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PLA 2-MjTX-II from Bothrops moojeni snake venom exhibits antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects on human lung cancer cells. Toxicon 2024; 243:107742. [PMID: 38705486 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) from snake venom possess antitumor and antiangiogenic properties. In this study, we evaluated the antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects of MjTX-II, a Lys49 PLA2 isolated from Bothrops moojeni venom, on lung cancer and endothelial cells. Using in vitro and ex vivo approaches, we demonstrated that MjTX-II reduced cell proliferation and inhibited fundamental processes for lung cancer cells (A549) growth and metastasis, such as adhesion, migration, invasion, and actin cytoskeleton decrease, without significantly interfering with non-tumorigenic lung cells (BEAS-2B). Furthermore, MjTX-II caused cell cycle alterations, increased reactive oxygen species production, modulated the expression of pro- and antiangiogenic genes, and decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in HUVECs. Finally, MjTX-II inhibited ex vivo angiogenesis processes in an aortic ring model. Therefore, we conclude that MjTX-II exhibits antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects in vitro and ex vivo and represents a molecule that hold promise as a pharmacological model for antitumor therapy.
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Bothrops snake venom L-amino acid oxidases impair biofilm formation of clinically relevant bacteria. Toxicon 2024; 238:107569. [PMID: 38122835 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The present work addressed the abilities of two L-amino acid oxidases isolated from Bothrops moojeni (BmooLAAO-I) and Bothrops jararacussu (BjussuLAAO-II) snake venoms to control the growth and prevent the biofilm formation of clinically relevant bacterial pathogens. Upon S. aureus (ATCC BAA44) and S. aureus (clinical isolates), BmooLAAO-I (MIC = 0.12 and 0.24 μg/mL, respectively) and BjussuLAAO-II (MIC = 0.15 μg/mL) showed a potent bacteriostatic effect. Against E. coli (ATCC BAA198) and E. coli (clinical isolates), BmooLAAO-I (MIC = 15.6 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively) and BjussuLAAO-II (MIC = 4.88 and 9.76 μg/mL, respectively) presented a lower extent effect. Also, BmooLAAO-I (MICB50 = 0.195 μg/mL) and BjussuLAAO-II (MICB50 = 0.39 μg/mL) inhibited the biofilm formation of S. aureus (clinical isolates) in 88% and 89%, respectively, and in 89% and 53% of E. coli (clinical isolates). Moreover, scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the toxins affected bacterial morphology by increasing the roughness of the cell surface and inhibited the biofilm formation. Furthermore, analysis of the tridimensional structures of the toxins showed that the surface-charge distribution presents a remarkable positive region close to the glycosylation motif, which is more pronounced in BmooLAAO-I than BjussuLAAO-II. This region may assist the interaction with bacterial and biofilm surfaces. Collectively, our findings propose that venom-derived antibiofilm agents are promising biotechnological tools which could provide novel strategies for biofilm-associated infections.
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BjussuLAAO-II, an l-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, impairs Toxoplasma gondii infection in human trophoblast cells and villous explants from the third trimester of pregnancy. Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105123. [PMID: 36870599 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
One-third of the world's population is estimated to be affected by toxoplasmosis. Pregnancy-related Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause vertical transmission, infect the fetus, and cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and fetal death. The current study showed that both human trophoblast cells (BeWo lineage) and human explant villous were resistant to T. gondii infection after incubation with BjussuLAAO-II, an l-amino acid oxidase isolated from Bothrops jararacussu. Almost 90% of the parasite's ability to proliferate in BeWo cells was decreased by the toxin at 1.56 μg/mL and showed an irreversible anti-T. gondii effect. Also, BjussuLAAO-II impaired the key events of adhesion and invasion of T. gondii tachyzoites in BeWo cells. BjussuLAAO-II antiparasitic properties were associated with the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide, since the presence of catalase restored the parasite's growth and invasion. In addition, T. gondii growth in human villous explants was decreased to approximately 51% by the toxin treatment at 12.5 μg/mL. Furthermore, BjussuLAAO-II treatment altered IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and MIF cytokines levels, assuming a pro-inflammatory profile in the control of T. gondii infection. This study contributes to the potential use of a snake venom l-amino acid oxidase for the development of agents against congenital toxoplasmosis and the discovery of new targets in parasites and host cells.
