic Company, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- grid.411600.2Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center Shahid, Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Bemani
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Immunology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyyed Javad Seyyed Tabaei
- grid.411600.2Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Science and Technology Park of Fars, ExirBitanic Company, Shiraz, Iran ,grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698 Basic Sciences in Infectious diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Shams M, Shamsi L, Yousefi A, Sadrebazzaz A, Asghari A, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Shahabi S, Hatam G. Current global status, subtype distribution and zoonotic significance of Blastocystis in dogs and cats: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:225. [PMID: 35733146 PMCID: PMC9215001 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and cats have had a close bond with humans. However, their close proximity poses a potential health risk since they may harbor several zoonotic agents. A global estimate of Blastocystis infection and subtype (ST) distribution in dogs and cats would therefore be of great health importance to humans. Methods We performed a comprehensive systematic search of four English-language databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science) for relevant articles up to 8 November 2021. The random-effects model was used to make pooled estimates with confidence intervals (CIs). Results In total, we identified 49 publications that met our inclusion criteria and subsequently analyzed the 65 datasets in these articles, of which 23 and 42 datasets were on cats and dogs, respectively. Among the 2934 cats included in the 23 datasets, which involved 16 countries, the prevalence rate of Blastocystis infection was 9.3% (95% CI 5.3–15.9%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was slightly lower [7%, 95% CI 4.7–10.4%) among the 7946 dogs included in the 42 datasets, involving 23 countries. The sensitivity analysis showed that no remarkable variation in the estimates upon the stepwise removal of each dataset. Higher ST diversity was found among the examined dogs (ST1-8, ST10, ST23, ST24) than among cats (ST1-4, ST10, ST14). Among dogs, ST3 was the most frequent ST (41.3%), followed by ST2 (39.3%), ST1 (30.9%), ST4 (13.4%), ST8 (12.7%), ST10 (11%) and ST5 (8.1%). Also among dogs, each of ST6, ST7, ST23 and ST24 was observed in only one study. Of the ST found in the cats examined, ST4 (29.5%), followed by ST10 (22.5%), ST1 (19.8%) and ST3 (17.6%) were the most common. A single study also reported the presence of both ST2 and ST14 in cats. With respect to zoonotic Blastocystis STs (ST1–ST9 and ST12), eight were reported from dogs (ST1-ST8) and four were isolated from cats (ST1–ST4), showing the implication of dog and cats in zoonotic transmission. Conclusions Taken together, our results show that elucidation of the true epidemiology and ST distribution of Blastocystis in dogs and cats demands more comprehensive studies, particularly in the negelected regions of the world. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Yousefi
- Department of Medical Lab Science, School of Medicine, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadrebazzaz
- Education and Extension Organization, Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Faraji SN, Raee MJ, Hashemi SMA, Daryabor G, Tabrizi R, Dashti FS, Behboudi E, Heidarnejad K, Nowrouzi-Sohrabi P, Hatam G. Human interaction targets of SARS-COV-2 spike protein: A systematic review. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [PMCID: PMC9160582 DOI: 10.1177/1721727x221095382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The development of effective targeted therapy and drug-design approaches against the SARS-CoV-2 is a universal health priority. Therefore, it is important to assess possible therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 via its most interaction targets. The present study aimed to perform a systematic review on clinical and experimental investigations regarding SARS-COV-2 interaction targets for human cell entry. Methods: A systematic search using relevant MeSH terms and keywords was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (ISI) databases up to July 2021. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. Additionally, a narrative synthesis was done as a qualitative method for data gathering and synthesis of each outcome measure. Results: A total of 5610 studies were identified, and 128 articles were included in the systematic review. Based on the results, spike antigen was the only interaction protein from SARS-CoV-2. However, the interaction proteins from humans varied including different spike receptors and several cleavage enzymes. The most common interactions of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for cell entry were ACE2 (entry receptor) and TMPRSS2 (for spike priming). A lot of published studies have mainly focused on the ACE2 receptor followed by the TMPRSS family and furin. Based on the results, ACE2 polymorphisms as well as spike RBD mutations affected the SARS-CoV-2 binding affinity. Conclusion: The included studies shed more light on SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry mechanisms and detailed interactions, which could enhance the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the development of new and comprehensive therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohamad Javad Raee
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohamad Ali Hashemi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Daryabor
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Tabrizi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Fateme Sadat Dashti
- Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Emad Behboudi
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Kamran Heidarnejad
- Recombinant Antibody Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Peyman Nowrouzi-Sohrabi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Nazemosadat SMJ, Shafiei R, Ghaedamini H, Najjari M, Nazemosadat-Arsanjani Z, Hatam G. Spatio-temporal variability of malaria infection in Chahbahar County, Iran: association with the ENSO and rainfall variability. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:41757-41775. [PMID: 35098475 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most widespread communicable diseases in the southeast regions of Iran, particularly the Chabahar County. Although the outbreak of this disease is a climate-related phenomenon, a comprehensive analysis of the malaria-climate relationship has not yet been investigated in Iran. The aims of this study are as follows: a) analyzing the seasonal characteristics of the various species of the infection; b) differentiating between number of patients during El Niño and La Niña and also during the wet and dry years. The monthly malaria statistics collected from twelve health centers were firstly averaged into seasonal scale and then composited with the corresponding data of the ground-based meteorological records, Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), and the satellite-based rainfall data. The proper statistical tests were used to detect differences in the number of patients between El Niño and La Niña and also between the adopted wet and dry episodes. Infection rate from the highest to the lowest was associated with summer, autumn, spring, and winter, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, and the other species were responsible for 22%, 75%, and 3% of the sickness, respectively. The outbreak of P. falciparum/P. vivax occurs during autumn/summer. Due to the malaria eradication programs in urban areas, infection statistics collected from the rural areas were found to be more climate-related than that of urban regions. For rural/urban areas, the infection statistics exhibited a significant decline/increase during El Niño episodes. In autumn, spring, and winter, the patient number has significantly increased/decreased during the dry/wet years, respectively. These relationships were, however, reversed in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Shafiei
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Habib Ghaedamini
- The Atmospheric and Oceanic Research Center, Water Engineering Department, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Najjari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Hatam G, Morovati H, Alikhani M, Rahimi A, Pakshir K, Amini S, Zomorodian K. Evaluating the Typing Power of Six Isoenzymatic Systems for Differentiation of Clinical and Standard Isolates of Candida Species. Adv Biomed Res 2022; 12:134. [PMID: 37434931 PMCID: PMC10331524 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_243_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the increasing prevalence of candidiasis, early detection of the causative agents may pave the way for the management of this infection. The present study aimed to assess the discriminative power of the six isoenzymatic systems for differentiating the Candida species. Materials and Methods Sixteen standard Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis strains and 30 fluconazole-sensitive and fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of Candida albicans were analyzed using a Multilocus Enzyme Electrophoresis (MLEE) method, including six enzymatic systems consisting of malate dehydrogenase (MDH), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), glucose-phosphate isomerase (GPI), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), and malic enzyme (ME). Results Among the six enzymatic systems, ME showed no diagnostic activity, whereas MDH provided the best species-specific pattern for species discrimination. In addition, the MDH and G6PD systems provided a discriminatory pattern for differentiating C. dubliniensis from C. albicans isolates. The same isoenzymatic activity was detected in all 36 standard and clinical isolates. Moreover, the results showed no correlation between the isoenzymatic profiles and drug resistance. Conclusion Among the investigated MLEE systems, MDH was able to differentiate between Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis. Although no association was detected between isoenzyme patterns and fluconazole resistance in this investigation, isoenzyme patterns are likely correlated with virulence factors between species and even within species. To answer these questions, additional studies should be done on more strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamid Morovati
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marzieh Alikhani
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Rahimi
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Keyvan Pakshir
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Amini
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamiar Zomorodian
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Vazin A, Heidaripour MS, Kalantari M, Hatam G. Molecular-based detection of Leishmania tropica isolates among sensitive, resistant, and relapsed patients treated with Meglumine Antimoniate. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:328-333. [DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01471-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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15
