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Knapp K, Klasinc R, Koren A, Siller M, Dingelmaier-Hovorka R, Drach M, Sanchez J, Chromy D, Kranawetter M, Grimm C, Bergthaler A, Kubicek S, Stockinger H, Stary G. Combination of compound screening with an animal model identifies pentamidine to prevent Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101643. [PMID: 38981484 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the most common cause for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide with a tremendous impact on public health. With the aim to unravel novel targets of the chlamydia life cycle, we screen a compound library and identify 28 agents to significantly reduce Ct growth. The known anti-infective agent pentamidine-one of the top candidates of the screen-shows anti-chlamydia activity in low concentrations by changing the metabolism of host cells impairing chlamydia growth. Furthermore, it effectively decreases the Ct burden upon local or systemic application in mice. Pentamidine also inhibits the growth of Neisseria gonorrhea (Ng), which is a common co-infection of Ct. The conducted compound screen is powerful in exploring antimicrobial compounds against Ct in a medium-throughput format. Following thorough in vitro and in vivo assessments, pentamidine emerges as a promising agent for topical prophylaxis or treatment against Ct and possibly other bacterial STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Knapp
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Romana Klasinc
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Anna Koren
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Magdalena Siller
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria; Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | | | - Mathias Drach
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Juan Sanchez
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - David Chromy
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Marlene Kranawetter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Christoph Grimm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Andreas Bergthaler
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria; Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Stefan Kubicek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria.
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2
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Barrera-Téllez FJ, Prieto-Martínez FD, Hernández-Campos A, Martínez-Mayorga K, Castillo-Bocanegra R. In Silico Exploration of the Trypanothione Reductase (TryR) of L. mexicana. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16046. [PMID: 38003236 PMCID: PMC10671491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease which affects nearly 1.5 million people every year, with Mexico being an important endemic region. One of the major defense mechanisms of these parasites is based in the polyamine metabolic pathway, as it provides the necessary compounds for its survival. Among the enzymes in this route, trypanothione reductase (TryR), an oxidoreductase enzyme, is crucial for the Leishmania genus' survival against oxidative stress. Thus, it poses as an attractive drug target, yet due to the size and features of its catalytic pocket, modeling techniques such as molecular docking focusing on that region is not convenient. Herein, we present a computational study using several structure-based approaches to assess the druggability of TryR from L. mexicana, the predominant Leishmania species in Mexico, beyond its catalytic site. Using this consensus methodology, three relevant pockets were found, of which the one we call σ-site promises to be the most favorable one. These findings may help the design of new drugs of trypanothione-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Barrera-Téllez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando D. Prieto-Martínez
- Instituto de Química, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Mérida-Tetiz, Km. 4.5, Ucú 97357, Mexico
| | - Alicia Hernández-Campos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Karina Martínez-Mayorga
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Sierra Papacal, Mérida 97302, Mexico
| | - Rafael Castillo-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
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3
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do Carmo Maquiaveli C, da Silva ER, Hild de Jesus B, Oliveira Monteiro CE, Rodrigues Navarro T, Pereira Branco LO, Souza dos Santos I, Figueiredo Reis N, Portugal AB, Mendes Wanderley JL, Borges Farias A, Correia Romeiro N, de Lima EC. Design and Synthesis of New Anthranyl Phenylhydrazides: Antileishmanial Activity and Structure-Activity Relationship. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1120. [PMID: 37631035 PMCID: PMC10458276 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people worldwide. A centenary approach to antimonial-based drugs was first initiated with the synthesis of urea stibamine by Upendranath Brahmachari in 1922. The need for new drug development led to resistance toward antimoniates. New drug development to treat leishmaniasis is urgently needed. In this way, searching for new substances with antileishmanial activity, we synthesized ten anthranyl phenylhydrazide and three quinazolinone derivatives and evaluated them against promastigotes and the intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. Three compounds showed good activity against promastigotes 1b, 1d, and 1g, with IC50 between 1 and 5 μM. These new phenylhydrazides were tested against Leishmania arginase, but they all failed to inhibit this parasite enzyme, as we have shown in a previous study. To explain the possible mechanism of action, we proposed the enzyme PTR1 as a new target for these compounds based on in silico analysis. In conclusion, the new anthranyl hydrazide derivatives can be a promising scaffold for developing new substances against the protozoa parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia do Carmo Maquiaveli
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Bioquímica (LFBq), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Edson Roberto da Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Bioquímica (LFBq), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Barbara Hild de Jesus
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Bioquímica (LFBq), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Eduardo Oliveira Monteiro
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Bioquímica (LFBq), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago Rodrigues Navarro
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Octavio Pereira Branco
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabela Souza dos Santos
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nanashara Figueiredo Reis
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
| | - Arieli Bernardo Portugal
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Médicas, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ, Macaé CEP 27979-000, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes CEP 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Luiz Mendes Wanderley
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Médicas, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ, Macaé CEP 27979-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - André Borges Farias
- Unidad Académica de Yucatán, Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mérida 97302, Yucatán, Mexico
- Integrated Laboratory of Scientific Computing (LICC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)—Campus Macaé, Aluízio Silva Gomes Avenue 50, Granjas Cavaleiros, Macaé 27930-560, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nelilma Correia Romeiro
- Integrated Laboratory of Scientific Computing (LICC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)—Campus Macaé, Aluízio Silva Gomes Avenue 50, Granjas Cavaleiros, Macaé 27930-560, RJ, Brazil
| | - Evanoel Crizanto de Lima
- Laboratório de Catálise e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, CM UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé CEP 27971-525, RJ, Brazil
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Carter NS, Kawasaki Y, Nahata SS, Elikaee S, Rajab S, Salam L, Alabdulal MY, Broessel KK, Foroghi F, Abbas A, Poormohamadian R, Roberts SC. Polyamine Metabolism in Leishmania Parasites: A Promising Therapeutic Target. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:24. [PMID: 35645240 PMCID: PMC9149861 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Leishmania cause a variety of devastating and often fatal diseases in humans and domestic animals worldwide. The need for new therapeutic strategies is urgent because no vaccine is available, and treatment options are limited due to a lack of specificity and the emergence of drug resistance. Polyamines are metabolites that play a central role in rapidly proliferating cells, and recent studies have highlighted their critical nature in Leishmania. Numerous studies using a variety of inhibitors as well as gene deletion mutants have elucidated the pathway and routes of transport, revealing unique aspects of polyamine metabolism in Leishmania parasites. These studies have also shed light on the significance of polyamines for parasite proliferation, infectivity, and host-parasite interactions. This comprehensive review article focuses on the main polyamine biosynthetic enzymes: ornithine decarboxylase, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, and spermidine synthase, and it emphasizes recent discoveries that advance these enzymes as potential therapeutic targets against Leishmania parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sigrid C. Roberts
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University Oregon, Hillsboro, OR 97123, USA; (N.S.C.); (Y.K.); (S.S.N.); (S.E.); (S.R.); (L.S.); (M.Y.A.); (K.K.B.); (F.F.); (A.A.); (R.P.)
