Study of therapeutic effect of different concentrations of imatinib on Balb/c model of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis, as a tropical and subtropical disease, is endemic in more than 90 countries around the world. Today, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) that affects more than 1.5 million people per year lacks a definitive treatment approach. Imatinib is an anticancer drug that inhibits the abnormal function of Bcr-Abl due to its tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and that was the reason why the drug was tested for CL treatment because protein kinases are essential enzymes in the Leishmania genus. In this study, the L. major CL model of Balb/c mice was produced by injection of the cultured metacyclic form of parasite at the base of the tail. The possible recovery of CL ulcers and determination of the optimum dose of imatinib against Leishmania amastigotes were evaluated. A significant decrease was observed in mice treated with amphotericin B (positive control group) as well as imatinib 50 mg/kg compared to the unreceived drug, negative control group (P<0.05). This study could be promising in gaining insight into the potential of imatinib as an effective treatment approach against CL.

Wetting dynamics in two-liquid systems: Effect of the surrounding phase viscosity

This paper reports the experimental results of a water droplet spreading on a glass substrate submerged in an oil phase. The radius of the wetted area grows exponentially over time forming two distinct regimes. The early time dynamics of wetting is characterized with the time exponent of 1, referred to as the viscous regime, which is ultimately transitioned to the Tanner's regime with the time exponent of 0.1. It is revealed that an increase in the ambient phase viscosity over three decades considerably slows down the rate of three-phase contact line movement. A scaling law is developed where the three-phase contact line velocity is a function of both spreading radius and mean viscosity, close to the geometric mean of the droplet and ambient fluids' viscosities. Using the proposed scaling and mean viscosity, all plots of spreading radius for different viscosity ratios collapse to a master curve. Furthermore, several cases with multiple rupture and spreading points, i.e., wetting in a nonideal system, are considered. The growth of an equivalent wetting radius in a multiple point spreading system is predicted by the developed scaling law.

Analysis of the cox1 gene in Echinococcus granulosus from sheep in northeast Iran using PCR high-resolution melting (qPCR-HRM) curve analysis

Echinococcus granulosus, the etiologic agent of echinococcosis, is one of the most important zoonotic helminthes worldwide. Knowledge of E. granulosus species and genotypes has important implications for epidemiology, control, and prevention of diseases as well as future vaccine and drug designs. There are many molecular methods developed to define genotypes of E. granulosus, among them high resolution melting (HRM) analysis, as a new approach, is a single step and closed tube method. It is appropriate for fast screening of large number of isolates. This technique is an accurate, user friendly, cost-effective, fast and simple method, which does not need post-PCR processes. Between March and lst august 2016, of 726 sheep examined in abattoirs in Razavi Khorasan province, Northeast Iran, 109 harboured cystic echincoccosis lesions (liver samples= 65 and lung samples= 44) which were collected for analysis. Total genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and amplified for the presence of polymorphism in the mitochondrial cox1 gene of Echinococcus granulosus using a high resolution melting curve (HRM) method. A total of 109 hydatid cyst samples analyzed by PCR high-resolution melting (qPCR-HRM) curve of the cox1 gene, all isolates were identified as G1 genotype (sheep strain). G1 is the predominant genotype in sheep in northeast of Iran. The high incidence of the G1 genotype (known to be the predominant E. granulosus genotype infecting humans globally) in sheep has considerable implications for hydatid disease control programs in this area.

A wide diversity of zoonotic intestinal parasites in domestic and stray dogs in rural areas of Kermanshah province, Iran

