Pub Date : 2024-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108866
Asmaa Mahdy, Osama M S Mostafa, Marwa M Aboueldahab, Ahmed H Nigm
This study investigates whether Cerastes cerastes venom (CCV) administrated at different doses (3 and 6μg/mouse) and times (a week pre-infection, the first week post-infection, and the fifth week post-infection) possesses antischistosomal activity on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. The results showed that treatment with half lethal dose (6 μg/mouse) of CCV, at various time schedules, led to a significant decrease in the total worm burden. However, quarter lethal dose (3μg/mouse) of CCV showed a significant decrease in the total worm burden only when administered a week pre-infection. The total number of deposited eggs by females of S. mansoni was significantly decreased in the liver and the intestine of mice treated with 3μg/mouse or 6μg/mouse CCV, associated with significant alterations in the oogram pattern with significant elevation in dead eggs levels and significant decrease in the number of mature eggs. Histological examinations illustrated a significant decrease in the number and diameter of hepatic granulomas in high dose (6μg/mouse) CCV-treated groups, while it was significant only a week pre-infection in low dose (3μg/mouse) CCV-treated groups. CCV also caused several tegumental changes in treated female and male worms, including loss of the normal surface architecture, tubercular destruction, loss of tubercles' spines, oedema, erosion, membrane blebbing, and swelling. S. mansoni-infected mice groups treated with CCV (6μg/mouse) a week before infection and at fifth week post-infection had, in all individuals up to a dilution of 1:1600, higher levels of antibodies against adult worm antigen. The current investigation found that C. cerastes venom has potential antischistosomal action in a time and dose-dependent manner (more enhanced antischistosomal effects at a dose of 6 μg and in the group treated in a week before infection), in addition to its potential immunomodulatory effect against schistosomiasis infection. More studies will be required to identify the venom's active ingredients that affect the host's immunology. This information could be used in the future to develop novel antischistosomal therapies.
{"title":"Antiparasitic activity of Cerastes cerastes venom on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice.","authors":"Asmaa Mahdy, Osama M S Mostafa, Marwa M Aboueldahab, Ahmed H Nigm","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108866","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates whether Cerastes cerastes venom (CCV) administrated at different doses (3 and 6μg/mouse) and times (a week pre-infection, the first week post-infection, and the fifth week post-infection) possesses antischistosomal activity on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. The results showed that treatment with half lethal dose (6 μg/mouse) of CCV, at various time schedules, led to a significant decrease in the total worm burden. However, quarter lethal dose (3μg/mouse) of CCV showed a significant decrease in the total worm burden only when administered a week pre-infection. The total number of deposited eggs by females of S. mansoni was significantly decreased in the liver and the intestine of mice treated with 3μg/mouse or 6μg/mouse CCV, associated with significant alterations in the oogram pattern with significant elevation in dead eggs levels and significant decrease in the number of mature eggs. Histological examinations illustrated a significant decrease in the number and diameter of hepatic granulomas in high dose (6μg/mouse) CCV-treated groups, while it was significant only a week pre-infection in low dose (3μg/mouse) CCV-treated groups. CCV also caused several tegumental changes in treated female and male worms, including loss of the normal surface architecture, tubercular destruction, loss of tubercles' spines, oedema, erosion, membrane blebbing, and swelling. S. mansoni-infected mice groups treated with CCV (6μg/mouse) a week before infection and at fifth week post-infection had, in all individuals up to a dilution of 1:1600, higher levels of antibodies against adult worm antigen. The current investigation found that C. cerastes venom has potential antischistosomal action in a time and dose-dependent manner (more enhanced antischistosomal effects at a dose of 6 μg and in the group treated in a week before infection), in addition to its potential immunomodulatory effect against schistosomiasis infection. More studies will be required to identify the venom's active ingredients that affect the host's immunology. This information could be used in the future to develop novel antischistosomal therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"108866"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142767519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108865
Abeer M A Mahgoub, Mona Ibrahim Ali, Enas Yahia Abu-Sarea, Sara Ahmed Rady, Ibrahim Rabea Bayoumi Ali, Doaa Reda Sayed
Human trichinosis is a serious foodborne parasitic zoonosis. Diagnosing human trichinosis is usually difficult due to the nonspecific clinical picture and the limited effectiveness of serological tests in acute infections. While ELISA can detect circulating Trichinella antigens, aiding in early diagnosis, its sensitivity may be low. The application of nanoparticles can improve the sensitivity of ELISA and allow a specific early diagnosis of the disease. This work compares the nano chitosan beads-based ELISA (NCSB-ELISA) and traditional sandwich ELISA for the detection of circulating Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) crude extract-antigen (CEA) in serum samples of experimentally infected mice. Fifty-seven mice included in this study were classified into 3 groups: T. spiralis infected group (Group I) (36 mice), which was equally subdivided into six subgroups according to the time of sacrifice (6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16) days