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5
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Mina JGM, Charlton RL, Alpizar-Sosa E, Escrivani DO, Brown C, Alqaisi A, Borsodi MPG, Figueiredo CP, de Lima EV, Dickie EA, Wei W, Coutinho-Silva R, Merritt A, Smith TK, Barrett MP, Rossi-Bergmann B, Denny PW, Steel PG. Antileishmanial Chemotherapy through Clemastine Fumarate Mediated Inhibition of the Leishmania Inositol Phosphorylceramide Synthase. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:47-63. [PMID: 33291887 PMCID: PMC7802075 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Current chemotherapeutics for leishmaniasis have multiple deficiencies, and there is a need for new safe, efficacious, and affordable medicines. This study describes a successful drug repurposing approach that identifies the over-the-counter antihistamine, clemastine fumarate, as a potential antileishmanial drug candidate. The screening for inhibitors of the sphingolipid synthase (inositol phosphorylceramide synthase, IPCS) afforded, following secondary screening against Leishmania major (Lmj) promastigotes, 16 active compounds. Further refinement through the dose response against LmjIPCS and intramacrophage L. major amastigotes identified clemastine fumarate with good activity and selectivity with respect to the host macrophage. On target engagement was supported by diminished sensitivity in a sphingolipid-deficient L. major mutant (ΔLmjLCB2) and altered phospholipid and sphingolipid profiles upon treatment with clemastine fumarate. The drug also induced an enhanced host cell response to infection indicative of polypharmacology. The activity was sustained across a panel of Old and New World Leishmania species, displaying an in vivo activity equivalent to the currently used drug, glucantime, in a mouse model of L. amazonensis infection. Overall, these data validate IPCS as an antileishmanial drug target and indicate that clemastine fumarate is a candidate for repurposing for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G. M. Mina
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca L. Charlton
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edubiel Alpizar-Sosa
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology and Glasgow Polyomics, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas O. Escrivani
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Christopher Brown
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Amjed Alqaisi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10071, Iraq
| | - Maria Paula G. Borsodi
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia P. Figueiredo
- School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21944-590 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle V. de Lima
- School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21944-590 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emily A. Dickie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology and Glasgow Polyomics, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andy Merritt
- LifeArc, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage SG1 2FX, United Kingdom
| | - Terry K. Smith
- BSRC, Schools of Biology and Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology and Glasgow Polyomics, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Bartira Rossi-Bergmann
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick G. Steel
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
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6
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Ferreira-Paes T, Charret KDS, Ribeiro MRDS, Rodrigues RF, Leon LL. Comparative analysis of biological aspects of Leishmania infantum strains. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230545. [PMID: 33270636 PMCID: PMC7714135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230545] [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: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infantum (LII) is one of the species that causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Old World, while L. infantum chagasi (LIC) is present in the New World. Few studies address biological differences or the behavior of these strains during infection. These parasites live inside cells of their hosts, continuously evading microbicidal mechanisms and modulating the immune responses of these cells. One of the mechanisms used by these protozoa involves the L-arginine metabolism. Understanding the differences between Leishmania species and establishing an improved murine model for study of leishmaniasis are matters of extreme importance. Thereby, the objectives of this work were to analyze the biological and molecular differences between two Leishmania infantum strains (LII and LIC) and the degree of susceptibility to infection of mice with different genetic backgrounds. The infectivity in vivo and in vitro of LII and LIC strains was evaluated in BALB/c and Swiss Webster mice, as well the NOS and ARG activities. The LII strain was more infective than the LIC strain both in vivo and in vitro. In animals infected by the LII and LIC strains, differences in NOS and ARG activities occurred. In vitro, promastigotes of LII isolated from BALB/c and Swiss Webster mice showed higher ARG activity than LIC promastigotes during the growth curve. However, no difference was observed in intracellular NO production by promastigotes of these strains. The ARG gene sequences were compared, and those of both strains were identical. However, despite the similarity, the strains showed different expression levels of this gene. It can be concluded that although L. chagasi strains are considered identical to L. infantum strains from a molecular point of view, these strains have different biological behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiana Ferreira-Paes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karen dos Santos Charret
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Ferreira Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonor Laura Leon
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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7
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Mule SN, Saad JS, Fernandes LR, Stolf BS, Cortez M, Palmisano G. Protein glycosylation inLeishmaniaspp. Mol Omics 2020; 16:407-424. [DOI: 10.1039/d0mo00043d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation is a co- and post-translational modification that, inLeishmaniaparasites, plays key roles in vector–parasite–vertebrate host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ngao Mule
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo - 05508-000
| | - Joyce Silva Saad
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo - 05508-000
| | - Livia Rosa Fernandes
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo - 05508-000
| | - Beatriz S. Stolf
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo
- Brazil
| | - Mauro Cortez
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo
- Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory
- Department of Parasitology
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Sao Paulo
- Sao Paulo - 05508-000
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8
