Unraveling oxidative stress response in the cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus

Sci Rep. 2019 Nov 4;9(1):15876. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-52456-3.

Abstract

Cystic hydatid disease (CHD) is a worldwide neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The parasite is well adapted to its host by producing protective molecules that modulate host immune response. An unexplored issue associated with the parasite's persistence in its host is how the organism can survive the oxidative stress resulting from parasite endogenous metabolism and host defenses. Here, we used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress in E. granulosus protoescoleces (PSCs) to identify molecular pathways and antioxidant responses during H2O2 exposure. Using proteomics, we identified 550 unique proteins; including 474 in H2O2-exposed PSCs (H-PSCs) samples and 515 in non-exposed PSCs (C-PSCs) samples. Larger amounts of antioxidant proteins, including GSTs and novel carbonyl detoxifying enzymes, such as aldo-keto reductase and carbonyl reductase, were detected after H2O2 exposure. Increased concentrations of caspase-3 and cathepsin-D proteases and components of the 26S proteasome were also detected in H-PSCs. Reduction of lamin-B and other caspase-substrate, such as filamin, in H-PSCs suggested that molecular events related to early apoptosis were also induced. We present data that describe proteins expressed in response to oxidative stress in a metazoan parasite, including novel antioxidant enzymes and targets with potential application to treatment and prevention of CHD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Caspase 3 / metabolism
  • Cathepsin D / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Echinococcus granulosus / growth & development
  • Echinococcus granulosus / metabolism*
  • Glutathione Transferase / metabolism
  • Helminth Proteins / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology*
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Helminth Proteins
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • Caspase 3
  • Cathepsin D
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex