1
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de Oliveira Rezende Júnior C, Martinez PDG, Ferreira RAA, Koovits PJ, Miranda Soares B, Ferreira LLG, Michelan-Duarte S, Chelucci RC, Andricopulo AD, Matheeussen A, Van Pelt N, Caljon G, Maes L, Campbell S, Kratz JM, Mowbray CE, Dias LC. Hit-to-lead optimization of a 2-aminobenzimidazole series as new candidates for chagas disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114925. [PMID: 36459758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Because current treatments present several limitations, including long duration, variable efficacy and serious side effects, there is an urgent need to explore new antitrypanosomal drugs. The present study describes the hit-to-lead optimization of a 2-aminobenzimidazole hit 1 identified through in vitro phenotypic screening of a chemical library against intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes, which focused on optimizing potency, selectivity, microsomal stability and lipophilicity. Multiparametric Structure-Activity Relationships were investigated using a set of 277 derivatives. Although the physicochemical and biological properties of the initial hits were improved, a combination of low kinetic solubility and in vitro cytotoxicity against mammalian cells prevented progression of the best compounds to an efficacy study using a mouse model of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul John Koovits
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-861, Brazil
| | - Bruna Miranda Soares
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-861, Brazil
| | - Leonardo L G Ferreira
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, SP, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Simone Michelan-Duarte
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, SP, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Rafael Consolin Chelucci
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, SP, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Adriano D Andricopulo
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, SP, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Natascha Van Pelt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Simon Campbell
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jadel M Kratz
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charles E Mowbray
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luiz Carlos Dias
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-861, Brazil.
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2
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González-Guzmán S, González-Cano P, Bagu ET, Vázquez-Vega S, Martínez-Salazar M, Juárez-Montiel M, Gutiérrez-Hoya A, Crescencio-Trujillo JA, Sánchez-Montes S, Fernández-Figueroa E, Contreras-López EA, Guerra-Márquez Á, Arroyo-Anduiza CI, Ángeles-Márquez LE, Rodríguez-Trejo E, Bekker-Méndez C, Guerra-Castillo FX, Regalado-Santiago C, Tesoro-Cruz E, Oviedo N, Victoria-Jardón AM, Bautista-Olvera J, García-Ramírez P, Vázquez-Meraz JE, Contreras-Lozano MC, Castillo-Flores VS, Guevara-Reyes R, Girón-Sánchez AR, Arenas-Luis HD, Pecero-Hidalgo MJ, Ríos-Antonio E, Ramírez-Pereda N, Martínez-Mora A, Paredes-Cervantes V. Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in Eight Blood Banks in Mexico. Arch Med Res 2022; 53:625-633. [PMID: 36109203 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The true prevalence of Chagas disease in Mexico is unknown. However, it has been estimated that 1.1-4 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, which represents a potential risk for transmission of the disease via contaminated blood. AIM OF THE STUDY To determine the Chagas disease seroprevalence in donors from eight blood banks in the north of Mexico City, and the northeast of the State of Mexico. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Serum samples from blood donors (n = 515,038) were tested to detect the presence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in eight blood banks. The serologic screening test was performed in each of the blood banks. To confirm the seropositive blood donors, only two out of the eight blood banks used a test with a different principle with the aim of identifying anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies. All tests were validated by the Mexican Institute for Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference. RESULTS One thousand two hundred and ten blood donors were seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi, which represents a 0.23% seroprevalence (95% CI 0.22-0.25%). Of the seropositive blood donors, 97.03 % resided in the northeast area of the State of Mexico, Mexico City, and southern part of the State of Hidalgo. CONCLUSIONS Active transmission of Chagas disease may be occurring in non-endemic regions in the northeast of the State of Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl González-Guzmán
- Banco Central de Sangre, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México; Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango, Estado de México, México
| | - Patricia González-Cano
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Universidad de La Cañada, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca, México
| | - Edward T Bagu
- Sanford School of Medicine School, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Salvador Vázquez-Vega
- Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y Servicios de Salud, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Martha Martínez-Salazar
- División Atención Oncológica Pediátrica, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Margarita Juárez-Montiel
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Adriana Gutiérrez-Hoya
- Cátedra-CONACyT. Unidad de Diferenciación Celular e Investigación del Cáncer, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México
| | - Edith Fernández-Figueroa
- Departamento de Genómica Poblacional, Genómica Computacional y Biología integrativa. Instituto Nacional De Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Erik A Contreras-López
- Hospital General de Zona #25, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México; Hospital General Tacuba, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ángel Guerra-Márquez
- Banco Central de Sangre, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carla I Arroyo-Anduiza
- Banco Central de Sangre, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Laura E Ángeles-Márquez
- Banco Central de Sangre, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Trejo
- Banco Central de Sangre, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carolina Bekker-Méndez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Francisco X Guerra-Castillo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Emiliano Tesoro-Cruz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Norma Oviedo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | | | | | - José E Vázquez-Meraz
- Banco de Sangre Regional Ecatepec Las Américas, Ecatepec Estado de México, México
| | | | | | | | | | - H D Arenas-Luis
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango, Estado de México, México
| | | | - Emiliano Ríos-Antonio
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Universidad de La Cañada, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca, México
| | - Natividad Ramírez-Pereda
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Universidad de La Cañada, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca, México
| | - Adalberto Martínez-Mora
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Universidad de La Cañada, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca, México
| | - Vladimir Paredes-Cervantes
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México.
