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Kharazmkia A, Al-Abodi HR, Yadegari JG, Vahidi A, Mahmoudvand H. Potential effects of alpha-pinene, a monoterpene commonly found in essential oils against Toxoplasma gondii infection; an in vitro and in vivo study. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:1055-1061. [PMID: 36457783 PMCID: PMC9606148 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01514-1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This survey designed to assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of α-pinene, a monoterpene commonly originated in essential oils on Toxoplasma gondii. The in vitro effect of various concentration of α-pinene against tachyzoites of T. gondii Rh strain was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The activity of α-pinene on the stimulation of apoptosis in tachyzoites of T. gondii was also examined using the caspase 3 colorimetric activity assay. In vivo assay, mice were orally received α-pinene at 2 and 4 mg/kg/day for 14 days, then, pre-treated mice were daily tested and the rate of death was recorded. α-pinene meaningfully declined (p < 0.001) the tachyzoites viability with the IC50 value of 23.3 µg/mL. α-pinene induced the apoptosis through increasing the caspase-3 activity by 35.6%. Oral treatment with α-pinene significantly (p < 0.01) improved the survival rate infected mice with by 9th day. α-pinene + atovauone (50 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.01) improved the survival rate infected mice up to 11 days compared with the control groups. α-pinene especially in combined atovaquone at 50 mg/kg for 2 weeks meaningfully (p < 0.05) declined oxidative stress. We found the promising in vitro anti-Toxoplasma effects of α-pinene on T. gondii RH strain. In addition, we found that α-pinene therapy particularly along with the reference drug declined the mortality rate of infected mice. Although, we just confirmed the stimulation of apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects as the main anti-Toxoplasma mechanisms of α-pinene; however, more surveys concerning the accurate mechanisms, toxicity, and efficacy on other T. gondii strains are required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kharazmkia
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hiba Riyadh Al-Abodi
- Department of Environment, College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Javad Ghasemian Yadegari
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ashkan Vahidi
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hossein Mahmoudvand
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Molecular and Cellular Research Laboratory, School of Allied Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Anghel N, Imhof D, Winzer P, Balmer V, Ramseier J, Haenggeli K, Choi R, Hulverson MA, Whitman GR, Arnold SL, Ojo KK, Van Voorhis WC, Doggett JS, Ortega-Mora LM, Hemphill A. Endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) and bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs): Synergistic and additive effects of combined treatments against Neospora caninum infection in vitro and in vivo. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 17:92-106. [PMID: 34482255 PMCID: PMC8416643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.08.007] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum is an important causative agent of congenital neosporosis, resulting in abortion, birth of weak offspring and neuromuscular disorders in cattle, sheep, and many other species. Among several compound classes that are currently being developed, two have been reported to limit the effects of congenital neosporosis: (i) bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) target calcium dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1), an enzyme that is encoded by an apicoplast-derived gene and found only in apicomplexans and plants. CDPK1 is essential for host cell invasion and egress; (ii) endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) are inhibitors of the cytochrome bc1 complex of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and thus inhibit oxidative phosphorylation. We here report on the in vitro and in vivo activities of BKI-1748, and of ELQ-316 and its respective prodrugs ELQ-334 and ELQ-422, applied either as single-compounds or ELQ-BKI-combinations. In vitro, BKI-1748 and ELQ-316, as well as BKI-1748 and ELQ-334, acted synergistically, while this was not observed for the BKI-1748/ELQ-422 combination treatment. In a N. caninum-infected pregnant BALB/c mouse model, the synergistic effects observed in vitro were not entirely reproduced, but 100% postnatal survival and 100% inhibition of vertical transmission was noted in the group treated with the BKI-1748/ELQ-334 combination. In addition, the combined drug applications resulted in lower neonatal mortality compared to treatments with single drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author. Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Winzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vreni Balmer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Ramseier
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Haenggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ryan Choi
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew A. Hulverson
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Grant R. Whitman
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel L.M. Arnold
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kayode K. Ojo
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wesley C. Van Voorhis
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA,Departments of Global Health and Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- VA Portland Health Care System, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Luis M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author.
