ABSTRACT
Introduction: Human trophoblastic cell lines, such as BeWo, are commonly used in 2D models to study placental Trypanosoma cruzi infections. However, these models do not accurately represent natural infections. Three-dimensional (3D) microtissue cultures offer a more physiologically relevant in vitro model, mimicking tissue microarchitecture and providing an environment closer to natural infections. These 3D cultures exhibit functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, morphogenesis, and gene expression that resemble in vivo conditions. Methods: We developed a 3D culture model using the human trophoblastic cell line BeWo and nonadherent agarose molds from the MicroTissues® 3D Petri Dish® system. Both small (12-256) and large (12-81) models were tested with varying initial cell numbers. We measured the diameter of the 3D cultures and evaluated cell viability using Trypan Blue dye. Trophoblast functionality was assessed by measuring ß-hCG production via ELISA. Cell fusion was evaluated using confocal microscopy, with Phalloidin or ZO-1 marking cell edges and DAPI staining nuclei. T. cruzi infection was assessed by microscopy and quantitative PCR, targeting the EF1-α gene for T. cruzi and GAPDH for BeWo cells, using three parasite strains: VD (isolated from a congenital Chagas disease infant and classified as Tc VI), and K98 and Pan4 (unrelated to congenital infection and classified as Tc I). Results: Seeding 1000 BeWo cells per microwell in the large model resulted in comparable cellular viability to 2D cultures, with a theoretical diameter of 408.68 ± 12.65 µm observed at 5 days. Functionality, assessed through ß-hCG production, exceeded levels in 2D cultures at both 3 and 5 days. T. cruzi infection was confirmed by qPCR and microscopy, showing parasite presence inside the cells for all three tested strains. The distribution and progression of the infection varied with each strain. Discussion: This innovative 3D model offers a simple yet effective approach for generating viable and functional cultures susceptible to T. cruzi infection, presenting significant potential for studying the placental microenvironment.
Subject(s)
Chagas Disease , Placenta , Trophoblasts , Trypanosoma cruzi , Humans , Trophoblasts/parasitology , Trypanosoma cruzi/genetics , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/physiology , Female , Pregnancy , Placenta/parasitology , Chagas Disease/parasitology , Cell Line , Cell Culture Techniques/methods , Cell Survival , Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: During its life cycle, the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi must quickly adapt to different environments, in which the variation in the gene expression of the regulatory U-rich RNA-binding protein 1 (TcUBP1) plays a crucial role. We have previously demonstrated that the overexpression of TcUBP1 in insect-dwelling epimastigotes orchestrates an RNA regulon to promote differentiation to infective forms. METHODS: In an attempt to generate TcUBP1 knockout parasites by using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, in the present study, we obtained a variant transcript that encodes a protein with 95% overall identity and a modified N-terminal sequence. The expression of this mutant protein, named TcUBP1mut, was notably reduced compared to that of the endogenous form found in normal cells. TcUBP1mut-knockdown epimastigotes exhibited normal growth and differentiation into infective metacyclic trypomastigotes and were capable of infecting mammalian cells. RESULTS: We analyzed the RNA-Seq expression profiles of these parasites and identified 276 up- and 426 downregulated genes with respect to the wildtype control sample. RNA-Seq comparison across distinct developmental stages revealed that the transcriptomic profile of these TcUBP1mut-knockdown epimastigotes significantly differs not only from that of epimastigotes in the stationary phase but also from the gene expression landscape characteristic of infective forms. This is both contrary to and consistent with the results of our recent study involving TcUBP1-overexpressing cells. CONCLUSION: Together, our findings demonstrate that the genes exhibiting opposite changes under overexpression and knockdown conditions unveil key mRNA targets regulated by TcUBP1. These mostly encompass transcripts that encode for trypomastigote-specific surface glycoproteins and ribosomal proteins, supporting a role for TcUBP1 in determining the molecular characteristics of the infective stage.
Subject(s)
Protozoan Proteins , RNA-Binding Proteins , Trypanosoma cruzi , Trypanosoma cruzi/genetics , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Protozoan Proteins/genetics , Protozoan Proteins/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling , Animals , Gene Knockdown Techniques , Transcriptome , Humans , Mutation , Life Cycle Stages/geneticsABSTRACT
Resumen La enfermedad de Chagas es una parasitosis producida por Trypanosoma cruzi, prevalente principalmente en el continente americano, y observada en regiones no endémicas, producto de viajes y migraciones. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el desempeño del ensayo Elecsys® Chagas (Roche Diagnostics Alemania) (ECLIA) para el diagnóstico de la infección chagásica crónica con el método estándar y evaluar su posible empleo en reemplazo del método automatizado existente. Se estudiaron 77 muestras de sueros pertenecientes a pacientes con diagnóstico presuntivo de enfermedad de Chagas, procesadas por los distintos métodos disponibles en la Sección Parasitología del Hospital Muñiz: inmunoensayo quimioluminiscente de micropartículas (CMIA) (Abbott), enzimoinmunoanálisis de adsorción (ELISA) (Wiener) y hemaglutinación indirecta (HAI) (Lab. Lemos S.R.L.). Los resultados de los métodos ELISA y HAI fueron comparados con los obtenidos en la prueba ECLIA, y estos a su vez con el método automatizado disponible. De las muestras analizadas, 22 (28,57%) presentaron IgG anti-T. cruzi y 55 (71,43%) resultaron negativas. Con el método ECLIA se logró un 100% en los parámetros de desempeño, con diferencias en los intervalos de confianza. La razón de verosimilitud positiva y la razón de verosimilitud negativa clasificaron al ensayo como excelente y la potencia global del test apoyó esa afirmación. Los métodos inmunológicos automatizados ayudan a la performance diagnóstica en la etapa crónica de la enfermedad de Chagas, permiten minimizar errores, favorecen la velocidad de emisión de los resultados y, debido a su alta sensibilidad y especificidad, en ciertos escenarios podrían proponerse para usar como única técnica.