post-infection (dpi), cross-reactivity group (Group II) (9 mice) and negative control group (Group III) (12 mice). T. spiralis AW-CEA prepared from the adult worms were used to produce anti- T. spiralis IgG-polyclonal antibodies in rabbits; these antibodies were utilized to detect AW-CEA in serum samples by traditional sandwich ELISA and NCSB-ELISA. Using NCSB-ELISA, T. spiralis AW-CEA was detected in sera collected at 8 dpi, with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 100%. Meanwhile, traditional sandwich ELISA could not detect the antigen at the same time interval. Both ELISA were able to detect the antigen in samples collected at 10, 12, 14 and 16 dpi with a sensitivity of 16.67%, 50%, 67.67% and 83.67%, respectively, for traditional sandwich-ELISA and a specificity of 100% at 10, 12 and 14 dpi while at 16 dpi specificity was decreased to 90.91%. In contrast, the sensitivity of NCSB-sandwich ELISA on the same days was 66.67%, 83.34%, 100% and 100%, respectively, with a specificity of 100% at all days. False positive detection of T. spiralis AW-CEA in the serum of mice in GII was recorded on day 16 pi by only traditional sandwich ELISA. This study concluded that NCSB-ELISA is a promising and sensitive technique for the early and specific diagnosis of acute trichinosis in an animal model.
{"title":"In vivo study of nano chitosan beads-based ELISA versus traditional sandwich ELISA for the early diagnosis of trichinosis.","authors":"Abeer M A Mahgoub, Mona Ibrahim Ali, Enas Yahia Abu-Sarea, Sara Ahmed Rady, Ibrahim Rabea Bayoumi Ali, Doaa Reda Sayed","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108865","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108865","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human trichinosis is a serious foodborne parasitic zoonosis. Diagnosing human trichinosis is usually difficult due to the nonspecific clinical picture and the limited effectiveness of serological tests in acute infections. While ELISA can detect circulating Trichinella antigens, aiding in early diagnosis, its sensitivity may be low. The application of nanoparticles can improve the sensitivity of ELISA and allow a specific early diagnosis of the disease. This work compares the nano chitosan beads-based ELISA (NCSB-ELISA) and traditional sandwich ELISA for the detection of circulating Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) crude extract-antigen (CEA) in serum samples of experimentally infected mice. Fifty-seven mice included in this study were classified into 3 groups: T. spiralis infected group (Group I) (36 mice), which was equally subdivided into six subgroups according to the time of sacrifice (6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16) days post-infection (dpi), cross-reactivity group (Group II) (9 mice) and negative control group (Group III) (12 mice). T. spiralis AW-CEA prepared from the adult worms were used to produce anti- T. spiralis IgG-polyclonal antibodies in rabbits; these antibodies were utilized to detect AW-CEA in serum samples by traditional sandwich ELISA and NCSB-ELISA. Using NCSB-ELISA, T. spiralis AW-CEA was detected in sera collected at 8 dpi, with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 100%. Meanwhile, traditional sandwich ELISA could not detect the antigen at the same time interval. Both ELISA were able to detect the antigen in samples collected at 10, 12, 14 and 16 dpi with a sensitivity of 16.67%, 50%, 67.67% and 83.67%, respectively, for traditional sandwich-ELISA and a specificity of 100% at 10, 12 and 14 dpi while at 16 dpi specificity was decreased to 90.91%. In contrast, the sensitivity of NCSB-sandwich ELISA on the same days was 66.67%, 83.34%, 100% and 100%, respectively, with a specificity of 100% at all days. False positive detection of T. spiralis AW-CEA in the serum of mice in GII was recorded on day 16 pi by only traditional sandwich ELISA. This study concluded that NCSB-ELISA is a promising and sensitive technique for the early and specific diagnosis of acute trichinosis in an animal model.</p>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"108865"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142754845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108864
Reem Hoblos , Karl Khalil , Marc Karam , Samer Bazzi
Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused mainly by Leishmania major (L. major) is one of the trending models used to investigate induced hyperalgesia and the involved cytokines. Previous studies approached the role of several cytokines in the observed hyperalgesia, but the molecular mechanisms orchestrating such a response still needed to be addressed. In this study, we inspect the role of the NF-κB in the modulation of L. major-prompted hyperalgesia and cytokine expression in BALB/c mice by administering celastrol, a potent blocker of this transcription factor. Intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg of celastrol attenuated the L. major-induced thermal hyperalgesia in BALB/c mice for 15 days and 21 days, respectively, as detected by hot plate and tail flick behavioral assessments. Cytokine levels were quantified in the infected paws of BALB/c mice using Sandwich ELISA. The administration of 1 mg/kg celastrol decreased TNF-α levels in L. major infected mice for 23 days, and IL-1β expression declined significantly for 23 days using both celastrol dosages. However, no significant change was observed in the levels of IL-10 in our experimental groups. The activation of NF-κB was detected by observing the phosphorylation levels of the p65 subunit using PathScan phospho-ELISA. The level of NF-κB phosphorylation was elevated in L. major infected BALB/c mice. Only administering 1 mg/kg celastrol suppressed the phosphorylation of p65, thus inactivating NF-kB. In conclusion, our results provide new insights into the correlation between the activation of NF-kB, the induction of thermal hyperalgesia, and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the L. major-induced hyperalgesia model.