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Hashemizadeh Z, Hatam G, Fathi J, Aminazadeh F, Hosseini-Nave H, Hadadi M, Shakib NH, Kholdi S, Bazargani A. The Spread of Insertion Sequences Element and Transposons in Carbapenem Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a Hospital Setting in Southwestern Iran. Infect Chemother 2022; 54:275-286. [PMID: 35706082 PMCID: PMC9259918 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2022.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most important hospital pathogenic bacteria that cause infectious diseases. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of carbapenem resistance genes in association with transposable elements and molecular typing of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii bacteria collected from patients in Shiraz, Iran. Materials and Methods A total of 170 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates were obtained from different clinical specimens in two hospitals. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of imipenem were determined and the prevalence of OXA Carbapenemases, Metallo-β-lactamases genes, insertion sequences (IS) elements, and transposons were evaluated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Finally, molecular typing of the isolates was performed by the Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-PCR method. Results The MICs ranged from 16 to 1,024 µg/mL for imipenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates. Out of the 170 carbapenem resistant A. baumannii isolates, blaOXA-24-like (94, 55.3%) followed by blaOXA-23-like (71, 41.7%) were predominant. In addition, A. baumannii isolates carried blaVIM (71, 41.7%), blaGES (32, 18.8%), blaSPM (4, 2.3%), and blaKPC (1, 0.6%). Moreover, ISAba1 (94.2%) and Tn2009 (39.2%) were the most frequent transposable elements. Furthermore, (71, 44.0%) and (161, 94.7%) of the ISAba1 of the isolates were associated with blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 genes, respectively. Besides (3, 1.7%), (1, 0.6%) and (5, 2.9%) of blaOXA-23 were associated with IS18, ISAba4, and ISAba2, respectively. Considering an 80.0% cut off, clusters and four singletons were detected. Conclusion According to the results, transposable elements played an important role in the development of resistance genes and resistance to carbapenems. The results also indicated carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii bacteria as a public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Hashemizadeh
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Javad Fathi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aminazadeh
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseini-Nave
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahtab Hadadi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Hosseinzadeh Shakib
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sodeh Kholdi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdollah Bazargani
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Alipour A, Hatam G, Seradj H. Microtubule Disruption Without Learning Impairment in the Unicellular Organism, Paramecium: Implications for Information Processing in Microtubules. Basic Clin Neurosci 2022; 13:139-152. [PMID: 36589025 PMCID: PMC9790103 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.2021.2462.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Information processing in microtubules is an open question that has not been adequately addressed. It was suggested that microtubules could store and process information in the nervous system or even support consciousness. The unicellular organism, Paramecium caudatum, has a microtubular structure but lacks a neuron or neural network. However, it shows intelligent behaviors such as associative learning. This property may suggest that the microtubules are involved in intelligent behavior, information storage, or information processing in this organism. Methods To test this hypothesis and study the role of microtubules in P. caudatum learning, we utilized a learning task in which the organism associates brightness in its swimming medium with attractive cathodal shocks. To see if microtubules are an integral part of information storage and processing in P. caudatum, we disrupted the microtubular dynamics in the organism using an antimicrotubular agent (parbendazole). Results We observed that while a partial allosteric modulator of GABA (midazolam) could disrupt the learning process in P. caudatum, the antimicrotubular agent could not interfere with the learning. Conclusion Microtubules are probably not vital for the learning behavior in P. caudatum. Consequently, our results call for further investigation of the microtubular information processing hypothesis. Highlights Importance of Information processing in microtubules;Microtubules could store and process information in the nervous system;Unicellular organism, Paramecium caudatum, has a microtubular structure but lacks a neuron or neural network. Plain Language Summary Information processing in microtubules is an open question that has not been adequately addressed. It was suggested that microtubules could store and process information in the nervous system or even support consciousness. The unicellular organism, Paramecium caudatum, has a microtubular structure but lacks a neuron or neural network. However, it shows intelligent behaviors such as associative learning. This property may suggest that the microtubules are involved in intelligent behavior, information storage, or information processing in this organism. To test this hypothesis and study the role of microtubules in P. caudatum learning, we utilized a learning task in which the organism associates brightness in its swimming medium with attractive cathodal shocks. To see if microtubules are an integral part of information storage and processing in P. caudatum, we disrupted the microtubular dynamics in the organism using an antimicrotubular agent (parbendazole). We observed that while a partial allosteric modulator of GABA (midazolam) could disrupt the learning process in P. caudatum, the antimicrotubular agent could not interfere with the learning. Microtubules are probably not vital for the learning behavior in P. caudatum. Consequently, our results call for further investigation of the microtubular information processing hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Alipour
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Seradj
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Davoodi T, Khamesipour A, Shahabi S, Gholizadeh F, Pourkamal D, Hatam G. Geographical distribution and molecular epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Fars Province, southern Iran. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:4024-4032. [PMID: 34396481 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15865-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the important zoonotic diseases in Iran, particularly in Fars Province, southern Iran. The purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to investigate the molecular identification and geographical distribution of anthroponotic and zoonotic CL in southern Iran, during 2018-2019. Overall, 161 patients with CL referred to the Leishmaniasis Diagnostic Laboratory, Valfajr Health Center, Shiraz, Iran, were included in this study. The smears were prepared from the lesion borders of patients and stained with Giemsa and diagnosed microscopically. For molecular identification, the genomic DNA of each sample was extracted, and PCR method was used. The geographical distribution map was prepared using ArcMap software. Finally, the possible correlation between the frequencies of CL in various subgroups was statistically analyzed by Chi-square test, using SPSS software. Of 161 positive samples confirmed by both microscopy and PCR, 126 (78.3%) and 35 (21.7%) samples were shown to be L. major and L. tropica, respectively. Also, 87 (54%) patients were male, and 74 (46%) were female. The study showed that anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) was detected only in Shiraz city, while zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) was observed both in Shiraz and most counties of Fars Province. Furthermore, the most CL infections occurred in district 8 among the different districts of Shiraz municipality, which requires serious attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Davoodi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Gholizadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Daniel Pourkamal
- Valfajr Health Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Khazaei M, Rahnama V, Motazedian MH, Samani SM, Hatam G. In vitro effect of artemether-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) on Leishmania infantum. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:964-971. [PMID: 34789979 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01373-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an acute and deadly form of leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania infantum parasite. Due to the toxicity and side effects of conventional treatment options, such as glucantime and other pentavalent drugs, finding novel drugs with fewer adverse effects is required. Artemether (ART), is one of the derivatives of artemisinin, which was shown to be effective in treating malaria and more recently, leishmaniasis. In this fundamental-applied research, we compared the effect of ART and nanostructure loaded with artemether (NLC-ART) on Leishmania infantum promastigotes and amastigotes, at different concentrations (2.5-5-10-25-50-100 μg/ml) using the MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay method after 24 and 48 h of treatment. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) values (μg/ml) of promastigote and amastigote of L. infantum to ART/ NLC-ART, after 48 h of treatment, were found to be 37.12 / 32.1 and 16.43 / 15.42, respectively. Moreover, we found that (NLC-ART), had the lowest cytotoxicity against the J774 macrophage cell line. Conclusion: The NLC-ART can be a good candidate for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Khazaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Rahnama
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Motazedian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Nanomedicine and Nano Biology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soliman Mohammadi Samani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Asghari A, Sadeghipour Z, Hassanipour S, Abbasali Z, Ebrahimzadeh-Parikhani H, Hashemzaei M, Alimardani V, Hatam G. Association between Blastocystis sp. infection and immunocompromised patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:60308-60328. [PMID: 34528202 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The significance of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients and the enigmatic pathogenicity of Blastocystis directed us to conduct the first global systematic review and meta-analysis on Blastocystis prevalence, odds ratios (ORs), and subtypes distribution in various immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS, cancer and hemodialysis patients, as well as transplant recipients). The systematic searching procedure was done in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for relevant published literature until November 11, 2020. Random-effects model was utilized to calculate the weighted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The computed pooled prevalence of Blastocystis inferred from 118 papers (128 datasets) on immunocompromised patients was 10.3% (95% CI: 8.7-12.2%), with 16.1% (95% CI: 11.3-22.2%), 12.5% (95% CI: 8.5-18%), 8.4% (95 % CI: 6.6-10.6%), and 6% (95% CI: 2.6-13.3%) for hemodialysis patients, cancer patients, HIV/AIDS patients, and transplant recipients, respectively. Based on 50 case-control studies (54 datasets), the highest ORs were associated with cancer [2.81 (95% CI: 1.24-6.38, P = 0.013)] and hemodialysis patients [2.78 (95% CI: 1.19-6.48, P = 0.018)]. The most frequent subtype being found in immunocompromised patients was ST3 [41.7% (95% CI: 31.4-52.7%)], followed by ST1 [31.7% (95% CI: 23.2-41.8%)] and ST2 [23.1% (95% CI: 14.8-34.1%)]. Also, the weighted frequency of Blastocystis in various subgroups (publication year, WHO regions, geographical distribution, continents, and country income) was analyzed separately. In total, the results of the present meta-analysis highlighted that one's immunodeficiency status is probably associated with an increased Blastocystis infection, underpinning strict preventive measures to be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Sadeghipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Soheil Hassanipour