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do Nascimento TG, da Silva PF, Azevedo LF, da Rocha LG, de Moraes Porto ICC, Lima E Moura TFA, Basílio-Júnior ID, Grillo LAM, Dornelas CB, Fonseca EJDS, de Jesus Oliveira E, Zhang AT, Watson DG. Polymeric Nanoparticles of Brazilian Red Propolis Extract: Preparation, Characterization, Antioxidant and Leishmanicidal Activity. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2016; 11:301. [PMID: 27316742 PMCID: PMC4912519 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-016-1517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The ever-increasing demand for natural products and biotechnology derived from bees and ultra-modernization of various analytical devices has facilitated the rational and planned development of biotechnology products with a focus on human health to treat chronic and neglected diseases. The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract and evaluate the cytotoxic activity of "multiple-constituent extract in co-delivery system" for antileishmanial therapies. The polymeric nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract were prepared with a combination of poly-ε-caprolactone and pluronic using nanoprecipitation method and characterized by different analytical techniques, antioxidant and leishmanicidal assay. The red propolis nanoparticles in aqueous medium presented particle size (200-280 nm) in nanometric scale and zeta analysis (-20 to -26 mV) revealed stability of the nanoparticles without aggregation phenomenon during 1 month. After freeze-drying method using cryoprotectant (sodium starch glycolate), it was possible to observe particles with smooth and spherical shape and apparent size of 200 to 400 nm. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and thermal analysis revealed the encapsulation of the flavonoids from the red propolis extract into the polymeric matrix. Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) identified the flavonoids liquiritigenin, pinobanksin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin and biochanin A in ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and nanoparticles of red propolis extract (NRPE). The efficiency of encapsulation was determinate, and median values (75.0 %) were calculated using UPLC-DAD. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl method showed antioxidant activity to EEP and red propolis nanoparticles. Compared to negative control, EEP and NRPE exhibited leishmanicidal activity with an IC50 value of ≅38.0 μg/mL and 31.3 μg/mL, 47.2 μg/mL, 154.2μg/mL and 193.2 μg/mL for NRPE A1, NRPE A2, NRPE A3 and NRPE A4, respectively. Nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract in co-delivery system and EEP presented cytotoxic activity on Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. Red propolis extract loaded in nanoparticles has shown to be potential candidates as intermediate products for preparation of various pharmaceutical dosage forms containing red propolis extract in the therapy against negligible diseases such as leishmaniasis. Graphical Abstract Some biochemical mechanisms of cellular debridement of Leishmania (V.) braziliensis species by the flavonoids of red propolis extract (EEP) or NRPE loaded with red propolis extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ticiano Gomes do Nascimento
- Quality Control Laboratory of Drugs and Medicines, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing and Pharmacy, Federal University of Alagoas, Alagoas, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Campus A. C. Simões, University City, Tabuleiro dos Martins, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
| | - Priscilla Fonseca da Silva
- Quality Control Laboratory of Drugs and Medicines, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing and Pharmacy, Federal University of Alagoas, Alagoas, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Campus A. C. Simões, University City, Tabuleiro dos Martins, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Lais Farias Azevedo
- Quality Control Laboratory of Drugs and Medicines, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing and Pharmacy, Federal University of Alagoas, Alagoas, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Campus A. C. Simões, University City, Tabuleiro dos Martins, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Louisianny Guerra da Rocha
- Quality Control of Drugs Laboratory (LCQMed), Postgraduate Program of Pharmaceutical Science, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Cordeiro de Farias S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, RN, 59010-180, Brazil
| | - Isabel Cristina Celerino de Moraes Porto
- Quality Control Laboratory of Drugs and Medicines, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing and Pharmacy, Federal University of Alagoas, Alagoas, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Campus A. C. Simões, University City, Tabuleiro dos Martins, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Túlio Flávio Accioly Lima E Moura
- Quality Control of Drugs Laboratory (LCQMed), Postgraduate Program of Pharmaceutical Science, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Cordeiro de Farias S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, RN, 59010-180, Brazil
| | - Irinaldo Diniz Basílio-Júnior
- Quality Control Laboratory of Drugs and Medicines, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing and Pharmacy, Federal University of Alagoas, Alagoas, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Campus A. C. Simões, University City, Tabuleiro dos Martins, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Luciano Aparecido Meireles Grillo
- Quality Control Laboratory of Drugs and Medicines, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing and Pharmacy, Federal University of Alagoas, Alagoas, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Campus A. C. Simões, University City, Tabuleiro dos Martins, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Camila Braga Dornelas
- Quality Control Laboratory of Drugs and Medicines, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing and Pharmacy, Federal University of Alagoas, Alagoas, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Campus A. C. Simões, University City, Tabuleiro dos Martins, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Jorge da Silva Fonseca
- Quality Control Laboratory of Drugs and Medicines, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Nursing and Pharmacy, Federal University of Alagoas, Alagoas, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Campus A. C. Simões, University City, Tabuleiro dos Martins, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Eduardo de Jesus Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical analysis, Postgraduate Program of Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, Rodovia MGT 367 Km 583, n° 5000, Alto da Jacuba, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, 39100-000, Brazil
| | - Alex Tong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 27 Taylor Street, Glasgow, G4 0NR, UK
| | - David G Watson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 27 Taylor Street, Glasgow, G4 0NR, UK
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Alkanediamide-Linked Bisbenzamidines Are Promising Antiparasitic Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9020020. [PMID: 27104545 PMCID: PMC4932538 DOI: 10.3390/ph9020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 15 alkanediamide-linked bisbenzamidines and related analogs was synthesized and tested in vitro against two Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.) subspecies: T.b. brucei and T.b. rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani and two Plasmodium falciparum subspecies: a chloroquine-sensitive strain (NF54) and a chloroquine-resistant strain (K1). The in vitro cytotoxicity was determined against rat myoblast cells (L6). Seven compounds (5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15) showed high potency against both strains of T. brucei and P. falciparum with the inhibitory concentrations for 50% (IC50) in the nanomolar range (IC50 = 1–96 nM). None of the tested derivatives was significantly active against T. cruzi or L. donovani. Three of the more potent compounds (5, 6, 11) were evaluated in vivo in mice infected with the drug-sensitive (Lab 110 EATRO and KETRI 2002) or drug-resistant (KETRI 2538 and KETRI 1992) clinical isolates of T. brucei. Compounds 5 and 6 were highly effective in curing mice infected with the drug-sensitive strains, including a drug-resistant strain KETRI 2538, but were ineffective against KETRI 1992. Thermal melting of DNA and molecular modeling studies indicate AT-rich DNA sequences as possible binding sites for these compounds. Several of the tested compounds are suitable leads for the development of improved antiparasitic agents.
