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Cevey ÁC, Mirkin GA, Penas FN, Goren NB. Low-dose benznidazole treatment results in parasite clearance and attenuates heart inflammatory reaction in an experimental model of infection with a highly virulent Trypanosoma cruzi strain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2015; 6:12-22. [PMID: 26862474 PMCID: PMC4706620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is the main cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Americas. Antiparasitic treatment mostly relies on benznidazole (Bzl) due to Nifurtimox shortage or unavailability. Both induce adverse drug effects (ADE) of varied severity in many patients, leading to treatment discontinuation or abandonment. Since dosage may influence ADE, we aimed to assess Bzl efficacy in terms of parasiticidal and anti-inflammatory activity, using doses lower than those previously reported. BALB/c mice infected with the T. cruzi RA strain were treated with different doses of Bzl. Parasitaemia, mortality and weight change were assessed. Parasite load, tissue infiltrates and inflammatory mediators were studied in the heart. Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was determined as a marker of heart damage. The infection-independent anti-inflammatory properties of Bzl were studied in an in vitro model of LPS-treated cardiomyocyte culture. Treatment with 25 mg/kg/day Bzl turned negative the parasitological parameters, induced a significant decrease in IL-1β, IL-6 and NOS2 in the heart and CK activity in serum, to normal levels. No mortality was observed in infected treated mice. Primary cultured cardiomyocytes treated with Bzl showed that inflammatory mediators were reduced via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. A Bzl dose lower than that previously reported for treatment of experimental Chagas disease exerts adequate antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects leading to parasite clearance and tissue healing. This may be relevant to reassess the dose currently used for the treatment of human Chagas disease, aiming to minimize ADE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágata Carolina Cevey
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM - UBA, CONICET), Argentina
| | - Gerardo Ariel Mirkin
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM - UBA, CONICET), Argentina
| | - Federico Nicolás Penas
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM - UBA, CONICET), Argentina
| | - Nora Beatriz Goren
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM - UBA, CONICET), Argentina.
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Miranda CG, Solana ME, Curto MDLA, Lammel EM, Schijman AG, Alba Soto CD. A flow cytometer-based method to simultaneously assess activity and selectivity of compounds against the intracellular forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Acta Trop 2015; 152:8-16. [PMID: 26272680 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a major unsolved health issue in Latin America and an emerging threat worldwide. New drugs are urgently needed for chemotherapy as those available (benznidazole and nifurtimox) have variable efficacy and elevated toxicity. Efforts are actually oriented to improve tools and technologies (e.g. transgenic parasites, flow cytometry or image-based systems) for the screening of large numbers of candidate compounds for their activity against Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Methods that test drug efficacy and selectivity in the same assay are suitable to accelerate the process of drug discovery. Here, we developed a GFP expressing T. cruzi from a moderate virulence stock and confirmed that the transgenic parasite retained the biological characteristics of the parental strain. With this tool, we established a flow cytometer-based method to simultaneously test drug activity against intracellular amastigotes and toxicity to the host cell. This one-step procedure allows determining the selectivity index of the tested compound in a sensitive and accurate manner even with low infection rates. This method can provide additional information on the interactions between drug, parasites and host cell and could be adapted to other trypanosomatids and protozoa with intracellular multiplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Gabriel Miranda
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM),UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires CC1121ABG, Argentina.
| | - Maria Elisa Solana
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM),UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires CC1121ABG, Argentina.
| | - Maria de Los Angeles Curto
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490 Piso 2, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina.
| | - Estela Maria Lammel
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM),UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires CC1121ABG, Argentina.
| | - Alejandro Gabriel Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490 Piso 2, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina.
| | - Catalina Dirney Alba Soto
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM),UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires CC1121ABG, Argentina.
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Olmo F, Gómez-Contreras F, Navarro P, Marín C, Yunta MJ, Cano C, Campayo L, Martín-Oliva D, Rosales MJ, Sánchez-Moreno M. Synthesis and evaluation of in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal properties of a new imidazole-containing nitrophthalazine derivative. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 106:106-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Revisiting the Posttherapeutic Cure Criterion in Chagas Disease: Time for New Methods, More Questions, Doubts, and Polemics or Time to Change Old Concepts? BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:652985. [PMID: 26583124 PMCID: PMC4637035 DOI: 10.1155/2015/652985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the most relevant issues beyond the effectiveness of etiological treatment of Chagas disease is the lack of consensual/feasible tools to identify and certify the definitive parasitological cure. Several methods of distinct natures (parasitological, serological, and molecular) have been continuously proposed and novel perspectives are currently under investigation. Although the simultaneous use of distinct tests may offer better contributions and advances, it also leads to controversies of interpretation, with lack of mutual consent of cure criterion amongst researchers and physicians. In fact, when distinct host compartments (blood/tissues) are evaluated and explored, novel questions may arise due to the nature and sensitivity limit of each test. This short analytical review intends to present a chronological and critical overview and discuss the state-of-the-art distinct devices available for posttherapeutic cure assessment in Chagas disease, their contributions, meanings, and interpretation, aiming to point out the major gaps and propose novel insight for future perspectives of posttherapeutic management of Chagas disease patients.