{"title":"The role of NF-κB transcription factor in the regulation of cytokine induced thermal hyperalgesia in a Leishmania major model in BALB/c mice","authors":"Reem Hoblos , Karl Khalil , Marc Karam , Samer Bazzi","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108864","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108864","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused mainly by <em>Leishmania major</em> (<em>L. major</em>) is one of the trending models used to investigate induced hyperalgesia and the involved cytokines. Previous studies approached the role of several cytokines in the observed hyperalgesia, but the molecular mechanisms orchestrating such a response still needed to be addressed. In this study, we inspect the role of the NF-κB in the modulation of <em>L. major-prompted</em> hyperalgesia and cytokine expression in BALB/c mice by administering celastrol, a potent blocker of this transcription factor. Intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg of celastrol attenuated the <em>L. major</em>-induced thermal hyperalgesia in BALB/c mice for 15 days and 21 days, respectively, as detected by hot plate and tail flick behavioral assessments. Cytokine levels were quantified in the infected paws of BALB/c mice using Sandwich ELISA. The administration of 1 mg/kg celastrol decreased TNF-α levels in <em>L. major</em> infected mice for 23 days, and IL-1β expression declined significantly for 23 days using both celastrol dosages. However, no significant change was observed in the levels of IL-10 in our experimental groups. The activation of NF-κB was detected by observing the phosphorylation levels of the p65 subunit using PathScan phospho-ELISA. The level of NF-κB phosphorylation was elevated in <em>L. major</em> infected BALB/c mice. Only administering 1 mg/kg celastrol suppressed the phosphorylation of p65, thus inactivating NF-kB. In conclusion, our results provide new insights into the correlation between the activation of NF-kB, the induction of thermal hyperalgesia, and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in <em>the L. major-</em>induced hyperalgesia model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 108864"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142692833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108862
Mikkel C.E. Ward, Ann M. Fallon
Oxidative stress generated as a normal byproduct of aerobic metabolism is minimized by the enzyme catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), which reduces hydrogen peroxide to molecular oxygen and water. In various mosquitoes, hydrogen peroxide and/or CAT activity have been implicated in oxidative responses to viral and protozoal pathogens as well as in ovarian maturation and insecticide resistance. We combined features of various CAT assays to develop a simple micro-assay that enables comparison of enzyme activities in individual mosquito tissues on a microscope slide. Activity recovered in the supernatant of mosquito whole body homogenates was inhibited by the CAT-specific inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. Activity was higher in blood-fed mosquitoes, consistent with exogenous enzyme in vertebrate blood. Triton X-100 improved evaluation of dissected organs, and accurate comparisons required careful removal of extraneous tissues. In unfed mosquitoes baseline CAT activity was lower in ovaries than in midgut or fatbody, but increased as oocytes matured after a blood meal, and was detectable in a single mature egg. CAT has unusual kinetics and can be difficult to assay directly. Our observations provide a simple approach for direct evaluation of CAT activity independent of changes in transcript levels and results of RNAi-based interference.
