Regulatory properties of a partially purified preparation of pyruvate kinase from Fasciola hepatica

It possesses sigmoid kinetics with PEP; FBP activation changes the relationship to a rectangular hyperbola. The enzyme is inhibited by malate, which competes with PEP; FBP relieves the inhibition slightly. ATP and bicarbonate ions are also inhibitory at high concentrations. ATP inhibition is mixed-competitive with PEP; bicarbonate inhibition is non-competitive. It is suggested that pyruvate kinase may regulate both lactate and acetate production by moderating the size of the cytosolic pyruvate pool.     

3-mercaptopicolinic acid and energy metabolism in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica

Mercaptopicolinic acid inhibited ¹⁴CO₂ uptake and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity in intact fluke. Studies with enzyme preparations showed that the inhibition was mixed-competitive with phosphoenolpyruvate and non-competitive with GTP. Inhibition was not reversed by Mn²⁺. Pyruvate kinase was not inhibited by mercaptopicolinic acid, although under certain circumstances, mercaptopicolinic acid interfered with the pyruvate kinase assay system. Intact flukes incubated with mercaptopicolinic acid showed depressed adenylate energy charge, increased lactic acid production and reduced flow of carbon from phosphoenolpyruvate to the mitochondrial substrate, malate. Additions of glutamate, alanine or aspartate did not reverse these effects even though, in each case, the amino acid was metabolised and considerably more acid end products were formed than in the absence of mercaptopicolinic acid. The changes in the concentrations of metabolites and end products are consistent with the view that, in flukes whose energy metabolism is impaired by mercaptopicolinic acid, pyruvate enters the mitochondrion and is converted to acetic and propionic acids.     

Studies of regulatory metabolism in Moniezia expansa: the role of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) from M. expansa has been partially purified and its behaviour in a range of different assay conditions has been determined. Different PEPCK's were found in the cytosol and mitochondria. Some kinetic parameters for each are presented. Both enzymes are activated by Mn²⁺; cytosolic PEPCK is also activated by Mg²⁺. The enzymes have pH optima in the range 6·4–7·0. They do not differ with respect to their apparent affinities for inosine and guanosine diphosphates, but the latter allows higher maximal activity. Little activity is observed with adenosine diphosphate. Adenosine and inosine triphosphates exert weak inhibitory effects on the Mn²⁺ activated enzymes; a much strongsr inhibition is exerted on the cytosolic enzyme when activated by Mg²⁺. A number of non-nucleotide compounds were tested for possible inhibitory effects with no success. The forward and back reactions catalyzed by PEPCK proceed at similar rates, suggesting that the enzyme may be readily raversible in vivo.     

The metabolic integrity of Fasciola hepatica during in vitro maintenance

Levels of metabolic intermediates and end products in F. hepatica after 24 and 48 h in Hédon-Fleig salt solution with added glucose were compared with levels obtained immediately on removal from the host. Glycogen levels dropped initially, probably due to the expulsion of eggs; thereafter they remained constant. Internal glucose concentrations increased as the parasites equilibrated with the medium. Other changes in internal pool sizes were consistent with regulation to the in vitro conditions. ATP levels increased; ATP/ADP ratios were maintained. Comparisons of mass action ratios and equilibrium constants suggest that hexokinase, pyruvate kinase and phosphofructokinase are regulatory. Output of excretory products approached linearity; from the calculated regressions the proportions of lactate, acetate and propionate were 1: 2: 4. The implications for metabolic regulation in F. hepatica are briefly discussed, and it is concluded that, for at least 48 h in vitro, energy metabolism is not adversely affected.     