Dogs can act as reservoirs, carriers, and transmitters of several zoonotic intestinal parasites that can cause serious health problems for humans. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs in Kermanshah Province, west of Iran. Faecal samples were collected from domestic and stray dogs from 30 rural areas of Kermanshah province from August 2014 to April 2015 and were analyzed by formalin-ether sedimentation, sucrose otation technique and the modied Ziehl-Neelsen method. Out of 301 dogs examined, 230 (76.4%) were infected with at least one parasite. The incidence on the different types of intestinal parasitic species recovered from domestic and stray dogs are as follows: Toxocara leonina (20.8% and 27.6%), T. canis (7.5% and 9.4%), Taenia spp. (9.2% and 9.4%), hookworm spp. (18.3% and 33.7%), Capillaria spp. (0.8 and 1.7%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.8% and 3.3%), Fasciola spp. (0.8% and 2.2%), Acanthocephal spp. (3.3% and 5.5%), Trichuris vulpis (0.8% and 1.7%), Dipylidium caninum (4.2% and 3.3%), Physaloptera spp. (6.7% and 6.6%), Cryptosporidium spp.(21.7% and 25.4%), Eimeria spp. (35.0% and 34.3%), Giardia spp. (6.7% and 12.7%), Cystoisospora spp. (7.5% and 5.5%), Blastocystis spp. (18.3% and 20.4%) and Sarcocystis spp. (6.7% and 7.2%), respectively. Signicant difference in infection rates was observed between domestic and stray dogs (P>0.05). Hookworm and Eimeria spp. were the most common intestinal helminth and protozoa detected with 83 (27.6%) out of 301 and 104 (34.6%), out of 301, respectively. There was no significant difference in prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites between male and female dogs (P>0.05). The wide range of zoonotic parasites indicated that people residing in rural areas in Kermanshah province are at risk of exposure to these pathogens. In this respect, appropriate implementation of control programs by public health authorities and veterinarians should be taken into account.

Geo-material surface modification of microchips using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly for subsurface energy and environmental applications

A key constraint in the application of microfluidic technology to subsurface flow and transport processes is the surface discrepancy between microchips and the actual rocks/soils. This research employs a novel layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technology to produce rock-forming mineral coatings on microchip surfaces. The outcome of the work is a series of 'surface-mimetic micro-reservoirs (SMMR)' that represent multi-scales and multi-types of natural rocks/soils. For demonstration, the clay pores of sandstones and mudrocks are reconstructed by representatively coating montmorillonite and kaolinite in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchips in a wide range of channel sizes (width of 10-250 μm, depth of 40-100 μm) and on glass substrates. The morphological and structural properties of mineral coatings are characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microscope and profilometer. The coating stability is tested by dynamic flooding experiments. The surface wettability is characterized by measuring mineral oil-water contact angles. The results demonstrate the formation of nano- to micro-scale, fully-covered and stable mineral surfaces with varying wetting properties. There is an opportunity to use this work in the development of microfluidic technology-based applications for subsurface energy and environmental research.

PCR-RFLP diagnosis and characterization of Leishmania species causing human cutaneous leishmaniasis and evaluation of treatment times with glucantime in these patients

Antimony compounds are first line treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis. The prognosis of the disease varies depending on the type of medicine and species. We aimed to determine the species responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis in patients referred to Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center in Isfahan and Bam Health Center (Kerman) in order to follow and assess the complete healing of the lesions. A total of 40 skin lesions samples were collected from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) form January 2014 to 2015. Dermal scrapings were analyzed by examination of Giemsa-stained smears. Parasites were cultured and isolated in NNN and RPMI 1640 medium and DNA was extracted. We used PCR-RFLP assays of ITS1 genes for direct identification of Leishmania species. Treatment process was assessed after a treatment period with glucantime and healing of the studied cases was followed up. All the samples from Isfahan and Bam regions were L. major and L. tropica species respectively. In patients infected with L. major and L. tropica treated with glucantime, the shortest healing period was 40 days in 5(25%) and 60 days in 3(15.8%) patients, respectively and the longest healing period was 100 days in 1 (5%) and 160 days in 1 (5.3%) patient, respectively. The mean complete healing periods in patients with L. tropica and L. major were 100 and 58 days, respectively (P<0.001). Average recovery period for people with dry cutaneous leishmaniasis is longer than average recovery period for people with wet cutaeous leishmaniasis.

TLR2 and TLR4 in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a self-healing skin disease which rarely for unknown reason(s) the lesion develops to a non-healing form. It seems that the initial contact of Leishmania parasites with the host innate immune system is an important step in the outcome of the disease. Recent studies suggested that toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a role in Leishmania recognition. In this study, the level of TLR2 and TLR4 was checked in patients with healing form of lesion and compared with that of patients with non-healing form of lesion caused by Leishmania major. Gene expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in peripheral blood-derived macrophages, before and after stimulation with live L. major promastigotes, was evaluated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR and flow cytometry. The results showed that the mean relative gene expression and difference membrane expression of TLR2 in macrophages of patients with healing form of lesion were significantly higher than patients with non-healing form of lesion (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0034), respectively, and the mean relative gene expression and difference in protein expression of TLR4 in macrophages of patients with healing form of lesion were significantly higher than that of patients with non-healing form of lesion (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002), respectively. The data suggested a possible role for TLR2 and TLR4 in the outcome of CL lesion. Further studies are needed to understand more about the detail role of the immune factors in leishmaniasis.

