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Retana Moreira L, Cornet-Gomez A, Sepulveda MR, Molina-Castro S, Alvarado-Ocampo J, Chaves Monge F, Jara Rojas M, Osuna A, Abrahams Sandí E. Providing an in vitro depiction of microglial cells challenged with immunostimulatory extracellular vesicles of Naegleria fowleri. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1346021. [PMID: 38374922 PMCID: PMC10876093 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1346021] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rapid and acute infection of the central nervous system with a fatal outcome in >97% of cases. Due to the infrequent report of cases and diagnostic gaps that hinder the possibility of recovering clinic isolates, studies related to pathogenesis of the disease are scarce. However, the secretion of cytolytic molecules has been proposed as a factor involved in the progression of the infection. Several of these molecules could be included in extracellular vesicles (EVs), making them potential virulence factors and even modulators of the immune response in this infection. In this work, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of EVs secreted by two clinic isolates of Naegleria fowleri using in vitro models. For this purpose, characterization analyses between EVs produced by both isolates were first performed, for subsequent gene transcription analyses post incubation of these vesicles with primary cultures from mouse cell microglia and BV-2 cells. Analyses of morphological changes induced in primary culture microglia cells by the vesicles were also included, as well as the determination of the presence of nucleic acids of N. fowleri in the EV fractions. Results revealed increased expression of NOS, proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-23, and the regulatory cytokine IL-10 in primary cultures of microglia, as well as increased expression of NOS and IL-13 in BV-2 cells. Morphologic changes from homeostatic microglia, with small cellular body and long processes to a more amoeboid morphology were also observed after the incubation of these cells with EVs. Regarding the presence of nucleic acids, specific Naegleria fowleri DNA that could be amplified using both conventional and qPCR was confirmed in the EV fractions. Altogether, these results confirm the immunomodulatory effects of EVs of Naegleria fowleri over microglial cells and suggest a potential role of these vesicles as biomarkers of primary acute meningoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissette Retana Moreira
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alberto Cornet-Gomez
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Parasitología Molecular (CTS 183), Departamento de Parasitología, Campus de Fuentenueva, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M. Rosario Sepulveda
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Silvia Molina-Castro
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Johan Alvarado-Ocampo
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Frida Chaves Monge
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mariana Jara Rojas
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Parasitología Molecular (CTS 183), Departamento de Parasitología, Campus de Fuentenueva, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Abrahams Sandí
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Natali L, Luna Pizarro G, Moyano S, de la Cruz-Thea B, Musso J, Rópolo AS, Eichner N, Meister G, Musri MM, Feliziani C, Touz MC. The Exosome-like Vesicles of Giardia Assemblages A, B, and E Are Involved in the Delivering of Distinct Small RNA from Parasite to Parasite. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119559. [PMID: 37298511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119559] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetically related assemblages of the intestinal protozoa parasite Giardia lamblia are morphologically indistinguishable and are often derived from specific hosts. The Giardia assemblages are separated by large genetic distances, which might account for their relevant biological and pathogenic differences. In this work, we analyzed the RNAs cargo released into exosomal-like vesicles (ElVs) by the assemblages A and B, which differentially infect humans, and the assemblage E, which infects hoofed animals. The RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the ElVs of each assemblage contained distinct small RNA (sRNA) biotypes, suggesting a preference for specific packaging in each assemblage. These sRNAs were classified into three categories, ribosomal-small RNAs (rsRNAs), messenger-small RNAs (msRNAs), and transfer-small RNAs (tsRNAs), which may play a regulatory role in parasite communication and contribute to host-specificity and pathogenesis. Uptake experiments showed, for the first time, that ElVs were successfully internalized by the parasite trophozoites. Furthermore, we observed that the sRNAs contained inside these ElVs were first located below the plasma membrane but then distributed along the cytoplasm. Overall, the study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the host-specificity and pathogenesis of G. lamblia and highlights the potential role of sRNAs in parasite communication and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lautaro Natali
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Gabriel Luna Pizarro
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Sofía Moyano
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Benjamin de la Cruz-Thea
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Juliana Musso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Andrea S Rópolo
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Norbert Eichner
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Melina M Musri
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Constanza Feliziani
