Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"“A Tale Preserved in a Museum”: The Long-Awaited Discovery of Genitocotyle necromnemos n. sp. (Trematoda: Opecoelidae) from the Cardinal Fish Apogon imberbis (Linnaeus) in the Western Mediterranean","authors":"Fatima-Zohra Zedam,&nbsp;Chahinez Bouguerche,&nbsp;Fadila Tazerouti","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01067-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01067-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Opecoelids, a diverse group of digenean trematodes, pose a taxonomic challenge due to morphological similarities. The genus <i>Genitocotyle</i> is little studied with only five recognized species. Recent phylogenetic advancements have refined Opecoelidae classification, recognizing 15 subfamilies, including opecoelins, distinguished by the absence of a cirrus sac and a canalicular seminal receptacle. Within this subfamily, the genus <i>Genitocotyle</i> remains understudied, with only five recognized species. The aim of this study is to describe a new species and to clarify a long-standing taxonomic ambiguity.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Two historical specimens of <i>Genitocotyl</i>e from <i>Apogon imberbis</i> off Madeira, preserved in the Natural History Museum, London, were examined alongside newly collected specimens from Algerian waters. Comparative morphological analyses, including illustrations and morphometric measurements, were conducted.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Genitocotyle necromnemos</i> n. sp. is described, differing from its congeners by its larger body size, the more numerous eggs, the extended post-testicular region, the seminal vesicle restricted to the forebody, the extension of the vitellarium and the shape of the ovary. This new species designation clarifies the identity of some museum specimens, undescribed since their collection in 1951.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study highlights the importance of museum collections for the clarification of taxonomic uncertainties and the expansion of knowledge about the biodiversity of trematodes. The result contribute the systematics of opecoelines and emphasise the ecological and biogeographical importance of <i>Genitocotyle</i> spp. in marine fish hosts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12259790/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto from Ruminants in Greece. Comparison with Findings in Türkiye and Reports from the Balkans and Mediterranean Countries","authors":"Erifylli Roinioti,&nbsp;Ioannis Bossis,&nbsp;Sami Simsek","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01084-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01084-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Purpose\u0000 <p>Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is endemic in ruminants in Greece. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variability of <i>Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto</i> (<i>E</i>. <i>granulosus s.s</i>.) in carcasses of ruminants in the country and to compare the results with findings in neighbouring Türkiye. The geographic distribution of the domestic haplotypes in the Balkans and Mediterranean countries was assessed. Secondary findings regarding the species and the age of the intermediate host in Greece are also discussed.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Methods\u0000 <p>A total of 131 CE cysts of <i>E</i>. <i>granulosus s.s</i>., isolated from an equal number of carcasses of ruminants at slaughterhouses within Greece and a provincial slaughterhouse in Türkiye, represented the data matrix of the study. Total genomic DNA was isolated from the germinal layer of the CE cysts and PCR was performed targeting fragments of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (NADH1) mitochondrial genes, followed by sequencing. The results were analyzed both independently (CO1, NADH1) and combined (CO1 + NADH1).</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Results/Conclusion\u0000 <p>The two countries shared six haplotypes of <i>E. granulosus s.s.</i> genotype G1. The presence of a dominant, common in both countries, haplotype was observed. <i>E. granulosus s.s.</i> genotype G3 was detected in both countries, however, different haplotypes were identified. Unique (not previously described elsewhere) haplotypes of <i>E. granulosus s.s.</i> were found in both countries (11 haplotypes in Greece, two haplotypes in Türkiye). Overall, 11 haplotypes identified in carcasses in Greece have been reported in a wide range of hosts, including humans, in the Balkans, the Mediterranean countries or in Greece (in earlier studies).</p>\u0000 \u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relatedness of Cameroonian Plasmodium falciparum Isolates and Comparative Analysis with Global Populations","authors":"Loick P. Kojom Foko,&nbsp;Joseph Hawadak,&nbsp;Vineeta Singh","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01097-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01097-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> (<i>Pf</i>) is the deadliest malaria parasite species, and its genetic diversity is a significant obstacle to its effective control. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity and phylogeny of <i>Pf</i> isolates collected in Cameroon using merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 (<i>msp1/2</i>) markers.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Samples were collected in three malaria epidemiological facets of three regions of Cameroon (Littoral, North, Far North). The <i>msp1</i> block 2 and <i>msp2</i> block 3 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. The structural organization the <i>msp1/2</i> allelic families (K1, MAD20, and RO33 for <i>msp1</i>, IC/3D7, and FC27 for <i>msp2</i>) was analyzed, while their phylogenetic relatedness was assessed in comparison with ~ 2500 good quality sequences from various geographical areas.