scholarly journals Targeting Molecular Inflammatory Pathways in Granuloma as Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reto Guler ◽  
Mumin Ozturk ◽  
Solima Sabeel ◽  
Bongani Motaung ◽  
Suraj P. Parihar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Progression ◽  
Giant Cells ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Novel Treatments ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Inflammatory Granuloma ◽  
Foamy Macrophages ◽  
Drug Resistant Strains ◽  
Mononuclear Inflammatory Cell

Globally, more than 10 million people developed active tuberculosis (TB), with 1.4 million deaths in 2020. In addition, the emergence of drug-resistant strains in many regions of the world threatens national TB control programs. This requires an understanding of host-pathogen interactions and finding novel treatments including host-directed therapies (HDTs) is of utter importance to tackle the TB epidemic. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent for TB, mainly infects the lungs causing inflammatory processes leading to immune activation and the development and formation of granulomas. During TB disease progression, the mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrates which form the central structure of granulomas undergo cellular changes to form epithelioid cells, multinucleated giant cells and foamy macrophages. Granulomas further contain neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells and an outer layer composed of T and B lymphocytes and fibroblasts. This complex granulomatous host response can be modulated by Mtb to induce pathological changes damaging host lung tissues ultimately benefiting the persistence and survival of Mtb within host macrophages. The development of cavities is likely to enhance inter-host transmission and caseum could facilitate the dissemination of Mtb to other organs inducing disease progression. This review explores host targets and molecular pathways in the inflammatory granuloma host immune response that may be beneficial as target candidates for HDTs against TB.

Design, Synthesis and Antiplasmodial Evaluation of Sulfoximine-triazole Hybrids as Potential Antimalarial Prototypes

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 685-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommy F. Mabasa ◽  
Babatunde Awe ◽  
Dustin Laming ◽  
Henok H. Kinfe
Keyword(s):  
Alkyl Substituent ◽  
Antimalarial Drugs ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
Antimalarial Agents ◽  
Falciparum Strain ◽  
Physiological Properties ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Cytotoxicity Activities ◽  
Drug Resistant Strains

Background:Malaria, caused by the deadly Plasmodium falciparum strain, claims the lives of millions of people annually. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of P. falciparum to the artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), the last line of defense against malaria, is worrisome and urges for the development of new chemo-types with a new mode of action. In the search of new antimalarial agents, hybrids of triazoles and other known antimalarial drugs have been reported to possess better activity than either of the parent compounds administered individually. Despite their better activity, no hybrid antimalarial drugs have been developed so far.Objective:In the hope of developing new antimalarial prototypes, we propose the design, synthesis and antimalarial evaluation of novel sulfoximine-triazole hybrids owing to their interesting biological and physiological properties.Methods:The sulfoximine part of the hybrid will be synthesized via imidation of the corresponding sulfoxide. Propargylation of the NH moiety of the sulfoximine followed by copper-catalyzed click chemistry with benzyl azide was envisaged to provide the target sulfoximine-triazole hybrids.Results:Five novel sulfoximine-triazole hybrids possessing various substituents on the sulfoximine moiety have been successfully synthesized and evaluated for their antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity activities. The results revealed that the co-presence of the sulfoximine and triazole moieties along with a lipophilic alkyl substituent on the sulfur atom impart significant activity.Conclusion:Sulfoximine-triazole hybrids could be used as a prototype for the synthesis of new derivatives with better antiplasmodial activities.

Overview of Antiretroviral Agents in 2005

2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 228-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anela Stanic ◽  
Tulip K. Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Protease Inhibitors ◽  
Transcriptase Inhibitor ◽  
Fixed Dose ◽  
Antiretroviral Agents ◽  
Entry Inhibitors ◽  
Fusion Inhibitors ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Atazanavir Sulfate ◽  
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor ◽  
Drug Resistant Strains

To date, 25 antiretroviral agents (including fixed-dose combinations) have gained approval by the Food and Drug Administration and are currently available on the market for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. New protease inhibitors, atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz) and fosamprenavir (Lexiva), were licensed, in addition to the nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) emtricitabine (Emtriva) and 2 fixed-dose NRTI combinations, emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) and lamivudine/abacavir (Epzicom). These newly licensed antiretroviral agents allow for lower pill burden and dosing schedule simplification, and some agents such as atazanavir sulfate are associated with improved lipid profile in comparison to other currently marketed protease inhibitors. In addition, a new class of anti-retroviral agents, entry inhibitors, of which a subclass exists called fusion inhibitors with its representative member, enfuvirtide (Fuzeon), which is currently the only available drug in its class, was marketed almost 2 years ago. Despite a remarkable progress in the treatment of HIV infection noted during the past decade, significant challenges to therapy such as tolerability issues and emergence of drug-resistant strains remain. Therefore, new antiretroviral drug development has focused on a design of drugs that work against the resistant strains of HIV and/or have a novel mechanism of action.

scholarly journals Inflammatory Mechanisms Underlying Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and the Transition to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 730
Author(s):  
Moritz Peiseler ◽  
Frank Tacke
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis ◽  
Adaptive Immune System ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
End Stage

