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Anthelminthic Activity of Assassin Bug Venom against the Blood Fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100664. [PMID: 33019687 PMCID: PMC7599792 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths such as the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni represent a major global health challenge due to limited availability of drugs. Most anthelminthic drug candidates are derived from plants, whereas insect-derived compounds have received little attention. This includes venom from assassin bugs, which contains numerous bioactive compounds. Here, we investigated whether venom from the European predatory assassin bug Rhynocoris iracundus has antischistosomal activity. Venom concentrations of 10–50 µg/mL inhibited the motility and pairing of S. mansoni adult worms in vitro and their capacity to produce eggs. We used EdU-proliferation assays to measure the effect of venom against parasite stem cells, which are essential for survival and reproduction. We found that venom depleted proliferating stem cells in different tissues of the male parasite, including neoblasts in the parenchyma and gonadal stem cells. Certain insect venoms are known to lyse eukaryotic cells, thus limiting their therapeutic potential. We therefore carried out hemolytic activity assays using porcine red blood cells, revealing that the venom had no significant effect at a concentration of 43 µg/mL. The observed anthelminthic activity and absence of hemolytic side effects suggest that the components of R. iracundus venom should be investigated in more detail as potential antischistosomal leads.
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102
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Guidi A, Petrella G, Fustaino V, Saccoccia F, Lentini S, Gimmelli R, Di Pietro G, Bresciani A, Cicero DO, Ruberti G. Drug effects on metabolic profiles of Schistosoma mansoni adult male parasites detected by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008767. [PMID: 33044962 PMCID: PMC7580944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most devastating neglected tropical parasitic diseases caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) is today the only drug used in humans and animals for the treatment of schistosomiasis but unfortunately it is poorly effective on larval and juvenile stages of the parasite. Therefore, it is urgent the discovery of new drug targets and compounds. We have recently showed that the anti-anginal drug perhexiline maleate (PHX) is very active on multiple developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni in vitro. It is well known that PHX impacts the lipid metabolism in mammals, but the final target on schistosomes still remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in revealing metabolic perturbations due to PHX treatment of S. mansoni adult male worms. The effects of PHX were compared with the ones induced by vehicle and gambogic acid, in order to detect different metabolic profiles and specificity of the PHX action. Remarkably a list of metabolites associated to PHX-treatment was identified with enrichment in several connected metabolic pathways including also the Kennedy pathway mediating the glycerophospholipid metabolism. Our study represents the first 1H-NMR metabolomic approach to characterize the response of S. mansoni to drug treatment. The obtained "metabolic fingerprint" associated to PHX treatment could represent a strategy for displaying cellular metabolic changes for any given drug and to compare compounds targeting similar or distinct biochemical pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
| | - Greta Petrella
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Fustaino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
| | - Sara Lentini
- Department of Translational Biology, IRBM Science Park Spa, Pomezia (Rome), Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
| | - Giulia Di Pietro
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Translational Biology, IRBM Science Park Spa, Pomezia (Rome), Italy
| | - Daniel Oscar Cicero
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome) Italy
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103
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In vivo assessment of the antischistosomal activity of curcumin loaded nanoparticles versus praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15742. [PMID: 32978497 PMCID: PMC7519097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a serious parasitic infection affecting millions worldwide. This study aimed to explore the anti-schistosomal activity of curcumin and curcumin loaded gold-nanoparticles (Cur-GNPs) with or without praziquantel (PZQ). We used six groups of the C57BL/6 mice in which five groups were infected with Schistosoma Mansoni (S. mansoni) cercariae and exhibited, separately, to different treatment regimens of curcumin, curcumin loaded nanoparticle, and PZQ, in addition to one untreated group which acts as a control. Mice were sacrificed at the 8th week where both worms and eggs were counted in the hepatic and porto-mesenteric vessels in the liver and intestine, respectively, in addition to a histopathological examination of the liver granuloma. Curcumin caused a significant reduction in the worms and egg count (45.45%) at the 3rd week. A significant schistosomicidal effect of PZQ was found in all groups. Cur-GNPs combined with PZQ 97.4% reduction of worm burden in the 3rd week and the highest reduction in the intestinal and hepatic egg content, as well, besides 70.1% reduction of the granuloma size. The results suggested the curcumin in combination with PZQ as a strong schistosomicidal regimen against S. mansoni as it alters the hematological, biochemical, and immunological changes induced.
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104
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Analytical and Clinical Assessment of a Portable, Isothermal Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) Assay for the Molecular Diagnosis of Urogenital Schistosomiasis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184175. [PMID: 32933094 PMCID: PMC7570534 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is crucial for disease surveillance and control. Routine diagnostic methods, however, lack sensitivity when assessing patients with low levels of infection still able to maintain pathogen transmission. Therefore, there is a need for highly sensitive diagnostic tools that can be used at the point-of-care in endemic areas. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool that has been used to diagnose several pathogens at the point-of-care. Here, the analytical performance of a previously developed RPA assay (RT-ShDra1-RPA) targeting the Schistosoma haematobium Dra1 genomic region was assessed using commercially synthesised S. haematobium Dra1 copies and laboratory-prepared samples spiked with S. haematobium eggs. Clinical performance was also assessed by comparing diagnostic outcomes with that of a reference diagnostic standard, urine-egg microscopy. The RT-ShDra1-RPA was able to detect 1 × 101 copies of commercially synthesised Dra1 DNA as well as one S. haematobium egg within laboratory-spiked ddH2O samples. When compared with urine-egg microscopy, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the RT-ShDra1-RPA assay was 93.7% (±88.7–96.9) and 100% (±69.1–100), respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 100% (±97.5–100) and 50% (±27.2–72.8), respectively. The RT-ShDra1-RPA therefore shows promise as a rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic tool able to diagnose urogenital schistosomiasis at the point-of-care.
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105
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Current status and future prospects of protein vaccine candidates against Schistosoma mansoni infection. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 11:e00176. [PMID: 32923703 PMCID: PMC7475110 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic tropical parasitic disease caused by blood dwelling worm of the genus Schistosoma. It is the most destructive disease globally and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for developing countries. Three main species of schistosomes infect human beings from which S. mansoni is the most common and widespread. Over the last several decades, chemotherapy using praziquantel has been a commonly used strategy for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis. However, control programs focused exclusively on chemotherapy have been challenging because of the frequency and rapidity of reinfection and these programs were expensive. Thus, new schistosomiasis control strategies will be needed. Vaccination strategy would be an ideal tool for a significant and sustainable reduction in the transmission and disease burden of schistosomiasis. An effective anti schistosome vaccine would greatly contribute to decreasing schistosomiasis-associated morbidity via protective immune responses leading to reduced worm burdens and decreased egg production. Vaccine development is a long process that can take decades. There have been three candidate vaccines that have been produced by Good Manufacturing Procedure and entered human clinical trials for S. mansoni are Sm14, SmTSP-2, and Sm-p80. Other candidates that are in pre-clinical trials at various stages include paramyosin, Sm29, SmKI-1, and Sm23. Since the growth of several new technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, microarrays, immunomic profiling, and proteomics, have helped in the identification of promising new target schistosome antigens. Therefore, this review considers the present status of protein vaccine candidates against Schistosoma mansoni and provides some insight on prospects vaccine design and discovery.
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Key Words
- AE, Asparaginyl Endopeptidase
- Ab, Antibody
- Ag, Antigen
- CB, Cathepsin B
- CD, Cathepsin D
- CL3, Cathepsin L3
- DNA, Deoxyribonucleic Acid
- FA, Fatty Acid
- FABP, Fatty Acid Binding Protein
- GLA-Alum, Glucopyranosyl Lipid A Formulated in Aluminum
- GLA-SE, Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant Stable Emulsion
- IFN-γ, Interferon Gamma
- IL, Interleukin
- Ig, Immunoglobulin
- KI, Kunitz Type Protease Inhibitor
- LcP, Lipid Core Peptide
- Pmy, Paramyosin
- Protein vaccine
- Schistosoma mansoni
- Schistosomiasis
- Sm, Schistosoma mansoni
- TSP, Tetraspanins
- Th, T-helper Cells
- Vaccine candidates
- WHO, World Health Organization
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106
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Llanwarne F, Helmby H. Granuloma formation and tissue pathology in Schistosoma japonicum versus Schistosoma mansoni infections. Parasite Immunol 2020; 43:e12778. [PMID: 32692855 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the most important helminth disease in the world from a public health perspective. S mansoni and S japonicum account for the majority of global intestinal schistosomiasis cases, and the pathogenesis is widely assumed to be fundamentally similar. However, the majority of research on schistosomiasis has been carried out on S mansoni and comparisons between the two species are rarely made. Here, we will discuss aspects of both older and recent literature where such comparisons have been made, with a particular focus on the pathological agent, the host granulomatous response to the egg. Major differences between the two species are apparent in features such as egg production patterns and cellular infiltration; however, it is also clear that even subtle differences in the cascade of various cytokines and chemokines contribute to the different levels of pathology observed between these two main species of intestinal schistosomiasis. A better understanding of such differences at species level will be vital when it comes to the development of new treatment strategies and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Llanwarne
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helena Helmby
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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107
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Bais S, Greenberg RM. Schistosome TRP channels: An appraisal. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 13:1-7. [PMID: 32250774 PMCID: PMC7138929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels underlie electrical excitability in cells and are essential for a variety of functions, most notably neuromuscular and sensory activity. They are also validated targets for a preponderance of approved anthelmintic compounds. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels constitute an ion channel superfamily whose members play important roles in sensory signaling, regulation of ion homeostasis, organellar trafficking, and other key cellular and organismal activities. Unlike most other ion channels, TRP channels are often polymodal, gated by a variety of mechanisms. Furthermore, TRP channels fall into several classes or subtypes based on sequence and structure. Until recently, there had been very little investigation of the properties and functions of TRP channels from parasitic helminths, including schistosomes, but that situation has changed in the past few years. Indeed, it is now clear that at least some schistosome TRP channels exhibit unusual pharmacological properties, and, intriguingly, both a mammalian and a schistosome TRP channel are activated by praziquantel, the current antischistosomal drug of choice. With the latest release of the Schistosoma mansoni genome database, several changes in predicted TRP channel sequences appeared, some of which were significant. This review updates and reassesses the TRP channel repertoire in S. mansoni, examines recent findings regarding these potential therapeutic targets, and provides guideposts for some of the physiological functions that may be mediated by these channels in schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Bais
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Robert M Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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108
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Padalino G, Chalmers IW, Brancale A, Hoffmann KF. Identification of 6-(piperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine as a chemical scaffold with broad anti-schistosomal activities. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:169. [PMID: 32904763 PMCID: PMC7459852 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16069.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis, caused by infection with blood fluke schistosomes, is a neglected tropical disease of considerable importance in resource-poor communities throughout the developing world. In the absence of an immunoprophylactic vaccine and due to over-reliance on a single chemotherapy (praziquantel), schistosomiasis control is at risk should drug insensitive schistosomes develop. In this context, application of in silico virtual screening on validated schistosome targets has proven successful in the identification of novel small molecules with anti-schistosomal activity. Methods: Focusing on the Schistosoma mansoni histone methylation machinery, we herein have used RNA interference (RNAi), ELISA-mediated detection of H3K4 methylation, homology modelling and in silico virtual screening to identify a small collection of small molecules for anti-schistosomal testing. A combination of low to high-throughput whole organism assays were subsequently used to assess these compounds' activities on miracidia to sporocyst transformation, schistosomula phenotype/motility metrics and adult worm motility/oviposition readouts. Results: RNAi-mediated knockdown of smp_138030/smmll-1 (encoding a histone methyltransferase, HMT) in adult worms (~60%) reduced parasite motility and egg production. Moreover, in silico docking of compounds into Smp_138030/SmMLL-1's homology model highlighted competitive substrate pocket inhibitors, some of which demonstrated significant activity on miracidia, schistosomula and adult worm lifecycle stages together with variable effects on HepG2 cells. Particularly, the effect of compounds containing a 6-(piperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine core on adult schistosomes recapitulated the results of the smp_138030/smmll-1 RNAi screens. Conclusions: The biological data and the structure-activity relationship presented in this study define the 6-(piperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine core as a promising starting point in ongoing efforts to develop new urgently needed schistosomicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
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109
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Guidi A, Prasanth Saraswati A, Relitti N, Gimmelli R, Saccoccia F, Sirignano C, Taglialatela-Scafati O, Campiani G, Ruberti G, Gemma S. (+)-(R)- and (-)-(S)-Perhexiline maleate: Enantioselective synthesis and functional studies on Schistosoma mansoni larval and adult stages. Bioorg Chem 2020; 102:104067. [PMID: 32663671 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease mainly affecting the poorest tropical and subtropical areas of the world with the impressive number of roughly 200 million infections per year. Schistosomes are blood trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma causing symptoms in humans and animals. Organ morbidity is caused by the accumulation of parasite eggs and subsequent development of fibrosis. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can result in substantial morbidity and even mortality. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the most effective and widely used compound for the treatment of the disease, in prevention and control programs in the last 30 years. Unfortunately, it has no effect on juvenile immature schistosomes and cannot prevent reinfection or interfere with the schistosome life cycle; moreover drug-resistance represents a serious threat. The search for an alternative or complementary treatment is urgent and drug repurposing could accelerate a solution. The anti-anginal drug perhexiline maleate (PHX) has been previously shown to be effective on larval, juvenile, and adult stages of S. mansoni and to impact egg production in vitro. Since PHX is a racemic mixture of R-(+)- and S-(-)-enantiomers, we designed and realized a stereoselective synthesis of both PHX enantiomers and developed an analytical procedure for the direct quantification of the enantiomeric excess also suitable for semipreparative separation of PHX enantiomers. We next investigated the impact of each enantiomer on viability of newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) and worm pairs of S. mansoni as well as on egg production and vitellarium morphology by in vitro studies. Our results indicate that the R-(+)-PHX is mainly driving the anti-schistosomal activity but that also the S-(-)-PHX possesses a significant activity towards S. mansoni in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso via E. Ramarini, 32 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - A Prasanth Saraswati
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Relitti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso via E. Ramarini, 32 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso via E. Ramarini, 32 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Carmina Sirignano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Orazio Taglialatela-Scafati
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso via E. Ramarini, 32 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy.
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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110
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Munday JC, Kunz S, Kalejaiye TD, Siderius M, Schroeder S, Paape D, Alghamdi AH, Abbasi Z, Huang SX, Donachie AM, William S, Sabra AN, Sterk GJ, Botros SS, Brown DG, Hoffman CS, Leurs R, de Koning HP. Cloning and functional complementation of ten Schistosoma mansoni phosphodiesterases expressed in the mammalian host stages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008447. [PMID: 32730343 PMCID: PMC7430754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a single drug against schistosomiasis is currently available and new drug development is urgently required but very few drug targets have been validated and characterised. However, regulatory systems including cyclic nucleotide metabolism are emerging as primary candidates for drug discovery. Here, we report the cloning of ten cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) genes of S. mansoni, out of a total of 11 identified in its genome. We classify these PDEs by homology to human PDEs. Male worms displayed higher expression levels for all PDEs, in mature and juvenile worms, and schistosomula. Several functional complementation approaches were used to characterise these genes. We constructed a Trypanosoma brucei cell line in which expression of a cAMP-degrading PDE complements the deletion of TbrPDEB1/B2. Inhibitor screens of these cells expressing only either SmPDE4A, TbrPDEB1 or TbrPDEB2, identified highly potent inhibitors of the S. mansoni enzyme that elevated the cellular cAMP concentration. We further expressed most of the cloned SmPDEs in two pde1Δ/pde2Δ strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and some also in a specialised strain of Schizosacharomyces pombe. Five PDEs, SmPDE1, SmPDE4A, SmPDE8, SmPDE9A and SmPDE11 successfully complemented the S. cerevisiae strains, and SmPDE7var also complemented to a lesser degree, in liquid culture. SmPDE4A, SmPDE8 and SmPDE11 were further assessed in S. pombe for hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP; SmPDE11 displayed considerable preferrence for cGMP over cAMP. These results and tools enable the pursuit of a rigorous drug discovery program based on inhibitors of S. mansoni PDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C. Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Kunz
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Titilola D. Kalejaiye
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel Paape
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ali H. Alghamdi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Zainab Abbasi
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sheng Xiang Huang
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anne-Marie Donachie
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Samia William
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - Abdel Nasser Sabra
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanaa S. Botros
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - David G. Brown
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Charles S. Hoffman
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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111
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Schiff bases of 4-Phenyl-2-Aminothiazoles as hits to new antischistosomals: Synthesis, in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 150:105371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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112
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Coutinho Carneiro V, de Abreu da Silva IC, Amaral MS, Pereira ASA, Silveira GO, Pires DDS, Verjovski-Almeida S, Dekker FJ, Rotili D, Mai A, Lopes-Torres EJ, Robaa D, Sippl W, Pierce RJ, Borrello MT, Ganesan A, Lancelot J, Thiengo S, Fernandez MA, Vicentino ARR, Mourão MM, Coelho FS, Fantappié MR. Pharmacological inhibition of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) induces global transcriptional deregulation and ultrastructural alterations that impair viability in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008332. [PMID: 32609727 PMCID: PMC7329083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment and control of schistosomiasis still rely on only one effective drug, praziquantel (PZQ) and, due to mass treatment, the increasing risk of selecting for schistosome strains that are resistant to PZQ has alerted investigators to the urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. The histone-modifying enzymes (HMEs) represent promising targets for the development of epigenetic drugs against Schistosoma mansoni. In the present study, we targeted the S. mansoni lysine-specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1), a transcriptional corepressor, using a novel and selective synthetic inhibitor, MC3935, which was used to treat schistosomula and adult worms in vitro. By using cell viability assays and optical and electron microscopy, we showed that treatment with MC3935 affected parasite motility, egg-laying, tegument, and cellular organelle structures, culminating in the death of schistosomula and adult worms. In silico molecular modeling and docking analysis suggested that MC3935 binds to the catalytic pocket of SmLSD1. Western blot analysis revealed that MC3935 inhibited SmLSD1 demethylation activity of H3K4me1/2. Knockdown of SmLSD1 by RNAi recapitulated MC3935 phenotypes in adult worms. RNA-Seq analysis of MC3935-treated parasites revealed significant differences in gene expression related to critical biological processes. Collectively, our findings show that SmLSD1 is a promising drug target for the treatment of schistosomiasis and strongly support the further development and in vivo testing of selective schistosome LSD1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Coutinho Carneiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabel Caetano de Abreu da Silva
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana S. A. Pereira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Gilbert Oliveira Silveira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan, AV Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eduardo José Lopes-Torres
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - M. Teresa Borrello
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - A. Ganesan
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Lancelot
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Silvana Thiengo
- Laboratório de Malacologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Monica Ammon Fernandez
- Laboratório de Malacologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amanda Roberta Revoredo Vicentino
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marina Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Sales Coelho
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Rosado Fantappié
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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A de L Paula L, Santos MFC, Pagotti MC, Faleiros R, Ramos HP, Veneziani RCS, Bastos JK, Caffrey CR, Ambrosio SR, Magalhães LG. Uncovering Biological Application of Brazilian Green Propolis: A Phenotypic Screening against Schistosoma mansoni. Chem Biodivers 2020; 17:e2000277. [PMID: 32578329 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The chemotherapy of schistosomiasis remains centered in the use of praziquantel, however, there has been growing resistant parasites to this drug. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the hexanes/dichloromethane 1 : 1 extract of Brazilian green propolis (Pex), as well as its major isolated compounds artepillin C, caffeic acid, coumaric acid and drupanin against Schistosoma mansoni. The Pex was active by displaying an IC50 value of 36.60 (26.26-51.13) μg mL-1 at 72 h against adult worms of S. mansoni. The major isolated compounds were inactive with IC50 values >100 μM, however, the combination of the isolated compounds (CM) in the same range found in the extract was active with an IC50 value of 41.17 (39.89-42.46) μg mL-1 at 72 h. Pex and CM induced alteration in the tegument of S. mansoni, and caffeic acid caused alteration in egg's maturation. Pex displayed in vitro activity against adult worms' and eggs' viability of S. mansoni, which opens new perspectives to better understand the synergistic and/or additive effects promoted by both Pex extract and CM against schistosomiasis features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A de L Paula
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario F C Santos
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Pagotti
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Faleiros
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique P Ramos
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C S Veneziani
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Jairo K Bastos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP 14.040-903, Ribeirão, Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sérgio R Ambrosio
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Avenida Dr. Armando Salles of Oliveira, CEP, 14404-600, Franca, SP, Brazil
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114
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Ravaynia PS, Lombardo FC, Biendl S, Dupuch MA, Keiser J, Hierlemann A, Modena MM. Parallelized Impedance-Based Platform for Continuous Dose-Response Characterization of Antischistosomal Drugs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900304. [PMID: 32510834 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by tropical parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma, which parasitizes annually over 200 million people worldwide. Screening of antischistosomal compounds is hampered by the low throughput and potential subjectivity of the visual evaluation of the parasite phenotypes, which affects the current drug assays. Here, an impedance-based platform, capable of assessing the viability of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula exposed to drugs, is presented. This automated and parallelized platform enables unbiased and continuous measurements of dose-response relationships for more than 48 h. The platform performance is established by exposure of schistosomula to three test compounds, praziquantel, oxethazaine, and mefloquine, which are known to affect the larvae phenotypes. The system is thereafter used to investigate the response of schistosomula to methiothepine, an antipsychotic compound, which causes complex drug-induced effects. Continuous monitoring of the parasites reveals transient behavioral phenotypes and allows for extracting temporal characteristics of dose-response curves, which are essential for selecting drugs that feature high activity and fast kinetics of action. These measurements demonstrate that impedance-based detection provides a wealth of information for the in vitro characterization of candidate antischistosomals and, represents a promising tool for the identification of new lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo S Ravaynia
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Flavio C Lombardo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Biendl
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Matthias A Dupuch
- Micro and Nanosystems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Mario M Modena
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
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115
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de Mori RM, Aleixo MAA, Zapata LCC, Calil FA, Emery FS, Nonato MC. Structural basis for the function and inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase from Schistosoma mansoni. FEBS J 2020; 288:930-944. [PMID: 32428996 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem, prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in poor communities without access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. Transmission has been reported in 78 countries, and its control depends on a single drug, praziquantel, which has been used over the past 30 years. Our work is focused on exploiting target-based drug discovery strategies to develop new therapeutics to treat schistosomiasis. In particular, we are interested in evaluating the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) as a drug target. DHODH is a flavoenzyme that catalyzes the stereospecific oxidation of (S)-dihydroorotate (DHO) to orotate during the fourth and only redox step of the de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthetic pathway. Previously, we identified atovaquone, used in the treatment of malaria, and its analogues, as potent and selective inhibitors against Schistosoma mansoni DHODH (SmDHODH). In the present article, we report the first crystal structure of SmDHODH in complex with the atovaquone analogue inhibitor 2-((4-fluorophenyl)amino)-3-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione (QLA). We discuss three major findings: (a) the open conformation of the active site loop and the unveiling of a novel transient druggable pocket for class 2 DHODHs; (b) the presence of a protuberant domain, only present in Schistosoma spp DHODHs, that was found to control and modulate the dynamics of the inhibitor binding site; (c) a detailed description of an unexpected binding mode for the atovaquone analogue to SmDHODH. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the catalytic mechanism performed by class 2 DHODHs and provide the molecular basis for structure-guided design of SmDHODH inhibitors. DATABASE: The structural data are available in Protein Data Bank (PDB) database under the accession code number 6UY4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan M de Mori
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mariana A A Aleixo
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luana C C Zapata
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe A Calil
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Flávio S Emery
- Laboratório de Química Heterocíclica e Medicinal, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - M Cristina Nonato
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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116
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Duguet TB, Glebov A, Hussain A, Kulkarni S, Mochalkin I, Geary TG, Rashid M, Spangenberg T, Ribeiro P. Identification of annotated bioactive molecules that impair motility of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 13:73-88. [PMID: 32531750 PMCID: PMC7284125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases are of growing worldwide concern and schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms, continues to be a major threat with more than 200 million people requiring preventive treatment. As praziquantel (PZQ) remains the treatment of choice, an urgent need for alternative treatments motivates research to identify new lead compounds that would complement PZQ by filling the therapeutic gaps associated with this treatment. Because impairing parasite neurotransmission remains a core strategy for control of parasitic helminths, we screened a library of 708 compounds with validated biological activity in humans on the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, measuring their effect on the motility on schistosomulae and adult worms. The primary phenotypic screen performed on schistosomulae identified 70 compounds that induced changes in viability and/or motility. Screening different concentrations and incubation times identified molecules with fast onset of activity on both life stages at low concentration (1 μM). To complement this study, similar assays were performed with chemical analogs of the cholinomimetic drug arecoline and the calcilytic molecule NPS-2143, two compounds that rapidly inhibited schistosome motility; 17 arecoline and 302 NPS-2143 analogs were tested to enlarge the pool of schistosomicidal molecules. Finally, validated hit compounds were tested on three functionally-validated neuroregulatory S. mansoni G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs): Sm5HTR (serotonin-sensitive), SmGPR2 (histamine) and SmD2 (dopamine), revealing NPS-2143 and analogs as potent inhibitors of dopamine/epinine responses on both human and S. mansoni GPCRs. This study highlights the potential for repurposing known human therapeutic agents for potential schistosomicidal effects and expands the list of hits for further progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Duguet
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Anastasia Glebov
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Asimah Hussain
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Igor Mochalkin
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mohammed Rashid
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thomas Spangenberg
- Global Health Institute of Merck, Ares Trading S.A., a subsidiary of Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany), Eysins, Switzerland.
| | - Paula Ribeiro
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
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117
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Effect of Praziquantel on Schistosoma mekongi Proteome and Phosphoproteome. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060417. [PMID: 32471184 PMCID: PMC7350297 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mekongi causes schistosomiasis in southeast Asia, against which praziquantel (PZQ) is the only treatment option. PZQ resistance has been reported, thus increasing the requirement to understand mechanism of PZQ. Herein, this study aimed to assess differences in proteome and phosphoproteome of S. mekongi after PZQ treatment for elucidating its action. Furthermore, key kinases related to PZQ effects were predicted to identify alternative targets for novel drug development. Proteomes of S. mekongi were profiled after PZQ treatment at half maximal inhibitory concentration and compared with untreated worms. A total of 144 proteins were differentially expressed after treatment. In parallel, immunohistochemistry indicated a reduction of phosphorylation, with 43 phosphoproteins showing reduced phosphorylation, as identified by phosphoproteomic approach. Pathway analysis of mass spectrometric data showed that calcium homeostasis, worm antigen, and oxidative stress pathways were influenced by PZQ treatment. Interestingly, two novel mechanisms related to protein folding and proteolysis through endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathways were indicated as a parasiticidal mechanism of PZQ. According to kinase–substrate predictions with bioinformatic tools, Src kinase was highlighted as the major kinase related to the alteration of phosphorylation by PZQ. Interfering with these pathways or applying Src kinase inhibitors could be alternative approaches for further antischistosomal drug development.