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The K1 and MAD20 families had high structural diversity due to the repetition of 3-amino acid repeats (SGT, SGP, and SAQ for K1, SGG, and SVA for MAD20). RO33 sequences presented several mutation points. Tetramer to decamer repetitive amino acids were identified in IC/3D7 sequences mainly GSGA (31.3%) and GASGSA (25%). The 32-aa sequence of the FC27 family showed non-synonymous substitution, insertion, and deletions. The K1 and RO33 sequences were phylogenetically closer to those from China/Myanmar, while MAD20, IC/3D7, and FC27 sequences were closer to those from India, Panama, and Papua New Guinea. The Cameroonian <i>Pfmsp1/2</i> sequences showed a high genetic structure with phylogenetic patterns outlining a complex <i>Pf</i> population structure.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144615779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human Leishmaniasis in Algeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Soumia Saadet,&nbsp;Abdelkrim Aroussi,&nbsp;Omar Salhi,&nbsp;Ali Dahmani,&nbsp;Imane Ouchetati,&nbsp;Nassim Ouchene,&nbsp;Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01098-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01098-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Leishmaniasis remains a significant public health concern in Algeria, where both cutaneous and visceral forms are endemic. This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of human leishmaniasis in Algeria, as well as the associated diagnostic methods and risk factors.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate for studies published from January 2000 to March 2025. Eligible studies were required to focus on human leishmaniasis in Algeria and report prevalence data using cross-sectional or descriptive designs. Data were extracted on study location, sample size, diagnostic methods, and prevalence. Spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most (76.9%) focused on cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), with a concentration of studies in northeastern Algeria. Giemsa-stained smear microscopy was the most frequently used diagnostic method (84.6%), while PCR techniques were employed in a minority of studies. The estimated regional prevalence of CL was 46.65%, with regional rates ranging from 8.7% (Constantine) to 100% (M’sila). Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) showed a prevalence of 25.8%, peaking at 92.3% in Oran. One study reported mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) with a 100% prevalence in Tizi Ouzou.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Leishmaniasis, particularly the cutaneous form, remains highly endemic in Algeria, with significant regional disparities. Continued epidemiological monitoring and the the large use of molecular diagnostic tools are essential to improve disease surveillance and control efforts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144582794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prophylactic and Curative Potency of Xylopia aethiopica “(Dunal) A. Rich.” Leaf Extract on Mice Malaria Parasite (Plasmodium berghei)","authors":"Aderopo Ogunleye,&nbsp;Iyabo Adepeju Simon-Oke,&nbsp;Adebayo Victor Akeju","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01095-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01095-y","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Natural antimalaria agent have been documented in different plants materials. Medicinal plants have been part of human society for the treatment of infectious diseases. Plants have invariably been a rich source for new drugs, most especially antimalarial drugs; this has resulted to the discovery of quinine and artemisinin which are plant-based malaria drug.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the Study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The study determined the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents of &lt;i&gt;Xylopia aethiopica&lt;/i&gt; leaf extract and to evaluate the curative antimalaria potency and prophylactic potentials of &lt;i&gt;Xylopia aethiopica&lt;/i&gt; leaf extract in the management of malaria parasite in an animal mode&lt;i&gt;.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Study Design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;This study is designed to test the curative and prophylactic effects of &lt;i&gt;Xylopia aethiopica&lt;/i&gt; leaf extract in the treatment and prevention of malaria infection using albino mice infected with &lt;i&gt;Plasmodium berghei&lt;/i&gt; and compare the effects with known antimalaria drug artemether lumefantrine (A-L) combination therapy using mice as experimental model.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The &lt;i&gt;Xylopia aethiopica&lt;/i&gt; leaf was collection, identification and air-dried. After air-drying, the plant material was pulverized and kept in a Ziplock bag. The pulverized plant material was macerated by soaking it in absolute methanol for 72 h. The extraction was filtered and concentrated under vacuum in a rotatory evaporator. Phytochemical constituents were determined using standard procedure. Swiss albino mouse infected with &lt;i&gt;P. berghei&lt;/i&gt; was used for inoculum preparation. Curative and prophylactic efficacy of the extract was tested using three doses of the extract (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), while 4 mg/kg of Artemether–Lumefantrine (A-L) standard drug was included in the study as positive control and normal saline as negative control. Parasitaemia level was determined to check the level of infection and potency of the plant product.