Abstract Chagas disease is a parasitosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, prevalent mainly in the American continent, and observed in non-endemic regions as a result of travel and migration. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of the Elecsys® Chagas (Roche Diagnostics Alemania) (ECLIA) assay for the diagnosis of chronic Chagas infection with the diagnostic standard, and to evaluate its possible use as a replacement for the existing automated method. A total of 77 serum samples belonging to patients with a presumptive diagnosis of Chagas disease were evaluated, processed by the different methods available in the Parasitology Section of Hospital Muñiz: microparticle chemiluminescent immunoassay (CMIA) (Abbott), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Wiener) and indirect hemagglutination (HAI) (Lab. Lemos S.R.L). The results of the ELISA and HAI methods were compared with those obtained in the ECLIA test, and these in turn with the available automated method. Of the samples analysed, 22 (28.57%) presented IgG anti-T. cruzi and 55 (71.43%) were negative. With the ECLIA method, 100% was achieved in the performance parameters, with differences in the confidence intervals. The positive likelihood ratio and the negative likelihood ratio classify the essay as excellent, and the overall power of the test supports this statement. Automated immunological methods help diagnostic performance in the chronic stage of Chagas disease, allow minimising errors, favour the speed of issuance of results, and due to the high sensitivity and specificity, in certain scenarios, they could be proposed for use as single technique.
Resumo A doença de Chagas é uma parasitose causada pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, prevalente principalmente no continente americano, e observada em regiões não endêmicas em decorrência de viagens e migrações. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o desempenho do ensaio Elecsys® Chagas (Roche Diagnostics Alemanha) (ECLIA) para o diagnóstico da infecção crônica de Chagas com o método padrão e avaliar seu possível uso em substituição do método automatizado existente. Foram avaliadas 77 amostras de soro pertencentes a pacientes com diagnóstico presuntivo de doença de Chagas, processadas pelos diferentes métodos disponíveis na Seção de Parasitologia do Hospital Muñiz: imunoensaio quimioluminescente de micropartículas (CMIA) (Abbott), ensaio imunoenzimático de adsorção (ELISA) (Wiener) e hemaglutinação indireta (HAI) (Lab. Lemos S.R.L). Os resultados dos métodos ELISA e HAI foram comparados com os obtidos no teste ECLIA, e estes por sua vez com o método automatizado disponível. Das amostras analisadas, 22 (28,57%) apresentaram IgG anti-T. cruzi e 55 (71,43%) foram negativos. Com o método ECLIA, foram obtidos 100% nos parâmetros de desempenho, com diferenças nos intervalos de confiança. A razão de verossimilhança positiva e a razão de verossimilhança negativa classificam o ensaio como excelente, e a potencia geral do teste conformou essa afirmação. Os métodos imunológicos automatizados auxiliam no desempenho diagnóstico na fase crônica da doença de Chagas, permitem minimizar erros, favorecem a rapidez na emissão dos resultados e, devido à alta sensibilidade e especificidade, em determinados cenários, poderiam ser propostos para uso como técnica única.
Subject(s)
Humans , Trypanosoma cruzi , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Chagas Disease , Infections , Parasitic Diseases , Parasitology , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/parasitology , Immunoglobulin G , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Immunoassay , Potency , Sensitivity and Specificity , Chagas Disease/prevention & control , Adsorption , Serum , Diagnosis , Efficiency , Belonging , Hemagglutination , MethodsABSTRACT
Resumen Un diagnóstico rápido y seguro de la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi permite la administración inmediata de un tratamiento etiológico específico, en los casos clínicamente manifiestos. En el presente trabajo, en 100 sueros de pacientes con diagnóstico presuntivo de infección por T. cruzi, se evaluó el desempeño de la prueba rápida Chagas Ab Rapid SD Bioline (PDR) para el diagnóstico serológico, se la comparó con el estándar diagnóstico (par serológico) y se la valoró para su empleo en la rutina del laboratorio. La PDR reveló un índice de concordancia muy bueno respecto del estándar diagnóstico (Kappa=0,989 [IC95% 0,965-1,000]) y los parámetros de sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivos y negativos revelaron un buen desempeño. El índice de Youden informó un buen rendimiento de la prueba (J=0,98 [IC95% 0,93-1,02]); y en el mismo sentido, tanto la razón de verosimilitud positiva (RV (+)= infinito), como la negativa (RV (-)= 0,02 [IC95% 0,00-0,16]), mostraron aumentada la probabilidad que la enfermedad blanco esté presente o ausente, cuando la técnica así lo determinaba. El empleo de una PDR, por su simpleza y buen desempeño (con resultados disponibles el mismo día) produciría una optimización de recursos, podría realizarse en lugares donde el acceso al diagnóstico es limitado y donde su incorporación no requeriría de una infraestructura importante. Por otro lado, en nuestro caso, podría ser utilizada como segunda prueba, para incrementar la especificidad del diagnóstico serológico de la infección por T. cruzi.
Abstract A quick and safe diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection allows the immediate etiological treatment in clinically manifested cases. In the present work, the performance of the rapid Chagas Ab Rapid SD Bioline (PDR) test for serological diagnosis was evaluated in 100 sera from patients with a presumptive diagnosis of T. cruzi infection, it was compared with the diagnostic standard (serological pair) and this technique was valued to be used within the laboratory routine. The PDR revealed a very good concordance index with respect to the diagnostic standard (Kappa=0.989 [95% CI 0.965-1.000]) and the parameters of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values revealed good performance. The Youden index reported good performance of the diagnostic test (J = 0.98 [95% CI 0.93-1.02]); and in the same sense, both the positive likelihood ratio (RV (+) = infinity), and the negative (RV (-) = 0.02 [95% CI 0.00-0.16]) showed an increased probability whether the target disease was present or absent, when the technique so determined. The use of a PDR, due to its simplicity and good performance (with results available on the same day) would produce an optimization of resources, could be carried out in places where access to the diagnosis is limited and where its incorporation would not require an important infrastructure. On the other hand, in our case, it could be used as a second test, to increase the specificity of the serological diagnosis of T. cruzi infection.
Resumo Um diagnóstico rápido e seguro da infecção pelo Trypanosoma cruzi permite a administração imediata de um tratamento etiológico específico nos casos clinicamente manifestos. No presente trabalho, o desempenho do teste rápido Chagas Ab Rapid SD Bioline (PDR) para o diagnóstico sorológico foi avaliado em 100 soros de pacientes com diagnóstico provável de infecção por T. cruzi, foi comparado com o padrão diagnóstico (par sorológico) e essa técnica foi avaliada para ser utilizada na rotina do laboratório. O PDR revelou um índice de concordância muito bom em relação ao padrão diagnóstico (Kappa=0,989 [IC 95% 0,965-1.000]) e os parâmetros de sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivos e negativos revelaram bom desempenho. O índice de Youden informou um bom desempenho do teste diagnóstico (J = 0,98 [IC 95% 0,93-1,02]); e, no mesmo sentido, tanto a razão de verossimilhança positiva (RV (+) = infinito), quanto a negativa (RV (-) = 0,02 [IC 95% 0,00-0,16]), mostraram uma probabilidade aumentada de a doença-alvo estar presente ou ausente, quando a técnica assim o determinar. A utilização de um PDR, pela sua simplicidade e por um bom desempenho (com resultados disponíveis no mesmo dia) produziria uma otimização de recursos, podendo ser realizado em locais onde o acesso ao diagnóstico é limitado, e onde a sua incorporação não exigiria um infraestrutura importante. Por outro lado, no nosso caso, poderia ser utilizado como segundo teste, para aumentar a especificidade do diagnóstico sorológico da infecção pelo T. cruzi.