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Blumental S, Lambermont M, Heijmans C, Rodenbach MP, El Kenz H, Sondag D, Bottieau E, Truyens C. First Documented Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection through Blood Transfusion in a Child with Sickle-Cell Disease in Belgium. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003986. [PMID: 26469272 PMCID: PMC4607498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Blumental
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Catherine Heijmans
- Hemato-oncology Department, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carine Truyens
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Imaz-Iglesia I, Miguel LGS, Ayala-Morillas LE, García-Pérez L, González-Enríquez J, Blasco-Hernández T, Martín-Águeda MB, Sarría-Santamera A. Economic evaluation of Chagas disease screening in Spain. Acta Trop 2015; 148:77-88. [PMID: 25917718 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although Spain is the European country with the highest Chagas disease burden, the country does not have a national control program of the disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of several strategies for Chagas disease screening among Latin American residents living in Spain. The following screening strategies were evaluated: (1) non-screening; (2) screening of the Latin American pregnant women and their newborns; (3) screening also the relatives of the positive pregnant women; (4) screening also the relatives of the negative pregnant women. A cost-utility analysis was carried out to compare the four strategies from two perspectives, the societal and the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). A decision tree representing the clinical evolution of Chagas disease throughout patient's life was built. The strategies were compared through the incremental cost-utility ratio, using euros as cost measurement and quality-adjusted life years as utility measurement. A sensitivity analysis was performed to test the model parameters and their influence on the results. We found the "Non-screening" as the most expensive and less effective of the evaluated strategies, from both the societal and the SNHS perspectives. Among the screening evaluated strategies the most efficient was, from both perspectives, to extent the antenatal screening of the Latin American pregnant women and their newborns up to the relatives of the positive women. Several parameters influenced significantly on the sensitivity analyses, particularly the chronic treatment efficacy or the prevalence of Chagas disease. In conclusion, for the general Latin American immigrants living in Spain the most efficient would be to screen the Latin American mothers, their newborns and the close relatives of the mothers with a positive serology. However for higher prevalence immigrant population the most efficient intervention would be to extend the program to the close relatives of the negative mothers.
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Concomitant Benznidazole and Suramin Chemotherapy in Mice Infected with a Virulent Strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:5999-6006. [PMID: 26169419 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00779-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although suramin (Sur) is suggested as a potential drug candidate in the management of Chagas disease, this issue has not been objectively tested. In this study, we examined the applicability of concomitant treatment with benznidazole (Bz) and suramin in mice infected with a virulent strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. Eighty 12-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were equally randomized in eight groups: (i) noninfected mice (negative control) and mice infected with T. cruzi Y strain receiving (ii) no treatment (positive control), (iii) Bz, 100 mg/kg of body weight per day, (iv) Sur, 20 mg/kg/day, and (v to viii) Sur, 20 mg/kg/day, combined with Bz, 100, 50, 25, or 5 mg/kg/day. Bz was administered by gavage, and Sur was administered intraperitoneally. Sur dramatically increased the parasitemia, cardiac content of parasite DNA, inflammation, oxidative tissue damage, and mortality. In response to high parasitic load in cardiac tissue, Sur stimulated the immune system in a manner typical of the acute phase of Chagas disease, increasing tissue levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and inducing a preferential IgG2a anti-T. cruzi serum pattern. When Sur and Bz were combined, the infection severity was attenuated, showing a dose-dependent Bz response. Sur therapy had a more harmful effect on the host than on the parasite and reduced the efficacy of Bz against T. cruzi infection. Considering that Sur drastically reinforced the infection evolution, potentiating the inflammatory process and the severity of cardiac lesions, the in vivo findings contradicted the in vitro anti-T. cruzi potential described for this drug.
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58
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Santos EC, Novaes RD, Bastos DSS, Oliveira JM, Penitente AR, Gonçalves WG, Cardoso SA, Talvani A, Oliveira LL. Modulation of oxidative and inflammatory cardiac response by nonselective 1- and 2-cyclooxygenase inhibitor and benznidazole in mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 67:1556-66. [PMID: 26105111 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the combined effects of benznidazole (BZ) and ibuprofen (IB) on the oxidative and inflammatory status of the cardiac tissue in vivo. METHODS Swiss mice were randomized in groups receiving BZ (100 mg/kg) and IB (400 mg/kg) alone or combined (BZ + IB 200 or 400 mg/kg). Control animals were concurrently treated with 1% carboxymethyl cellulose. All treatments were administered orally for 7 days. KEY FINDINGS BZ treatment increased cardiac production of nitrogen/oxygen-reactive species, malondialdeyde, carbonyl proteins, prostaglandins as well as the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. These parameters were attenuated by IB, with the best results at higher dose. Individually, BZ and IB significantly reduced the tissue levels of chemokine ligand 2, tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-10, but no reduction was observed when the treatments were combined. CONCLUSIONS BZ triggers an oxidative and nitrosative route, which is associated with increased prostaglandin synthesis and marked damages to the lipids and proteins of the cardiac tissue. IB treatment attenuated reactive stresses triggered by BZ, which was an independent effects of this drug on the endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Individually, but not together, BZ and IB reduced the cardiac inflammatory status, indicating a beneficial and complex drug interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliziária C Santos