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Oxidative stress induced by Pollonein-LAAO, a new L-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops moojeni venom, prompts prostate tumor spheroid cell death and impairs the cellular invasion process in vitro. Cell Signal 2023:110785. [PMID: 37364850 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells produce abnormal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to promote their malignant phenotype. In this framework, we hypothesized that the change in ROS concentration above threshold could impair key events of prostate cancer cells (PC-3) progression. Our results demonstrated that Pollonein-LAAO, a new L-amino acid oxidase obtained from Bothrops moojeni venom, was cytotoxic to PC-3 cells in two-dimensional and in tumor spheroid assays. Pollonein-LAAO was able to increase the intracellular ROS generation that culminates in cell death from apoptosis by both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways due to the up-regulation of TP53, BAX, BAD, TNFRSF10B and CASP8. Additionally, Pollonein-LAAO reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and caused G0/G1 phase to delay, due to the up-regulation of CDKN1A and the down-regulation of the expression of CDK2 and E2F. Interestingly, Pollonein-LAAO inhibited critical steps of the cellular invasion process (migration, invasion and adhesion), due to the down-regulation of SNAI1, VIM, MMP2, ITGA2, ITGAV and ITGB3. Furthermore, the Pollonein-LAAO effects were associated with the intracellular ROS production, since the presence of catalase restored the invasiveness of PC-3 cells. In this sense, this study contributes to the potential use of Pollonein-LAAO as ROS-based agent to enhance the current understanding of cancer treatment strategies.
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Biochemical characterization and assessment of leishmanicidal effects of a new L-amino acid oxidase from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake venom (CollinLA AO-I). Toxicon 2023; 230:107156. [PMID: 37169266 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the isolation of CollinLAAO-I, a new L-amino acid oxidase from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake venom, its biochemical characterization and leishmanicidal potential in Leishmania spp. CollinLAAO-I (63.1 kDa) was successfully isolated with high purity using two chromatographic steps and represents 2.5% of total venom proteins. CollinLAAO-I displayed high enzymatic activity (4262.83 U/mg/min), significantly reducing after 28 days. The enzymatic activity of CollinLAAO-I revealed higher affinity for hydrophobic amino acids such as L-leucine, high enzymatic activity in a wide pH range (6.0-10.0), at temperatures from 0 to 25 °C, and showed complete inhibition in the presence of Na+ and K+. Cytotoxicity assays revealed IC50 of 18.49 and 11.66 μg/mL for Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and Leishmania (L.) infantum, respectively, and the cytotoxicity was completely suppressed by catalase. CollinLAAO-I significantly increased the intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced the mitochondrial potential of both Leishmania species. Furthermore, CollinLAAO-I decreased the parasite capacity to infect macrophages by around 70%, indicating that even subtoxic concentrations of CollinLAAO-I can interfere with Leishmania vital processes. Thus, the results obtained for CollinLAAO-I provide important support for developing therapeutic strategies against leishmaniasis.
