51
|
Assessing the Effectiveness of Curative Benznidazole Treatment in Preventing Chronic Cardiac Pathology in Experimental Models of Chagas Disease. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00832-18. [PMID: 30082291 PMCID: PMC6153806 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00832-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagasic heart disease develops in 30% of those infected with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, but can take decades to become symptomatic. Because of this, it has been difficult to assess the extent to which antiparasitic therapy can prevent the development of pathology. We sought to address this question using experimental murine models, exploiting highly sensitive bioluminescent imaging to monitor curative efficacy. Mice were inoculated with bioluminescent parasites and then cured in either the acute or chronic stage of infection with benznidazole. At the experimental endpoint (5 to 6 months postinfection), heart tissue was removed and assessed for inflammation and fibrosis, two widely used markers of cardiac pathology. Infection of BALB/c and C3H/HeN mice with distinct T. cruzi lineages resulted in greatly increased myocardial collagen content at a group level, indicative of fibrotic pathology. When mice were cured by benznidazole in the acute stage, the development of pathology was completely blocked. However, if treatment was delayed until the chronic stage, cardiac fibrosis was observed in the BALB/c model, although the protective effect was maintained in the case of C3H/HeN mice. These experiments therefore demonstrate that curative benznidazole treatment early in murine T. cruzi infections can prevent the development of cardiac fibrosis. They also show that treatment during the chronic stage can block pathology but the effectiveness varies between infection models. If these findings are extendable to humans, it implies that widespread chemotherapeutic intervention targeted at early-stage infections could play a crucial role in reducing Chagas disease morbidity at a population level.
Collapse
|
52
|
Scarim CB, de Andrade CR, da Rosa JA, dos Santos JL, Chin CM. Hydroxymethylnitrofurazone treatment in indeterminate form of chronic Chagas disease: Reduced intensity of tissue parasitism and inflammation-A histopathological study. Int J Exp Pathol 2018; 99:236-248. [PMID: 30320480 PMCID: PMC6302791 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH) is a nitrofurazone prodrug effective in vivo during acute infections, and it has less hepatotoxicity effect than the standard drug benznidazole (BZN) which has been used during short- and long-term treatment. In the present study, we induced the indeterminate form of Chagas disease in mice with a Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi and analysed the histopathological data about the effects of NFOH and BZN on different tissues, including the heart, skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, colon, spleen and brain. After infection, BALB/c mice were treated with NFOH (150 mg/kg) and BZN (60 mg/kg) for 60 days and then submitted to immunosuppression using dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) for 14 days. Two trained analysts, as part of a blind evaluation, examined the results using serial sections of 3 mm diameter in two different moments. The results showed reactivation of the disease only in the infected nontreated group (POS). After treatment, amastigote nests were found in the heart, colon, liver and skeletal muscle in the POS group and in the heart and liver of the BZN group. Interestingly, amastigote nests were not found in the NFOH and NEG groups. The histopathological analysis showed fewer tissue lesions and parasite infiltrates in the NFOH group when compared with the BZN and POS groups. We have not observed any increase in the levels of hepatocellular injury biomarkers (AST/ALT) in the NFOH group. These in vivo studies show the potential for NFOH as an effective and safe compound useful as an anti-T. cruzi agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cauê B. Scarim
- São Paulo State University (UNESP)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesDepartment of Drugs and MedicinesLapdesf ‐ Laboratory of Research and Development of DrugsAraraquaraSão PauloBrazil
| | - Cleverton R. de Andrade
- São Paulo State University (UNESP)Faculty of DentistryDepartment of Physiology and PathologyAraraquaraSão PauloBrazil
| | - João A. da Rosa
- São Paulo State University (UNESP)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesDepartment of Biological SciencesAraraquaraSão PauloBrazil
| | - Jean L. dos Santos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesDepartment of Drugs and MedicinesLapdesf ‐ Laboratory of Research and Development of DrugsAraraquaraSão PauloBrazil
| | - Chung M. Chin
- São Paulo State University (UNESP)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesDepartment of Drugs and MedicinesLapdesf ‐ Laboratory of Research and Development of DrugsAraraquaraSão PauloBrazil
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Müller Kratz J, Garcia Bournissen F, Forsyth CJ, Sosa-Estani S. Clinical and pharmacological profile of benznidazole for treatment of Chagas disease. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2018; 11:943-957. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1509704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jadel Müller Kratz
- Chagas Clinical Program, Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Facundo Garcia Bournissen
- Parasitology and Chagas Service, Buenos Aires Children Hospital Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Colin J. Forsyth