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118
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Wells N, Chappuis F, Beran D. Spotlight on experiences of medicine unavailability: access to medicines challenges for NCDs and NTDs - the contrasting cases of insulin and praziquantel. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:341-353. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1740589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadya Wells
- Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François Chappuis
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David Beran
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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119
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Silva JCS, Bernardes MVADS, Melo FL, Sá MPBO, Carvalho BM. Praziquantel versus praziquantel associated with immunomodulators in mice infected with schistosoma mansoni: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105359. [PMID: 31987779 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Carla Serafim Silva
- Faculty of Medical Sciences - University of Pernambuco (FCM/UPE), Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310, Santo Amaro, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, CEP: 50.100-130
| | | | - Fábio Lopes Melo
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Campus da UFPE - Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, CEP 50.670-420
| | - Michel Pompeu Barros Oliveira Sá
- Faculty of Medical Sciences - University of Pernambuco (FCM/UPE), Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310, Santo Amaro, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, CEP: 50.100-130
| | - Bruno Melo Carvalho
- Faculty of Medical Sciences - University of Pernambuco (FCM/UPE), Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310, Santo Amaro, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, CEP: 50.100-130; Institute of Biological Sciences - University of Pernambuco (ICB/UPE), Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310, Santo Amaro, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. CEP: 50.100-130.
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120
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Thomas CM, Timson DJ. The Mechanism of Action of Praziquantel: Can New Drugs Exploit Similar Mechanisms? Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:676-696. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180926145537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for treating infection with worms from the
genus Schistosoma. The drug is effective, cheap and has few side effects. However, despite its
use in millions of patients for over 40 years its molecular mechanism of action remains elusive.
Early studies demonstrated that PZQ disrupts calcium ion homeostasis in the worm and
the current consensus is that it antagonises voltage-gated calcium channels. It is hypothesised
that disruption of these channels results in uncontrolled calcium ion influx leading to uncontrolled
muscle contraction and paralysis. However, other experimental studies have suggested
a role for myosin regulatory light chains and adenosine uptake in the drug’s mechanism of
action. Assuming voltage-gated calcium channels do represent the main molecular target of
PZQ, the precise binding site for the drug remains to be identified. Unlike other commonly
used anti-parasitic drugs, there are few definitive reports of resistance to PZQ in the literature.
The lack of knowledge about PZQ’s molecular mechanism(s) undermines our ability to predict
how resistance might arise and also hinder our attempts to develop alternative antischistosomal
drugs which exploit the same target(s). Some PZQ derivatives have been identified
which also kill or paralyse schistosomes in culture. However, none of these are in widespread
clinical use. There is a pressing need for fundamental research into the molecular mechanism(
s) of action of PZQ. Such research would enable new avenues for antischsistosomal
drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M. Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Timson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
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121
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Sebastian-Perez V, García-Rubia A, Seif El-Din SH, Sabra ANA, El-Lakkany NM, William S, Blundell TL, Maes L, Martinez A, Campillo NE, Botros SS, Gil C. Deciphering the enzymatic target of a new family of antischistosomal agents bearing a quinazoline scaffold using complementary computational tools. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:511-523. [PMID: 31939312 PMCID: PMC7717570 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1712595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous phenotypic screening campaign led to the identification of a quinazoline derivative with promising in vitro activity against Schistosoma mansoni. Follow-up studies of the antischistosomal potential of this candidate are presented here. The in vivo studies in a S. mansoni mouse model show a significant reduction of total worms and a complete disappearance of immature eggs when administered concomitantly with praziquantel in comparison with the administration of praziquantel alone. This fact is of utmost importance because eggs are responsible for the pathology and transmission of the disease. Subsequently, the chemical optimisation of the structure in order to improve the metabolic stability of the parent compound was carried out leading to derivatives with improved drug-like properties. Additionally, the putative target of this new class of antischistosomal compounds was envisaged by using computational tools and the binding mode to the target enzyme, aldose reductase, was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Islam MT, Martorell M, Salehi B, Setzer WN, Sharifi-Rad J. Anti-Schistosoma mansoni effects of essential oils and their components. Phytother Res 2020; 34:1761-1769. [PMID: 32067278 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is endemic in 55 countries around the world. S. mansoni is a water-borne parasite of humans belonging to the group of blood flukes. Generally, schistosomiasis is treated with praziquantel, which results in frequent treatment failures and reinfections. Essential oils have diverse biological effects, including antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antiparasitic. This review aimed at summarizing available in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials showing evidence and mechanisms of actions of essential oils and their derivatives acting against S. mansoni. The findings suggest that a number of essential oils and/or their components act against S. mansoni. Essential oils and/or their derivatives may be one of the potential sources of antischistosomal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Torequl Islam
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.,Universidad de Concepción, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico (UDT), Concepción, Chile
| | - Bahare Salehi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - William N Setzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, 35899, USA.,Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT, 84043, USA
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Effect of a newly synthesized quinoline-based compound (PPQ-8) on murine schistosomiasis mansoni. J Helminthol 2020; 94:e123. [PMID: 32029011 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x2000005x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis represents a public health problem and praziquantel is the only drug used for treatment of all forms of the disease. Thus, the development of new anti-schistosomal agents is of utmost importance to increase the effectiveness, reduce side effects and delay the emergence of resistance. The present study was conducted to report the therapeutic efficacy of PPQ-8, a new synthetic quinoline-based compound against Schistosoma mansoni. Mice were treated with PPQ-8 at day 49 post infection using two treatment regimens (20 and 40 mg/kg). Significant reductions were recorded in hepatic (62.9% and 83.6%) and intestinal tissue egg load (57.4% and 73.5%), granuloma count (75.4% and 89.1%) and diameter (26.2% and 47.3%), in response to the drug regimens, respectively. In addition, both treatment regimens induced significant decrease in liver (23.3% and 32.8%) and spleen (37.5% and 45.3%) indices. Also, there were significant reductions in mature ova, total worm and female count, which were more prominent with the higher dose. The reduction in the level of nitric oxide in the liver by both therapeutic regimens to 22.5% and 47.2% indicates the anti-oxidant activity of PPQ-8. Bright field microscopic examination of worms recovered from infected and PPQ-8-treated mice showed nearly empty intestinal caeca with no observable changes in the tegument. Our findings hold promise for the development of a novel anti-schistosomal drug using PPQ-8, but further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to elucidate the possible mechanism/s of action and to study the effect of PPQ-8 on other human schistosomes.
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124
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Adekiya TA, Kondiah PPD, Choonara YE, Kumar P, Pillay V. A Review of Nanotechnology for Targeted Anti-schistosomal Therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:32. [PMID: 32083071 PMCID: PMC7005470 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the major parasitic diseases and second most prevalent among the group of neglected diseases. The prevalence of schistosomiasis may be due to environmental and socio-economic factors, as well as the unavailability of vaccines for schistosomiasis. To date, current treatment; mainly the drug praziquantel (PZQ), has not been effective in treating the early forms of schistosome species. The development of drug resistance has been documented in several regions globally, due to the overuse of PZQ, rate of parasitic mutation, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with different strains of schistosomes and the overall parasite load. Hence, exploring the schistosome tegument may be a potential focus for the design and development of targeted anti-schistosomal therapy, with higher bioavailability as molecular targets using nanotechnology. This review aims to provide a concise incursion on the use of various advance approaches to achieve targeted anti-schistosomal therapy, mainly through the use of nano-enabled drug delivery systems. It also assimilates the molecular structure and function of the schistosome tegument and highlights the potential molecular targets found on the tegument, for effective specific interaction with receptors for more efficacious anti-schistosomal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Viness Pillay
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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125
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Nawaz M, Malik I, Hameed M, Hussain Kuthu Z, Zhou J. Modifications of histones in parasites as drug targets. Vet Parasitol 2020; 278:109029. [PMID: 31978703 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of histones and histone modifying enzymes play important roles in gene regulations and other physiological processes in parasites. Inhibitors of such modifying enzymes could be useful as novel therapeutics against parasitic diseases or as chemical probes for investigation of epigenetics. Development of parasitic histone modulators has got rapid expansion in the last few years. A number of highly potent and selective compounds have been reported, together with extensive preclinical studies of their biological activity. Some of these compounds have been widely used in humans targeting cancer and are found non-toxic. This review summarizes the antiparasitic activities of histone and histone modifying enzymes inhibitors evaluated in last few years. As the current chemotherapy against parasites is still not satisfactory, therefore, such compounds represents good starting points for the discovery of effective antiparasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Nawaz
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Irfan Malik
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mudassar Hameed
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zulfiqar Hussain Kuthu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China.