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rising chronic liver disease and comprises a spectrum from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to end-stage cirrhosis and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of NAFLD is multifactorial, but inflammation is considered the key element of disease progression. The liver harbors an abundance of resident immune cells, that in concert with recruited immune cells, orchestrate steatohepatitis. While inflammatory processes drive fibrosis and disease progression in NASH, fueling the ground for HCC development, immunity also exerts antitumor activities. Furthermore, immunotherapy is a promising new treatment of HCC, warranting a more detailed understanding of inflammatory mechanisms underlying the progression of NASH and transition to HCC. Novel methodologies such as single-cell sequencing, genetic fate mapping, and intravital microscopy have unraveled complex mechanisms behind immune-mediated liver injury. In this review, we highlight some of the emerging paradigms, including macrophage heterogeneity, contributions of nonclassical immune cells, the role of the adaptive immune system, interorgan crosstalk with adipose tissue and gut microbiota. Furthermore, we summarize recent advances in preclinical and clinical studies aimed at modulating the inflammatory cascade and discuss how these novel therapeutic avenues may help in preventing or combating NAFLD-associated HCC.

scholarly journals Attaching Zanamivir to a Polymer Markedly Enhances Its Activity Against Drug-resistant Strains of Influenza a Virus

2011 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 831-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisha K. Weight ◽  
Jayanta Haldar ◽  
Luis Álvarez de Cienfuegos ◽  
Larisa V. Gubareva ◽  
Terrence M. Tumpey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Drug Resistant Strains

DRUG RESISTANT STRAINS OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The Lancet ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 317 (8216) ◽  
pp. 386
Author(s):  
Brian Darlow ◽  
Helena Vrbova ◽  
John Stace ◽  
Peter Heywood ◽  
Michael Alpers
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Drug Resistant Strains

Tigecycline for Treatment of Nosocomial-Acquired Pneumonia Possibly Caused by Multi-Drug Resistant Strains ofStenotrophomonas maltophilia

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 761-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Blanquer ◽  
J. De Otero ◽  
E. Padilla ◽  
F. Gòmez ◽  
A. Mayol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Drug Resistant Strains

scholarly journals Evidence of Another Anthropic Impact on Iguana delicatissima from the Lesser Antilles: The Presence of Antibiotic Resistant Enterobacteria

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 885
Author(s):  
Gustavo Di Lallo ◽  
Marco Maria D’Andrea ◽  
Samanta Sennati ◽  
Maria Cristina Thaller ◽  
Luciana Migliore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Acquired Resistance ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Associated Bacteria ◽  
Improper Use ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Drug Resistant Strains

The improper use of antibiotics by humans may promote the dissemination of resistance in wildlife. The persistence and spread of acquired antibiotic resistance and human-associated bacteria in the environment, while representing a threat to wildlife, can also be exploited as a tool to monitor the extent of human impact, particularly on endangered animal species. Hence, we investigated both the associated enterobacterial species and the presence of acquired resistance traits in the cloacal microbiota of the critically endangered lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima), by comparing two separate populations living in similar climatic conditions but exposed to different anthropic pressures. A combination of techniques, including direct plating, DNA sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing allowed us to characterize the dominant enterobacterial populations, the antibiotic resistant strains and their profiles. A higher frequency of Escherichia coli was found in the samples from the more anthropized site, where multi-drug resistant strains were also isolated. These results confirm how human-associated bacteria as well as their antibiotic-resistance determinants may be transferred to wildlife, which, in turn, may act as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance.

scholarly journals The Effects of Oral Liposomal Glutathione and In Vitro Everolimus in Altering the Immune Responses against Mycobacterium bovis BCG Strain in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-26
Author(s):  
Kimberly To ◽  
Ruoqiong Cao ◽  
Aram Yegiazaryan ◽  
James Owens ◽  
Kayvan Sasaninia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Mycobacterial Infection ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Drug Resistant Strains

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) still remains a devastating infectious disease in the world. There has been a daunting increase in the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) worldwide. T2DM patients are three times more vulnerable to M. tb infection compared to healthy individuals. TB-T2DM coincidence is a challenge for global health control. Despite some progress in the research, M. tb still has unexplored characteristics in successfully evading host defenses. The lengthy duration of treatment, the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains and extensive-drug-resistant strains of M. tb have made TB treatment very challenging. Previously, we have tested the antimycobacterial effects of everolimus within in vitro granulomas generated from immune cells derived from peripheral blood of healthy subjects. However, the effectiveness of everolimus treatment against mycobacterial infection in individuals with T2DM is unknown. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the combination of in vivo glutathione (GSH) supplementation in individuals with T2DM along with in vitro treatment of isolated immune cells with everolimus against mycobacterial infection has never been tested. Therefore, we postulated that liposomal glutathione (L-GSH) and everolimus would offer great hope for developing adjunctive therapy for mycobacterial infection. L-GSH or placebo was administered to T2DM individuals orally for three months. Study subjects’ blood was drawn pre- and post-L-GSH/or placebo supplementation, where Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood to conduct in vitro studies with everolimus. We found that in vitro treatment with everolimus, an mTOR (membrane target of rapamycin) inhibitor, significantly reduced intracellular M. bovis BCG infection alone and in conjunction with L-GSH supplementation. Furthermore, we found L-GSH supplementation coupled with in vitro everolimus treatment produced a greater effect in inhibiting the growth of intracellular Mycobacterium bovis BCG, than with the everolimus treatment alone. We also demonstrated the functions of L-GSH along with in vitro everolimus treatment in modulating the levels of cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 and IL-6, in favor of improving control of the mycobacterial infection. In summary, in vitro everolimus-treatment alone and in combination with oral L-GSH supplementation for three months in individuals with T2DM, was able to increase the levels of T-helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 as well as enhance the abilities of granulomas from individuals with T2DM to improve control of a mycobacterial infection.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document