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3
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Martinho ACC, Resende DDM, Landin ES, Dit Lapierre TJWJ, Bernardes TCD, Martins LC, Ferreira RS, Murta SMF, de Oliveira Rezende Júnior C. Synthesis, Design, and Structure-Activity Relationship of a Benzenesulfonylpiperazine Series Against Trypanosoma Cruzi. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200211. [PMID: 35993440 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease, endemic in Latin America and caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi . Available treatments show low cure efficacy during the chronic phase of the disease and cause a series of side effects, reinforcing the need to develop new drugs against Chagas disease. In this work, we describe the optimization of a trypanocidal hit compound recently reported in phenotypic HTS studies against Trypanosoma cruzi . A hit-to-lead process was initiated and a structure-activity relationship against Trypanosoma cruzi was obtained after the synthesis and biological evaluation of 22 new benzenesulfonylpiperazine derivatives. From this SAR study, we identified three compounds with a promising predicted ADMET profile and potency comparable to the reference drug benznidazole, which are candidates for further development towards therapies for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Instituto René Rachou: Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz Instituto Rene Rachou, René Rachou Institute, BRAZIL
| | - Emanuelly Silva Landin
- Federal University of Uberlandia: Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, Chemistry Institute, BRAZIL
| | | | | | - Luan Carvalho Martins
- Federal University of Minas Gerais: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Biochemistry and immunology, BRAZIL
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Federal University of Minas Gerais: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Biochemistry and immunology, BRAZIL
| | - Silvane Maria Fonseca Murta
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rene Rachou Institute: Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz Instituto Rene Rachou, René Rachou Institute, BRAZIL
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4
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Chan-Pérez JI, Torres-Acosta JF, Ortega-Pacheco A, Hernández-Cortazar IB, Cigarroa-Toledo N, Jiménez-Coello M. Combined use of real-time PCR and serological techniques for improved surveillance of chronic and acute American trypanosomiasis in dogs and their owners from an endemic rural area of Neotropical Mexico. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100081. [PMID: 36589870 PMCID: PMC9795344 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the prevalence of T. cruzi infection was estimated in dogs and their owners from a rural community in Mexico using serological techniques for chronic infection cases, qPCR for acute phase cases, and a combination of both techniques to detect chronic and acute infections. Eighty-nine blood samples were collected from owners and their dogs for obtaining serum and parasite DNA. Prevalence was calculated using (i) positive cases detected in a serological test (ELISA and Western blot), (ii) positive cases detected in a qPCR test, and (iii) positive cases detected by both techniques. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were determined individually for serology, qPCR and for both techniques used simultaneously. The prevalence observed varied: for serology, 25.8% of the dogs and 7.9% of the owners were seropositive, while for qPCR 29.2% of the dogs and 10.1% of the owners were identified as positive. Combination of serological and molecular techniques resulted in a prevalence of 38.2% for dogs and 12.4% for their owners. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values calculated for both techniques improved when both techniques were used simultaneously (sensitivity of 92.4% and specificity of 100% for infected dogs and sensitivity of 93.4% and specificity of 100% for infected owners). Combined use of serological tests and qPCR allowed identifying a greater number of positive cases in dogs and their owners. This strategy may help implement adequate and timely epidemiological surveillance of American trypanosomiasis in order to prevent the appearance of new cases of Trypanosoma cruzi infections in endemic zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- José I. Chan-Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Avenida Itzáes, x Calle 59, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Juan F.J. Torres-Acosta
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Ivonne B. Hernández-Cortazar
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Avenida Itzáes, x Calle 59, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Nohemi Cigarroa-Toledo
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Avenida Itzáes, x Calle 59, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Matilde Jiménez-Coello
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Avenida Itzáes, x Calle 59, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
- Corresponding author.