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Saccoccia F, Brindisi M, Gimmelli R, Relitti N, Guidi A, Saraswati AP, Cavella C, Brogi S, Chemi G, Butini S, Papoff G, Senger J, Herp D, Jung M, Campiani G, Gemma S, Ruberti G. Screening and Phenotypical Characterization of Schistosoma mansoni Histone Deacetylase 8 ( SmHDAC8) Inhibitors as Multistage Antischistosomal Agents. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:100-113. [PMID: 31661956 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease caused by platyhelminths of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas of the world where water is infested by the intermediate parasite host, the snail. More than 800 million people live in endemic areas and more than 200 million are infected and require treatment. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for schistosomiasis treatment and transmission control being safe and very effective against adult worms of all the clinically relevant Schistosoma species. Unfortunately, it is ineffective on immature, juvenile worms; therefore, it does not prevent reinfection. Moreover, the risk of development and spread of drug resistance because of the widespread use of a single drug in such a large population represents a serious threat. Therefore, research aimed at identifying novel drugs to be used alone or in combination with PZQ are needed. Schistosoma mansoni histone deacetylase 8 (SmHDAC8) is a class I zinc-dependent HDAC, which is abundantly expressed in all stages of its life cycle, thus representing an interesting target for drug discovery. Through virtual screening and phenotypical characterization of selected hits, we discovered two main chemical classes of compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxamate-based metal binding group coupled to a spiroindoline or a tricyclic thieno[3,2-b]indole core as capping groups. Some of the compounds of both classes were deeply investigated and showed to impair viability of larval, juvenile, and adult schistosomes, to impact egg production in vitro and/or to induce morphological alterations of the adult schistosome reproductive systems. Noteworthy, all of them inhibit the recombinant form of SmHDAC8 enzyme in vitro. Overall, we identified very interesting scaffolds, paving the way to the development of effective antischistosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Nicola Relitti
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - A Prasanth Saraswati
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Cavella
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Chemi
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Johanna Senger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Herp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
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127
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Potassium usnate, a water-soluble usnic acid salt, shows enhanced activity against Schistosoma mansoni in vitro. Exp Parasitol 2020; 208:107779. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abstract
Praziquantel is a remarkably effective drug for the treatment of schistosomiasis. It has few side effects, some of which have been attributed to its inactive enantiomer. Few, if any, verified cases of drug resistance have been reported in a clinical setting. The preponderance of scientific evidence suggests that the drug works by dysregulating calcium homeostasis in the worm. Voltage-gated calcium channels have been proposed as the main pharmacological target of praziquantel, although no direct evidence of interaction with this protein is available. Here, the biochemical pharmacology of praziquantel is briefly reviewed and a hypothesis for its mechanism proposed. This hypothesis suggests that the drug works, in part, by disrupting an interaction between a voltage-gated calcium channel (SmCav1B) and an accessory protein, SmTAL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Timson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
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129
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Vaccination against the digestive enzyme Cathepsin B using a YS1646 Salmonella enterica Typhimurium vector provides almost complete protection against Schistosoma mansoni challenge in a mouse model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007490. [PMID: 31790394 PMCID: PMC6907844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni threatens hundreds of millions of people in >50 countries. Schistosomulae migrate through the lung and adult worms reside in blood vessels adjacent to the intestinal mucosa. Current candidate vaccines aren’t designed to elicit a mucosal response. We have repurposed an attenuated Salmonella enterica Typhimurium strain (YS1646) to produce such a vaccine targeting Cathepsin B (CatB), a digestive enzyme important for parasite survival. Promoter-Type 3 secretory signal pairs were screened for protein expression in vitro and transfected into YS1646 to generate candidate vaccine strains. Two strains were selected for in vivo evaluation (nirB_SspH1 and SspH1_SspH1). Female C57BL/6 mice were immunized twice, 3 weeks apart, using six strategies: i) saline gavage (control), ii) the ‘empty’ YS1646 vector orally (PO) followed by intramuscular (IM) recombinant CatB (20μg IM rCatB), iii) two doses of IM rCatB, iv) two PO doses of YS1646-CatB, v) IM rCatB then PO YS1646-CatB and vi) PO YS1646-CatB then IM rCatB. Serum IgG responses to CatB were monitored by ELISA. Three weeks after the second dose, mice were challenged with 150 cercariae and sacrificed 7 weeks later to assess adult worm and egg burden (liver and intestine), granuloma size and egg morphology. CatB-specific IgG antibodies were low/absent in the control and PO only groups but rose substantially in other groups (5898-6766ng/mL). The highest response was in animals that received nirB_SspH1 YS1646 PO then IM rCatB. In this group, reductions in worm and intestine/liver egg burden (vs. control) were 93.1% and 79.5%/90.3% respectively (all P < .0001). Granuloma size was reduced in all vaccinated groups (range 32.9–52.8 x103μm2) and most significantly in the nirB_SspH1 + CatB IM group (34.7±3.4 x103μm2vs. 62.2±6.1 x103μm2: vs. control P < .01). Many eggs in the vaccinated animals had abnormal morphology. Targeting CatB using a multi-modality approach can provide almost complete protection against S. mansoni challenge. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects over 250 million people worldwide and over 800 million are at risk of infection. Of the three main species, Schistosoma mansoni is the most widely distributed and is endemic in the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. It causes a chronic disease with severe negative effects on quality of life. Mass drug administration of praziquantel is the only available course of action due to a current lack of vaccines. However, praziquantel does not protect from reinfection. Therefore, a vaccine would be beneficial as a long-term solution to reduce morbidity and transmission of the disease. Our group has repurposed the attenuated YS1646 strain of Salmonella Typhimurium as an oral vaccine vector for the digestive enzyme Cathepsin B of S. mansoni. Oral vaccination followed by an intramuscular dose of recombinant Cathepsin B lead to significant reductions in parasite burden in mice. These animals had the highest titers in serum IgG and intestinal IgA antibodies. This multimodal vaccination approach also elicited both Th1 and Th2 cytokines as seen by the increases in IFNγ and IL-5. Finally, vaccinated mice had reductions in granuloma size along with a higher proportion of morphologically-abnormal eggs. This work demonstrates that a YS1646-based, multimodality, prime-boost immunization schedule can provide nearly complete protection against S. mansoni in a well-established murine model.
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130
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Li X, Qiao H, Qin F, Cheng G, Liu J, Li H, Gu S, Jin Y. Comparative analysis of iTRAQ-based proteome profiles of Schistosoma japonicum female worms coming from single-sex infections and bisexual infections. J Proteomics 2019; 213:103597. [PMID: 31778827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In schistosomiasis, eggs produced by bisexual infected mature female schistosome worms (FMS) are the main cause of pathological damage to the host and the dissemination of the disease. Single-sex infected female worms (FSS) cannot completely develop to sexual maturity or produce normal eggs. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-coupled LC-MS/MS was used to explore the proteome of FSS and FMS of Schistosoma japonicum. A total of 1477 differentially expressed proteins (fold change >1.2, P < .05) between FSS and FMS were identified. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that FMS expressed more proteins related to biosynthetic processes, such as eggshell synthesis, ribosomal synthesis, protein folding, cellular detoxification, and metabolic processes such as protein metabolism and glucose metabolism, whereas more proteins related to locomotion and oxidative phosphorylation were expressed in FSS. Our identification and analysis of differentially expressed proteins between FMS and FSS provides new insights to elucidate the molecular biological mechanisms of female worm sexual maturation and reproduction. SIGNIFICANCE: Female Schistosome worms must maintain constant pairing contact with male worms for differentiation of their reproductive organs. Mature female worms can produce infectious eggs, cause serious pathological damage to the host and the dissemination of the disease. Unpaired female worms remain small and sexually immature; they do not spawn normally. In this study, iTRAQ-coupled LC-MS/MS was used to explore the whole proteome of single-sex infected female worms (FSS) and bisexual infected mature female worms (FMS) of Schistosoma japonicum. 1477 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between FSS and FMS were identified and analyzed. Further research on DEPs' functions in schistosome sexual maturation and reproductive development might provide theoretical bases to explore female maturation and spawning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China; College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongbin Qiao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanglin Qin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China; College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guifeng Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaopeng Gu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China.