{"title":"A rapid and simple micro-assay to assess catalase activity in individual mosquito tissues","authors":"Mikkel C.E. Ward, Ann M. Fallon","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108862","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108862","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxidative stress generated as a normal byproduct of aerobic metabolism is minimized by the enzyme catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), which reduces hydrogen peroxide to molecular oxygen and water. In various mosquitoes, hydrogen peroxide and/or CAT activity have been implicated in oxidative responses to viral and protozoal pathogens as well as in ovarian maturation and insecticide resistance. We combined features of various CAT assays to develop a simple micro-assay that enables comparison of enzyme activities in individual mosquito tissues on a microscope slide. Activity recovered in the supernatant of mosquito whole body homogenates was inhibited by the CAT-specific inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. Activity was higher in blood-fed mosquitoes, consistent with exogenous enzyme in vertebrate blood. Triton X-100 improved evaluation of dissected organs, and accurate comparisons required careful removal of extraneous tissues. In unfed mosquitoes baseline CAT activity was lower in ovaries than in midgut or fatbody, but increased as oocytes matured after a blood meal, and was detectable in a single mature egg. CAT has unusual kinetics and can be difficult to assay directly. Our observations provide a simple approach for direct evaluation of CAT activity independent of changes in transcript levels and results of RNAi-based interference.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 108862"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142617226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108861
Xinru Meng , Xiaofeng Gan , Yingbo Wang , Qiang Zhang , Xinran Duan , Yanchun Wang , Quan Zhao , Yanan Cai
Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) is an intestinal parasite that not only endangers the health of broiler chickens but may also cause death in severe cases. However, the growing critical problem of drug resistance in E. tenella complicates therapy. Consequently, a more natural and safer technique for treating E. tenella is urgently warranted. Saikosaponin (SS) is a saponin component extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Chaihu that has been demonstrated to treat various diseases. However, little is known regarding the function of SS in E. tenella treatment. In the present investigation, SS lowered the weight loss rate and increased the survival rate of broiler chickens infected with E. tenella. SS inhibited the NF-κB pathway and regulated the gut microbiota structure to inhibit E. tenella-induced inflammatory damage in broiler chickens. In addition, 16S high-throughput sequencing results demonstrated that SS reconstructed the gut microbiota of E. tenella infected broilers, preserving gut microbial balance, increasing the production of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), repairing intestinal villi and intestinal wall integrity, and decreasing inflammatory cell infiltration in the cecum. Overall, these findings show that SS could prevent E. tenella-induced inflammatory damage in broiler chickens by blocking the NF-κ B pathway and regulating the gut microbiota composition.
{"title":"Saikosaponin inhibits Eimeria tenella infection by modifying the NF-κB pathway and regulating cytokines and the intestinal microbial community","authors":"Xinru Meng , Xiaofeng Gan , Yingbo Wang , Qiang Zhang , Xinran Duan , Yanchun Wang , Quan Zhao , Yanan Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108861","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108861","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Eimeria tenella</em> (<em>E. tenella</em>) is an intestinal parasite that not only endangers the health of broiler chickens but may also cause death in severe cases. However, the growing critical problem of drug resistance in <em>E. tenella</em> complicates therapy. Consequently, a more natural and safer technique for treating <em>E. tenella</em> is urgently warranted. Saikosaponin (SS) is a saponin component extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Chaihu that has been demonstrated to treat various diseases. However, little is known regarding the function of SS in <em>E. tenella</em> treatment. In the present investigation, SS lowered the weight loss rate and increased the survival rate of broiler chickens infected with <em>E. tenella</em>. SS inhibited the NF-κB pathway and regulated the gut microbiota structure to inhibit <em>E. tenella</em>-induced inflammatory damage in broiler chickens. In addition, 16S high-throughput sequencing results demonstrated that SS reconstructed the gut microbiota of <em>E. tenella</em> infected broilers, preserving gut microbial balance, increasing the production of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), repairing intestinal villi and intestinal wall integrity, and decreasing inflammatory cell infiltration in the cecum. Overall, these findings show that SS could prevent <em>E. tenella</em>-induced inflammatory damage in broiler chickens by blocking the NF-κ B pathway and regulating the gut microbiota composition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 108861"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142617233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The primary treatment for cysts is surgery, including removing the cyst and administering the appropriate chemical drugs. Herbal remedies have gained popularity as a viable and secure alternative to conventional pharmaceuticals. It may be advantageous to use nanocapsules to overcome the bioavailability challenges associated with herbal remedies like curcumin. The present study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of curcumin nanocapsules in treating hydatid infections.
Methods
Curcumin-loaded oil-in-water surfactant-based biocompatible nanomicelles were developed from dissolving Curcumin in 1% (w/w) solutions of ethyl butyrate oil by dissolving an amount of fatty acid sodium caprylate (SC, 0.09 g) and F127 (0.009 g), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS at pH 7.4) under vigorous stirring at a fixed ethyl butyrate-to-surfactant molar ratio of 10 and final total volume of 50 mL. The excess of free PHT was eliminated by dialysis for 24 h. Following five months after infection, 45 mice were divided into six groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were treated daily with curcumin nanocapsules (0.5, 0.25, 0.125 mg/ml) for one month. Group 4 was treated with curcumin (0.5 mg/ml), group 5 was treated with albendazole (150 mg/kg), and group 6 was the negative control group without treatments (only received saline). A detailed analysis of the cysts' physical characteristics, including their size and weight, has been conducted.
Results
The mean zeta potential spectrum of the nanocapsules was −33.96 mV. Regarding the total cyst numbers, all three nanocapsule groups had significantly lower total cyst numbers than the curcumin, albendazole, and negative control groups. Regarding the total cyst weight, all three nanocapsule groups had a significantly lower total cyst weight than the curcumin and negative control groups. Regarding the cyst with the maximum size, nanocapsules groups 1 and 2 had a significantly smaller size than the curcumin, albendazole, and negative control groups.
