scholarly journals Parasite Killing of Leishmania (V) braziliensis by Standardized Propolis Extracts

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica Rebouças-Silva ◽  
Fabiana S. Celes ◽  
Jonilson Berlink Lima ◽  
Hernane S. Barud ◽  
Camila I. de Oliveira ◽  
...  

Treatments based on antimonials to cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) entail a range of toxic side effects. Propolis, a natural compound widely used in traditional medical applications, exhibits a range of biological effects, including activity against infectious agents. The aim of this study was to test the potential leishmanicidal effects of different propolis extracts against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes in vitro. Stationary-phase L. (V) braziliensis promastigotes were incubated with medium alone or treated with dry, alcoholic, or glycolic propolis extract (10, 50, or 100 μg/mL) for 96 h. Our data showed that all extracts exhibited a dose-dependent effect on the viability of L. (V) braziliensis promastigotes, while controlling the parasite burden inside infected macrophages. Dry propolis extract significantly modified the inflammatory profile of murine macrophages by downmodulating TGF-β and IL-10 production, while upmodulating TNF-α. All three types of propolis extract were found to reduce nitric oxide and superoxide levels in activated L. braziliensis-infected macrophages. Altogether, our results showed that propolis extracts exhibited a leishmanicidal effect against both stages of L. (V) braziliensis. The low cell toxicity and efficient microbicidal effect of alcoholic or glycolic propolis extracts make them candidates to an additive treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Author(s):  
Alina Alshevskaya ◽  
Olga Koneva ◽  
Irina Belomestnova ◽  
Julia Lopatnikova ◽  
Irina Evsegneeva ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Modulating specific biological effects through the changes in cytokine receptors’ expression level remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the dose-dependent effect of TNF on the balance between proapoptotic and proliferation response depending on the parameters of TNFR1/2 expression density. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Tumor cell lines (HEp-2, K-562, MCF-7, ZR-75/1, MOLT-4, IM-9, and Raji) were characterized for TNFR1/2 co-expression using flow cytometry and were studied to reveal the dose-dependent effect of rhTNF on cell cycle and apoptosis parameters. The associations among the studied parameters were estimated by correlation and regression analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> It was found for ZR-75/1 cells (the cell line characterized by high expression of both types) that a dose-dependent increase in expression of both types of TNF-α receptors on cells reduces the proliferative activity of cells. For MOLT-4 cells (which are characterized by lower expression), an increase in proliferative response of cells was positively associated with the percentage of both TNFR1<sup>+</sup> and TNFR2<sup>+</sup> cells. However, opposite effects on the cells were shown for the K-562 and MCF-7 lines having a similar expression profile. A similarity (a large percentage of double-positive cells) was revealed for the lines having similar effects (K-562 and ZR-75/1). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> High expression of TNF receptor type 1 is not always associated with predominant activation of proapoptotic pathways. However, in the case of simultaneous high expression of both types of receptors, the proportion of double-positive cells is crucial for the activation of either the proapoptotic or proliferation pathways.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Smeriglio ◽  
Marcella Denaro ◽  
Valeria D’Angelo ◽  
Maria Paola Germanò ◽  
Domenico Trombetta

Citrus juices are a rich source of bioactive compounds with various and well-known health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the polyphenols and ascorbic acid content as well as to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties of the juice of an ancient Mediterranean species, Citrus lumia Risso (CLJ). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by several in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays, whereas two different in vivo models, the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and the zebrafish embryos, were used to characterize the anti-angiogenic properties. Twenty-eight polyphenols were identified by RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis (flavonoids 68.82% and phenolic acids 31.18%) with 1-caffeoyl-5-feruloylquinic acid and kaempferol 3′-rhamnoside, which represent the most abundant compounds (25.70 and 23.12%, respectively). HPLC-DAD analysis showed a high ascorbic acid content (352 mg/kg of CLJ), which contributes with polyphenols to the marked and dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties observed. CLJ showed strong and dose-dependent anti-angiogenic activity as highlighted by the inhibition of blood vessel formation on CAMs and the decrease of endogenous alkaline phosphatase on zebrafish embryos. Moreover, within the concentration range tested, no dead or malformed embryos were recorded. Certainly, further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these promising biological effects, but considering the evidence of the present study, the use of CLJ as a ready-to drink safe prevention strategy for inflammatory-based diseases correlated to angiogenesis could be justified.


