Sphingomyelinase Activity ofTrichomonas vaginalisExtract and Subfractions

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common acute sexually transmitted curable diseases, and it is disseminated worldwide generating more than 170 million cases annually.Trichomonas vaginalisis the parasite that causes trichomoniasis and has the ability to destroy cell monolayers of the vaginal mucosain vitro. Sphingomyelinases (SMase) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin into ceramide and phosphorylcholine. Ceramide appears to be a second messenger lipid in programmed apoptosis, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. Sphingomyelinase is probably a major source of ceramide in cells. Signal transduction mediated by ceramide leads cells to produce cytokine induced apoptosis during several inflammatory responses. SMase are also relevant toxins in several microorganisms. The main objective of this research is to identify SMase activity ofT. vaginalisin the total extract (TE), P30, and S30 subfractions from brooked trophozoites. It was found that these fractions ofT. vaginalishave SMase activity, which comes principally from P30 subfraction and was mainly type C. Enzymatic activity of SMase increased linearly with time and is pH dependent with two peaks by pH 5.5 and pH 7.5. The addition of manganese to the reaction mixture increased the SMase activity by 1.97.

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The protozoanTrichomonas vaginalistargets bacteria with laterally-acquired NlpC/P60 peptidoglycan hydrolases

10.1101/320382 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Jully Pinheiro ◽

Jacob Biboy ◽

Waldemar Vollmer ◽

Robert P. Hirt ◽

Jeremy R. Keown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Close Association ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Mixed Cultures ◽

Vaginal Mucosa ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Peptidoglycan Hydrolases

AbstractTrichomonas vaginalisis a human eukaryotic pathogen and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. This extracellular protozoan parasite is intimately associated with the human vaginal mucosa and microbiota but key aspects of the complex interactions between the parasite and the vaginal bacteria remain elusive. We report thatT. vaginalishas acquired, by lateral gene transfer from bacteria, genes encoding peptidoglycan hydrolases of the NlpC/P60 family. Two of theT. vaginalisenzymes were active against bacterial peptidoglycan, retaining the active site fold and specificity as DL-endopeptidases. The endogenous NlpC/P60 genes are transcriptionally up regulated inT. vaginaliswhen in the presence of bacteria. The over-expression of an exogenous copy produces a remarkable phenotype where the parasite is capable of competing out bacteria from mixed cultures, consistent with the biochemical activity of the enzymein vitro. Our study highlights the relevance of the interactions of this eukaryotic pathogen with bacteria, a poorly understood aspect on the biology of this important human parasite.Author summaryTrichomonas vaginalisis a protozoan parasite that causes a very common sexually transmitted disease known as trichomoniasis. This extracellular parasite resides in the vagina where it is in close association with the mucosa and the local microbiota. Very little is known about the nature of the parasite-bacteria interactions. Here, we report that this parasite had acquired genes from bacteria which retained their original function producing active enzymes capable of degrading peptidoglycan, a polymer that is chemically unique to the cell envelope of bacteria. Our results indicate that these enzymes help the parasite compete out bacteria in mixed cultures. These observations suggest that these enzymes may be critical for the parasite to establish infection in the vagina, a body site that is densely colonised with bacteria. Our study further highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between pathogens and microbiota, as the outcomes of these interactions are increasingly understood to have important implications on health and disease.

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CP30, a Cysteine Proteinase Involved inTrichomonas vaginalis Cytoadherence

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.68.9.4907-4912.2000 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 68 (9) ◽

pp. 4907-4912 ◽

Cited By ~ 82

Author(s):

M. Remedios Mendoza-López ◽

Cecilia Becerril-Garcia ◽

Loriz V. Fattel-Facenda ◽

Leticia Avila-Gonzalez ◽

Martha E. Ruíz-Tachiquín ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Epithelial Cells ◽

Hela Cell ◽

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Cysteine Proteinase ◽

Collagen Iv ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Concentration Dependent Manner ◽

Cell Monolayers ◽

Thiol Proteinase

ABSTRACT We describe here the participation of a Trichomonas vaginalis 30-kDa proteinase (CP30) with affinity to the HeLa cell surface in attachment of this parasite to host epithelial cells. The CP30 band is a cysteine proteinase because its activity was inhibited by E-64, a thiol proteinase inhibitor. In two-dimensional substrate gel electrophoresis of total extracts of the trichomonad isolate CNCD 147, three spots with proteolytic activity were detected in the 30-kDa region, in the pI range from 4.5 to 5.5. Two of the spots (pI 4.5 and 5.0) bound to the surfaces of fixed HeLa cells corresponding to the CP30 band. The immunoglobulin G fraction of the rabbit anti-CP30 antiserum that recognized a 30-kDa band by Western blotting and immunoprecipitated CP30 specifically inhibited trichomonal cytoadherence to HeLa cell monolayers in a concentration-dependent manner and reacted with CP30 at the parasite surface. CP30 degraded proteins found on the female urogenital tract, including fibronectin, collagen IV, and hemoglobin. Interestingly, CP30 digested fibronectin and collagen IV only at pH levels between 4.5 and 5.0. Moreover, trichomonosis patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by in vitro culture possessed antibody to CP30 in both sera and vaginal washes, and CP30 activity was found in vaginal washes. Our results suggest that surface CP30 is a cysteine proteinase necessary for trichomonal adherence to human epithelial cells.