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - María C Touz
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
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Zhao L, He K, Jiang C, Wang G, Hu S, Wang T, Qian W, Wei Z, Xiong J, Miao W, Yan W. Comparative Genomic and Transcriptomic Profiling Revealed the Molecular Basis of Starch Promoting the Growth and Proliferation of Balantioides coli. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101608. [PMID: 37238038 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101608] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrates are the main source of nutrition for B. coli, supplying energy for cell growth and development. The research aimed at investigating the mechanism of starch on the growth and replication of B. coli. Single-cell separation was used to isolate single trophozoites of B. coli under a stereomicroscope, transcriptomic profiling was conducted based on the SMART-seq2 single-cell RNA-seq method. Comparative genomic analysis was performed on B. coli and eight other ciliates to obtain specific and expanded gene families of B. coli. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were used to analyze the key genes of B. coli under the action of starch in the present study. The results of single-cell RNA-seq depicts starch affected the growth and replication of B. coli in two ways: (1) the cell cycle was positively promoted by the activation of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway via glycolysis; (2) the cell autophagy was suppressed through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Genes involved in endocytosis, carbohydrate utilization, and the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway were highly enriched in both specific and expanded gene families of B. coli. Starch can be ingested and hydrolyzed into glucose, in turn affecting various biological processes of B. coli. The molecular mechanism of the effect of starch on the growth and proliferation of B. coli by promoting cell cycle and inhibiting the autophagy of trophozoites has been elucidated in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhuo Zhao
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Kai He
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chuanqi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Guangying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Suhui Hu
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Weifeng Qian
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Zhiguo Wei
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wei Miao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenchao Yan
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
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Sohn HJ, Kim JH, Kim K, Park S, Shin HJ. De Novo Transcriptome Profiling of Naegleria fowleri Trophozoites and Cysts via RNA Sequencing. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020174. [PMID: 36839446 PMCID: PMC9959186 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020174] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic free-living amoeba, commonly found around the world in warm, fresh water and soil. N. fowleri trophozoites can infect humans by entering the brain through the nose and causing usually fatal primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Trophozoites can encyst to survive under unfavorable conditions such as cold temperature, starvation, and desiccation. Recent technological advances in genomics and bioinformatics have provided unique opportunities for the identification and pre-validation of pathogen-related and environmental resistance through improved understanding of the biology of pathogenic N. fowleri trophozoites and cysts at a molecular level. However, genomic and transcriptomic data on differential expression genes (DEGs) between trophozoites and cysts of N. fowleri are very limited. Here, we report transcriptome Illumina RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) for N. fowleri trophozoites and cysts and de novo transcriptome assembly. RNA-seq libraries were generated from RNA extracted from N. fowleri sampled from cysts, and a reference transcriptome was generated through the assembly of trophozoite data. In the database, the assembly procedure resulted in 42,220 contigs with a mean length of 11,254 nucleotides and a C+G content of 37.21%. RNA sequencing showed that 146 genes in cysts of N. fowleri indicated 2-fold upregulation in comparison with trophozoites of N. fowleri, and 163 genes were downregulated; these genes were found to participate in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. The KEGG pathway included metabolic (131 sequences) and genetic information processing (66 sequences), cellular processing (43 sequences), environmental information processing (22 sequences), and organismal system (20 sequences) pathways. On the other hand, an analysis of 11,254 sequences via the Gene Ontology database showed that their annotations contained 1069 biological processes including the cellular process (228 sequences) and metabolic process (214 sequences); 923 cellular components including cells (240 sequences) and cell parts (225 sequences); and 415 molecular functions including catalytic activities (195 sequences) and binding processes (186 sequences). Differential expression levels increased in cysts of N. fowleri compared to trophozoites of N. fowleri, which were mainly categorized as serine/threonine protease, kinase, and lipid metabolism-related proteins. These results may provide new insights into pathogen-related genes or environment-resistant genes in the pathogenesis of N. fowleri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Jin Sohn
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyun Kim
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyongmin Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Park