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Angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonism as a new target to manage gout. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:2399-2410. [PMID: 36173505 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing search for therapeutic targets in the treatment of gout. The present study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonism in an acute gout attack mouse model. METHODS Male wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice either with the AT2R antagonist, PD123319 (10 pmol/joint), or with vehicle injections, or AT2R KO mice, received intra-articular (IA) injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals (100 µg/joint), that induce the acute gout attack, and were tested for mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, spontaneous nociception and ankle edema development at several times after the injections. To test an involvement of AT2R in joint pain, mice received an IA administration of angiotensin II (0.05-5 nmol/joint) with or without PD123319, and were also evaluated for pain and edema development. Ankle joint tissue samples from mice undergoing the above treatments were assessed for myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1β release, mRNA expression analyses and nitrite/nitrate levels, 4 h after injections. RESULTS AT2R antagonism has robust antinociceptive effects on mechanical allodynia (44% reduction) and spontaneous nociception (56%), as well as anti-inflammatory effects preventing edema formation (45%), reducing myeloperoxidase activity (54%) and IL-1β levels (32%). Additionally, Agtr2tm1a mutant mice have largely reduced painful signs of gout. Angiotensin II administration causes pain and inflammation, which was prevented by AT2R antagonism, as observed in mechanical allodynia 4 h (100%), spontaneous nociception (46%), cold nociceptive response (54%), edema formation (83%), myeloperoxidase activity (48%), and IL-1β levels (89%). PD123319 treatment also reduces NO concentrations (74%) and AT2R mRNA levels in comparison with MSU untreated mice. CONCLUSION Our findings show that AT2R activation contributes to acute pain in experimental mouse models of gout. Therefore, the antagonism of AT2R may be a potential therapeutic option to manage gout arthritis.
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Stephalagine, an aporphinic alkaloid with therapeutic effects in acute gout arthritis in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 293:115291. [PMID: 35427727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gout is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in the joints, leading to severe pain and inflammation. Stephalagine is a Brazilian Savanna aporphine alkaloid isolated from Annona crassiflora Mart. Fruit peel, that has been popularly used to treat rheumatism and have been described with antinociceptive properties. However, no studies evaluated the possible therapeutic properties of stephalagine in arthritic pain. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of stephalagine in an acute gout attack in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male wild type C57BL/6/J/UFU mice (20-25 g) were used (process number 018/17). The treated group received stephalagine (1 mg/kg, by gavage) and the vehicle group received saline (10 mL/kg, by gavage), both 1 h before the MSU crystals (100 μg/ankle joint) administration. All groups were analyzed for mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, overt pain-like behaviors, and edema development at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after injections. Synovial fluid and the ankle articulation from the injected joint were collected 4 h after administrations for myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, IL-1β measurement, and histological analysis. RESULTS Stephalagine had a significant antinociceptive effect on mechanical allodynia, when compared to vehicle group at 2-24 h after intra-articular injection of MSU and 2 h for spontaneous and cold thermal sensitivity. Stephalagine was also able to significantly reduce the articular edema (45 ± 1%), the activity of the myeloperoxidase enzyme (37 ± 6%), and IL-1β levels (43 ± 3%). The histological analysis confirms that stephalagine dramatically reduced the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells (75 ± 6%) in MSU injected animals. Also, stephalagine treatment did not alter the uric acid levels, xanthine oxidase activity, AST and ALT activities, urea and creatinine levels, neither cause any macroscopic changes in the mice's weight, deformations, changes in the coat, or feces. CONCLUSION Stephalagine may be an alternative for the management of gout, once it was able to induce antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects without causing adverse effects on the evaluated parameters.
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A New Approach to Inhibiting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Antiangiogenic Effect of BthTx-II, a PLA 2-Asp-49 from Bothrops jararacussu Venom. Biomolecules 2022; 12:258. [PMID: 35204758 PMCID: PMC8961627 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) represent a superfamily of enzymes widely distributed in living organisms, with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential. Anti-angiogenic strategies have become one of the main tools in fighting cancer. In this sense, the present work reports the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis induced by Asp-49 BthTX-II using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo approaches. We demonstrate that BthTx-II inhibited cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), as well as caused a reduction in the levels of endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during in vitro angiogenesis assays. BthTx-II was also able to inhibit the sprouting angiogenic process, by the ex vivo germination assay of the aortic ring; in addition, this toxin inhibited the migration and proliferation of HUVEC in co-culture with triple-negative breast cancer cells (e.g., MDA-MB-231 cells). Finally, in vivo tumor suppression and anti-angiogenic activities were analyzed using MDA-MB-231 cells with Matrigel injected into the chorioallantoic membrane of chicken embryo (CAM) for 7 days treatment with BthTx-II, showing a considerable reduction in vessel caliber, on the size and weight of tumors. Together, these results suggest an important antiangiogenic and antitumor role for BthTx-II, as a potential prototype for the development of new tools and antitumor drugs in cancer therapy.
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Phospholipase A 2 Drives Tumorigenesis and Cancer Aggressiveness through Its Interaction with Annexin A1. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061472. [PMID: 34208346 PMCID: PMC8231270 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipids are suggested to drive tumorigenesis through their essential role in inflammation. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a phospholipid metabolizing enzyme that releases free fatty acids, mostly arachidonic acid, and lysophospholipids, which contribute to the development of the tumor microenvironment (TME), promoting immune evasion, angiogenesis, tumor growth, and invasiveness. The mechanisms mediated by PLA2 are not fully understood, especially because an important inhibitory molecule, Annexin A1, is present in the TME but does not exert its action. Here, we will discuss how Annexin A1 in cancer does not inhibit PLA2 leading to both pro-inflammatory and pro-tumoral signaling pathways. Moreover, Annexin A1 promotes the release of cancer-derived exosomes, which also lead to the enrichment of PLA2 and COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, contributing to TME formation. In this review, we aim to describe the role of PLA2 in the establishment of TME, focusing on cancer-derived exosomes, and modulatory activities of Annexin A1. Unraveling how these proteins interact in the cancer context can reveal new strategies for the treatment of different tumors. We will also describe the possible strategies to inhibit PLA2 and the approaches that could be used in order to resume the anti-PLA2 function of Annexin A1.
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A 20-hydroxyecdysone-enriched fraction from Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) pedersen roots alleviates stress, anxiety, and depression in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113599. [PMID: 33220360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pfaffia glomerata roots are widely used in Brazil to treat various pathological conditions, particularly psychological disorders. 20-hydroxyecdysone, a phytosteroid present in the plant, can promote greater body resistance against exogenous and endogenous stressors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible neuroprotective effect of a 20-hydroxyecdysone-enriched fraction (20E-EF), obtained from P. glomerata roots, in an acute murine stress model. MATERIAL AND METHODS The 20E-EF was obtained by partitioning the methanol extract from P. glomerata roots with dichloromethane. Mice were treated by gavage with three doses of 20E-EF (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) and parameters of stress, anxiety, and depression were evaluated. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (enzymes, antioxidant profile, and oxidized molecules) were evaluated in the cortex, striatum (basal ganglia), and hippocampus of animals treated with 30 mg/kg of 20E-EF. RESULTS Mass spectrometry revealed that 20E was the main compound in the dichloromethane fraction. At a dose of 30 mg/kg, 20E-EF reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, while stimulating antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), promoting antioxidant activity (antioxidant capacity, sulfhydryl groups, and reduced glutathione), and reducing oxidative markers (lipid peroxidation). In addition, 20E increased the concentration of NO in the striatum, possibly improving memory function and antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION A 30 mg/kg dose of 20E-EF was able to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, in addition to maintaining antioxidant defenses of the cortex and striatum. These findings open new perspectives for understanding the therapeutic properties of P. glomerata and the underlying mechanism(s).
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Antitumor potential of Pllans–II, an acidic Asp49–PLA2 from Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii snake venom on human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Toxicon 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.10.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Pentachloropseudilin Impairs Angiogenesis by Disrupting the Actin Cytoskeleton, Integrin Trafficking and the Cell Cycle. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2390-2401. [PMID: 31026110 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Class 1 myosins (Myo1s) were the first unconventional myosins identified and humans have eight known Myo1 isoforms. The Myo1 family is involved in the regulation of gene expression, cytoskeletal rearrangements, delivery of proteins to the cell surface, cell migration and spreading. Thus, the important role of Myo1s in different biological processes is evident. In this study, we have investigated the effects of pentachloropseudilin (PClP), a reversible and allosteric potent inhibitor of Myo1s, on angiogenesis. We demonstrated that treatment of cells with PClP promoted a decrease in the number of vessels. The observed inhibition of angiogenesis is likely to be related to the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, as well as to alteration of the actin cytoskeleton pattern, as shown on a PClP-treated HUVEC cell line. Moreover, we also demonstrated that PClP treatment partially prevented the delivery of integrins to the plasma membrane. Finally, we showed that PClP caused DNA strand breaks, which are probably repaired during the cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Taken together, our results suggest that Myo1s participate directly in the angiogenesis process.