Isolation of Fasciola hepatica genus-specific antigens

Santiago de Weil N., Hillyer G. V. and Pacheco E. 1984. Isolation of Fasciola hepatica genus-specific antigens. International Journal for Parasitology14: 197–206. The Fasciola hepatica antigens which induce antibody formation in acute fascioliasis were isolated by acid elution after reacting an F. hepatica tegument antigen extract with a CNBr-Sepharose 4B column coupled with IgG obtained from the serum of rabbits infected with fascioliasis for 6–10 weeks. These isolated antigens were further separated by gel filtration using a column packed with Sephacryl S-200. In this manner three major peaks were obtained. The best serologic antigens were found in peak 2 which had a mol. wt range of 14,000–43,000. This peak contains genus-specific F. hepatica antigens which are highly reactive with fascioliasis serum. These antigens do not cross-react with either Schistosoma mansoni or with bovine serum albumin by gel diffusion. Monitoring by ELISA and gel diffusion with heterologous and homologous antisera showed that as purification by antibody affinity chromatography proceeded, cross reactivity with S. mansoni was eliminated. The rabbit antiserum obtained against peak 2, when tested by immunoelectrophoresis with a crude F. hepatica extract shows one main band identical to the main band observed with serum from acutely infected rabbits. Up to two other minor bands can be detected using concentrated homologous antisera. Fractions obtained from preparative iso-electric focusing of the F. hepatica tegument extract were reacted with sera from rabbits with acute fascioliasis. Two main bands were observed in immunodiffusion with antigens eluting in a pH range of 7.4–8.7. When these fractions were monitored with anti peak 2 antisera, two precipitin bands appeared with antigens eluting in a pH range of 7.4–7.9. The F. hepatica genus-specific antigen pool was applied to ELISA to evaluate its ability to detect antibody in a primary F. hepatica infection in rabbits. A rise in absorbance values could be detected by 2 weeks of infection, reached high levels by 6 weeks and remained high through 28 weeks of infection.     

Analysis of Escherichia coli anaplerotic metabolism and its regulation mechanisms from the metabolic responses to altered dilution rates and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase knockout

The gluconeogenic phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxykinase is active in Escherichia coli during its growth on glucose. The present study investigated the influence of growth rates and PEP carboxykinase knockout on the anaplerotic fluxes in E. coli. The intracellular fluxes were determined using the complementary methods of flux ratio analysis and metabolic flux analysis based on [U-(13)C(6)]glucose labeling experiments and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of cellular amino acids and glycerol. Significant activity of PEP carboxykinase was identified in wild-type E. coli, and the ATP dissipation for the futile cycling via this reaction accounted for up to 8.2% of the total energy flux. Flux analysis of pck deletion mutant revealed that abolishment of PEP carboxykinase activity resulted in a remarkably reduced flux through the anaplerotic PEP carboxylase and the activation of the glyoxylate shunt, with 23% of isocitrate found being channeled in the glyoxylate shunt. The changes in intracellular metabolite concentrations and specific enzyme activities associated with different growth rates and pck deletion, were also determined. Combining the measurement data of in vivo fluxes, metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities, the in vivo regulations of PEP carboxykinase flux, PEP carboxylation, and glyoxylate shunt in E. coli are discussed.     

Experimental infection of the horse with Fasciola hepatica

The experimental data show that the horse exhibits a pronounced resistance to the establishment of a liver fluke infection. With oral doses of up to 800 metacercariae a patent infection was established in only one out of ten horses.Histological, hematological, and immunological results provided evidence to suggest that the majority of parasites were eliminated or immobilized at an early stage of the infection, presumably before reaching the liver. This hypothesis was supported by the finding that about 15% of excysted larvae implanted intraperitoneally in two horses, succeeded in reaching maturity in the bile ducts.     

ATP synthesis in a succinate decarboxylase system from Fasciola hepatica mitochondria