2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 2932-2940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas R. Rice ◽  
Paola Vacchina ◽  
Brianna Norris-Mullins ◽  
Miguel A. Morales ◽  
Bradley D. Smith

ABSTRACTCutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that causes painful lesions and severe disfigurement. Modern treatment relies on a few chemotherapeutics with serious limitations, and there is a need for more effective alternatives. This study describes the selective targeting of zinc(II)-dipicolylamine (ZnDPA) coordination complexes towardLeishmania major, one of the species responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Fluorescence microscopy ofL. majorpromastigotes treated with a fluorescently labeled ZnDPA probe indicated rapid accumulation of the probe within the axenic promastigote cytosol. The antileishmanial activities of eight ZnDPA complexes were measured using anin vitroassay. All tested complexes exhibited selective toxicity againstL. majoraxenic promastigotes, with 50% effective concentration values in the range of 12.7 to 0.3 μM. Similar toxicity was observed against intracellular amastigotes, but there was almost no effect on the viability of mammalian cells, including mouse peritoneal macrophages.In vivotreatment efficacy studies used fluorescence imaging to noninvasively monitor changes in the red fluorescence produced by an infection of mCherry-L. majorin a mouse model. A ZnDPA treatment regimen reduced the parasite burden nearly as well as the reference care agent, potassium antimony(III) tartrate, and with less necrosis in the local host tissue. The results demonstrate that ZnDPA coordination complexes are a promising new class of antileishmanial agents with potential for clinical translation.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Han ◽  
Nan Kang ◽  
Xiaotong Yu ◽  
Jie Lu ◽  
Yuewen Ma

Abstract In previous studies, we found radial extracorporeal shock wave (rESW), can promote the proliferation of neural stem cells(NSCs). Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNA NEAT1 can regulate NSCs proliferation. Whether lncRNA NEAT1 plays a role in the proliferation of NSC induced by shock waves is unclear. Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK 8) method was used to detect the proliferation of NSCs, and the relative protein and mRNA expression of related genes of Nestin, Cyclin D1 and P21 were detected by Western Blot and Quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR)respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the changes in the number of BrdU/nestin positive cells. Overexpression of NEAT1 and let 7b in cells were used to explore whether rESW can rescue the decreased number of NSCs.We found that the optimal dose of R15 transmitter promoting NSCs proliferation is 1.5 bar, 500 pulse, 2 Hz. 1.2-1.5bar showed a dose-dependent effect on the proliferation of NSCs, but it was negatively correlated with the proliferation effect of NSC when it was more than 1.5bar. We revealed that let 7b-P21 axis was involved in regulating the inhibition of NSC proliferation which was activated by NEAT1 in NSCs. In addition, we demonstrated that rESW treatment resulted in the decrease of NEAT1 expression, which was accompanied by the improved biological function including proliferation.Our results confirm that low-intensity rESW(1.5bar,500pulse,2Hz) can promote the proliferation of NSCs through NEAT1-let 7b-P21 axis.


1983 ◽  
Vol 50 (04) ◽  
pp. 831-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knut Dalaker ◽  
Hans Prydz

SummaryMouse placental cells are probably constitutive producers of the thromboplastin apoprotein in vitro. The effect of cyclic AMP- elevating compounds on their expression of thromboplastin activity has been studied. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ro 20-1724 and the adenyl cyclase stimulator forskolin all decrease the synthesis of thromboplastin. Prostaglandin E2 and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor butyl-methyl-xanthine have a biphasic dose dependent effect. A stimulation was observed at low concentrations, whereas higher doses decreased the synthesis of thromboplastin. Adrenaline had no effect. Combination of two compounds, each at maximally inhibiting concentration gave no significant additive inhibitory effect, showing that they probably act via the same pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
Yu.V. Abalenikhina ◽  
A.V. Shchulkin ◽  
P.D. Erokhina ◽  
I.V. Chernykh ◽  
E.N. Yakusheva

Parasitology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 141 (6) ◽  
pp. 761-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAMILA BELMONTE OLIVEIRA ◽  
LUCAS ALMEIDA RIGO ◽  
LUCIANA DALLA ROSA ◽  
LUCAS TREVISAN GRESSLER ◽  
CARINE ELOISE PRESTES ZIMMERMANN ◽  
...  