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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Nikam PB, Salunkhe JD, Marathe KR, Alghuthaymi MA, Abd-Elsalam KA, Patil SV. Rhizobium pusense-Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles-Antibiotics Combinations against Acanthamoeba sp. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122502. [PMID: 36557755 PMCID: PMC9785558 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122502] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe ocular infections by Acanthamoeba sp. lead to keratitis, resulting in irreversible vision loss in immune-compromised individuals. When a protozoal infection spreads to neural tissues, it causes granulomatous encephalitis, which can be fatal. Treatment often takes longer due to the transition of amoeba from trophozoites to cyst stages, cyst being the dormant form of Acanthamoeba. A prolonged use of therapeutic agents, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), results in severe side effects; thus, it is critical to improve the therapeutic efficacy of these widely used antibiotics, possibly by limiting the drug-sensitive protozoal-phase transition to cyst formation. Owing to the biomedical potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), we evaluated the synergistic effects of ciprofloxacin and Rhizobium pusense-biogenic SeNPs combination. SeNPs synthesized using Rhizobium pusense isolated from root nodules were characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FT-IR, SEM with EDX, particle size analysis, and Zeta potential. The combination was observed to reduce the sub-lethal dose of Cipro, which may help reduce its side effects. The selenium and ciprofloxacin (SeNPs-Cipro) combination reduced the LC50 by 33.43%. The anti-protozoal efficacy of SeNPs-Cipro was found to transduce through decreased protozoal-cyst formations and the inhibition of the galactosidase and protease enzymes of trophozoites. Furthermore, high leakage of sugar, proteins, and amino acids during the SeNPs-Cipro treatment was one primary reason for killing the trophozoites. These experimental results may be helpful in the further pre-clinical evaluation of SeNPs-Cipro to combat protozoal infections. Future studies for combinations of SeNPs with other antibiotics need to be conducted to know the potential of SeNPs against antibiotic resistance in Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradnya B. Nikam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon 425001, India
| | - Jitendra D. Salunkhe
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon 425001, India
| | - Kiran R. Marathe
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon 425001, India
| | - Mousa A. Alghuthaymi
- Biology Department, Science and Humanities College, Shaqra University, Alquwayiyah 11971, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
- Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt
- Correspondence: (K.A.A.-E.); or (S.V.P.); Tel.: +91-0257-2257421–25 (S.V.P.)
| | - Satish V. Patil
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon 425001, India
- Correspondence: (K.A.A.-E.); or (S.V.P.); Tel.: +91-0257-2257421–25 (S.V.P.)
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Shing B, Balen M, Fenical W, Debnath A. Development of a Machine Learning-Based Cysticidal Assay and Identification of an Amebicidal and Cysticidal Marine Microbial Metabolite against Acanthamoeba. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0007722. [PMID: 35467370 PMCID: PMC9241814 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00077-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional cysticidal assays for Acanthamoeba species revolve around treating cysts with compounds and manually observing the culture for evidence of excystation. This method is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and low throughput. We adapted and trained a YOLOv3 machine learning, object detection neural network to recognize Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts in microscopy images to develop an automated cysticidal assay. This trained neural network was used to count trophozoites in wells treated with compounds of interest to determine if a compound treatment was cysticidal. We validated this new assay with known cysticidal and noncysticidal compounds. In addition, we undertook a large-scale bioluminescence-based screen of 9,286 structurally unique marine microbial metabolite fractions against the trophozoites of A. castellanii and identified 29 trophocidal hits. These hits were then subjected to this machine learning-based automated cysticidal assay. One marine microbial metabolite fraction was identified as both trophocidal and cysticidal. IMPORTANCE The free-living Acanthamoeba can exist as a trophozoite or cyst and both stages can cause painful blinding keratitis. Infection recurrence occurs in approximately 10% of cases due to the lack of efficient drugs that can kill both trophozoites and cysts. Therefore, the discovery of therapeutics that are effective against both stages is a critical unmet need to avert blindness. Current efforts to identify new anti-Acanthamoeba compounds rely primarily upon assays that target the trophozoite stage of the parasite. We adapted and trained a machine learning, object detection neural network to recognize Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts in microscopy images. Our machine learning-based cysticidal assay improved throughput, demonstrated high specificity, and had an exquisite ability to identify noncysticidal compounds. We combined this cysticidal assay with our bioluminescence-based trophocidal assay to screen about 9,000 structurally unique marine microbial metabolites against A. castellanii. Our screen identified a marine metabolite that was both trophocidal and cysticidal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Shing
