RESUMO

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease worldwide distributed, caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus), with an incidence rate of 50/100,000 person/year and a high prevalence in humans of 5-10%. Serology has variable sensitivity and specificity and low predictive values. Antigens used are from the hydatid fluid and recombinant antigens have not demonstrated superiority over hydatid fluid. A cell line called EGPE was obtained from E. granulosus sensu lato G1 strain from bovine liver. Serum from CE patients recognizes protein extracts from EGPE cells with higher sensitivity than protein extracts from hydatid fluid. In the present study, EGPE cell protein extracts and supernatants from cell colonies were eluted from a protein G affinity column performed with sera from 11 CE patients. LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis of the eluted proteins identified four E. granulosus histones: one histone H4 in the cell extract and supernatant, one histone H2A only in the cell extract, and two histones H2A only in the supernatant. This differential distribution of histones could reflect different parasite viability stages regarding their role in gene transcription and silencing and could interact with host cells. Bioinformatics tools characterized the linear and conformational epitopes involved in antibody recognition. The three-dimensional structure of each histone was obtained by molecular modeling and validated by molecular dynamics simulation and PCR confirmed the presence of the epitopes in the parasite genome. The three histones H2A were very different and had a less conserved sequence than the histone H4. Comparison of the histones of E. granulosus with those of other organisms showed exclusive regions for E. granulosus. Since histones play a role in the host-parasite relationship they could be good candidates to improve the predictive value of serology in CE.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Two domestic cats from the Patagonia rural area in Argentina were found to be naturally infected with Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto/G1 genotype; so far, the only species/genotype of E. granulosus sensu lato complex described to infect domestic cats. The felines developed abdominal disseminated larval disease; the diagnosis was performed by ultrasound, exploratory laparotomy, and molecular techniques. These results indicate that cystic echinococcosis must be considered for differential diagnosis of felines with abdominal distension and/or observation of vesicles through ultrasound, from endemic areas. Even though cats and dogs are carnivores, differences in digestive physiology and immunological characteristics between them could allow the development of larval or adult worm parasites. Domestic cats with cystic echinococcosis show to be environmentally infected with E. granulosus s. s./G1 eggs.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) can be diagnosed by means of several serological approaches, but their results vary among laboratories due to the molecular characteristics of the reference antigens used. Thus, this study aimed to address both the relevance of an EGPE cell line previously obtained from Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces G1 and the complexity of the immune response by using two different in vitro growth stages as separate sources of parasite antigens. The serum reactivity was investigated by western blotting (WB) in 21 CE patients from an endemic area in a matched case-control design and also in seven experimentally infected sheep and five healthy control sheep. EGPE-antigen-human serum sensitivity by WB was higher than that of hydatid fluid (HF) WB, ELISA and DD5 (P < .05, Chi-square test). EGPE protein extract was immunogenic in mice and hyperimmune plasma reacted with HF proteins, and AgB2 expression was detected by molecular analysis. Proteins of 37 to 60 kDa were recognized by 95.24% of the CE patients' sera but, with poor specificity. Statistically significant differences were found between serum protein extract recognition at 7 and 20 days of cell growth. The EGPE cell line is a laboratory source of antigens for improvement of CE serological diagnosis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. It affects eight million people worldwide and can be spread by several routes, such as vectorborne transmission in endemic areas and congenitally, and is also important in non-endemic regions such as the United States and Europe due to migration from Latin America. Cyclophilins (CyPs) are proteins with enzymatic peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity (PPIase), essential for protein folding in vivo. Cyclosporin A (CsA) has a high binding affinity for CyPs and inhibits their PPIase activity. CsA has proved to be a parasiticidal drug on some protozoa, including T. cruzi. In this review, we describe the T. cruzi cyclophilin gene family, that comprises 15 paralogues. Among the proteins isolated by CsA-affinity chromatography, we found orthologues of mammalian CyPs. TcCyP19, as the human CyPA, is secreted to the extracellular environment by all parasite stages and could be part of a complex interplay involving the parasite and the host cell. TcCyP22, an orthologue of mitochondrial CyPD, is involved in the regulation of parasite cell death. Our findings on T. cruzi cyclophilins will allow further characterization of these processes, leading to new insights into the biology, the evolution of metabolic pathways, and novel targets for anti-T. cruzi control.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Diabetes is associated with metabolic and functional alterations in the gut. Using an experimental model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rodents, we analyzed the extracellular matrix (ECM) and TGF-ß/Smad signaling in the colon mucosa. Male rats were divided into normal control, diabetic and insulin treated diabetic groups during 4 and 9 weeks. Sirius red staining showed marked increase in the extracellular matrix deposition in diabetic mucosa. High levels of fibrillar collagen (I and III) and fibronectin mRNAs were also detected with an imbalance between MMPs/TIMPs activities. Moreover, an increased mesenchymal cell proliferation together with an enhanced expression of myofibroblasts markers vimentin and α-SMA were observed. TGF-ß/Smad signaling-related genes were determined using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Diabetic rats showed a significant up-regulation of TGF-ß1, TGF-ß receptors and the effectors p-Smad2/3 in the mucosa compared with control rats. Insulin treatment attenuated the stimulating effect of diabetes on colon ECM deposition and TGF-ß/Smad signaling. In conclusion, the overall results showed a deregulation of the TGFß1 pathway associated with the appearance of myofibroblasts and the accumulation of ECM in the mucosa of diabetic colon. These data provide the first in vivo evidence that TGF-ß1/Smad is a key component of intestinal tissue remodeling in diabetes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

La Hidatidosis es una de las Zoonosis más prevalentes en nuestro país. Es producida por Equinococcus granulosus, teniendo al perro como principal hospedador definitivo. El perro elimina los huevos del parasito con sus heces, contaminado el ambiente y ofertándolos a los hospedadores intermediarios. Los programas de control están orientados a la desparasitación periódica y sistemática de los perros con la droga praziquantel, tenicida, no ovicida. Los bisfosfonatos (BF), han sido propuestos como agentes antiparasitarios. Y se ha demostrado su actividad antiproliferativa y desestabilizante de las colonias quísticas formadas en agarosa por las células provenientes de protoescólices de E. granulosus G1 de origen bovino, EGPE. En este trabajo se testeó el efecto ex vivo de diferentes BF sobre la viabilidad de huevos de tenias. Los proglótides grávidos se expusieron a diferentes concentraciones de compuestos, Olpadronato monosodico (OPD), Acido Zoledronico trihidrato (Ac.Zol) e Ibandronato de sodio (IB), por diferentes periodos de tiempo para determinar la dosis efectiva y el tiempo de incubación necesario para obtener la actividad ovicida. Se evaluó la viabilidad de los huevos expuestos mediante el test de inactivación de la oncósfera (TON), registrando en cada ensayo el % de oncósferas no viables (ONV) observadas. Se conservaron muestras para histología, histoquímica para calcio, Von Kossa, y microscopia electrónica de barrido. La viabilidad "ex vivo" de las oncósferas disminuyó significativamente con la incubación de los proglótides con el Ac Zol e IB. La evaluación histológica e histoquímica de los proglótides confirmó el efecto deletéreo del Ac Zol sobre los embriones contenidos en las oncósferas, El Ac Zol resultó el más efectivo, a concentraciones finales de 1.5% con una incubación de 3 días, que el IB, mientras que el OPD es el menos efectivo. Por lo que se concluye que los BF representan un posible agente ovicida a aplicar en las heces eliminadas de perros infectados

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract Objectives Oxidative stress and inflammation are important processes in development of atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a bioscavenger enzyme associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. We evaluate the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms in PON1 gene, and enzyme activities with lipid profile and glycemia. Methods This case-control study consisted of 126 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 203 healthy controls. PON Q192R and L55M polymorphisms were detected by real-time PCR. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL were measured. Results PON1 QR192 polymorphism had a major effect on paraoxonase but no effect on arylesterase serum activities. Paraoxonase activity was higher in RR genotype and lowest in QQ genotype. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were higher in LL and lower in MM genotypes of PON1 LM55 polymorphism. RQ and LM variants showed intermediate activities between respective homozygous. Elevated concentrations of triglycerides in cases correlate with QQ variant or the presence of M allele. Glucose levels were elevated in cases with QQ variant or with the presence of M allele. Cholesterol and LDL did not show variations in control and cases with any variant of both polymorphisms. HDL is lower in cases with respect to controls independently of genotypes. All differences were significant with p < 0.05. Conclusions Our results confirm the relationship between variations in PON1 activities and lipid metabolism, and showed that genetically programmed low PON1 activities would have certain responsibility in the increase in glycemia and concomitantly the aggravation of atherosclerotic disease.

Resumen Objetivos La enzima paraoxonasa 1 (PON1), está asociada con el estrés oxidativo y la inflamación, procesos importantes en el desarrollo de la aterosclerosis. Evaluamos la asociación de 2 polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido en el gen PON1 y sus actividades enzimáticas con el perfil lipídico y la glucemia. Métodos Estudio caso-control en 126 pacientes con enfermedad coronaria y 203 controles sanos. Los polimorfismos PON Q192R y L55M fueron detectados por PCR en tiempo real y las actividades de paraoxonasa y arilesterasa por espectrofotometría. Se midieron glucemia, colesterol, triglicéridos, HDL y LDL. Resultados El polimorfismo PON1 QR192 afectó la actividad de paraoxonasa pero no la de arilesterasa. La actividad de paraoxonasa fue mayor en el genotipo RR y menor en QQ. Ambas actividades fueron mayores en el genotipo LL y menores en MM del polimorfismo PON1 LM55. Las variantes RQ y LM mostraron actividades intermedias entre los respectivos homocigotos. Concentraciones elevadas de triglicéridos en los casos correlacionaron con la variante QQ o la presencia del alelo M. Los niveles de glucosa fueron elevados en los casos QQ o con la presencia del alelo M. El colesterol y el LDL no variaron ni en los casos ni en los controles con ambos polimorfismos. El HDL fue menor en los casos respecto de los controles, independientemente del genotipo. Conclusiones Los resultados confirman la relación entre las variaciones en las actividades de PON1 y el metabolismo lipídico y mostraron que las bajas actividades de PON1 genéticamente programadas tendrían cierta responsabilidad en el aumento de la glucemia y, concomitantemente, en la agravación de la enfermedad aterosclerótica.

Assuntos

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress and inflammation are important processes in development of atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a bioscavenger enzyme associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. We evaluate the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms in PON1 gene, and enzyme activities with lipid profile and glycemia. METHODS: This case-control study consisted of 126 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 203 healthy controls. PON Q192R and L55M polymorphisms were detected by real-time PCR. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL were measured. RESULTS: PON1 QR192 polymorphism had a major effect on paraoxonase but no effect on arylesterase serum activities. Paraoxonase activity was higher in RR genotype and lowest in QQ genotype. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were higher in LL and lower in MM genotypes of PON1 LM55 polymorphism. RQ and LM variants showed intermediate activities between respective homozygous. Elevated concentrations of triglycerides in cases correlate with QQ variant or the presence of M allele. Glucose levels were elevated in cases with QQ variant or with the presence of M allele. Cholesterol and LDL did not show variations in control and cases with any variant of both polymorphisms. HDL is lower in cases with respect to controls independently of genotypes. All differences were significant with p<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the relationship between variations in PON1 activities and lipid metabolism, and showed that genetically programmed low PON1 activities would have certain responsibility in the increase in glycemia and concomitantly the aggravation of atherosclerotic disease.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Homocysteine, a non-protein amino acid, important risk factor for atherosclerosis and thrombosis, causes dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells traduced in inadequate vasodilatation mechanism, is pro-inflammatory and induces endoplasmic reticulum stress. The more reactive conformation is the homocysteine thiolactone (HcyT), product to the nonspecific action of methionyl-tRNA synthetase, which is incorporated into proteins by disulfide bonds (S-homocysteinilation) or amide bonds (N-homocysteinilation) affecting protein structure and function leading to cell toxicity, autoimmune responses and atherogenesis. The enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1), part of high density lipoprotein (HDL), had been studied only for its ability to hydrolyze organophosphate derivatives. But, more recently it has been attributed other important role. The enzyme activities are involving in protecting against the development of atherosclerosis, by preventing oxidation of lipoproteins and hydrolyze HcyT. There is growing evidence about the protective role of PON1 in vascular disease. Genetic factors (polymorphisms of the PON1), environmental and lifestyle influence their concentration and biological activity, but drugs used as cardioprotectives and lipid-lowering or others, such as antibiotics and steroids, are also important modulators. This review is an updated of the most prominent information on clinical and experimental studies for understanding the role of the PON-1 in the protection against development of atherosclerosis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

La homocisteína, aminoácido no-proteico, es un importante factor de riesgo de aterosclerosis y trombosis, afecta la vasodilatación y la función normal del endotelio vascular, es pro-inflamatoria e induce estrés de retículo endoplásmico. Su conformación más reactiva, la homocisteína tiolactona, producto de la acción no específica de la metionil-t RNA sintetasa, se incorpora a proteínas mediante puentes disulfuro (S-homocisteinilación) o uniones amida (N-homocisteinilación) produciendo graves efectos sobre la estructura y función proteica conduciendo a toxicidad celular, respuestas autoinmunes y aterogénesis. La enzima paraoxonasa-1, integrante de la lipoproteína de alta densidad, fue inicialmente considerada por su capacidad de hidrolizar derivados organofosfato, pero luego se le atribuyó un importante papel protector contra la aterosclerosis por prevenir la oxidación de lipoproteínas e hidrolizar homocisteína tiolactona. Existen evidencias acerca del papel de paraoxonasa-1 en la enfermedad vascular. Los factores genéticos (polimorfismos de la paraoxonasa-1), ambientales y el estilo de vida influyen sobre su concentración y actividad biológica, pero distintos fármacos como hipolipemiantes o cardioprotectores y otros, como antibióticos y esteroides, son también importantes moduladores. En la presente revisión se actualiza la más destacada información sobre los estudios clínicos y experimentales que permiten entender el papel que cumple esta enzima en la protección ante el desarrollo de la aterosclerosis.