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Comparative analysis of the omics technologies used to study antimonial, amphotericin B, and pentamidine resistance in leishmania. J Parasitol Res 2014; 2014:726328. [PMID: 24900912 PMCID: PMC4036598 DOI: 10.1155/2014/726328] [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: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a serious threat in developing countries due to its endemic nature and debilitating symptoms. Extensive research and investigations have been carried out to learn about the mechanism of drug resistance in Leishmania but results obtained in the laboratory are not in agreement with those obtained from the field. Also the lack of knowledge about the mode of action for a number of drugs makes the study of drug resistance more complex. A major concern in recent times has been regarding the role of parasitic virulence in drug resistance for Leishmania. Researchers have employed various techniques to unravel the facts about resistance and virulence in Leishmania. With advent of advanced and more specific means of detection, further hints about probable mechanisms of conferring resistance are expected. This review aims to provide a consolidated picture along with a comparative account of the work done so far to study the mechanism of antimony, amphotericin B, and pentamidine resistance using various techniques.
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11
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Patrick DA, Bakunov SA, Bakunova SM, Jones SK, Wenzler T, Barszcz T, Kumar A, Boykin DW, Werbovetz KA, Brun R, Tidwell RR. Synthesis and antiprotozoal activities of benzyl phenyl ether diamidine derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 67:310-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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12
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Patrick DA, Ismail MA, Arafa RK, Wenzler T, Zhu X, Pandharkar T, Jones SK, Werbovetz KA, Brun R, Boykin DW, Tidwell RR. Synthesis and antiprotozoal activity of dicationic m-terphenyl and 1,3-dipyridylbenzene derivatives. J Med Chem 2013; 56:5473-94. [PMID: 23795673 DOI: 10.1021/jm400508e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
4,4″-Diamidino-m-terphenyl (1) and 36 analogues were prepared and assayed in vitro against T rypanosoma brucei rhodesiense , Trypanosoma cruzi , Plasmodium falciparum , and Leishmania amazonensis . Twenty-three compounds were highly active against T. b. rhodesiense or P. falciparum. Most noteworthy were amidines 1, 10, and 11 with IC50 of 4 nM against T. b. rhodesiense, and dimethyltetrahydropyrimidinyl analogues 4 and 9 with IC50 values of ≤ 3 nM against P. falciparum. Bis-pyridylimidamide derivative 31 was 25 times more potent than benznidazole against T. cruzi and slightly more potent than amphotericin B against L. amazonensis. Terphenyldiamidine 1 and dipyridylbenzene analogues 23 and 25 each cured 4/4 mice infected with T. b. rhodesiense STIB900 with four daily 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal doses, as well as with single doses of ≤ 10 mg/kg. Derivatives 5 and 28 (prodrugs of 1 and 25) each cured 3/4 mice with four daily 25 mg/kg oral doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A Patrick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7525, United States
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13
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Castro EV, Yoneyama KG, Haapalainen EF, Toledo MS, Takahashi HK, Straus AH. Myriocin, a Serine Palmitoyltransferase Inhibitor, Blocks Cytokinesis in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis
Promastigotes. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2013; 60:377-87. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica V. Castro
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Kelly G. Yoneyama
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Edna F. Haapalainen
- Electron Microscopy Center; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Marcos S. Toledo
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Helio K. Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Anita H. Straus
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
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14
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Role of trypanosomatid's arginase in polyamine biosynthesis and pathogenesis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 181:85-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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15
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Mitochondria and Trypanosomatids: Targets and Drugs. Pharm Res 2011; 28:2758-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-011-0586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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16
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Fernández MM, Malchiodi EL, Algranati ID. Differential effects of paromomycin on ribosomes of Leishmania mexicana and mammalian cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:86-93. [PMID: 20956601 PMCID: PMC3019668 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00506-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2010] [Revised: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 10/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Paromomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic having low mammalian cell toxicity, is one of the drugs currently used in the chemotherapy of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. In order to understand the mode of action of this antibiotic at the molecular level, we have investigated the effects of paromomycin on protein synthesis in Leishmania and its mammalian hosts. We were able to demonstrate that in vivo protein synthesis in the promastigote stage of the parasite and its proliferation rate are markedly inhibited by paromomycin while being only slightly affected by other aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as streptomycin and neomycin B. Furthermore, both in vitro polypeptide synthesis induced by poly(U) as mRNA and accuracy of translation are significantly decreased by paromomycin in cell-free systems containing ribosomal particles of Leishmania promastigotes. Conversely, when ribosomes from mammalian cells are used instead of the protozoan particles, polyphenylalanine synthesis is only barely reduced by the antibiotic and the translation misreading remains almost unaltered. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of the interaction between paromomycin and protozoan or mammalian cell ribosomal RNAs shows a strong binding of antibiotic to the parasite ribosomal decoding site and practically no interaction with the mammalian cell counterpart. Our results indicating differential effects of paromomycin on the translation processes of the Leishmania parasite and its mammalian hosts can explain the therapeutic efficiency of this antibiotic as an antileishmaniasis agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa M. Fernández