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mina Balen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - William Fenical
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Siddiqui R, Mungroo MR, Anuar TS, Alharbi AM, Alfahemi H, Elmoselhi AB, Khan NA. Antiamoebic Properties of Laboratory and Clinically Used Drugs against Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11. [PMID: 35740156 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris are pathogenic free-living amoebae that infect the central nervous system with over 95% mortality rates. Although several compounds have shown promise in vitro but associated side effects and/or prolonged approval processes for clinical applications have led to limited success. To overcome this, drug repurposing of marketed compounds with known mechanism of action is considered a viable approach that has potential to expedite discovery and application of anti-amoebic compounds. In fact, many of the drugs currently employed in the treatment of N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris, such as amphotericin B, fluconazole, rifampin and miltefosine, are repurposed drugs. Here, we evaluated a range of clinical and laboratory compounds including metformin, quinclorac, indaziflam, inositol, nateglinide, 2,6-DNBT, trans-cinnamic acid, terbuthylazine, acarbose, glimepiride, vildagliptin, cellulase, thaxtomin A, repaglinide and dimethyl peptidase (IV) inhibitor against N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris. Anti-amoebic assays revealed that indaziflam, nateglinide, 2,6-DNBT, terbuthylazine, acarbose and glimepiride exhibited potent amoebicidal properties against both N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris. Notably, all compounds tested showed minimal human (HaCaT) cell cytotoxicity as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release. Prospective research using animal models is warranted to determine the potential of these repurposed compounds, as well as the need for investigating the intranasal route of delivery to treat these devastating infections.
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Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a dangerous disease of the cornea, its prevalence has increased significantly due to widespread usage of contact lenses. The similarity of the clinical manifestations of AK to other infectious keratitis (especially herpetic keratitis) requires introduction of a rapid diagnosis method into clinical practice. PURPOSE To evaluate the capabilities of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in the diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 33 patients (35 eyes) with suspected acanthamoeba keratitis using light and laser confocal microscopy of the cornea (ConfoScan and HRT devices, respectively). RESULTS CCM was technically feasible in 23 of 35 cases (65.7%). Acanthamoeba cysts were detected in 16 cases (69.6%); trophozoites were visualized in 17.4% of cases; signs of keratoneuritis were detected in 12 eyes (52.2%); in 7 cases (30.4%), hyporeflective honeycomb-like cavities were observed in the stroma; deep stromal striae were observed in 9 cases (39.1%); activated keratocytes were detected in 11 patients (47.8%), and Langerhans cells were detected in 19 cases (82.6%). CONCLUSIONS The main diagnostic value of confocal microscopy is the detection of direct markers of AK - cysts and trophozoites of Acanthamoeba. Both light and laser CCM techniques are suitable for the diagnosis of AK, but the resolution of laser confocal microscopy is higher. The non-invasive nature of this method and the possibility of multiple subsequent examinations make it possible to verify the diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis and monitor the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Z V Surnina
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
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El-Kady AM, Abdel-Rahman IAM, Fouad SS, Allemailem KS, Istivan T, Ahmed SFM, Hasan AS, Osman HA, Elshabrawy HA. Pomegranate Peel Extract Is a Potential Alternative Therapeutic for Giardiasis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:705. [PMID: 34208266 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardiasis is a major diarrheal disease affecting approximately 2.5 million children annually in developing countries. Several studies have reported the resistance of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) to multiple drugs. Therefore, identifying an effective drug for giardiasis is a necessity. This study examined the antiparasitic effect of Punica granatum (pomegranate) and evaluated its therapeutic efficacy in rats infected with G. lamblia. In vitro study showed high efficacy of pomegranate peel ethanolic extract in killing G. lamblia cysts as demonstrated by eosin vital staining. We showed that treating infected rats with pomegranate extract resulted in a marked reduction in the mean number of G. lamblia cysts and trophozoites in feces and intestine respectively. Interestingly, the number of G. lamblia trophozoites and cysts were significantly lower in the pomegranate extract-treated group compared to the metronidazole-positive control group. Moreover, pomegranate extract treatment significantly induced nitric oxide (NO) and reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-α, compared to infected untreated rats. Histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination of the jejunum and duodenum of pomegranate extract-treated animals confirmed the antiparasitic effect of the extract, and demonstrated the restoration of villi structure with reduction of villi atrophy, decreased infiltration of lymphocytes, and protection of intestinal cells from apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, our data show that the pomegranate peel extract is effective in controlling G. lamblia infections, which suggests that it could be a viable treatment option for giardiasis.
