Author/Authors :
SADUQI, Morteza Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology - School of Medicine - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , SHARIFI, Iraj Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , BABAEI, Zahra Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , KEYHANI, Alireza Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , MOSTAFAVI, Mahshid Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , HAKIMI PARIZI, Maryam Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , GHASEMIAN, Mahdiyeh Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , BAMOROVAT, Mehdi Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , SHARIFI, Fatemeh Pharmaceutics Research Center - Institute of Neuropharmacology - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , AFLATOONIAN, Mohammad Reza Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , SHARIFIFAR, Fariba herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center - Department of Pharmacognosy - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , GHASEMI NEJAD, Pooya Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , KHOSRAVI, Ahmad Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , SALARKIA, Ehsan Leishmaniasis Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , VARMA, Rajender S Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials - Faculty of Science - Palacký University in Olomouc, - Czech Republic
Abstract :
Background: Pentavalent antimonials such as meglumine antimoniate (MA, Glucantime), are the first-line treatment against leishmaniasis, but at present, they have basically lost their efficacy. This study was aimed to explore epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCG), alone or in combination with MA against Leishmania tropica stages.
Methods: All experiments were carried out in triplicate using colorimetric assay, macrophage model, flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR. This experimental study was carried out in 2017 in Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Results: Promastigotes and amastigotes were more susceptible to EGCG than MA alone, but the effect was more profound when used in combination. EGCG exhibited high antioxidant level with a remarkable potential to induce apoptosis. Furthermore, the results showed that the level of gene expression pertaining to Th-1 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.001).
Conclusion: EGCG demonstrated a potent anti-leishmanial effect alone and more enhanced lethal activity in combination. The principal mode of action entails the stimulation of a synergis-tic response and up-regulation of the immunomodulatory role towards Th-1 response against L. tropica.
Keywords :
Epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate , Leishmania tropica , Immunomodulatory role , Apoptosis , Gene expression