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zahra Abbasali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Ebrahimzadeh-Parikhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Hashemzaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Alimardani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Amini M, Mikaeili F, Handjani F, Hatam G, Asgari Q. The effect of integration of basic and clinical aspects of a specific topic in a parasitology course on medical students learning: A randomized controlled trial. J Educ Health Promot 2021; 10:390. [PMID: 34912926 PMCID: PMC8641709 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1656_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Parasitology course is one of the basic science courses in the educational curriculum for medical students. Since the integration of basic and clinical sciences has helped students better understand the basic science course content, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of integration of basic and clinical aspects of a specific topic in a parasitology course on medical students learning. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 110 undergraduate fifth-semester medical students from April to July 2018. The students were randomly divided into two groups, based on student identification number: Intervention and control groups. The topic selected for this study from the parasitology course was "cutaneous leishmaniasis." At the beginning of the program, a dermatologist presented the clinical aspects of the topic to the intervention group. Then, a parasitologist delivered a traditional lecture about the basic aspects of the topic to both groups. The students' scores on questions related to cutaneous leishmaniasis in the final exam were used as a measure of learning and teaching outcomes. A questionnaire that consisted of seven items and three open-ended questions was used based on the objectives of the randomized controlled trial. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software. RESULTS Based on the result of the final examination, there was no significant difference in the learning rate of students between the intervention and control groups (P ≥ 0.05). According to students' comments, the teaching of clinical science alongside basic science increased the importance of the topic and the students' interest in basic science. Most students agreed that this method prepares them for their clinical years. CONCLUSION Many medical students believe that the content of many basic science courses are forgotten in the future. Therefore, basic science education alongside clinical science presentations are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Amini
- Clinical Education Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farhad Handjani
- Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Heydari A, Hatam G, Fouladvand M, Sadjjadi SM, Barazesh A. Investigating the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Immunocompromised Patients in Bushehr Province, Southwest Iran: A Conventional and Molecular Study. Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2021; 45:121-127. [PMID: 34103289 DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2021.7145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to determine the status of intestinal parasitic infections in immunocompromised patients in Bushehr province, southwest Iran by conventional and molecular methods. Methods A total of 201 stool samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, AIDS patients and patients under chemotherapy. Samples were collected from healthy people as the control group. The specimens were tested using various conventional methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed on samples identified as positive for Coccidia by direct microscopic examination. Results Approximately 32.45% were infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. The highest (46.8%) and lowest rates of infection (24%) were observed in AIDS and chemotherapy patients, respectively, while the infection rate of the control group was 16%. Isospora spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were observed in all patient groups, and Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts were detected in one of the transplant recipients. All identified coccidia were confirmed by PCR. There was a significant relationship between the rate of intestinal parasite infection and certain variables. Conclusion Given the potential risk of certain intestinal parasites in people with immune deficiency, it is recommended that diagnosis of parasitic infections in such patients be based on specific parasitological methods. Thus, it is advisable that physicians refer them to a parasitology laboratory prior to drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Heydari
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Moradali Fouladvand
- Bushehr University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Barazesh
- Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr, Iran
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Namaei MH, Solgi R, Rajaii T, Shafaie E, Karamian M, Hatam G, Tasa D, Riahi SM. The Efficacy of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Prosopis farcta Against Leishmania major. Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2021; 45:1-4. [PMID: 33685060 DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2020.6956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objective Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major (L. major) is an endemic disease in Iran. The current reference drugs, including Glucantime, possess high toxicity in addition to some side-effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring biomedical plants. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the anti-leishmanial activity and cytotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extracts from Prosopis farcta (P. farcta) over promastigote and amastigote forms. Methods This study was performed at the Iran Birjand University of Medical Sciences, during the year 2019. In this study, the hydroalcoholic extracts of the stems, leaves (LE) and fruits (FE) of P. farcta were obtained. The anti-leishmanial activity was assessed against leptomonad promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of L. major. The cytotoxicity of these extracts was determined in murine macrophages. Results The FE and LE of P. farcta demonstrated a significant leishmanicidal effect against L. major promastigotes with an IC50 of 0.9 mg/mL and 1.1 mg/mL, respectively. The FE showed the most anti-leishmanial activity and presented with the highest index of selectivity (SI=14.6) as an anti-leishmanial product. Infected macrophages treated using the FE showed a reduction in parasite burden by 97.3%. Conclusion The results of the present study demonstrated the leishmanicidal activity of P. farcta on both promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. There is a need for performing comprehensive studies on relevant animal models and to access the effects of active components of P. farcta extract on the growth of L. major.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hasan Namaei
- Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Disease Research Center, Birjand, İran
| | - Rahmat Solgi
- Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Disease Research Center, Birjand, İran
| | - Toktem Rajaii
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Health Center, Mashhad, İran
| | - Ebrahim Shafaie
- Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Disease Research Center, Birjand, İran
| | - Mehdi Karamian
- Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Zanjan, İran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, İran
| | - Davoud Tasa
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Department of General Surgery, Tehran, İran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Department of Public Health, Birjand, İran
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Kalantar K, Manzano-Román R, Ghani E, Mansouri R, Hatam G, Nguewa P, Rashidi S. Leishmanial apolipoprotein A-I expression: a possible strategy used by the parasite to evade the host's immune response. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:607-613. [PMID: 33998267 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) represents the main component of the Trypanosome lytic factor (TLF) which contributes to the host innate immunity against Trypanosoma and Leishmania. These parasites use complex and multiple strategies such as molecular mimicry to evade or subvert the host immune system. Previous studies have highlighted the adaptation mechanisms of TLF-resistant Trypanosoma species. These data might support the hypothesis that Leishmania parasites (amastigote forms in macrophages) might express apo A-I to bypass and escape from TLF action as a component of the host innate immune responses. The anti-inflammatory property of apo A-I is another mechanism that supports our idea that apo A-I may play a role in Leishmania parasites allowing them to bypass the host innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), Salamanca, 37007, Spain
| | - Esmaeel Ghani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Reza Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences & Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Paul Nguewa
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, University of Navarra, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), c/ Irunlarrea 1, Pamplona, 31008, Spain
| | - Sajad Rashidi
- Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Atapour A, Ghalamfarsa F, Naderi S, Hatam G. Designing of a Novel Fusion Protein Vaccine Candidate Against Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) Using Immunoinformatics and Structural Approaches. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021; 27:1885-1898. [PMID: 33935610 PMCID: PMC8067785 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. The clinical forms of leishmaniasis differ from cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) which depend on the parasite species and the host’s immune responses. There are significant challenges to the available anti-leishmanial drug therapy, particularly in severe forms of disease, and the rise of drug resistance has made it more difficult. Currently, no licensed vaccines have been introduced to the market for the control and elimination of VL. A potential target for use in candidate vaccines against leishmaniasis has been shown to be leishmania Kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP-11) antigen. In this study, we chose KMP-11 antigen as target antigen in our vaccine construct. In addition, B-type flagellin (fliC) was used as an adjuvant for enhancing vaccine immunogenicity. The GSGSGSGSGSG linker was applied to link the KMP-11 antigen and fliC (KMP-11-fliC) to construct our fusion protein. Bioinformatics approaches such as; 3D homology modeling, CTL, B-cell, MHC class I and II epitopes prediction, allergenicity, antigenicity evaluations, molecular docking, fast simulations of flexibility of docked complex and in silico cloning were employed to analysis and evaluation of various properties of the designed fusion construct. Computational results showed that our engineered structure has the potential for proper stimulation of cellular and humoral immune responses against VL. Consequently, it could be proposed as a candidate vaccine against VL according to these data and after verifying the efficacy of the candidate vaccine through in vivo and in vitro immunological tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Atapour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 71348-14336 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farideh Ghalamfarsa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Naderi