- Chagas Clinical Program, Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Chagas Clinical Program, Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Center, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Martín-Escolano R, Aguilera-Venegas B, Marín C, Martín-Montes Á, Martín-Escolano J, Medina-Carmona E, Arán VJ, Sánchez-Moreno M. Synthesis and Biological in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of 2-(5-Nitroindazol-1-yl)ethylamines and Related Compounds as Potential Therapeutic Alternatives for Chagas Disease. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:2104-2118. [PMID: 30098232 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a potentially life-threatening illness that affects 5-8 million people in Latin America, and more than 10 million people worldwide. It is characterized by an acute phase, which is partly resolved by the immune system, but then develops as a chronic disease without an effective treatment. There is an urgent need for new antiprotozoal agents, as the current standard therapeutic options based on benznidazole and nifurtimox are characterized by limited efficacy, toxicity, and frequent failures in treatment. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to identify some new low-cost 5-nitroindazoles as a potential antichagasic therapeutic alternative. Compound 16 (3-benzyloxy-5-nitro-1-vinyl-1H-indazole) showed improved efficiency and lower toxicity than benznidazole in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, and its trypanocidal activity seems to be related to its effect at the mitochondrial level. Therefore, compound 16 is a promising candidate for the development of a new anti-Chagas agent, and further preclinical evaluation should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, University of Granada, c/ Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Benjamín Aguilera-Venegas
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile, Box 233, Santiago, 8380492, Chile
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, University of Granada, c/ Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martín-Montes
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, University of Granada, c/ Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Martín-Escolano
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, University of Granada, c/ Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Encarnación Medina-Carmona
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Av. Fuentenueva s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente J Arán
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), c/ Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, University of Granada, c/ Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
MacLean LM, Thomas J, Lewis MD, Cotillo I, Gray DW, De Rycker M. Development of Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro assays to identify compounds suitable for progression in Chagas' disease drug discovery. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006612. [PMID: 30001347 PMCID: PMC6057682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas' disease is responsible for significant mortality and morbidity in Latin America. Current treatments display variable efficacy and have adverse side effects, hence more effective, better tolerated drugs are needed. However, recent efforts have proved unsuccessful with failure of the ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor posaconazole in phase II clinical trials despite promising in vitro and in vivo studies. The lack of translation between laboratory experiments and clinical outcome is a major issue for further drug discovery efforts. Our goal was to identify cell-based assays that could differentiate current nitro-aromatic drugs nifurtimox and benznidazole from posaconazole. Using a panel of T. cruzi strains including the six major lineages (TcI-VI), we found that strain PAH179 (TcV) was markedly less susceptible to posaconazole in vitro. Determination of parasite doubling and cycling times as well as EdU labelling experiments all indicate that this lack of sensitivity is due to the slow doubling and cycling time of strain PAH179. This is in accordance with ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition by posaconazole leading to critically low ergosterol levels only after multiple rounds of division, and is further supported by the lack of effect of posaconazole on the non-replicative trypomastigote form. A washout experiment with prolonged posaconazole treatment showed that, even for more rapidly replicating strains, this compound cannot clear all parasites, indicative of a heterogeneous parasite population in vitro and potentially the presence of quiescent parasites. Benznidazole in contrast was able to kill all parasites. The work presented here shows clear differentiation between the nitro-aromatic drugs and posaconazole in several assays, and suggests that in vitro there may be clinically relevant heterogeneity in the parasite population that can be revealed in long-term washout experiments. Based on these findings we have adjusted our in vitro screening cascade so that only the most promising compounds are progressed to in vivo experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorna M. MacLean
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LML); (DWG)
| | - John Thomas
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D. Lewis
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ignacio Cotillo
- GlaxoSmithKline, Diseases of the Developing World, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - David W. Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LML); (DWG)
| | - Manu De Rycker
