Induction of Apoptosis in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Hela Cells by Cisplatin and Sodium Azide and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies and Potential Use for Vaccination against Toxoplasma gondii

Background: Toxoplasma gondii can infect a wide range of mammalians, especially humans. It controls several intracellular signals for the inhibition of apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the apoptogenic effect of cisplatin and sodium azide on T. gondii infected HeLa cells and isolate apoptotic bodies (blebs) as a potent stimulator of the immune system. Methods: The cytotoxic properties of cisplatin and sodium azide (NaN3) on HeLa cells were evaluated by MTT assay. Moreover, the apoptogenic activity of cisplatin and NaN3 was studied using flow cytometry (Annexin V/PI double staining) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, apoptotic bodies were separated by centrifugation. Results: MTT assay data showed that the survival rate of cells treated with different concentration of NaN3 was significantly reduced, compared to negative control groups. Concerning cisplatin, only concentration of 20 μM had not a significant impact on the cell viability; however, the other concentration of cisplatin significantly reduced cell viability, compared to negative control groups. The level of early apoptosis in uninfected HeLa cells was higher compared to infected HeLa cells treated with cisplatin and NaN3. Finally, apoptotic bodies were separated from T. gondii infected HeLa cells treated with cisplatin. Conclusion: Apoptosis was induced in both uninfected and infected HeLa cells with T. gondii and apoptotic bodies were isolated from infected cells. Therefore, further studies on apoptotic bodies are required in order to find a proper candidate for vaccine preparation against T. gondii infections

Chemical Composition, Larvicidal and Repellency Properties of Cionura erecta (L.) Griseb. Against Malaria Vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae).

Background: Application of plant derivatives have been suggested as alternative sources for mosquito control. Methods: The root essential oil and methanol extract of Cionura erecta (L.) Griseb was tested under laboratory conditions for larvicidal and skin repelleny activities against Anopheles stephensi. The chemical compositions of essential oils were analyzed using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry. Results: Among the five concentrations tested, the 320 ppm of essential oil and 1280 ppm of methanolic extract had the most toxic effects yielding 100% mortality. The LC50 values of C. erecta for both essential oil and methanolic extract were 77.30 and 250.38 ppm, respectively. A total of 19 compounds were identified in essential oil of root. The major components were detected in root essential oil including Cedren-9-one (7.89%), alpha cadinol (5.67%), eugenol (4.02%) and alpha muurolene (3.58%). The protection time of 50% solution of essential oil against bites of An. stephensi was 2.28 hour on white rabbit and the ED50 and ED90 values of the essential oil were 10.12 and 23.01 ppm respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest that C. erecta oil has a potential source as larvicidal and repellency properties against An.stephensi