Köhler P. B.,Ryant C. and Behm Carolyn A. 1978. ATP synthesis in a succinate decarboxylase system from Fasciola hepatica mitochondria. International Journal for Parasitology8: 399–404. Succinate decarboxylation was measured by the formation of ¹⁴CO₂ from 1,4-¹⁴C-succinate in a particle free, dialysed mitochondrial extract from liver fluke. It has an absolute requirement for Mg²⁺ and CoA. ATP, ADP and inorganic phosphate are essential for optimal activity. Ap₅A, an inhibitor of adenylate kinase, and glutathione are also necessary. GTP supports decarboxylation as well as ATP, provided ADP is also present. The formation of CO₂ and propionate greatly exceeds the amount of ATP and CoA initially present in the reaction mixture. A net, substrate-level phosphorylation of ADP occurs, the amount of ATP formed being equivalent to the production of CO₂ or propionate. This system is inhibited in flukes incubated in vitro with mebendazole.It is concluded that ATP is required to spark the fermentation system when succinate is the initial substrate and intermediate substrates are absent; that the terminal step in propionate formation is catalysed by a transferase which transfers CoA from propionyl CoA to succinate; and that ATP formation is coupled to the decarboxylation of methylmalonyl-CoA. A reaction scheme is presented.     

A novel calmodulin-like protein from the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica

An 18.2 kDa protein from the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica has been identified and characterised. The protein shows strongest sequence similarity to egg antigen proteins from Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum and Clonorchis sinensis. The protein is predicted to adopt a calmodulin-like fold; it thus represents the third calmodulin-like protein to be characterised in F. hepatica and has been named FhCaM3. Compared to the classical calmodulin structure there are some variations. Most noticeably, the central, linker helix is disrupted by a cysteine residue. Alkaline native gel electrophoresis showed that FhCaM3 binds calcium ions. This binding event increases the ability of the protein to bind the hydrophobic fluorescent probe 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate, consistent with an increase in surface hydrophobicity as seen in other calmodulins. FhCaM3 binds to the calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine and W7, but not to the myosin regulatory light chain binding compound praziquantel. Immunolocalisation demonstrated that the protein is found in eggs and vitelline cells. Given the critical role of calcium ions in egg formation and hatching this suggests that FhCaM3 may play a role in calcium signalling in these processes. Consequently the antagonism of FhCaM3 may, potentially, offer a method for inhibiting egg production and thus reducing the spread of infection.     

Identification and differentiation of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica using a simple PCR-restriction enzyme method

Accurate morphological differentiation between the liver fluke species Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica is difficult. We evaluated PCR-restriction enzyme profiles of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) that could aid in their identification. Fifty F. hepatica and 30 F. gigantica specimens were collected from different hosts in three provinces of Iran. For DNA extraction, we crushed fragments of the worms between two glass slides as a new method to break down the cells. DNA from the crushed materials was then extracted with a conventional phenol-chloroform method and with the newly developed technique, commercial FTA cards. A primer pair was selected to amplify a 463-bp region of the ITS1 sequence. After sequencing 14 samples and in silico analysis, cutting sites of all known enzymes were predicted and TasI was selected as the enzyme that yielded the most informative profile. Crushing produced enough DNA for PCR amplification with both the phenol-chloroform and commercial FTA card method. The DNA extracted from all samples was successfully amplified and yielded a single sharp band of the expected size. Digestion of PCR products with TasI allowed us to distinguish the two species. In all samples, molecular identification was consistent with morphological identification. Our PCR-restriction enzyme profile is a simple, rapid and reliable method for differentiating F. hepatica and F. gigantica, and can be used for diagnostic and epidemiological purposes.     

Changes in energy metabolism due to anthelmintics in Fasciola hepatica maintained in vitro

The effects of rafoxanide (RFX), nitroscanate (NSC) and mebendazole (MBZ) on oxidative pathways in whole F. hepatica maintained in a simple salt solution have been examined. The anthelmintics did not alter glucose uptake or glycogen mobilization. NSC and RFX depressed ATP and increased AMP levels. MBZ behaved similarly at first, but later depressed the total adenine nucleotides. All three drugs influenced end product formation, increasing it initially, although by different mechanisms. With NSC, early increases in lactate and acetate excretion were later abolished. With RFX, there was an initial increased production of acetate and propionate. Later, excretion of propionate was reduced and that of succinate was increased. MBZ also increased succinate excretion, but to a much greater extent. In addition, it inhibited lactate production. A number of effects of the drugs on the internal concentrations of metabolic intermediates are described. The mechanisms of action of the drugs are discussed.     