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Rômulo D Novaes
- Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel S S Bastos
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Jerusa M Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Arlete R Penitente
- Department of Biological Sciences, NUPEB, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Wagner G Gonçalves
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Silvia A Cardoso
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - André Talvani
- Department of Biological Sciences, NUPEB, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Leandro L Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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Minini L, Álvarez G, González M, Cerecetto H, Merlino A. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies of Trypanosoma cruzi triosephosphate isomerase inhibitors. Insights into the inhibition mechanism and selectivity. J Mol Graph Model 2015; 58:40-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Revised: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Trypanosoma cruzi infection and benznidazole therapy independently stimulate oxidative status and structural pathological remodeling of the liver tissue in mice. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2873-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Alegre-Requena JV, Marqués-López E, Herrera RP. One-pot synthesis of unsymmetrical squaramides. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra05383h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The results concerning the first one-pot synthesis of unsymmetrical squaramides are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan V. Alegre-Requena
- Laboratorio de Organocatálisis Asimétrica
- Departamento de Química Orgánica
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH)
- CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza
- E-50009 Zaragoza
| | - Eugenia Marqués-López
- Laboratorio de Organocatálisis Asimétrica
- Departamento de Química Orgánica
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH)
- CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza
- E-50009 Zaragoza
| | - Raquel P. Herrera
- Laboratorio de Organocatálisis Asimétrica
- Departamento de Química Orgánica
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH)
- CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza
- E-50009 Zaragoza
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Ferraz FN, Bilotti CC, Aleixo DL, Martinichen Herrero JC, do Nascimento Junior AD, de Araújo SM. Hematological and parasitological changes in mice experimentally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi and treated with biotherapy 7dH. Eur J Integr Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2014.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Specific primers design based on the superoxide dismutase b gene for Trypanosoma cruzi as a screening tool: Validation method using strains from Colombia classified according to their discrete typing unit. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2014; 7:854-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(14)60149-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, is the result of infection by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. Endemic in Latin America where it is the major cause of death from cardiomyopathy, the impact of the disease is reaching global proportions through migrating populations. New drugs that are safe, efficacious, low cost, and adapted to the field are critically needed. Over the past five years, there has been increased interest in the disease and a surge in activities within various organizations. However, recent clinical trials with azoles, specifically posaconazole and the ravuconazole prodrug E1224, were disappointing, with treatment failure in Chagas patients reaching 70% to 90%, as opposed to 6% to 30% failure for benznidazole-treated patients. The lack of translation from in vitro and in vivo models to the clinic observed for the azoles raises several questions. There is a scientific requirement to review and challenge whether we are indeed using the right tools and decision-making processes to progress compounds forward for the treatment of this disease. New developments in the Chagas field, including new technologies and tools now available, will be discussed, and a redesign of the current screening strategy during the discovery process is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
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Blood-Siegfried J, Zeantoe GC, Evans LJ, Bondo J, Forstner JR, Wood K. The Impact of Nurses on Neglected Tropical Disease Management. Public Health Nurs 2014; 32:680-701. [PMID: 25229995 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are largely endemic in the developing nations of Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, they are reemerging with increasing frequency in developed countries. Their diagnosis, treatment, and control are an increasing public health concern that requires a different awareness by health care providers. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are chronic infectious diseases which disproportionately burden poor, rural, and marginalized populations with significant mortality and high morbidity (disability, disfigurement, impaired childhood growth and cognitive development, increased vulnerability to coinfection) that reinforces their poverty. What can we learn from the nurses in developing countries already battling NTD's that could be useful in the developed world? This article provides an overview of distribution, pathophysiology, symptoms, and management of 13 NTDs, with particular attention to the role of nurses in delivering cost-effective integrated interventions. Case studies of schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis address recognition and treatment of infected individuals in developed nations where NTD infection is limited primarily to immigrants and travelers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Clinton Zeantoe
- Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences, United Methodist University, Ganta, Liberia
| | | | - John Bondo
- Mother Patern School of Health Sciences, Monrovia, Liberia