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Martín-Escolano R, Moreno-Viguri E, Santivañez-Veliz M, Martin-Montes A, Medina-Carmona E, Paucar R, Marín C, Azqueta A, Cirauqui N, Pey AL, Pérez-Silanes S, Sánchez-Moreno M. Second Generation of Mannich Base-Type Derivatives with in Vivo Activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. J Med Chem 2018; 61:5643-5663. [PMID: 29883536 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening and neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. One of the most important challenges related to Chagas disease is the search for new, safe, effective, and affordable drugs since the current therapeutic arsenal is inadequate and insufficient. Here, we report a simple and cost-effective synthesis and the biological evaluation of the second generation of Mannich base-type derivatives. Compounds 7, 9, and 10 showed improved in vitro efficiency and lower toxicity than benznidazole, in addition to no genotoxicity; thus, they were applied in in vivo assays to assess their activity in both acute and chronic phases of the disease. Compound 10 presented a similar profile to benznidazole from the parasitological perspective but also yielded encouraging data, as no toxicity was observed. Moreover, compound 9 showed lower parasitaemia and higher curative rates than benznidazole, also with lower toxicity in both acute and chronic phases. Therefore, further studies should be considered to optimize compound 9 to promote its further preclinical evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Departament of Parasitology , Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios De Granada/University of Granada , Severo Ochoa s/n , E-18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Elsa Moreno-Viguri
- Universidad de Navarra , Department of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Instituto de Salud Tropical , Pamplona 31008 , Spain
| | - Mery Santivañez-Veliz
- Universidad de Navarra , Department of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Instituto de Salud Tropical , Pamplona 31008 , Spain
| | - Alvaro Martin-Montes
- Departament of Parasitology , Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios De Granada/University of Granada , Severo Ochoa s/n , E-18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Encarnación Medina-Carmona
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences , University of Granada , Av. Fuentenueva s/n , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Rocío Paucar
- Universidad de Navarra , Department of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Instituto de Salud Tropical , Pamplona 31008 , Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Departament of Parasitology , Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios De Granada/University of Granada , Severo Ochoa s/n , E-18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Amaya Azqueta
- Universidad de Navarra , Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Pamplona 31008 , Spain
| | - Nuria Cirauqui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21949-900 , Brazil
| | - Angel L Pey
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences , University of Granada , Av. Fuentenueva s/n , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Silvia Pérez-Silanes
- Universidad de Navarra , Department of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Instituto de Salud Tropical , Pamplona 31008 , Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Departament of Parasitology , Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios De Granada/University of Granada , Severo Ochoa s/n , E-18071 Granada , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Saraiva ÁPB, Miranda RM, Valente RPP, Araújo JO, Souza RNB, Costa CHS, Oliveira ARS, Almeida MO, Figueiredo AF, Ferreira JEV, Alves CN, Honorio KM. Molecular description of α-keto-based inhibitors of cruzain with activity against Chagas disease combining 3D-QSAR studies and molecular dynamics. Chem Biol Drug Des 2018; 92:1475-1487. [PMID: 29682904 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a group of α-keto-based inhibitors of the cruzain enzyme with anti-chagas activity was selected for a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship study (3D-QSAR) combined with molecular dynamics (MD). Firstly, statistical models based on Partial Least Square (PLS) regression were developed employing comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) descriptors. Validation parameters (q2 and r2 )for the models were, respectively, 0.910 and 0.997 (CoMFA) and 0.913 and 0.992 (CoMSIA). In addition, external validation for the models using a test group revealed r2pred = 0.728 (CoMFA) and 0.971 (CoMSIA). The most relevant aspect in this study was the generation of molecular fields in both favorable and unfavorable regions based on the models developed. These fields are important to interpret modifications necessary to enhance the biological activities of the inhibitors. This analysis was restricted considering the inhibitors in a fixed conformation, not interacting with their target, the cruzain enzyme. Then, MD was employed taking into account important variables such as time and temperature. MD helped describe the behavior of the inhibitors and their properties showed similar results as those generated by QSAR-3D study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ádria P B Saraiva
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Belém, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo M Miranda
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Belém, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil
| | - Renan P P Valente
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Belém, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil
| | - Jéssica O Araújo
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Belém, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil
| | - Rutelene N B Souza
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Belém, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Michell O Almeida
- Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio F Figueiredo
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Castanhal, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil
| | - João E V Ferreira
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Tucuruí, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Nahum Alves
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Castanhal, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil
| | - Kathia M Honorio
- Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas - Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Expanding the toolbox for Trypanosoma cruzi: A parasite line incorporating a bioluminescence-fluorescence dual reporter and streamlined CRISPR/Cas9 functionality for rapid in vivo localisation and phenotyping. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006388. [PMID: 29608569 PMCID: PMC5897030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, a major public health problem throughout Latin America. There is no vaccine and the only drugs have severe side effects. Efforts to generate new therapies are hampered by limitations in our understanding of parasite biology and disease pathogenesis. Studies are compromised by the complexity of the disease, the long-term nature of the infection, and the fact that parasites are barely detectable during the chronic stage. In addition, functional dissection of T. cruzi biology has been restricted by the limited flexibility of the genetic manipulation technology applicable to this parasite. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here, we describe two technical innovations, which will allow the role of the parasite in disease progression to be better assessed. First, we generated a T. cruzi reporter strain that expresses a fusion protein comprising red-shifted luciferase and green fluorescent protein domains. Bioluminescence allows the kinetics of infection to be followed within a single animal, and specific foci of infection to be pinpointed in excised tissues. Fluorescence can then be used to visualise individual parasites in tissue sections to study host-parasite interactions at a cellular level. Using this strategy, we have been routinely able to find individual parasites within chronically infected murine tissues for the first time. The second advance is the incorporation of a streamlined CRISPR/Cas9 functionality into this reporter strain that can facilitate genome editing using a PCR-based approach that does not require DNA cloning. This system allows the rapid generation of null mutants and fluorescently tagged parasites in a background where the in vivo phenotype can be rapidly assessed. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The techniques described here will have multiple applications for studying aspects of T. cruzi biology and Chagas disease pathogenesis previously inaccessible to conventional approaches. The reagents and cell lines have been generated as a community resource and are freely available on request.
Collapse
|
59
|
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by infection with the insect-transmitted protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, and is the most important parasitic infection in Latin America. The current drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, are characterized by limited efficacy and toxic side-effects, and treatment failures are frequently observed. The urgent need for new therapeutic approaches is being met by a combined effort from the academic and commercial sectors, together with major input from not-for-profit drug development consortia. With the disappointing outcomes of recent clinical trials against chronic Chagas disease, it has become clear that an incomplete understanding of parasite biology and disease pathogenesis is impacting negatively on the development of more effective drugs. In addition, technical issues, including difficulties in establishing parasitological cure in both human patients and animal models, have greatly complicated the assessment of drug efficacy. Here, we outline the major questions that need to be addressed and discuss technical innovations that can be exploited to accelerate the drug development pipeline.
Collapse
|
60
|
Silva DG, Gillespie JR, Ranade RM, Herbst ZM, Nguyen UTT, Buckner FS, Montanari CA, Gelb MH. New Class of Antitrypanosomal Agents Based on Imidazopyridines. ACS Med Chem Lett 2017; 8:766-770. [PMID: 28740614 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work describes the synthesis of 22 new imidazopyridine analogues arising from medicinal chemistry optimization at different sites on the molecule. Seven and 12 compounds exhibited an in vitro EC50 ≤ 1 μM against Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) parasites, respectively. Based on promising results of in vitro activity (EC50 < 100 nM), cytotoxicity, metabolic stability, protein binding, and pharmacokinetics (PK) properties, compound 20 was selected as a candidate for in vivo efficacy studies. This compound was screened in an acute mouse model against T.cruzi (Tulahuen strain). After established infection, mice were dosed twice a day for 5 days, and then monitored for 6 weeks using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS). Compound 20 demonstrated parasite inhibition comparable to the benznidazole treatment group. Compound 20 represents a potential lead for the development of drugs to treat trypanosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Silva
- Grupo
de Química Medicinal do IQSC/USP, Instituto de Química de São Carlos 13566-590, Universidade de São Paulo, São
Carlos, São Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos A. Montanari
- Grupo
de Química Medicinal do IQSC/USP, Instituto de Química de São Carlos 13566-590, Universidade de São Paulo, São
Carlos, São Paulo Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
61
|
Branchini BR, Southworth TL, Fontaine DM, Kohrt D, Welcome FS, Florentine CM, Henricks ER, DeBartolo DB, Michelini E, Cevenini L, Roda A, Grossel MJ. Red-emitting chimeric firefly luciferase for in vivo imaging in low ATP cellular environments. Anal Biochem 2017; 534:36-39. [PMID: 28687486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Beetle luciferases have been adapted for live cell imaging where bioluminescence is dependent on the cellular availability of ATP, O2, and added luciferin. Previous Photinus pyralis red-emitting variants with high Km values for ATP have performed disappointingly in live cells despite having much higher relative specific activities than enzymes like Click Beetle Red (CBR). We engineered a luciferase variant PLR3 having a Km value for ATP similar to CBR and ∼2.6-fold higher specific activity. The red-emitting PLR3 was ∼2.5-fold brighter than CBR in living HEK293T and HeLa cells, an improvement consistent with the importance of the Km value in low ATP environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R Branchini
- Department of Chemistry, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320, USA.