- Cátedra de Inmunología and Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-UBA, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1113 Buenos Aires, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Patricias Argentinas 435, 1405 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emilio L. Malchiodi
- Cátedra de Inmunología and Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-UBA, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1113 Buenos Aires, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Patricias Argentinas 435, 1405 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Israel D. Algranati
- Cátedra de Inmunología and Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-UBA, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1113 Buenos Aires, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Patricias Argentinas 435, 1405 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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Colotti G, Ilari A. Polyamine metabolism in Leishmania: from arginine to trypanothione. Amino Acids 2010; 40:269-85. [PMID: 20512387 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines (PAs) are essential metabolites in eukaryotes, participating in a variety of proliferative processes, and in trypanosomatid protozoa play an additional role in the synthesis of the critical thiol trypanothione. The PAs are synthesized by a metabolic process which involves arginase (ARG), which catalyzes the enzymatic hydrolysis of L-arginine (L-Arg) to L-ornithine and urea, and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), which catalyzes the enzymatic decarboxylation of L-ornithine in putrescine. The S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) catalyzes the irreversible decarboxylation of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), generating the decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine (dAdoMet), which is a substrate, together with putrescine, for spermidine synthase (SpdS). Leishmania parasites and all the other members of the trypanosomatid family depend on spermidine for growth and survival. They can synthesize PAs and polyamine precursors, and also scavenge them from the microenvironment, using specific transporters. In addition, Trypanosomatids have a unique thiol-based metabolism, in which trypanothione (N1-N8-bis(glutathionyl)spermidine, T(SH)(2)) and trypanothione reductase (TR) replace many of the antioxidant and metabolic functions of the glutathione/glutathione reductase (GR) and thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) systems present in the host. Trypanothione synthetase (TryS) and TR are necessary for the protozoa survival. Consequently, enzymes involved in spermidine synthesis and its utilization, i.e. ARG, ODC, AdoMetDC, SpdS and, in particular, TryS and TR, are promising targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology, CNR, c/o Department of Biochemical Sciences, University Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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18
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Wong ILK, Chan KF, Zhao Y, Chan TH, Chow LMC. Quinacrine and a novel apigenin dimer can synergistically increase the pentamidine susceptibility of the protozoan parasite Leishmania. J Antimicrob Chemother 2009; 63:1179-90. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkp130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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19
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Le Pape P. Development of new antileishmanial drugs – current knowledge and future prospects. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2008; 23:708-18. [DOI: 10.1080/14756360802208137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Le Pape
- Département de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, IICiMed UPRES EA 1155, UFR de Sciences Pharmaceutiques, 1 rue Gaston VeilNantes cedex 01F-44035, France
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20
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Wanasen N, Soong L. L-arginine metabolism and its impact on host immunity against Leishmania infection. Immunol Res 2008; 41:15-25. [PMID: 18040886 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-007-8012-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease found in many countries worldwide. The causative agent of the disease, Leishmania spp., lives as an obligate intracellular parasite within mammalian hosts. Since tissue macrophages are major target cells for parasite replication, the outcome of infection depends largely on the activation status of these cells. L-arginine is a crucial amino acid required for both nitric oxide (NO)-mediated parasite killing and polyamine-mediated parasite replication. This review highlights the significance of L-arginine as a factor determining the outcomes of Leishmania infection in vitro and its influences on host immune responses in vivo. Various therapeutic approaches targeting L-arginine metabolic pathways during infections with Leishmania are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanchaya Wanasen
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infections, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1070, USA
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21
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Papadopoulou B, Kündig C, Singh A, Ouellette M. Drug resistance in Leishmania: similarities and differences to other organisms. Drug Resist Updat 2007; 1:266-78. [PMID: 16904409 DOI: 10.1016/s1368-7646(98)80007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/1998] [Revised: 06/19/1998] [Accepted: 06/19/1998] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The main line of defense available against parasitic protozoa is chemotherapy. Drug resistance has emerged however, as a primary obstacle to the successful treatment and control of parasitic diseases. Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniasis, have served as a useful model for studying mechanisms of drug resistance in vitro. Antimonials and amphotericin B are the first line drugs to treat Leishmania followed by pentamidine and a number of other drugs. Parasites resistant against all these classes of drugs have been selected under laboratory conditions. A multiplicity of resistance mechanisms has been detected, the most prevalent being gene amplification and transport mutations. With the tools now available, it should be possible to elucidate the mechanisms that govern drug resistance in field isolates and develop more effective chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Papadopoulou
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHUL et Départment de Biologie Médicale, Division de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada GIV 4G2.