Conclusion
The current study found that encapsulation positively affects curcumin efficacy as a superior alternative to chemical drugs, offering both biological advantages and environmental benefits.
{"title":"Investigating the therapeutic effects of curcumin nanocapsules in hydatid cyst-infected mice","authors":"Negar Sorouri , Nooshinmehr Soleymani , Soheil Sadr , Abbas Rahdar , Elahe Ebrahimzadeh , Hassan Borji","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108860","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108860","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/objective</h3><div>The primary treatment for cysts is surgery, including removing the cyst and administering the appropriate chemical drugs. Herbal remedies have gained popularity as a viable and secure alternative to conventional pharmaceuticals. It may be advantageous to use nanocapsules to overcome the bioavailability challenges associated with herbal remedies like curcumin. The present study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of curcumin nanocapsules in treating hydatid infections.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Curcumin-loaded oil-in-water surfactant-based biocompatible nanomicelles were developed from dissolving Curcumin in 1% (w/w) solutions of ethyl butyrate oil by dissolving an amount of fatty acid sodium caprylate (SC, 0.09 g) and F127 (0.009 g), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS at pH 7.4) under vigorous stirring at a fixed ethyl butyrate-to-surfactant molar ratio of 10 and final total volume of 50 mL. The excess of free PHT was eliminated by dialysis for 24 h. Following five months after infection, 45 mice were divided into six groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were treated daily with curcumin nanocapsules (0.5, 0.25, 0.125 mg/ml) for one month. Group 4 was treated with curcumin (0.5 mg/ml), group 5 was treated with albendazole (150 mg/kg), and group 6 was the negative control group without treatments (only received saline). A detailed analysis of the cysts' physical characteristics, including their size and weight, has been conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean zeta potential spectrum of the nanocapsules was −33.96 mV. Regarding the total cyst numbers, all three nanocapsule groups had significantly lower total cyst numbers than the curcumin, albendazole, and negative control groups. Regarding the total cyst weight, all three nanocapsule groups had a significantly lower total cyst weight than the curcumin and negative control groups. Regarding the cyst with the maximum size, nanocapsules groups 1 and 2 had a significantly smaller size than the curcumin, albendazole, and negative control groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The current study found that encapsulation positively affects curcumin efficacy as a superior alternative to chemical drugs, offering both biological advantages and environmental benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 108860"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142617283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
<div><div>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a zoonotic and neglected disease, is prevalent in numerous regions, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In Iran, endemic foci of leishmaniasis exist in specific regions, with zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by <em>Leishmania major</em> being common in most rural areas. Toll-like receptors (<em>TLRs</em>) play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immunities, and the investigation of <em>TLR2</em> rs5743708 and <em>TLR4</em> (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in parasitic diseases can have significant implications for patient treatment. In the present study, a total of 88 leishmaniasis patients using the patients' lesions from Khuzestan province health-treatment centers, Iran, including 50 cases (56.8%; Central region) and 38 cases (43.2%; Western region) underwent examination between the years 2022 and 2023. Two direct smears from the lesions of each patient were prepared and one of the smears was stained with Giemsa for parasitological examination. Among the 88 patients, the highest frequency was observed in the 21–30 years' age group (35.2%), while the lowest was in the 11–20 years’ age group (10.2%). No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and age (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Following disease confirmation via microscopic examination, <em>TLR2</em> rs5743708 and <em>TLR4</em> (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in the patients were assessed using PCR-RFLP. Fragments of 264, 249, and 406 base pairs were successfully amplified, targeting the <em>TLR2</em> and <em>TLR4</em> genes, respectively. Out of the 88 leishmaniasis patients, 14 cases (15.9%) exhibited polymorphisms. Notably, all individuals in the polymorphism group carried both the <em>TLR2</em> rs5743708 homozygous and the <em>TLR4</em> rs4986791 heterozygous genotype combinations. There were no observations of <em>TLR2</em> rs5743708 heterozygous, <em>TLR4</em> rs4986790 heterozygous and homozygous and <em>TLR4</em> rs4986791 homozygous genotypes within the polymorphism group. Biopsies from lesions for all contributors were prepared for histopathological examination. All patients with polymorphism showed larger lesions than patients without polymorphism (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Histophatological study showed abnormal cases in patients with polymorphism including mild hyperkeratosis, mild acanthosis, focal parakeratosis in the epithelium surface and mild hyperpigmentation of melanocytes in the basal layer. Furthermore, a strong infiltration of immune cells such as PMNs and a small number of lymphocytes was observed in the epidermal region of patients with polymorphisms. There was no statistically significant relationship between age and the quantity of lesions (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Additionally, some regions of the epidermal surface layer displayed pustule formation in patients with polymorphisms. No significant difference was discerned in the dermal layers of patients with polymor