- Department of Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Omidian M, Ganjkarimi AH, Asgari Q, Hatam G. Molecular and serological study on congenital toxoplasmosis in newborn of Shiraz, Southern Iran. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:16122-16128. [PMID: 33247407 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by an obligatory intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The congenital form of the disease is a significant health problem around the world. This study aimed to determine the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in the newborn of Shiraz, Southern Iran, between 2013 and 2018. A total of 2498 blood samples of neonates were randomly collected by a standard heel puncture technique and dried on Guthrie cards from Shiraz newborn screening center. We provided questionnaire forms for mothers according to their demographic characteristics, such as age, place of residence, history of having cats as pet, and literacy level. ELISA immunocapture and PCR assays were applied to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgM and the parasite DNA in dried blood spot samples. The anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody was detected in two out of the 2498 infants. Moreover, borderline titers were observed in 3 samples, which were considered suspicious, so these were retested after 18 months to detect IgG against Toxoplasma. Positive IgG titer was observed in two infants who had a positive IgM level. The genome of Toxoplasma was detected in one sample out of 2498. No significant differences were seen between the epidemiological factors with congenital infection. The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis is estimated at 0.08% of studied samples. It seems that this incidence could present to the health ministry as a logical research achievement for the national screening program of newborns in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Omidian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ganjkarimi
- Central Neonatal Screening Laboratory, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Zare S, Hatam G, Firuzi O, Bagheri A, Chandran JN, Schneider B, Paetz C, Pirhadi S, Jassbi AR. Antileishmanial and pharmacophore modeling of abietane-type diterpenoids extracted from the roots of Salvia hydrangea. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.129447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Dousti M, Manzano-Román R, Rashidi S, Barzegar G, Ahmadpour NB, Mohammadi A, Hatam G. A proteomic glimpse into the effect of antimalarial drugs on Plasmodium falciparum proteome towards highlighting possible therapeutic targets. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:ftaa071. [PMID: 33202000 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no effective vaccine against malaria; therefore, chemotherapy is to date the only choice to fight against this infectious disease. However, there is growing evidences of drug-resistance mechanisms in malaria treatments. Therefore, the identification of new drug targets is an urgent need for the clinical management of the disease. Proteomic approaches offer the chance of determining the effects of antimalarial drugs on the proteome of Plasmodium parasites. Accordingly, we reviewed the effects of antimalarial drugs on the Plasmodium falciparum proteome pointing out the relevance of several proteins as possible drug targets in malaria treatment. In addition, some of the P. falciparum stage-specific altered proteins and parasite-host interactions might play important roles in pathogenicity, survival, invasion and metabolic pathways and thus serve as potential sources of drug targets. In this review, we have identified several proteins, including thioredoxin reductase, helicases, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase, endoplasmic reticulum-resident calcium-binding protein, choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, apical membrane antigen 1, glutamate dehydrogenase, hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase, heat shock protein 70x, knob-associated histidine-rich protein and erythrocyte membrane protein 1, as promising antimalarial drugs targets. Overall, proteomic approaches are able to partially facilitate finding possible drug targets. However, the integration of other 'omics' and specific pharmaceutical techniques with proteomics may increase the therapeutic properties of the critical proteins identified in the P. falciparum proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Dousti
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sajad Rashidi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Barzegar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Mohammadi
- Department of Disease Control, Komijan Treatment and Health Network, Arak University of Medical Science, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Rashidi S, Nguewa P, Mojtahedi Z, Shahriari B, Kalantar K, Hatam G. Identification of immunoreactive proteins in secretions of Leishmania infantum promastigotes: an immunoproteomic approach. East Mediterr Health J 2020; 26:1548-1555. [PMID: 33355395 DOI: 10.26719/emhj.20.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background In the Mediterranean region, Leishmania infantum is the main cause of visceral leishmaniasis. Dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis are an important reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis. Control of canine visceral leishmaniasis could disrupt transmission of visceral leishmaniasis to humans. The secreted antigens of Leishmania promastigotes are potential stimuli of the host immune system. Proteomic techniques facilitate the identification of new protein markers. Aims This study aimed to identify immunoreactive proteins in the secretions of L. infantum promastigotes which could be possible targets for the diagnosis and treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis and the development of vaccines against the disease. Methods Secretions of L. infantum promastigotes were obtained from the cultivation of 6 × 109 promastigotes in serum- free RPMI-1640 medium during a period of 72 h. After deionization and lyophilization, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used for protein separation followed by Western blotting. Thirteen common and repeatable immunoreactive spots were analysed by mass spectrometry. Results Nine proteins were identified by spectrometry. Most of these proteins were involved in metabolism pathways, survival and pathogenicity of Leishmania parasites. Phospholipase C, immune inhibitor A, chitin-binding protein and a single peptide match to chain A crystal structure of selenomethionine were observed in the secretions of L. infantum promastigotes. Conclusions The proteins identified in metabolism pathways, survival and pathogenicity of Leishmania parasites are possible targets that could be used for the diagnosis and treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis and the development of vaccines against the disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Paul Nguewa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Zahra Mojtahedi
- Institute for Cancer Research, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran.,Department of Health Care Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Bahador Shahriari
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Foroughi-Parvar F, Sarkari B, Asgari Q, Hatam G. FML-ELISA a novel diagnostic method for detection of feline leishmaniasis in two endemic areas of Iran. J Parasit Dis 2020; 45:279-284. [PMID: 33746415 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01316-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although canids are regarded as major reservoir hosts for Leishmania infantum, feline leishmaniasis are reported sporadically from different endemic foci of Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Despite the risk of parasite transmission between human and other animals, most of the studies are limited to dogs and few studies are focused to investigate Leishmania sp. among other mammals. This project was aimed to detect L. infantum antibodies of cats in two VL endemic regions of Iran by Fucose Mannose Ligand (FML) and soluble L. infantum antigen (SLA) ELISA. Forty nine stray cats of different age and sex, from Fars and Ardabil provinces (two VL endemic loci of Iran) were sampled, then tested for L. infantum by FML and SLA-ELISA. Sixteen percent (8/49) of cat sera were reported positive by FML-ELISA. SLA-ELISA showed 18.3% (9/48) positive cases in cats. Sensitivity of FML-ELISA was calculated 57% and SLA ELISA 25%. Specificity of FML and SLA ELISA were assessed 78% and 68% respectively. Kappa coefficient of agreement between FML and SLA-ELISA was detected on 0.45. As feline leishmaniasis could be a potential risk in endemic areas, FML-ELISA could be considered as an appropriate examination to detect leishmaniasis in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faeze Foroughi-Parvar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Rashidi S, Kalantar K, Fernandez-Rubio C, Anvari E, Nguewa P, Hatam G. Chitin binding protein as a possible RNA binding protein in Leishmania parasites. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:5735439. [PMID: 32053190 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis includes a broad spectrum of pathological outcomes in humans caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania. In recent years, proteomic techniques have introduced novel proteins with critical functions in Leishmania parasites. Based on our report of a Chitin binding protein (CBP) in our previous immunoproteomic study, this article suggests that CBP might be an RNA binding protein (RBP) in Leishmania parasites. RBPs, as key regulatory factors, have a role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The presence of RBPs in Leishmania parasites has not been considered so far; however, this study aims to open a new venue regarding RBPs in Leishmania parasites. Confirming CBP as an RBP in Leishmania parasites, exploring other RBPs and their functions might lead to interesting issues in leishmaniasis. In fact, due to the regulatory role of RBPs in different diseases including cancers and their further classification as therapeutic targets, the emerging evaluation of CBP and RBPs from Leishmania parasites may allow the discovery of novel and effective drugs against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Celia Fernandez-Rubio
- University of Navarra, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology. c/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enayat Anvari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Paul Nguewa
- University of Navarra, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology. c/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Rashidi S, Kalantar K, Nguewa P, Hatam G. Leishmanial selenoproteins and the host immune system: towards new therapeutic strategies? Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 114:541-544. [PMID: 32236439 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimum levels of selenoproteins are essential for starting and managing the host immune responses against pathogens. According to the expression of selenoproteins in Leishmania parasites, and since high levels of selenoproteins lead to adverse effects on immune cells and their functions, Leishmania parasites might then express selenoproteins such as selenomethionine in their structure and/or secretions able to challenge the host immune system. Finally, this adaptation may lead to evasion of the parasite from the host immune system. The expression of selenoproteins in Leishmania parasites might then induce the development of infection. We therefore suggest these molecules as new therapeutic candidates for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7134845794, Iran