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Farrow AL, Rachakonda G, Gu L, Krendelchtchikova V, Nde PN, Pratap S, Lima MF, Villalta F, Matthews QL. Immunization with Hexon modified adenoviral vectors integrated with gp83 epitope provides protection against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3089. [PMID: 25144771 PMCID: PMC4140675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Chagas disease is an endemic infection that affects over 8 million people throughout Latin America and now has become a global challenge. The current pharmacological treatment of patients is unsuccessful in most cases, highly toxic, and no vaccines are available. The results of inadequate treatment could lead to heart failure resulting in death. Therefore, a vaccine that elicits neutralizing antibodies mediated by cell-mediated immune responses and protection against Chagas disease is necessary. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The "antigen capsid-incorporation" strategy is based upon the display of the T. cruzi epitope as an integral component of the adenovirus' capsid rather than an encoded transgene. This strategy is predicted to induce a robust humoral immune response to the presented antigen, similar to the response provoked by native Ad capsid proteins. The antigen chosen was T. cruzi gp83, a ligand that is used by T. cruzi to attach to host cells to initiate infection. The gp83 epitope, recognized by the neutralizing MAb 4A4, along with His6 were incorporated into the Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) vector to generate the vector Ad5-HVR1-gp83-18 (Ad5-gp83). This vector was evaluated by molecular and immunological analyses. Vectors were injected to elicit immune responses against gp83 in mouse models. Our findings indicate that mice immunized with the vector Ad5-gp83 and challenged with a lethal dose of T. cruzi trypomastigotes confer strong immunoprotection with significant reduction in parasitemia levels, increased survival rate and induction of neutralizing antibodies. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This data demonstrates that immunization with adenovirus containing capsid-incorporated T. cruzi antigen elicits a significant anti-gp83-specific response in two different mouse models, and protection against T. cruzi infection by eliciting neutralizing antibodies mediated by cell-mediated immune responses, as evidenced by the production of several Ig isotypes. Taken together, these novel results show that the recombinant Ad5 presenting T. cruzi gp83 antigen is a useful candidate for the development of a vaccine against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitra L. Farrow
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Girish Rachakonda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Linlin Gu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Valentina Krendelchtchikova
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Pius N. Nde
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Maria F. Lima
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Fernando Villalta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Qiana L. Matthews
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Center for AIDS Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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Álvarez G, Varela J, Márquez P, Gabay M, Arias Rivas CE, Cuchilla K, Echeverría GA, Piro OE, Chorilli M, Leal SM, Escobar P, Serna E, Torres S, Yaluff G, Vera de Bilbao NI, González M, Cerecetto H. Optimization of antitrypanosomatid agents: identification of nonmutagenic drug candidates with in vivo activity. J Med Chem 2014; 57:3984-99. [PMID: 24749923 DOI: 10.1021/jm500018m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, was described thousands of years ago. Currently, it affects millions of people, mostly in Latin America, and there are not suitable drugs for treating it. As an attempt to find appropriate drugs to deal with this problem, we report here on the design, synthesis, and characterization of 82 new compounds. Trypanosomicidal behavior in vitro showed more than 20 outstanding derivatives with anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. Furthermore, we studied the nonspecific toxicity against mammalian cells determining their selectivity and also performed mutagenicity studies. Proof of concept, in vivo studies, was conducted with two of the most promising derivatives (77 and 80). They were identified as candidates because they have (i) very simple and cost-effective syntheses; (ii) activity against different stages and strains of the parasite showing excellent in vivo behavior during the acute phase of Chagas disease; and (iii) neither nonspecific toxicity nor mutagenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guzmán Álvarez
- Grupo de Química Medicinal, Laboratorio de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias-Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República , 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Carneiro ZA, da S. Maia PI, Sesti-Costa R, Lopes CD, Pereira TA, Milanezi CM, da Silva MAP, Lopez RFV, Silva JS, Deflon VM. In vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activity of H2bdtc-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2847. [PMID: 24810753 PMCID: PMC4014426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, which remains a serious public health concern and continues to victimize thousands of people, primarily in the poorest regions of Latin America. In the search for new therapeutic drugs against T. cruzi, here we have evaluated both the in vitro and the in vivo activity of 5-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-phenyl-pyrazoline-1-(S-benzyl dithiocarbazate) (H2bdtc) as a free compound or encapsulated into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN); we compared the results with those achieved by using the currently employed drug, benznidazole. H2bdtc encapsulated into solid lipid nanoparticles (a) effectively reduced parasitemia in mice at concentrations 100 times lower than that normally employed for benznidazole (clinically applied at a concentration of 400 µmol kg(-1) day(-1)); (b) diminished inflammation and lesions of the liver and heart; and (c) resulted in 100% survival of mice infected with T. cruzi. Therefore, H2bdtc is a potent trypanocidal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zumira A. Carneiro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro I. da S. Maia
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Sesti-Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla D. Lopes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tatiana A. Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane M. Milanezi
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A. Pereira. da Silva
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro Universitário Central Paulista - UNICEP, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata F. V. Lopez
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João S. Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor M. Deflon