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5
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Valdez MB, Bernal Giménez DM, Fernández LR, Musikant AD, Ferri G, Saenz D, Di Venosa G, Casas A, Avigliano E, Edreira MM, Palermo JA. New antiparasitic derivatives of the furoquinoline alkaloids kokusaginine and flindersiamine. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100784. [PMID: 35001527 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this work is reported the synthesis of 16 new compounds obtained from kokusaginine and flindersiamine, the main alkaloids isolated from the bark of Balfourodendron riedelianum . The activity of the compounds against axenic cultures of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigtotes and trypomastigotes, as well as intracellular amastigotes, is described, together with their cytotoxic activity against three different human cell lines. The synthetic strategy for the preparation of the new compounds was based on the reactivity at the position C-4 of the furoquinoline core towards nucleophiles. The new derivatives were synthesized by a Buchwald-Hartwig reaction, in most cases under green, solvent free conditions. Compounds 1c and 1e displayed better in-vitro activity against trypomastigotes than benznidazole and nifurtimox (positive controls) with IC 50 < 4 µM. In addition, both compounds were not cytotoxic activity against the three human cell lines K562 (erytroleukimia), LM2 (breast cancer) and HaCat (keratinocyte). Interestingly, when evaluated against intracellular amastigotes, compound 1c was able to significantly reduce the number of this parasite form, compared to the negative control.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Valdez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UMYMFOR- Departamento de Química Orgánica, ARGENTINA
| | - Diana María Bernal Giménez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IQUIBICEN, Departamento de Química Biológica, ARGENTINA
| | - Lucía Raquel Fernández
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UMYMFOR, Departamento de Química Orgánica, ARGENTINA
| | - Alejandro Daniel Musikant
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IQUIBICEN, Departamento de Química Biológica, ARGENTINA
| | - Gabriel Ferri
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IQUIBICEN, Departamento de Química Biológica, ARGENTINA
| | - Daniel Saenz
- CIPYP: Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias, CIPYP, ARGENTINA
| | - Gabriela Di Venosa
- CIPYP: Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias, CiPYP, ARGENTINA
| | - Adriana Casas
- CIPYP: Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias, CIPYP, ARGENTINA
| | - Esteban Avigliano
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, INPA, ARGENTINA
| | - Martin Miguel Edreira
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IQUIBICEN, Departamento de Química Biológica, ARGENTINA
| | - Jorge A Palermo
- UMYMFOR-Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Química Orgánica, Ciudad Universiaria, Pabellón 2, 1428, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
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6
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Caeiro LD, Masip YE, Rizzi M, Rodríguez ME, Pueblas Castro C, Sánchez DO, Coria ML, Cassataro J, Tekiel V. The Trypanosoma cruzi TcTASV-C protein subfamily administrated with U-Omp19 promotes a protective response against a lethal challenge in mice. Vaccine 2020; 38:7645-7653. [PMID: 33071003 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.10.006] [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] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of a Chagaś disease vaccine has yet the need for the identification of novel combinations of antigens and adjuvants. Here, the performance of TcTASV-C proteins that are virulence factors of trypomastigotes and belong to a novel surface protein family specific for T. cruzi, have been evaluated as antigens for a prophylactic vaccine. Several immunization schemes in which TcTASV-C was combined with aluminum hydroxide, saponin and/or U-Omp19 were assayed. Aluminum hydroxide and saponin were assayed together to trigger different pathways of the immune response simultaneously. U-Omp19 is a promising novel adjuvant able to promote a Th1 immune response with IFNg production, thus an interesting molecule to be tested as adjuvant for the control of T. cruzi infection. Therefore, U-Omp19 was added to the aluminum hydroxide-saponin formulation as well as assayed individually with TcTASV-C. The immunization with TcTASV-C and U-Omp19 had the best performance as a prophylactic vaccine. Mice presented the lowest parasitemias and improved survival by 40% after being challenged with a highly virulent T. cruzi strain, which promoted 100% mortality in all other immunized groups. Immunization with TcTASV-C and U-Omp19 triggered cellular responses with IFN-γ and IL-17 production and with lytic antibodies that could explain the protection achieved by this vaccination scheme. To our knowledge, this is the first time that U-Omp19 is tested with a defined T. cruzi antigen in a vaccine formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas D Caeiro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Yamil E Masip
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mariana Rizzi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Matías E Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Celeste Pueblas Castro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Daniel O Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - M Lorena Coria
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juliana Cassataro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Valeria Tekiel
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, Campus UNSAM, San Martín (1650), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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7