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7134845794, Iran
| | - Paul Nguewa
- University of Navarra, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology. c/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7134845794, Iran
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Esfandiari F, Derakhshanfar A, Goudarzi F, Hatam G. Comparison of camel, dog and the laboratory animals' sera with the fetal calf serum (FCS) for cultivation of Leishmania major. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:299-304. [PMID: 32508404 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01203-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The best-known serum for Leishmania spp. cultivation is the fetal calf serum (FCS), which is very expensive with ethical concerns. This study was conducted to compare various laboratory (BALB/c mice, rat, rabbit, hamster and guinea pig) and non-laboratory (dog and camel) animals' sera as a substitute for FCS in L. major culture. L. major, MRHO/IR/75/ER strain, was cultivated in RPMI-1640 medium enriched with different percentages of mentioned animal's sera. Parasite growth was checked constantly. The rate of growth and survival of parasites were compared with a control medium enriched with FCS. As well, biochemical (albumin, globulin AST, ALT, ALP, Bil, BUN, Crea, Ca, P, Na, K, Fe, TIBC, Mg, zinc, Chol, HDL, LDL, TG, BS, uric acid, LDH, CPK) analysis of all sera was performed and compared with FCS. The most promastigote growth rate is considered in 10% BALB/c, guinea pig and hamster sera on the 6th day of cultivation. Also, on the 8th day, parasites showed viability in all animal sera. The promastigote growth in culture media enriched with the camel and the dog sera in comparison with laboratory animals was considered very low. Differences between 10% FCS and 10% cocktail serum were not significant (p > 0.05) but with other sera were significant (p < 0.05). Also, differences between BALB/c with hamster and guinea pig sera were not significant, respectively (p = 0.07 and p = 0.09). According to the biochemical analysis of all sera, the higher content of iron was detected in the hamster, guinea pig, BALB/c and fetal calf sera. The magnesium and zinc content of guinea pig and BALB/c serum was found to be more than the others and comparable with FCS. The promastigote growth decreased by camel, dog and rat sera orderly. In this study, a rapid increase in parasite growth in media supplemented with hamster, BALB/c and guinea pig sera was considered. It could be suggested to use these sera as a suitable alternative for FCS in molecular biology researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frideh Esfandiari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amin Derakhshanfar
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Center of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Goudarzi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Yektaeian N, Mehrabani D, Sepaskhah M, Zare S, Jamhiri I, Hatam G. Lipophilic tracer Dil and fluorescence labeling of acridine orange used for Leishmania major tracing in the fibroblast cells. Heliyon 2019; 5:e03073. [PMID: 31890980 PMCID: PMC6928280 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to evaluate the use of fluorescent dye Dil and super vital dye acridine orange (AO) in vitro tracking of labeled L. major in the fibroblast cells. Methods Dil crystal and AO were used to stain L. major in a co-culture of the fibroblasts with the parasite. AO staining solution was added to 1 × 106 parasites. After 10 min, the stained parasites were centrifuged and washed seven times with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The stained promastigote was incubated with fibroblasts for 6-8 h. The presence of stained parasites with AO in the fibroblast was assessed using a fluorescence microscope. 1 × 106/mL promastigote of L. major was gently suspended and mixed by Dil staining solution with an ultimate concentration of 0.002 μg/mL and it was kept for 20 min at the room temperature. Subsequently, after washing it in PBS for seven times, it was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min. The supernatant was removed and the precipitate containing stained promastigote was suspended in fresh DMEM F12 with fibroblasts at 37 °C for 6 h. The presence of stained parasites with Dil in fibroblast was assessed using a fluorescence microscope. Fibroblast characterization was undertaken by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Acridine orange staining assisted in detection of the live parasite in the fibroblast cells. Free promastigote looked green before entering into the fibroblasts after 12 h culture. The parasite entered the cytoplasm of fibroblasts at the beginning of the exposure and gradually entered the nucleus of the fibroblast. The fibroblast nucleus was entirely stained green by AO. The L. major appeared green under the fluorescent microscope. Dil staining revealed that the internalized parasites with red/orange color were localized within the cytoplasm after 6-hours and the nucleus of the fibroblasts after 72-hours following culture. Human fibroblasts were positive at the expression of CD10, CD26, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and negative for CD106 and integrin alpha 11. Conclusion The fluorescent dye Dil staining is a safe, easy to use, inexpensive and fast method for labeling of the Leishmania parasite in the fibroblast cells. Acridine orange staining could be useful for tracing the parasites in the fibroblasts too. In this study, both Dil and AO were compared and considered as suitable vital dyes for identifying labeled Leishmania in the fibroblast in vitro, but Dil was superior to AO with its feature does not transfer from the labeled to unlabeled cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Yektaeian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Davood Mehrabani
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Sepaskhah
- Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Zare
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Jamhiri
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Maghsoodloorad S, Hosseinzadeh N, Haghighi A, Solgi R, Yusuf MA, Hatam G. Amino acid mutation in Plasmodium vivax dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps) genes in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran. J Vector Borne Dis 2019; 56:170-173. [PMID: 31397394 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.263716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular analysis of antifolate resistance-associated genes-dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps) of Plasmodium vivax is important in predicting the emergence of drug resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). The present study aimed to determine the polymorphism of dhfr and dhps genes in P. vivax field isolates. Samples from 80 microscopically diagnosed vivax malaria cases were collected from endemic areas of malaria in Hormozgan Province of Iran, from June 2010 to November 2015. The two sets of codons at position 33, 57, 58, 117, 173 of dhfr and 382, 383, and 553 of dhps genes were analysed by direct sequencing of PCR products. The majority of the isolates (70%) harboured a wild-type allele for P. vivax dhfr (Pvdhfr) and P. vivax dhps (Pvdhps). Mutations were detected in three codons of Pvdhfr (P33L, S58R and S117N) and single codon in Pvdhps (A383G). Novel mutations that have not been identified previously at codon 459 (D459A) of Pvdhps were also observed. The high prevalence of point mutation as well as the rising triple mutation of Pvdhfr and Pvdhps genotypes necessitate change in programmes and guidelines to eliminate P. vivax in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Maghsoodloorad
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Nahid Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Haghighi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahmat Solgi
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mustapha Ahmed Yusuf
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Safari F, Hatam G, Behbahani AB, Rezaei V, Barekati-Mowahed M, Petramfar P, Khademi F. CRISPR System: A High-throughput Toolbox for Research and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 40:477-493. [PMID: 31773362 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00761-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the innovation of gene-editing tools such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system improves the translational gap of treatments mediated by gene therapy. The privileges of CRISPR/Cas9 such as working in living cells and organs candidate this technology for using in research and treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, debilitating, neurodegenerative disorder which occurs due to loss of dopaminergic neurons and is associated with progressive motor dysfunction. Knowledge about the pathophysiological basis of PD has altered the classification system of PD, which manifests in familial and sporadic forms. The first genetic linkage studies in PD demonstrated the involvement of Synuclein alpha (SNCA) mutations and SNCA genomic duplications in the pathogenesis of PD familial forms. Subsequent studies have also insinuated mutations in leucine repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2), Parkin, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), as well as DJ-1 causing familial forms of PD. This review will attempt to discuss the structure, function, and development in genome editing mediated by CRISP/Cas9 system. Further, it describes the genes involved in the pathogenesis of PD and the pertinent alterations to them. We will pursue this line by delineating the PD linkage studies in which CRISPR system was employed. Finally, we will discuss the pros and cons of CRISPR employment vis-à-vis the process of genome editing in PD patients' iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Behzad Behbahani
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Rezaei
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mazyar Barekati-Mowahed
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA
| | - Peyman Petramfar
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Khademi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Barazesh A, Motazedian MH, Fouladvand M, Hatam G, Tajbakhsh S, Ebrahimi S, Purkamal D. Molecular Identification of Species Caused Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southern Zone of Iran. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.18502/jad.v13i2.1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica are two main species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iran. Recently, Crithidia spp. has also been reported in the wound of patients with CL. In this study, we determined the species causing CL in the southern of Iran and the role of Crithidia spp. in creating skin ulcers.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study from Apr to Sep 2016, 66 patients with CL referred to Diagnostic Lab of Leishmaniasis, Valfajr Health Center, Shiraz, Iran, were selected. After DNA extraction from the Giemsa stained smears, all samples were amplified in two separate steps using specific primers, firstly, to differentiate Leishmania species and then to identify Crithidia spp.