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Antitumor potential of Pllans–II, an acidic Asp49–PLA2 from Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii snake venom on human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 122:1053-1061. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Galectin-3: A Friend but Not a Foe during Trypanosoma cruzi Experimental Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:463. [PMID: 29164071 PMCID: PMC5675870 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi interacts with host cells, including cardiomyocytes, and induces the production of cytokines, chemokines, metalloproteinases, and glycan-binding proteins. Among the glycan-binding proteins is Galectin-3 (Gal-3), which is upregulated after T. cruzi infection. Gal-3 is a member of the lectin family with affinity for β-galactose containing molecules; it can be found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm and can be either membrane-associated or secreted. This lectin is involved in several immunoregulatory and parasite infection process. Here, we explored the consequences of Gal-3 deficiency during acute and chronic T. cruzi experimental infection. Our results demonstrated that lack of Gal-3 enhanced in vitro replication of intracellular parasites, increased in vivo systemic parasitaemia, and reduced leukocyte recruitment. Moreover, we observed decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in spleen and heart of infected Gal-3 knockout mice. Lack of Gal-3 also led to elevated mast cell recruitment and fibrosis of heart tissue. In conclusion, galectin-3 expression plays a pivotal role in controlling T. cruzi infection, preventing heart damage and fibrosis.
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Mechanistic Insights into the Anti-angiogenic Activity of Trypanosoma cruzi Protein 21 and its Potential Impact on the Onset of Chagasic Cardiomyopathy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44978. [PMID: 28322302 PMCID: PMC5359584 DOI: 10.1038/srep44978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is arguably the most important form of the Chagas Disease, caused by the intracellular protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi; it is estimated that 10-30% of chronic patients develop this clinical manifestation. The most common and severe form of CCC can be related to ventricular abnormalities, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, heart blocks, thromboembolic events and sudden death. Therefore, in this study, we proposed to evaluate the anti-angiogenic activity of a recombinant protein from T. cruzi named P21 (rP21) and the potential impact of the native protein on CCC. Our data suggest that the anti-angiogenic activity of rP21 depends on the protein's direct interaction with the CXCR4 receptor. This capacity is likely related to the modulation of the expression of actin and angiogenesis-associated genes. Thus, our results indicate that T. cruzi P21 is an attractive target for the development of innovative therapeutic agents against CCC.
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In vitro and in vivo antitumor effect of trachylobane-360, a diterpene from Xylopia langsdorffiana. Molecules 2012; 17:9573-89. [PMID: 22885357 PMCID: PMC6269042 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17089573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trachylobane-360 (ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid) was isolated from Xylopia langsdorffiana. Studies have shown that it has weak cytotoxic activity against tumor and non-tumor cells. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of trachylobane-360, as well as its cytotoxicity in mouse erythrocytes. In order to evaluate the in vivo toxicological aspects related to trachylobane-360 administration, hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses of the treated animals were performed. The compound exhibited a concentration-dependent effect in inducing hemolysis with HC50 of 273.6 µM, and a moderate in vitro concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of sarcoma 180 cells with IC50 values of 150.8 µM and 150.4 µM, evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion test and MTT reduction assay, respectively. The in vivo inhibition rates of sarcoma 180 tumor development were 45.60, 71.99 and 80.06% at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg of trachylobane-360 and 25 mg/kg of 5-FU, respectively. Biochemical parameters were not altered. Leukopenia was observed after 5-FU treatment, but this effect was not seen with trachylobane-360 treatment. The histopathological analysis of liver and kidney showed that both organs were mildly affected by trachylobane-360 treatment. Trachylobane-360 showed no immunosuppressive effect. In conclusion, these data reinforce the anticancer potential of this natural diterpene.
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