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and saponins. The curative effect of &lt;i&gt;Xylopia aethiopica&lt;/i&gt; leaf extract against &lt;i&gt;Plasmodium berghei&lt;/i&gt; infection in mice was found to be dose-dependent. A significantly higher parasite clearance rate (p &lt; 0.05) was observed in the artemether–lumefantrine treatment group compared to all extract-treated groups on day 1 post-treatment. However, by day 2, mice treated with 30 mg/kg (45.74%) and 100 mg/kg (46.14%) of the leaf extract showed higher parasite clearance rates than those treated with artemether–lumefantrine (35.42%). By day 5, there was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in parasite clearance between the 100 mg/kg extract group and the artemether–lumefantrine group, with both achieving a clearance rate of 99.60%. Throughout the study, both the extract (particularly at 100 mg/kg) and artemether–lumefantrine showed significantly higher p","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144582795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversity of Metazoan Parasites of the Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus Rafinesque, 1810) from the Tunisian Coast of Gulf of Gabes (Mediterranean Sea)","authors":"Hanine Abouelala,&nbsp;Jordi Miquel,&nbsp;Lotfi Mabrouk,&nbsp;Slaheddine Selmi,&nbsp;Hichem Kacem","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01078-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01078-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Euthynnus alletteratus</i> (Scombridae) is widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean including Tunisian coast. This species appears to be a promising species for aquaculture due to its rapid growth and the quality of its flesh. The present study aims to identify the metazoan parasites fauna of <i>E. alletteratus</i> in the Gulf of Gabes and analyze parasitism variation according to sex, age, and season.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 341 specimens of <i>E. alletteratus</i> (175 females and 166 males) of 21–66 cm long were collected in the Gulf of Gabes between February 2024 and January 2025 for parasitological analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Six metazoan parasites species were identified. Three were found on the gills: <i>Capsala manteri</i> (Monopisthocotyla), <i>Neohexostoma euthynni</i> (Polyopisthocotyla) and <i>Pseudocycnus appendiculatus</i> (Copepoda). Notably, <i>C. manteri</i> and <i>P. appendiculatus</i> are reported here for the first time in Tunisia. In the stomach, the digenean <i>Lecithochirium texanum</i> was identified, while <i>Anisakis</i> type I larvae were observed on the viscera, and the acanthocephalan <i>Rhadinorhynchus pristis</i> was found in the intestine. Parasite prevalence and abundance were significantly influenced by seasonal and host-related factors. Prevalence generally declined in winter, while abundance peaked in spring and summer. Among all species, only <i>N. euthynni</i> showed a significant association between prevalence and host age, increasing in older males. The abundance of <i>N. euthynni</i>, <i>P. appendiculatus</i> and <i>Anisakis</i> type I larvae also increased in older hosts. These trends were further shaped by seasonal variation.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study provides new insights into the parasitic fauna in the Gulf of Gabes. Our findings show that prevalence and abundance of studied parasites are primarily driven by seasonal dynamics and host characteristics. The age-related patterns, particularly in <i>N. euthynni</i>, highlight the complex interplay between host development and parasite life cycles, emphasizing the dynamic nature of host-parasite interactions in marine ecosystems.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144582793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges and Strategies in Managing Naegleria fowleri-Associated Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in Pakistan: A Case Report","authors":"Maham Zaman,&nbsp;Tooba Fida,&nbsp;Hafiz Muhammad Haris,&nbsp;Zarmeen Naveed,&nbsp;Shaheer Haider,&nbsp;Tauqeer Khan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01091-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01091-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Naegleria fowleri</i>, a thermophilic, free-living amoeba, is the causative agent of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but highly fatal infection.</p><h3>Case Presentation</h3><p>This case report highlights a 31-year-old physical trainer from Ichhra, Lahore, who presented with symptoms of headache, fever, and altered behavior, ultimately diagnosed with Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) wet mount microscopy findings, with domestic water suspected as the probable source due to the absence of recreational water exposure.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The case underscores the urgent need for early diagnosis and intervention to combat the rising mortality rates associated with this deadly infection. The impact of factors such as rising temperatures and compromised water systems on the spread of <i>Naegleria fowleri</i> in Pakistan is discussed, emphasizing the importance of public health measures to prevent further cases.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144574651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of Calcifying Nanoparticles Isolated and Cultured in the Outer Capsule Wall of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst and their Correlation with Autophagy","authors":"Haojie Shi,&nbsp;Sanqiang Niu,&nbsp;Xuanli Su,&nbsp;Furong Xu,&nbsp;Xiangwei Wu,&nbsp;Hongwei Zhang,&nbsp;Yuchang Wang,&nbsp;Jian Yang","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01087-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01087-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>To isolate calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs) from the outer capsule wall of hepatic hydatid cysts and determine their in vitro characteristics and potential link to autophagy-mediated inflammation.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>CNPs were isolated from 47 hepatic hydatid cyst walls and cultured for 4 weeks. The morphology and ultrastructure were examined using electron microscopy, and the elemental composition was determined using Energy-dispersive X-ray Microanalysis. Zeta potentials and particle size distributions were examined using a Zetasizer. The expression of autophagy-related proteins (LC3B, Beclin-1, and SQSTM1/P62) was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and western blotting.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>CNPs derived from the outer capsule wall of hepatic hydatid cyst exhibited similar properties to those of previously reported CNPs. The expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3B were significantly elevated in calcified compared to non-calcified cyst walls (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05), whereas that of SQSTM1/P62 was higher in non-calcified walls (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). The increased Beclin-1 and LC3B expression in calcified walls and SQSTM1/P62 in non-calcified walls (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.01) were confirmed using immunohistochemistry. The content of CNPs was significantly higher in the calcified cyst walls (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.001).