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Zwillman M, Nguyen AT, Organek N, Kobiessi ZA, Kodali S, Immanuel KE. Rapid Cerebral Edema and Herniation in a 65-Year-Old Man With Balamuthia Mandrillaris. Cureus 2021; 13:e14498. [PMID: 34007751 PMCID: PMC8121121 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14498] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This case describes a 65-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma as well as other medical comorbidities who developed rapidly progressive cerebral edema, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, and ultimately died. Postmortem examination revealed massive cerebral edema, widespread parenchymal necrosis, herniation, hemorrhage, and cerebral amebiasis. The causative agent was identified by the Center for Disease Control as Balamuthia mandrillaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Zwillman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Anh T Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Natalie Organek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, USA
| | | | - Sudha Kodali
- Section of Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Kevin E Immanuel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, USA
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11
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Crary MJ, Walters R, Shannon P, Gabriel MM. Variables Affecting the Recovery of Acanthamoeba Trophozoites. Pathogens 2021; 10:221. [PMID: 33670669 PMCID: PMC7922685 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020221] [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: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While the results of Acanthamoeba testing have been extensively published, laboratories conducting such testing are left to develop their own methods in the absence of a standardized methodology. The wide disparity of methods has resulted in equally inconsistent reported results for contact lens care (CLC) products. This study's objective was to determine the source of these discrepancies by evaluating basic Acanthamoeba biology and their impact on antimicrobial efficacy testing, including the ability of a recovery method to stimulate a single trophozoite to proliferate. Antimicrobial efficacy testing was conducted using well-published Acanthamoeba strains, storage conditions, and growth-based recovery methods. To identify variables that influence results, test solutions with low Acanthamoeba disinfection rates were utilized to prevent differences from being masked by high log reductions. In addition, single-cell proliferation assays were executed to understand the growth requirements to stimulate trophozoite propagation in two recovery methods. These studies indicated that both nutrient density (>106 CFU) and the length of plate incubation (at least 14 days) could significantly influence the accurate recovery of trophozoites. Together, this study emphasizes the need to understand how Acanthamoeba trophozoites biology can impact test methods to create divergent results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica J. Crary
- R&D Microbiology, Alcon Research, LLC, Fort Worth, TX 76134, USA; (R.W.); (P.S.); (M.M.G.)
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12
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Heredero-Bermejo I, Martín-Pérez T, Copa-Patiño JL, Gómez R, de la Mata FJ, Soliveri J, Pérez-Serrano J. Ultrastructural Study of Acanthamoeba polyphaga Trophozoites and Cysts Treated In Vitro with Cationic Carbosilane Dendrimers. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12060565. [PMID: 32570829 PMCID: PMC7356815 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic carbosilane dendrimers are branched molecules with antimicrobial properties. Their activity has been tested against Acanthamoeba polyphaga, a causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe ocular disease in humans. A. polyphaga trophozoites and cysts were exposed to different noncytotoxic cationic carbosilane dendrimers with proven antiamoebic activity. The effects of treatment on cell surface and cell ultrastructure were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Two of the dendrimers tested induced dramatic alterations of cellular ultrastructure in both trophozoites and cysts, including vacuolization, depletion of cytoplasmic contents, and reduced cell size. Additionally, we observed severe alterations of the plasma membrane with membrane blebbing in trophozoites and disruption in cysts. These alterations were also observed with chlorhexidine, a drug used for treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Our results support that these compounds may target membranes, and their action is critical for parasite integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Heredero-Bermejo
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tania Martín-Pérez
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
| | - José Luis Copa-Patiño
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
| | - Rafael Gómez
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Research Institute on Chemistry “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.); (F.J.d.l.M.)