| | - Tara L Southworth
- Department of Chemistry, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320, USA
| | | | - Dawn Kohrt
- Department of Biology, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320, USA
| | | | | | - Emma R Henricks
- Department of Chemistry, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320, USA
| | | | - Elisa Michelini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Cevenini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Aldo Roda
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Martha J Grossel
- Department of Biology, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320, USA
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Ang CW, Jarrad AM, Cooper MA, Blaskovich MAT. Nitroimidazoles: Molecular Fireworks That Combat a Broad Spectrum of Infectious Diseases. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7636-7657. [PMID: 28463485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases claim millions of lives every year, but with the advent of drug resistance, therapeutic options to treat infections are inadequate. There is now an urgent need to develop new and effective treatments. Nitroimidazoles are a class of antimicrobial drugs that have remarkable broad spectrum activity against parasites, mycobacteria, and anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. While nitroimidazoles were discovered in the 1950s, there has been renewed interest in their therapeutic potential, particularly for the treatment of parasitic infections and tuberculosis. In this review, we summarize different classes of nitroimidazoles that have been described in the literature in the past five years, from approved drugs and clinical candidates to examples undergoing preclinical or early stage development. The relatively "nonspecific" mode of action and resistance mechanisms of nitromidazoles are discussed, and contemporary strategies to facilitate nitroimidazole drug development are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wei Ang
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Angie M Jarrad
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Matthew A Cooper
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Chatelain E. Chagas disease research and development: Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2016; 15:98-103. [PMID: 28066534 PMCID: PMC5196238 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is the result of infection by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is endemic in Latin America, and spreading around the globe due to human migration. Although it was first identified more than a century ago, only two old drugs are available for treatment and a lot of questions related to the disease progression, its pathologies, and not to mention the assessment of treatment efficacy, are subject to debate and remain to be answered. Indeed, the current status of evidence and data available does not allow any absolute statement related to treatment needs and outcome for Chagas patients to be made. Although there has been some new impetus in Research and Development for Chagas disease following recent new clinical trials, there is a scientific requirement to review and challenge the current status of evidence and define basic and clinical research priorities and next steps in the field. This should ensure that the best drugs for Chagas disease are developed, but will require a focused and collaborative effort of the entire Chagas disease research community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DND i ), 15 Chemin Louis Dunant, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Moreno-Viguri E, Jiménez-Montes C, Martín-Escolano R, Santivañez-Veliz M, Martin-Montes A, Azqueta A, Jimenez-Lopez M, Zamora Ledesma S, Cirauqui N, López de Ceráin A, Marín C, Sánchez-Moreno M, Pérez-Silanes S. In Vitro and in Vivo Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity of New Arylamine Mannich Base-Type Derivatives. J Med Chem 2016; 59:10929-10945. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Moreno-Viguri
- Department
of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Tropical Health, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Carmen Jiménez-Montes
- Departamento
de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria
(ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Departamento
de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria
(ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Mery Santivañez-Veliz
- Department
of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Tropical Health, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Alvaro Martin-Montes
- Departamento
de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria
(ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Amaya Azqueta
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra
Institute for Health Research, Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de
Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Marina Jimenez-Lopez
- Departamento
de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria
(ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Salvador Zamora Ledesma
- Departamento
de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria
(ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Nuria Cirauqui
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de
Janeiro 21949-900, Brazil
| | - Adela López de Ceráin
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra
Institute for Health Research, Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de
Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Departamento
de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria
(ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Departamento
de Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria
(ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Silvia Pérez-Silanes
- Department
of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Tropical Health, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| |
Collapse
|