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3
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Imhof D, Anghel N, Winzer P, Balmer V, Ramseier J, Hänggeli K, Choi R, Hulverson MA, Whitman GR, Arnold SLM, Ojo KK, Van Voorhis WC, Doggett JS, Ortega-Mora LM, Hemphill A. In vitro activity, safety and in vivo efficacy of the novel bumped kinase inhibitor BKI-1748 in non-pregnant and pregnant mice experimentally infected with Neospora caninum tachyzoites and Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 16:90-101. [PMID: 34030110 PMCID: PMC8144743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.05.001] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) target the apicomplexan calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1). BKI-1748, a 5-aminopyrazole-4-carboxamide compound when added to fibroblast cells concomitantly to the time of infection, inhibited proliferation of apicomplexan parasites at EC50s of 165 nM (Neospora caninum) and 43 nM (Toxoplasma gondii). Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy showed that addition of 2.5 μM BKI-1748 to infected HFF monolayers transformed parasites into multinucleated schizont-like complexes (MNCs) containing newly formed zoites, which were unable to separate and form infective tachyzoites or undergo egress. In zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo development assays, no embryonic impairment was detected within 96 h at BKI-1748 concentrations up to 10 μM. In pregnant mice, BKI-1748 applied at days 9-13 of pregnancy at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day was safe and no pregnancy interference was observed. The efficacy of BKI-1748 was assessed in standardized pregnant mouse models infected with N. caninum (NcSpain-7) tachyzoites or T. gondii (TgShSp1) oocysts. In both models, treatments resulted in increased pup survival and profound inhibition of vertical transmission. However, in dams and non-pregnant mice, BKI-1748 treatments resulted in significantly decreased cerebral parasite loads only in T. gondii infected mice. In the T. gondii-model, ocular infection was detected in 10 out of 12 adult mice of the control group, but only in 3 out of 12 mice in the BKI-1748-treated group. Thus, TgShSp1 oocyst infection is a suitable model to study both cerebral and ocular infection by T. gondii. BKI-1748 represents an interesting candidate for follow-up studies on neosporosis and toxoplasmosis in larger animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Winzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vreni Balmer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Ramseier
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ryan Choi
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew A Hulverson
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Grant R Whitman
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel L M Arnold
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kayode K Ojo
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wesley C Van Voorhis
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Departments of Global Health and Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Stone Doggett
- VA Portland Health Care System, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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El-Sayad MH, Hussein NA, Kazem AH, El Geddawi OA, Rizk EM, El-Taweel HA. Temporal expression of Toxoplasma stage-specific genes in brain tissue: coincidence with parasitological and histopathological findings in mice models. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2299-2307. [PMID: 32476060 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06723-2] [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: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the intermediate hosts, tachyzoites of T. gondii predominate in the acute stage while bradyzoites persist inside tissue cysts with the potential for reactivation. The two stages exhibit different metabolic and antigenic characters. The present study aimed to investigate temporal expression of Toxoplasma SAG1 and BAG1 genes in the brain tissue and the coincident parasitological and histopathological findings in mice models of toxoplasmosis. The study included group A: mice infected with RH strain and sacrificed 7 days post-infection (p.i.); group B: mice infected with RH strain and treated with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (30 mg/kg/day and 150 mg/kg/day respectively) 24 h p.i. until sacrificed at days 5, 10, or 20 post-treatment; group C: mice infected with ME-49 strain and sacrificed at days 7, 27, 47, or 67 p.i; and group D: mice infected with ME-49 strain and received dexamethasone daily starting at day 68 p.i. and scarified at days 6 or 10 post-treatment. All mice were inspected daily for abnormal physical signs. Peritoneal exudate and brain homogenate were examined for detection of Toxoplasma stages. Brain sections were examined histopathologically. SAG1 and BAG1 gene expression was evaluated using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and the ΔΔCt method. Results revealed that marked BAG1 upregulation is consistent with detection of Toxoplasma cysts and degenerative changes while predominance of tachyzoites and inflammatory infiltrate is compatible with SAG1 upregulation. The study sheds light on the potential for using stage-specific gene expression pattern as markers for evaluation of toxoplasmosis disease progression in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona H El-Sayad