Results: Two species L. major and L. tropica were responsible for 60 and 6 cases, respectively. Moreover, in two patients, mixed infection with Crithidia was confirmed. In mix infection cases, the morphology of the cutaneous ulcers was not different from the wounds of other patients.
Conclusion: Leishmania major is responsible for the most common CL in southern Iran. In addition, in two patients with L. major and L. tropica, mix infection with Crithidia was confirmed. The potential role of Crithidia as the main factor for CL and the probability of this parasite to have synergistic effects on Leishmania, as a hypothesis, requires more comprehensive researches on the ambiguity of this protozoon.
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Rashidi S, Mojtahedi Z, Shahriari B, Kalantar K, Ghalamfarsa G, Mohebali M, Hatam G. An immunoproteomic approach to identifying immunoreactive proteins in Leishmania infantum amastigotes using sera of dogs infected with canine visceral leishmaniasis. Pathog Glob Health 2019; 113:124-132. [PMID: 31099725 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1616952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the most severe form of leishmaniasis, is caused by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. The infected dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) are important reservoirs for VL in humans, so the diagnosis, treatment and vaccination of the infected dogs will ultimately decrease the rate of human VL. Proteomics and immunoproteomics techniques have facilitated the introduction of novel drug, vaccine and diagnostic targets. Our immunoproteomic study was conducted to identify new immunoreactive proteins in amastigote form of L. infantum. The strain of L. infantum (MCAN/IR/07/Moheb-gh) was obtained from CVL-infected dogs. J774 macrophage cells were infected with the L. infantum promastigotes. The infected macrophages were ruptured, and pure amastigotes were extracted from the macrophages. After protein extraction, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was employed for protein separation followed by Western blotting. Western blotting was performed, using symptomatic and asymptomatic sera of the infected dogs with CVL. Thirteen repeatable immunoreactive spots were identified by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Some, including prohibitin, ornithine aminotransferase, annexin A4, and apolipoprotein A-I, have been critically involved in metabolic pathways, survival, and pathogenicity of Leishmania parasites. Further investigations are required to confirm our identified immunoreactive proteins as a biomarker for CVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- a Department of Parasitology and Mycology , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Zahra Mojtahedi
- b Institute for Cancer Research, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Bahador Shahriari
- c Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- d Department of Immunology , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Ghasem Ghalamfarsa
- e Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Medicine , Yasuj University of Medical Sciences , Yasuj , Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- f Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology , School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- c Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
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Rashidi S, Kalantar K, Rostamzadeh D, Hatam G. The Importance of Checking Leishmania Promastigotes Viability in the Proteomics Analysis of Secretions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 42:245-248. [PMID: 30604683 DOI: 10.5152/tpd.2018.5834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of checking the viability of Leishmania promastigote by flow cytometry using propidium iodide (PI) and microscopic method using trypan blue (TB) before proteomics analysis of the secretions. METHODS The promastigotes (6×109) of Leishmania infantum in the exponential growth phase were transferred to serum-free media. Then, the viability of promastigotes was checked and compared with flow cytometry and microscopic method at 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 72 h. RESULTS Flow cytometry did not show many dead cells at 0 to 4 h, and the viability was approximately 98%. The percentage of the dead promastigotes increased to 8% at 5 h and 17% at 72 h. Meanwhile, the microscopic method using TB did not show any dead cell after 4 and 72 h, and the viability was 100%. CONCLUSION The present study confirms the importance of flow cytometry using PI in checking the viability of Leishmania promastigotes, especially before the proteomics analysis of the secretions. It also shows that flow cytometry using PI is more sensitive than microscopic method using TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Davood Rostamzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Rezaei F, Saghaie L, Sabet R, Fassihi A, Hatam G. Novel Catechol Derivatives of Arylimidamides as Antileishmanial Agents. Chem Biodivers 2018; 15:e1800228. [PMID: 29999602 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Two novel bis-arylimidamide derivatives with terminal catechol moieties (9a and 10a) and two parent compounds with terminal phenyl groups (DB613 and DB884) were synthesized as dihydrobromide salts (9b and 10b). The designed compounds were hybrid molecules consisting of a catechol functionality embedded in an arylimidamide moiety. All compounds were examined for in vitro antiparasitic activity upon promastigotes of Leishmania major and L. infantum as well as axenic amastigotes of L. major. It was shown that conversion of terminal phenyl groups into catechol moieties resulted in more than 10-fold improvement in potency, coupled with lower cytotoxicity against fibroblast cells, compared to the corresponding parent compounds. The furan-containing analog 9a exhibited the highest activity with submicromolar IC50 values, ranging from 0.29 to 0.36 μm, which is comparable in efficacy to the reference drug amphotericin B (IC50 0.28 - 0.33 μm). The results justify further study of this class of compounds. It seems that the combination of catechol chelating groups with potent antiparasitic agents could improve the efficacy by presenting novel hybrid compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foroogh Rezaei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Lotfollah Saghaie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Razieh Sabet
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Fassihi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Hatam G, Sarkari B, Mohebali M, Zarei Z, Bohlooli S. Cytokine Profile of Leishmania Infantum Fucose-Mannose Ligand in Vaccinated Dogs in the Northwest of Iran. Iran J Immunol 2017; 14:293-305. [PMID: 29276182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania infantum is endemic in the northwest and south of Iran. An appropriate vaccine can help to prevent and control visceral leishmaniasis in both humans and animals. Few studies have confirmed that the fucose-mannose ligand (FML) antigen of Leishmania donovani produced protective immunity in dogs against CVL. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the immune responses of vaccinated dogs against FML antigen of L. infantum. METHODS We isolated the FML antigen from native L. infantum and vaccinated the dogs with FML-saponin in an endemic area of VL in Iran to evaluate the immune responses of vaccinated dogs against this antigen. RESULTS Our results indicated a significant increase in the expression of IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-13, but not IL-12A, gene transcripts in PBMCs of FML-saponin vaccinated dogs in comparison with controls. Our findings showed a significant difference in the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10 mRNA expression in FML-saponin vaccinated dogs in comparison with two control groups. Moreover, a significant level of anti-FML antibodies was detected in serum of vaccinated dogs. CONCLUSION These findings showed that FML-saponin stimulates both Th1 and Th2 immune responses with predominant Th1 and strong humoral immune responses to produce protective immunity against CVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a protozoan species of the genus Leishmania affecting mostly the developing countries. The disease with current mortality rate of 50,000 deaths per year threatens approximately 350 million people in more than 90 countries all over the world. Cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are the most frequent forms of the disease. Chemotherapy still relies on the use of pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosin. Treatment of leishmaniasis has remained insufficient since the current antileishmanial agents have several limitations including low efficacy, toxicity, adverse side effects, drug-resistance, length of treatment and cost lines. Consequently, there is an immediate requirement to search for new antileishmanial compounds. New drug delivery devices transport antileishmanial drug to the target cell specifically with minimizing the toxic effects to normal cells. This study attempts to present a comprehensive overview of different approaches of nanotechnology in treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Akbari
- Department of Parasitology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Oryan
