The role of Acanthamoeba castellanii (T4 genotype) antioxidant enzymes in parasite survival under H2O2-induced oxidative stress

Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii) is an important opportunistic parasite. Induction of oxidative stress by the host immune system is one of the most important defense strategies against parasites. Hence, parasites partly deal with oxidative stress by different mechanisms. Identifying resistance mechanisms of A. castellanii parasites against oxidative stress is important to achieve a new therapeutic approach. Thus, this study aimed to understand the resistance mechanisms of A. castellanii, against oxidative stress. Trophozoites of A. castellanii were treated with different concentrations of H2O2. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of H2O2 was determined using the MTT assay. The induction of oxidative stress was confirmed by flow cytometer. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were determined. The gene expression levels of CAT and SOD were measured by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, 3-amino-1:2:4-triazole (3-AT) and potassium cyanide (KCN) were used as specific inhibitors of CAT and SOD, respectively. Cell cycle assay and the apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometer. The activities of SOD, CAT, GR, and GPx, showed an increase in oxidative stress. The cell cycle analysis revealed that most of the cellular population was in G0 and G1 phases. The apoptosis increased in oxidative stress conditions. Moreover, the apoptosis significantly increased after the specific inhibition of CAT and SOD under oxidative stress. The gene expression levels of CAT and SOD significantly increased under oxidative stress. A. castellanii can resist the host immune system through various mechanisms, including evoking its antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, by reducing or inhibiting the activity of the parasite's antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT, it is possible to cope with A. castellanii.