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Neveen A Hussein
- Applied Medical Chemistry Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - A H Kazem
- Pathology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Omnya A El Geddawi
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Enas M Rizk
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend A El-Taweel
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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5
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Portes JA, De Souza W. Development of an in vitro system to study the developmental stages of Toxoplasma gondii using a genetically modified strain expressing markers for tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3479-3489. [PMID: 31728720 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the agent of toxoplasmosis, is an intracellular parasite that can infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. Toxoplasmosis causes severe damage to immunocompromised hosts and its treatment is mainly based on the combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which causes relevant side effects primarily observed in AIDS patients, including bone marrow suppression and hematological toxicity (pyrimethamine) and/or hypersensitivity and allergic skin reactions (sulfadiazine). Thus, it is important to investigate new compounds against T. gondii, particularly those that may act on bradyzoites, which are present in cysts during the chronic disease phase. We propose an in vitro model to simultaneously study new candidate compounds against the two main causative stages of Toxoplasma infection in humans, using the EGS-DC strain that was modified from a type I/III strain (EGS), isolated from a case of human congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil and engineered to express markers for both stages of development. One feature of this strain is that it presents tachyzoite and bradyzoite in the same culture system and in the same host cell under normal culture conditions. Additionally, this strain presents stage-specific fluorescent protein expression, allowing for easy identification of both stages, thus making this strain useful in different studies. HFF cells were infected and after 4 and 7 days post infection the cells were treated with 10 μM of pyrimethamine or atovaquone, for 48 or 72 h. We used high-throughput screening to quantify the extent of parasite infection. Despite a reduction in tachyzoite infection caused by both treatments, the atovaquone treatment reduced the bradyzoite infection while the pyrimethamine one increased it. Ultrastructural analysis showed that after treatment with both drugs, parasites displayed altered mitochondria. Fluorescence microscopy of cells labeled with MitoTracker CMXRos showed that the cysts present inside the cells lost their mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results indicate that this experimental model is adequate to simultaneously analyze new active compounds against tachyzoite and bradyzoite forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Portes
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Centro de Ciências da Saúde-UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - W De Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Centro de Ciências da Saúde-UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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6
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Anderson JA, Alves DA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, da Silva AF, Murata FHA, Norris JK, Howe DK, Dubey JP. Histologically, immunohistochemically, ultrastructurally, and molecularly confirmed neosporosis abortion in an aborted equine fetus. Vet Parasitol 2019; 270:20-4. [PMID: 31213237 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is a common cause of abortion in cattle worldwide but is rare in horses. Here, the first case of histologically, ultrastructurally, immunohistochemically, and molecularly confirmed equine abortion caused by neosporosis is reported. Samples of lung, heart, liver, skeletal muscle, tongue, brain, and the placenta from a female fetus aborted at 280 days of gestation were fixed in formalin and submitted for diagnosis. Histologically, there was disseminated neosporosis with severe lesions in lungs, liver and the heart. Protozoal tachyzoites in all tissues reacted with polyclonal anti-Neospora caninum rabbit antibodies. Transmission electron microscopic observation on lung tissue revealed tachyzoites consistent with Neospora, including many rhoptries. Polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) using primers designed to amplify the rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the Sarcocystidae was performed on DNA extracted from fetal tissues. Comparison of the ITS1 amplified from the foal tissue to sequences available in GenBank revealed 100% sequence identity to the ITS1 from three isolates of Neospora hughesi.