Pathways of acetate and propionate production in adult Fasciola hepatica

In adult F. hepatica pyruvate is decarboxylated via pyruvate dehydrogenase to acetyl-CoA; acetyl-CoA is then cleaved to acetate via three possible mechanisms (1) carnitine dependent hydrolysis, (2) CoA transferase, (3) reversal of a GTP dependent acyl-CoA synthetase. Of these three systems, CoA transferase has by far the greatest activity. Propionate production by F. hepatica is similar to the mammalian system, succinate being metabolized via succinic thiokinase, methylmalonyl-CoA isomerase, methyl-malonyl-CoA racemase and propionyl-CoA carboxylase to propionyl-CoA. Propionyl-CoA is then cleaved to propionate by the same three pathways as acetyl-CoA. No ATP or GTP production could be demonstrated when acetyl- or propionyl-CoA were incubated with homogenates of F. hepatica. This indicates that carnitine dependent hydrolysis or CoA transferase are the major pathways of acetyl- or propionyl-CoA breakdown. The CoA transferase reaction would result in the conservation of the bond energy although there is no net ATP synthesis.     

A bioluminescent assay for the determination of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity in nanogram-sized tissue samples

A highly specific and sensitive assay for the determination of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in nanogram-sized tissue samples is described. This test system is based on the stoichiometric transformation of phosphoenolpyruvate into ATP. In a subsequent step ATP is quantified by bioluminescent techniques. The applicability of this assay system is shown by measurements in liver samples with normal and high PEPCK activity levels.     

血清学诊断中结核杆菌磷酸烯醇型丙酮酸羧激酶的应用

[目的]在原核系统中表达结核杆菌磷酸烯醇型丙酮酸羧激酶(phosphoenolpyruvate car-boxykinase PEPCK),并研究该蛋白在诊断结核病人血清抗体中的应用价值.[方法]应用基因重组技术表达重组蛋白结核杆菌磷酸烯醇型丙酮酸羧激酶,经亲和层析法纯化表达产物.用表达的重组蛋白免疫小鼠,研究其免疫学特性.间接酶联免疫吸附试验(Enzyme link immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测结核病人血清中特异性IgG抗体,并与结核杆菌抗体胶体金法诊断试剂盒检测结果对比.[结果]试验表明转化入大肠杆菌中的重组质粒能够表达并纯化出相对分子量为72 kDa的重组蛋白;Western blot证实重组蛋白能够与小鼠抗BCG血清发生特异性反应;重组蛋白免疫小鼠后,小鼠血清中的抗体滴度可达1∶1280以上;重组蛋白用作ELISA包被抗原检测病人血清阳性率为17.3%(30/173),其中排菌病人的阳性率为32.5%(13/42),不排菌病人的阳性率为12.9%.该方法结果与结核杆菌抗体胶体金法诊断试剂盒的检测结果相比,敏感性为51.0%,特异性为96.7%.[结论]结核杆菌PEPCK具有较好的免疫原性和抗原性,有可能作为结核病血清学诊断的一组抗原之一.     

Development of an in vitro technique for cytological investigations of slices of Fasciola hepatica: Evaluation by physiological criteria

In order to check the via bilityof Fasciola hepatica slices, maintained in M199 under defined physico-chemical conditions, their rates of consumption of oxygen and glucose were determined, throughout a 12-h period, using polarographic and spectrophotometric techniques. The results, when compared with similar determinations on intact animals, indicated that the slices remained as viable as incubated whole flukes, for at least 12 h. This finding supports ultrastructural evidence detailed in a previous publication. The slices were shown to consume more oxygen and less glucose than whole animals, and possible reasons for this are discussed. Studies on the effects of DNP and iodoacetate on the uptake behaviour of slices suggested that in Fasciola hepatica, as in aerobes, most of the oxygen and glucose consumed is involved with energy metabolism. Hence, oxygen and glucose uptake rates are probably valid criteria of tissue viability for the slices.     

