Sequencing and gene expression analysis of leishmania tropica LACK gene

Leishmania Homologue of receptors for Activated C Kinase [LACK] antigen is a 36-kDa protein, which provokes a very early immune response against Leishmania infection. There are several reports on the expression of LACK through different life-cycle stages of genus Leishmania, but only a few of them have focused on L.tropica. The present study provides details of the cloning, DNA sequencing and gene expression of LACK in this parasite species. First, several local isolates of Leishmania parasites were typed in our laboratory using PCR technique to verify of Leishmania parasite species. After that, LACK gene was amplified and cloned into a vector for sequencing. Finally, the expression of this molecule in logarithmic and stationary growth phase promastigotes, as well as in amastigotes, was evaluated by Reverse Transcription-PCR [RT-PCR] technique. The typing result confirmed that all our local isolates belong to L.tropica. LACK gene sequence was determined and high similarity was observed with the sequences of other Leishmania species. Furthermore, the expression of LACK gene in both promastigotes and amastigotes forms was confirmed. Overall, the data set the stage for future studies of the properties and immune role of LACK gene products

Study the effects of some antioxidants on leishmania in Syria

Leishmania is a human pathogen responsible for a spectrum of diseases known as leishmaniases, and a significant health problem in many parts of Syria. In this study, we investigated effects of some Antioxidants on Leishmania Tropica, a causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World. Resveratrol, Curcumin and Methanolic extract of Green tea showed antileishmanial activity against promastigotes in vitro, and was effective against amastigotes, as detected in vitro macrophage assay. where as the vitamin C did not show any activity against leishmania tropica in vitro assay