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22
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Huang TL, Vanden Eynde JJ, Mayence A, Donkor IO, Khan SI, Tekwani BL. Anti-plasmodial and anti-leishmanial activity of conformationally restricted pentamidine congeners. J Pharm Pharmacol 2006; 58:1033-42. [PMID: 16872549 DOI: 10.1211/jpp.58.8.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
A library of 52 pentamidine congeners in which the flexible pentyldioxy linker in pentamidine was replaced with various restricted linkers was tested for in-vitro activity against two Plasmodium falciparum strains and Leishmania donovani. The tested compounds were generally more effective against P. falciparum than L. donovani. The most active compounds against the chloroquine-sensitive (D6, Sierra Leone) and -resistant (W2, Indochina) strains of P. falciparum were bisbenzamidines linked with a 1,4-piperazinediyl or 1, 4-homopiperazinediyl moiety, with IC50 values (50% inhibitory concentration, inhibiting parasite growth by 50% in relation to drug-free control) as low as 7 nM based on the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay. Seven piperazine-linked bisbenzamidines substituted at the amidinium nitrogens with a linear alkyl group of 3-6 carbons (22, 25, 27, 31) or cycloalkyl group of 4, 6 or 7 carbons (26, 32, 34) were more potent (IC50<40 nM) than chloroquine or pentamidine as anti-plasmodial agents. The most active anti-leishmanial agents were 4,4'-[1,4-phenylenebis(methyleneoxy)]bisbenzenecarboximidamide (2, IC50 approximately 0.290 microM) and 1,4-bis[4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenyl] piperazine (44, IC50 approximately 0.410 microM), which were 10- and 7-fold more potent than pentamidine (IC50 approximately 2.90 microM). Several of the more active anti-plasmodial agents (e.g. 2, 31, 33, 36-38) were also potent anti-leishmanial agents, indicating broad antiprotozoal properties. However, a number of analogues that showed potent anti-plasmodial activity (1, 18, 21, 22, 25-28, 32, 43, 45) were not significantly active against the Leishmania parasite. This indicates differential modes of anti-plasmodial and anti-leishmanial actions for this class of compounds. These compounds provide important structure-activity relationship data for the design of improved chemotherapeutic agents against parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien L Huang
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, 70125, USA.
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23
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Roberts SC, Jiang Y, Gasteier J, Frydman B, Marton LJ, Heby O, Ullman B. Leishmania donovani polyamine biosynthetic enzyme overproducers as tools to investigate the mode of action of cytotoxic polyamine analogs. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 51:438-45. [PMID: 17116678 PMCID: PMC1797743 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01193-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of anticancer and antiparasitic drugs are postulated to target the polyamine biosynthetic pathway and polyamine function, but the exact mode of action of these compounds is still being elucidated. To establish whether polyamine analogs specifically target enzymes of the polyamine pathway, a model was developed using strains of the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani that overproduce each of the polyamine biosynthetic enzymes. Promastigotes overexpressing episomal constructs encoding ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (ADOMETDC), or spermidine synthase (SPDSYN) revealed robust overproduction of the corresponding polyamine biosynthetic enzyme. Polyamine pools, however, were either unchanged or only marginally affected, implying that regulatory mechanisms must exist. The ODC, ADOMETDC, and SPDSYN overproducer strains exhibited a high level of resistance to difluoromethylornithine, 5'-{[(Z)-4-amino-2-butenyl]methylamino}-5'-deoxyadenosine, and n-butylamine, respectively, confirming previous observations that these agents specifically target polyamine enzymes. Conversely, augmented levels of polyamine biosynthetic enzymes did not affect the sensitivity of L. donovani promastigotes to pentamidine, berenil, and mitoguazone, drugs that were postulated to target the polyamine pathway, implying alternative and/or additional targets for these agents. The sensitivities of wild-type and overproducing parasites to a variety of polyamine analogs were also tested. The polyamine enzyme-overproducing lines offer a rapid cell-based screen for assessing whether synthetic polyamine analogs exert their mechanism of action predominantly on the polyamine biosynthetic pathway in L. donovani. Furthermore, the drug resistance engendered by the amplification of target genes and the overproduction of the encoded protein offers a general strategy for evaluating and developing therapeutic agents that target specific proteins in Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid C Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
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24
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Rodrigues FH, Afonso-Cardoso SR, Gomes MAB, Beletti ME, Rocha A, Guimarães AHB, Candeloro I, de Souza MA. Effect of imidocarb and levamisole on the experimental infection of BALB/c mice by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Vet Parasitol 2006; 139:37-46. [PMID: 16647821 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2005] [Revised: 01/30/2006] [Accepted: 02/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The adverse effects from using currently available drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis have motivated the search for new therapeutical agents. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of imidocarb and levamisole on the treatment of BALB/c mice experimentally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. BALB/c mice were infected with 10(6) promastigotes of L. (L.) amazonensis (IFLA/BR/67/PH8) and, starting on day 51, mice were treated subcutaneously with imidocarb (IMD, 34 mg/kg), imidocarb plus levamisole (IMD+LVS, 34 and 12 mg/kg, respectively), only levamisole (LVS, 12 mg/kg) or without treatment (control). Lesion size and swelling were weekly monitored for 10 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. On day 121 post-infection, serum levels of specific IgG from infected mice were evaluated, as well as histopathological and morphometric alterations in the footpad, lymph nodes and spleen of these animals. The data obtained in this study demonstrated that, when compared to controls, mice treated with IMD had lower levels of IgG anti-L. (L.) amazonensis (34.45%), smaller vacuolar area in macrophages (3.75%), lower number of megakaryocytes in spleen (63.19%) and lower parasite burden in the footpad (30.2%). Thus, the evaluated parameters suggest the use of imidocarb as a potential drug in the treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio H Rodrigues
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, av. Pará, 1720, 38.400-902 Uberlândia, Brazil
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25