Subject(s)
Humans , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Chromatography, Affinity , HIV , Parasitology , Rutin , Disease , Predictive Value of Tests , Sensitivity and Specificity , Chagas Disease , Clinical Laboratory Techniques , Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures , Diagnostic Tests, Routine , Efficiency , Health Resources , Infections , Laboratories , MethodsABSTRACT
Introduction: Four species of triatomines have been reported in Nuevo León, northeast (NE) México, but Triatoma gerstaeckeri has only been recorded from a peridomestic dwelling. Objectives: To assess the natural infection index (NII) of Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomines and the infestation index (II) of T. gerstaeckeri collected in a suburban locality, and to collect histopathological data to understand tissue tropism of the regional T. cruzi strain (strain NE) obtained from the vectors collected after an experimental inoculation in Mus musculus . Materials and methods: Triatomines were collected from 85 houses and peridomiciles in Allende, Nuevo León. Stool samples were obtained to determine the T. cruzi NII and were used in an experimental mice infection. Results: A total of 118 T . gerstaeckeri were captured, and 46 (adults and nymphs) were collected inside the same house (II=1.17%). Thirty-seven reduvids were infected with T. cruzi (NII=31.3%). Tissue tropism of the T. cruzi NE strain was progressive in skeletal muscle, myocardial, and adipose tissues and was characterized by the presence of intracellular amastigotes and destruction of cardiac myocells. Conclusions: The presence of naturally infected domiciliary vectors is an important risk factor for public health in the region considering that these vectors are the principal transmission mechanism of the parasite. The T. cruzi NE strain has similar virulence to that of other Mexican and Texan strains and caused chagasic infections in 11 of 12 mice.
Introducción. En Nuevo León, localizado en el noreste de México, existen cuatro especies de triatominos, de las cuales Triatoma gerstaeckeri ha sido la única reportada en peridomicilios. Objetivos. Evaluar el índice de infección natural de Trypanosoma cruzi en los triatominos y el índice de infestación de T. gerstaeckeri en una localidad suburbana, y obtener datos histopatológicos para comprender el tropismo tisular de la cepa regional (cepa NE) de T. cruzi obtenida de los vectores recolectados después de la infección experimental en Mus musculus. Materiales y métodos. La recolección de triatominos se llevó a cabo en 85 casas y peridomicilios de Allende, Nuevo León, México. Se obtuvieron muestras de las deyecciones para conocer el índice de infección natural por T. cruzi y, con estas, se hicieron inoculaciones experimentales en ratones. Resultados. Se capturaron 118 especímenes de T. gerstaeckeri , 46 (adultos y ninfas) en el mismo domicilio (índice de infestación=1,17 %). Treinta y siete redúvidos estaban infectados con T. cruzi (índice de infección natural, 31,3). El tropismo tisular de la cepa NE de T. cruzi fue progresivo en músculo esquelético, miocardio y tejido adiposo, y se caracterizó por la presencia de amastigotes intracelulares con destrucción de células cardiacas. Conclusiones. La presencia de vectores domiciliarios naturalmente infectados con T. cruzi , es un factor de riesgo importante para la salud pública de la región, considerando que este es el principal mecanismo de la transmisión del parásito y que la cepa NE de T. cruzi tiene una virulencia similar a la de otras cepas mexicanas y texanas, y causó infección chagásica en 11 de los 12 ratones inoculados.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Mice , Triatoma/parasitology , Trypanosoma cruzi/isolation & purification , Insect Vectors/parasitology , Organ Specificity , Trypanosoma cruzi/pathogenicity , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Virulence , Disease Reservoirs , Adipose Tissue/parasitology , Chagas Disease/transmission , Chagas Disease/epidemiology , Parasitemia/parasitology , Muscle, Skeletal/parasitology , Heart/parasitology , Housing , MexicoABSTRACT
This opinion piece presents an approach to standardisation of an important aspect of Chagas disease drug discovery and development: selecting Trypanosoma cruzi strains for in vitro screening. We discuss the rationale for strain selection representing T. cruzi diversity and provide recommendations on the preferred parasite stage for drug discovery, T. cruzi discrete typing units to include in the panel of strains and the number of strains/clones for primary screens and lead compounds. We also consider experimental approaches for in vitro drug assays. The Figure illustrates the current Chagas disease drug-discovery and development landscape.
Subject(s)
Chagas Disease/drug therapy , Drug Discovery , Trypanocidal Agents/therapeutic use , Trypanosoma cruzi/classification , Biodiversity , Clinical Trials as Topic , Chagas Disease/parasitology , Life Cycle Stages/drug effects , Neglected Diseases/drug therapy , Neglected Diseases/parasitology , Species Specificity , Trypanosoma cruzi/drug effects , Trypanosoma cruzi/genetics , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & developmentABSTRACT
Trypanosoma cruzi has a particular cytoskeleton that consists of a subpellicular network of microtubules and actin microfilaments. Therefore, it is an excellent target for the development of new anti-parasitic drugs. Benzimidazole 2-carbamates, a class of well-known broad-spectrum anthelmintics, have been shown to inhibit the in vitro growth of many protozoa. Therefore, to find efficient anti-trypanosomal (trypanocidal) drugs, our group has designed and synthesised several benzimidazole derivatives. One, named JVG9 (5-chloro-1H-benzimidazole-2-thiol), has been found to be effective against T. cruzi bloodstream trypomastigotes under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Here, we present the in vitro effects observed by laser scanning confocal and scanning electron microscopy on T. cruzi trypomastigotes. Changes in the surface and the distribution of the cytoskeletal proteins are consistent with the hypothesis that the trypanocidal activity of JVG9 involves the cytoskeleton as a target.
Subject(s)
Benzimidazoles/pharmacology , Cytoskeleton/drug effects , Life Cycle Stages/drug effects , Trypanocidal Agents/pharmacology , Trypanosoma cruzi/drug effects , Actins/isolation & purification , Flagella/drug effects , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Microscopy, Fluorescence , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/ultrastructure , Tubulin/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
O Trypanosoma cruzi, agente etiológico da doença de Chagas, possui um ciclo de vida complexo, deve lidar com diversas condições do ambiente e depende dos hospedeiros para suprir suas necessidades nutricionais. Uma delas é a necessidade de captar a molécula de heme (Fe-protoporfirina IX) que será utilizada como fator de crescimento. Os mecanismos envolvendo o metabolismo de heme são cruciais para a sobrevivência do T. cruzi pois o parasito não possui várias enzimas de biossíntese dessa porfirina e o heme livre pode apresentar citotoxicidade para célula. Na tentativa de perseguir o destino final do heme no parasito, nós estudamos essa via inexplorada no T. cruzi. Nessa tese, nós demonstramos que epimastigotas cultivados com heme, produziram os compostos, α-meso hidroxiheme, verdoheme e biliverdina (identificados por HPLC acoplado á espectrofotômetria). Além disso, nós observamos através de análise dos extratos de epimastigotas no espectrômetro de massas (LQT Orbitrap), espécies iônicas de m/z 583,4 e m/z 619,3. A fragmentação subsequente desses íons originaram espécies filhas típicas das moléculas de biliverdina e verdoheme, respectivamente. Nós observamos também, espécies iônicas de m/z 1397,4 e m/z 1135,4. A fragmentação dessas espécies produziram íons, sendo um deles com a mesma massa molecular de heme (m/z 616,3). Essa espécie iônica por sua vez, gerou fragmentos iônicos idênticos a uma molécula de heme, confirmando que esses intermediários são produtos da modificação da porfirina. Baseado nesses resultados, nós propomos um modelo onde o catabolismo de heme em T. cruzi, envolveria a conjugação da bis(glutationil)spermina, um derivado da tripanotiona presente em tripanossomatídeos, à porfirina (m/z 1137,4), seguido da remoção de dois resíduos de ácidos glutâmicos (m/z 1135,4)...
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, has a complex life cycle and they must cope with diverse environmental conditions and depends on hosts for its nutritional needs. One of the nutritional characteristic is that they need a heme compound (Fe-protoporphyrin IX) as a growth factor. The mechanisms involved in these processes are crucial for their survival mainly because of trypanosomatids lack of the complete heme biosynthetic pathway and the cytotoxic activity of free heme. Following the fate of this porphyrin in the parasite we studied this missing pathway in T. cruzi. Here, we show that epimastigotes cultivated with heme yielded the compounds, α-meso hydroxyheme, verdoheme and biliverdin (as determined by HPLC with diode array detector). Furthermore, we observed ion species of m/z 583.4 and m/z 619.3 from epimastigotes extracts detected by direct infusion on LQT Orbitrap platform. A tipical biliverdin and verdoheme doughter-ion species were generated by m/z 583.4 and m/z 619.3 fragmentations, respectively. We also observed an ion species at m/z 1397.4 and m/z 1135. The subsequent fragmentation of this species produced a daughter-ions whose one with the same molecular mass as heme (m/z 616.4). This species, in turn, generated daughter species identical to an authentic heme, confirming that these intermediates were modified heme products. Based on these findings, we propose that heme catabolism in T. cruzi involves a additions of Bis(glutathionyl)spermine, a low molecular mass thiols occurring in trypanosomatids, to heme (m/z 1397.4), followed by removal of the glutamic residues (m/z 1135)...
Subject(s)
Humans , Biliverdine , Heme/metabolism , Trypanosoma cruzi/physiology , Homeostasis , Heme/physiology , Metabolic Networks and Pathways , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & developmentABSTRACT
A doença de Chagas é a principal causa de lesões cardíacas em jovens adultos economicamente produtivos em áreas endêmicas da América Latina. A cardiopatia chagásica (CC) se caracteriza como uma doença progressivamente debilitante, na qual o TGF-beta desempenha papel fundamental para o desenvolvimento da fibrose e hipertrofia cardíacas, através da regulação de componentes da matriz extracelular (MEC), tais como a fibronectina, as metaloproteases (MMPs) e os inibidores teciduais das MMPs (TIMPs). No presente estudo, foi verificada a capacidade do inibidor farmacológico da via de TGF-beta, SB-431542, em restaurar o equilíbrio da MEC, rompido pela infecção por T. cruzi, e os prováveis mecanismos envolvidos neste processo. Para tal, utilizamos um modelo tridimensional (3D) de cultivo de células cardíacas (denominados esferóides cardíacos), capaz de mimetizar aspectos da arquitetura e fisiologia do tecido cardíaco. O tratamento dos esferóides cardíacos infectados por T. cruzi com SB-431542 resultou na redução parcial da hipertrofia e fibrose dos esferóides cardíacos, por mecanismos envolvendo a redução na expressão de TIMP-1, o aumento na atividade das MMPs 2 e 9, a redução na expressão da fibronectina e a redução da carga parasitáriaAtravés de uma abordagem proteômica, conseguimos ainda identificar outras proteínas possivelmente envolvidas no processo de reversão da fibrose e hipertrofia dos esferóides cardíacos a partir do tratamento com SB-431542, como as integrinas, fibulinas, proteínas de ligação ao selênio, a titina, entre outras. Além disso, as análises proteômicas nos permitiram identificar alguns dos componentes moleculares envolvidos no processo de remodelamento do tecido cardíaco disparado pela infecção por T. cruzi, auxiliando assim, na compreensão dos mecanismos associados à progressão da hipertrofia e da fibrose ao longo do desenvolvimento da CC...
Chagas disease represents the leading cause of cardiac lesions in economicallyproductive adults in endemic areas of Latin America. Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CC)is a progressive dysfunctional illness, in which TGF-beta plays a central role indevelopment of fibrosis and hypertrophy through regulation of extracellular matrix(ECM) components, such as fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissueinhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In the present study we tested the efficacy ofa pharmacological inhibitor of TGF-beta signaling pathway, SB-431542, in restoring ECMbalance disrupted by T. cruzi infection and the possible mechanisms involved in thisprocess. For that, we used a three-dimensional (3D) model of cardiac cells culture(named cardiac spheroids) that can mimic aspects of architecture and physiology ofliving cardiac tissues better than conventional two-dimensional (2D) models.Treatment of T. cruzi-infected-cardiac spheroids with SB-431542 resulted in areduction of spheroids hypertrophy and fibrosis by mechanisms involving a decreasein the expression of TIMP-1, an increase in the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9, areduction in the expression of fibronectin and a reduction of parasite load. Moreover,we identified through a proteomic approach, other proteins possibly involved inreversion of fibrosis and hypertrophy of cardiac spheroids after treatment with SB-431542, such as integrins, fibulins, selenium binding proteins and titin, among others.In addition, the proteomic analysis allowed us to identify molecular componentsinvolved in tissue remodeling generated by T. cruzi infection, assisting in thecomprehension of mechanisms related to fibrosis and hypertrophy progression duringCCs development...