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Bonney KM. Chagas disease in the 21st century: a public health success or an emerging threat? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:11. [PMID: 24626257 PMCID: PMC3952655 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a major public health burden in Latin America and a potentially serious emerging threat to a number of countries throughout the world. Although public health programs have significantly reduced the prevalence of Chagas disease in Latin America in recent decades, the number of infections in the United States and non-endemic countries in Europe and the Western Pacific Region continues to rise. Moreover, there is still no vaccine or highly effective cure available for the approximately 10 million people currently infected with T. cruzi, a third of which will develop potentially fatal cardiomyopathy and/or severe digestive tract disorders. As Chagas disease becomes an increasingly globalized public health issue in the twenty-first century, continued attentiveness from governmental and health organizations as well as improved diagnostic tools, expanded surveillance and increased research funding will be required to maintain existing public health successes and stymie the spread of the disease to new areas and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Bonney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York, 2001 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn, New York 11235-2398, USA
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70
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Muro B, Reviriego F, Navarro P, Marín C, Ramírez-Macías I, Rosales MJ, Sánchez-Moreno M, Arán VJ. New perspectives on the synthesis and antichagasic activity of 3-alkoxy-1-alkyl-5-nitroindazoles. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 74:124-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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71
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Olmo F, Rotger C, Ramírez-Macías I, Martínez L, Marín C, Carreras L, Urbanová K, Vega M, Chaves-Lemaur G, Sampedro A, Rosales MJ, Sánchez-Moreno M, Costa A. Synthesis and biological evaluation of N,N'-squaramides with high in vivo efficacy and low toxicity: toward a low-cost drug against Chagas disease. J Med Chem 2014; 57:987-99. [PMID: 24410674 DOI: 10.1021/jm4017015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Access to basic drugs is a major issue in developing countries. Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi is a paradigmatic example of a chronic disease without an effective treatment. Current treatments based on benznidazole and nifurtimox are expensive, ineffective, and toxic. N,N'-Squaramides are amide-type compounds that feature both hydrogen bond donor and acceptor groups and are capable of multiple interactions with complementary sites. When combined with amine and carboxylic groups, squaramide compounds have increased solubility and therefore make suitable therapeutic agents. In this work, we introduce a group of Lipinski's rule of five compliant squaramides as candidates for treating Chagas disease. The in vivo studies confirmed the positive expectations arising from the preliminary in vitro studies, revealing compound 17 to be the most effective for both acute and chronic phases. The activity, stability, low cost of starting materials, and straightforward synthesis make amino squaramides appropriate molecules for the development of an affordable anti-Chagasic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Olmo
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada , E-18071 Granada, Spain
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72
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Reversible cysteine protease inhibitors show promise for a Chagas disease cure. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:1167-78. [PMID: 24323474 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01855-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The cysteine protease cruzipain is essential for the viability, infectivity, and virulence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Thus, inhibitors of cruzipain are considered promising anti-T. cruzi chemotherapeutic agents. Reversible cruzipain inhibitors containing a nitrile "warhead" were prepared and demonstrated 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) as potent as 1 nM in baculovirus-generated cruzipain enzyme assays. In epimastigote and intracellular amastigote in vitro assays, the most potent compounds demonstrated antiparasitic behavior in the 5 to 10 μM IC50 range; however, trypomastigote production from the amastigote form was ∼90 to 95% inhibited at 2 μM. Two key compounds, Cz007 and Cz008, with IC50s of 1.1 and 1.8 nM, respectively, against the recombinant enzyme were tested in a murine model of acute T. cruzi infection, with oral dosing in chow for 28 days at doses from 3 to 50 mg/kg of body weight. At 3 mg/kg of Cz007 and 3 mg/kg of Cz008, the blood parasitemia areas under the concentration-time curves were 16% and 25% of the untreated group, respectively. At sacrifice, 24 days after immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide, parasite presence in blood, heart, and esophagus was evaluated. Based on negative quantitative PCR results in all three tissues, cure rates in surviving animals were 90% for Cz007 at 3 mg/kg, 78% for Cz008 at 3 mg/kg, and 71% for benznidazole, the control compound, at 50 mg/kg.
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73
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Assessment of the anti-protozoal activity of crude Carica papaya seed extract against Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecules 2013; 18:12621-32. [PMID: 24126379 PMCID: PMC6270640 DOI: 10.3390/molecules181012621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to determine the in vivo activity against the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, two doses (50 and 75 mg/kg) of a chloroform extract of Carica papaya seeds were evaluated compared with a control group of allopurinol. The activity of a mixture of the three main compounds (oleic, palmitic and stearic acids in a proportion of 45.9% of oleic acid, 24.1% of palmitic and 8.52% of stearic acid previously identified in the crude extract of C. papaya was evaluated at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. Both doses of the extracts were orally administered for 28 days. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the number of blood trypomastigotes was observed in animals treated with the evaluated doses of the C. papaya extract in comparison with the positive control group (allopurinol 8.5 mg/kg). Parasitemia in animals treated with the fatty acids mixture was also significantly reduced (p < 0.05), compared to negative control animals. These results demonstrate that the fatty acids identified in the seed extracts of C. papaya (from ripe fruit) are able to reduce the number of parasites from both parasite stages, blood trypomastigote and amastigote (intracellular stage).