{"title":"The molecular and histopathological investigations of TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms effects on cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions","authors":"Mohammad-Hossein Feiz-Haddad , Mohammad-Ali Moradkhani , Farshid Sefat , S.A. Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108857","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108857","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a zoonotic and neglected disease, is prevalent in numerous regions, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In Iran, endemic foci of leishmaniasis exist in specific regions, with zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by <em>Leishmania major</em> being common in most rural areas. Toll-like receptors (<em>TLRs</em>) play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immunities, and the investigation of <em>TLR2</em> rs5743708 and <em>TLR4</em> (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in parasitic diseases can have significant implications for patient treatment. In the present study, a total of 88 leishmaniasis patients using the patients' lesions from Khuzestan province health-treatment centers, Iran, including 50 cases (56.8%; Central region) and 38 cases (43.2%; Western region) underwent examination between the years 2022 and 2023. Two direct smears from the lesions of each patient were prepared and one of the smears was stained with Giemsa for parasitological examination. Among the 88 patients, the highest frequency was observed in the 21–30 years' age group (35.2%), while the lowest was in the 11–20 years’ age group (10.2%). No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and age (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Following disease confirmation via microscopic examination, <em>TLR2</em> rs5743708 and <em>TLR4</em> (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in the patients were assessed using PCR-RFLP. Fragments of 264, 249, and 406 base pairs were successfully amplified, targeting the <em>TLR2</em> and <em>TLR4</em> genes, respectively. Out of the 88 leishmaniasis patients, 14 cases (15.9%) exhibited polymorphisms. Notably, all individuals in the polymorphism group carried both the <em>TLR2</em> rs5743708 homozygous and the <em>TLR4</em> rs4986791 heterozygous genotype combinations. There were no observations of <em>TLR2</em> rs5743708 heterozygous, <em>TLR4</em> rs4986790 heterozygous and homozygous and <em>TLR4</em> rs4986791 homozygous genotypes within the polymorphism group. Biopsies from lesions for all contributors were prepared for histopathological examination. All patients with polymorphism showed larger lesions than patients without polymorphism (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Histophatological study showed abnormal cases in patients with polymorphism including mild hyperkeratosis, mild acanthosis, focal parakeratosis in the epithelium surface and mild hyperpigmentation of melanocytes in the basal layer. Furthermore, a strong infiltration of immune cells such as PMNs and a small number of lymphocytes was observed in the epidermal region of patients with polymorphisms. There was no statistically significant relationship between age and the quantity of lesions (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Additionally, some regions of the epidermal surface layer displayed pustule formation in patients with polymorphisms. No significant difference was discerned in the dermal layers of patients with polymor","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 108857"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142617297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The use of conventional drugs is not a satisfactory treatment for the disease. Therefore, there is a crucial need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-leishmanial activity of Gossypium hirsutum niosomes against cutaneous leishmaniasis in a murine model and evaluate their effectiveness by assessing parasite burden, immunomodulatory gene expression, and histopathological profile. We prepared G. hirsutum niosomes and characterized their morphology, size, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and encapsulation efficiency. The in vivo anti-leishmanial activity of the niosomes was evaluated by assessing parasite burden, histopathological profile, and gene expression level. The spleen parasite load in BALB/c mice treated with different groups of G. hirsutum niosomes and G. hirsutum extracts (30%), demonstrated a significant decrease compared to Glucantime®. The least number of leishmanial parasites was observed in H and E-stained histological sections (grade+1), followed by G. hirsutum niosomes or G. hirsutum crude extract (grade+3), Glucantime® (grade+4) and the highest number in the untreated control group (grade+6). There was a substantial difference (P < 0.001) among various treatment groups. Moreover, G. hirsutum niosomes up-regulated the levels of the gene (particularly IFN-γ, P < 0.001) compared to the extract form and Glucantime®. In contrast, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-β were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in comparison to untreated control. These results suggest that G. hirsutum niosomes have the potential to be considered a promising alternative therapy for leishmaniasis. Further research is warranted to explore their mechanism of action and optimize their formulation for clinical use.