- Institute “Ramón y Cajal” for Health Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier de la Mata
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Research Institute on Chemistry “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.); (F.J.d.l.M.)
- Institute “Ramón y Cajal” for Health Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Soliveri
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
| | - Jorge Pérez-Serrano
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
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13
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Oren O, Yang EH, Gluckman TJ, Michos ED, Blumenthal RS, Gersh BJ. Use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Implications: Understanding Safety Discrepancies to Improve Interpretation and Design of Clinical Trials. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2020; 13:e008688. [PMID: 32436730 PMCID: PMC7299098 DOI: 10.1161/circep.120.008688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ohad Oren
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (O.O.)
| | - Eric H. Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (E.H.Y.)
| | - Ty J. Gluckman
- Center for Cardiovascular Analytics, Research and Data Science (CARDS), Providence Heart Institute, Providence St Joseph Health, Portland, OR (T.J.G.)
| | - Erin D. Michos
- The Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (E.D.M., R.S.B.)
| | - Roger S. Blumenthal
- The Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (E.D.M., R.S.B.)
| | - Bernard J. Gersh
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic & Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN (B.J.G.)
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14
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Hung KC, Lu CJ, Liu HY, Hou YC, Wang IJ, Hu FR, Chen WL. Use of white light in vivo confocal microscopy for the detection of spatial changes in the corneal nerves in cases of early-stage Acanthamoeba keratitis with radial keratoneuritis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2020; 68:1061-1066. [PMID: 32461430 PMCID: PMC7508073 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1313_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Radial keratoneuritis (RK) is a common feature of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is noninvasive and provides real-time images for the diagnosis of corneal diseases by allowing the visualization of corneal structures and morphologies of living organisms at the cellular level. Images of AK with RK obtained using commercial white light IVCM devices have not been frequently evaluated. In the present study, a white light IVCM device was used to evaluate the corneal findings and describe spatial changes in the corneal nerves at different depths in cases of early-stage AK with RK. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, white light IVCM images focused on RK were evaluated for Acanthamoeba cysts/trophozoites, corneal deposits, and altered corneal nerves, with special emphasis on three-dimensional spatial changes in the corneal nerves at different depths. Results: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients exhibiting early-stage AK with RK were included in the study. Acanthamoeba cysts/trophozoites were observed in the corneal epithelium of 13 eyes and stroma of 7 eyes. Alterations in the corneal nerve morphology and density were observed from the basal epithelial layer to the stromal layer in 12 eyes. Acanthamoeba trophozoites were attached to the corneal stromal nerves in five eyes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that white light IVCM can identify consistent corneal findings, particularly spatial changes in the corneal nerves, in cases of early-stage AK with RK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Chi Hung
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University; Department of Ophthalmology, Sinying Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Xinying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ju Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Jong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fung-Rong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital; Center of Corneal Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital; Center of Corneal Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Rawat A, Singh P, Jyoti A, Kaushik S, Srivastava VK. Averting transmission: A pivotal target to manage amoebiasis. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 96:731-744. [PMID: 32356312 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Amoebiasis is a parasitic infectious disease caused by the enteric protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, a leading basis of deaths accounted to parasites, succeeding malaria and schistosomiasis. Conventional treatment methodologies used to deal with amoebiasis mainly rely on the administration of anti-amoebic compounds and vaccines but are often linked with substantial side-effects on the patient. Besides, cases of development of drug resistance in protozoans have been recorded, contributing further to the reduction in the efficiency of the treatment. Loopholes in the efficacious management of the disease call for the development of novel methodologies to manage amoebiasis. A way to achieve this is by targeting the essential metabolic processes of 'encystation' and 'excystation', and the associated biomolecules, thus interrupting the biphasic life cycle of the parasite. Technologies like the CRISPR-Cas9 system can efficiently be exploited to discover novel and essential molecules that regulate the protozoan's metabolism, while efficiently manipulating and managing the known drug targets, leading to an effective halt and forestall to the enteric infection. This review presents a perspective on these essential metabolic processes and the associated molecules that can be targeted efficaciously to prevent the transmission of amoebiasis, thus managing the disease and proving to be a fruitful endeavour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aadish Rawat