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74
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Choi JY, Calvet CM, Gunatilleke SS, Ruiz C, Cameron MD, McKerrow JH, Podust LM, Roush WR. Rational development of 4-aminopyridyl-based inhibitors targeting Trypanosoma cruzi CYP51 as anti-chagas agents. J Med Chem 2013; 56:7651-68. [PMID: 24079662 PMCID: PMC3864028 DOI: 10.1021/jm401067s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A new series of 4-aminopyridyl-based lead inhibitors targeting Trypanosoma cruzi CYP51 (TcCYP51) has been developed using structure-based drug design as well as structure-property relationship (SPR) analyses. The screening hit starting point, LP10 (KD ≤ 42 nM; EC50 = 0.65 μM), has been optimized to give the potential leads 14t, 27i, 27q, 27r, and 27t, which have low-nanomolar binding affinity to TcCYP51 and significant activity against T. cruzi amastigotes cultured in human myoblasts (EC50 = 14-18 nM for 27i and 27r). Many of the optimized compounds have improved microsome stability, and most are selective against human CYPs 1A2, 2D6, and 3A4 (<50% inhibition at 1 μM). A rationale for the improvement in microsome stability and selectivity of inhibitors against human metabolic CYP enzymes is presented. In addition, the binding mode of 14t with the Trypanosoma brucei CYP51 (TbCYP51) orthologue has been characterized by X-ray structure analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yong Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Claudia M. Calvet
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Shamila S. Gunatilleke
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Claudia Ruiz
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Michael D. Cameron
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - William R. Roush
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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75
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Rumi MM, Pérez Brandán C, Gil J, D’Amato AA, Ragone P, Lauthier J, Tomasini N, Cimino R, Orellana V, Lacunza C, Nasser J, Basombrío M, Diosque P. Benznidazole treatment in chronic children infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: serological and molecular follow-up of patients and identification of Discrete Typing Units. Acta Trop 2013; 128:130-6. [PMID: 23880286 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A total of 221 children from two rural settlements in Northeast Argentina were examined for T. cruzi infection. Blood samples were taken for serology tests and PCR assays. In addition, T. cruzi Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) were determined by hybridization with specific DNA probes of the minicircle hypervariable regions (mHVR). Serological results indicated that 26% (57/215) were reactive against T. cruzi antigens. PCR analyses were performed on seropositive samples showing presence of parasite DNA in 31 out of 53 samples (58.5%). All seropositive children underwent specific chemotherapy with Benznidazole (5mg/kg/day) for a period of two months and were monitored two and five years after treatment. Overall the treatment was well tolerated and low side effects were observed. Serological conversion was observed at two years post -treatment in one child form Pampa Ávila and at five years in two children from Tres Estacas. However, at the end of the follow-up period, T. cruzi DNA could not be detected by PCR in samples from treated children, except in two cases. In addition, the results of hybridizations with specific DNA probes showed that DTU TcV was detected in 68% (21/31), TcVI in 7% (2/31) and TcV/VI in 3% (1/31) of the samples. Altogether, results of the follow-up of treated children showed a low rate of seroconversion; however trend toward seroconversion was evident at five years post-treatment. On the other hand, detection of T. cruzi DNA by PCR significantly decreased after Benznidazole treatment. The existence of data regarding serological and molecular follow-ups from controlled studies in the Chaco Region will be important for future treatment efforts against T. cruzi infection in this region. The results obtained in the present study represent a contribution in this regard.
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76
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de Almeida Nogueira NP, Morgado-Díaz JA, Menna-Barreto RFS, Paes MC, da Silva-López RE. Effects of a marine serine protease inhibitor on viability and morphology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease. Acta Trop 2013; 128:27-35. [PMID: 23770204 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that serine peptidase activities of Trypanosoma cruzi play crucial roles in parasite dissemination and host cell invasion and therefore their inhibition could affect the progress of Chagas disease. The present study investigates the interference of the Stichodactyla helianthus Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (ShPI-I), a 55-amino acid peptide, in T. cruzi serine peptidase activities, parasite viability, and parasite morphology. The effect of this peptide was also studied in Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and it was proved to be a powerful inhibitor of serine proteases activities and the parasite viability. The ultrastructural alterations caused by ShPI-I included vesiculation of the flagellar pocket membrane and the appearance of a cytoplasmic vesicle that resembles an autophagic vacuole. ShPI-I, which showed itself to be an important T. cruzi serine peptidase inhibitor, reduced the parasite viability, in a dose and time dependent manner. The maximum effect of peptide on T. cruzi viability was observed when ShPI-I at 1×10(-5)M was incubated for 24 and 48h which killed completely both metacyclic trypomastigote and epimastigote forms. At 1×10(-6)M ShPI-I, in the same periods of time, reduced parasite viability about 91-95% respectively. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated the formation of concentric membranar structures especially in the cytosol, involving organelles and small vesicles. Profiles of endoplasmic reticulum were also detected, surrounding cytosolic vesicles that resembled autophagic vacuoles. These results suggest that serine peptidases are important in T. cruzi physiology since the inhibition of their activity killed parasites in vitro as well as inducing important morphological alterations. Protease inhibitors thus appear to have a potential role as anti-trypanosomatidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Pereira de Almeida Nogueira
- Laboratório de Interação de Tripanosomatídeos e Vetores, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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77