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Soeiro MNC, De Souza EM, Stephens CE, Boykin DW. Aromatic diamidines as antiparasitic agents. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2006; 14:957-72. [PMID: 16050790 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.14.8.957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic infections are widespread in developing countries and frequently associated with immunocompromised patients in developed countries. Consequently, such infections are responsible for a significant amount of human mortality, morbidity and economic hardship. A growing consensus has identified the urgent need for the development of new antiparasitic compounds, mostly due to the large number of drug-resistant parasites and the fact that currently available drugs are expensive, highly toxic, require long treatment regimens and frequently exhibit significantly reduced activity towards certain parasite strains and evolutive stages. In this context, the activity of aromatic diamidines has been explored against a widespread range of micro-organisms, and the authors' present aim is to review the current status of chemotherapy with these compounds against human parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N C Soeiro
- Lab. Biologia Celular, DUBC, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Mukherjee A, Padmanabhan PK, Sahani MH, Barrett MP, Madhubala R. Roles for mitochondria in pentamidine susceptibility and resistance in Leishmania donovani. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 145:1-10. [PMID: 16219371 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2005.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2005] [Revised: 08/18/2005] [Accepted: 08/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pentamidine resistant Leishmania donovani was raised in the laboratory by stepwise exposure to increasing drug pressure until a line capable of growth in 8 microM pentamidine (R8) had been selected. An IC(50) value of 40 microM was determined for this line, some 50-fold higher than that recorded for the parental wild-type line. The pentamidine resistant promastigotes were cross-resistant to other toxic diamidine derivatives but not to antimonials or substrates of multidrug resistance pumps. Decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential was observed in pentamidine resistant promastigotes. A substantial net decrease in accumulation of [(3)H]-pentamidine accompanied the resistance phenotype. Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein pumps, including prochlorperazine and trifluoperazine, did not reverse this decreased drug uptake, which distinguishes the L. donovani resistant line studied here from L. mexicana promastigotes previously studied for pentamidine resistance. Kinetic analysis identified a carrier with an apparent K(m) value of 6 microM for pentamidine. No significant difference between wild-type and resistant parasites could be detected with respect to this transporter in rapid uptake experiments. However, in longer-term uptake experiments and also using concentrations of pentamidine up to 1mM, it was demonstrated that wild-type cells, but not resistant cells, could continue to accumulate pentamidine after apparent saturation via the measured transporter had been reached. Agents that diminish the mitochondrial membrane potential inhibited this secondary route. A fluorescent analogue of pentamidine, 2,5-bis-(4-amidophenyl)-3,4-dimethylfuran (DB99), accumulated in the kinetoplast of wild-type but not resistant parasites indicating that uptake of this cationic compound into mitochondria of wild-type cells was more pronounced than in the resistant line. These data together indicate that resistance to pentamidine in L. donovani is associated with alterations to the mitochondria of the parasites, which lead to reduced accumulation of drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angana Mukherjee
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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Mayence A, Vanden Eynde JJ, LeCour L, Walker LA, Tekwani BL, Huang TL. Piperazine-linked bisbenzamidines: a novel class of antileishmanial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2005; 39:547-53. [PMID: 15183913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2004.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2003] [Revised: 01/05/2004] [Accepted: 01/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A series of 13 1,4-diarylpiperazines has been prepared, evaluated for antileishmanial activity and their binding affinity to DNA was measured. Among these compounds, 1,4-bis[4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenyl]piperazine (14) emerged as the most active compound with an IC(50) value of 0.41 microM which is about sevenfold more potent than pentamidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Mayence
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
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Mayence A, Vanden Eynde JJ, Krogstad FM, Krogstad DJ, Cushion MT, Huang TL. Parallel Solution-Phase Synthesis of Conformationally Restricted Congeners of Pentamidine and Evaluation of Their Antiplasmodial Activities. J Med Chem 2004; 47:2700-5. [PMID: 15115412 DOI: 10.1021/jm030545e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Conformationally restricted bisbenzamidines and related congeners have been synthesized and evaluated for activity against two Plasmodium falciparum strains. The most active compounds, bisbenzamidines linked by a 1,4-piperazinediyl core, had IC(50) values between 3 and 18 nM against both chloroquine-susceptible and -resistant parasites and IC(50) values for cytotoxicity greater than 5 microM, using the A549 human lung epithelial cell line. DNA binding affinity, as estimated by DeltaT(m), did not correlate with either antiparasite effects or cytotoxicity. Each of the active bisbenzamidines interfered with the formation of hemozoin in cell-free systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Mayence
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, USA
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Borisy AA, Elliott PJ, Hurst NW, Lee MS, Lehar J, Price ER, Serbedzija G, Zimmermann GR, Foley MA, Stockwell BR, Keith CT. Systematic discovery of multicomponent therapeutics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:7977-82. [PMID: 12799470 PMCID: PMC164698 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1337088100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 443] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicomponent therapies, originating through deliberate mixing of drugs in a clinical setting, through happenstance, and through rational design, have a successful history in a number of areas of medicine, including cancer, infectious diseases, and CNS disorders. We have developed a high-throughput screening method for identifying effective combinations of therapeutic compounds. We report here that systematic screening of combinations of small molecules reveals unexpected interactions between compounds, presumably due to interactions between the pathways on which they act. Through systematic screening of approximately 120,000 different two-component combinations of reference-listed drugs, we identified potential multicomponent therapeutics, including (i) fungistatic and analgesic agents that together generate fungicidal activity in drug-resistant Candida albicans, yet do not significantly affect human cells, (ii) glucocorticoid and antiplatelet agents that together suppress the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in human primary peripheral blood mononu-clear cells, and (iii) antipsychotic and antiprotozoal agents that do not exhibit significant antitumor activity alone, yet together prevent the growth of tumors in mice. Systematic combination screening may ultimately be useful for exploring the connectivity of biological pathways and, when performed with reference-listed drugs, may result in the discovery of new combination drug regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis A Borisy