Subject(s)
Mice , Chagas Cardiomyopathy , Transforming Growth Factor beta/analysis , Myocytes, Cardiac , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Blotting, Western , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , FibrosisABSTRACT
O Trypanosoma cruzi é um parasita intracelular e agente causador da doença de Chagas, que afeta milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo. Sabe-se que durante os processos de inflamação, regeneração e fibrose desencadeados pelo T. cruzi no hospedeiro há a participação de diversos mediadores e fatores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a associação entre polimorfismos de nucleotídeos únicos com as formas clínicas e o grau de fibrose em pacientes com doença de Chagas. Os polimorfismos foram analisados por PCR em tempo real. Foram incluídos no estudo 55 pacientes com diagnóstico de doença de Chagas e classificados de acordo com a forma clínica da doença, sendo que 17 apresentavam a forma indeterminada, 15 a forma cardíaca sem disfunção ventricular e 23 a forma cardíaca com disfunção ventricular. Os genótipos CA dos polimorfismos do gene LGALS3 (rs4644 e rs4652); AG e GG do SOCS3 (rs4969170); CT e TT do IL-28B (rs12979860 e 8099917, respectivamente); AG, AG, CC, AG e AG do CLDN-1 (rs10212165, rs3909582, rs9865082, rs9880018 e rs9848283, respectivamente); e CC do CCL5 (rs2280789) foram estatisticamente mais frequentes em pacientes com a forma cardíaca do que com a forma indeterminada da doença. Com relação ao grau de fibrose, os genótipos CC dos polimorfismos do gene LGALS3 (rs4644 e rs4652); AA do SOCS3 (rs4969170); CC do rs12979860 e TT do rs8099917 do IL-28B; AA do rs10212165, AA, AG e GG do rs3909582, CC e CT do rs9865082, AG e GG do rs9880018 e AA do rs9848283 do gene CLDN1; e CC do CCL5 (rs2280789) foram estatisticamente mais frequentes em indivíduos com fibrose cardíaca <15% quando comparados com o grupo com fibrose ≥15%. Diante do exposto concluimos que os polimorfismos analisados podem ser úteis como futuros biomarcadores para estadiamento e conduta terapêutica em pacientes com doença de Chagas.
Trypanosoma cruzi is an intracellular parasite and the agent that causes Chagas disease, which affects millions of people worldwide. Several factors and mediators are known to actively participate in the inflammation, fibrosis and tissue regeneration, which is triggered by T. cruzi within the host. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms with clinical forms and rate of fibrosis in Chagas disease patients. The polymorphisms were analyzed by real-time PCR. The study consisted of 55 Chagas disease patients that were classified according to the clinical form of the disease, including 17 patients presenting the indeterminate form, 15 patients presenting the cardiac form without ventricular dysfunction and 23 patients presenting the cardiac form with ventricular dysfunction. The genotypes of CA of LGALS3 gene polymorphisms (rs4644 and rs4652); AG and GG of SOCS3 (rs4969170); CT and TT of IL-28B (rs12979860 and 8099917, respectively); AG, AG, CC, AG and AG of CLDN-1 (rs10212165, rs3909582, rs9865082, rs9880018 and rs9848283, respectively); and CC of CCL5 (rs2280789) were significantly more frequent in patients presenting the cardiac form compared to patients presenting the indeterminate form. Regarding the degree of fibrosis, the CC genotype of polymorphisms of the genes LGALS3 (rs4644 and rs4652); AA of SOCS3 (rs4969170); CC of rs12979860 and TT of rs8099917 of the IL-28B; AA of rs10212165 and AA, AG and GG of rs3909582, CC and CT of rs9865082, AG and GG of rs9880018 and AA of rs9848283 of the gene CLDN1; and CC of CCL5 (rs2280789) were statistically more frequent in patients presenting <15% cardiac fibrosis when compared to patients presenting fibrosis ≥15%. Taken together, our results suggest that the polymorphisms analyzed may be useful biomarkers for therapeutic management of patients with Chagas disease.
Subject(s)
Humans , Chagas Disease/complications , Chagas Disease/diagnosis , Chagas Disease/mortality , Chagas Disease/parasitology , Chagas Disease/pathology , Chagas Disease/prevention & control , Chagas Disease/therapy , Trypanosoma cruzi , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & developmentABSTRACT
A infecção pelo Trypanosoma cruzi determina uma resposta imunológica inata do hospedeiro vertebrado, decorrente da multiplicação parasitaria em macrófagos e a produção de Interferon gama (IFNy) pelas células T ativadas, além de estimulação policlonal de células do baço, com imunossupressão. Por outro lado tem sido demonstrado que o tratamento com quimioterápico Benzonidazol em camundongos infectados, além de determinar uma destruição dos parasitos, tem também uma ação sobre o sistema imunológico em camundongos infectados com cepas do T. cruzi com diferentes graus de suscetibilidade ao Benzonidazol, como a cepa Y (suscetível ao quimioterápico) e a cepa Colombiana (resistente). No presente estudo procura-se investigar a influência do tratamento com o Benzonidazol sobre a resposta imunológica em camundongos infectados com cepa suscetível (Cepa Y) ou resistente (Colombiana). Foram utilizados 320 camundongos, subdivididos em grupos experimentais: Infectados tratados cepa Y (YT) e não tratados (Y-NT); Colombiana tratados (COL-T) e não tratados (COL-NT), Tratados não infectados (TNI) e Controles sem tratamento (CI). O inóculo foi de 1,0 x 104 por via intraperitoneal. O tratamento foi iniciado no pico parasitêmico de cada cepa, sendo no 7º dia após a infecção nos animais infectados pela cepa Y e, nos tratados e não infectados, no 18º dia de infecção na cepa Colombiana. A quimioterapia foi realizada em 60 doses (100mg/kg/dia de Benzonidazol-Benz). Os camundongos sacrificados na fase aguda e na fase crônica em todos os grupos tiveram as secções de coração e músculo esquelético coletadas, fixadas e processadas para o estudo histopatológico em secções coradas pela Hematoxilina & Eosina e Picro-Sirius. Investigou-se a resposta humoral pela sorologia (Imunofluorescência indireta) e pela reação de Elisa. A resposta celular pela proliferação celular do baço, e pela avaliação quantitativa das subpopulações celulares no baço de CD4+, CD8+...