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Diogo EBT, Dias GG, Rodrigues BL, Guimarães TT, Valença WO, Camara CA, de Oliveira RN, da Silva MG, Ferreira VF, de Paiva YG, Goulart MOF, Menna-Barreto RFS, de Castro SL, da Silva Júnior EN. Synthesis and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of naphthoquinone-containing triazoles: electrochemical studies on the effects of the quinoidal moiety. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:6337-48. [PMID: 24074878 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In our continued search for novel trypanocidal compounds, twenty-six derivatives of para- and ortho-naphthoquinones coupled to 1,2,3-triazoles were synthesized. These compounds were evaluated against the infective bloodstream form of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Compounds 17-24, 28-30 and 36-38 are described herein for the first time. Three of these novel compounds (28-30) were found to be more potent than the standard drug benznidazole, with IC50/24h values between 6.8 and 80.8μM. Analysis of the toxicity to heart muscle cells led to LC50/24h of <125, 63.1 and 281.6μM for 28, 29 and 30, respectively. Displaying a selectivity index of 34.3, compound 30 will be further evaluated in vivo. The electrochemical properties of selected compounds were evaluated in an attempt to find correlations with trypanocidal activity, and it was observed that more electrophilic quinones were generally more potent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilay B T Diogo
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Química, UFMG, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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78
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Sykes ML, Avery VM. Approaches to Protozoan Drug Discovery: Phenotypic Screening. J Med Chem 2013; 56:7727-40. [DOI: 10.1021/jm4004279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L. Sykes
- Discovery Biology, Eskitis Institute
for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vicky M. Avery
- Discovery Biology, Eskitis Institute
for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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79
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Gutiérrez B, Muñoz C, Osorio L, Fehér K, Illyés TZ, Papp Z, Kumar AA, Kövér KE, Sagua H, Araya JE, Morales P, Szilágyi L, González J. Aromatic glycosyl disulfide derivatives: Evaluation of their inhibitory activities against Trypanosoma cruzi. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:3576-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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80
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Vanrell MC, Cueto JA, Barclay JJ, Carrillo C, Colombo MI, Gottlieb RA, Romano PS. Polyamine depletion inhibits the autophagic response modulating Trypanosoma cruzi infectivity. Autophagy 2013; 9:1080-93. [PMID: 23697944 DOI: 10.4161/auto.24709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cell process that in normal conditions serves to recycle cytoplasmic components and aged or damaged organelles. The autophagic pathway has been implicated in many physiological and pathological situations, even during the course of infection by intracellular pathogens. Many compounds are currently used to positively or negatively modulate the autophagic response. Recently it was demonstrated that the polyamine spermidine is a physiological inducer of autophagy in eukaryotic cells. We have previously shown that the etiological agent of Chagas disease, the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, interacts with autophagic compartments during host cell invasion and that preactivation of autophagy significantly increases host cell colonization by this parasite. In the present report we have analyzed the effect of polyamine depletion on the autophagic response of the host cell and on T. cruzi infectivity. Our data showed that depleting intracellular polyamines by inhibiting the biosynthetic enzyme ornithine decarboxylase with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) suppressed the induction of autophagy in response to starvation or rapamycin treatment in two cell lines. This effect was associated with a decrease in the levels of LC3 and ATG5, two proteins required for autophagosome formation. As a consequence of inhibiting host cell autophagy, DFMO impaired T. cruzi colonization, indicating that polyamines and autophagy facilitate parasite infection. Thus, our results point to DFMO as a novel autophagy inhibitor. While other autophagy inhibitors such as wortmannin and 3-methyladenine are nonspecific and potentially toxic, DFMO is an FDA-approved drug that may have value in limiting autophagy and the spread of the infection in Chagas disease and possibly other pathological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C Vanrell
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular; Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM); Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; CONICET; Mendoza, Argentina
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81
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Gutierrez FRS, Trujillo Güiza ML, Escobar Martínez MDC. Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among people aged 15 to 89 years inhabiting the Department of Casanare (Colombia). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2113. [PMID: 23505592 PMCID: PMC3591340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to calculate the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a sample of inhabitants from a region considered to be at high risk of natural transmission of Chagas disease in Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in subjects from 5 municipalities, recruited in urban and rural locations, distributed by gender according to the demographic information available. Socio-demographic information, history of potential exposure to insect vectors, blood donating, as well as symptoms suggesting cardiac disease were collected using a questionnaire. After giving written informed consent, blood specimens were obtained from 486 people to determine the serologic evidence of past exposure to T. cruzi. Infection was diagnosed when two different tests (ELISA and IHA) were positive. The seroprevalence of antibodies against T. cruzi was 16.91% considering an estimated population of 44,355 aged between 15 and 89 years (95%IC: 13.72 to 20.01). The factors significantly associated with the infection were: 1- Housing materials like vegetable material, adobe or unfinished brick walls; 2- The fact of having previous tests for Chagas disease (regardless of the result). Of note, the mean ages among infected and not infected participants were significantly different (49.19 vs. 41.66, p≤0.0001). Among the studied municipalities, the one with the highest frequency of T. cruzi infection was Nunchia, with 31.15% of the surveyed subjects. Therefore it may be concluded that T. cruzi infection is highly prevalent in the north region of Casanare, in Colombia. Chagas disease is caused by the chronic infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted to human beings by bloodsucking insects of the Triatoma family. This condition is endemic in Central and South America, and is acquiring relevance in the rest of the world since it can also be transmitted by transfusions or organ transplantation from asymptomatic, infected donors. Detecting infected persons is one of the most important points in public health, mostly because it allows the identification of infected individuals at earlier stages of the disease, where adequate medical surveillance will permit secondary prevention measures to be given to these patients and thus avoidance of disease complications such as cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure. In this study we describe the prevalence of infection in a region of Colombia that was previously considered at risk for the infection because of the presence of infected insect vectors living in housings.