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Pereira ASA, Silveira GO, Amaral MS, Almeida SMV, Oliveira JF, Lima MCA, Verjovski-Almeida S. In vitro activity of aryl-thiazole derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula and adult worms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225425. [PMID: 31765429 PMCID: PMC6876889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by a trematode of the genus Schistosoma and affects over 200 million people worldwide. The only drug recommended by the World Health Organization for treatment and control of schistosomiasis is praziquantel. Development of new drugs is therefore of great importance. Thiazoles are regarded as privileged structures with a broad spectrum of activities and are potential sources of new drug prototypes, since they can act through interactions with DNA and inhibition of DNA synthesis. In this context, we report the synthesis of a series of thiazole derivatives and their in vitro schistosomicidal activity by testing eight molecules (NJ03-08; NJ11-12) containing thiazole structures. Parameters such as motility and mortality, egg laying, pairing and parasite viability by ATP quantification, which were influenced by these compounds, were evaluated during the assays. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized for evaluation of morphological changes in the tegument. Schistosomula and adult worms were treated in vitro with different concentrations (6.25 to 50 μM) of the thiazoles for up to 5 and 3 days, respectively. After in vitro treatment for five days with 6.25 μM NJ05 or NJ07 separately, we observed a decrease of 30% in schistosomula viability, whilst treatment with NJ05+NJ07 lead to a reduction of 75% in viability measured by ATP quantitation and propidium iodide labeling. Adult worms’ treatment with 50 μM NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05 + NJ07 showed decreased motility to 30–50% compared with controls. Compound NJ05 was more effective than NJ07, and adult worm viability after three days was reduced to 25% in parasites treated with 50 μM NJ05, compared with a viability reduction to 40% with 50 μM NJ07. SEM analysis showed severe alterations in adult worms with formation of bulges and blisters throughout the dorsal region of parasites treated with NJ05 or NJ07. Oviposition was extremely affected by treatment with the NJ series compounds; at concentrations of 25 μM and 50 μM, oviposition reached almost zero with NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05 + NJ07 already at day one. Tested genes involved in egg biosynthesis were all confirmed by qPCR as downregulated in females treated with 25 μM NJ05 for 2 days, with a significant reduction in expression of p14, Tyrosinase 2, p48 and fs800. NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05+NJ07 treatment of HEK293 (human embryonic cell line) and HES (human epithelial cell line) showed EC50 in the range of 18.42 to 145.20 μM. Overall, our results demonstrate that those molecules are suitable targets for further development into new drugs for schistosomiasis treatment, although progress is needed to lessen the cytotoxic effects on human cells. According to the present study, thiazole derivatives have schistosomicidal activities and may be part of a possible new arsenal of compounds against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana S. A. Pereira
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Gilbert O. Silveira
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Sinara M. V. Almeida
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
- Universidade de Pernambuco, Campus Garanhuns, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Jamerson F. Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Maria C. A. Lima
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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Whatley KCL, Padalino G, Whiteland H, Geyer KK, Hulme BJ, Chalmers IW, Forde-Thomas J, Ferla S, Brancale A, Hoffmann KF. The repositioning of epigenetic probes/inhibitors identifies new anti-schistosomal lead compounds and chemotherapeutic targets. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007693. [PMID: 31730617 PMCID: PMC6881072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Praziquantel represents the frontline chemotherapy used to treat schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by infection with macro-parasitic blood fluke schistosomes. While this drug is safe, its inability to kill all schistosome lifecycle stages within the human host often requires repeat treatments. This limitation, amongst others, has led to the search for novel anti-schistosome replacement or combinatorial chemotherapies. Here, we describe a repositioning strategy to assess the anthelmintic activity of epigenetic probes/inhibitors obtained from the Structural Genomics Consortium. Methodology/Principle findings Thirty-seven epigenetic probes/inhibitors targeting histone readers, writers and erasers were initially screened against Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula using the high-throughput Roboworm platform. At 10 μM, 14 of these 37 compounds (38%) negatively affected schistosomula motility and phenotype after 72 hours of continuous co-incubation. Subsequent dose-response titrations against schistosomula and adult worms revealed epigenetic probes targeting one reader (NVS-CECR2-1), one writer (LLY-507 and BAY-598) and one eraser (GSK-J4) to be particularly active. As LLY-507/BAY-598 (SMYD2 histone methyltransferase inhibitors) and GSK-J4 (a JMJD3 histone demethylase inhibitor) regulate an epigenetic process (protein methylation) known to be critical for schistosome development, further characterisation of these compounds/putative targets was performed. RNA interference (RNAi) of one putative LLY-507/BAY-598 S. mansoni target (Smp_000700) in adult worms replicated the compound-mediated motility and egg production defects. Furthermore, H3K36me2, a known product catalysed by SMYD2 activity, was also reduced by LLY-507 (25%), BAY-598 (23%) and siSmp_000700 (15%) treatment of adult worms. Oviposition and packaging of vitelline cells into in vitro laid eggs was also significantly affected by GSK-J4 (putative cell permeable prodrug inhibitor of Smp_034000), but not by the related structural analogue GSK-J1 (cell impermeable inhibitor). Conclusion/Significance Collectively, these results provide further support for the development of next-generation drugs targeting schistosome epigenetic pathway components. In particular, the progression of histone methylation/demethylation modulators presents a tractable strategy for anti-schistosomal control. Human schistosomiasis is caused by infection with parasitic blood fluke worms. Global control of this NTD is currently facilitated by administration of a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). This mono-chemotherapeutic strategy of schistosomiasis control presents challenges as PZQ is not active against all human-dwelling schistosome lifecycle stages and the evolution of PZQ resistant parasites remains a threat. Therefore, new drugs to be used in combination with or in replacement of PZQ are urgently needed. Here, continuing our studies on Schistosoma mansoni epigenetic processes, we performed anthelmintic screening of 37 epigenetic probes/epigenetic inhibitors obtained from the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC). The results of these studies highlighted that schistosome protein methylation/demethylation processes are acutely vulnerable. In particular, compounds affecting schistosome SMYD (LLY-507, BAY-598) or JMJD (GSK-J4) homologues are especially active on schistosomula and adult worms during in vitro phenotypic drug screens. The active epigenetic probes identified here as well as their corresponding S. mansoni protein targets offers new starting points for the development of next-generation anti-schistosomals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kezia C. L. Whatley
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Gilda Padalino
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Kathrin K. Geyer
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin J. Hulme
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore Ferla
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Paiva TF, Alves JB, Melo PA, Pinto JC. Development of Smart Polymer Microparticles through Suspension Polymerization for Treatment of Schistosomiasis. MACROMOL REACT ENG 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/mren.201900028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thamiris Franckini Paiva
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP 68502 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
| | - Jéssica Bentes Alves
- Programa de Engenharia da Nanotecnologia/COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP 68501 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
| | - Príamo Albuquerque Melo
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP 68502 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
| | - José Carlos Pinto
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP 68502 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
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134
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Ellakany AR, Elgendy DI, Alshenawy HA, Abdel Ghaffar AE. Assessment of the potential therapeutic effects of omeprazole in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3399-3408. [PMID: 31655904 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06465-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected chronic parasitic disease with a significant lasting morbidity. Currently, praziquantel (PZQ) is the most efficient drug for schistosomiasis worldwide. However, the possibility of the occurrence of resistance to PZQ is increasing. Therefore, there is a vital need to find new antischistosomal drugs or to increase the efficacy of the existing ones. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor which is reported to have antiparasitic properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the potential therapeutic effects of omeprazole in experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection either alone or in combination with PZQ. For this aim, 80 laboratory bred mice were divided into 3 groups; uninfected control, infected untreated control, and infected and treated at tenth week P.I. The last group was divided into three subgroups that received either PZQ alone, omeprazole alone, or both drugs. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed by adult worm counts, liver egg count, scanning electron microscopy of adult worms, histopathological, and immunohistochemical (GFAP) examination. There was significant reduction of adult worm counts, liver egg counts, size, diameter of hepatic granulomas, hepatic fibrosis, and GFAP expression in the group that received combined treatment as compared to PZQ group. Moreover, the tegumental changes were more evident in the group that received combined treatment. In conclusion, the administration of omeprazole with PZQ improved the efficacy of PZQ in the treatment of Schistosomiasis mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa R Ellakany
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Dina I Elgendy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Hanan A Alshenawy
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amira E Abdel Ghaffar
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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135
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Jesudoss Chelladurai J, Kifleyohannes T, Scott J, Brewer MT. Praziquantel Resistance in the Zoonotic Cestode Dipylidium caninum. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 99:1201-1205. [PMID: 30226153 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dipylidium caninum is a cosmopolitan cestode infecting dogs, cats, and humans. Praziquantel is a highly effective cestocidal drug and resistance in adult cestodes has not been reported. From 2016 to 2018, a population of dogs with cestode infections that could not be eliminated despite multiple treatments with praziquantel or epsiprantel was identified. Cases of D. caninum were clinically resistant to praziquantel and could not be resolved despite increasing the dose, frequency, and duration of treatment. Resistant isolates were identified and characterized by sequencing the 28S, 12S, and voltage-gated calcium channel beta subunit genes. Cases were only resolved following treatment with nitroscanate or a compounded pyrantel/praziquantel/oxantel product. Clinicians should be aware of this alarming development as treatment options for cestodes are limited in both human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa
| | | | - Janelle Scott
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Matthew T Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa
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136
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Monaldi D, Rotili D, Lancelot J, Marek M, Wössner N, Lucidi A, Tomaselli D, Ramos-Morales E, Romier C, Pierce RJ, Mai A, Jung M. Structure–Reactivity Relationships on Substrates and Inhibitors of the Lysine Deacylase Sirtuin 2 from Schistosoma mansoni (SmSirt2). J Med Chem 2019; 62:8733-8759. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Monaldi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dante Rotili
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Julien Lancelot
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019—UMR 8204—CIIL—Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Martin Marek
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Nathalie Wössner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alessia Lucidi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Tomaselli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Ramos-Morales
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Christophe Romier
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg (UDS), CNRS, INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019—UMR 8204—CIIL—Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Antonello Mai
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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137
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Vil’ VA, Terent’ev AO, Mulina OM. Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Peroxides for the Treatment of Helminth and Protozoan Pathogens: Synthesis and Properties. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1201-1225. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190620143848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The significant spread of helminth and protozoan infections, the uncontrolled intake of the
known drugs by a large population, the emergence of resistant forms of pathogens have prompted people
to search for alternative drugs. In this review, we have focused attention on structures and synthesis of
peroxides active against parasites causing neglected tropical diseases and toxoplasmosis. To date, promising
active natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic peroxides compounds have been found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera A. Vil’
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospekt 47, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander O. Terent’ev
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospekt 47, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Olga M. Mulina
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospekt 47, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
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138
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Rando DG, da Costa MO, Pavani TF, Oliveira T, dos Santos PF, Amorim CR, Pinto PL, de Brito MG, Silva MP, Roquini DB, de Moraes J. Vanillin-Related N-Acylhydrazones: Synthesis, Antischistosomal Properties and Target Fishing Studies. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1241-1251. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190620163237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease, which affects millions of people in developing
countries. Its treatment relies on a single therapeutic alternative, the praziquantel. This situation
may lead to drug resistance which, in turn, made urgent the need for new antischistosomal agents. Nacylhydrazones
are usually explored as good antimicrobial agents, but the vanillin-related N-acylhydrazones
have never been tested by their antiparasitic potential.