Infection with T. cruzi determines an immunological response in the vertebrate host, wit h parasites multiplication in macrophages, with production of TNFα by these cells an IFNγ, by stimulated T. cells: a polyclonal multiplication of spleen cells is present, with immunossuppression. Treatment of infected mice with BENZ showed that this chemotherapy determines parasitic destruction and also stimulates the immunological system in mice infected either with the Y or the Colombian strain which differs in the susceptibility to chemotherapy with BENZ. In the present study we intend to investigate the influence of treatment with BENZ on the immunological response in mice infected either with the Y strain (susceptible) or the Colombian strain (resistant). This study was performed by comparing the results obtained with the groups of mice not infected and treated, and infected controls, not treated. Material and methods : Number of animals: 320, sub-divided in the experimental groups:Ystrain infected and treated with BENZ(YT) or not-treated (YNT); Colombian treated (COL-T) and not-treated (COL-NT); treated not infected (TNI); Control not treated (COL-NT). Inoculum : 1x104 trypomastigotes, (blood forms) injected intraperitoneally. Treatment was initiated in the peak of parasitemia for each strain:7th day for the Y strain and in the 18th day in the infection with the Colombian strain. Chemotherapy was performed in 60 doses (100mg x kg x day) of BENZ. Mice were killed in the acute and chronic phases post infection; sections of the heart and skeletal muscles were collected, fixed and processed for histopathology, in sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and with Picro-Sirius staining, for collagen. The humoral response was evaluated by serological reactium of indirect immununofluorescence and ELISA reaction. Celular responses were evaluated by celular proliferation in the spleen of CD4+, CD8+...
Subject(s)
Animals , Disease Susceptibility/complications , Disease Susceptibility/diagnosis , Disease Susceptibility/epidemiology , Disease Susceptibility/mortality , Disease Susceptibility/parasitology , Disease Susceptibility/pathology , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/immunology , Trypanosoma cruzi/parasitologyABSTRACT
A Doença de Chagas é uma infecção parasitária causada pelo protozoário flagelado Trypanosoma cruzi. As cepas de T. cruzi se constituem de uma população heterogênea, apresentando várias subpopulações. Essas populações circulam entre animais vertebrados domésticos, silvestres e humanos, além de insetos vetores. Devido a essas múltiplas relações, o T. cruzi demostra uma grande variedade biológica, genética, bioquímica e imunológica. A caracterização das cepas de T. cruzi pode utilizar várias metodologias que pode ter foco biológico, bioquímico, isoenzimático e molecular. Dentre essas, a molecular vem ganhando destaque devido a rapidez, sensibilidade e precisão do método. Deste modo, com a presente pesquisa o objetivo foi caracterizar molecularmente as cepas de Tripanosoma cruzi (Chagas 1909) isoladas em vetores e reservatórios na zona urbana de Salvador. Foram incluídas neste estudo amostras de T. cruzi isoladas de triatomíneos e reservatórios provenientes de diversas localidades da cidade de Salvador, capturados entre Julho de 2007 e Junho de 2011, perfazendo um total de 4 anos de amostragem. Adotamos a técnica de tipagem molecular do T. cruzi sugerida por Zingales et al. (2009) em sistema de eletroforese capilar. Das 930 amostras de triatomíneos avaliados, 99,35% da espécie Triatoma tibiamaculata, 482 amostras (52%)...
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The T. cruzi strains constitute a heterogeneous population, with several subpopulations. These populations move between domestic vertebrate animals, wildlife and humans, and insect vectors. Because of these multiple relationships, T. cruzi demonstrates great biological diversity, genetic, biochemical and immunological. The characterization of T. cruzi strains can use various methodologies that may have biological, biochemical, and molecular isoenzyme focus. Among these, the molecular been gaining attention due to speed, sensitivity and precision of the method. Thus, the present study the objective was to characterize molecularly strains of Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas 1909) isolated in vectors and reservoirs in the urban area of Salvador. Were included in this study T. cruzi samples of insects and shells from different localities of the city of Salvador, captured between July 2007 and June 2011, a total of four years of sampling. We adopt molecular typing technique of T. cruzi suggested by Zingales et al. (2009) in a capillary electrophoresis system. Of the 930 samples evaluated triatomine 99.35% of Triatoma tibiamaculata, 482 samples (52%)...
Subject(s)
Humans , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/immunology , Trypanosoma cruzi/parasitology , Trypanosoma cruzi/virologyABSTRACT
A tripanossomíase americana também conhecida como doença de Chagas é um importante problema de saúde pública, uma doença de origem parasitária que afeta 8 milhões de pessoas na América Latina (OMS, 2013). Atualmente existem apenas dois fármacos utilizados na prática clínica: o benzonidazol e o nifurtimox. Esse último não é usado no Brasil. Esses fármacos apresentam efeitos colaterais e são confrontados com cepas resistentes (FILARDI e BRENER, 1987; MEJIA et al., 2012). Desta forma, torna-se necessária a busca de compostos que apresentem maior eficácia e menor toxicidade. No presente trabalho foi avaliado o efeito do composto derivado de βlapachona, R72, em formas tripomastigotas de T. cruzi e em macrófagos infectados in vitro. Observamos que a R72 reduziu, significativamente (p<0,05)...
The American trypanosomiasis also known as Chagas disease is a major public health problem, a parasitic disease caused that affects 8 million people in Latin America (OMS, 2013). Currently there are only two drugs used in clinical practice: the benznidazole and the nifurtimox. The latter is not used in Brazil. These drugs are faced with considerable side effects and resistant strains (FILARDI e BRENER, 1987; MEJIA et al., 2012). Thus the search for drugs effective in the chronic phase of the disease and lower toxicity is required. In this study the effect of the β-lapachone derivative R72 in trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi and upon the infection of macrophage by T. cruzi in vitro. We observed that the R72 significantly inhibited (p<0,05)...