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Department of Parasitology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Ortiz M, Schnabel K, Teut M, Rotter G, Binting S, Cree M, Lotz F, Suhr R, Brinkhaus B, Parvizi MM, Handjani F, Zarshenas MM, Moein MR, Nimrouzi M, Hatam G, Hasanzadeh J, Hamidizadeh N, Parvizi MM, Heydari M, Namazi MR, Parvizi Z, Pasalar M, Mosaffa-Jahromi M, Bagheri-Lankarani K, Afsharypuor S, Tamaddon AM, Ostovar M, Peloni G, Bolliger I, Faria RMDC, Quadri P, Sanzeni W, Zemp D, Risvoll H, Giverhaug T, Halvorsen KH, Waaseth M, Musial F, Rossi E, Baccetti S, Picchi M, Conti T, Firenzuoli F, Guido C, Bosco F, Guido C, Rossi E, Panozzo M, Picchi M, Cervino C, Nurra L, Rossi E, Picchi M, Firenzuoli F, Traversi A, Vuono K, Sabatini F, Bellandi T, Rutert B, Eggert A, Seifert G, Stritter W, Holmberg C, Längler A, Salamonsen A, Wiesener S, Schad F, Steele M, Kröz M, Matthes H, Herbstreit C, Thronicke A, Schlingensiepen I, von Schoen-Angerer T, Schneider R, Waeber L, Vagedes J, Kaczala G, Pharisa C, Wildhaber J, Huber B, Sidorov P, Sovershaeva E, Simões-Wüst AP, Nietlispach A, Mennet M, Schnelle M, von Mandach U, Wang X, Woo HL, Lee JM, Wu Y, Cho Y, Yun Y, Kim H, Jung W, Jang BH, Ziea E, Hui H, Li M, Tsui D, Lam C, Hsieh J, Chan E, Balneaves L, Burnside S, Doyle E, Dorazio S, Chan PK, Bhagra A, Chen PH, Chung VCH, Wu JCY, Lin ZX, Wong W, Wu XY, Ho RST, Wong CHL, Chan L, Ziea ETC, Elder W, Cardarelli R, Kaspar C, Kempenich R, Kopferschmitt J, Marinko Z, Damir S, Vcev A, Monezi R, Ruggerini EM, Fuchigami IM, Mazini ACM, Monezi R, Oliveira MW, Papuga P, Schloss J, Steel A, Jacobsen MDS, Monezi R, Jacobsen MR, Mangini MT, Trapani G, Di Giampietro T, Zanino L, Ciullo L, Lanaro D, Cerritelli F, Macrì F, Tsai A, Lin C, Wu TH, D’Alessandro E, Watts S, Zhang Y, Wu X, Li X, Fei Y, Liu J, Zhao N, Jia L, Yan X, Zhen F, Liu Z, Liu J, Ahn J, Yun Y, AlEidi S, Mohamed AG, Al-Beda AM, Abutalib RA, Khalil MKM, Amri H, Badekila S, Behmanesh E, Mozaffarpour S, Behmanesh E, Mozaffarpour S, Behmanesh E, Shirooye P, Meybodi RN, Mokaberinejad R, Tansaz M, Mozaffarpour S, Chung VCH, Wu XY, Wu JCY, Daneshfard B, Hosseinkhani A, Tafazoli V, Jaladat AM, Jaladat AM, Sadeghi H, Jia L, Zhao N, Yan X, Zhou L, Zhao M, Li W, Liu J, Liu Z, Jia L, Zhao N, Yan X, Zhou L, Zhao M, Li W, Liu J, Liu Z, Larsen AL, Salamonsen A, Kristoffersen AE, Hamran T, Evjen B, Stub T, Li M, Cai J, Lu T, Yin L, Wu D, Wang L, Liew SM, Liu T, Bai C, Zheng Z, Wan Y, Xu J, Wang X, Yu H, Gu X, Liu Z, Yan X, Jia L, Zhao N, Yang G, Liu J, Mozaffarpour S, Behmanesh E, Nimrouzi M, Tafazoli V, Daneshfard B, Ostrowski D, Fox K, Pasalar M, Tabatabei F, Amini F, Sathasivampillai S, Rajamanoharan P, Munday M, Heinrich M, Scherrer YM, Heinrich M, Szuter C, Amini F, Tabatabaei F, Tavakoli A, Tavakoli F, Pasalar M, rostami M, Torri MC, Szuter C, Walach H, Warner F, Majumdar A, Serasingh P, Yan X, Jia L, Zhao N, Liu Z, Liu J, Zhao N, Zhen F, Jia L, Yan X, Liu Z, Liu J, Abbing A, Ponstein A, Baars E, Croke S, Hanser S, Heckel V, Krüerke D, Simões-Wüst AP, Weiss S, Metzner S, Lee JW, Hyun MK, Masetti M, Oepen R, Gruber H, Heusser P, Pelz H, Perlitz V, Ponstein A, Abbing A, Baars E, Robinson N, Ronan P, Mian A, Madge S, Lorenc A, Agent P, Carr S, Ronan P, Robinson N, Carr S, Mian A, Lorenc A, Agent P, Madge S, Winnubst ME, Monezi R, Abolghasemi J, Heydari M, Baccetti S, Rossi E, Fedi P, Di Stefano M, Belvedere K, Baccetti S, Rossi E, Firenzuoli F, Di Stefano M, Belvedere K, Beaven K, Rose A, Florschutz G, Phil NB, Parsons H, Stewart-Brown S, Burke K, Busch M, Heyning F, Smit J, Jeekel H, de Goeij H, Guido PC, Barraza N, Balbarrey Z, Ribas A, Jimenez B, Iachino C, Quattrone F, Gaioli M, Dell’Orso M, Villanueva S, Rocha C, Macchi A, Cai J, Chen L, Wu D, Wang S, Choi E, Go N, Lee Y, Dahal G, Frauenknecht X, Gerhardt H, Galanti M, Cerda CJ, Galanti M, Galanti M, Heckersdorf DN, Jorquera H, Saldivia MLA, Jakubonienė D, McEwen B, Melo F, Fontana FM, Valle ACV, Neres MTB, Mohagheghzadeh A, Zohalinezhad ME, Njaradi O, Dunjic M, Njaradi O, Dunjic M, Ostrowski D, Fox K, Pokladnikova J, Selke-Krulichova I, Seo J, Jang H, Simões-Wüst AP, Moltó-Puigmartí C, van Dongen M, Dagnelie P, Thijs C, Tihanyi E, Hegyi G, Zhang Y, Li X, Fei Y, Liu J, Zhang Y, Liu J, Tong X. World Congress Integrative Medicine & Health 2017: part three. Altern Ther Health Med 2017. [PMCID: PMC5499100 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1784-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Hatam G, Hamidizadeh N, Ranjbar S, Asgari Q. The evaluation of quercetin and luteolin efficacy on cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice infected with Leishmania major. J Pharm Negative Results 2017. [DOI: 10.4103/jpnr.jpnr_1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Moein M, Hatam G, Taghavi-Moghadam R, Zarshenas MM. Antileishmanial Activities of Greek Juniper (Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb.) Against Leishmania major Promastigotes. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2016; 22:31-36. [PMID: 26747836 DOI: 10.1177/2156587215623435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions of Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb. from the family Cupressaceae) were evaluated for antileishmanial activities against Leishmania major promastigotes compared to meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime). In vitro toxicity assay was performed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and microplate ELISA reader. Extracts were prepared in ethanol/dimethyl sulfoxide (80/20) at 10 to 0.62 mg/mL. The standard was prepared in phosphate-buffered saline at 500 to 15.62 mg/mL. Both leaf and fruit extracts and related fractions showed strong inhibitory effects against promastigotes, significantly different from that of the standard. The leaf extract and the respective petroleum ether fraction showed maximum effectiveness compared to other fractions and also fruit extract and fractions (IC90 = 1.89 ± 0.03 and 0.90 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively). Regarding the potent activities of nonpolar fractions of Greek juniper leaf extract, these fractions can be suggested for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoodreza Moein
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research center, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razieh Taghavi-Moghadam
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad M Zarshenas
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran .,Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Moradi M, Sattarahmady N, Hatam G, Heli H. Electrochemical Genosensing of Leishmania major using Gold Hierarchical Nanoleaflets. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.15412/j.jbtw.01050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Ravaee R, Ebadi P, Hatam G, Vafafar A, Ghahramani Seno MM. Synthetic siRNAs effectively target cystein protease 12 and α-actinin transcripts in Trichomonas vaginalis. Exp Parasitol 2015; 157:30-4. [PMID: 26134763 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The flagellated protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) causes trichomoniasis, a reproductive tract infection, in humans. Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. In addition to direct consequences such as infertility and abortion, there are indications that trichomoniasis favours development of prostate cancer and it has also been associated with increased risk of spreading human immunodeficiency virus and papillomavirus infections. Reports from around the world show that the rate of drug resistance in T. vaginalis is increasing, and therefore new therapeutic approaches have to be developed. Studying molecular biology of T. vaginalis will be quite helpful in identifying new drugable targets. RNAi is a powerful technique which allows biologist to specifically target gene products (i.e. mRNA) helping them in unravelling gene functions and biology of systems. However, due to lack of some parts of the required intrinsic RNAi machinery, the RNAi system is not functional in all orders of life. Here, by using synthetic siRNAs targeting two genes, i.e. α-actinin and cystein protease 12 (cp12), we demonstrate T. vaginalis cells are amenable to RNAi experiments conducted by extrinsic siRNAs. Electroporation of siRNAs targeting α-actinin or cp12 into T. vaginalis cells resulted in, respectively, 48-67% and 33-72% downregulation of the cognate transcripts compared to the T. vaginalis cells received siRNAs targeting GL2 luciferase as a control. This finding is helpful in that it demonstrates the potential of using extrinsically induced RNAi in studies on molecular biology of T. vaginalis such as those aiming at identifying new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Ravaee
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Parimah Ebadi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arghavan Vafafar
- Department of Parasitology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Ghahramani Seno
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
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Ghatee MA, Sharifi I, Kuhls K, Kanannejad Z, Harandi MF, de Almeida ME, Hatam G, Mirhendi H. Heterogeneity of the internal transcribed spacer region in Leishmania tropica isolates from southern Iran. Exp Parasitol 2014; 144:44-51. [PMID: 24932536 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Most of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases occur in only 7 countries, including Iran. Leishmania tropica is the main cause of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. In order to study the heterogeneity and phylogeny of L. tropica in southern Iran, a total of 61 isolates were obtained from Bam district and the cities Kerman and Shiraz. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) from the ribosomal DNA locus was amplified and then analysed by sequencing. Analysis of the ITS sequences showed four haplotypes in the isolates, including 3 haplotypes among the 58 isolates from the south eastern region, including Bam district and Kerman city, and 2 haplotypes among the 3 isolates from Shiraz city. The results showed a monophyletic structure for the south eastern population. In comparison to GenBank sequences of L. tropica from different countries, most of the southeast Iranian and Indian isolates are comprised in one cluster, while isolates from other countries and few other Iranian isolates group in a different cluster. Analysis of ITS sequences of south eastern L. tropica showed a homogeneous population which could be the basis for other molecular epidemiology studies using more discriminative markers and tracing possible changes in the population structure of L. tropica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Ghatee