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Medicinal Plants with Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis Activity in Iran: A Systematic Review

Iranian Journal of Parasitology ◽

10.18502/ijpa.v14i1.712 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hajar ZIAEI HEZARJARIBI ◽

Najmeh NADEALI ◽

Mahdi FAKHAR ◽

Masoud SOOSARAEI

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Medicinal Plants ◽

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Scientific Information ◽

Medicinal Herbs ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Sexually Transmitted

Background: Trichomoniasis, due to Trichomonas vaginalis, is one of the most common sexually transmitted parasitic diseases in the world such as Iran. This systematic review aimed to explore the studies evaluating the medicinal herbs with anti- T. vaginalis activity which used in Iran. Methods: Articles published in 4 Persian and 4 English databases were obtained between 2000 and 2015 including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, Barakatkns (formerly IranMedex), Elm net, and SID (Scientific Information Database). Studies out of Iran, studies on animal models and articles on other parasite species than T. vaginalis were excluded from this review. Results: Twenty-one articles including in vitro experiments, met our eligibility criteria. Thoroughly, 26 types of plants were examined against T. vaginalis. Medicinal herbs such as Artemisia, Zataria multiflora, and Lavandula angustifolia are remarkably effective on T. vaginalis. As such, use of other parts of these plants in different concentrations and timelines is recommended for future in vivo studies. Conclusion: The present systematic review provides comprehensive and useful information about Iranian medicinal plants with anti-T. vaginalis activity, which would be examined in the future experimental and clinical trials and herbal combination therapy.

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A Review on Herbal Treatments for Trichomonas Vaginalis

Tabari Biomedical Student Research Journal ◽

10.18502/tbsrj.v3i2.6673 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fatemeh Rahmani ◽

Yahya Ehteshaminia ◽

Hamid Mohammadi ◽

Seif Ali Mahdavi

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Patient Acceptance ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages

Introduction: Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that infects the urogenital tract of men and women and causes trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted disease in both men and women. The infection is often asymptomatic, but it can be accompanied by symptoms such as severe inflammation, itching and burning, foamy discharge and foul-smelling mucus. In one year, 250 million cases of Trichomonas vaginalis were reported worldwide. Material and Methods: In this study, the websites of PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Margiran were searched and related articles were reviewed. Results: Today, the most common treatment for this disease is the use of metronidazole. However, its side effects, which include hematological and neurotoxic effects, cannot be ignored. Because of these side effects, researchers are looking for a suitable replacement for metronidazole in the treatment of trichomoniasis. Researchers' desire to use herbs can be due to various reasons such as fewer side effects, better patient acceptance, recommendation of traditional medicine, lower prices of herbs and also compatibility with the normal physiological function of the human body. Conclusion: Considering the inhibitory effects of medicinal plants on the growth and proliferation of Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro, it can be concluded that the use of these plants can have many applications in the treatment of trichomoniasis. As a result, by studying more about their advantages and disadvantages, it is possible to make a drug that has higher therapeutic effects with fewer side effects.

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Zinc-clotrimazole complexes are effective against Trichomonas vaginalis

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s003118201900043x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 146 (9) ◽

pp. 1206-1216 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Victor Midlej ◽

Felipe Rubim ◽

Wilmer Villarreal ◽

Érica S. Martins-Duarte ◽

Maribel Navarro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Parasite Resistance ◽

Zinc Compounds ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Zinc Salts ◽

Imidazole Compounds

AbstractTrichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis in humans, the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD). Imidazole compounds are used for the treatment of trichomoniasis, and metronidazole is the most commonly prescribed. However, these compounds can lead to parasite resistance and unwanted side effects. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative treatment for this disease. Here, we explored the potential of clotrimazole (CTZ) and zinc compounds, as well as CTZ complexed with zinc salts ([1] acetate [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] and [2] a chloride [Zn(CTZ)2Cl2] complexes) against T. vaginalis. We synthesized the zinc complexed CTZ compounds and determined their concentration values that inhibited parasite growth by 50% (IC50). We used scanning and transmission electron microscopy to visualize the ultrastructural alterations induced by CTZ and their zinc complexes. The incubation of the parasites with [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] complex inhibited their growth, yielding an IC50 of 4.9 µm. Moreover, there were changes in the shape of treated parasites, including the formation of surface projections that subsequently detached from the cell, in addition to changes in the hydrogenosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. We found [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] to be a highly effective compound against T. vaginalis in vitro, suggesting its potential utility as an alternative chemotherapy for trichomoniasis.

