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Published on: July 15, 2011
Identification of CβS and ODC antimony resistance markers in anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis field isolates by
Farzaneh Zarrinkar1, Iraj Sharifi1, Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee1
1Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Abstract:
Antiparasitic resistance represents a serious global public health concern with tremendous economic and safety implications. This study intended to investigate the expression of the two major resistant markers: cystathionine β synthase (CβS) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in antimony unresponsive Leishmania tropica isolates compared to responsive ones. Twenty-six patients were randomly selected from widely known foci of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeastern Iran. Written informed consent of the patients was obtained. Two smears were prepared from the edge of each active lesion; one for microscopic direct smear preparation and the other for inoculation into monophasic NNN media, then for mass production of promastigotes into RPMI-1640 monophasic culture for performing nested PCR and gene expression quantification by real-time PCR. Twenty-six patients consisting of 13 unresponsive and 13 responsive equally distributed among female and male groups. All cases were identified to be L. tropica. Both resistant gene markers were significantly up-regulated in unresponsive and responsive isolates. The findings showed that CβS and ODC are directly linked with the resistance to L. tropica. Alternative drugs or combination therapy and monitoring drug resistance to prevent the spread of resistant isolates are proper strategies to control the disease.
Insights
Antiparasitic resistance in Leishmania tropica is a growing concern. This study found that cystathionine β-synthase (CβS) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) gene expression is elevated in resistant Leishmania tropica isolates.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Antiparasitic resistance in Leishmania tropica poses a significant global health and economic challenge.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of cystathionine β-synthase (CβS) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in antimony-unresponsive versus responsive Leishmania tropica isolates.
- To establish a link between CβS and ODC expression and antimony resistance in Leishmania tropica.
Main Methods:
- Real-time PCR was used to quantify gene expression levels of CβS and ODC.
- Leishmania tropica isolates were obtained from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeastern Iran.
- Isolates were categorized as antimony-unresponsive or responsive based on treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Both CβS and ODC genes were significantly up-regulated in antimony-unresponsive Leishmania tropica isolates compared to responsive ones.
- The study identified a direct correlation between elevated CβS and ODC expression and antimony resistance in Leishmania tropica.
- All patient isolates were confirmed to be Leishmania tropica.
Conclusions:
- Cystathionine β-synthase (CβS) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) are key molecular markers associated with antimony resistance in Leishmania tropica.
- Monitoring these gene markers can aid in the early detection of drug resistance.
- Alternative therapeutic strategies, such as combination drug therapy, are recommended to combat the spread of resistant Leishmania tropica strains.
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