Subject(s)
Humans , Drug Therapy , Drug Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Drug Therapy/methods , Drug Therapy/standards , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/immunology , Trypanosoma cruzi/metabolism , Trypanosoma cruzi/parasitology , Trypanosoma cruzi/pathogenicityABSTRACT
Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever as espécies de triatomíneos presentes na região de abrangência da 3ª Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (3ª CRS) e avaliar aspectos da vigilância entomológica da doença de Chagas desencadeada a partir da notificação de insetos pela população. Para tanto, fez-se o acompanhamento das atividades desenvolvidas pelos agentes no período proposto, sendo também realizadas entrevistas com estes agentes para a identificação das principais dificuldades encontradas durante o andamento das ações do programa. No biênio 2010-2011, foram capturados 295 triatomíneos em nove municípios, todos eles provenientes de capturas realizadas pela população (notificação) e entregues em Postos de Informação de Triatomíneos. Dentre os municípios que obtiveram maior número de capturas, destacaram-se Canguçu (37,8 porcento) e Piratini (28,8 porcento). As espécies com mais exemplares capturados foram Triatoma rubrovaria (93,9 porcento) e Panstrongylus tupynambai (5,1 porcento). As capturas dos insetos ocorreram, predominantemente, no intradomicílio e nos meses de temperatura mais elevada. Quanto aos agentes, 95,2 porcento relataram alguma dificuldade no exercício do ofício, destacando-se as inadequações do transporte e a escassez de material educativo para distribuição pública como principais elementos dificultadores. Concluiu-se que alguns municípios apresentam risco permanente de invasão domiciliar por triatomíneos, especialmente T. rubrovaria. Em razão disso, ficou evidenciada a importância da manutenção das atividades de vigilância e de maior assistência ao trabalho dos agentes que atuam no programa...
The objective of this study was to describe the triatomine species present in the region covered by the 3rd Regional Health Coordination of Rio Grande do Sul (3rd CRS) and evaluate aspects of entomological surveillance of Chagas disease from the notification of insects by the population. For this, the agents activities over this period were monitored and they were interviewed to ascertain the main difficulties encountered in the activities of the program. Over this period, 295 triatomines were caught in nine municipalities. All of them were caught by members of the public (notifications) and were handed in at triatomine information centers. Among the municipalities in which larger numbers of specimens were caught, Canguçu (37.8 percent) and Piratini (28.8 percent) were prominent. The species for which the largest numbers of specimens were caught were Triatoma rubrovaria (93.9 percent) and Panstrongylus tupynambai (5.1 percent). The insects were predominantly caught inside homes and during the hotter months. Regarding the agents, 95.2 percent reported that they had some difficulties in carrying out their duties. Inadequacies of transportation and scarcity of educational material for public distribution were cited as the main factors that caused difficulties. It was concluded that some municipalities present an ongoing risk of triatomine invasion in homes, especially regarding T. rubrovaria; maintenance of surveillance activities is of fundamental importance, and greater assistance for the work of agents acting within the program is needed...
Subject(s)
Humans , Chagas Disease/diagnosis , Chagas Disease/epidemiology , Entomology , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & developmentABSTRACT
Mediante dos métodos de ensayo de peptidasas, uno en fase líquida y otro en fase gel (zimografía en geles), se detectó una peptidasa, en extractos proteicos crudos de epimastigotes de Trypanosoma cruzi, provenientes de un área rural de Venezuela endémica para el mal de Chagas. La peptidasa mostró actividad en el intervalo de pH comprendido entre 2,0 y 2,9. Bajo las condiciones experimentales descritas, la peptidasa resultó insensible a concentraciones usuales de inhibidores clásicos de peptidasas de tipo: serina, cisteína, metalo-peptidasas y aspártico. No obstante, a semejanza de la pepsina porcina a pH 2,9, la peptidasa es inhibida en presencia de 5mM DTT.
Through two peptidase assay methods, one in liquid-phase and another, in gel-phase (gel zymography), an acid peptidase was detected in protein crude extracts of epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, from a rural area of Venezuela where Chagas disease is endemic. The peptidase shows activity at a pH range between 2.0 and 2.9. Under the experimental conditions described, the acid peptidase was insensitive to usual concentrations of peptidase inhibitors of the types: serine, cysteine, aspartic and metallo-peptidases. Nevertheless, like porcine pepsin at pH 2.9, the peptidase was inhibited in the presence of 5mM DTT.
Subject(s)
Humans , Peptide Hydrolases/isolation & purification , Protozoan Proteins/isolation & purification , Trypanosoma cruzi/enzymology , Chagas Disease/parasitology , Endemic Diseases , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Hydrolysis , Hemoglobins/metabolism , Pepstatins/pharmacology , Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism , Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology , Protozoan Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Protozoan Proteins/metabolism , Substrate Specificity , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/isolation & purification , VenezuelaABSTRACT
A regulação gênica em tripanossomatídeos é policistrônica e ocorre de maneira pós-transcricional. [...] Para verificar se UTR de tamanhos diferentes possuem impacto na transcrição e, por conseguinte, na tradução de proteínas, selecionou-se genes da família de trans-sialidases, devido à importância destas no processo de invasão celular. A metodologia envolveu a extração de RNA total de T. cruzi CL-Brener, seguido da síntese de cDNA, PCR, clonagem dos produtos amplificados e seqüenciamento por Sanger e pelo uso do 454 Junior (Next Generation Sequencing NSG). Como as trans-sialidases correspondem a uma família gênica de cópias múltiplas, usou-se a estratégia de sequenciamento de alto-desempenho na tentativa de cobrir o maior número possível de genes desta família. Para isso foram obtidos cDNAs de trans-sialidases de CL-Brener nas formas epimastigota e tripomastigota com o iniciador 5UTRTCNA, os quais apresentaram UTR com tamanhos variados entre 65 187 pb, além da obtenção de cDNAs para esta família de proteínas, em epimastigotas CL-Brener, com o iniciador 5TcTS, apresentando UTR variando de 171 a 221 pb, com similaridade de sequências entre elas. Com o intuito de avaliar a correspondência entre a transcrição dos RNAs de trans-sialidases e a sua tradução, houve a necessidade de identificação das proteínas. Desenvolvemos uma metodologia de lise celular e produção de extrato proteico (denominado TcS12) a partir de células de T. cruzi no estágio epimastigota. As cepas selecionadas para esse estudo foram CL-Brener (TcVI), Dm28c (TcI), Y (TcII) e 4167 (TcIV). O processo de lise celular foi otimizado para 107 parasitos/mL ressuspensos em 200 miL de tampão de lise hipotônica (por 30 minutos a 40C), associado ao sonicador de banho (por 30 minutos a 40C)...