Crystal structure of human cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase reveals a new GTP-binding site

We report crystal structures of the human enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) with and without bound substrates. These structures are the first to be determined for a GTP-dependent PEPCK, and provide the first view of a novel GTP-binding site unique to the GTP-dependent PEPCK family. Three phenylalanine residues form the walls of the guanine-binding pocket on the enzyme's surface and, most surprisingly, one of the phenylalanine side-chains contributes to the enzyme's specificity for GTP. PEPCK catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the metabolic pathway that produces glucose from lactate and other precursors derived from the citric acid cycle. Because the gluconeogenic pathway contributes to the fasting hyperglycemia of type II diabetes, inhibitors of PEPCK may be useful in the treatment of diabetes.     

Fasciola hepatica: Comparative studies on fascioliasis in rats and mice

Chapman C. B. and Mitchell G. F. 1982. Fasciola hepatica: comparative studies on fascioliasis in rats and mice. International Journal for Parasitology12: 81–91. Certain characteristics of infection differ between rats and mice exposed to metacercariae of the trematode parasite, Fasciola hepatica. Rats develop a degree of age-related resistance (and infected older females contain fewer parasites than older males), resistance to reinfection in infected rats is demonstrated readily though is partial, and a comparable degree of resistance can be obtained in recipients of infected rat serum provided the serum is given at about the time of challenge. None of these features of F. hepatica infection is seen in mice. Rats also differ from mice in that they can be vaccinated against infection (although again, resistance is incomplete) using larval antigen mixtures in adjuvants. Mice do respond to infection by production of antilarval antibodies and a slight IgG₁ hypergammaglobulinaemia and larvae will sensitize mice for delayed hypersensitivity. The results of this study indicate that sera from infected rats versus infected mice will be useful in pinpointing antigens of F. hepatica larvae which are involved in expression of partial host protection.     

Catabolite inactivation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in spheroplasts from Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Catabolite inactivation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was studied in yeast spheroplasts using 0.9 M mannitol or 0.6 M potassium chloride as the osmotic support. In the presence of potassium chloride the rate of catabolite inactivation was nearly the same as that occurring in intact yeast cells under different conditions of incubation. However, in the presence of mannitol, catabolite inactivation in spheroplasts was prevented. The mannitol inhibition of catabolite inactivation was released by addition of ammonium or phosphate ions. At a concentration of 0.3 M ammonium or 0.06 M phosphate ions, the maximum rate of catabolite inactivation in spheroplasts suspended in mannitol was achieved and was comparable with that observed in spheroplasts incubated in 0.6 M potassium chloride as the osmotic stabilizer. Sodium sulfate (0.04 and 0.4 M) or potassium chloride (0.06 and 0.6 M) did not release the mannitol inhibition of catabolite inactivation in spheroplasts. In intact yeast cells, 0.9 M mannitol, 0.08 M ammonium or 0.1 M phosphate ions did not influence the rate of catabolite inactivation. The nature of the effects of mannitol, ammonium and phosphate ions on catabolite inactivation in yeast spheroplasts is disscussed.     

In vitro cultivation of Fasciola hepatica metacercariae and of partially developed flukes recovered from mice

Attempts were made to culture the metacercariae of Fasciola hepatica under a wide variety of conditions. Of the media tested, the most successful was NCTC 135 plus 50% heat inactivated chick serum and sheep red blood cells at 37°–38°C. In this medium, somatic development of newly excysted juveniles was similar to that of flukes recovered from the liver of a mouse 11 days post-infection. There was, however, no corresponding development of the genital rudiment. Various supplements, such as liver extract, bile, yeast extract, embryo extract, egg products, monolayer cells and diphasic media were tested, but none enhanced development. The effects of various physical parameters on growth and development in vitro were examined. Cultured metacercariae appeared to be in a state of ‘suspended animation’; when injected intraperitoneally into mice they developed into egg-producing adults. Flukes recovered from the abdomen and liver of mice continued their somatic growth in vitro but their genitalia failed to develop further.