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>CNPs can be isolated and cultured from the outer capsule wall of hepatic hydatid cysts, They are associated with autophagic activity in the outer capsule wall tissue and calcification of the cyst wall.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12234601/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144574652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Hydatid Cyst Fluid on Inflammation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) Cell Line","authors":"Emin Yagmur,&nbsp;İpek Baysal,&nbsp;Serra Örsten,&nbsp;Fatma İnanç Tolun","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01086-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01086-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Anti-tumor immune responses and certain pathogens can exhibit various effects, including signals that reduce the risk of tumor formation or lead to cancer regression. Multiple studies have reported that infectious agents and the products of a wide range of host structures can modulate cancer development and growth positively or negatively and regulate the activation of immune responses. Numerous studies have reported that the parasite <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> may have anti-cancer or carcinogenic effects on cancer cell proliferation in various cell cultures and animal models. The primary purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of animal-derived hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) at various concentrations (1/2, 1/3, 1/5) on the viability of human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and human colon epithelial (CoEpi) cell lines using the cell proliferation assay (XTT).</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Subsequently, the study aims to investigate cytokine concentrations and gene expression profiles of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-4, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulatory signaling proteins TGF- β1, vimentin and E-cadherin, using ELISA and RT-PCR methods, respectively.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Following the HCF application, EMT was consistently detected in the Caco-2 cell line compared to the CoEpi cell line in the 1/5 volume application group, as confirmed by ELISA, RT-PCR and cell proliferation assays. On the other hand, a linear relationship was observed between the levels of TGF-β1 and TNF-α, which regulate the pro-inflammatory signaling mechanism based on the cell micro-environment and the decrease in cell viability. As the HCF concentration volume decreased (1/5), an increase in cell viability was observed (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.01), along with an increase in TGF-β1 and TNF-α levels. Otherwise, in Caco-2 cells, as the HCF application concentrations increased (1/2), significant decreases in TGF-β1 and TNF-α levels, as well as in cell viability, were observed (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.01).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In this context, the common antigen-receptor structure between <i>E. granulosus</i> and cancer may modulate the signals of the immune response it regulates, affecting immune system cells and contributing to the progression of tumor cells.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12234636/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144574653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In Vitro Anti-Leishmanial Activity and Molecular Docking of Eugenol as a Potential Agent Against Leishmania Major","authors":"Neda Mohamadi,&nbsp;Shiva Karimi,&nbsp;Fariba Sharififar,&nbsp;Ehsan Salarkia,&nbsp;Fatemeh Sharifi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01089-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01089-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Eugenol is an aromatic compound that belongs to the phenol group found in various natural sources, such as clove oil. This study aimed to investigate eugenol’s leishmanicidal activity and its mechanism of action using molecular docking to predict potential biochemical targets of eugenol in <i>Leishmania major.</i></p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The interaction between eugenol and TNF-α/IL-12p40 was evaluated using docking methods. The leishmanicidal activities of eugenol, MA (Glucantime^®; MA), and their combination were assessed against both promastigote and amastigote stages of <i>Leishmania major</i>. Additionally, real-time PCR was used to measure cytokine gene expression levels in murine macrophages treated with the studied drugs.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>IC₅₀ values for eugenol, MA, and their combination against <i>L. major</i> promastigotes were determined as 235.22 µg/mL, 298.93 µg/mL, and 159.02 µg/mL, respectively. Regarding anti-amastigote activity, the combination of eugenol with MA exhibited the lowest IC₅₀ value at 41.7 µg/mL, compared to 73.1 µg/mL for eugenol alone. The combination IC₅₀ has been located on the line that showed the additivity role. Docking studies suggest that residues within the active site of eugenol are capable of interacting with TNF-α and IL-12p40. Specifically, Leu57, Leu120, Gly120, and Gly122 were identified as common amino acids involved in binding with eugenol and TNF-α, whereas Glu12, Asn200, and His83 were associated with eugenol’s interaction with IL-12p40 Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of Th1 cytokines (IL-12P40, iNOS, IFN-γ) and downregulation of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) in the combined treatment relative to individual treatments.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The superior efficacy of the combined treatment of eugenol and MA on <i>L. major</i> necessitates further research on the clinical potential of this combination in the treatment of leishmaniasis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144574654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}