Gene regulation in trypanosomatids is polycistronic and occurs in a post-transcriptionalway. [...] To verify the impact of UTRs presenting differentsizes in the transcription machinery and protein translation, genes from trans-sialidasefamily were selected due to its importance in the cell invasion process. Themethodological strategies involved the extraction of total RNA from T. cruzi CL-Brenerstrain, followed by cDNA synthesis, PCR, cloning and sequencing of amplified productsby Sanger and by using the 454 Junior (Next Generation Sequencing NGS).Considering that trans-sialidase is a multi-copy gene family, this high-throughputsequencing strategy was employed in an attempt to cover the largest number of transsialidasegenes. Trans-sialidase cDNAs from CL-Brener epimastigote andtripomastigote were obtained with 5`UTRTCNA primer showing UTR sizes between 65 -187 bp. The cDNA from this protein family were also obtained with the 5TcTS primerfrom CL-Brener epimastigotes, generating UTRs with 171 - 221 bp. Both 5UTRpresented sequence similarities between them. In order to evaluate the correspondencebetween trans-sialidase gene transcription and translation, it was necessary toaccomplish the identification of proteins. Therefore, we developed a methodology forcell disruption, which resulted in a protein extract (referred as TcS12) from epimastigoteT. cruzi cells. The strains selected for this study were CL-Brener (TcVI), Dm28c (TcI), Y(TcII) and 4167 (TcIV). The process for lysing the cells was optimized to 107parasites/mL resuspended in 200 miL hypotonic lysis buffer (30 minutes at 4oC), followedby water bath sonication (30 minutes at 4oC). The process efficacy was confirmed byFACS, showing that near 72 percent of the cells were successfully stained with propidiumiodide solution (PI)...
Subject(s)
Animals , Protein Biosynthesis , Trans-Splicing/genetics , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Reverse TranscriptionABSTRACT
A doença de Chagas, causada pelo protozoário hemoflagelado Trypanosoma cruzi, consiste em um grave problema de saúde pública na América Latina, com cerca de 7 a 8 milhões de pessoas infectadas. O benznidazol é atualmente o único fármaco disponível para o tratamento, apresentando boa atividade na fase aguda, mas com eficácia questionada na fase crônica, além de apresentar severos efeitos colaterais e longo período de tratamento. Tendo em vista a sua fácil síntese e baixo custo, adutos aromáticos oriundos da reação Morita-Baylis-Hillman têm sido considerados promissores como quimioterápicos. Neste sentido, foi avaliada a atividade tripanocida e citotóxica de seis adutos Morita-Baylis-Hillman. Para analisar possíveis efeitos dos adutos sobre estruturas específicas do protozoário foi utilizado a microscopia confocal a laser, através da marcação com Rodamina 123, MitoSOXT, Laranja de Acridina e Kit Live/Dead(R). As alterações morfológicas em parasitas submetidos ao tratamento foram acompanhadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Nossos resultados mostraram que todos os compostos foram capazes de inibir o crescimento de formas epimastigotas e causaram uma diminuição da viabilidade em formas tripomastigotas, apresentando uma moderada citotoxicidade para células de mamíferos. Os adutos MBH1, MBH2, MBH5 e MBH7 também foram efetivos em inibir a infecção de macrófagos e diminuir a viabilidade das formas amastigotas. Os compostos não foram capazes de alterar os níveis de produção do óxido nítrico em macrófagos. Análises pela microscopia confocal e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) apontam a mitocôndria como principal alvo intracelular destes compostos. Alterações compatíveis com a perda da viabilidade e morte celular por necrose e autofagia foram observadas por MET. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho colocam os adutos Morita -Baylis-Hillman em evidência como agentes promissores para o tratamento da tripanossomíase americana.
Subject(s)
Chagas Disease/drug therapy , Trypanocidal Agents/pharmacology , Trypanocidal Agents/chemical synthesis , Trypanosoma cruzi , Trypanosoma cruzi/ultrastructure , Acrylonitrile/analogs & derivatives , Acrylonitrile/pharmacology , Acrylonitrile/chemical synthesis , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & developmentABSTRACT
To characterise the trypanosomatid-exclusive RNA-binding protein TcRBP19, we analysed the phenotypic changes caused by its overexpression. Although no evident changes were observed when TcRBP19 was ectopically expressed in epimastigotes, the metacyclogenesis process was affected. Notably, TcRBP19 overexpression also led to a decrease in the number of infected mammalian cells. These findings suggest that TcRBP19 may be involved in the life cycle progression of the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite.
Subject(s)
Animals , Protozoan Proteins/physiology , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Trypanosoma cruzi/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , Life Cycle Stages , RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/physiology , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma cruzi/metabolismABSTRACT
In this study the effect of eight DNA topoisomerase inhibitors on the growth Trypanosoma rangeli epimastigotes in cell culture was investigated. Among the eight compounds tested, idarubicin was the only compound that displayed promising trypanocidal activity with a half-maximal growth inhibition (GI50) value in the sub-micromolar range. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed a reduction in DNA content in T. rangeli epimastigotes when treated with idarubicin. In contrast to T. rangeli, against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes idarubicin was much less effective exhibiting a GI50 value in the mid-micromolar range. This result indicates that idarubicin displays differential toxic effects in T. rangeli and T. cruzi. Compared with African trypanosomes, it seems that American trypanosomes are generally less susceptible to DNA topoisomerase inhibitors.
Subject(s)
Idarubicin/pharmacology , Topoisomerase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Trypanocidal Agents/pharmacology , Trypanosoma cruzi/drug effects , Trypanosoma rangeli/drug effects , Flow Cytometry , Parasitic Sensitivity Tests , Trypanosoma cruzi/growth & development , Trypanosoma rangeli/growth & developmentABSTRACT
Trypanosomes are parasitic protozoa in which gene expression is primarily controlled through the regulation of mRNA stability and translation. This post-transcriptional control is mediated by various families of RNA-binding proteins, including those with zinc finger CCCH motifs. CCCH zinc finger proteins have been shown to be essential to differentiation events in trypanosomatid parasites. Here, we functionally characterise TcZFP2 as a predicted post-transcriptional regulator of differentiation in Trypanosoma cruzi. This protein was detected in cell culture-derived amastigotes and trypomastigotes, but it was present in smaller amounts in metacyclic trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi. We use an optimised recombinant RNA immunopreciptation followed by microarray analysis assay to identify TcZFP2 target mRNAs. We further demonstrate that TcZFP2 binds an A-rich sequence in which the adenosine residue repeats are essential for high-affinity recognition. An analysis of the expression profiles of the genes encoding the TcZFP2-associated mRNAs throughout the parasite life cycle by microarray hybridisation showed that most of the associated mRNAs were upregulated in the metacyclic trypomastigote forms, also suggesting a role for TcZFP2 in metacyclic trypomastigote differentiation. Knockdown of the orthologous Trypanosoma brucei protein levels showed ZFP2 to be a positive regulator of specific target mRNA abundance.