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Ramirez JL. Trypanosoma cruzi Genome 15 Years Later: What Has Been Accomplished? Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E129. [PMID: 32781761 PMCID: PMC7559697 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
On 15 July 2020 was the 15th anniversary of the Science Magazine issue that reported three trypanosomatid genomes, namely Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi. That publication was a milestone for the research community working with trypanosomatids, even more so, when considering that the first draft of the human genome was published only four years earlier after 15 years of research. Although nowadays, genome sequencing has become commonplace, the work done by researchers before that publication represented a huge challenge and a good example of international cooperation. Research in neglected diseases often faces obstacles, not only because of the unique characteristics of each biological model but also due to the lower funds the research projects receive. In the case of Trypanosoma cruzi the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, the first genome draft published in 2005 was not complete, and even after the implementation of more advanced sequencing strategies, to this date no final chromosomal map is available. However, the first genome draft enabled researchers to pick genes a la carte, produce proteins in vitro for immunological studies, and predict drug targets for the treatment of the disease or to be used in PCR diagnostic protocols. Besides, the analysis of the T. cruzi genome is revealing unique features about its organization and dynamics. In this work, I briefly summarize the actions of Latin American researchers that contributed to the first publication of the T. cruzi genome and discuss some features of the genome that may help to understand the parasite's robustness and adaptive capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Ramirez
- Instituto de Estudios Avanzados, Caracas, Venezuela and Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1080, Venezuela
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8
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Bozzi A, Sayed N, Matsa E, Sass G, Neofytou E, Clemons KV, Correa-Oliveira R, Stevens DA, Wu JC. Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes as a Model to Study Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:1232-1241. [PMID: 31105048 PMCID: PMC6565757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (ChD) is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, with cardiomyopathy being the main cause of death in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected patients. As the parasite actively replicates in cardiomyocytes (CMs), the heart remains a key target organ in the pathogenesis of ChD. Here we modeled ChD using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CMs (iPSC-CMs) to understand the complex interplay between the parasite and host cells. We showed that iPSC-CMs can get infected with the T. cruzi Y strain and that all parasite cycle stages can be identified in our model system. Importantly, characterization of T. cruzi-infected iPSC-CMs showed significant changes in their gene expression profile, cell contractility, and distribution of key cardiac markers. Moreover, these infected iPSC-CMs exhibited a pro-inflammatory profile as indicated by significantly elevated cytokine levels and cell-trafficking regulators. We believe our iPSC-CM model is a valuable platform to explore new treatment strategies for ChD. iPSC-CMs can be infected with trypomastigote blood form of the T. cruzi Y strain T. cruzi induces significant changes in iPSC-CM gene expression and contractility T. cruzi alters the distribution of α-actinin, troponin T, and connexin 43 iPSC-CMs show a pro-inflammatory profile following T. cruzi infection
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Bozzi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, 265 Campus Drive, Rm G1120B, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Instituto René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nazish Sayed
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, 265 Campus Drive, Rm G1120B, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elena Matsa
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, 265 Campus Drive, Rm G1120B, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gabriele Sass
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
| | - Evgenios Neofytou
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, 265 Campus Drive, Rm G1120B, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karl V Clemons
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
| | | | - David A Stevens
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, 265 Campus Drive, Rm G1120B, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Nunes MCP, Beaton A, Acquatella H, Bern C, Bolger AF, Echeverría LE, Dutra WO, Gascon J, Morillo CA, Oliveira-Filho J, Ribeiro ALP, Marin-Neto JA. Chagas Cardiomyopathy: An Update of Current Clinical Knowledge and Management: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2018; 138:e169-e209. [DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Chagas disease, resulting from the protozoan
Trypanosoma cruzi
, is an important cause of heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Traditionally regarded as a tropical disease found only in Central America and South America, Chagas disease now affects at least 300 000 residents of the United States and is growing in prevalence in other traditionally nonendemic areas. Healthcare providers and health systems outside of Latin America need to be equipped to recognize, diagnose, and treat Chagas disease and to prevent further disease transmission.
