Article
Immunology
Marianne Rocha-Hasler, Gabriel Melo de Oliveira, Aline Nefertiti da Gama, Ludmila Ferreira de Almeida Fiuza, Anna Frieda Fesser, Monica Cal, Romina Rocchetti, Raiza Brandao Peres, Xue Li Guan, Marcel Kaiser, Maria de Nazare Correia Soeiro, Pascal Maser
Summary: The study found that treatment with posaconazole alone in chronic Chagas disease patients resulted in a high relapse rate, prompting the search for suitable combination partners such as inhibitors of sterol and sphingolipid biosynthetic enzymes. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that the combination of tomatidine (TH) with posaconazole showed synergistic effects against Trypanosoma cruzi, indicating a potential for improved treatment outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marilia L. Cirqueira, Leandro O. Bortot, Mayte Bolean, Mariana A. A. Aleixo, Pedro H. Luccas, Antonio J. Costa-Filho, Ana Paula Ramos, Pietro Ciancaglini, M. Cristina Nonato
Summary: Due to its severe burden and geographic distribution, Chagas disease has a significant social and economic impact on low-income countries. This study aims to understand the role of TcNTR in the basic parasite biology, investigate its potential as a drug target, and contribute to the fight against neglected tropical diseases. The results showed that TcNTR interacts with membranes, with a preference for those containing cardiolipin, and a 23-residue long insertion is involved in enzyme specificity and protein-membrane interaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto Docampo, Anibal Eugenio Vercesi
Summary: This review discusses the mechanisms of mitochondrial oxidant generation and removal, and the involvement of Ca2+ in trypanosome cell death, highlighting the need for further studies on ROS generation, defense mechanisms, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore in trypanosomatids.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naiara Dutra Barroso Gomes, Emanuel Paula Magalhaes, Lyanna Rodrigues Ribeiro, John Washington Cavalcante, Marcelo Morais Gomes Maia, Felipe Ramon Cunha da Silva, Arif Ali, Marcia Machado Marinho, Emmanuel Silva Marinho, Helcio Silva dos Santos, Alice Maria Costa Martins, Ramon Roseo Paula Pessoa Bezerra de Menezes
Summary: This study evaluated the activity of synthetic p-aminochalcones against T. cruzi and found that they have a trypanocidal effect by causing membrane damage and oxidative stress. Their mechanism of action may be related to inhibition of cruzain and TR.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Carezza Botto-Mahan, Juana P. Correa, Raul Araya-Donoso, Francisca Farias, Esteban San Juan, Nicol Quiroga, Ricardo Campos-Soto, Claudio Reyes-Olivares, Daniel Gonzalez-Acuna
Summary: In this study, we assessed 4 lizard species in Chile for Trypanosoma cruzi and found that all species were infected. We also discovered that one species had the ability to transmit the protozoan, highlighting their role as reservoirs for T. cruzi.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Elsayed Metwally, Hatim A. Al-Abbadi, Tarique Hussain, Ghulam Murtaza, Ahmed M. Abdellatif, Mahmoud F. Ahmed
Summary: Neurodegenerative disorders pose a major healthcare challenge globally, and calpain signaling plays a crucial role in neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Understanding the structure and activity of calpains is essential for unraveling their roles in cellular physiology and pathology, and the inhibition of calpain activity could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Leandro Stefano Sangenito, Claudia Masini D'Avila-Levy, Marta Helena Branquinha, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos
Summary: Chagas disease is a neglected problem that affects many people. The current treatment options have limitations, so there are clinical trials trying to improve the treatment and explore new options. Repositioning existing drugs is an interesting approach to combat tropical diseases. Human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors may be considered as alternative treatment options for Chagas disease.
MEMORIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jose L. Saenz-Garcia, Beatriz S. Borges, Normanda Souza-Melo, Luiz V. Machado, Juliana S. Miranda, Lisandro Alfonso Pacheco-Lugo, Nilmar S. Moretti, Richard Wheleer, Lia C. Soares Medeiros, Wanderson D. DaRocha
Summary: The flagellum of Trypanosomatids contributes to multiple functions, and this study explores the role of Trypanin in T. cruzi. The deletion of Trypanin affects the growth and motility of T. cruzi epimastigotes, as well as their infection capacity.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lucia Lopez, Maria Laura Chiribao, Magali C. Girard, Karina A. Gomez, Paula Carasi, Marisa Fernandez, Yolanda Hernandez, Carlos Robello, Teresa Freire, Maria Dolores Pineyro
Summary: The study showed that c-TXNPx induces the recruitment of IL-12/23p40-producing innate antigen-presenting cells and promotes a strong specific Th1 immune response, while c-TXNPxC52S does not. The presence of peroxidatic cysteine is essential for the peroxidase activity and quaternary structure of the protein.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wendell Girard-Dias, Ingrid Augusto, Tacio V. A. Fernandes, Pedro G. Pascutti, Wanderley de Souza, Kildare Miranda
Summary: In this study, the three-dimensional distribution of diffusible elements within acidocalcisomes in Trypanosoma cruzi was mapped using advanced electron microscopy techniques. The existence of nanodomains with specific element distribution patterns was discovered. These findings have significant implications for understanding nanophysiology of organelles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Derek J. Matthews, Ryan C. Fries, Nicholas D. Jeffery, Sarah A. Hamer, Ashley B. Saunders
Summary: Trypanosoma cruzi infection causes cardiac damage in dogs, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can detect the damage. This study aimed to describe CMR in naturally infected dogs with chronic Chagas disease and evaluate the frequency of abnormalities in CMR and other diagnostic tests. The results suggest that CMR can provide useful information and support the use of naturally infected dogs as an animal model for Chagas disease.
Review
Biology
Oscar Hernan Rodriguez-Bejarano, Catalina Avendano, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
Summary: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is mainly transmitted by insect bites. The parasite's lifecycle includes an intracellular phase and infective forms, involving various signaling cascades and intracellular associations for recognition and internalization in host cells.
Article
Immunology
Cynthia Vanesa Rivero, Santiago Jose Martinez, Paul Novick, Juan Agustin Cueto, Betiana Nebai Salassa, Maria Cristina Vanrell, Xiaomo Li, Carlos Alberto Labriola, Luis Mariano Polo, David M. Engman, Joachim Clos, Patricia Silvia Romano
Summary: T. cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, poses challenges due to its ability to infect different host cells and its resistance to current treatments. Carvedilol, identified through virtual screening, shows promising in vitro and in vivo activity against T. cruzi, making it a potential lead for Chagas disease treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Nadjania Saraiva de Lira Silva, Cristina Mary Orikaza, Fabiana Rodrigues de Santana, Luana Aguiar dos Santos, Bruno Ramos Salu, Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva, Rita de Cassia Sinigaglia, Renato Arruda Mortara
Summary: IL-9 plays a role in controlling T. cruzi infection by reducing invasion and multiplication in vitro, and acts as a protective factor during the chronic phase of experimental infection in BALB/c mice, controlling cardiac fibrosis and proinflammatory cytokine production.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sergio Castaneda, Marina Munoz, Peter J. Hotez, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Alberto E. Paniz-Mondolfi, Kathryn M. Jones, Rojelio Mejia, Cristina Poveda, Juan David Ramirez
Summary: Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and has a profound impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Alterations in the gut microbiome caused by the parasite may play a crucial role in host-parasite interactions and immune responses. Understanding this interaction could provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of the disease and the development of new treatments.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Simone S. C. Oliveira, Vanessa S. S. Santos, Michael Devereux, Malachy McCann, Andre L. S. Santos, Marta H. H. Branquinha
Summary: In this study, the effects of silver(I) and copper(II) complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione) were evaluated as potential drugs for the treatment of Leishmania infection. The complexes demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on parasite proliferation and induced programmed cell death. They also showed potent activity against intracellular parasites and low toxicity to host cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Graziela Vargas Rigo, Fernanda Gomes Cardoso, Giulia Bongiorni Galego, Deisiane Fernanda da Rosa, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos, Tiana Tasca
Summary: This article comprehensively reviews the subclasses of metallo-type peptidases expressed by clinically relevant protozoa and their roles in parasitic infections. Metallopeptidases play important roles in key pathophysiological processes and have become valuable targets for finding new chemotherapeutic compounds. The review aims to gather updates on metallopeptidase subclasses and investigate the similarity of peptidase sequences through bioinformatic techniques to discover clusters relevant for developing new antiparasitic molecules.
CURRENT PROTEIN & PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Thais P. Mello, Ana Carolina Aor, Iuri C. Barcellos, Matheus M. Pereira, Malachy McCann, Michael Devereux, Marta H. Branquinha, Andre L. S. Santos
Summary: This study tested the effects of 16 metal-based compounds on human pathogens belonging to the Scedosporium/Lomentospora genera. All 16 compounds interfered with the viability of these fungal pathogens to different degrees. A manganese-containing compound showed the best activity against the fungal species and had the least toxicity to human lung cells. Additionally, it reduced the formation of biofilms by these fungi.