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Parikshit Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Anupam Jyoti
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Sanket Kaushik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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16
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Duarte TT, Ellis CC, Grajeda BI, De Chatterjee A, Almeida IC, Das S. A Targeted Mass Spectrometric Analysis Reveals the Presence of a Reduced but Dynamic Sphingolipid Metabolic Pathway in an Ancient Protozoan, Giardia lamblia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:245. [PMID: 31396488 PMCID: PMC6668603 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00245] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia, a single-celled eukaryote, colonizes and thrives in the small intestine of humans. Because of its compact and reduced genome, Giardia has adapted a “minimalistic” life style, as it becomes dependent on available resources of the small intestine. Because Giardia expresses fewer sphingolipid (SL) genes—and glycosphingolipids are critical for encystation—we investigated the SL metabolic cycle in this parasite. A tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis reveals that major SLs in Giardia include sphingomyelins, sphingoid bases, ceramides, and glycosylceramides. Many of these lipids are obtained by Giardia from the growth medium, remodeled at their fatty acyl chains and end up in the spent medium. For instance, ceramide-1-phosphate, a proinflammatory molecule that is not present in the culture medium, is generated from sphingosine (abundant in the culture medium) possibly by remodeling reactions. It is then subsequently released into the spent medium. Thus, the secretion of ceramide-1-phospate and other SL derivatives by Giardia could be associated with inflammatory bowel disease observed in acute giardiasis. Additionally, we found that the levels of SLs increase in encysting Giardia and are differentially regulated throughout the encystation cycle. We propose that SL metabolism is important for this parasite and, could serve as potential targets for developing novel anti-giardial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor T Duarte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Cameron C Ellis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Brian I Grajeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Atasi De Chatterjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Igor C Almeida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States.,Infectious Disease and Immunology Cluster, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Siddhartha Das
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States.,Infectious Disease and Immunology Cluster, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
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17
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Vijayakumar R. Isolation, identification of pathogenic Acanthamoeba from drinking and recreational water sources in Saudi Arabia. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5:439-444. [PMID: 31453155 PMCID: PMC6702902 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2018.e296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The present study was conducted to isolate and identify the Acanthamoeba species from various water sources such as drinking water, tap water, swimming pool, and other recreational water. Materials and methods: During the study period, 57 water samples were collected from various sources such as tap water, drinking water, swimming pool, and recreational water. All samples were processed and cultured on non-nutrient agar medium (NNA) with Escherichia coli overlay for the isolation of Acanthamoeba species. Organism identified based on the microscopic morphology of cyst and trophozoites forms. The pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba was analyzed by thermotolerance and osmotolerance assays. Results: Acanthamoeba were detected in 10 out of 57 (17.5%) examined water samples. The high percentage of positivity was observed in bore well water stored in tanks (37.5%) and in recreational water samples (26.7%). All processed drinking water samples were free from Acanthamoeba. Based on pathogenicity test assays, four (40%) were pathogenic and three (30%) were non-pathogenic. The observed frequency of Acanthamoeba spp. was compared with available literature worldwide. Conclusion: This study is the first report showing the distribution of Acanthamoeba in various water sources in the central region of Saudi Arabia and confirms that the high percentage presence of pathogenic strains in recreational water could threat contact lens wearers. Further research works are required to identify the prevalence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba from various water sources in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Vijayakumar