Methods and Results:
The American Heart Association and the Inter-American Society of Cardiology commissioned this statement to increase global awareness among providers who may encounter patients with Chagas disease outside of traditionally endemic environments. In this document, we summarize the most updated information on diagnosis, screening, and treatment of
T cruzi
infection, focusing primarily on its cardiovascular aspects. This document also provides quick reference tables, highlighting salient considerations for a patient with suspected or confirmed Chagas disease.
Conclusions:
This statement provides a broad summary of current knowledge and practice in the diagnosis and management of Chagas cardiomyopathy. It is our intent that this document will serve to increase the recognition of Chagas cardiomyopathy in low-prevalence areas and to improve care for patients with Chagas heart disease around the world.
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Pavan TBS, da Silva JW, Martins LC, Costa SCB, de Almeida EA. Hepatic changes by benznidazole in a specific treatment for Chagas disease. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200707. [PMID: 30028842 PMCID: PMC6054377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (Cd) is the third most common parasitic disease that causes damage to human health. Even a century after its description by Carlos Chagas and advances in its control, it remains a neglected disease. To eradicate the parasite or reduce the parasitic load, specific treatment for Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) is advisable; benznidazole (BNZ) is the drug that is currently prescribed. The purpose of this study is to report the adverse events (AE) due to the use of BNZ as a specific treatment for Cd, with a particular focus on hepatic changes. This was an observational, cross-sectional cohort study that included patients who were treated with BNZ. The medical records of patients who joined the Grupo de Estudo em doença de Chagas [Chagas Disease Study Group]/UNICAMP/Brazil and were treated with BNZ were reviewed for epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and AE parameters for the drug. The 204 patients who were assessed had an average age of 40.6 years ± 13.5 years, and 104 of them were women (50.98%). Fourteen (6.86%) individuals were in the acute phase of Cd, and 190 (93.13%) were in its chronic phase. AEs occurred in 85 patients (41.66%), 35 (41.17%) of whom had AEs related to the liver, characterized by an elevation of AST liver enzymes, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase (γGT). Other AEs that were observed included the following: 48 cases of cutaneous changes (56.47%), 8 cases of epigastric pain (9.41%), 7 cases of blood alteration (8.23%), and 3 cases of peripheral neuropathy (3.52%). Treatment was interrupted in 32 patients (37.64%) due to AD. Adverse events related to the liver secondary to the use of BNZ for Cd-specific treatment were frequent in this study and were characterized by an elevation of liver enzymes. Therefore, it is suggested that these enzymes be monitored during treatment with benznidazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tycha Bianca Sabaini Pavan
- The Grupo de Estudo em doença de Chagas [GEDoCh/Unicamp], Department of Medical Clinic, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jamiro Wanderley da Silva
- The Grupo de Estudo em doença de Chagas [GEDoCh/Unicamp], Department of Medical Clinic, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Cláudio Martins
- The Grupo de Estudo em doença de Chagas [GEDoCh/Unicamp], Department of Medical Clinic, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Cecília Botelho Costa
- The Grupo de Estudo em doença de Chagas [GEDoCh/Unicamp], Department of Medical Clinic, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eros Antônio de Almeida
- The Grupo de Estudo em doença de Chagas [GEDoCh/Unicamp], Department of Medical Clinic, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Kiemele ER, Wathier M, Bichler P, Love JA. Total Synthesis of K777: Successful Application of Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Alkyne Hydrothiolation toward the Modular Synthesis of a Potent Cysteine Protease Inhibitor. Org Lett 2016; 18:492-5. [PMID: 26811991 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b03535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We report the total synthesis of K777 and a series of analogues via alkyne hydrothiolation catalyzed by Wilkinson's complex (ClRh(PPh3)3). The alkyne hydrothiolation reactions proceeded with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity to generate the desired E-linear vinyl sulfides in high yield. The use of Ellman's auxiliary generates the requisite propargyl amines in excellent enantiomeric excess (ee) and obviates the use of L-homophenylalanine, an expensive unnatural amino acid. The vinyl sulfone derivatives exhibit a large difference in rate toward Michael addition. Kinetic data are consistent with rate-limiting nucleophilic attack to generate the carbanion intermediate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica R Kiemele
- Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, The University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC, Canada , V6T 1Z1
| | - Matthew Wathier
- Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, The University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC, Canada , V6T 1Z1
| | - Paul Bichler
- Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, The University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC, Canada , V6T 1Z1
| | - Jennifer A Love
- Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, The University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC, Canada , V6T 1Z1
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2,3-disubstituted quinoxaline derivatives as antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal agents. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 90:107-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, and although over 100 years have passed since the discovery of Chagas disease, it still presents an increasing problem for global public health. A plethora of information concerning the chronic phase of human Chagas disease, particularly the severe cardiac form, is available in the literature. However, information concerning events during the acute phase of the disease is scarce. In this review, we will discuss (1) the current status of acute Chagas disease cases globally, (2) the immunological findings related to the acute phase and their possible influence in disease outcome, and (3) reactivation of Chagas disease in immunocompromised individuals, a key point for transplantation and HIV infection management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela V. Andrade
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kenneth J. Gollob
- National Institute for Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, INCT-DT, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Hospital Santa Casa-BH, Institute for Education and Research, Graduate Program in Biomedicine and Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Walderez O. Dutra
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, INCT-DT, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Computational Studies on Sirtuins from Trypanosoma cruzi: Structures, Conformations and Interactions with Phytochemicals. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2689. [PMID: 24551254 PMCID: PMC3923677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The silent-information regulator 2 proteins, otherwise called sirtuins, are currently considered as emerging anti-parasitic targets. Nicotinamide, a pan-sirtuin inhibitor, is known to cause kinetoplast alterations and the arrested growth of T. cruzi, the protozoan responsible for Chagas disease. These observations suggested that sirtuins from this parasite (TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3) could play an important role in the regulation of the parasitic cell cycle. Thus, their inhibition could be exploited for the development of novel anti-trypanosomal compounds. Methods Homology modeling was used to determine the three-dimensional features of the sirtuin TcSir2rp1 from T. cruzi. The apo-form of human SIRT2 and the same structure solved in complex with its co-substrate NAD+ allowed the modeling of TcSir2rp1 in the open and closed conformational states. Molecular docking studies were then carried out. A library composed of fifty natural and diverse compounds that are known to be active against this parasite, was established based on the literature and virtually screened against TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3, which was previously modeled by our group. Results In this study, two conformational states of TcSir2rp1 were described for the first time. The molecular docking results of compounds capable of binding sirtuins proved to be meaningful when the closed conformation of the protein was taken into account for calculations. This specific conformation was then used for the virtual screening of antritrypanosomal phytochemicals against TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3. The calculations identified a limited number of scaffolds extracted from Vismia orientalis, Cussonia zimmermannii, Amomum aculeatum and Anacardium occidentale that potentially interact with both proteins. Conclusions The study provided reliable models for future structure-based drug design projects concerning sirtuins from T. cruzi. Molecular docking studies highlighted not only the advantages of performing in silico interaction studies on their closed conformations but they also suggested the potential mechanism of action of four phytochemicals known for their anti-trypanosomal activity in vitro. T. cruzi is a protozoan pathogen responsible for Chagas disease. Current therapies rely only on a very small number of drugs, most of which are inadequate because of their severe host toxicity or because of their susceptibility to drug-resistance mechanisms. To determine efficient therapeutic alternatives, the identification of new biotargets and detailed knowledge of their structures are essential. Sirtuins from T. cruzi have been recently considered as promising targets for the development of new treatments for Chagas disease. Inhibition of their activity has been shown to significantly interfere with the life cycle of the parasite. T. cruzi possesses genes encoding two sirtuin-like proteins, TcSIR2rp1 and TcSIR2rp3. The structures of these enzymes were theoretically elucidated in this work, which also focused on the impact of their possible conformational states on computational interaction studies. A small library of phytochemicals that are active against the parasite was built and screened against the most meaningful conformations, identifying a restricted number of scaffolds that potentially interact with the modeled proteins. For these hits, a mechanism of action related to interactions with sirtuins was proposed.