使用传统药物治疗这种疾病的效果并不理想。因此，迫切需要替代治疗方法。本研究旨在通过评估寄生虫负担、免疫调节基因表达和组织病理学特征，研究在小鼠模型中使用长柄格桑子（Gossypium hirsutum niosomes）对皮肤利什曼病的潜在抗利什曼病活性，并评估其有效性。我们制备了长春花苷胶囊，并对其形态、大小、傅立叶变换红外光谱（FT-IR）和封装效率进行了表征。通过评估寄生虫载量、组织病理学特征和基因表达水平，评价了大花蓟黄酮胶囊的体内抗利什曼病活性。与 Glucantime® 相比，用不同组的 G. hirsutum niosomes 和 G. hirsutum 提取物（30%）处理 BALB/c 小鼠的脾脏寄生虫量显著减少。在 H 和 E 染色的组织学切片中观察到的利什曼寄生虫数量最少（+1 级），其次是 G. hirsutum niosomes 或 G. hirsutum 粗提取物（+3 级）、Glucantime®（+4 级），而未经处理的对照组数量最多（+6 级）。各处理组之间存在显著差异（P < 0.001）。此外，与提取物和 Glucantime® 相比，G. hirsutum niosomes 能上调基因水平（尤其是 IFN-γ，P < 0.001）。相反，与未处理的对照组相比，IL-4、IL-10 和 TNF-β 的水平明显下降（P < 0.001）。这些结果表明，G. hirsutum niosomes 有可能被视为治疗利什曼病的一种有前途的替代疗法。有必要进一步研究其作用机制，并优化其临床应用配方。
{"title":"Preparation, characterization, and in vivo activity of Gossypium hirsutum niosomes against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major in a murine model: Parasite burden, gene expression, and histopathological profiling","authors":"Iraj Sharifi , Ehsan Salarkia , Shahriar Dabiri , Abbas Pardakhty , Fatemeh Sharifi , Neda Mohamadi","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108859","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108859","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of conventional drugs is not a satisfactory treatment for the disease. Therefore, there is a crucial need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-leishmanial activity of <em>Gossypium hirsutum</em> niosomes against cutaneous leishmaniasis in a murine model and evaluate their effectiveness by assessing parasite burden, immunomodulatory gene expression, and histopathological profile. We prepared <em>G. hirsutum</em> niosomes and characterized their morphology, size, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and encapsulation efficiency. The <em>in vivo</em> anti-leishmanial activity of the niosomes was evaluated by assessing parasite burden, histopathological profile, and gene expression level. The spleen parasite load in BALB/c mice treated with different groups of <em>G. hirsutum</em> niosomes and <em>G. hirsutum</em> extracts (30%), demonstrated a significant decrease compared to Glucantime®. The least number of leishmanial parasites was observed in H and E-stained histological sections (grade+1), followed by <em>G. hirsutum</em> niosomes or <em>G. hirsutum</em> crude extract (grade+3), Glucantime® (grade+4) and the highest number in the untreated control group (grade+6). There was a substantial difference (<em>P</em> < 0.001) among various treatment groups. Moreover, <em>G. hirsutum</em> niosomes up-regulated the levels of the gene (particularly IFN-γ, <em>P</em> < 0.001) compared to the extract form and Glucantime®. In contrast, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-β were significantly decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.001) in comparison to untreated control. These results suggest that <em>G. hirsutum</em> niosomes have the potential to be considered a promising alternative therapy for leishmaniasis. Further research is warranted to explore their mechanism of action and optimize their formulation for clinical use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 108859"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142587413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-29DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108858
Jelin Vilvest , M.C. John Milton , Alex Yagoo , Kedike Balakrishna
Both human beings and animals around the globe are vulnerable to the transmission of infectious diseases carried by mosquitoes. They have the ability to transmit a diverse array of pathogenic agents, such as viruses and parasites, while feeding on blood. The objective of this research is to investigate andrographolide isolation, characterization, and structure elucidation from Andrographis paniculata. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate the activity of andrographolide against the immature stages of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. The fractions obtained from A. paniculata extracts underwent further purification and analysis to identify the most active ones. To confirm the structure of andrographolide, spectroscopic methods including IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and GC-MS were used. Biological assays were conducted to assess its ovicidal, larvicidal, and pupicidal activities. Importantly, andrographolide demonstrated moderate ovicidal activity, resulting in mortality rates of 36% and 32% in Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus eggs, respectively, at a concentration of 2 ppm. Additionally, it exhibited strong larvicidal and pupicidal efficacy, with LC50 values of 2.02 ppm and 3.19 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae and pupae, and 2.14 ppm and 2.73 ppm against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae and pupae. These findings highlight the potential of andrographolide as a powerful natural compound in mosquito control efforts. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of natural products as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides in managing vector-borne diseases.