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Novel Trichomonacidal Spermicides

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.00199-11 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 55 (9) ◽

pp. 4343-4351 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Ashish Jain ◽

Nand Lal ◽

Lokesh Kumar ◽

Vikas Verma ◽

Rajeev Kumar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hela Cells ◽

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Human Sperm ◽

Content Type ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Vaginal Microflora ◽

Anaerobic Energy ◽

Resistant Strains ◽

New Compounds

ABSTRACTMetronidazole, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug against trichomoniasis, is nonspermicidal and thus cannot offer pregnancy protection when used vaginally. Furthermore, increasing resistance ofTrichomonas vaginalisto 5-nitro-imidazoles is a cause for serious concern. On the other hand, the vaginal spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9) does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV in clinical situations but may in fact increase their incidence due to its nonspecific, surfactant action. We therefore designed dually active, nonsurfactant molecules that were capable of killingTrichomonas vaginalis(both metronidazole-susceptible and -resistant strains) and irreversibly inactivating 100% human sperm at doses that were noncytotoxic to human cervical epithelial (HeLa) cells and vaginal microflora (lactobacilli)in vitro. Anaerobic energy metabolism, cell motility, and defense against reactive oxygen species, which are key to survival of both sperm andTrichomonasin the host after intravaginal inoculation, depend crucially on availability of free thiols. Consequently, molecules were designed with carbodithioic acid moiety as the major pharmacophore, and chemical variations were incorporated to provide high excess of reactive thiols for interacting with accessible thiols on sperm andTrichomonas. We report here thein vitroactivities, structure-activity relationships, and safety profiles of these spermicidal antitrichomonas agents, the most promising of which was more effective than N-9 (the OTC spermicide) in inactivating human sperm and more efficacious than metronidazole in killingTrichomonas vaginalis(including metronidazole-resistant strain). It also significantly reduced the available free thiols on human sperm and inhibited the cytoadherence ofTrichomonason HeLa cells. Experimentallyin vitro, the new compounds appeared to be safer than N-9 for vaginal use.

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Molecular Epidemiology of Metronidazole Resistance in a Population of Trichomonas vaginalis Clinical Isolates

Journal of Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.1128/jcm.38.8.3004-3009.2000 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 38 (8) ◽

pp. 3004-3009 ◽

Cited By ~ 57

Author(s):

Lauren J. Snipes ◽

Pascale M. Gamard ◽

Elizabeth M. Narcisi ◽

C. Ben Beard ◽

Tovi Lehmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Resistance ◽

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Random Amplified Polymorphic Dna ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Clinical Isolates ◽

Nucleotide Position ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Metronidazole Resistance ◽

High Level

Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent for human trichomoniasis, is a problematic sexually transmitted disease mainly in women, where it may be asymptomatic or cause severe vaginitis and cervicitis. Despite its high prevalence, the genetic variability and drug resistance characteristics of this organism are poorly understood. To address these issues, genetic analyses were performed on 109 clinical isolates using three approaches. First, two internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions flanking the 5.8S subunit of the ribosomal DNA gene were sequenced. The only variation was a point mutation at nucleotide position 66 of the ITS1 region found in 16 isolates (14.7%). Second, the presence of a 5.5-kb double-stranded RNAT. vaginalis virus (TVV) was assessed. TVV was detected in 55 isolates (50%). Finally, a phylogenetic analysis was performed based on random amplified polymorphic DNA data. The resulting phylogeny indicated at least two distinct lineages that correlate with the presence of TVV. A band-sharing index indicating relatedness was created for different groups of isolates. It demonstrated that isolates harboring the virus are significantly more closely related to each other than to the rest of the population, and it indicated a high level of relatedness among isolates with in vitro metronidazole resistance. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that drug resistance toT. vaginalis resulted from a single or very few mutational events. Permutation tests and nonparametric analyses showed associations between metronidazole resistance and phylogeny, the ITS mutation, and TVV presence. These results suggest the existence of genetic markers with clinical implications for T. vaginalisinfections.