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Calvo KL, Ronco MT, Noguera NI, García F. Benznidazole modulates cell proliferation in acute leukemia cells. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2014; 35:478-86. [PMID: 23855487 DOI: 10.3109/08923973.2013.811597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT We have previously reported that benznidazole (BZL), known for its trypanocidal action, has anti-proliferative activity against different cell lines like HeLa and Raw 264.7 among others. At the moment, it has not been reported if the anti-proliferative effect of BZL is similar for non-adherent hematopoietic cells like was reported for adherent cancer cell lines. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the efficacy of BZL on the growth of the leukemic cell lines THP-1 and OCI/AML3. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated cell proliferation by [³H]-thymidine incorporation and MTT reduction as well as cell death by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. We assessed apoptosis by flow cytometry for detection of annexin V-positive and propidium iodide-negative cells, along with nuclear morphology by diamidino-2-phenolindole (DAPI) staining. Western blot studies were performed to evaluate changes in cell cycle proteins in BZL-treated cells. RESULTS BZL significantly reduced proliferation of both cell lines without inducing cell death. Likewise it produced no significant differences in apoptosis between treated cells and controls. In addition, flow cytometry analysis indicated that BZL caused a larger number of THP-1 cells in G0/G1 phase and a smaller number of cells in S phase than controls. This was accompanied with an increase in the expression of the CDK inhibitor p27 and of cyclin D1, with no significant differences in the protein levels of CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, cyclins E, A and B as compared to controls. CONCLUSION BZL inhibits the proliferation of leukemic non-adherent cells by controlling cell cycle at G0/G1 cell phase through up-regulation of p27.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Lucrecia Calvo
- Instituto de Inmunología, Facultad Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
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Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 are differentially expressed in patients with indeterminate and cardiac clinical forms of Chagas disease. Infect Immun 2013; 81:3600-8. [PMID: 23856618 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00153-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated chronic cardiomyopathy (DCC) from Chagas disease is associated with myocardial remodeling and interstitial fibrosis, resulting in extracellular matrix (ECM) changes. In this study, we characterized for the first time the serum matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 levels, as well as their main cell sources in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients presenting with the indeterminate (IND) or cardiac (CARD) clinical form of Chagas disease. Our results showed that serum levels of MMP-9 are associated with the severity of Chagas disease. The analysis of MMP production by T lymphocytes showed that CD8(+) T cells are the main mononuclear leukocyte source of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 molecules. Using a new 3-dimensional model of fibrosis, we observed that sera from patients with Chagas disease induced an increase in the extracellular matrix components in cardiac spheroids. Furthermore, MMP-2 and MMP-9 showed different correlations with matrix proteins and inflammatory cytokines in patients with Chagas disease. Our results suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 show distinct activities in Chagas disease pathogenesis. While MMP-9 seems to be involved in the inflammation and cardiac remodeling of Chagas disease, MMP-2 does not correlate with inflammatory molecules.
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Barry MA, Bezek S, Serpa JA, Hotez PJ, Woc-Colburn L. Neglected infections of poverty in Texas and the rest of the United States: management and treatment options. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2012; 92:170-81. [PMID: 22760004 DOI: 10.1038/clpt.2012.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In the poorest regions of the United States, especially along the Gulf Coast and in South Texas, are a group of endemic parasitic and related infections known as the neglected infections of poverty. Such infections are characterized by their chronicity, disabling features, and disproportionate impact on the estimated 46 million people who live below the U.S. poverty line. Today more Americans live in poverty than ever before in the half-century that the Census Bureau has been recording poverty rates. In association with that poverty, a group of major neglected infections of poverty have emerged in the United States. Here we describe the major neglected infections of poverty in the United States, with a brief overview of their significant epidemiological features, their links with poverty, and our approaches to their diagnosis, management, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Barry
- Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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