Objective:
Herein, we report the synthesis of seven analogues, three of them unpublished, their biological
investigation against Schistosoma mansoni and Target Fishing studies.
Methods:
The compounds were synthesized following classical synthetical approaches. The anthelmintic
potential was assessed as well as their cytotoxicity profile. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and target
fishing study were performed to better understand the observed antischistosomal activity.
Results:
Compound GPQF-407 exhibited good antischistosomal activity (47.91 µM) with suitable selectivity
index (4.14). Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that it triggered severe tegumental destruction
and tubercle disintegration. Target fishing studies pointed out some probable targets, such as the
serine-threonine kinases, dihydroorotate dehydrogenases and carbonic anhydrase II.
Conclusion:
The GPQF-407 was revealed to be a promising antischistosomal agent which, besides presenting
the N-acylhydrazone privileged scaffold, also could be easily synthesized on large scales from
commercially available materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela G.G. Rando
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela O.L. da Costa
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais F.A. Pavani
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Oliveira
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Paloma F. dos Santos
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Carina R. Amorim
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro L.S. Pinto
- Nucleo de Enteroparasitas, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana G. de Brito
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos P.N. Silva
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel B. Roquini
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
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139
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Discovery of novel Schistosoma mansoni PDE4A inhibitors as potential agents against schistosomiasis. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:1703-1720. [PMID: 31370708 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Due to the urgent need for effective drugs to treat schistosomiasis that act through a known molecular mechanism of action, we focused on a target-based approach with the aim to discover inhibitors of a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from Schistosoma mansoni (SmPDE4A). Materials & methods: To discover new inhibitors of SmPDE4A homology models of the enzyme structure were constructed based on known human and protozoan homologs. The best two models were selected for subsequent virtual screening of our in-house chemical library. Results & conclusion: A total of 25 library compounds were selected for experimental confirmation as SmPDE4A inhibitors and after dose-response experiments, three top hits were identified. The results presented validate the virtual screening approach to identify new inhibitors for clinically relevant phosphodiesterases.
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140
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Caffrey CR, El‐Sakkary N, Mäder P, Krieg R, Becker K, Schlitzer M, Drewry DH, Vennerstrom JL, Grevelding CG. Drug Discovery and Development for Schistosomiasis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527808656.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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141
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Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement in Patients with Schistosomiasis-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2019; 42:1760-1770. [PMID: 31363898 PMCID: PMC6823317 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-019-02295-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Evaluate the efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) insertion on patients with schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis, and compare with that of patients with HBV-induced cirrhosis. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study from November 2015 to December 2018 including 82 patients diagnosed with portal hypertension, one group of which is induced by schistosomiasis (n = 20), the other by hepatitis B virus (HBV) (n = 62). Both groups of subjects underwent TIPS placement for the management of portal hypertension complications. Results TIPS was inserted successfully in all patients (technical success 100%). After a median follow-up of 14 months following TIPS insertion, portal pressure gradient (PPG) value in both schistosomiasis-induced group and HBV-induced group underwent a significant decrease with no major difference between the two groups. There exists no significant difference demonstrated by Kaplan–Meier curves between two groups concerning cumulative rate of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (log-rank p = 0.681), variceal rebleeding (log-rank p = 0.837) and survival (log-rank p = 0.429), and no statistically difference was found in terms of alleviation of portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In addition, splenectomy (HR 19, 95% CI 4–90, p < 0.001) was identified as independent predictor of PVT. Conclusions TIPS placement is well-founded to be considered as a safe and effective treatment in patients with schistosomiasis-induced portal hypertension and relevant severe complications. We also found the risk of PVT is 19 times higher in patients who underwent splenectomy than in untreated patients. Level of Evidence Historically controlled studies, level 4.
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142
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Bhattacharjee S, Mejías-Luque R, Loffredo-Verde E, Toska A, Flossdorf M, Gerhard M, Prazeres da Costa C. Concomitant Infection of S. mansoni and H. pylori Promotes Promiscuity of Antigen-Experienced Cells and Primes the Liver for a Lower Fibrotic Response. Cell Rep 2019; 28:231-244.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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143
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Radwan A, El-Lakkany NM, William S, El-Feky GS, Al-Shorbagy MY, Saleh S, Botros S. A novel praziquantel solid lipid nanoparticle formulation shows enhanced bioavailability and antischistosomal efficacy against murine S. mansoni infection. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:304. [PMID: 31208446 PMCID: PMC6580642 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3563-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is responsible for a considerable global disease burden. This work aimed to improve the therapeutic outcome of the only available antischistosomal drug worldwide, praziquantel (PZQ), by incorporating it into a novel carrier, “solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)”, to enhance its solubility, bioavailability and efficacy. A simple, cost-effective method was used to prepare SLN-PZQ. Results Compared to market PZQ (M-PZQ), SLN-PZQ was more bioavailable, as denoted by higher serum concentrations in both normal and infected mice where elevated Ka, AUC0–24, Cmax, and t1/2e with a decrease in kel were demonstrated. The AUC0–24 for SLN-PZQ in normal and Schistosoma mansoni-infected groups was almost nine- and eight-fold higher, respectively, than that for M-PZQ in corresponding groups. In normal and S. mansoni-infected mice, SLN-PZQ was detectable in serum at 24 h, while M-PZQ completely vanished 8 h post-treatment. Additionally, enhanced absorption with extended residence time was recorded for SLN-PZQ. Compared to M-PZQ, SLN-PZQ revealed superior antischistosomal activity coupled with enhanced bioavailability in all treated groups where higher percentages of worm reduction were recorded with all dosages tested. This effect was especially evident at the lower dose levels. The ED95 of SLN-PZQ was 5.29-fold lower than that of M-PZQ, with a significantly higher reduction in both the hepatic and intestinal tissue egg loads of all treated groups and almost complete disappearance of immature deposited eggs (clearly evident at the low dose levels). Conclusions SLN-PZQ demonstrated enhanced PZQ bioavailability and antischistosomal efficacy with a safe profile despite the prolonged residence in the systemic circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Radwan
- Research Department, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gina S El-Feky
- Pharmaceutical Technology Department, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Y Al-Shorbagy
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.,School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Samira Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sanaa Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
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144
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Casertano M, Imperatore C, Luciano P, Aiello A, Putra MY, Gimmelli R, Ruberti G, Menna M. Chemical Investigation of the Indonesian Tunicate Polycarpa aurata and Evaluation of the Effects Against Schistosoma mansoni of the Novel Alkaloids Polyaurines A and B. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17050278. [PMID: 31083316 PMCID: PMC6562961 DOI: 10.3390/md17050278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A deep study of the metabolic content of the tunicate Polycarpa aurata, collected from Indonesian coast, afforded the isolation of two novel alkaloids, polyaurines A (1) and B (2), along with two new p-substituted benzoyl derivatives (3 and 4) and four known compounds (5–8). The structural elucidation of the new secondary metabolites was assigned by 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS techniques. Computational studies resulted a useful tool to unambiguously determine in polyaurine B the presence of rarely found 1,2,4-thiadiazole ring. The effects of polyaurines A and B on mammalian cells growth and on the viability of different blood-dwelling Schistosoma mansoni (phylum: Platyhelminthes) stages, as well as egg production, were evaluated. Both compounds resulted not cytotoxic; interestingly some of the eggs produced by polyaurine A-treated adult pairs in vitro are smaller, deformed, and/or fragmented; therefore, polyaurine A could represent an interesting bioactive natural molecule to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Casertano
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Concetta Imperatore
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Paolo Luciano
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Anna Aiello
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Masteria Yunovilsa Putra
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl Pasir Putih Raya 1, DKI Jakarta 14430, Indonesia.