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In vitro effect of tinidazole and furazolidone on metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.40.5.1121 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 40 (5) ◽

pp. 1121-1125 ◽

Cited By ~ 68

Author(s):

E M Narcisi ◽

W E Secor

Keyword(s):

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Drug Efficacy ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Enteric Bacteria ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Drug Of Choice ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Placental Membranes ◽

Vitro Effect

Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted protozoan parasite. Although often considered simply a nuisance infection, T. vaginalis has been implicated in premature rupture of placental membranes and increases in the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus. Metronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole, is currently the drug of choice to treat T. vaginalis infection. Because some patients have severe reactions to metronidazole and others are infected with metronidazole-resistant T. vaginalis, we were prompted to investigate alternative therapies. Tinidazole, another 5-nitroimidazole used in other countries to treat T. vaginalis infections, and furazolidone, a nitrofuran presently used to treat giardiasis and infections with some anaerobic enteric bacteria, were investigated for effectiveness against 9 metronidazole-susceptible and 12 metronidazole-resistant T. vaginalis patient isolates. The in vitro aerobic and anaerobic minimum lethal concentrations (MLC) and the time for drug efficacy were determined. Tinidazole killed the metronidazole-susceptible isolates at a low MLC but was effective against only 4 of the 12 metronidazole-resistant isolates. In contrast, furazolidone was effective at a low MLC for all isolates. When tinidazole was effective, it required > 6 h to kill trichomonads. However, furazolidone killed both metronidazole-susceptible and resistant trichomonads within 2 to 3 h of exposure. These data suggest that furazolidone may be a good candidate for treating metronidazole-resistant trichomoniasis and that further investigation of this drug is warranted.

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Vaginal Microbiota of the Sexually Transmitted Infections Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis in Women with Vaginitis in Taiwan

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9091864 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 1864

Author(s):

Shu-Fang Chiu ◽

Po-Jung Huang ◽

Wei-Hung Cheng ◽

Ching-Yun Huang ◽

Lichieh Julie Chu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Vaginal Microbiota ◽

Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽

Associated Bacteria ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Prevotella Bivia ◽

Initial Interaction

The three most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). The prevalence of these STIs in Taiwan remains largely unknown and the risk of STI acquisition affected by the vaginal microbiota is also elusive. In this study, a total of 327 vaginal swabs collected from women with vaginitis were analyzed to determine the presence of STIs and the associated microorganisms by using the BD Max CT/GC/TV molecular assay, microbial cultures, and 16S rRNA sequencing. The prevalence of CT, TV, and GC was 10.8%, 2.2% and 0.6%, respectively. A culture-dependent method identified that Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) were more likely to be associated with CT and TV infections. In CT-positive patients, the vaginal microbiota was dominated by L. iners, and the relative abundance of Gardnerella vaginalis (12.46%) was also higher than that in TV-positive patients and the non-STIs group. However, Lactobacillus spp. was significantly lower in TV-positive patients, while GBS (10.11%), Prevotella bivia (6.19%), Sneathia sanguinegens (12.75%), and Gemella asaccharolytica (5.31%) were significantly enriched. Using an in vitro co-culture assay, we demonstrated that the growth of L. iners was suppressed in the initial interaction with TV, but it may adapt and survive after longer exposure to TV. Additionally, it is noteworthy that TV was able to promote GBS growth. Our study highlights the vaginal microbiota composition associated with the common STIs and the crosstalk between TV and the associated bacteria, paving the way for future development of health interventions targeting the specific vaginal bacterial taxa to reduce the risk of common STIs.

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Release of acidic store calcium is required for effective priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome

10.1101/2022.01.06.475262 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Nick Platt ◽

Dawn Shepherd ◽

Yuzhe Weng ◽

Grant Charles Churchill ◽

Antony Galione ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Calcium Release ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Lysosomal Storage ◽

Release Channel ◽

Type C ◽

Niemann Pick ◽

Lysosomal Protein

The lysosome is a dynamic signaling organelle that is critical for cell functioning. It is a regulated calcium store that can contribute to Ca2+-regulated processes via both local calcium release and more globally by influencing ER Ca2+release. Here, we provide evidence from studies of an authentic mouse model of the lysosomal storage disease Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) that has reduced lysosomal Ca2+ levels, and genetically modified mice in which the two-pore lysosomal Ca2+ release channel family are deleted that lysosomal Ca2+ signaling is required for normal pro-inflammatory responses. We demonstrate that production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta via the NLRP3 inflammasome is significantly reduced in murine Niemann-Pick Type C, the inhibition is selective because secretion of TNF alpha is not diminished, and it is a consequence of inefficient inflammasome priming. Synthesis of precursor ProIL-1 beta is significantly reduced in macrophages genetically deficient in the lysosomal protein Npc1, which is mutated in most clinical cases of NPC, and in wild type cells in which Npc1 activity is pharmacologically inhibited. Comparable reductions in ProIL-1 beta generation were measured in vitro and in vivo by macrophages genetically altered to lack expression of the two-pore lysosomal Ca2+ release channels Tpcn1 or Tpcn2. These data demonstrate a requirement for lysosome-dependent Ca2+ signaling in the generation of specific pro-inflammatory responses.

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