Homocysteine, a non-protein amino acid, important risk factor for atherosclerosis and thrombosis, causes dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells traduced in inadequate vasodilatation mechanism, is pro-inflammatory and induces endoplasmic reticulum stress. The more reactive conformation is the homocysteine thiolactone (HcyT), product to the nonspecific action of methionyl-tRNA synthetase, which is incorporated into proteins by disulfide bonds (S-homocysteinilation) or amide bonds (N-homocysteinilation) affecting protein structure and function leading to cell toxicity, autoimmune responses and atherogenesis. The enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1), part of high density lipoprotein (HDL), had been studied only for its ability to hydrolyze organophosphate derivatives. But, more recently it has been attributed other important role. The enzyme activities are involving in protecting against the development of atherosclerosis, by preventing oxidation of lipoproteins and hydrolyze HcyT. There is growing evidence about the protective role of PON1 in vascular disease. Genetic factors (polymorphisms of the PON1), environmental and lifestyle influence their concentration and biological activity, but drugs used as cardioprotectives and lipid-lowering or others, such as antibiotics and steroids, are also important modulators. This review is an updated of the most prominent information on clinical and experimental studies for understanding the role of the PON-1 in the protection against development of atherosclerosis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The taeniid tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of echinococcal disease, a major zoonosis with worldwide distribution. Several efforts to establish an in vitro model of E. granulosus have been undertaken; however, many of them have been designed for Echinococcus multilocularis. In the present study, we have described and characterized a stable cell line obtained from E. granulosus bovine protoscoleces maintained 3 yr in vitro. Growth characterization, morphology by light, fluorescent and electronic microscopy, and karyotyping were carried out. Cell culture origin was confirmed by immunofluorescent detection of AgB4 antigen and by PCR for the mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 1 (DCO1) gene. Cells seeded in agarose biphasic culture resembled a cystic structure, similar to the one formed in secondary hosts. This cell line could be a useful tool to research equinococcal behavior, allowing additional physiological and pharmacological studies, such as the effect of growth factors, nutrients, and antiparasitic drugs on cell viability and growth and on cyst formation.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Lonidamine (1-[2,4-dichlorophenyl methyl]-1H indazole-3-carboxylic acid), Ind, is an antitumoral drug acting on mitochondria and glucose metabolism. Cell growth and metabolic effects of Ind and drug post-treatment effect were investigated in undifferentiated HT-29 human colonic carcinoma cell line which requires high glucose medium concentration for growth. 0.2 mM Ind significantly decreased cell spreading and growth in monolayer or agar cell culture. After drug treatment cell growth was reestablished to control value within 24 h. Ind modified glycoconjugates and mannose-receptor distribution (analyzed by confocal microscopy), while glucose-glycogen and protein synthesis were not affected, these being the possible reasons for the fast reversible effect.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Lonidamina (1-[ 2,4-diclorofenil metil]-1H indazol-3-ácido carboxílico), (lnd), es una droga antineoplásica cuyo mecanismo de acción se ejerce sobre el metabolismo intermedio de la glucosa. Los efectos de la lnd sobre el crecimiento celular y el metabolismo celular se investigaron en las células HT- 29, línea celular de carcinoma colónico humano, que requiere altas concentraciones de glucosa para su crecimiento indiferenciado en cultivo. La lnd en dosis de 0.2 mM disminuyó significativamente el crecimiento celular y la formación de colonias en agar; con la interrupción del tratamiento se observó el restablecimiento del crecimiento celular en 24 horas. El tratamiento con lnd produce la redistribución de los glicoconjugados y el receptor de la manosa, sin afectar en forma drástica la síntesis de glucógeno ni la de proteínas. Estas posiblemente sean las causas de la rápida reversibilidad del tratamiento.

Lonidamine (1-[ 2,4-dichlorophenyl methyl]-1H indazole-3-carboxylic acid), lnd, is an antitumoral drug acting on mitochondria and glucose metabolism. Cell growth and metabolic effects of lnd and drug post-treatment effect were investigated in undifferentiated HT-29 human colonic carcinoma cell line which requires high glucose medium concentration for growth. 0.2 mM lnd significantly decreased cell spreading and growth in monolayer or agar cell culture. After drug treatment cell growth was reestablished to control value within 24 h. Ind modified glycoconjugates and mannose-receptor distribution (analyzed by confocal microscopy), while glucose-glycogen and protein synthesis were not affected, these being the possible reasons for the fast reversible effect.

Assuntos