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Diezma-Díaz C, Ferre I, Re M, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Tabanera E, González-Huecas M, Pizarro-Díaz M, Yanguas-Pérez D, Brum PL, Blanco-Murcia J, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. The route of Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites inoculation does not influence the clinical outcome of the infection in calves. Vet Parasitol 2019; 267:21-25. [PMID: 30878080 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In a previous attempt, an experimental model of bovine besnoitiosis was established in calves that were intravenously inoculated with different doses of Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites. Despite the fact that all infected calves developed the acute stage of disease, only microscopic findings characteristic of chronic besnoitiosis were reported. In the present study, calves were inoculated by subcutaneous and intradermal routes with B. besnoiti tachyzoites with the aim of developing clinical signs and macroscopic lesions characteristic of chronic besnoitiosis. Nine 3-month-old male calves were randomly distributed into three groups of three animals each. Next, 106 tachyzoites were inoculated by either the subcutaneous (G1) or intradermal route (G2). The negative control group (G3) was inoculated with PBS. Daily clinical monitoring and regular blood collection were performed. At 70 days post-infection (pi), animals were euthanized, and tissues were collected to investigate lesions and parasites. Infected animals developed mild-moderate acute besnoitiosis characterized by lymphadenopathy from four days to 47 days pi, and sporadic fever peaks were only observed in one calf from G2. However, other clinical signs and macroscopic lesions characteristic of chronic besnoitiosis were not detected. Only nine tissue samples were B. besnoiti-DNA-positive, eight of which belonged to reproductive and respiratory tracts tissues from G1. Finally, the kinetics of the immune responses were similar in both infected groups. However, delayed and lower cellular and humoral immune responses were observed in G1 followed by G2 and were compared with intravenously inoculated calves. The differences observed among the three inoculation routes could be due to different effector mechanisms of the host early innate immune response against B. besnoiti. Accordingly, the inoculation route of B. besnoiti tachyzoites does not significantly influence the clinical outcome of the infection in calves. Thus, a further refinement of this experimental model of bovine besnoitiosis is needed to reproduce macroscopic lesions characteristic of chronic stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - I Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Re
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Jiménez-Meléndez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Tabanera
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M González-Huecas
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Pizarro-Díaz
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - D Yanguas-Pérez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - P L Brum
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, UNIPAMPA, Federal University of Pampa, Dom Pedrito, Brazil
| | - J Blanco-Murcia
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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8
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Lim SSY, Chua KH, Nölke G, Spiegel H, Goh WL, Chow SC, Kee BP, Fischer R, Schillberg S, Othman RY. Plant-derived chimeric antibodies inhibit the invasion of human fibroblasts by Toxoplasma gondii. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5780. [PMID: 30581655 PMCID: PMC6294049 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes an opportunistic infection, that is, particularly severe in immunocompromised patients, infants, and neonates. Current antiparasitic drugs are teratogenic and cause hypersensitivity-based toxic side effects especially during prolonged treatment. Furthermore, the recent emergence of drug-resistant toxoplasmosis has reduced the therapeutic impact of such drugs. In an effort to develop recombinant antibodies as a therapeutic alternative, a panel of affinity-matured, T. gondii tachyzoite-specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies was selected by phage display and bioinformatic analysis. Further affinity optimization was attempted by introducing point mutations at hotspots within light chain complementarity-determining region 2. This strategy yielded four mutated scFv sequences and a parental scFv that were used to produce five mouse-human chimeric IgGs in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, with yields of 33-72 mg/kg of plant tissue. Immunological analysis confirmed the specific binding of these plant-derived antibodies to T. gondii tachyzoites, and in vitro efficacy was demonstrated by their ability to inhibit the invasion of human fibroblasts and impair parasite infectivity. These novel recombinant antibodies could therefore be suitable for the development of plant-derived immunotherapeutic interventions against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Greta Nölke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Holger Spiegel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wai Leong Goh
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sek Chuen Chow
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Boon Pin Kee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rainer Fischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schillberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rofina Yasmin Othman
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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9
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de Paula Reis M, de Lima DA, Pauli KB, Andreotti CEL, de Moraes ALS, Gonçalves DD, Navarro IT, Bueno PSA, Seixas FAV, Gasparotto Junior A, Lourenço ELB. Molecular docking to Toxoplasma gondii thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase and efficacy of raltitrexed in infected mice. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1465-1471. [PMID: 29550996 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5835-5] [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: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution. Currently, two drugs, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, are used as a reference in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, but the resistance of Toxoplasma gondii appears as a relevant public health problem. In order to identify new drugs to toxoplasmosis treatment, we performed a molecular docking of raltitrexed to T. gondii thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase (TS-DHFR) and also evaluated its efficacy in infected mice. Initially, raltitrexed was docked on the crystallographic structures of TS-DHFR from T. gondii and Mus musculus. Then, 48 h after infection with the T. gondii RH strain, different groups of mice received an oral dose of raltitrexed (0.15, 0.75, and 1.5 mg kg-1). Two days after treatments, raltitrexed was able to prevent mortality and reduce the number of tachyzoites in the peritoneal fluid and liver imprints from infected mice. The results showed that raltitrexed has important protective activities against the T. gondii RH strain. Molecular docking still suggests that the effects against the parasite may be dependent on the inhibition of T. gondii thymidylate synthase. This study opens new perspectives for the use of raltitrexed in patients infected with T. gondii, especially when conventional treatments do not exhibit the expected efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle de Paula Reis
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
| | - Daniely Alves de Lima
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
| | - Karoline Bach Pauli
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniela Dib Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Rodovia Dourados-Itahum, km 12, P.O. Box 533, 79, Dourados, MS, 804-970, Brazil.