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82
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Lountos GT, Tropea JE, Waugh DS. Structure of the Trypanosoma cruzi protein tyrosine phosphatase TcPTP1, a potential therapeutic target for Chagas' disease. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2013; 187:1-8. [PMID: 23137716 PMCID: PMC4197799 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chagas' disease, a neglected tropical affliction transmitted by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is prevalent in Latin America and affects nearly 18 million people worldwide, yet few approved drugs are available to treat the disease. Moreover, the currently available drugs exhibit severe toxicity or are poorly effective in the chronic phase of the disease. This limitation, along with the large population at risk, underscores the urgent need to discover new molecular targets and novel therapeutic agents. Recently, the T. cruzi protein tyrosine phosphatase TcPTP1 has been implicated in the cellular differentiation and infectivity of the parasite and is therefore a promising target for the design of novel anti-parasitic drugs. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of TcPTP1 refined to a resolution of 2.18 Å, which provides structural insights into the active site environment that can be used to initiate structure-based drug design efforts to develop specific TcPTP1 inhibitors. Potential strategies to develop such inhibitors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- George T. Lountos
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Joseph E. Tropea
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David S. Waugh
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Synthesis, biological evaluation and chemometric analysis of indazole derivatives. 1,2-Disubstituted 5-nitroindazolinones, new prototypes of antichagasic drug. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 58:214-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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No, Chagas disease is not the new AIDS of the Americas!. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE DE PATHOLOGIE EXOTIQUE (1990) 2012; 105:337-48. [PMID: 23104103 DOI: 10.1007/s13149-012-0266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease and AIDS: the same terminology cannot be used to associate, let alone confuse, these two diseases with one another without distorting reality, as was done in a recent medical article entitled: Chagas disease: "The New HIV/AIDS of the Americas". Even though Chagas disease, like many other "neglected diseases", bears some superficial resemblance to AIDS in certain ways, it nevertheless differs from the latter in many other significant ones.
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Matta Guedes PM, Gutierrez FRS, Nascimento MSL, Do-Valle-Matta MA, Silva JS. Antiparasitical chemotherapy in Chagas' disease cardiomyopathy: current evidence. Trop Med Int Health 2012; 17:1057-65. [PMID: 22686518 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.03025.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy affects 20% of Chagas' disease patients. At present, Chagas' disease chemotherapy uses nitrofurans, benznidazole (Rochagan®, Rodanil®, Roche) or nifurtimox (Lampit®, Bayer). Treatment during acute and recent chronic phases in childhood effects 71.5% and 57.6%, respectively, of parasitological cure. However, in clinical trials during the late chronic phase, only 5.9% of parasitological cure were achieved. This review focuses on the benefit from aetiological treatment to avoid, stop or revert myocarditis. Divergent data gathered from clinical practice are not convincing to support prescription of aetiological treatment as routine for indeterminate and cardiac chronic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Marcos Matta Guedes
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
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Lipid bodies: inflammatory organelles implicated in host-Trypanosoma cruzi interplay during innate immune responses. Mediators Inflamm 2012; 2012:478601. [PMID: 22619483 PMCID: PMC3350868 DOI: 10.1155/2012/478601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The flagellated protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi is the causal agent of Chagas' disease, a significant public health issue and still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America. Acute Chagas' disease elicits a strong inflammatory response. In order to control the parasite multiplication, cells of the monocytic lineage are highly mobilized. Monocyte differentiation leads to the formation of phagocytosing macrophages, which are strongly activated and direct host defense. A distinguishing feature of Chagas' disease-triggered macrophages is the presence of increased numbers of distinct cytoplasmic organelles termed lipid bodies or lipid droplets. These organelles are actively formed in response to the parasite and are sites for synthesis and storage of inflammatory mediators. This review covers current knowledge on lipid bodies elicited by the acute Chagas' disease within inflammatory macrophages and discusses the role of these organelles in inflammation. The increased knowledge of lipid bodies in pathogenic mechanisms of infections may not only contribute to the understanding of pathogen-host interactions but may also identify new targets for intervention.
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Paluzzi JPV, Young P, Defferrari MS, Orchard I, Carlini CR, O'Donnell MJ. Investigation of the potential involvement of eicosanoid metabolites in anti-diuretic hormone signaling in Rhodnius prolixus. Peptides 2012; 34:127-34. [PMID: 22079222 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of naturally occurring plant-derived compounds for controlling insect pests remains an attractive alternative to potentially dangerous synthetic chemical compounds. One prospective plant-based compound, isoforms of the so-called jack bean urease (JBU) from the jack bean, Canavalia ensiformis, as well a derived peptide, Jaburetox-2Ec, have insecticidal effects on an array of insect species. In the Chagas' disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus, some of the physiological effects attributed to these urease isoforms include inhibition of serotonin (5-HT)-stimulated fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules (MTs). Here, we investigated whether the effects of these exogenous urease isoforms were targeting the neuroendocrine network involved in the anti-diuretic hormone (RhoprCAPA-2) signaling cascade. We show that pharmacological agents known to interfere with eicosanoid metabolite biosynthesis do not affect RhoprCAPA-2 inhibition of 5-HT-stimulated fluid secretion by MTs. In addition, we demonstrate that RhoprCAPA-2 inhibition of MTs is independent of extracellular or intracellular calcium. Using a heterologous system for analysis of receptor activation, we show that neither JBU nor Jaburetox-2Ec are agonists of the anti-diuretic hormone receptor, RhoprCAPAr1. Finally, activation of the receptor using sub-maximal doses of the natural ligand, RhoprCAPA-2, was not influenced by the presence of either JBU or Jaburetox-2Ec indicating that the urease isoforms do not compete with RhoprCAPA-2 for binding and activation of RhoprCAPAr1. Taken together, these results suggest that at least two distinct mechanisms leading to inhibition of fluid secretion by MTs exist in R. prolixus and, unlike the urease-related effects, the eicosanoid metabolite pathway is not involved in RhoprCAPA-2 mediated anti-diuresis.
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