SUMMARYThis study aimed to develop and test the in vitro and in vivo effectiveness of diminazene aceturate encapsulated into liposomes (L-DMZ) on Trypanosoma evansi. To validate the in vitro tests with L-DMZ, the efficacy of a commercial formulation of diminazene aceturate (C-DMZ) was also assessed. The tests were carried out in culture medium for T. evansi, at concentrations of 0·25, 0·5, 1, 2 and 3 μg mL−1 of L-DMZ and C-DMZ. A dose-dependent effect was observed for both formulations (L-DMZ and C-DMZ), with the highest dose-dependent mortality of trypomastigotes being observed at 1 and 3 h after the onset of tests with L-DMZ. The results of in vivo tests showed the same effects in the animals treated with L-DMZ and C-DMZ in single doses of 3·5 mg kg−1 and for 5 consecutive days (3·5 mg kg−1 day−1). It was possible to conclude that T. evansi showed greater in vitro susceptibility to L-DMZ when compared with C-DMZ. In vivo tests suggest that treatment with the L-DMZ and C-DMZ showed similar efficacy in vivo. The potential of the formulation developed in this study was clearly demonstrated, as it increased the efficacy of the treatment against trypanosomosis, but more studies are needed to increase the effectiveness in vivo.


2010 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Echeverrigaray ◽  
Jucimar Zacaria ◽  
Ricardo Beltrão

Nematicidal activity of 22 monoterpenoids were evaluated in vitro and in pot experiments. Twenty of the twenty-two monoterpenoids significantly reduced hatching, and 11 reduced J2 mobility of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita at a concentration of 250 mg/liter. In general, compounds with hydroxyl and carbonyl groups exhibited higher nematicidal activity than other terpenoids. Borneol, carveol, citral, geraniol, and α-terpineol showed the highest nematicidal activity among the in vitro tested monoterpenoids. These compounds exhibited a dose dependent effect, and drastically reduced eggs hatching and J2 viability at low concentrations. These monoterpenoids, at 100 and 250 mg/kg concentration, diminished root galling of tomato plants in pot experiments. The results suggest that the selected monoterpenoids, and essential oils with high concentration of these compounds, are potential nematicides against Meloidogyne.


2005 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyudmila Boyanova ◽  
Galina Gergova ◽  
Rossen Nikolov ◽  
Sirigan Derejian ◽  
Elena Lazarova ◽  
...  

Propolis exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and other biological effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of 30 % ethanolic extract of Bulgarian propolis against 94 Helicobacter pylori strains by three methods. By the agar-well diffusion method, only 13.8 % of the strains exhibited no inhibition by 30 μl propolis extract (containing 9 mg propolis) and all isolates were inhibited to some extent by 90 μl of the extract (27 mg propolis) per well. The mean diameters of growth inhibition by 30, 60 or 90 μl propolis extract or 30 μl 96 % ethanol per well were 16.8, 19.2, 27.5 and 8.3 mm, respectively. The propolis extract was more active than the ethanol (P < 0.001). With 90 μl propolis extract per well, 69.4 % of the strains exhibited large diameters of growth inhibition (⩾20 mm) versus 26.6 % with 30 μl per well (P < 0.001). With moist propolis discs, inhibition was detected in more strains (92.1 %) than with dried discs (78.2 %, P < 0.05), with mean inhibitory diameters of 18.7 and 13.8 mm, respectively. By the agar dilution method, 100 and 300 μg propolis ml−1 inhibited the growth of 57.1 % and 76.2 %, respectively, of the 21 strains tested. In conclusion, Bulgarian propolis had a strong and dose-dependent activity against most of the H. pylori strains tested. Although the effect of propolis on H. pylori in vitro is promising, further microbiological, pharmacological and clinical trials are required.


Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
pp. 613-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. O. GOMES ◽  
M. F. MUZITANO ◽  
S. S. COSTA ◽  
B. ROSSI-BERGMANN

SUMMARYPreviously, we described the protective action of the immunomodulatory extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (Kp) in murine and human cutaneous leishmaniasis. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of Kp against visceral leishmaniasis, using the BALB/c mouse model of infection with Leishmania chagasi. Mice receiving oral daily doses of Kp (400 mg/kg) for 30 days displayed significantly reduced hepatic and splenic parasite burden, when compared with untreated animals. Protectiveness was accompanied by a reduction in parasite-specific IgG serum levels, and impaired capacity of spleen cells to produce IL-4, but not IFN-γ and nitric oxide upon antigen recall in vitro. The reference drug Pentostam (72 mg/kg) given by the intra-peritoneal route on alternate days produced an anti-leishmanial effect similar to oral Kp. Our findings show that the oral efficacy of Kp, seen previously in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis, extends also to visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. chagasi, a difficult to treat and lethal disease of man.


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