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Graziela Vargas Rigo, Fernanda Gomes Cardoso, Matheus Mendonca Pereira, Michael Devereux, Malachy McCann, Andre L. S. Santos, Tiana Tasca
Summary: The metal-based complex Cu-phendione has strong inhibitory potential against T. vaginalis peptidases and reduces trophozoite-mediated cytolysis in human vaginal and monkey kidney epithelial cell lineages. Molecular docking analysis confirms the interaction of Cu-phendione with important T. vaginalis virulence factors.
Article
Microbiology
Thais P. Mello, Iuri C. Barcellos, Michaela Lackner, Marta H. Branquinha, Andre L. S. Santos
Summary: In recent years, researchers have investigated the interactions between bacteria and fungi cohabiting and/or responsible for human pathologies. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium, and fungal species belonging to the Scedosporium/Lomentospora genera are commonly found in patients with cystic fibrosis. The present study explored the inhibitory effect of bioactive molecules secreted by P. aeruginosa on Scedosporium/Lomentospora species, revealing the complex mechanisms behind this phenomenon.
Article
Microbiology
Ingrid S. Sousa, Tatiana D. P. Vieira, Rubem F. S. Menna-Barreto, Allan J. Guimaraes, Pauraic McCarron, Malachy McCann, Michael Devereux, Andre L. S. Santos, Lucimar F. Kneipp
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of metal-phen complexes on Fonsecaea spp. The results showed that these complexes could inhibit the viability of Fonsecaea fungi and showed good antifungal activity against F. pedrosoi.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rafaela Silva-Oliveira, Leandro S. Sangenito, Andrew Reddy, Trinidad Velasco-Torrijos, Andre L. S. Santos, Marta H. Branquinha
Summary: Two novel copper complex compounds have been found to inhibit Trypanosoma cruzi and have low toxicity on mammalian cells, making them promising candidates for further drug development.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andre L. S. Santos, Bianca A. Silva, Marcel M. L. da Cunha, Marta H. Branquinha, Thais P. Mello
Summary: This study found that S. apiospermum can bind to fibronectin, enhancing its ability to adhere to and infect host cells. The mechanisms of adhesion involving surface molecules in S. apiospermum are not well understood. Additionally, fibronectin-like molecules play a significant role in the interaction between S. apiospermum and host lung cells.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Andre L. S. Santos, Livia S. Ramos, Thais P. Mello, Marta H. Branquinha
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rowena Alves Coelho, Maria Helena Galdino Figueiredo-Carvalho, Fernando Almeida-Silva, Vanessa Brito de Souza Rabello, Gabriela Rodrigues de Souza, Leandro Stefano Sangenito, Luna Sobrino Joffe, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos, Maria Cristina da Silva Lourenco, Marcio L. Rodrigues, Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
Summary: This study discovered substances with antifungal activity against CBM agents from a collection of drugs previously approved for use in human diseases, and benzimidazoles showed the highest selectivity.
Article
Microbiology
Laura N. Silva, Livia S. Ramos, Simone S. C. Oliveira, Lucas B. Magalhaes, Jefferson Cypriano, Fernanda Abreu, Alexandre J. Macedo, Marta H. Branquinha, Andre L. S. Santos
Summary: A study investigated the evolution of echinocandin resistance in Candida haemulonii and found that the resistant strain exhibited reduced fitness and virulence compared to the wild-type strain. The resistant strain had a specific mutation in the FKS1 gene, resulting in a decrease in growth proliferation, biofilm formation, and phagocytosis. This study highlights the importance of understanding the rapid acquisition of antifungal resistance and its impact on health.
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Marta H. Branquinha, Leandro S. Sangenito, Simone S. C. Oliveira, Claudia M. d'Avila-Levy, Andre L. S. Santos
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Simone S. C. Oliveira, Claudyane A. Correia, Vanessa S. Santos, Elaine F. F. da Cunha, Alexandre A. de Castro, Teodorico C. Ramalho, Michael Devereux, Malachy McCann, Marta H. Branquinha, Andre L. S. Santos
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two coordination compounds on the virulence factor gp63 produced by Leishmania. The results showed that both compounds had favorable interaction energies with the active site of gp63 and inhibited its proteolytic activity. Moreover, the compounds decreased the association between Leishmania and human macrophages. These findings provide new insights for the development of effective treatments for leishmaniasis.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Andre Luis Souza dos Santos
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fatemeh Nikoomanesh, Mahsa Falahatinejad, Lucia Cernakova, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos, Shahla Roudbar Mohammadi, Mitra Rafiee, Celia Fortuna Rodrigues, Maryam Roudbary
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy of farnesol alone or in combination with traditional antifungals against resistant Candida strains. The findings showed that farnesol in combination with fluconazole and itraconazole can revert the resistance profile of the isolates, indicating potential clinical applications.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)