IL-23 and IL-27 Levels in Macrophages Collected from Peripheral Blood of Patients with Healing Vs Non-Healing Form of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

BACKGROUND

In this study the level of IL-23 and IL-27 produced by macrophages derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture collected from patients with healing or non-healing form of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesion were compared before and after treatment with live Leishmania to explore whether IL-23 or IL-27 plays any role in healing process of cutaneous lesions induced by L. major.

METHODS

Twenty patients resident in Isfahan Province, with healing or non-healing form of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesion caused by Leishmania major participated in this study. In vitro productions of IL-23 and IL-27 by peripheral blood derived macrophages, before and after stimulation with live L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) promastigotes were evaluated using ELISA method. Patient with healing form of lesion received no treatment and patient with non-healing form of lesion received at least 2 courses of glucantime.

RESULTS

The mean production of IL-23 and IL-27 from macrophages of patients with healing form of lesion was significantly higher than patients with non-healing form of lesion. The levels of IL-23 and IL-27 in culture supernatants before and after stimulation in healing form of CL was significantly higher than non- healing form of CL (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

IL-23 and IL-27 might play a role in human leishmaniasis and further studies are needed to understand the role of IL-23 and IL-27 in leishmaniasis.

Interleukin-10 and Transforming Growth Factor-β in Early and Late Lesions of Patients with Leishmania major Induced Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease, which imposes massive human distress and financial costs to the endemic countries. Better understanding of host immune response to the parasite leads to helpful strategies for disease control. Interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β are important immune regulatory cytokines, which appear to develop non-healing forms of leishmaniasis. However, there is little information about the function of IL-10 and TGF-β in old world cutaneous leismaniasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of IL-10 and TGF-β in human cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major infection.

METHODS

Biopsies were obtained from lesions of twenty proven cases of L. major induced cutaneous leishmaniasis. IL-10 and TGF-β positive cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining of frozen sections and compared between two groups of patients with early and late lesions.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of IL-10 positive cells were significantly (P= 0.035) higher in late lesions (0.51±0.24) than early ones (0.15±0.07). Similar results were obtained for TGF-β with mean percentages of 0.16±0.05 and 0.53±0.28 in early and late lesions respectively (P= 0.008).

CONCLUSION

IL-10 and TGF-β are present in lesions of L. major induced cutaneous leishmaniasis and contribute to the pathogenesis of long lasting disease forms.

Interleukin-10 and Transforming Growth Factor-β in Early and Late Lesions of Patients with Leishmania major induced Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease, which imposes massive human distress and financial costs to the endemic countries. Better understanding of host immune response to the parasite leads to helpful strategies for disease control. Interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β are important immune regulatory cytokines, which appear to develop non-healing forms of leishmaniasis. However, there is little information about the function of IL-10 and TGF-β in old world cutaneous leismaniasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of IL-10 and TGF-β in human cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major infection.

METHODS

Biopsies were obtained from lesions of twenty proven cases of L. major induced cutaneous leishmaniasis. IL-10 and TGF-β positive cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining of frozen sections and compared between two groups of patients with early and late lesions.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of IL-10 positive cells were significantly (P= 0.035) higher in late lesions (0.51±0.24) than early ones (0.15±0.07). Similar results were obtained for TGF-β with mean percentages of 0.16±0.05 and 0.53±0.28 in early and late lesions respectively (P= 0.008).

CONCLUSION

IL-10 and TGF-β are present in lesions of L. major induced cutaneous leishmaniasis and contribute to the pathogenesis of long lasting disease forms.

Leishmanicidal Activity of Films Containing Paromomycin and Gentamicin Sulfate both In Vitro and In Vivo

BACKGROUND

Based on the efficacy of paromomycin ointment and recent ongoing clinical trials of combination of paromomycin and gentamicin, a new physical form of films of the paromomycin and gentamicin was prepared and anti-Leishmania activities of the prepared films were assessed in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Paromomycin 15% and gentamicin 0.5% was incorporated in a film using ethyl cellulose and HPMC (Hydroxyl Propyl Methyl Cellulose). In order to assess the drug release and anti-Leishmania activities of the preparation, a clone L. major parasite was established using a set of modified NNN medium without overlay liquid layer. Therapeutic effects of the films were evaluated using Balb/c mice model. The mice were inoculated with 2×10(6)L. major promastigotes (MRHO/IR/75/ER) and then when the lesions developed the mice were randomly divided in 3 groups, 10 mice per group, and treated with either perpetrated films or placebo for 28 days or left untreated.