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Via E. Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Roma), Italy.
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Via E. Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Roma), Italy.
| | - Marialuisa Menna
- The NeaNat Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
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Wang X, Yu D, Li C, Zhan T, Zhang T, Ma H, Xu J, Xia C. In vitro and in vivo activities of DW-3-15, a commercial praziquantel derivative, against Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:199. [PMID: 31053083 PMCID: PMC6500042 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a debilitating neglected tropical disease that affects approximately 190 million people around the world. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug available for use against all Schistosoma species. Although PZQ has a high efficacy, recognized concerns have prompted the development of new, alternative drugs for repeated use in endemic areas where PZQ efficacy against strains of Schistosoma is reduced. A hybrid drug containing different pharmacophores within a single molecule is a promising strategy. Our earlier in vivo studies showed the significant antiparasitic activity of a praziquantel derivative, DW-3-15, against Schistosoma japonicum. In the present study, DW-3-15 was synthesized in large amounts by a pharmaceutical company and its schistosomicidal efficacy and stability were further confirmed. Parameters such as parasite viability, pairing and oviposition were evaluated in vitro. An in vivo study was conducted to assess the effect of commercial DW-3-15 on worm burden, egg production and diameter of granulomas. Additionally, to gain insight into the mechanism of action for DW-3-15, morphological changes in the tegument of S. japonicum were also examined. Results The in vitro study showed the antiparasitic activity of DW-3-15 against S. japonicum, with significant reductions in viability of adult and juvenile worms, worm pairings and egg output. Compared to PZQ, DW-3-15 induced similar ultrastructural changes and evident destruction of the tegument surface in male worms. In vivo, the oral administration of DW-3-15 at a dose of 400 mg/kg per day for five consecutive days in mice significantly reduced the total worm burden and number of eggs in the liver. Histological analysis of the livers showed a marked reduction in the average diameter of the egg granuloma. Conclusions Our findings suggest that DW-3-15, a PZQ derivative with the prospect of commercial production, can be developed as a potential promising schistosomicide. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3442-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.,Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Tingzheng Zhan
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.,Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Huihui Ma
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Chaoming Xia
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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146
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Usnic acid potassium salt from Cladonia substellata (Lichen): Synthesis, cytotoxicity and in vitro anthelmintic activity and ultrastructural analysis against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2019; 192:1-10. [PMID: 30571934 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We report for the first time the in vitro effect of Potassium Salt, derived from Usnic Acid (PS-UA), isolated from the lichen Cladonia substellata Vanio, on couples of Schistosoma mansoni. As schistosomicide parameters, we evaluated mortality, motility, cell viability of the worms and tegument changes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Exposure to a concentration of 100 μM caused 75% mortality after 3 h. After 6 h, changes in motility in concentrations of 50 and 25 μM are evidenced. After 12 h and 24h, the concentrations of 50 and 100 μM caused 6.25% and 87.5% and 50% and 100% mortality, respectively. PS-UA reduced the cell viability of the worms by 27.36% and 52.82% at concentrations 50 and 100 μM, respectively. Through SEM we observed progressive dose-and time-dependent, alterations such as swelling, blisters, dorsoventral contraction, erosion until disintegration of the tubercles in the tegument of male and female. PS-UA did not alter the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and showed high selectivity indices (IC50 > 200 μM). Our results indicate that PS-UA represents a possible candidate for a new anthelmintic drug in the control of schistosomiasis.
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147
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Botros SS, William S, Sabra ANA, El-Lakkany NM, Seif El-Din SH, García-Rubia A, Sebastián-Pérez V, Blaazer AR, de Heuvel E, Sijm M, Zheng Y, Salado IG, Munday JC, Maes L, de Esch IJP, Sterk GJ, Augustyns K, Leurs R, Gil C, De Koning HP. Screening of a PDE-focused library identifies imidazoles with in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal activity. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2019; 9:35-43. [PMID: 30669086 PMCID: PMC6350229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We report the evaluation of 265 compounds from a PDE-focused library for their antischistosomal activity, assessed in vitro using Schistosoma mansoni. Of the tested compounds, 171 (64%) displayed selective in vitro activity, with 16 causing worm hypermotility/spastic contractions and 41 inducing various degrees of worm killing at 100 μM, with the surviving worms displaying sluggish movement, worm unpairing and complete absence of eggs. The compounds that did not affect worm viability (n = 72) induced a complete cessation of ovipositing. 82% of the compounds had an impact on male worms whereas female worms were barely affected. In vivo evaluation in S. mansoni-infected mice with the in vitro 'hit' NPD-0274 at 20 mg/kg/day orally for 5 days resulted in worm burden reductions of 29% and intestinal tissue egg load reduction of 35% at 10 days post-treatment. Combination of praziquantel (PZQ) at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 days with NPD-0274 or NPD-0298 resulted in significantly higher worm killing than PZQ alone, as well as a reduction in intestinal tissue egg load, disappearance of immature eggs and an increase in the number of dead eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Samia William
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Nasser A Sabra
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Sayed H Seif El-Din
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | | | | | - Antoni R Blaazer
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Erik de Heuvel
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Sijm
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Yang Zheng
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | | | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | | | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Geert J Sterk
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob Leurs
- Medicinal Chemistry Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), the Netherlands
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.
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148
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Butrous G. Schistosome infection and its effect on pulmonary circulation. Glob Cardiol Sci Pract 2019; 2019:5. [PMID: 31024947 PMCID: PMC6472693 DOI: 10.21542/gcsp.2019.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the most common parasitic disease associated with pulmonary hypertension. It induces remodelling via complex inflammatory processes, which eventually produce the clinical manifestation of pulmonary hypertension. The pulmonary hypertension shows clinical signs and symptoms that are not distinguishable from other forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazwan Butrous
- Professor of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, UK and University of Greenwich, Central Ave, Gillingham, Chatham ME4 4BF, Kent, UK
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149
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Manner CK, Graef KM, Dent J. WIPO Re:Search: Catalyzing Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate Tropical Disease Drug Discovery and Development. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4010053. [PMID: 30917506 PMCID: PMC6473380 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical diseases, including malaria and a group of infections termed neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), pose enormous threats to human health and wellbeing globally. In concert with efforts to broaden access to current treatments, it is also critical to expand research and development (R&D) of new drugs that address therapeutic gaps and concerns associated with existing medications, including emergence of resistance. Limited commercial incentives, particularly compared to products for diseases prevalent in high-income countries, have hindered many pharmaceutical companies from contributing their immense product development know-how and resources to tropical disease R&D. In this article we present WIPO Re:Search, an international initiative co-led by BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), as an innovative and impactful public-private partnership model that promotes cross-sector intellectual property sharing and R&D to accelerate tropical disease drug discovery and development. Importantly, WIPO Re:Search also drives progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through case studies, we illustrate how WIPO Re:Search empowers high-quality tropical disease drug discovery researchers from academic/non-profit organizations and small companies (including scientists in low- and middle-income countries) to leapfrog their R&D programs by accessing pharmaceutical industry resources that may not otherwise be available to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathyryne K Manner
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | - Katy M Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | - Jennifer Dent
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
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150
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Meng R, Zhang D, Ji J, Hu L, Sun D, Wang H. Enantioselective Plasma Pharmacokinetic Study of a Novel Anti- Sichistosomiasis Agent P96 in Rat by Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry. CURR PHARM ANAL 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573412914666180608093636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
2-Cyclopentanecarbonyl-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-pyrazino[2,1- a]isoquinolin-
4-one (P96), was found to be a novel drug candidate with one chiral center to treat schistosomiasis
caused by Schistosoma japonicum.
</P><P>
Objective: To study pharmacokinetic characteristics, a simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-
tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and fully validated for the quantification
analysis of P96 in rat plasma.
Methods:
Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with gradient eluted mobile
phase composed of acetonitrile and water at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Detection was performed on a
triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using positive mode electrospray ionization in the multiple
reactions monitoring (MRM) mode.
Results:
Excellent linearity was observed in the range of 3-900 ng/mL with the lower limit of quantification
of 3 ng/mL in rat plasma for P96. The intra- and inter-day precisions exhibited less than 6.6%.
Mean recoveries ranged from 96.9% to 102.4%. This method was applied to investigate the enantioselective
differences on the pharmacokinetics between (R,S)-P96 and its enantiomers in rats after oral
administration. The enantioselective differences of (R)-P96, (S)-P96 and (R,S)-P96 were found and
compared.
Conclusion:
The established method was found to be accurate, precise, and sensitive and can be applied
to investigate the stereoselective differences on pharmacokinetics between rac-P96 and its enantiomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Danlu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jianbo Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lingyun Hu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Dequn Sun
- Marine College, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Haina Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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