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Harrison WT, Hulette C. Cerebral Toxoplasmosis: A Case Report with Correlation of Radiographic Imaging, Surgical Pathology, and Autopsy Findings. Acad Forensic Pathol 2017; 7:494-501. [PMID: 31239998 DOI: 10.23907/2017.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection of the central nervous system. Certain radiographic findings can be highly suggestive of the disease, but there is considerable overlap with both lymphoma and brain metastases, making the diagnosis difficult or delayed. Herein we present the case of a 77-year-old woman with a history of treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who presented with neurological symptoms four months after she was declared to be in remission. Her initial head computed tomography scan showed multiple low-attenuated lesions in her brain and a contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scan showed multiple T1- and T2- enhancing lesions in the basal ganglia and at the gray-white junction. The clinical team was highly suspicious of a recurrence of her lymphoma so she had an extensive workup, including a brain biopsy, which did not lead to a definite diagnosis. After she died, an autopsy was performed, and multiple necrotic lesions were discovered in her brain. Histologic sections demonstrated numerous parasitic organisms, and immunohistochemical staining for Toxoplasma gondii was positive, confirming the diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis. This case highlights an unusual case of cerebral toxoplasmosis that was diagnosed at autopsy and reviews the relevant radiographic findings as well as the gross and microscopic pathological features of the disease.
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11
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Teixeira WFP, Tozato MEG, Pierucci JC, Vital GP, Cruz AC, Lopes WDZ, Cursino MS, Joaquim SF, Soares VE, Langoni H, Bresciani KDS, Costa AJD. Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii in semen, testicle and epididymis tissues of primo-infected cats (Felis catus). Vet Parasitol 2017; 238:90-93. [PMID: 28404209 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 12/04/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in semen, testicle and epididymis tissues of cats experimentally infected by this coccidium. A total of 12 male felines without a definite breed that were of reproductive age and serologically negative for T. gondii were selected and distributed to the following three experimental groups: GI, inoculated with 600 tissue cysts of the P strain of T. gondii (isolate III); GII, inoculated with 2×105 tachyzoites of the RH strain (isolate I); and GIII, not inoculated (control group). Prior to inoculation (day -7 and 0) and on post inoculation days (PIDs) 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 70, all felines were subjected to assessments of anti-T. gondii IgG by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and assessments of parasitemia. Collection of semen (electroejaculation) was performed on the specified dates, followed by nested PCR and bioassays in mice to detect T. gondii. On PID 70, all 12 felines were orchiectomized, and the presence of the parasite in the testicles and epididymides was evaluated by nested PCR, murine bioassay, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. All felines inoculated with T. gondii (GI and GII) seroconverted to the toxoplasmic infection after PID 14; on PID 7, seroconversion of three felines (P4, RH2 and RH4) could observed, and all exhibited detectable titers by PID 64. The GII felines exhibited greater serological titers compared with GI felines. The maximum serological titer (IgG) was observed in feline RH3 (titer 1024), while in other experimental felines, a maximum titer of 256 was detected. Parasitemic peaks were diagnosed in all felines of groups I and II from PIDs 7-42. A total of five parasitemic peaks were diagnosed in GI and nine in GII. In none of the experimental time points was the presence of T. gondii diagnosed in seminal samples collected from the felines or in the testicle or epididymis tissues collected from these animals. Thus, sexual transmission in domestic cats does not appear to be a major route of T. gondii infection, possibly demonstrating the tendency of this protozoan to develop a response directed to the formation and excretion of oocysts in the feces of these definite hosts, which act as its main route of perpetuation in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weslen Fabricio Pires Teixeira
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Gonçalves Tozato
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Cestari Pierucci
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovana Pavão Vital
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Cayeiro Cruz
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74605050, Brazil.
| | - Marina Suzuki Cursino
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samea Fernandes Joaquim
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vando Edésio Soares
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Brasil - Campus Descalvado, Brazil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kátia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alvimar José da Costa
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR, Access route Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellane, no number, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Koethe M, Schade C, Fehlhaber K, Ludewig M. Survival of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in simulated gastric fluid and cow's milk. Vet Parasitol 2016; 233:111-114. [PMID: 28043380 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most important food-related pathogens worldwide. Besides contact to oocysts or ingestion of tissue cysts mainly by consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected animals, raw milk is considered to be a risk factor and possible route of transmission for tachyzoites. This stage of the parasite is usually very sensitive to acidic pH and, therefore, considered unlikely to survive stomach passage. However, tachyzoites were shown to survive for several days in milk and there are also reports on transmission of toxoplasmosis via milk. Thus, the aim of the study was to examine retention of infectivity of tachyzoites in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) of different acidity and to elucidate whether addition of different shares of milk would affect survival of the parasites. Tachyzoites were exposed to SGF of pH 2.0 through 6.0 and their remaining infectivity was examined by cell culture. Furthermore, the impact on survival was investigated in different admixtures of milk to the SGF (25, 50, 75%) as well as in pure milk. Tachyzoites were shown to retain infectivity in SGF of pH 5.0 and 6.0 for at least 90min while they were more sensitive to lower pH values. Admixture of milk resulted in extension of survival. The results support the hypothesis of tachyzoites to survive stomach passage and their retention of infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Koethe
- Institute of Food Hygiene, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Carolin Schade
- Institute of Food Hygiene, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karsten Fehlhaber
- Institute of Food Hygiene, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martina Ludewig
- Institute of Food Hygiene, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Passeri E, Jones-Brando L, Bordón C, Sengupta S, Wilson AM, Primerano A, Rapoport JL, Ishizuka K, Kano SI, Yolken RH, Sawa A. Infection and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in human induced neurons from patients with brain disorders and healthy controls. Microbes Infect 2015; 18:153-8. [PMID: 26432947 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite capable of establishing persistent infection within the brain. Serological studies in humans have linked exposure to Toxoplasma to neuropsychiatric disorders. However, serological studies have not elucidated the related molecular mechanisms within neuronal cells. To address this question, we used human induced neuronal cells derived from peripheral fibroblasts of healthy individuals and patients with genetically-defined brain disorders (i.e. childhood-onset schizophrenia with disease-associated copy number variations). Parasite infection was characterized by differential detection of tachyzoites and tissue cysts in induced neuronal cells. This approach may aid study of molecular mechanisms underlying individual predisposition to Toxoplasma infection linked to neuropathology of brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Passeri
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lorraine Jones-Brando
- Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Claudia Bordón
- Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Srona Sengupta
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ashley M Wilson
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Amedeo Primerano
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Judith L Rapoport
- National Institute of Mental Health, Magnuson Clinical Center, Room 3N202, MSC 1600, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Koko Ishizuka
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Shin-ichi Kano
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Akira Sawa
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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14
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Mzabi A, Escotte-Binet S, Le Naour R, Ortis N, Audonnet S, Dardé ML, Aubert D, Villena I. Optimization of the cryopreservation of biological resources, Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites, using flow cytometry. Cryobiology 2015; 71:459-63. [PMID: 26408852 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The conservation of Toxoplasma gondii strains isolated from humans and animals is essential for conducting studies on Toxoplasma. Conservation is the main function of the French Biological Toxoplasma Resource Centre (BRC Toxoplasma, France, http://www.toxocrb.com/). In this study, we have determined the suitability of a standard cryopreservation methodology for different Toxoplasma strains using the viability of tachyzoites assayed by flow cytometry with dual fluorescent labelling (calcein acetoxymethyl ester and propidium iodide) of tachyzoites. This method provides a comparative quantitative assessment of viability after thawing. The results helped to define and refine quality criteria before tachyzoite cryopreservation and optimization of the cryopreservation parameters. The optimized cryopreservation method uses a volume of 1.0 mL containing 8 × 10(6) tachyzoites, in Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium (IMDM) containing 10% foetal calf serum (FCS). The cryoprotectant additive is 10% v/v Me2SO without incubation. A cooling rate of ∼1 °C/min to -80 °C followed, after 48 h, by storage in liquid nitrogen. Thawing was performed using a 37 °C water bath that produced a warming rate of ∼100 °C/min, and samples were then diluted 1:5 in IMDM with 5% FCS, and centrifuged and resuspended for viability assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Mzabi
- EA 3800, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France; Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Centre Toxoplasma, Maison Blanche Hospital, Reims, France.