- CombinatoRx Incorporated, 650 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Bray PG, Barrett MP, Ward SA, de Koning HP. Pentamidine uptake and resistance in pathogenic protozoa: past, present and future. Trends Parasitol 2003; 19:232-9. [PMID: 12763430 DOI: 10.1016/s1471-4922(03)00069-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Diamidines, and pentamidine in particular, have a long history as valuable chemotherapeutic agents against infectious disease. Their selectivity is due mostly to selective accumulation by the pathogen, rather than the host cell; and acquired resistance is frequently the result of changes in transmembrane transport of the drug. Here, recent progress in elucidating the mechanisms of diamidine transport in three important protozoan pathogens, Trypanosoma brucei, Leishmania and Plasmodium falciparum, is reviewed, and the implications for drug resistance are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick G Bray
- Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QS, UK
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de Oliveira AM, Custódio FB, Donnici CL, Montanari CA. QSAR and molecular modelling studies on B-DNA recognition of minor groove binders. Eur J Med Chem 2003; 38:141-55. [PMID: 12620659 DOI: 10.1016/s0223-5234(02)01419-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aromatic bisamidines have been proved to be efficient compounds against Leishmania spp. and Pneumocystis carinii. Although the mode of action is still not known, these molecules are supposed to be DNA minor groove binders (MGBs). This paper describes a molecular modelling study for a set of MGBs in order to rank them through their complementarity to the Dickerson Drew Dodecamer (DDD) according to their interaction energies with B-DNA. A comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) has shown the importance of relatively bulky positively charged groups attached to the MGB aromatic rings, and small and negatively charged substituents into the middle chain. Models were obtained for DNA denaturation related to H-bonding processes of binding modes. Validation of the model demonstrated the robustness of CoMFA in terms of independent test set of similar MGBs. GRID results allotted bioisosteric substitution of z.sbnd;Oz.sbnd; by z.sbnd;NHz.sbnd; in furan ring of furamidine and related compounds as being capable to enhance the binding to DDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Mauricio de Oliveira
- Núcleo de Estudos em Química Medicinal (NEQUIM), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus da Pampulha Av. Pres. Antonio Carlos 6627, MG 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Basselin M, Denise H, Coombs GH, Barrett MP. Resistance to pentamidine in Leishmania mexicana involves exclusion of the drug from the mitochondrion. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002; 46:3731-8. [PMID: 12435669 PMCID: PMC132791 DOI: 10.1128/aac.46.12.3731-3738.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The uptake of [(3)H]pentamidine into wild-type and drug-resistant strains of Leishmania mexicana was compared. Uptake was carrier mediated. Pentamidine-resistant parasites showed cross-resistance to other toxic diamidine derivatives. A substantial decrease in accumulation of the drug accompanied the resistance phenotype, although the apparent affinity for pentamidine by its carrier was not altered when initial uptake velocity was measured. The apparent V(max), however, was reduced. An efflux of pentamidine could be measured in both wild-type and resistant cells. Only a relatively small proportion of the total accumulated pentamidine was available for efflux in wild-type cells, while in resistant cells the majority of loaded pentamidine was available for release. Pharmacological reagents which diminish the mitochondrial membrane potential reduced pentamidine uptake in wild-type parasites, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was shown to be reduced in resistant cells. A fluorescent analogue of pentamidine, 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole, accumulated in the kinetoplast of wild-type but not resistant parasites. These data together indicate that diamidine drugs accumulate in the Leishmania mitochondrion and that the development of the resistance phenotype is accompanied by lack of mitochondrial accumulation of the drug and its exclusion from the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Basselin
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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33
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Agnew P, Holzmuller P, Michalakis Y, Sereno D, Lemesre JL, Renaud F. In vitro growth of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes resistant to pentamidine is dependent on interactions among strains. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001; 45:1928-9. [PMID: 11353656 PMCID: PMC90576 DOI: 10.1128/aac.45.6.1928-1929.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro growth of promastigote cells of Leishmania amazonensis was found to strongly depend on interactions among strains that differed in their pentamidine resistance. In particular, the growth of resistant strains was reduced when they shared the same environment with a less-resistant strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Agnew
- Centre d'Etudes sur le Polymorphisme des Microorganismes (CNRS/IRD UMR 9926), IRD, 34032 Montpellier Cedex 01, France.
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Abstract
A chlorodiazirine derivative of pentamidine was synthesized and tested for anti-trypanosomal activity using EATRO stock 164 trypanosomes in cell culture. Anti-trypanosomal activity was measured as a decrease in [3H]hypoxanthine incorporation by the organisms. The derivative, 3,3'-[1,5-pentanediylbis(oxy-4,1-phenylene)]bis(3-chloro-3H-diazir ine), at a treatment level of 0.1 microM inhibited isotope incorporation by 40-50% compared to nontreated controls. At this concentration, pentamidine inhibited incorporation only 10-15%. The derivative is a nonionic molecule with much different solubility properties than the parent compound and should readily cross the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Nichols
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Alabama, Florence 35632, USA
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36
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Basselin M, Badet-Denisot MA, Robert-Gero M. Modification of kinetoplast DNA minicircle composition in pentamidine-resistant Leishmania. Acta Trop 1998; 70:43-61. [PMID: 9707364 DOI: 10.1016/s0001-706x(98)00007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pentamidine, an antiprotozoal drug, was shown to have various cellular and molecular targets depending on the organism. In Leishmania, ultrastructural modifications of kinetoplast and mitochondria have been observed but no data is available on cellular and molecular events involved in development of pentamidine-resistance. The absence of modification of minicircle DNA in pentamidine treated L. donovani and L. amazonensis promastigotes suggested that topoisomerase II activity is not a target. This result was confirmed by quantitation of the enzyme by immunodetection. Southern blot experiments indicated that the kDNA network was altered in resistant clones. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of kDNA minicircles showed transkinetoplastidy hitherto reported only for arsenite- and tunicamycin-resistant Leishmania. Comparison of wild-type and resistant sequences showed only 32-51% homology. The AT-rich regions, known as binding sites, of the drug occurred less frequently in the resistant clones and their locations were different. These minicircle sequence modifications leading to decreased binding sites for the drug might contribute to pentamidine-resistance in Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Basselin
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, C.N.R.S., Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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