- Department of Biology, College of science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Betanzos A, Zanatta D, Bañuelos C, Hernández-Nava E, Cuellar P, Orozco E. Epithelial Cells Expressing EhADH, An Entamoeba histolytica Adhesin, Exhibit Increased Tight Junction Proteins. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:340. [PMID: 30324093 PMCID: PMC6172307 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In Entamoeba histolytica, the EhADH adhesin together with the EhCP112 cysteine protease, form a 124 kDa complex named EhCPADH. This complex participates in trophozoite adherence, phagocytosis and cytolysis of target cells. EhCPADH and EhCP112 are both involved on epithelium damage, by opening tight junctions (TJ) and reaching other intercellular junctions. EhADH is a scaffold protein belonging to the ALIX family that contains a Bro1 domain, expresses at plasma membrane, endosomes and cytoplasm of trophozoites, and is also secreted to the medium. Contribution of EhADH to TJ opening still remains unknown. In this paper, to elucidate the role of EhADH on epithelium injury, we followed two strategies: producing a recombinant protein (rEhADH) and transfecting the ehadh gene in MDCK cells. Results from the first strategy revealed that rEhADH reached the intercellular space of epithelial cells and co-localized with claudin-1 and occludin at TJ region; later, rEhADH was mainly internalized by clathrin-coated vesicles. In the second strategy, MDCK cells expressing EhADH (MDCK-EhADH) showed the adhesin at plasma membrane. In addition, MDCK-EHADH cells exhibited adhesive features, producing epithelial aggregation and adherence to erythrocytes, as described in trophozoites. Surprisingly, the adhesin expression produced an increase of claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1 and ZO-2 at TJ, and also the transepithelial electric resistance (TEER), which is a measure of TJ gate function. Moreover, MDCK-EhADH cells resulted more susceptible to trophozoites attack, as showed by TEER and cytopathic experiments. Overall, our results indicated that EhADH disturbed TJ from the extracellular space and also intracellularly, suggesting that EhADH affects by itself TJ proteins, and possibly synergizes the action of other parasite molecules during epithelial invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Betanzos
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Mexico City, Mexico.,Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dxinegueela Zanatta
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Bañuelos
- Coordinación General de Programas de Posgrado Multidisciplinarios, Programa de Doctorado Transdisciplinario en Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico para la Sociedad, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Patricia Cuellar
- Centro Regional de Educación Superior, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Mexico
| | - Esther Orozco
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
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Abstract
An amoebic liver abscess is an extraintestinal manifestation of amoebiasis that can present with complaints such as right upper quadrant pain and fever. It might not necessarily be associated with abdominal complaints and can have many other atypical presentations. It may present with lung diseases, cardiac diseases, or brain abscesses. We present a case of a patient with empyema secondary to amoebic liver abscess whose diagnosis was delayed due to an unusual presentation. A combination of radiology, serology, and therapeutic interventions led to the accurate management of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Nasrullah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shifa International Hospital
| | - Shujaul Haq
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shifa International Hospital
| | | | | | - Aisha Akhtar
- Surgery, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Lubbock
| | - Rizwan Zafar
- Department of Cardiology, Shifa International Hospital
| | - Amara Nasir
- Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa International Hospital
| | | | - Ali H Abbas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shifa International Hospital
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20
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Goh LML, Marrone JR. Entamoeba histolytica meningoencephalitis diagnosed by trophozoites in cerebrospinal fluid. New Microbes New Infect 2013; 1:16-7. [PMID: 25356319 PMCID: PMC4184487 DOI: 10.1002/2052-2975.6] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica meningoencephalitis has not been described in the modern literature, which is distinct from that caused by free-living amoebae. We report the first case of E. histolytica meningoencephalitis without liver or brain abscesses. Cerebrospinal fluid revealed 2 + very motile trophozoites. Our patient was successfully treated with intravenous metronidazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M L Goh
- Pediatric Department, Lyndon Baines Johnson Tropical Medical Center Pago Pago, AS 96799, American Samoa
| | - J R Marrone
- Pediatric Department, Lyndon Baines Johnson Tropical Medical Center Pago Pago, AS 96799, American Samoa
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