title: The leishmanicidal activity of oleuropein is selectively regulated through inflammation- and oxidative stress-related genes.
abstract: Much research effort has been focused on investigating new compounds derived from low-cost sources, such as natural products, for treating leishmaniasis. Oleuropein derived from numerous plants, particularly from the olive tree, Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae), is a biophenol with many biological activities. Our previous findings showed that oleuropein exhibits leishmanicidal effects against three Leishmania spp. in vitro, and minimizes the parasite burden in L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible mechanism(s) that mediate this leishmanicidal activity.
  
  
  
  We determined the efficacy of oleuropein in elevating ROS and NO production in L. donovani-infected J774A.1 macrophages and in explanted splenocytes and hepatocytes obtained from L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice. We also assessed the expression of genes that are related to inflammation, T-cell polarization and antioxidant defense, in splenocytes. Finally, we determined the ratios of specific IgG2a/IgG1 antibodies and DTH reactions in L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice treated with oleuropein.
  
  
  
  Oleuropein was able to elevate ROS production in both in vitro and in vivo models of visceral leishmaniasis and raised NO production in ex vivo cultures of splenocytes and hepatocytes. The extensive oxidative stress found in oleuropein-treated mice was obviated by the upregulation of the host's antioxidant enzyme (mGCLC) and the simultaneous downregulation of the corresponding enzyme of the parasite (LdGCLC). Moreover, oleuropein was able to mount a significant Th1 polarization characterized by the expression of immune genes (IL-12β, IL-10, TGF-β1, IFN-γ) and transcription factors (Tbx21 and GATA3). Moreover, this immunomodulatory effect was also correlated with an inhibitory effect on IL-1β gene expression, rather than with the expression of IL-1α, IL-1rn and TNF-α. Furthermore, oleuropein-treated BALB/c mice mounted a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and an elevated Leishmania-specific IgG2a/IgG1 ratio that clearly demonstrated an in vivo protective mechanism.
  
  
  
  The ability of Oleuropein to promote a Th1 type immune response in L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice points towards the candidacy of this bioactive compound as an immunomodulatory agent that may complement therapeutic approaches to leishmaniasis.
authors: Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece.|VIVUS research and diagnostic center, 160 Konstanta str, Volos, Greece.
authors: Ioannis D
authors: ID
authors: Kyriazis
authors: Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece.
authors: Olga S
authors: OS
authors: Koutsoni
authors: Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece.
authors: Nektarios
authors: N
authors: Aligiannis
authors: Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece.
authors: Kalliopi
authors: K
authors: Karampetsou
authors: Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece.
authors: Alexios-Leandros
authors: AL
authors: Skaltsounis
authors: Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece. e.dotsika@pasteur.gr.
authors: Eleni
authors: E
authors: Dotsika
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D057888:Iridoid Glucosides; D039823:Iridoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007893:Leishmania donovani / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D031658:Olea / Q000737:chemistry*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D057888:Iridoid Glucosides; D039823:Iridoids; D010936:Plant Extracts; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D016753:Interleukin-10; C002769:oleuropein; D007371:Interferon-gamma
keywords: Immunomodulation; Inflammation; Leishmania; Oleuropein; Oxidative stress; Visceral leishmaniasis