RESULTS

Growth inhibition of cloned promastigotes showed that the films have enough releasing capacity and in vivo system, the films containing paromomycin and gentamicin was able to reduce the lesion size and induced complete cure in 80% of the mice but relapse was seen in 60% of the cured mice and overall 50% cure rate was seen during 20 weeks period of the study.

CONCLUSION

It seems that the prepared films might be further used in human clinical trials.

Hydrodynamic instability in the transport of miscible reactive slices through porous media

Miscible displacement of a slice of a pollutant solution by a carrier solution in homogeneous porous media is examined. The carrier solution reacts with the slice solution to generate a chemical product, and as a result of differences in viscosities of the three species, a hydrodynamic instability known as viscous fingering is observed. The dynamics of the instability and the rate of consumption as well as spread of the pollutant are examined through numerical simulations. The study shows that the rate of consumption of the pollutant is the highest when the chemical product is the most or the least viscous solution in the system. It was also found that displacements in which the pollutant viscosity is the smallest or the largest of all three species lead to the widest spread of the pollutant in the porous media. In addition, the most complex finger structures are observed when the carrier solution has the smallest or largest viscosity in the flow. Furthermore, a mechanism of channeling whereby the carrier is able to break through the slice, therefore bypassing the pollutant, is found in cases where the chemical product is more viscous than the carrier solution. The dynamics of the displacement are analyzed and physical interpretations of their development are presented.

Karyosystematic and morphometric characterization of the rodents as reservoir hosts of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic focus of Isfahan Province, Iran

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Rodents belonging to Gerbillinae subfamily are the main reservoir hosts of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran. Regarding the important role of these rodents in the maintenance of Leishmania major in the nature, their identification with morphometric, cytogenetic and molecular methods seems to be essential. The karyotype study of these species, captured from a new focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis located in the south of Isfahan Province was carried out in 2007.

METHODS

Twenty specimens containing seventeen Meriones persicus and three Nesokia indica were captured from Mobarakeh rural district south of Isfahan. Giemsa-stained karyotypes of these two species were prepared from bone marrow chromosome preparations. Systematic important characters of the body and cranium (incisors, molars, occipitonasal, condylobasal, zygomatic, tympanic bullae, etc.) of these rodents were studied. Cranium size was measured using a Vernier calipers.

RESULTS

Specimens of M. persicus and N. indica had 2n = 42. The karyotype study of these species included metacentric, sub-metacentric and acrocentric chromosomes. Morphological studies were completely matched with the reported characters of these species and further confirmed the diagnoses.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, M. persicus and N. indica are two completely differentiated rodents species that were collected from a new focus and they can also be differentiated morphologically.

Distribution frequency of pathogenic bacteria isolated from cutaneus leishmaniasis lesions

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease characterized by single or multiple ulcerations. Secondary bacterial infections are one of the complications that can increase the tissue destruction and the resulting scar. To better determine the incidence of real secondary bacterial infections in CL, we designed the current study. This was a cross-sectional study performed in Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Centre, Isfahan, Iran. A total of 1,255 patients with confirmed CL enrolled in the study. Sterile swaps were achieved for ulcer exudates and scraping was used for non-ulcerated lesions. All samples were transferred to tryptic soy broth medium. After 24 hr of incubation at 37 degrees C they were transferred to eosin methylene blue agar (EMB) and blood agar. Laboratory tests were used to determine the species of bacteria. Among 1,255 confirmed CL patients, 274 (21.8%) had positive cultures for secondary bacterial infections. The bacteria isolated from the lesions were Staphylococcus aureus in 190 cases (69.3%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus in 63 cases (23.0%), E. coli in 10 cases (3.6%), Proteus sp. in 6 cases (2.2%), and Klebsiella sp. in 5 cases (1.9%). The results show that the overall incidence of secondary bacterial infections in the lesions of CL was 21.8%, considerably high. The incidence of secondary bacterial infections was significantly higher in ulcerated lesions compared with non-ulcerated lesions.