| | - Sandie Escotte-Binet
- EA 3800, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France; Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Centre Toxoplasma, Maison Blanche Hospital, Reims, France
| | - Richard Le Naour
- EA 4683, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France; Flow Cytometry Platform URCACyt, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Naïma Ortis
- Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Centre Toxoplasma, Maison Blanche Hospital, Reims, France
| | - Sandra Audonnet
- Flow Cytometry Platform URCACyt, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM, University of Limoges, CHU Limoges, Parasitology Department, UMR-S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France; National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Centre Toxoplasma, Limoges University Hospital, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Dominique Aubert
- EA 3800, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France; Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Centre Toxoplasma, Maison Blanche Hospital, Reims, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- EA 3800, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France; Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Centre Toxoplasma, Maison Blanche Hospital, Reims, France
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15
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El-Zawawy LA, El-Said D, Mossallam SF, Ramadan HS, Younis SS. Triclosan and triclosan-loaded liposomal nanoparticles in the treatment of acute experimental toxoplasmosis. Exp Parasitol 2015; 149:54-64. [PMID: 25499511 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Efficacy of triclosan (TS) and TS-loaded liposomes against the virulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) was evaluated. Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally infected with 10(4) tachyzoites of RH HXGPRT(-) strain of T. gondii, then were orally treated with 150 mg/kg TS or 100 mg/kg TS liposomes twice daily for 4 days. Mice mortality, peritoneal and liver parasite burdens, viability, infectivity and ultrastructural changes of peritoneal tachyzoites of infected treated mice were studied, in comparison with those of infected non-treated controls. Drug safety was biochemically assessed by measuring liver enzymes and thyroxin. Both TS and TS liposomes induced significant reduction in mice mortality, parasite burden, viability and infectivity of tachyzoites harvested from infected treated mice. Scanning electron microscopy of treated tachyzoites showed distorted shapes, reduced sizes, irregularities, surface protrusions, erosions and peeling besides apical region distortion. Transmission electron microscopy showed that treated tachyzoites were intracellularly distorted, had cytoplasmic vacuolation, discontinuous plasma membranes, nuclear abnormalities and disrupted internal structures. Besides, in TS liposomes-treated subgroup, most tachyzoites were seen intracellularly with complete disintegration of the parasite plasma and nuclear membranes, with complete destruction of the internal structures. Biochemical safety of TS and TS liposomes was proven. Accordingly, TS can be considered as a promising alternative to the standard therapy for treating acute murine toxoplasmosis. Liposomal formulation of TS enhanced its efficacy and allowed its use in a lower dose.