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Katrin Kuhls
- Division of Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Germany
| | - Zahra Kanannejad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Marcos E de Almeida
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, USA
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Alizadeh A, Moztarzadeh F, Ostad SN, Azami M, Geramizadeh B, Hatam G, Bizari D, Tavangar SM, Vasei M, Ai J. Synthesis of calcium phosphate-zirconia scaffold and human endometrial adult stem cells for bone tissue engineering. Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol 2014; 44:66-73. [PMID: 24810360 DOI: 10.3109/21691401.2014.909825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
To address the hypothesis that using a zirconia (ZrO2)/ β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composite might improve both the mechanical properties and cellular compatibility of the porous material, we fabricated ZrO2/β-TCP composite scaffolds with different ZrO2/β-TCP ratios, and evaluated their physical and mechanical characteristics, also the effect of three-dimensional (3D) culture (ZrO2/β-TCP scaffold) on the behavior of human endometrial stem cells. Results showed the porosity of a ZrO2/β-TCP scaffold can be adjusted from 65% to 84%, and the compressive strength of the scaffold increased from 4.95 to 6.25 MPa when the ZrO2 content increased from 30 to 50 wt%. The cell adhesion and proliferation in the ZrO2/β-TCP scaffold was greatly improved when ZrO2 decreased. Moreover, in vitro study showed that an osteoblasts-loaded ZrO2/β-TCP scaffold provided a suitable 3D environment for osteoblast survival and enhanced bone regeneration. We thus showed that a porous ZrO2/β-TCP composite scaffold has excellent mechanical properties, and cellular/tissue compatibility, and would be a promising substrate to achieve both bone reconstruction and regeneration needed during in vivo study for treatment of large bone defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliakbar Alizadeh
- a Department of Tissue Engineering , School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.,c Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Fathollah Moztarzadeh
- b Department of Biomedical Engineering , Amirkabir University of Technology , Tehran , Iran
| | - Seyed Naser Ostad
- a Department of Tissue Engineering , School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mahmoud Azami
- a Department of Tissue Engineering , School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Bita Geramizadeh
- c Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- d Department of Parasitology , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Davood Bizari
- b Department of Biomedical Engineering , Amirkabir University of Technology , Tehran , Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- a Department of Tissue Engineering , School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mohammad Vasei
- a Department of Tissue Engineering , School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- a Department of Tissue Engineering , School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.,e Brain and Spinal Injury Research Center, Imam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
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Ashjazadeh N, Boostani R, Ekhtiari H, Emamghoreishi M, Farrokhi M, Ghanizadeh A, Hatam G, Hadianfard H, Lotfi M, Mortazavi SMJ, Mousavi M, Montakhab A, Nili M, Razmkon A, Salehi S, Sodagar AM, Setoodeh P, Taghipour M, Torabi-Nami M, Vesal A. Operationalizing Cognitive Science and Technologies' Research and Development; the "Brain and Cognition Study Group (BCSG)" Initiative from Shiraz, Iran. Basic Clin Neurosci 2014; 5:104-16. [PMID: 25337368 PMCID: PMC4202589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in brain and cognitive science studies have revolutionized concepts in neural dynamics, regulating mechanisms, coding systems and information processing networks which govern our function and behavior. Hidden aspects of neurological and psychiatric diseases are being understood and hopes for their treatment are emerging. Although the two comprehensive mega-projects on brain mapping are in place in the United States and Europe; the proportion of science contributed by the developing countries should not be downsized. With the granted supports from the Cognitive Sciences and Technologies Council (CSTC), Iran can take its role in research on brain and cognition further. The idea of research and development in Cognitive Sciences and Technologies (CST) is being disseminated across the country by CSTC. Towards this goal, the first Shiraz interdisciplinary meeting on CST was held on 9 January 2014 in Namazi hospital, Shiraz. CST research priorities, infrastructure development, education and promotion were among the main topics discussed during this interactive meeting. The steering committee of the first CST meeting in Shiraz decided to frame future research works within the "Brain and Cognition Study Group-Shiraz" (BCSG-Shiraz). The study group comprises scientific leaders from various allied disciplines including neuroscience, neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry, psychology, radiology, physiology, bioengineering, biophysics, applied physics and telecommunication. As the headquarter for CST in the southern Iran, BCSG-Shiraz is determined to advocate "brain and cognition" awareness, education and research in close collaboration with CSTC. Together with CSTC, Shiraz Neuroscience Research center (SNRC) will take the initiative to cross boundaries in interdisciplinary works and multi-centric research projects within the study group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Ashjazadeh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Boostani
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Ekhtiari
- Iranian Cognitive Science and Technologies Council, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Emamghoreishi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Majidreza Farrokhi
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghanizadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Habib Hadianfard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Lotfi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Mousavi
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Majid Nili
- Iranian Cognitive Science and Technologies Council, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Razmkon
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Salehi
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Peiman Setoodeh
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mousa Taghipour
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Torabi-Nami
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Corresponding Author: Mohammad Torabi-Nami MD, PhD, Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Tel: +98-7112333138 / Fax: +98-711 2343848. E-mail:
| | - Abdolkarim Vesal
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Academy of Medical Sciences, Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Ghatee MA, Sharifi I, Haghdoost AA, Kanannejad Z, Taabody Z, Hatam G, Abdollahipanah A. Spatial correlations of population and ecological factors with distribution of visceral leishmaniasis cases in southwestern Iran. J Vector Borne Dis 2013; 50:179-187. [PMID: 24220076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Leishmaniasis as a dynamic disease may be markedly influenced by demographic and ecological factors. A geospatial information system study was developed to determine the distribution of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases in relation to population, climatic and environmental factors in Fars province, southwest of Iran. METHODS The dwelling addresses of 217 VL patients were obtained from hospital files. A hazard map produced by unifying buffers (5 km) around nomads travel routes (NTR) was developed to survey the effect of close proximity to NTR on the distribution of VL. Mean annual rainfall (MAR), mean annual temperature (MAT), four months temperature mean (T4), elevation, slope and landcover were climatic and environmental factors that have been analysed. Finally, data of dwelling foci were extracted from maps and analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Close proximity to NTR was the most important factor influenced on the disease distribution. Climatic factors were in second rank. Among them, temperature especially T4 is the most effective variable and rainfall was also shown to be another effective climatic agent. Most cases of VL were reported from temperate and semiarid areas in western and central regions while arid condition was a confined factor. The environmental factor of landcovers including urban, dry farm and thin forest regions was revealed as the third rank effective factor. Altitude importance was only shown when its effect was studied independently from other factors. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION These findings present the distribution of VL in Fars province is influenced by combination of ecological and nomads demographical variables although closeness to NTR and nomads role in distribution and continuance of kala-azar are the most important factors.
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