{"title":"Structural elucidation of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata and its ovicidal, larvicidal and pupicidal activities against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)","authors":"Jelin Vilvest , M.C. John Milton , Alex Yagoo , Kedike Balakrishna","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108858","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108858","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Both human beings and animals around the globe are vulnerable to the transmission of infectious diseases carried by mosquitoes. They have the ability to transmit a diverse array of pathogenic agents, such as viruses and parasites, while feeding on blood. The objective of this research is to investigate andrographolide isolation, characterization, and structure elucidation from <em>Andrographis paniculata</em>. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate the activity of andrographolide against the immature stages of <em>Aedes aegypti</em> and <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em>. The fractions obtained from <em>A. paniculata</em> extracts underwent further purification and analysis to identify the most active ones. To confirm the structure of andrographolide, spectroscopic methods including IR, <sup>1</sup>H-NMR, <sup>13</sup>C-NMR, and GC-MS were used. Biological assays were conducted to assess its ovicidal, larvicidal, and pupicidal activities. Importantly, andrographolide demonstrated moderate ovicidal activity, resulting in mortality rates of 36% and 32% in <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> eggs, respectively, at a concentration of 2 ppm. Additionally, it exhibited strong larvicidal and pupicidal efficacy, with LC<sub>50</sub> values of 2.02 ppm and 3.19 ppm against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> larvae and pupae, and 2.14 ppm and 2.73 ppm against <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> larvae and pupae. These findings highlight the potential of andrographolide as a powerful natural compound in mosquito control efforts. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of natural products as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides in managing vector-borne diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 108858"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142557432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108856
Thaise Lara Teixeira , Samuel Cota Teixeira , Bruna Cristina Borges , João Paulo Silva Servato , Elida Cristina Monteiro de Oliveira , Teresiama Velikkakam , Claudio Vieira da Silva
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, affects millions of people worldwide. Current treatments rely on drugs effective only in the acute phase, making the search for new therapeutic targets a priority. While a recombinant protein based on T. cruzi P21 (rP21) exhibits immunomodulatory properties and contributes to controlling parasitism and inflammation during T. cruzi infection, its efficacy against other trypanosomatids remains unexplored. This study investigated the impact of rP21 on Leishmania (L.) amazonensis infection in a murine model. Contrary to our expectations, treatment with rP21 did not ameliorate L. (L.) amazonensis infection. Instead, rP21 treatment resulted in increased parasite load in the paws of infected BALB/c mice, evidenced by larger lesion sizes and higher parasite burdens, accompanied by an intensified inflammatory infiltrate in the paw tissue. These findings suggest that despite its promising effects in the context of T. cruzi infection, rP21 may not be a suitable therapeutic candidate for L. amazonensis infection and might even exacerbate disease.
南美锥虫病的病原体--南美锥虫是一种原生寄生虫，影响着全球数百万人。目前的治疗方法依赖于仅在急性期有效的药物，因此寻找新的治疗靶点成为当务之急。基于克鲁兹锥虫 P21（rP21）的重组蛋白具有免疫调节特性，有助于控制克鲁兹锥虫感染期间的寄生和炎症，但它对其他锥虫的疗效仍有待探索。本研究调查了 rP21 在小鼠模型中对亚马逊利什曼病（L. amazonensis）感染的影响。与我们的预期相反，用 rP21 治疗并不能改善亚马逊利什曼原虫感染。相反，rP21 治疗导致受感染的 BALB/c 小鼠爪子中的寄生虫数量增加，表现为病变面积增大、寄生虫数量增加，同时爪子组织中的炎症浸润加剧。这些研究结果表明，尽管 rP21 对 T. cruzi 感染有很好的疗效，但它可能不是治疗 L. amazonensis 感染的合适候选药物，甚至可能加重病情。
{"title":"Trypanosoma cruzi P21 protein exacerbates Leishmania (L.) amazonensis infection","authors":"Thaise Lara Teixeira , Samuel Cota Teixeira , Bruna Cristina Borges , João Paulo Silva Servato , Elida Cristina Monteiro de Oliveira , Teresiama Velikkakam , Claudio Vieira da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The protozoan parasite <em>Trypanosoma cruzi</em>, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, affects millions of people worldwide. Current treatments rely on drugs effective only in the acute phase, making the search for new therapeutic targets a priority. While a recombinant protein based on <em>T. cruzi</em> P21 (rP21) exhibits immunomodulatory properties and contributes to controlling parasitism and inflammation during <em>T. cruzi</em> infection, its efficacy against other trypanosomatids remains unexplored. This study investigated the impact of rP21 on <em>Leishmania (L.) amazonensis</em> infection in a murine model. Contrary to our expectations, treatment with rP21 did not ameliorate <em>L. (L.) amazonensis</em> infection. Instead, rP21 treatment resulted in increased parasite load in the paws of infected BALB/c mice, evidenced by larger lesion sizes and higher parasite burdens, accompanied by an intensified inflammatory infiltrate in the paw tissue. These findings suggest that despite its promising effects in the context of <em>T. cruzi</em> infection, rP21 may not be a suitable therapeutic candidate for <em>L. amazonensis</em> infection and might even exacerbate disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 108856"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142497652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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