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16
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Zeng YB, Dong H, Han HY, Jiang LL, Zhao QP, Zhu SH, Ma WJ, Cheng J, Huang B. The Ultrastructural Effects of Sulfachloropyrazine on Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites. Iran J Parasitol 2013; 8:73-7. [PMID: 23682263 PMCID: PMC3655243] [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: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections of humans and other mammals. This study was aimed to understand the mechanism of action of veterinary medicine-sulfachloropyrazine (SPZ, 99.97%) against Toxoplasma gondii. METHODS T. gondii tachyzoites were soaked in PBS (as a control) or SPZ (250 mg/mL) for 2 h at 37 °C. After being processed, any ultrastructural changes of the tachyzoites that had occurred were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). RESULTS The tachyzoites from control groups with a uniform size had a smooth surface and intact cell or nuclear membranes. In addition, an oval-shaped nucleus, conoids and micronemes were also observed. By contrast, many parasites from the SPZ-treated groups were detrimentally affected by the treatment. Some appeared to be of the vacuolization in their cytoplasm, with the substantial reduction in the number of dense granules and the blur of some organelles. CONCLUSION The morphology and ultrastructure of tachyzoites can be affected significantly by SPZ, which might kill the parasite by inhibiting its energy metabolism, inducing apoptosis and damaging its structure. The study provides an experimental basis for further study on the mechanism of SPZ against T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - B Huang
- Corresponding author:Tel.: 86-21-34293464,
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17
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Schorer M, Debache K, Barna F, Monney T, Müller J, Boykin DW, Stephens CE, Hemphill A. Di-cationic arylimidamides act against Neospora caninum tachyzoites by interference in membrane structure and nucleolar integrity and are active against challenge infection in mice. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2012; 2:109-20. [PMID: 24533272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is considered to be the main cause of bovine abortion in Europe and the USA, leading to considerable financial impact. Losses are caused directly by abortions or indirectly through breeding of calves with impaired viability. Due to the lack of effective chemotherapy against bovine neosporosis, there is a need to develop new anti-protozoal compounds, which would either eliminate the parasite or avoid its transmission. In order to identify compounds of interest, the in vitro activities of 41 di-cationic pentamidine derivatives were studied employing a transgenic N. caninum clone expressing beta-galactosidase as a reporter gene. The arylimidamide DB745, previously shown to be highly active against Leishmania donovani in vitro and in vivo, appeared as the most promising compound, with an IC50 of 80 nM in 3-day growth assays and severely affecting both host cell invasion as well as intracellular proliferation. TEM of intracellular tachyzoites identified distinct alterations related to the nucleolus and the nuclear and cellular membrane. Long-term growth assays showed that DB745 acted parasiticidal upon the Nc-Liv isolate, but not against the Nc-1 isolate of N. caninum. In vivo studies in N. caninum (Nc-1 isolate) infected mice showed that daily intraperitoneal application of DB745 for a period of 14 days resulted in a decreased number of clinically affected animals, and lower cerebral parasite burdens in DB745-treated mice compared to non-treated mice. These results illustrate the potential of dicationic arylimidamides for the treatment of N. caninum infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Schorer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karim Debache
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Barna
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - David W Boykin
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 4098, Atlanta, GA 30302-4098, USA
| | - Chad E Stephens
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta State University, Augusta, GA 30904-2200, USA
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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18
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Toulah FH, Sayed Al-Ahl SA, Amin DM, Hamouda MH. Toxoplasma gondii: Ultrastructure study of the entry of tachyzoites into mammalian cells. Saudi J Biol Sci 2010; 18:151-6. [PMID: 23961118 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 06/11/2010] [Revised: 10/24/2010] [Accepted: 12/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplama gondii (Apicomplexa: Coccidia), an obligatory intracellular parasite with a unique capacity to invade virtually all nucleated cell type from warm-blooded vertebrate hosts. Despite the efficiency with which Toxoplasma enters its host cell, it remains unresolved if invasion occurs by direct penetration of the parasite or through phagocytosis. In the present work, electron microscopic study was designed to examine the entry process of Toxoplasma (RH strain) into macrophages and non phagocytic-host cells (Hela cells) and to observe the ultrastructure changes associated with intracellular parasitism. The results showed that both active invasion and phagocytosis were occurred and revealed that invasion is an ordered process that initiates with binding of the parasite at its apical end followed by tight-fitting invagination of the host cell membrane and a prominent constriction in the parasite at the site of penetration. The process ended by the professional parasitophorous vacuole that is distinct at the outset from those formed by phagocytosis in which once Toxoplasma triggered, phagocytic uptake can proceed by capture of the parasite within a loose fitting vacuole formed by localized membrane ruffling. The cytopathic effects of the parasite on macrophages and Hela cells were demonstrated within 5-15 h post-inoculation in the form of degenerative mitochondria, swelling Golgi apparatus and widening of endoplasmic reticulum indicating intracellular oedema. These changes were exaggerated and several cells were found dead after 48-72 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia H Toulah
- Department of Zoology, Girls' College of Education, King Abdel Aziz University, Departments of Parasitology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University and Department of Pathology, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
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